Location of Franklin Township in Somerset County highlighted in yellow (right). Inset map: Location of Somerset County in New Jersey highlighted in black (left).
Census Bureau map of Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey
Traditionally a farming community, it has become a fast-growing suburb with massive development in the later 20th and 21st centuries as a diverse blend of races, religions, and cultures. In 2008, Franklin Township ranked #5 on Money magazine's list of America's Top 100 Best Places to Live.[27]
What is now Franklin Township was originally formed circa 1745 as Eastern precinct. Franklin Township was incorporated on February 21, 1798, as one of New Jersey's initial group of 104 townships by an act of the New Jersey Legislature. Portions of the township were taken to form South Bound Brook (formed within Township, became independent municipality as of April 11, 1907) and East Millstone (February 18, 1873, returned to Franklin Township on December 31, 1949).[28]
It has been unclear if the township was named for founding father Benjamin Franklin or for his illegitimate son William Franklin, a Loyalist and the last Royal Governor of New Jersey (from 1763 to 1776). In 2000, after considering the evidence set forth by William B. Brahms in his books Images of America: Franklin Township (1997)[29] and Franklin Township, Somerset County, NJ: A History,[30] and The Case for William Franklin and The Case for Benjamin Franklin, the Township Council chose the theory that the township was indeed named for Benjamin Franklin.[31][32]
Franklin Township was very much a part of Revolutionary War history and the scene of many raiding parties along Route 27, then known as the King's Highway. Two British generals, Cornwallis and DeHeister, tried to lure GeneralGeorge Washington and his Continental Army into battle on the plains of Middlebush and East Millstone. Washington, however, kept his troops at Chimney Rock, just north of Franklin, until the British withdrew. Several of the prosperous Middlebush farms were destroyed by the British soldiers during their retreat. In 1777, near the mill on the Millstone River at Weston, the Continental Army and local militia engaged and successfully drove off a British foraging party of about 600 troops, sent out of New Brunswick by General Cornwallis. On November 2, 1783, Washington composed his farewell address to the army while staying at Rockingham near Rocky Hill.[33]
The construction of the Delaware and Raritan Canal in the 1830s, stretching 22 miles (35 km) to connect New York City and Philadelphia, led to significant growth in the township, with as much as 200,000 tons of goods shipped on barges using the canal by the 1860s. The rise of shipping commercial goods using railroads led to a substantial decline in canal traffic.[34] The area has been restored as the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park[35]
Passenger and freight railroad service was available in Franklin Township during the later half of the 19th century via the Millstone and New Brunswick Railroad (M&NB) which opened in 1854. The railroad was built and operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR), from a junction with the PRR mainline at Jersey Avenue in New Brunswick to East Millstone. The M&NB is now known as the Conrail Millstone Secondary Branch. The branch line was still operated by Conrail up to just west of Clyde Road in Somerset for a time, serving local industry in the industrial section of Somerset.[37] As of 2011, Hermann Warehouse Corp re-located out of the Clyde Road facility and there has not been rail service into that building since then. A bumper was placed east of the Somerset Road/Route 27 crossing, with Clyde Road, Veronica Avenue and Route 27 crossings currently out of service. Jersey Avenue/Route 91 remains the sole active crossing on the line.
In 1922, the infamous Hall-Mills Murder took place in Franklin Township, in the area adjacent to New Brunswick known as Somerset.[38]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 46.88 square miles (121.43 km2), including 46.17 square miles (119.58 km2) of land and 0.71 square miles (1.85 km2) of water (1.52%).[1][2]
Zarephath, religious community in western part of the township, centered around the Pillar of Fire Church (2010 CDP population of 37)[62]
Other unincorporated communities, localities, and place names located partially or completely within the township include Hamilton Park and Rockingham.[citation needed][63]
Franklin township, Somerset County, New Jersey – Racial and Ethnic Composition (NH = Non-Hispanic) Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
The 2010 United States census counted 62,300 people, 23,301 households, and 15,938 families in the township. The population density was 1,350.0 per square mile (521.2/km2). There were 24,426 housing units at an average density of 529.3 per square mile (204.4/km2). The racial makeup was 44.76% (27,887) White, 26.55% (16,539) Black or African American, 0.29% (183) Native American, 19.98% (12,450) Asian, 0.01% (9) Pacific Islander, 5.11% (3,183) from other races, and 3.29% (2,049) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.92% (8,050) of the population.[23]
Of the 23,301 households, 30.7% had children under the age of 18; 53.3% were married couples living together; 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present and 31.6% were non-families. Of all households, 25.7% were made up of individuals and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.19.[23]
22.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.3 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 88.5 males.[23]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $89,992 (with a margin of error of +/− $2,918) and the median family income was $103,060 (+/− $3,429). Males had a median income of $66,178 (+/− $2,448) versus $54,733 (+/− $2,427) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $40,036 (+/− $1,203). About 3.2% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.9% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over.[81]
As of the 2000 United States census[20] there were 50,903 people, 19,355 households, and 12,987 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,088.3 inhabitants per square mile (420.2/km2). There were 19,789 housing units at an average density of 423.1 per square mile (163.4/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 55.11% White, 25.98% African American, 0.18% Native American, 12.74% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 3.56% from other races, and 2.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.11% of the population.[75][76]
There were 19,355 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.14.[75][76]
In the township, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 36.9% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males.[75][76]
The median income for a household in the township was $67,923, and the median income for a family was $78,177. Males had a median income of $52,351 versus $41,101 for females. The per capita income for the township was $31,209. About 3.1% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.[75][76]
Colonial Park, part of the Somerset County Park System, is a 685.5-acre (2.774 km2) facility located in the western portion of Franklin Township near East Millstone with entrances off Mettlers Lane and Elizabeth Avenue. The park offers many recreational activities, including picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, paddle boating, golf, and tennis. It features a 144-acre (0.58 km2) Arboretum, "a living tree museum" that provides a wide range of examples of trees and shrubs that grow well in the Central Jersey environment.[83] The park also offers a 3-acre (12,000 m2) leash-free dog area, a 1.4-mile (2.3 km) fitness parcourse, paddleboat rentals, an 18-hole putting course, the 18 hole championship Spooky Brook Golf Course, 3 stocked fishing ponds, softball fields, a tennis center, playground, nature trail, a 5-acre (20,000 m2) Perennial Garden, the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden, an accredited All-America Rose Selections (AARS) display garden, and the Fragrance and Sensory Garden, designed to be of special interest to visitors who are visually or physically impaired.[84]
A portion of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park runs for 22 miles (35 km) along much of the northern and western borders of Franklin Township eventually making its way as far south as Trenton with a feeder canal following the Delaware River north for another 22 miles (35 km) to Bull's Island near Frenchtown. The canal and adjacent tow path offer many recreational activities, from hiking and biking to fishing and boating. Access points with parking can be found near most road crossings of the canal, via bridges at Colonial Park (see above) and the Van Wickle House (see below) in Franklin Township as well as at many of the locks on the canal.[85]
The John W. Flemer Preserve is a 7.4-acre (30,000 m2) preserve adjacent to the Delaware and Raritan Canal in Kingston that features a 2-mile (3.2 km) trail on the east bank of the Canal that offers a connection to the tow path on the west side of the Canal for a round trip hike.[86]
The Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve is a 164-acre (0.66 km2) preserve located between Bennets Lane and Skillmans Lane in the Somerset section that features 111-acre (0.45 km2) of grassland, forest, and scrubland and a 2.5-acre (10,000 m2) wetland attracting migratory birds and amphibians with over 3 miles (4.8 km) of pedestrian trails, bird boxes and interpretive signage.[87]
Six Mile Run Reservoir Site, part of the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, is located in the central portion of Franklin Township. The 3,037-acre (12.29 km2) park consists of land that was set aside in c. 1970 for water resource needs that still remains largely undeveloped and that offers numerous multi-use recreational trails. Access is provided via the former D&R Canal Main Office parking area off Canal Road just south of Blackwells Mills Road.[88]
Ten Mile Run Greenway is a 684-acre (2.77 km2) greenway over 4 miles (6.4 km) in length running between Canal Road south of Bunker Hill Road in Griggstown and S. Middlebush Road near Old Vliet Road in Franklin Park. It runs along the Ten Mile Run. It features four sections including:
Bunker Hill Natural Area, accessed from the north side of Bunker Hill Road near the intersection of Route 27, features trails through mature forest and meadows and along Ten Mile Run stream. Trails connect to the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve and the Catalpa Farm areas.
Catalpa Farm, on Old Vliet Road, offers trails along field edges and a small forest that connect to the Bunker Hill Natural Area.
Environmental Education Center, 255 Bunker Hill Road (parking is available at 287 Bunker Hill Road), is a 95-acre (38 ha) area that features a deciduous forest known as Graeber Woods, a one-mile (1.6 km) self-guided nature trail, the "Glass House", a home that has been renovated and is now used as a classroom and conference center to provide a wide range of instructional, hands-on activities in natural habitats, and a 20' climbing tower and a high ropes course adventure area. The Environmental Education Center is a cooperative effort of the Township of Franklin, the Franklin Township Board of Education, and the Green Acres Program. A trail connect to the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve and the rest of the Ten Mile Run Greenway.
Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve accessed from Canal Road in Griggstown (1091 Canal Road) has over 100 acres (0.40 km2) of grassland and hundreds of acres of forest and features over 6 miles (9.7 km) of mapped trails. Trails connect to the other sections of the Ten Mile Run Greenway.[89]
The Township of Franklin is chartered under the Faulkner Act, formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law, within the Council-Manager, Plan D.[7][90][91] The township is one of 42 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government.[92] The Township Council is comprised of nine members, including one from each of the five wards, three elected from the township at-large, and the mayor. The mayor is the Chief Legislative Officer of the township and is directly elected from the township at-large to serve a four-year term. The Township Manager is the chief executive officer overseeing the township's daily operations and is hired by and serves at the pleasure of the Township Council. Councilmembers are chosen for a four-year term in partisan elections held at the June Primary and November General Elections in odd-numbered years, with the five ward seats coming up for election together and the mayoral and at-large seats up for election two years later.[93]
As of 2022[update], the Mayor of Franklin Township is Democrat Phillip Kramer, whose term of office ends December 31, 2023. Members of the Township Council are Deputy Mayor Crystal Pruitt (D; At-Large, 2023), Sivaraman Anbarasan (D; At-Large, 2023), Kimberly Francois (D; At-Large, 2023), Charles Onyejiaka (D; 3rd Ward, 2025), Ed Potosnak (D; 1st Ward, 2025), Shepa Uddin (D; 2nd Ward, 2025), James Vassanella (D; 5th Ward, 2025) and Carl R.A. Wright (D; 4th Ward, 2025).[3][94][95][96][97][98]
In the November 2015 general election, Phillip Kramer became the first Democrat directly elected as mayor in the township's history, resulting in the mayor and entire council being from the Democratic Party.[99] This marked a transition that started in 1995, when the council was controlled 8 to 1 by the Republican Party.[citation needed] In January 2016, the Township Council selected Charles Onyejiaka from a list of three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the Third Ward seat expiring in December 2017 that was vacated by Philip Kramer when he took office as mayor; Onyejiaka will serve on an interim basis until the November 2016 general election, when voters will select a candidate to fill the one-year balance of the term of office.[100]
In January 2015, the Township Council chose Chris Kelly from among three candidates offered by the Republican municipal committee to fill the vacant seat of Brian D. Levine, who had resigned from his council seat to take office on the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders.[101]
In 1998, the township approved a referendum by a better than 2–1 margin to raise property taxes by 3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, with the money to be used to preserve open space.[39]
Franklin Township is located in the 12th Congressional District[102] and is part of New Jersey's 17th state legislative district.[103][104][105] Prior to the 2010 Census, Franklin Township had been split between the 6th Congressional District and the 12th Congressional District, a change made by the New Jersey Redistricting Commission that took effect in January 2013, based on the results of the November 2012 general elections.[106]
Somerset County is governed by a five-member Board of County Commissioners, whose members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with one or two seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting held on the first Friday of January, the board selects a Director and deputy director from among its members.[113] As of 2024[update], Somerset County's County Commissioners are:
Constitutional officers, elected on a countywide basis are:
Clerk Steve Peter (D, Somerville, 2027),[123][124]
Sheriff Darrin Russo (D, Franklin Township, 2025)[125][126] and
Surrogate Bernice "Tina" Jalloh (D, Franklin Township, 2025)[127][128][121]
As of March 2011, there were a total of 36,240 registered voters in Franklin Township, of which 13,993 (38.6% vs. 26.0% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 4,962 (13.7% vs. 25.7%) were registered as Republicans and 17,262 (47.6% vs. 48.2%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 23 voters registered to the Libertarian Party or other parties.[129] Among the township's 2010 Census population, 58.2% (vs. 60.4% in Somerset County) were registered to vote, including 74.7% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.4% countywide).[129][130]
In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 71.2% of the vote (19,611 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 27.7% (7,640 votes), and other candidates with 1.0% (288 votes), among the 27,718 ballots cast by the township's 39,291 registered voters (179 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 70.5%.[131][132] In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 19,442 votes (70.0% vs. 52.1% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 7,951 votes (28.6% vs. 46.1%) and other candidates with 246 votes (0.9% vs. 1.1%), among the 27,776 ballots cast by the township's 35,508 registered voters, for a turnout of 78.2% (vs. 78.7% in Somerset County).[133] In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 14,737 votes (64.2% vs. 47.2% countywide), ahead of Republican George W. Bush with 7,913 votes (34.5% vs. 51.5%) and other candidates with 211 votes (0.9% vs. 0.9%), among the 22,962 ballots cast by the township's 28,743 registered voters, for a turnout of 79.9% (vs. 81.7% in the whole county).[134]
In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 51.7% of the vote (8,178 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 46.9% (7,420 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (209 votes), among the 16,108 ballots cast by the township's 40,155 registered voters (301 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 40.1%.[135][136] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Democrat Jon Corzine received 9,369 ballots cast (53.0% vs. 34.1% countywide), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 6,842 votes (38.7% vs. 55.8%), Independent Chris Daggett with 1,180 votes (6.7% vs. 8.7%) and other candidates with 137 votes (0.8% vs. 0.7%), among the 17,679 ballots cast by the township's 36,033 registered voters, yielding a 49.1% turnout (vs. 52.5% in the county).[137]
The Franklin Township Public Schools serve students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.[138] As of the 2018–19 school year, the district, comprised of 10 schools, had an enrollment of 7,150 students and 703.5 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.2:1.[139] Schools in the district (with 2018–19 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[140]) are
Claremont Elementary School[141] (665 students; in grades Pre-K–5),
Conerly Road School[142] (400; Pre-K–5),
Elizabeth Avenue School[143] (493; Pre-K–5),
Franklin Park School[144] (664; Pre-K–5),
Hillcrest School[145] (436; Pre-K–5),
MacAfee Road School[146] (381; Pre-K–5),
Pine Grove Manor School[147] (331; Pre-K–5),
Franklin Middle School at Hamilton Street Campus[148] (706; 6–8),
Franklin Middle School at Sampson G. Smith Campus[149] (797; 6–8) and
Franklin High School[150] (2,146; 9–12).[151][152][153]
Rutgers Preparatory School, a privateday school founded in 1766, is located in Franklin Township and occupies a 35-acre campus between Easton Avenue and the Raritan River. The state's oldest independent school, RPS moved to Franklin Township in 1957.[157]
As of May 2010[update], the township had a total of 260.12 miles (418.62 km) of roadways, of which 216.72 miles (348.78 km) were maintained by the municipality, 34.67 miles (55.80 km) by Somerset County and 8.73 miles (14.05 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[180]
Franklin Township was to house the northern end of the Somerset Freeway at I-287 back in 1964 until it was later proposed to end in Piscataway. An additional spur, Interstate 695, was also proposed as part of the project. This road was to complete Interstate 95 at the proposed southern end in Hopewell Township at I-95 and I-295. However the entire project was ultimately cancelled in 1982.
Commuter bus service to Midtown Manhattan is offered by commuter transportation company OurBus, during peak hours, with service at Kendall Park to and from New York City.[189]
The Blackwells Mills Canal House, located at Blackwells Mills Road and Canal Road (598 Canal Road, Somerset) on the Delaware and Raritan Canal, was built c. 1830s, at the same time as the canal. It was constructed to house the bridge tender, who would open the swing bridge when canal boats came through, then close it to allow traffic to cross over the canal. The building is leased from the State and is maintained and operated by the Blackwells Mills Canal House Association in conjunction with the Meadows Foundation.[191]
The Franklin Inn, at 2371 Amwell Road (Route 514), East Millstone, NJ a farmhouse built c. 1752 by Cornelius Van Liew, it has also been known as Annie Van Liew's House and, after being remodeled into a tavern and inn, the Franklin House Hotel.[192]
The Hageman Farm, at 209 South Middlebush Road, is a c. 1861 historic farm. Owned by Franklin Township, the farm is under the stewardship of the Meadows Foundation.[193]
Spieden & Hoebel Farms, Little Valley Natural Area is a 120-acre (0.49 km2) area at 1327 and 1345 Canal Road with several miles of trails through forest and along field edges. Across Canal Road is access to the Delaware and Raritan Canal tow path and the Millstone River and flood plain.
Tulipwood, at 1165 Hamilton Street, is a c. 1892 designed by J. August Lienau, the son of Detlef Lienau for his brother-in-law Stephen Guion Williams whose family owned the Williams & Guion Black Star Line. The home is owned by Franklin Township.[196]
The Ukrainian Cultural Center at 135 Davidson Avenue, serves as the headquarters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and includes the following at the site (some open by appointment only):
St. Sophia Seminary and Library, founded in 1975
St. Andrew Memorial Church, completed and consecrated in 1967 in memory of the 7-14 million people who died in the Ukrainian famine of 1932-33 is a unique example of Ukrainian Cossack Baroque architecture in the area[197]
St. Andrew Cemetery, founded in 1952
The Ukrainian Historical and Educational Center, founded in 1972, which contains treasures of Ukrainian cultural, historical, social, religious, literary and political life including Easter eggs, lacework, hand embroidery, statuary and church vessels.[198]
The Ukrainian Cultural Center, dedicated in 1985
St. Andrew Ukrainian School, founded in 1962 and located in the Cultural Center
St. Andrew Bookstore and Ecclesiastical Supply, founded in 1992
The historic Fisher Homestead, built in 1688, the home of Hendrick Fisher, New Jersey's delegate to the Continental Congress, and the site of the Fisher Family Cemetery.
The Van Liew-Suydam House, at 280 South Middlebush Road, was built in the 18th century by Peter Van Liew. Joseph Suydam later built the part of the house that is visible today. The newest and largest portion of the house was built in 1875. Although the most recent long term owner of the house was named French, the house has been named after its two initial owners. Owned by Franklin Township, the farm is under the stewardship of the Meadows Foundation.[199]
The Van Wickle House, at 1289 Easton Avenue is a historic house built c. 1722 by Symen Van Wickle. Operated by the Meadows Foundation which holds special annual events here.[36]
The Wyckoff-Garretson House, at 215 South Middlebush Road, was built in 1730 by Cornelius Wyckoff. The house was restored by the Meadows Foundation under the direction of architect Mark Alan Hewitt.[200]
Joseph Danielsen, member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 17th Legislative District since October 2014, after being appointed to fill the vacant seat of Upendra J. Chivukula[206]
Hendrick Fisher (1697–1778), represented Somerset County in the New Jersey Colonial Assembly, was one of three delegates representing New Jersey at the First Colonial Congress ("The Stamp Act Congress") in New York in 1765, was elected to New Jersey's Committee of Correspondence, served as a member of the Committee of Safety, was President of the Colonial Assembly, was the first president of the Provincial Congress of New Jersey in 1775, was labeled an arch traitor and "Enemy of the Crown", and a founder and first president of the board of trustees of Queen's College (now Rutgers University). His homestead and grave are currently located on the grounds of the Ukrainian Cultural Center on Easton Avenue west of Davidson Avenue in the Somerset section[209]
Colonel Routh Goshen (1837–1889), billed as the tallest man in the world at 7 feet 11 inches (2.41 m) and 620 pounds (280 kg), he was known as the Middlebush Giant, a stage name created by P. T. Barnum[212]
Benjamin Griggs (1690–1768), one of the earliest European settlers of the area that would later be known as Griggstown, a community that takes its name from the grist mill that Griggs established on the Millstone River[214]
Jean-Guillaume, baron Hyde de Neuville (1776–1857), French aristocrat, diplomat, and politician who resided in Franklin Township between 1811 and 1814 on a 100-acre (0.40 km2) farm on Easton Avenue in the area of the current Neuville Drive[215]
Leeroy Wilfred Kabs-Kanu (born 1954), Sierra Leonean-American reverend, journalist and newspaper publisher who served as Minister Plenipotentiary at the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations[219]
Michael James Pappas (born 1960), former U.S. Congressman known for securing the release of the battleship USS New Jersey to the state of New Jersey as a museum, and his infamous singing of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Kenneth Starr" on the House floor, former mayor of Franklin Township.[228]
Bruce Williams (born 1932), radio talk show host; currently the longest running talk show in history. Member of Radio Hall of Fame, former mayor of Franklin Township from 1967 to 1975[239][240]
^HistoryArchived October 14, 2019, at the Wayback Machine, Township of Franklin. Accessed March 31, 2020. "After considering the evidence set forth in Franklin Township, Somerset County, NJ: A History, William B. Brahm, Commissioned by the Franklin Township Library, 1998, Chapter 12, Municipal Government, The Case for William Franklin and The Case for Benjamin Franklin, the Township Council determined to espouse the theory that the Township was named for Benjamin Franklin."
^The Changing Landscape of North Brunswick, Rutgers University. Accessed February 12, 2013. "Yorston is best remembered for his work in removing the 520 bodies from the New Brunswick Presbyterian Church's cemetery to Van Liew Cemetery to make way for new construction, for his around-the-clock service during the 1918 deadly influenza epidemic, and for his service in connection with the autopsy involving the infamous Hall-Mills murder in neighboring Franklin Township."
^Raum, John O. The History of New Jersey: From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Volume 1, p. 259, J. E. Potter and company, 1877. Accessed February 11, 2013. "Franklin township contained a population in 1850 of 3,062[;] in 1860, 3,599; and in 1870, 3,912. Weston is a post village on the Millstone river. Middlebush and Griggstown are in this township."
^William L. Hutcheson Memorial Forest, Rutgers University. Accessed February 12, 2013. "The Hutcheson Memorial Forest (HMF) is a unique area consisting of one of the last uncut forests in the Mid-Atlantic states, along with the surrounding lands devoted to protection of the old forest and research into ecological interactions necessary to understand the forest."
^The Council-Manager Plan (NJSA 40:69A-81 to 40:69A-98), Franklin Township. Accessed June 6, 2022. "Under the Faulkner Act, the following options are followed by the Township of Franklin: 1. Basis of Election: Partisan Elections in November. 2. Election of Mayor: By the voters. 3. Size and Structure of the Council: Nine Members: 1-Mayor; 3-At-Large Council Members; 5-Ward Council Members. Terms of Office: 4-years terms staggered."
^Staff. "Kramer Leads Democratic Sweep Of Mayor, Council Races", Franklin Reporter & Advocate, November 4, 2015. Accessed May 22, 2016. "With the win, the mayor and council seats will all be held by Democrats come January. The Democrats will have to pick a replacement for Kramer's council seat after he is sworn in as mayor. Kramer is also the first Democrat to be elected mayor since the position was directly chosen by voters."
^Staff. "Chris Kelly Sworn In As Township Mayor", Franklin Reporter & Advocate, January 13, 2015. Accessed January 17, 2015. "Township native Chris Kelly was sworn in as mayor at the Jan. 13 Township Council meeting, replacing Brian Levine, who has moved on to the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders."
^Biography, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. Accessed January 3, 2019. "Watson Coleman and her husband William reside in Ewing Township and are blessed to have three sons; William, Troy, and Jared and three grandchildren; William, Kamryn and Ashanee."
^Franklin Township Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Franklin Township Public Schools. Accessed June 26, 2020. "Purpose The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-Kindergarten through twelve in the Franklin Township School District. Composition The Franklin Township School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Franklin Township."
^Knapp, Krystal. "New Company Offers Express Bus Service from Kendall Park to New York City", Planet Princeton, July 29, 2016. Accessed December 31, 2017. "A new company called OurBus is offering weekday express bus trips from Kendall Park to New York City at about half the cost of traditional bus fares. OurBus offers a one-seat ride from the Kendall Park Roller Skating Rink lot on Route 27 to New York, making one other stop in Franklin Township along the way."
^Paik, Eugene. "Deal proposed on United Water controlling Franklin Township's water system", The Star-Ledger, February 6, 2011. Accessed September 20, 2014. "The township draws its water from the Delaware and Raritan Canal, as well as New Brunswick, North Brunswick and the New Jersey American Water utility. The township would still own its water system, but would pay United Water to maintain it."
^Tulipwood House, New Jersey Historic Trust. Accessed January 5, 2017. "Tulipwood is notable for its Colonial Revival architecture and was likely designed in 1892 by architect, J. August Lienau, son of the famed Danish architect Detlaf Lienau."
^St. Andrew Memorial Church, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Accessed January 5, 2017. "Dominating the property of the St. Andrew Center is the unique edifice of the St. Andrew Memorial Church. Soaring skyward, the church is a monument to Ukrainian Cossack Baroque architecture. A result of years of planning and the sacrifices, labors and donations of countless faithful, the church is dedicated to all who perished in the Stalinist famine of 1932-33 and who have given their lives for the cause of freedom and justice."
^About Us, The Ukrainian Historical and Educational Center. Accessed January 5, 2017.
^Barris, Mike. "Ernie Scott remembers Rosa Parks", Asbury Park Press, February 3, 2006. Accessed February 8, 2012. "His stage partner was Franklin Township's Avery Brooks, a Rutgers theater professor who plays Robeson, the Princeton-born African-American singer..."
^Staff. "Joseph Danielsen sworn in as newest member of General Assembly", The Messenger-Gazette, October 16, 2014. Accessed February 2, 2015. "Franklin Township resident Joseph Danielsen became the newest member of the General Assembly, receiving the oath of office from Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, before taking part in his first voting session as a member of the legislature.... Danielsen will represent the 17th legislative district, which includes parts of Middlesex and Somerset counties, replacing Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula who recently left to become a commissioner of the Board of Public Utilities."
^History of Franklin Township, NY-NJ-CT Botany Online. Accessed September 22, 2007. "1777:... In Griggstown John Honeyman (with a home that still stands at the foot of Bunker Hill Road and Canal Road) posed as a cattle-trader sympathetic to the British in order to spy on them. Honeyman's information helped Washington plan the surprise attack on Trenton."
^Bowman, Bill. [franklinreporter.com/township-resident-helps-lead-charge-against-no-show-white-supremacist-group/ "Township Resident Helps Lead Charge Against No-Show White Supremacist Group"], Franklin Reporter & Advocate, January 12, 2019 Accessed June 26, 2020. "Prominent among the protestors was township native Daryle Lamont Jenkins, founder of the One People's Project."
^Fremon, Suzanne S. "State Has 13 on Olympic Team", The New York Times, August 13, 1972. Accessed November 22, 2017. "Judy Melick, 17, of Somerset is the youngest of the New Jersey members of the Olympic team."
^Staff. "Franklin Gril Will Swim For U.S. Olympic Team"Archived December 1, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, The Franklin News-Record, August 17, 1972. Accessed November 23, 2017. "Judy Melick of Franklin Township will represent the United States in the XX Olympiad in Munich, Germany next month."
^Kipp, Guy. "Franklin's Diamond Miller Signs Letter of Intent with University of Maryland", TAP into Franklin / Somerset, November 14, 2018. Accessed May 12, 2022. "Diamond Miller made it official on Wednesday, following through on the decision she came to during the Franklin girls basketball team's title quest last March. The 6-foot-1 All-State guard/forward signed her National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Maryland Wednesday morning at Franklin High School, a month before Miller begins the senior season of her storied high school career."
^"Making history in Griggstown"[permanent dead link], Princeton Packet, November 27, 2007. Accessed December 23, 2007. "Two presentations by John Allen, president of the Griggstown Historical Society, were made. Mark Alan Hewitt, project architect, received an autographed copy of Moy Sand & Gravel by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, a Griggstown resident."
^Biography, Dr. Randal Pinkett web site. Accessed December 12, 2006
^ abDenman, Elliott. "Franklin's Jeff Porter makes Olympics in hurdles", Courier News, July 1, 2012. Accessed February 12, 2013. "Joe Porter, the Franklin Township High School and Rutgers University alumnus, played in the NFL from 2006 to 2011, most recently as an Oakland Raiders cornerback. But now it's his twin brother. Jeff, making news of his own."
^Carino, Jerry. "With a gutsy gesture, Jersey's Breein Tyree swats Confederate 'hate groups' at Ole Miss", Asbury Park Press, March 5, 2019. Accessed December 16, 2019. "That's exactly what Breein Tyree and his University of Mississippi basketball teammates did Feb. 23. Tyree, a Somerset native who starred at St. Joseph-Metuchen High School, was one of six players who took a knee during national anthem to protest a Confederacy rally near the arena."
^Staff. "Charlie Weis", The New York Times, November 30, 2009. Accessed August 23, 2012. "Before taking over at Notre Dame, his alma mater, for the 2005 season, Weis had 15 years of experience as an N.F.L. assistant and three Super Bowl rings, but only one season as a head coach; he led Franklin Township High School to the 1989 New Jersey state title."
^Eftimiades, Maria. "Radio Personality Without Limits", The New York Times, July 2, 1989. Accessed August 23, 2012. "Mr. Williams has dabbed in politics, serving as a councilman and two-term mayor for Franklin Township from 1967 to 1975."
^Weber, Bruce. "Earl Williams, Baseball Slugger, Dies at 64", The New York Times, February 1, 2013. Accessed February 2, 2015. "Earl Williams, a slugging if ambivalent catcher and infielder — 'My favorite position is batter,' he once said — who won the National League rookie of the year award in 1971 but whose promise went unfulfilled amid a welter of minor controversies, died early Tuesday at his home in Somerset, N.J."