512 Camden Avenue, Moorestown, NJ

This house is individually listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and is believed to incorporate the oldest house still standing in Moorestown.

It was once the centerpiece of a large 300 acre farm, lately known as “Forest Brook”. The house was constructed in three sections - the oldest part of which was built c. 1695 by Thomas French, Jr. This section is encompassed in the southwest corner of the building, according to the National Register nomination form for the house. Some original interior features survive to this day.

French-Hollinshead House, north elevation, facing Camden Avenue, c. 1908

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During the Revolutionary War years, the French property was occupied and raided by both British and Continental troops. Recorded damage claims reveal that Continental troops appropriated wood rails, hay, and grain in February 1777. In June 1778, British troops, retreating from Philadelphia, made off with 72 pounds, 18 shillings worth of goods.

Claim by Edward French for damages incurred from British raid in June 1778

Thomas French, Jr. was locally prominent in Moorestown in the early 18th century. He served in several church and township offices and was elected as a county freeholder. He was the first tax collector of the township, being appointed in 1693, and again, by the Governor, in 1701. He held the same office in 1723. In 1699, he was overseer of highways. In 1705, he was chosen to be constable, in 1707 - overseer of the poor, and served as freeholder 1713-14, 1720, and 1725-1728.

1819 signature of Edward’s youngest son, Charles H. French, on east facing window of the house

During the Revolutionary War period, the farm belonged to Thomas’ grandson, Edward “Neddy” French. Edward was also very involved in town and county government, serving as overseer of highways in 1773, chosen freeholder in 1784, and from 1788 through 1793. He was a member of the township committee in 1786 and from 1788 to 1794. He was also a longtime justice of the peace; and between 1795 (when the marriage license law was passed) and 1801, he married sixty-four couples.

The property remained in the French family until 1837. For a time in the 19th Century, a girl’s school was conducted here. The farm was acquired by Elwood Hollinshead and became known as Forest Brook in 1858. The Hollinshead family started subdividing their substantial acreage for development in 1914, while the home remained in the family until 1965.

Elwood Hollinshead

French-Hollinshead House, south elevation today