A Closer Look at the History of Galloway Township

Robert Reid may be forgiven for having what some might see as divided loyalties. 

He has served as the Absecon planner for 14 years, his home and property lie in both Galloway and Absecon, he’s the president of the Galloway and Absecon historical societies, and a champion for the rebirth of historical interest in Galloway Township.

“When I moved to Galloway Township in the 1970s, Galloway only had about 8,000 residents,” Reid said. “Today, we are approaching nearly five times that number, and that means four-fifths of the residents know little or nothing about the incredible history of this community. Do you realize that Galloway used to be far larger than it is now, and that it was created by King George in 1774 before we even became a nation?”

Reid’s hobby is one that most people might not have thought of getting involved in.

“I collect maps. I have hundreds of them,” Reid said. “They tell the tale of how we began.  As a planner, I know that no community can plan its future if it doesn’t know its past.”

To Reid, the sad part of the story is that while Absecon has its own identity—and its historical society is alive and well—Galloway’s historical society is essentially non-existent. In other words, he could call a Galloway Township Historical Society meeting, but few people, if any, would show up.

Perhaps this is because of the size of a township that is spread over a hundred square miles, and a population that is not well informed about its history,

Galloway Township is presumed to be named for Joseph Galloway, a successful lawyer and leading Pennsylvania political figure prior to the American Revolution. He was once an ally of Benjamin Franklin, but the two men grew apart.

Galloway remained loyal to the British crown, and he believed to the end that the best plan was for the king to grant the same privileges to the American colonists that were enjoyed by British subjects. 

Following the revolution he was stripped of his land and holdings and returned penniless to Britain.

It’s important to note that from the creation of Galloway Township in 1774 until 1872, Absecon was merely one of the villages contained within Galloway Township. It became a community unto itself after 98 years as part of Galloway.

The rich history of Galloway Township is detailed in Images of America: GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP written by Joseph Federico and Matthew McHenry with an introduction by Robert Reid. It will be published by Arcadia Publishing and available to the public beginning March 28.

People who would like to reserve a copy of the new book may contact Robert Reid at abseconplanner@comcast.net

“The Absecon Historical Society has been fortunate,” Reid said. “A building was donated for their use, and monies have also been given for their support. The Galloway Historical Society meets in a borrowed room in the municipal complex. We need Galloway residents to help us acquire our own place where we can show and preserve the artifacts that illustrate the rich history of Galloway Township. We have so much to be proud of that every effort should be made to accomplish this goal.”

On June 6, beginning at 5:30 p.m. the regular dinner meeting of the Absecon Historical Society will be hosting members of the Galloway Historical Society at the Gourmet Italian Cuisine, 324 South Pitney Rd. in Galloway.

The focus for the event will be the appearance of authors Joseph Federico and Matthew McHenry ,who will talk about their new book and sign copies of it.

Ken Sooy Sr., the historian for the Galloway Historical Society and the Chairman of the Galloway Township Environmental Commission will also present a slide show on historic Galloway. For tickets and information, contact Robert Reid at 609-569-9000.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Galloway Historical Society, an application form accompanies this story on Galloway Patch.