Col. Robert Stevens was among the first to urge construction of a steam railway system in New Jersey to replace the stagecoach lines. He went to England to negociate the purchase of a steam locomotive which was shipped to Philadelphia, placed on a sloop and sent up the Delaware to be assembled in Bordentown by Isaac Dripps. The locomotive became known as the 'John Bull'.

For the first ride on the rails laid between White Hill and Bordentown, Isaac Dripps was the engineer, Benjamin Wiggins was the fireman and Col. Stevens was the conductor. Trenton's officials and notables came down for a free ride. Madame Murat, wife of Prince Murat of the Bonaparte household was the first woman to ride on the 'iron horse' that day.

Locomotives and passenger coaches were built in shops that sprung up along the river. Repair shops came next. Before long there were nine large buildings on three acres of ground and small tenant houses lined the hill. A thriving industry had begun and lasted until 1870 when the Pennsylvania Railroad leased the rail line and moved the shops out of the area.

The late Ed Sholl and his wife Mildred bought the house on Willow Street built by the last engineer of the 'John Bull', Benjamin F. Jobes. Ed's father was an engineer and his grandfather a fireman on the 'John Bull'.

The 1/16th replica of the 'John Bull' built by Ed Sholl stands in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D. C.

Bordentown Then & Now
Thomas Paine
John Bull