Edward Antill (161)

Edward Antill (17 June 1701–15 August 1770) was a public officeholder, gentleman farmer, and viticulturist, and a member of the American Philosophical via his 1768 election to the American Society. Born in New York to a father of property and influence, he lost his parents at an early age. Fortunately for Antill, his father’s friend raised him and would later bequeath the majority of his privateering fortune to the young man. By the early 1730s Antill had moved to New Jersey, where he would spend most of his life. Antill’s wealth and influence brought him a series of public offices including: New Jersey’s Assembly (1738-40), judge to the court of common pleas (1739), and a local council sit (1743-1761). In addition to these civic duties, Antill strongly supported education and donated £1,800 to King’s College, where he also served as one of the first trustees. Antill found his true passion, however, in agriculture development, particularly viticulture. His firm belief that grape cultivation was practicable and profitable in the Northeast led him to develop his own sizeable vineyards where he cultivated and tested grape varietals. Antill’s early efforts garnered him a monetary prize from the London-based Society for Promoting Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce in an effort to stimulate viticulture outside of England. His expertise made him a sought-after expert and produced Antill’s sole publication in the first volume of Transactions in 1771: “An essay on the cultivation of the vine, and the making and preserving of vine, suited to the different climates in North-America.” When not tinkering in his vineyard, he could be found experimenting with growing rhubarb or olive trees, or testing one of his many ideas to improve raising livestock. (PI)