The Hightstown Gazette issued its first edition in April 1861. This paper published local material, as well as news from neighboring Middlesex, Monmouth and Burlington counties; including the deaths, marriages, and other personal items from papers covering other areas of the state (NJ), which were exchanged between editors. In many cases, the information printed here from the exchanged papers is now lost to history, as the exchanged issues did not always survive. Present-day Hightstown is centrally located approximately fifteen miles east of Trenton, and equally distant from Philadelphia and New York by 50 miles. This weekly paper initially consisted of only 4 pages, but in those 4 pages one can find the history of the people, their community, and their entire state. One full page was dedicated to "Local" news consisting of deaths, marriages, who was visiting whom, who was sick, moving, building a new house or business, etc. News from other states was also carried, especially if it reflected on residents who had migrated elsewhere. Abstracts are arranged chronologically and include deaths of all persons, as reported by the paper, who died in New Jersey or those who had "roots" in New Jersey. Marriage listings include (as available) date and place of marriage, name of the reverend performing the ceremony, names of bride and groom, and place of residence. Death listings include (as available) name of the deceased, date and place of death, cause of death, name of father or other relative, place of residence, and place of burial. A fullname index adds to the value of this work.