Jonas Cattell is undoubtedly South Jersey's folk hero. He sits upon the same pedastal as Tennesee's Davy Crockett and Kentucky's Daniel Boone. Cattell was born in 1758 and developed an early talent for understanding the Pine Barrens' wildlife and plant species. He was one of the area's first to cut several Pinelands trails. Today, it is difficult to separate fact from fiction when it comes to telling the history of this remarkable man. He has many job titles to his name including woodlands scout, Revolutionary War hero, blacksmith, long distance runner, and story teller.
His most amazing, and remembered, feat occured during the American Revolutionary War. According to New Jersey legend, as well as numerous historical accounts, on October 22, 1777, Cattell ran 10 miles from Haddonfield to Fort Mercer to warn American troops of a coming surprise Hessian attack. His skills as a long distance runner and knowledge of backwoods trails helped Cattell reach Colonel Christopher Greene at Fort Mercer long before the Hessians arrived. Thanks to his warning, the troops were able to set up a strong defense and nearly destroyed the entire Hessian force. Cattell was only eighteen years old at the time. Later, he served in the Continental army.
Other stories of Cattell's astounding runnings skills are believed to be more fiction than fact, but are still enjoyed by many even today.
In one story, Cattell has been said to go on hunting expeditions on foot. He would beat hunters riding on horses to the kill every time. Another story attributes a 160 mile trip in 2 days to Cattell. In this tale, he supposedly ran from Woodbury to Cape May City in one day to deliver the letter and then returned within the next day with the reply.
While Cattell never ran into telephone booths to don his hero attire, he did have a recognizable look. Cattell's "uniform" consisted of a red flannel shirt, heavy overcoat, waterproof shoes, and canvas leggings. He carried a gun and tomahawk. Also, according to legend, before each run, Cattell would prepare with a hearty breakfast of eggs or raw meat.
Jonas Cattell died in 1854 at the age of 96. His grave is located in Deptford Township.