John Hart was born in Stonington, Connecticut, in 1713. His father, Edward Hart, was a farmer, justice of the peace, and public assessor. Soon after John’s birth, the family moved to Hopewell, New Jersey, where Hart would reside for the rest of his life. In 1739, he married Deborah Scudder, and together they had 13 children.

In 1740, Hart began acquiring property, purchasing a 193-acre homestead in Hopewell. Over time, he expanded his holdings and emerged as a respected public figure. He served in various roles, including justice of the peace, county judge, colonial legislator, and judge of the court of common pleas.

As tensions with Britain grew, Hart opposed taxation and the stationing of British troops. In June 1776, he was selected as one of five delegates to represent New Jersey at the Continental Congress, where he signed the Declaration of Independence. Shortly after, he returned to New Jersey to serve as Speaker of the General Assembly.

In October 1776, John Hart returned home from the Continental Congress to attend to urgent family matters. His wife, Deborah, who had been gravely ill, died on October 8 with John at her side. Later that year, John Hart was forced to flee his home as the British invaded Hopewell.  After American victories at Trenton and Princeton, Hart returned and was re-elected Speaker, serving until November 7, 1778.

In June 1778, Hart invited George Washington and the Continental Army to encamp on his farm before the Battle of Monmouth. Washington and 12,000 troops stayed for several days before marching to victory. John Hart died of kidney stones on May 11, 1779.