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HISTORY 


or 


COUNTY   OF  WESTCHESTER. 


FROM 


ITS  FIRST  SETTLEMENT 


TO  THB 


PRESENT    TIME. 


Br  ROBERT  BOLTON,  Jr. 

AUTHOR  or  TBI  "  QUIDS  TO  NRW  ROCBBLLB,'*  AND 
A  MBMBKR  OF  THR  N.  T.  BUTORIOAL  SOOUnT. 


TOIiUME  II. 


*«  It  Mthe  pri?nege  of  History  to  impart  the  experience  of  tige,  without 
its  infirmitiee ;  to  bring  back  thingt  long  obeeared  by  time,  or  mnkiDg  into 
cMiTion ;  and  enaUe  w  to  form  aome  reasonable  conjectures  of  what  may 
happen  to  posterity.** — P&ulmm't  Hitt.  of  Holdemem, 


NEW  TOKK: 

PRINTED  BY  ALEXANDER   S.  GOULD, 

144    NASSAU    STREET. 

1848. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  CongreMin  the  year  eighteen  hundred  and  forty -eight 

BY     ROBERT     BOLTON,     JR. 
In  the  Clerk'e  Office  of  the  Dirtrict  Court  for  the  Southern  Diitrict  of  New  Yoik. 


HISTORY 


COUNTY   OF   WESTCHESTER. 


POUNDRlDGt;. 

POUNDEIDOE  is  sitU- 

__-^^  ated  fifteen  miles  north- 
/a^-4  east  of  the   village  of 
'i  White  Plains,  and  dts- 
raiit  one  hundred  and 
[hirty-niiic  miles  from 
Albany ;  bounded  iiorih 
and    cast     by    Lewis- 
borough,     soiilh     east 
by  the  stale    of    Con- 
necticut, and  west  by  Bedford  and  North  Custle.'     The  name  of 
this    town  is  undoubtedly  derived  from  the  ancient    Indian 
pound,  which  formerly  stood  at  the  foot  of  a  liigh  ridge,  a.  little 


u  OTHanned  an  lbs  Tthof  Hucb,  1T6B. 
I 


2  HISTORY  OF  THE 

south  of  the  present  village  of  tha^  name.  On  account  of  its  na- 
tural boundaries  this  section  of  country  was  peculiarly  adapted 
for  the  favorite  Indian  practice  of  entrapping  wild  game.  Upon 
the  north  the  Stony  mountains  formed  an  impassable  rampart, 
whilst  the  long  chain  of  ponds  and  streams  on  the  east  line  of 
the  town  closed  up  all  avenues  of  escape  in  that  direction.  The 
Indians  therefore  availing  themselves  of  these  natural  barriers, 
constructed  a  palisaded  pound  at  the  southern  extremity  of  the 
ponds,  into  which  they  drove  the  wild  game  from  the  west. 
Van  der  Donck  the  historian  informs  us,  "  that  the  Indians  fre- 
quently united  in  companies  of  from  one  to  two  hundred,  when 
they  have  rare  sport.  On  these  occasions  they  drive  over  a 
large  district  of  land  and  kill  much  game.  They  also  make  ex- 
tensive fikes  with  palisadoes,  which  are  narrow  at  the  termina- 
ting angles,  wherein  they  drive  multitudes  of  animals  and  take 
great  numbers.  At  a  word  they  are  expert  hunters  for  every 
kind  of  game,  and  know  how  to  practice  the  best  methods  to 
insure  success."*  The  shouts  and  yells  of  these  savage  hunts- 
men must  have  reverberated  in  frightful  echoes  from  the  neigh- 
boring woods  and  hills,  serving  no  doubt  much  to  bewilder  their 
prey. 

Poundridge  was  originally  included  in  the  Indian  grant  made 
to  Jphffi  Turner  of  New  Haven,  on  the  1st  of  July,  1640.  The 
sale  is  thus  recorded  in  the  town  books  of  Stamford. 

"  Bought  of  Ponus,  sagamore  of  Toquams/'  (Stamford,)  "  and  Wascoasae, 
sagamore  of  8hippan,  by  me  Nathaniel  Tarner  of  Qiiinnipiacke,"^  (New  Ha- 
Ten,)  **  all  the  ground  that  belongs  to  both  the  above  named  sagamores,  ex- 
cept a  piece  of  ground  which  the  aforesaid  sagamore  of  Toquams  reserved  for 
his  and  the  rest  of  the  said  Indians  to  plant  on  ;  all  which  ground  being  ex- 
pressed by  meadows,  uplands,  grass,  with  the  rivers  and  trees  ;  and  in  consi- 
deration hereof,  I  the  said  Nathaniel  Turner  am  to  give  and  bring  or  send  to 
the  above  said  sagamores  within  the  space  of  one  month,  twelve  coats,  twelve 
hoes,  tweWe  hatchets,  twelve  glasses,  twelve  knives,  four  kettles,  and  four 
fathom  of  white  wampum  ;  all  which  land  both  we  the  said  sagamores  do  pro- 
mise faithfully  to  perform  both  for  ourselves,  our  heirs,  executors  or  assigns 


>  Van  der  DoDck*8  Hist,  of  N.  N.    New  York  Hist.  See.  Coll.  New  Series,  toI.  i. 
k  Capt.  Nathaniel  Turner  purchased  in  behalf  of  the  people  of  New  Haven. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  3 

to  the  aboire  8aid  Nathaniel  Tarner  of  Qainoipiacke,  his  heirs,  exeeoton  or 
anigns,  and  hereunto  we  haye  set  oar  marks  in  the  presence  of  many  of  the 
■aid  Indians,  they  fully  consenting  thereto.^ 

Witnessed  by  us,  Ye  marke  of  \\  Poous,  sagamore. 

William  Wilkes,  Ye  marke  of  O  Wascussue,  sagamore. 

James,  &c.  The  marke  of  co  Owenoke,  the  son  of  Ponus, 

RecM  in  part  payment, 
12  glasses, 
12  knives, 
6  coals. 

Besides  Poiindridge  the  above  sale  also  embraced  the  present 
townships  of  Darien,  Stamford,  New  Canaan,  and  the  greater  part 
of  Bedford  and  Greenwich. 

The  planting  grounds  reserved  by  tlie  sachem  Ponus,  were 
situated  four  miles  south  of  Poundridge,  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
street  still  bearing  his  name.  In  1644,  "  the  western  Indians  be- 
ing at  war  with  the  Dutch,  had  communicated  their  hostile  feel- 
ings to  those  around  Stamford,  who  at  this  period  numbered  one 
thousand  warriors ;  but  the  firmness  and  courage  of  Capt.  Joha 
Underbill  compelled  the  whole  of  them  to  sue  for  peace.  Upon 
occasion  of  its  ratification  the  Wappings  of  Stamford  presented 
themselves  with  others  at  Fort  Amsterdam,  April  6th,  1644.^  lu 
1655  occurs  the  following  agreement  between  the  inhabitants  of 
Stamford  and  the  Indian  Sachem,  Ponus,  &c. 


C( 


Our  agreement  made  with  Ponus,  Sagamore  of  Toquams,  and  with  Onox 
his  eldest  son.  Although  there  was  an  agreement  made  before  with  the  said 
Indians  and  Captain  Turner,  and  the  purchases  paid  for,  yet  the  things  not  being 
clear,  and  being  Tery  unsatisfied,  we  come  to  another  agreement  with  Onox 
and  Ponus  for  their  land  from  the  town  plot  of  Stamford  north  about  sixteen 
miles,  and  then  to  a  marked  white  oak  tree  with  ST,  and  from  that  tree  we 
went  towards  the  Mill  river  side,  we  marked  another  white  oak  tree  with  ST, 
and  from  that  tree  west  we  were  to  run  four  miles  eastward,  and  from  this 
east  and  west  line  we  were  to  have  further  to  the  north,  for  our  cattle  to  feed, 


»  See  Bedford. 

b  The  Wappiogs  were  probably  engaged  "  in  the  great  battle  fought  between  the 
Dutch  and  Indians  in  that  part  of  HoraeDeck  called  Strickland's  plain,  now  inolu* 
dad  in  the  town  of  Greenwich,  Connecticut"    O'CaUaghan's  Hist.  N.  N.  SOd. 


4  HISTORY  OF  THE 

fall  two  miles  further,  the  full  breadth  only,  the  said  Indians  reserre  for  them- 
seWes  liberty  for  their  planting  ground,  and  the  above  said  Indians,  Ponus  and 
Onox,  with  all  other  Indians  that  be  concerned  in  it,  have  surrendered  all  the 
said  land  &c.,  for  and  in  consideration  hereof,  the  said  town  of  Stamford  is  to 
give  the  said  Indians  four  coats  which  the  Indians  accept  of  as  full  satisfac- 
tion for  the  aforesaid  lands  although  it  waspaid  before.  Hereby  all  Ponus^s 
posterity  is  cut  olf  from  making  any  claim  or  having  any  right  to  any  part  of 
the  aforesaid  land  &c.,  the  said  Ponus  and  Onox  his  son,  having  this  day  re- 
ceived of  Richard  Lane,  four  coats,  acknowledging  themselves  fully  satisfied 
for  the  aforesiad  land. 

Witness  the  said  Indians  hands  this  fifteenth  day  of  August,  A.  D.  1655. 

Witness  William  Newman,  Ponus  /^  his  mark, 

Richard  Lewis.  Onox  Q  his  mark. 

Upon  the  7th  of  January,  1667,  Taphance  son  of  Ponus  and 
Powhag  or  Pinaghag  son  of  Onox,  confirmed  to  the  people  of 
Stamford  the  agreement  of  1655.  By  these  sales  Poundridge  be- 
came a  part  of  Stamford  township,  within  Fairfield  County. 

On  the  26th  of  May,  1686,  the  general  court  of  Connecti- 
cut issued  the  following  patent  to  the  inhabitants  of  Stamford, 
embracing  all  those  lands 

'*  Bounded  on  the  south  jvest  by  ye  five  mile  brook,  between  Stamford 
aforesaid  and  Norwalk,  from  the  mouth  of  the  said  brook,  till  it  meet  with  the 
cross  path,  that  is,  where  the  county  road  crosses  the  said  river,  and  from 
thence  to  run  up  into  ye  country  till  twelve  miles  be  run  out  upon  the  same 
line,  that  is  between  Stamford  and  Fairfield,  and  upon  the  west,  to  Totomak 
brook,  where  the  lowermost  path  or  road  that  now  is  to  Greenwich,  east  by 
ye  said  brook,  and  from  thence  to  run  in  a  straight  line  to  the  west  end  of  a 
line  drawn  from  the  falls  of  Stamford  mill  river,  which  line  is  to  run  a  due 
west  point  towards  Greenwich  bounds,  a  short  mile,  and  from  the  west  end  at 
the  said  line,  to  run  due  north,  to  the  north  of  ye  present  country  road  to  Rye, 
and  from  thence  to  run  up  into  the  country,  the  same  line  that  is  between  Nor- 
walk  and  Stamford,  to  the  end  of  the  bounds,  the  said  land  having  been  by 
purchase  or  otherwise,  lawfully  obtained  of  the  Indians,  native  proprietors. 
And  whereas,  the  proprietors  the  aforesaid  inhabitants  of  Stamford,  in  the 
colony  of  Connecticut,  have  made  application  to  the  Gov.  and  company  of  the 
said  colony  of  Connecticut,  assembled  in  court,  25th  May,  lf>85,  that  they 
may  have  a  patent  for  confirmation  of  the  aforesaid  land,  so  purchased  and 
granted  to  them  as  aforesaid,  and  which  they  have  stood  seized  and  quietly 
possessed  of  for  many  years  late  past,  without  interruption.  Now,  for  a  more 
full  confirmation  of  the  aforesaid  lands,  as  it  is  butted  and  bounded  aforesaid, 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  $ 

ttnto  ye  present  proprietors  of  the  said  town  of  Stamford,  &o.  &3.  Know  ye, 
that  the  said  Gov.  and  company  aforesaid,  in  general  court,  according  to  the 
conditions  granted  to  them  by  his  majesty  in  his  charter,  have  given  and 
granted,  and  by  these  presents,  do  give,  grant,  ratify  and  confirm,  onto  Mr. 
John  Bishop,  Mr.  Richard  Lowe,  Capt.  Johnathan  Silleck,  Capt.  John  Sil* 
leek,  Lt.  Francis  Bill,  Lt.  Jonathan  Ball,  Ensign  John  Bales,  Mr.  Abraham 
Ambler,  Mr.  Peter  Ferris  and  Mr.  Joshua  Hoy t,  and  the  rest  of  the  said  pre- 
sent, proprietors  of  the  township  of  Stamford,  their  heirs,  successors  and  as- 
signees forever,  the  aforesaid  parcel  of  land  as  it  is  butted  and  bounded  to- 
gether, with,  &c.  &c.,  that  the  aforesaid  tract  of  land,  shall  be  forever  here- 
after deemed,  reputed,  and  be  an  entire  township  of  itself,  to  have  and  to  hold 
the  said  tract  of  land,  premises,  &c.  &c.,  yielding  rendering  and  paying  there- 
fore to  our  sovereign  Lord  the  king,  his  heirs  and  successors,  his  dues  ac- 
cording to  charter.  In  witness  whereof,  we  have  caused  the  seal  of  the  colony 
to  be  hereunto  affixed,  this  26th  of  May,  1685,  in  ye  first  year  of  the  reign  of 
our  Lord  King  James  the  second,  &c.  &c. 

Robert  Treat,  Gov. 

This  patent  included  the  southern  portion  of  Poundridge; 
for,  until  the  final  arrangement  of  the  boundary  lines  in  1731, 
Stamford  extended  four  miles  into  the  present  town. 
.  Upon  the  temporary  settlement  of  the  colonial  lines,  A.  D. 
1701,  we  find  the  Indian  sachem  Catonah,  confirming  Robert 
Walters  and  others  in  these  lands. 

"This  indenture,  made  the  25th  of  Feb.  1701,  betwixt  Robert  Walters 
John  Chollwell,  Leigh  Atwood,  Cornelius  Depeyster,  Richard  Slater,  Barne 
Cosens,  Lancaster  Syroes,  Matthew  Ciarkson,  Robert  Lurting,  Peter  Matthews 
and  Caleb  Heathcote  of  the  one  part,  and  Sagamore,  Katonah,  Wakemane  and 
Weewanessege ,  Indians,  of  the  other,  for  the  consideration  of  a  certain  sum  in 
hand  paid  by  the  said  Robert  Walters,  &c.,  at  and  before  the  ensealing  and 
delivering  of  these  presents.  The  receipt  whereof  they  do  hereby  acknowl- 
edge, &c.  &c.,  have  given,  granted,  bargained  and  sold,  aliened,  enfeoffed, 
released  and  confirmed,  and  do  by  these  presents,  clearly  and  absolutely  give, 
grant,  bargain  and  sell,  alien,  enfeoff,  release  and  confirm,  unto  the  said  Rob- 
ert Walters,  &c.,  a  certain  parcel  or  tract  of  land,  lying  and  being  in  the 
county  of  W^estchester,  in  the  province  of  New  York,  butted  and  bounded  as 
foUoweth,  viz.,  westward  by  Bedford  and  by  the  patent  granted  to  Caleb 
Heathcote  and  others,  northerly  by  Col.  Cortlandt's  purchase  and  Croton^s 
ran,  southerly  and  easterly  by  colony  lines j  to  have  and  to  hold.  Sic.  &c.' 

The  mark  of  ^  Catonah. 


••  Indian  deeds,  Alb.  Rec.  warrant  for  Survey,  I  ib.  i.  1(K). 


6  HISTORY  OF  THE 

On  the  2d  day  of  March,  1701,  William  the  third,  by  his  royal 
letters  patent,  under  the  great  seal  of  the  colony  of  New  York, 
did  s;rant  and  confirm  unto  Robert  Walters,  John  Choi  well,  Leigh 
Atwood,  Cornelius  Depeyster,  Richard  Slater,  Barne  Cosens, 
Lancaster  Symes,  Matthew  Clarkson,  Robert  Lurting,  Peter 
Matthews  and  Caleb  Heathcote,  u  certain  tract  of  land  in  the 
county  of  Westchester. 

"  Bounded  to  the  sooth  by  the  east  division  line  between  the  province  of 
New  York  and  the  colony  of  Connecticat,  and  on  the  east  by  the  other  divi- 
sion line,  and  so  along  the  said  line,  until  it  meet  with  the  patent  of  Adolph 
Philips,  and  so  along  his  southern  boundaries,  till  it  meet  the  patent  of  the 
manor  of  Cortlandt,  and  from  thence  by  a  line  that  shall  run  upon  a  direct 
course,  until  it  meet  with  the  end  of  the  first  easterly  line  of  twenty  miles  of 
the  said  manor  of  Cortlandt,  and  from  thence,  along  the  said  line  westerly, 
until  it  meet  with  the  patent  granted,  to  Robert  Walters  and  others :  then, 
southerly,  along  the  said  patent,  until  it  meet  with  the  bounds  of  the  township 
of  Bedford,  and  thence  along  the  said  bounds,  till  it  meet  with  the  patent 
granted  to  Col.  Caleb  Heathcote  and  others ;  and,  along  the  bounds  of  the 
said  patent,  unto  the  colony  line,  which  said  tract  of  land,  on  the  25th  day  of 
February,  was  by  the  said  Robert  Walters,  in  his  aforesaid  company  purchased 
of  the  native  Indian  proprietors,  &c.  &c. 

This  grant  was  subsequently  known  by  the  name  of  the  East 
PcUeni. 

The  same  year  occurs  the  following  confirmation  from  the  In- 
dian sagamore  Catonah  to  the  <*  inhabitants  of  Stamford,  in  their 
former  sales  under  ye  hands  of  Taphance,  son  of  Ponus,  and 
Penaghag,  son  of  Onox." 


"  We  the  said  Catonah  and  other  Indians  do  by  these  presents  sell  and  fix 
bounds  as  followeth,  that  is  to  say  westward  as  far  as  ye  west  bounds  of  Bed- 
ford purchase,  bounded  north  by  ye  south  side  of  Bedford  purchase  and  by  ye 
Stone  hills,  upon  a  straight  line  eastward  nnto  ye  upper  end  of  ye  Long  Pond, 
and  from  thence  an  east  line  nntil  it  meets  with  a  line  drawn  north  from  ye 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  7 

upper  end  of  Five  Mile  river,  which  is  ye  east  line  of  our  several  purchases, 
and  we,  ye  said  Catonah  and  other  Indians,  give,  grant,  and  quit-claim  all 
ye  meadows,  trees,  feeding  grounds,  rivers,  pools,  and  other  privileges  that 
doth  belong  to  ye  said  lands  and  meadows  within  to  ye  southwards  of  ye 
north  bounds  above  mentioned  unto  ye  said  inhabitants  of  Stamford,  &c.,  &c. 
Also,  we  do  acknowledge  by  these  presents  to  have  received  of  ye  said  in* 
habitants  a  considerable  and  valuable  sum  of  money  for  all  ye  said  lands,  &c. 
It  is  to  be  understood  that  ye  above  said  Catonah  and  other  Indians  doth  by 
these  presents  confirm  all  ye  said  old  deeds  of  Taphance,  Ponus  and  Penag- 
hag,  and  old  Onoz,  also  young  Onox,  also  that  deed  made  to  Captain  Turner 
in  behalf  of  ye  town  of  Stamford,  also  that  deed  of  Nonatomonoa,  that  is  to 
say,  a  quit-claim  to  any  parte  or  parcel  of  lands  and  meadows  within  ye  said 
bounds  above  mentioned.  In  witness  of  truth,  we  whose  names  are  under- 
written have  hereunto  set  our  marks  and  seals,  at  Stamford,  this  eighth  day  of 
July,  1701. 

Signed,  sealed  and  The  marke  of  Catonah  j^  sagamore, 

delivered  in  the  presence  The  marke  of  Maninos  q 

of  John  O.  The  marke  of  Wequacumoke  X 

The  marke  of  Kenhoctam  '^  The  marke  of  Pepiamah  >> 

The  marke  of  Hamhorne  tr*  The  marke  of  Wokea  A 

The  marke  of  Syngo  ^  The  marke  of  Papaumema  OQ 

The  marke  of  Arutar  O  The  marke  of  Temon  < 

The  marke  of  Pohorus  O 
The  marke  of  Mockea  >^ 

By  the  final  settlement  of  the  boundary  lines  on  May  14th, 
1731,  Poundridge  was  transferred  to  the  Province  of  ^ew  York. 

In  1744.  John  Crawford  was  appointed  assessor  for  the  East 
Patent."^ 

The  following  items  are  from  the  town  records. 

Old  Poundridge,  April  ye  first  day,  1760. 

At  a  town  meeting  held  at  the  house  of  Ebenezer  Lockwood, 
in  said  Old  Pound  in  Westchester  county,  under  ye  Province  of 
New  York,  we  the  freeholders,  inhabitants  and  residents  pro- 
ceeded as  follows  ;  first,  by  major  vole,  Joseph  liockwood  to  be 
town  clerk,  and  by  major  vote  William  Forster  to  be  constable, 
&c.,  &c. 

January  14th,  1762.    It  was  voted  that  Joseph  Lockwood  be 


*  North  Castle  Rec.    In  1746,  Joseph  Lockwood  was  assessor  for  the  East  Fa- 
tent 


8  HISTORY  OF  THE 

clerk  of  said  meeting  and  Lieutenant  John  Gauspur  be  modera* 
tor. 

April  20th,  1776.  Voted  Ebenezer  Lockwood  as  moderator, 
Joseph  Lockwood  as  clerk,  Lieut.  William  Jones,  constable. 

Upon  the  7th  day  of  August,  1766,  the  East  Patent  formerly 
granted  to  Robert  Walters  and  others,  was  sold,  in  pursuance  of 
a  certain  act  of  the  Lieutenant  Governor,  the  Council,  and  Gen- 
eral Assembly  of  this  colony,  entitled  "  An  act  for  the  more  ef- 
fectual collecting  of  his  Majesties  quit  rents  in  the  colony  of  New 
York,  and  for  partition  of  lands  in  order  thereto,"  (fee.  The 
principal  purchasers  under  the  act,  appear  to  have  been  the  Lock- 
woods,  Amblers,  Forshers,  Bishops,  Ferrises,  Hoyts,  Hollys, 
Browns,  Sil licks  and  Scofields,  (fee,  (fec.*^  In  1826,  the  Legis- 
lature of  this  state  claimed  as  successor  of  the  Crown  the  sum  of 
$243  71,  due  as  quit  rent  on  the  East  Patent >  To  satisfy  this 
claim  nine  hundred  acres  of  land  were  sold  in  the  southern  part 
of  the  Putent.c 

The  village  of  Poundridge  occupies  an  elevated  situation  near 
the  centre  of  the  town,  and  contains  two  churches,  two  stores,  a 
school  house,  a  post  office  and  15  or  20  dwellings.  As  early  as  the 
year  1744,  a  settlement  was  commenced  on  this  spot  by  Captain 
Joseph  Lockwood,  and  a  few  associates^  from  Stamford,  Con- 
necticut. At  this  early  period  the  surrounding  country  was 
one  vast  wilderness  heavily  covered  with  timber.  Upon  a  com- 
manding eminence  which  rises  above  the  rest  of  the  village 
stands  the  Presbyterian  church.      This  building,  which  was 


•■  The  Wetmores  aUo  appear  to  have  been  amoDg  the  early  proprietors,  for  at  a 
late  period  James  Wetmore,  attorney  at  law,  (then  residing  in  Nova  ScotiaJ  served 
a  writ  of  ejectment  upon  the  Lockwood  family  to  recover  certain  lands  in  Pound- 
ridge. 

b  See  Revised  Statutes  for  1813. 

e  «  Soccage  lands  were  not  deemed  discharged  of  any  rents,  certain  or  other 
services,  incident  or  belonging  to  tenure  in  soccage,  due  to  the  people  of  the  state, 
(who  were  considered  to  stand  in  the  place  of  the  Crown.)  Therefore  on  the  first 
day  of  April,  1786,  the  Legislature  of  this  state  passed  an  act,  entitled  an  act  for 
the  collection  and  commutation  of  quit  rents." 

d  The  descendants  of  the  original  settlers  are  numerous,  and  some  of  them  still 
reside  in  the  village. 


COUNTY #f  WEiSTCHESTER.  9 

erected  in  1786,  occupies  ihe  site  of  the  old  church  destroyed  by 
the  British  troops,  A.  D.  1779.  The  Presbyterian  Society  of 
Poundridge  was  first  organized  in  1760.*  The  first  chnrch  edi- 
fice however  was  not  erected  until  1770.  Its  incorporation  oc- 
curs on  ihe  28th  of  April,  17S8.  Nathaniel  Bonion,  William 
Fancher,  John  Hoyt,  Benaiah  Brown,  Thaddeus  Seymour  and 
Ebenozer  Seymour,  trustees.  ^'  The  said  church  to  be  governed 
according  to  the  Directory  of  the  now  established  Chnrch  of 
Scotland."^  From  this  date  to  1822,  it  remained  in  connection 
with  the  Westchester  presbytery.  Upon  the  8ih  of  May,  1822, 
it  was  received  into  commnnion  with  the  General  Assembly. 

At  a  meelirig  of  the  cotigregafion  held  the  2:^d  of  April,  IS2S, 
it  was  resolved,  that  whereas  *' some  doubt  existed  with  regard 
to  the  due  legal  organization  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and 
congregation  in  Poundridge,  they  hereby  declare  themselves  to 
be  a  Presbyterian  congregation  under  the  style  of  the  •*  Presby- 
terian Congregation  of  Poundridge,  belonging  to  the  Presbytery 
of  the  North  River,  under  the  care  of  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States."  On  this  occa- 
sion Horatio  Lockwood,  Joseph  St.  John  and  Samuel  Weed,  were 
elected  trustees.® 

This  church  and  congregation  are  now  in  connection  with  the 
Bedford  presbytery. 

List  of  Ministers  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at 


PoVNDRIDaS. 

Instal  or  call. 

Ministert. 

Vacalec 

by. 

1770, 

.    Rev.  Mr.  Strong, 

resig. 

1774, 

Rev.  Blackleach  Burritt, 

do. 

1791, 

Rev.  Benjamin  Judd, 

do. 

1795, 

Rev.  Samuel  Blatchford, 

D. 

D.d 

do. 

*  At  the  first  meeting  of  the  congres^tioo,  Captain  Joseph  Lockwood  was  un* 
aniiQoosly  chosen  chairman,  and  Mr.  Jarvis,  secretary. 

k  Co.  Rec.  Religions  Soc.  Lib.  A.  21. 

«  Ca  Rec.  Religions  Soc.  Lib  A.  197. 

'The  Rev.  Samael  Blatchford,  an  Englishman,  sacceeded  Dr.  Dwighl*  ai 
Gnenfield,  Conn.,  when  the  latter  was  called  to  the  presidency  of  Ymie  Cellege. 

ToL.  II.  8 


\ 


10  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Instal  or  call.  Ministers.  Vacated  by. 

1800,  Rw.  Richard  Andrews,  do. 

1819,  Rer.  John  Lowe,  do. 

1823,  Rev.  Mr.  Crocker,  do. 

1824,  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson,  do. 
1830,  Rev.  ^hn  White,*  do. 
1832,  Rev.  (Carles  G.  Thompson,  do. 
1834,  Rev.  William  Patterson,  present  minister. 

Church  Memoranda, 

1826         members    46;  baptisms    0 

1836,  ditto        62;  ditto       1 

1846,  ditto        90;  ditto       3. 

A  considerable  eminence  rises  a  little  to  the  east  of  the  Pres- 
byterian church,  from  the  summit  of  which  is  an  extensive  pros- 
pect of  the  beautiful  country  bordering  the  Sound  and  the  dis- 
tant shores  of  Long  Island,  &c. 

Prior  to  1775,  Poundridge  constituted  one  of  the  precincts  of  Rye 
parish.  In  1816  Episcopal  services  were  peiiormed  here  by  the 
Rev.  George  Weller. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  this  place  was  first  in- 
corporated in  1822,  James  Brown,  John  Haws  and  Samuel  K. 
Olmstead,  trustees.^  The  present  church  edifice  was  erected  in 
1833. 

The  village  grave-yard  is  pleasantly  situated  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  south  of  Poundridge  upon  a  gentle  acclivity.  The  head 
stones  record  the  names  of  Thaddeus  H.  Lockwood  who  died  in 
1774:  Ebenczer  Lockwood,  Esq.,  who  died  July  29th,  1821,  aet. 
84  :  John  Ferris  who  died  A.  D.  1788,  and  Captain  John  Grinell, 
born  in  Nantucket,  Mass.,  December  7th,  1795,  and  died  in  Cron- 
stad,  Russia,  June  3d,  1831,  set.  34,  &c.,  &c.    Others  are  simply 


•  This  indiTidual  wm  a  natiTe  of  Scotland  and  a  claMmate  of  Robert  Pollock, 
author  of  the  Coune  of  Time. 

»  Co.  Rec.  Religioas  Soc.  Lib.  A.  170.  A  second  incorporation  ocean  on  the  Slst  of 
December,  1832.  The  Methodist  Protestant  Chnrch  and  Society  in  Poandridfo, 
were  incorporated  on  the  16tb  of  March,  1833.  Selby  Fancher,  William  Brown 
and  Joseph  Waterbniy,  troittei.    Co.  Rsc  Religioas  Soc.  Lib.  B.  12. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  1 1 

inscribed  with  the  initials  of  the  deceased,  iu  B.  1771.  I.  M.  L, 
1787,  &c. 

On  the  south  side  of  the  village,  being" a  part  of  the  old  estate 
of  the  Lockwoods,  are  the  residences  of  Horatio  and  Ezra  Lock- 
wood,  Esqrs.  These  gentlemen  are  the  sons  of  Major  Ebenezer 
Lockwood  of  the  Continental  army,  (me  of  the  most  active  and 
efficient  members  of  the  committee  oi  public  safety.^^  He  was 
the  son  of  Capt.  Joseph  Lockwood,  one  of  the  first  sellers  of  Pound- 
ridge. 

The  Lockwood  family  originally  derived  from  a  place  of  the 
name  in  Staffordshire,  England,  and  are  probably  descended  from 
Edmund  Lockwood,  a  freeman  of  Massachusetts  in  1631,  who 
subsequently  removed  to  Connecticut  with  Messrs.  Hooker  and 
Stone. 

Ezra  Lockwood,  Esq.,  of  Poundridge,  was  for  many  years 
a  judge  of  the  late  court  of  common  pleas,  in  this  county.  Of 
this  family  is  the  Hon.  Albert  Lockwood,  present  judge  of  the 
county,  and  General  Munson  I.  Lockwood,  county  clerk. 

During  the  contest  between  England  and  the  colonies,  the  in*- 
habitants  of  Poundridge,  generally,  appear  to  have  taken  a  decided 
stand  in  favor  of  liberty.  The  following  letter  from  the  commit- 
tee of  public  safety,  to  the  Hon.  Provincial  Congress,  is  found  ia 
the  acts  of  the  latter  body. 

Poundridge^  loth  of  Oct,  1776. 

Honored  Sirs: 

"  We  the  sub-committee  of  Poundridge,  in  Westchester  County, 
beg  leave  to  inform  your  Honors,  that  we  are  apprehensive  that 
there  is  danger  of  our  prisoners  leaving  us  and  joining  the  minis- 
terial army,  as  we  are  not  above  nine  or  ten  miles  from  the  water 
where  the  sound  is  full  of  the  ministerial  ships  and  tenders.  One 
of  our  number  is  already  gone  to  Long  Island,  and  numbers  are 
gone  from  other  places,  who  are  no  doubt  now  with  the  ministe- 
rial army.    There  aie  disaffected  persons  daily  going  over  to 

■  — — ^- 

*  Major  Lockwood  wu  also  a  member  of  the  convention  that  framed  the  &rat 
'  conatHation  of  the  itate,  and  a  jad^  of  the  coantj  in  1778« 


12  HiSTORt  OF  THS! 

them  which  gives  ns  much  trouble*  Therefore,  we  humbly  beg 
your  Honors  would  give  us  some  directions  concerning  them,  that 
they  may  be  speedily  removed  at  some  fftrlher  dislanCe.  We  would 
also  inform  you  that  for  the  misdemeanors  of  one  of  ihem  and  oUr 
own  safety,  we  have  been  obliged  to  commit  him  to  jail  at  the  White 
Plains.    These  with  all  proper  respects,  from  yours  to  serve. 

Joseph  Ambler.*^ 

Chairman  of  Committee. 

In  July,  1779,  a  skirmish  took  place  in  this  village  between  the 
Americans  and  a  slrong  force  of  the  enemy,  under  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Tarleton. 

*' About  three  haodred  artd  sixty  of  the  enemy's  li^ht  horse,  andlight-infan* 
try,  (says  General  Heath,)  came  out  from  Mile-Square,  and  attacked  Colonel 
Sheldon's  light-horse,  who  were  posted  at  Puundridge,  about  ninety  in  number* 
The  superi'ir  force  of  the  enemy  obliged  our  horse  at  first,  to  reireat ;  but  be- 
ing reinforced  by  the  militia,  they  in  turn,  pursued  the  enemy.  Our  loss  was 
one  corporal,  one  trumpeter  and  eight  privates,  wounded  ;  three  sergeants,  one 
corporal  and  four  privates  missing ;  and  twelve  horses  missing.  The  stand* 
ard  of  the  regiment  being  left  in  the  house  when  the  dragoons  suddenly  turned 
out,  was  lost.  Of  the  enemy,  one  was  killed,  four  taken  prisoners,  four  horses 
taken,  and  one  horse  killed.  The  enemy  set  fire  to  and  burnt  the  meeting 
bouse,  and  Maj.  Lockwood^s  house  \^  they  also  burnt  Mr.  Hay^s  house,  at  Bed- 
ford.''* 

It  appears  that  one  of  the  principal  objects  in  this  sudden  foray 
of  the  enemy,  was  the  surprisal  of  Major  Ebenezer  Lock- 
wood,  before  mentioned,  for  whose  head  forty  guineas  had 
been  offered.  The  day  previous,  however,  Luther  Kinnicut,  a 
spy  in  the  employ  of  the  coiumiitee  of  public  safety,  gave  notice 
of  the  intended  attack,  and  advised  the  major  to  be  on  his  guard. 
The  night  being  very  dark  and  stormy,  Colonel  Sheldon  did  not 
expect  the  enemy  ;  he  nevertheless  ordered  the  horses  to  be  tied 
up  in  readiness. 


•■  The  descendants  of  this  individual  still  reside  ia  the  vicinity. 
.  f  ^  The  British  *'  would  not  suffer  the  family  to  take  any  thing  away.**    See  New 
Yotk  Journal,  for  Holts  account  of  the  action. 

«  Heath's  Mem.  208. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  13 

To  General  Heath's  account  of  the  action,  we  append  the  re- 
port of  Lt.  Col.  Tarleton  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton. 

Dated,  Camp  on  the  Bronx,  July  2,  1779,  cle? en  P.  M. 

Sir:  — 

I  have  the  honor  to  inform  your  excellency,  that  I  moved  with  the  detach- 
ment jon  were  pleased  to  entrust  me  with,  consisting  of  seventy  of  the  17ih 
light   dragoons,  part  of  the  legion  infantry  and  cavalry,  Qucen*8  rangers, 
Hussars  and  some  mounted  yagers,  in  all  about  two  hundred,  at  half  past  11 
o^clock  last  night.    The  weather  being  remarkably  bad,  prevented  my  making 
North  Castle  church  before  4  o^clock  next  morning,  where  I  received  con- 
firmation of  my  intelligence  relative  to  the  numbers  and  situation  of  SheKion^s 
regiment  and  one  hundred  Continental  foot,  but  no    tidings  of  MoylaruTs 
regiment  of  dragoons.     I  pursued  my  route  through  Bedford  to  Poundridffef 
without  any  material  ocourreoce,  in  the  district  of  the  ridge,  and  within  ihree 
hundred  yards  of  the  enemy,  who  were  not  alarmed.     My  guide  in  front,  mis- 
took the  road  ;  another  guide  informed  me  of  the  error,  and  it  was  rectified  as 
soon  as  possible.^'    The  enemy^s  vidette  had  noticed  our  passing  their  front. 
The  whole  regiment  was  mounted  and  formed  behind  the  meeting  house.     An 
attack  was  instantly  made  by  the  advanced  guard,  consisting  of  the  ITth  light 
dragoons,  the  ground  not  allowing  more  than  seven  or  eight  in  front.     The 
enemy  did  not  stand  the  charge  ;  a  general  route  ensued.   The  difficulties  of  the 
country,  und  their  being  no  possibility  of  obtaining  their  rear,  enabled  the  great- 
est part  of  the  regiment  to  escape.     The  pursuit  continued  for  four  miles  on  the 
Stamford  and  Salem  roads.     The  loss  of  men  in  Sheldon^s  dragoons,  upon  en- 
quiry and  comparison  of  accounts,  I  estimate  at  twenty-six  or  twenty-seven 
killed,  wounded  and  prisoners.     But  their  disgrace  in  the  loss  of  the  stand- 
ard  of  the  regiment  and  of  helmets,  arms  and  accoutrements,  was  great.     A 
part  of  the  officers  and  regimental  baggage  fell  into  our  hands.     I  have  hitherto 
omitted  mentioning  the  militia  to  the  amount  of  one  hundred  and  twenty,  who, 
together  with  the  Continental  foot,  broke  and  dispersed  at  the  appearance  of 
the  klng*s  troops.     The  militia*  assembled  again  on  eminences  and  in  swamps, 
and  before  we  quitted  the  ground  on  which  the  first  charge  was  made,  they 
fired  at  great  distances.     We  were  successful  in  killing,  wounding  and  taking 
fifteen  of  them,  the  rest  hovered  almost  out  of  our  sight.     The  inveteracy  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Poundridgeand  near  Bedford,  in  firing  from  houses  and  out 
houses,  obliged  (us)  to  burn  some  of  their  meeting  and  some  of  their  dwelling 
houses,  with  stores.     I  proposed  to  the  militia,  terms,  that  if  iliey  would   nut 
fire  shots  from  buildings,  I  would  not  burn.     They  interpreted  my  mild  pro- 
posal wrong,  imputing  it  to  fear.     They  persisted  in  firing  till  the  torch  slopped 
their  progress,  after  which  not  a  shot  was  fired." 

With  pleasure  I  relate  to  your  excellency,  that  the  loss  sustained  bf^his 


•  Major  Leavenworth  cooimanded  the  militia. 


14  HISTORY  OF  THE 

majesties  troops  is  trifling,  one  hussar  of  the  legion  killed,  one  wounded,  one 
horse  of  the  17th  dragoons  killed.  The  whole  of  the  detachment,  except  the 
above,  being  returned  to  camp.  The  infantry  of  the  legion  mounted  on  horses, 
were  extremely  fatigued  by  a  march  of  sixty-four  miles,  in  twenty-three 
hours. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

Signed,  Banastre  Tarleton, 

Lt.  Col.  British  legion. 

The  following  additional  particulars  respecting  this  engage- 
ment, are  contained  in  a  letter  from  an  officer  (of  Sheldon's  regi- 
ment as  supposed)  dated  at  Salem,  July  3rd,  1779. 

**  Yesterday  morning  about  sunrise,  a  detachment  of  the  second  regiment  of 
light  dragoons,  consisting  of  ninety  men,  commanded  by  Col.  Sheldon,  posted 
near  Poundridge  meeting  house,  was  notified  of  the  advance  of  the  enemy  by 
our  videttes.  Our  horses  being  previously  saddled  and  bridled,  the  men  were 
ordered  immediately  to  mount.  As  soon  as  we  were  paraded,  the  enemy^s  horse 
were  discovered  rapidly  advancing,  about  three  or  four  hundred  in  number. 

The  enemy  having  driven  in  our  advanced  parties,  they  began  the  charge  on 
the  detachment,  which  from  the  great  superiority  of  the  enemy,  was  obliged 
to  move  off.  The  enemy  pushed  hard  on  our  rear  for  more  than  two  miles,  in 
(he  course  of  which,  a  scattering  fire  was  kept  up  between  their  advance  and 
our  rear,  and  a  constant  charge  with  the  sword,  the  country  through  which 
we  passed  being  very  mountainous  and  rocky,  caused  many  of  our  horses  to 
blonder  and  fall,  which  occasioned  some  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 
We  immediately  collected  some  of  the  militia,  and  began  to  pursue  the  enemy, 
following  them  below  North  Castle  church.  They  moved  off  with  such 
great  precipitation,  that  we  could  not  come  up  with  them.  Before  the  enemy 
moved  off,  they  burnt  the  meeting  house  at  Poundridge,  and  thedwelling  house 
of  Benjamin  Hays,  at  Bedford.  They  (as  usual)  plundered  most  of  the  houses 
they  came  to  and  set  fire  to  several  houses  which  were  fortunately  extin- 
guished. Our  loss  on  this  occasion,  was  ten  wounded,  eight  missing  and 
twelve  horses  missing.  The  enemy^s  loss,  one  killed,  wounded  uncertain, 
four  prisoners,  four  horses  taken  and  one  ditto  killed." 

The  general  surface  of  Poundridge,  is  uneven,  and  much  of  it 
stony,  but  havinga  due  admixture  of  arable,  with  pastureand  mea- 
dow lands  ;  it  forms  a  tolerable  productive  agricultural  township. 
The  soil  consists  principally  of  a  gravelly  loam,  and  is  well  adapted 
io  grass  and  pasturage.  It  is  also  excellent  for  orchards  and  fruit 
trees  of  all  kinds.  The  growth  of  wood  consists  of  white,  red  and 
black  oak,  hickory  and  chesnut,  ice.   The  northern  portion  of  the 


COUNTY  or  WESTCHESTER.  16 

town  is  occupied  by  a  steep  and  lofty  ridge  of  mountains,  called 
the  Stony  Hillsy  which  run  principally  in  a  northeast  direction; 
for  the  space  of  three  or  four  miles.  The  sides  of  these  craggy 
mountains,  intermixed  with  small  trees  and  bushes,  exhibit  a 
variety  of  fantastic  forms,  presenting  one  of  the  wildest  scenes 
in  Westchester  county.  At  their  base,  are  luxuriant  valleys 
watered  with  numerous  streams.  Upon  the  northeast  side  of  the 
town  is  a  singular  chain  of  ponds,  the  largest  of  which  is  called 
Cross  pond ;  it  is  supplied  by  several  springs,  and  has  its  outlet  in 
Cross  river.  The  other  ponds  in  succession,  are  the  Round pond^ 
the  Middle  pond  and  the  Lower  pondj  all  communicating  with 
one  another.  From  the  Lower  pond^  is  an  outlet  into  Tatomuck 
river,  which  empties  into  the  sound  at  Stamford  in  Connecticut. 
The  south  western  part  of  the  town  is  richly  interspersed  with 
hills  and  valleys,  and  much  running  water. 


16  mSTORY  OF  THE 


RYE. 

This  township  is  situated  directly  in  ihe  south  east  angle  of 
Westchester  county,  l)ordering  the  sound,  bounded  on  the  east 
by  the  state  of  Connecticut  and  the  Byrnni  river,  on  the  south 
by  (he  sound,  and  on  the  west  and  north  by  the  townships 
of  Harrison  nnd  Norihcnstle. 

In  the  year  1G()0,  the  lands  of  Rye  were  in  the  possession  of 
ShanasockwellorShanorockc (as hesuhsequently  signed  his  name) 
an  independent  chiofiain  of  the  Siwanoys,  whose  clan  formed  a 
portion,  if  not  one  of  the  Mohegan  tribes  itself,  of  the  "  sea  coast." 
This  chief  with  his  followers,  was  residing  on  the  banks  of  the 
Hudson  River,  in  1661. 

Poningoc,  the  Indian  name  of  Rye,  is  apparently  derived 
from  Ponus,  the  title  of  the  aboriginal  proprietor  of  this  territory, 
A.  D.  1640.     The  final  termination  oe  or  oug,  denoting  locality. 

Thus  the  whole  word  may  emphatically  express  the  place  or 

locality  of  that  Sachem's  residence.    Nothing  however  remains 

at  this  late  period,  to  establish  the  connection  with  any  degree  of 

certainty.    Ponus  himself,  was  one  of  the  ruling  Sagamores  of 

Rippowams,  (Stamford)  in  1640.    This  individual  left  issue,  three 

sons,  Owenoke,  Taphance  and  Onox ;  the  latter  had  one  son, 

Powhag. 

The  ruling  Sagamore  of  Poningoe  in  1681,  appears  to  have 

been  Maramaking,  commonly  known  as  Lame  Will,  His  suc- 
cessor was  Patthunck,  who  with  his  son  Wappetoe  Patthunck, 
granted  to  Joseph  Horton  in  1694,  lands  bordering  the  Mamar* 
neck  river. 

For  the  various  localities  within  Poningoe,  the  Tndians  had  other 
names.  The  meadows  bordering  the  Armonck,  (Byrani)  were 
called  Haseco  and  Miosehassaky.  The  high  ridge  ea^t  of  the 
Mockquams  (Blind  brook)  Euketaupucuson  and  the  territory 
west  of  the  Mockquams,  (embracing  Rye  neck)  Apawquammis 
or  Epawainos.<^ 


*  Apwonnah  it  tlM  Indian  tenn  for  an  oyiter.— Cotton's  Indian  Tocabolaiy. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  17 

The  Beaver  Dam  or  Stony  brook  was  styled  in  the  Indian 
tongue  Pockeotessen.  The  former  existence  of  Indian  babita* 
tions  on  the  great  neck  of  Poningoe  is  amply  proved  by  the 
Dumber  of  hunting  and  warlike  weapons  fonnd  in  that  neighbor- 
hood. The  site  of  the  principal  Mohegan  village  was  on  or  near 
Parsonage  Point.  In  the  same  vicinity  is  situated  "Burying 
mil^^  their  place  of  sepulture.  The  remains  of  six  Indians  were 
discovered  on  excavating  the  present  foundations  for  Newberry 
Halstead's  residence,  which  stands  near  the  entrance  of  the  great 
neck.  The  first  grantees  under  the  Indians  of  Poningoe,  were 
the  Dutch  West  India  Conipany,  who  obtained  a  grant  of  the 
lands  extending  from  Westchester  to  Greenwich,  A.  D.  1640. 

By  the  provisional  treaty  of  Hartford,  in  1650,  the  boundary 
line  between  New  En^yJand  and  New  Netherlands  was  to  com- 
mence  upon  Long  Island,  from  the  westernmost  part  of  the  Oyster 
Bay,  so,  and  in  a  straight  and  direct  line  to  the  sea;  and  upon 
the  main  land,  a  line  to  begin  upon  the  west  side  of  Greenwich 
bay,  being  about  four  miles  from  Stamford,  and  so  to  run  a 
northerly  line  twenty  miles  up  into  the  country,  and  after  as  it 
shall  be  agreed  by  the  two  governments,  of  the  Dutch  and  of 
New  Haven,  provided  the  said  line  come  not  within  ten  miles  of 
Hudson's  river.*^ 

The  successors  of  the  Dutch  W^est  India  Company  in  1660, 
were  John  Goe,  Peter  Disbrow,  and  Thomas  Studwell,  who  pur- 
chased of  the  Indians  the  island  called  Manussingy  or  Menne- 
toies.^    The  deed  of  sale  bears  date  June  29, 1660. 

"  Be  it  known  unto  all  men  whom  it  may  concerne,  both  Indians  and  £n- 
gliah,  that  we,  Shanasockwell,  sagamore  Maowhoue  and  Cokcnsikoe,  hare 
sold  unto  Peter  Disbrow,  John  Coe,  Thomas  Studwell,  all  living  at  this 
present  at  Grenege  (Greenwich)  to  say  a  sartain  parcell  of  land  which  these 
Indians  above  mentioned  have  sold,  is  called  in  the  Indian  name  Menussing 
Island,  and  is  near  unto  the  main  land,  which  is  called  in  the  Indian  name 
Feoingoe,  this  said  island  we  above  mentioned  do  here,  by  virtue  of  this  bill, 
do  sell  all  our  right  and  title  unto  John  Coe,  Peter  Disbrow,  Thomas  Studwell, 
quietly  to  enjoy  from  any  molestation  of  us  or  any  other  Indians,  to  them  and 
theiii  heires,  assignees,  and  executors  for  ever,  and  further  we  have  given 

»  Hazard's  State  Papers,  vol.  ii.  218. 

b  Minnis  denotes  an  island,  iu  the  Algoncpiin. 

Vol.  II.  3 


18  mSTORY  OP  THE 

unto  Peter  Disbrow,  John  Coe,  and  Thomas  Stndwell  food  for  their  cattle 
upon  the  main,  called  by  the  Indians  Poningoe,  and  what  timbers  or  trees  thai 
is  for  their  use,  and  not  to  be  molested  by  us  or  other  Indians ;  and  we  do 
hereby  acknowledge  to  have  recei? ed  full  satisfaction  for  this  purchase  of  land 
abore  mentioned  to-day.  We  have  received  eight  coats  and  seven  shirts, 
fiAeen  fathom  of  wampone,  which  is  the  full  satisfaction  for  the  parcel  of  land 
above  mentioned ;  and  for  the  witness  we  have  hereto  put  our  hands. 
Witness  Joshua  Knapp,  The  marke  of  V  Shanasockwek. 

Henry  Disbrow,  "  ^  Aranaque. 

Feb.  23, 1678.  ♦*  Q  Cokow. 

**  Z  Wawatauman. 

•*  X  Cokinseco. 

'*  3  Maswbort. 

*'  Z  Quauaike. 

"  L  Aramapow. 

'*  S  Wonanas. 

"  Y  Topogone. 

"         W  Malishes. 

"  T  Richard. 

By  another  deed  bearing  date  the  22d  May,  1661,  the  Indians 
sold  lands  on  the  main  to  Peter  Disbrow. 

"  Be  it  known  to  all  men  whom  it  may  concerne,  bothe  English  and  Indians, 
that  I,  Cokoe,  and  Marrmeokhung,  and  Assawarwone,  and  Naktinneman,  and 
Shocote,  and  Waowhowarnt,  doe  acknowledge  to  have  sold  to  Peter  Disbrow, 
his  heirs  and  assignees,  a  certain  tract  of  land  lying  between  Byram  River  and 
the  Blind  brook,  which  tract  of  land  is  bounded  as  fulloweth  :  viz.,  with  the 
river  called  in  English  Byram  River,  beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  above 
said  river  on  the  east,  and  the  bounds  of  Hastings  on  the  south  and  south- 
west, to  the  marked  trees,  and  northward  up  to  the  marked  trees,  which 
may  contain  six  or  seven  miles,  from  the  sea  along  the  said  Biram  River 
side  northward,  and  so  from  the  said  river  cross  the  neck  northwest  and 
west  to  the  river  called  Blind  brook,  bounded  northward  with  marked 
trees  which  leads  down  to  Little  brook,  which  runs  into  the  Blind  brook ; 
which  tract  of  land  I,  Cokoe,  and  the  above  said  Indians,  ourselves,  heirs, 
and  assignees,  do  here  promise  and  make  good  to  the  said  Peter  Disbrow, 
his  heirs  or  assignees,  peaceable  and  quiet  possession  for  ever,  without 
any  molestation  either  from  Dutch,  Indians,  or  English.  We  the  above 
said  Indians  have  sold  also  this  tract  of  land  above  mentioned,  with  all  the 
trees,  grass,  springs,  and  minerals,  with  feed  range  and  timber  northward 
twenty  English  miles  above  the  said  purchase  of  lands,  and  do  acknowledge 
to  have  received  full  satisfaction  for  the  said  land.    In  witness  hereof  we 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  19 

the  above  said  Indians  have  set  oar  hands  this  present  day  and  date  abore 
written. 

Witness  John  Coe,  Marmeukhung  Z  his  marke. 

John  H.  Jayson.  Assawaawane  ^^  his  marke. 

Nantinneman  S  his  marke. 

Cokoe  P 

The  following  year  the  Indians  Shawaunorocot  and  Rumkque 
made  a  further  grant  of  territory. 

**  Know  all  men  whom  this  may  concerne  that  we,  Peter  Disbrow,  John 
Coe,  Thomas  Studwell,  and  John  Budd,  have  bargained,  bought,  and  payd  for, 
to  the  satisfaction  of  Showannowocot,  Roksohtohkow  and  Pewahaham  and 
other  Indians,  whose  hands  are  underwritten,  a  certain  tract  of  land  aboTO 
Westchester  path,  to  the  marked  trees,  bounded  with  the  above  said  river, 
Blind  brook,  which  tracts  of  land,  with  %11  the  privileges,  as  woods,  trees, 
grass,  springs,  mines  and  minerals,  to  the  said  Peter  Disbrow,  John  Coe, 
Thomas  Studwell,  to  them  and  their  heirs  forever,  with  a  warrantie  against 
all  persons,  English  or  Indians.  To  this  bargain  and  sale  we  the  above  said 
Indians  do  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs  and  assignees,  to  the  above  said  Peter 
Disbrow,  John  Coe,  and  the  rest  abovesaid,  to  them,  their  heirs  and  assigneesi 
ioi  ever,  as  witness  our  hands  this  present  day  and  date,  June  2,  1662. 

Shuwannorocot  3  his  marke. 

Rumkque  Q  his  marke. 

April  the  28ih,  1663,  Peter  Disbrow,  John  Coe,  Thomas 
Studwell  and  John  Budd,  by  a  deed  of  sale  conveyed  the  island 
and  main  land  to  the  following  planters,  Samuel  Allen,  Richard 
Lowe,  Philip  Galpin,  Thomas  Applebe,  William  Odell,  John 
Brondig  and  John  Coe,  for  which  the  latter  were  to  pay  forty 
shillings  a  lot  in  cattle  or  corn,  between  the  above  date  and  Jan- 
uary  next  ensuing.^ 

Peter  Disbrow  by  a  declaration  of  trust,  dated  June  16,  1676, 
assigned  all  his  right,  title  and  interest  in  the  Indian  purchase  to 
the  rest  of  the  proprietors  of  Rye  then  living  between  the  two 
rivers,  viz.  the  By  ram  river  to  .the  east  and  a  river  called  the 
Blind  brook  to  the  west  in  equal  proportions.  The  original  di- 
vision of  Rye  consisted  of  ten  acres  to  each  individual  planter, 
besides  a  privilege  in  the  undivided  lands. 


•  R}.e  Rec.  Lib.  A. 


20  HISTORY  OP  THE  .^V 

From  a  note  appended  to  this  deed  of  trust  it  appears  that 
John  Horton  had  selected  a  spot  of  land  not  within  the  bounds 
of  Rye  purchase. 

"  fiat  lyeth  considerably  to  the  northward  of  the  head  of  the  Blind  Brook, 
and  consequently  to  the  north  of  the  north-west  bounds,  except  they  do  claim 
it  as  comprehended  within  the  twenty  English  miles  range,  whereof  waa 
granted  to  them,  viz.  the  proprietors. 

In  1662,  the  thirteen  proprietors  of  the  salt  meadows  within  Hastings 
were, 

Thomas  Studwell,  William  Odell, 

John  Brondig,  Peter  Disbrow, 

WiUiam  Odell,  John  Coe, 

Thomas  Applebe,  Samuel  Allen, 

Philip  Galpio,  John  Coe, 

Richard  Fowler,  Thomas  Studwell, 

John  Budd. 

At  this  period  Connecticut,  regardless  of  the  Hartford  treaty 
made  in  1650,  obtained  from  the  native  Indians  a  further  grant 
of  territory  extending  from  the  east  line  of  that  colony  to  the 
present  village  of  Westchester.  Under  this  purchase  she  claim- 
ed the  lands  of  Rye  and  required  the  submission  of  the  inhabi- 
tants to  her  authority. 

Against  this  aggression  Governor  Stuyvesant  calmly  remon- 
strated, and  dispatched  two  officers  to  stop  further  proceedings. 

This  appears  from  the  following  letter  addressed  by  the  inha- 
bitants to  the  General  Court,  dated 

Hastings,  6  May,  1664. 

"To  the  honored  Governor  and  Councill  and  magistrates  of 
Connecticut,  we  the  inhabitants  of  Hastine,  formerly  Midlebo- 
rough  upon  Long  Island,  having  had  by  the  Duche  Governor 
tow  of  his  oGcers  sent  unto  us  with  tow  or  three  papers,  the  con- 
tents we  supose  doe  in  parte  belouge  unto  yourselves  as  well  as 
us,  and  therefore  make  bould  to  trouble  your  honnours  there- 
with, intreatinge  your  aide.  Wee  know  not  wither  evil  intents 
may  be,  for  wee  understand  that  they'will  not  keep  ther  promise, 
for  they  have  not  delivered  James  Christed's  bond  and  Mr. 
Willyam  Leveriches,  but  they  grant  this  instead  of  delivering  the 
bond  have  this  day  demanded  the  moneys  of  James  Christed, 


,^^'  COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER  21 

this  is  therefore  to  intreate  your  honnours  to  tak  our  condission 
into  your  consideration  and  tak  some  spedy  cours  for  our  futter 
peace  and  comforte.  We  are  unwillinge  to  loose  our  planting  by 
ihem.  This  hoping  you  will  now  stand  by  us,  we  rest  your 
loving  neighbours  and  friends  the  inhabitance  of  Hastine." 

By  me, 

James  Bradish, 

Clarke  for  Hasting. 
To  the  honored  Court 
Mr.  John  Winthrop  and  his 
Honorable  Counsill  of  the  Court  of  Connecticut, 
assembled  at  Hartford,  this  present  with  speed. (^ 

During  the  year  1663,  King  Charles  the  Second,  by  letters 
patent  under  the  great  seal,  conveyed  the  Province  of  New 
Netherlands,  and  that  part  of  Connecticut  lying  westward  of 
Connecticut  river,  to  his  brother  James,  Duke  of  York  and  Al- 
bany. Thus  by  a  wholesale  usurpation  excluding  for  ever  the 
rightful  proprietors,  utterly  regardless  of  their  just  rights  as  dis- 
coverers, and  in  the  face  too  of  all  existing  treaties. 

Whilst  the  King  was  disposing  of  the  New  Netherlands  in 
this  unlawful  manner,  we  find  Governor  Stiiyvesant  thus  com- 
plaining to  Governor  Winthrop  and  the  General  Assembly  of 
Connecticut,  **That  John  Coe,  Jun.,  and  Anthony  Waters  with 
eighty  horse  and  foot  have  put  down  the  old  magistrates  in  some 
towns,  and  setting  up  others."  He  trusts  the  English  will  sup- 
press such  things,  and  prevent  bloodshed.  Dat.  Amsterdam, 
N.  N.  Nov.  15,  1663.b 

As  early  as  1641  it  appears  to  have  been  the  British  policy  as 
one  means  of  counteracting  the'  Dutch  in  America,  "  that  the 
English  put  forward  their  plantations,  and  crowd  on,  crowd- 
ing the  Dutch  out  of  those  places  where  they  have  settled  ;"c 
this  continued  to  be  the  principle  upon  which  the  former  acted 
until  the  subjugation  of  the  latter,  which  happened  5th  Septem- 


•  Town  and  Lands,  Hartford  State  Rec.  Vol.  i.  No  36. 
k  CoL  Boundariei,  Hart.  Rec.  fol.  ii.  letter  vii. 

*  Col.  Boundaries,  Hart.  Rec.  fo!.  ii.  letter  i. 


22  HISTORY  OP  THE 

ber,  1664,  when  the  Province  of  the  New  Netherlands  surren- 
dered to  Colonel  Richard  Nicolls,  the  Duke's  governor. 

The  same  year  the  commissioners  appointed  for  settling  the 
bounds  of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  York's  patent  and  the 
colony  of  Connecticut,  did  order  and  declare  *•  that  the  creek  or 
river,  called  Mamaroneck,  which  is  reputed  to  be  about  twelve 
miles  to  the  east  of  Westchester,  and  a  line  drawn  from  ye  east 
point  or  side,  where  the  fresh  waters  fall  into  the  salt  at  high  water 
mark,  north  north-west  to  the  line  of  Massachusetts,  shall  be  the 
western  bounds  of  ye  said  colony  of  Connecticut."* 

Richard  Nicolls, 
George  Cartwright, 
Sam'l  Mawricke. 

By  this  division  Rye  became  annexed  to  the  colony  of  Con- 
necticut, and  constituted  a  portion  of  Fairfield  county. 

The  following  bill  of  sale  occurs  December  8,  1666,  from 
John  Coe  one  of  the  original  proprietors  of  Rye  to  Hachaliah 
Brown. 

Know  all  men  to  whom  it  may  concern  that  I  John  Coe  parchaaer  of  the 
town  of  Rye,  being  one  of  the  four  men  that  bought  this  place  in  the  colony  of 
Connecticut,  in  New  England,  do  sell  and  bind  over  unto  Hachaliah  Brown  in 
the  same  town,  one  half  of  a  12th  lot  with  all  the  privileges  thereunto  belong- 
ing ;  namely,  one  half  of  the  upland  and  one  half  of  the  meadow,  both  fresh 
and  salt,  both  divided  and  undivided,  with  four  acres  of  upland  lying  in  the 
neck  called  the  Opasfar  neck,  or  otherwise  called  Scotch  cap  neck,  of  which 
two  of  the  aforesaid  four  acres  belong  to  the  half  lot.  This  four  acres  is 
bounded  thus,  with  George  Kniffen  on  the  N.  E.  and  front ;  with  the  Blind 
Brook  towards  the  N.  W.  and  Thomas  Brower  toward  the  S.  W.,  and  the 
waste  land  is  the  bounds  to  the  S.  E.  This  seven  acres  of  land  more  or  less 
is  thus  bounded  as  is  above  mentioned.  The  aforesaid  land  I  have  purchased 
4>f  the  Indians,  as  doth  appear  by  deed  under  the  Indians  hands,  I  say  I  have 
sold  with  all  privileges  thereunto  belonging,  namely,  trees,  grass,  rocks,  min- 
«raU,  and  springs,  with  the  fence  or  fencing  which  are  or  shall  be  belonging 
thereunto,  and  I  do  here  bind  myself,  by  promise,  to  make  good  the  sale  here- 
of from  me,  my  heirs,  assignees,  or  administrators  to  the  said  Hachaliah 
Brown,  him,  his  heirs,  assignees  or  administrators,  quietly  and  peaceably  to 
possess  as  his  own  for  ever,  without  any  molestation  either  by  or  under  me, 


•  Col.  BoundaricF,  fol  ii.  letter  xzil 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  23 

Ac.f  &c.  And  I  do  acknowledge  to  have  received  full  satisfaction  of  the  above- 
said  Hachaliah  Brown  for  this  aforesaid  land,  as  witness  my  hand  this  day 
and  date,  Dec.  8, 1666.« 

John  Coe. 
Witness, 

Thomas  Brown,  George  Lane. 

May  11,  1671,  the  general  court  of  Connecticut  granted  that 
the  town  of  Rye  bounds  should  extend  up  into  ye  country  north- 
ward twelve  miles> 

At  first  the  pretences  of  Connecticut  to  the  westward  were  un- 
limited, till  the  year  1683,  and  consequently  so  to  the  northward 
of  Rye,  hence  the  grant  to  extend  twelve  miles  to  (he  north,  as 
being  less  exposed  to  be  opposed  by  New  York,  leaving  their 
bounds  unlimited  to  the  westward  of  Byram  river,  thus  giving 
.  them  an  opportunity  of  extending  their  bounds  twelve  miles  in 
that  direction,  so  as  to  form  a  tract  of  twelve  miles  square;  as 
they  had  already  granted  one  of  six  miles  square  to  Bedford. 
This  grant,  had  it  been  allowed  by  New  York,  would  have  cov- 
ered Harrison's  purchase,  the  White  Plains,  Mamaroneck,  the 
Mile  Square,  Tuckahoe,  New  Rochelle,  and  Eastchester,  besides 
other  places. 

The  twelve  proprietors  of  the  salt  meadows  in  this  town,  A.D. 
1672,  were  as  follows : 

William  Odell,  1         Thomas  Applebe,  6   Richard  Fowler,  10 
John  Brondij,  2  Thomas  Allen,  7       Thomas  Stedwell,  11 

Peter  Disbrow,  3        Philip  Galpen,  8         John  Budd,  12 
William  Odelle,  4      John  Coe,  5  John  Coe,  9 

"At  a  town  meeting  held  March,  1672,  it  was  agreed  that  the 
first  of  April  following  should  be  taxed  of  all  persons  and  young 
cattle  and  horses,  unless  it  be  such  as  are  wrought,  and  that  they 
henceforward  should  goe  out  on  the  first  of  April,  and  whatsoever 
person  hath  not  bis  fence  up  by  that  time  shall  forfeit  five  shil- 
lings a  rod." 

"28th  January,  1673,  the  general  court  ordered  that  the  bounds 
between  Greenwich  and  Rye  is  to  be  from  the  mouth  of  Byram 


*  Rye  Rec.  ^  Ilort.  Rec.  vol.  viii.  p.  13. 


24  HISTORY  OF  THE 

river,  to  run  up  the  river  one  quarter  of  a  mile  above  the  great 
stone  lying  on  the  cross  path  by  the  said  river,  and  from  thence 
the  sayd  commons  upwards,  between  Stamford  bounds  and  the 
colony  line,  is  to  be  equally  divided  between  them  by  a  parallel 
line  with  Stamford,  and  to  Norwalk  to  the  end  of  their  bounds 
up  in  the  country,  ikc."» 

Robert  Treat, 
Jonathan  Sellicke, 
Peter  Diss  row. 

This  settlement  was  confirmed  June,  21st,  1696,  by  the  gene- 
ral court  sitting  in  Hartford,  May  Sih,  1693. 

"  Upon  the  28th  November,  1680,  the  town  made  choice  of 
Peter  Disbrow,  Hachuliah  Brown,  Robert  Blomer,  and  Thomas 
Merritt,  for  to  go  with  the  Indians  to  view  some  land  lying  be- 
tween  the  Blind  brook  and  Biram  river,  and  to  make  a  thorow 
bargain  with  them  if  they  shall  see  it  best." 

The  result  of  this  interview  was  a  sale  of  land  under  the  In- 
dian sachem  Marunaking,  ''of  all  that  certain  tract  of  land  lying 
by  a  brook,  commonly  called  Blind  brook,  which  tract  of  land 
is  called  by  the  Indians  Eauketauperctison"  bounded  as  fol- 
loweth : 

**  Beginning  at  the  southennost  end,  which  ia  between  the  above  said  brook 
and  a  branch  thereof,  and  from  thence  to  the  great  swamp  at  the  ould  marked 
tree,  which  is  now  marked  with  these  letters,  R.  B.  H.  T.  M.,  and  from  thence 
by  marked  trees  to  a  small  ran  which  runs  into  the  above  said  brook,  and  there 
is  marked  with  a  mark,  the  which  tract  of  land  is  called  by  the  English  name 
of  Hogg  Pond  ridge,  to  have  and  to  hold,  &c.,  &c. 

In  witness  hereof  I  have  set  to  my  hand  this  4th  day  of  September,  in  the 
year  A.D.  1680. 

Witness  the  mark  of  d  Coako.  The  mark  of 

Owrowwoaha  O  Maremakang 

aUas  6  WUI. 

The  next  year  occurs  another  sale  from  the  same  chief,  Mara- 
making,  "For  a  valuable  consideration,  by  the  inhabitants  of  the 


*  Hart.  Rec.  vol.  iii.  p.  36. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  26 

town  of  Rye,  already  received,  namely,  three  coates  iu  hand  of 
the  said  inhabitants. 

"For^Khichhe  alienates,  covenants,  and  sells  to  the  same  a 
certain  tract  of  land  lying  between  Byram  river  and  the  Blind 
brook  or  Honge"  In  witness  whereof  I  have  set  to  my  hand 
this  8th  of  October,  1681. 

Witness  the  mark  of  Maramaking, 

Wissacanow  t5  or  else  Lame  Will. 

Cowwows 

Pammetum  Z 

Joshua  Knapp, 

Jacob  Paiiio, 

• 

The  above  sales  were  long  known  and  distinguished  as  Lame 
WiWs  two  purchases. 

A.D.  1681,  Peter  Disbrow  sells  his  Indian  purchase  on  Ponin- 
goe  neck  to  the  rest  of  the  proprietors.  In  1683,  Colonel  Dongan 
arrived  at  New  York  as  governor  of  the  province.  Soon  after- 
wards the  governor  and  council  of  Connecticut,  in  a  letter  to 
Dongan,  dated  October  6th,  1683,  complain  of  a  warrant  having 
been  issued  to  the  constables  of  Rye,  Greenwich  and  Stamford, 
which  towns  they  claim  are  in  Connecticut,  by  charter  and 
agreement  of  1664.»  Dongan,  in  reply,  October  9,  1683,^  as- 
serts that  the  Duke's  patent  extends  to  Connecticut  river,  and 
refers  to  the  former  agreement,  twenty  miles  east  of  Hudson's 
river,  which  he  is  by  no  means  compelled  to  confirm,  only  re- 
fers to  the  old  claim  for  the  purpose  of  extending  as  far  as  he 
can  eastward  of  Hudson's  river. 

In  return  the  governor  and  general  court  of  Connecticut,  Oc- 
tober 16,  1684,  refer  Governor  Dongan  to  the  agreement  of  the 
King's  Commissioners,  A.  D.  1664,  as  settling  the  boundary.^ 

Governor  Dongan  in  reply,  November  5,  1683,  states,  "  that 
he  must  not  be  unmindful  of  his  master's  interest,  thinks  it 
not  wrong  to  claim  twenty  miles  from  Hudson's  river,  eastward. 


»  CoL  Bound.  Hftrt  Rec.  lib.  iu  I^llBr  42. 
%  Col.  B.  Hart  Rec.  lib.  ii.  Letter  43. 
e  CoL  B.  Hart  Rec.  Lib.  ii.  Letter  44. 

YoL.  n.  4 


26  ,        HISTORY  OF  THE 

and  also  mentions  that  the  commissioners  were  assured  by  Con- 
necticut people^  that  Mammaroneck  river  was  txoenty  miles 
from  Hudson^s  river,  and  concludes  by  assuring  them  he  will 
hnve  all  twenty  miles  eastward  of  that  river,  or  he  will  claim  to 
Connecticut  River,  and  further  wishes  the  matter  settled.^ 

On  the  2yih  of  November  of  the  same  year  the  agents  (appoint- 
ed by  the  two  governments,)  came  to  an  agreement  that  the  line  of 
partition  should  begin  at  Byram  River  at  a  point  called  Lyon's 
Point,  where  that  river  falls  into  the  Sound,  and  run  northerly  at 
not  less  than  twenty  miles  distance  from  the  Hudson  to  the 
south  line  of  Massachusetts.^ 

Upon  the  occasion  of  this  change  in  1683,  we  find  the  follow- 
ing letter  addressed  to  Lieutenant  Horton  and  the  select  men  of 
the  town  of  Rye. 

Fairfield,  Dec,  3, 1683. 

LOTINO  FRIENDg  : 

We  had  purposed  in  our  passage  to  York  to  have  called  upon  you,  bat 
the  badness  of  the  weather,  and  taking  our  passage  by  water  we  mist  the  op- 
portunity of  seeing  you  in  our  going  thither,  and  in  our  return.  And  therefore 
we  take  this  first  opportunity  ^o  acquaint  you  that  although  we  were  loath  to 
have  parted  with  you,  and  would  have  been  glad  to  have  continued  you  in  this 
government,  yet  the  providence  of  God  hath  so  disposed  that  by  our  agreement 
with  Governor  Dongan,  we  are  forced  to  part  with  you,  and  could  not  help  it, 
and  the  go vernoi^  promised  us  that  he  would  not  by  this  change  alter  any  man^s 
property  or  propriety,  and  therefore  we  thought  it  necessary  to  acquaint  yoa 
of  this  change,  and  also  to  advise  you  speedily  to  apply  him  to  grant  yoa 
confirmation  of  your  bounds  and  proprieties,  which  we  doubt  not  but  he  will 
do  also.  We  must  acquaint  you  that  you  must  by  our  agreement,  pay  to  this 
colony  this  years  rates,  which  the  treasurer  will  appoint  you,  to  whom  yoa 
shall  pay  it  speedily,  it  is  one  penny  half  penny  upon  the  pound,  according  to 
the  list  presented  to  the  general  court,  in  October  last,  by  the  agreement  with  the 
governor,  Dongan.  The  west  bounds  of  our  colony  is  now  Byram  River,  and 
it  runs  as  the  river  till  it  comes  to  the  road,  and  from  thence  it  runs  north 
oorth  west,  till  it  hath  run  eight  miles  from  the  east  point  tif  said  Byram 
River. 

Gentlemen,  we  do  request  you  to  be  satisfied  and  content  with  this  change, 


«  Col.  B.  Hart  Rec.  Lib.  ii.  Letter  45. 
k  Webster's  Letters,  p.  207. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER-  27 

and  to  carry  it  aoitablj  to  tho  gOTernment  ander  which  yoa  are  now  seated^ 
and  apply  yourselvoa  to  the  Honorable  Governor,  who  is  a  noble  gentlemaa 
and  will  do  what  you  shall  desire  in  a  regular  manner  to  promote  your  welfaie, 
which  with  best  respects  is  all  the  needful  from  your  assured  friends. 

Robert  Treat,  Governor. 

Endorsed.  These  for  Lieut.  Joseph  Horton,  the  select  men  of  the  town  of 
Rye.     These  in  Rye. 

Notwithstanding  this  agreement,  the  towns  of  Rye  and  Bed- 
ford were  again  received  into  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  June 
21,  1696-7.a 

Governor  Fletcher  of  New  York,  justly  complained  of  this 
treatment,  and  issued  his  proclamation,  requiring  Rye  and  Bed- 
ford to  return  to  their  allegiance,  April  15,  1697.^ 

The  whole  matter  was  now  referred  to  the  king,  who  in  coun- 
cil, March  28th,  1700,  confirmed  the  former  agreement  made 
1683,  and  ordered  "  that  the  high  sheriff  of  the  county  of  West- 
chester, accompanied  with  two  justices  of  the  said  county,  do 
repair  to  the  said  towns  of  Rye  and  Bedford,  and  publish  the  said 
proclamation,  requiring  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  towns,  to  give 
obedience  to  this  government,  pursuant  to  his  majesties  royal 
will  and  pleasure,  at  their  peril. 

Per  order  of  council, 

B.  CosiNs,  L.  Coven  try. "c 

Oct.  10,  1700,  the  general  assembly  of  Hartford  ordered  the 
signification  of  the  settlement  to  be  sent  to  the  inhabitants  of 
Rye  and  Bedford. 

The  matter  was  not  completed  until  May  14,  1731,  when  the 
lines  were  established  as  they  now  exist.  The  inhal)itants  of 
Rye  in  1683,  were  the  following : 


•  Col.  Boond.  Hart.  Rec.  yoL  ii.  latter  138. 

b  CoL  Bound.  Hart  Reo.  yol.  ii.  lattan  140,  141, 

<  Webster*!  Letters,  p.  207. 


28 


.« 


HISTORY  OP  THE 


Haehaliah  Brown, 
Timothy  Knapp, 
Jonathan  Yowles, 
Jonas  Stevens, 
John  Brondi^, 
Isaac  Sherwood, 
Thomas  Lyon, 
John  Sillick, 
Caleb  Hiatt, 
George  Knison, 
John  Purdy, 
Thomas  Merritt, 
Francis  Purdy, 
Joseph  Ogden, 
Isaac  Sherwood, 
John  Boyd, 
Bobert  Bloomer, 
JamesTravis, 
Robert  Blener, 
Jacob  Paree, 
Deli? erance  Brown, 
Peter  Disbrow, 
Thomas  Lyon, 
George  Knison, 
John  Boyd, 
Thomas  Slatham, 
William  Odell, 
Thoma^s  Slatham, 
Richard  Beatte, 
John  Boyd, 
Samuel  Jenkins, 
James  Wright, 
John  Horton, 
Richard  Waters, 
John  Stockham, 
John  Horton, 
Thomas  Merritt, 
Joseph  Sherwood, 
John  Merritt, 
Hachaliah  Brown, 
Caleb  Hiatt, 


John  Sellickes, 
James  Wright, 
Stephen  Sherwood, 
Stephen  Sherwood,  jnn. 
Hamet  Galpen, 
Samnel  Odell, 
John  Merritt, 
Samuel  Jenkins, 
Joost  Paldin, 
Timothy  Knapp, 
William  Odell, 
John  Disbrow, 
Arnold  Bassett, 
Robert  Bloomer, 
Simon  Robard, 
Joseph  Horton, 
Joseph  Sherwood, 
John  Disbrow, 
Robert  Bloomer, 
John  Horton, 
Francis  Purdy, 
Daniel  Brondige, 
John  Church, 
Stephen  Sherwood, 
Joseph  Gurney, 
Jonathan  Knifiin, 
Ciniamon  Horton, 
Stephen  Sherwood, 
Francis  Purdy, 
Peter  Brown, 
The  draft  of  the  swamp, 
James  Tra?  is, 
Joseph  Sherwood, 
The  draught  of  lots  by 

Biram  River, 
David  Ogden, 
Robert  Bloomer, 
The  draught  ot  Biram^s 

neck, 
Thomas  Merritt, 
Mary  Ogden, 


Isaac  Denham, 

The    town    grants   from 
Hartford, 

Isaac  Denham, 

Abraham  Brush, 

Abraham  Smith, 

John  Ogden, 

Samuel  Banks, 

Joseph  Studwell, 

Philip  Travis, 

John  Merritt, 

Stephen  Sherwood, 

Joseph  Merritt, 

John  Feast, 

Jonathan  Kniflfen, 

Humphrey  Underbill, 

John  Turner, 

Robert  Bloomer, 

Hachaliah  Brown, 

Jonathan  Hart, 

Ebenezer  Knifien, 

John  Boyd, 

Roger  Park, 

Joost  Pauldinck, 

Thomas  Merritt, 

Joseph  Banks, 

Ruhamah  Bishop, 

Francis  Purdy, 

John  Vail, 

John  Vail, 

Isaac  Anderson, 

John  Merritt, 

A  draught  of  Will's  pur- 
chase, 

Joseph  Purdy, 

Richard  Ogden, 

Henry  Hiatt, 

Pond  field  draught, 

The    three    draughts    in 
Will's  purchase, 

Joseph  Robinson, 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTlaE.  29 

John  Boddegaret,  John  Brondig,  David  Horton, 

JohnBrondig,  Jonathan  Knifien,  John  IliatC, 

David  Ilorton.* 

Upon  the  *«  23d  of  November,  1686,  the  town  empowered  Ben- 
jamin Colyer  and  John  Brondige,  to  treat  with  the  governor  for 
a  genercU  patent  for  the  township  of  Rye."    The  proprietors  of 
Poningoe  neck  also  authorized  the  same  individuals  to  obtain  a 
partictdar  patent  for  said  neck>     The  general  patent  appears 
to  have  been  granted,  for  on  the  28th  of  Feb.  1686-7,  occurs 
certain  "charges,  arising  from  the  business  between  Richard 
Patrick  and  the  town  of  Rye,  and  all  the  expcnsps  of  procuring  a 
patent,  for  the  bounds  and  privileges  of  the  said  town."  A  patent 
for  Ponino^oe  neck,  must  also  have  been  obtained,  for  we  invariably 
find  the  meetings  of  its  proprietors  held  distinct  from  those  of 
the  town.    At  a  meeting  of  the  proprietors  of  Poningoe  neck, 
Dec.  11th,  1699,  a  grant  was  made  to  Richard  Ogden,  of  an 
island  commonly  called  Fox  island. 

In  1691,  we  find  the  Indian  Sachem  Patthunck,  with  the  full 
consent  of  his  son  and  heir  Wappetoe  Patthunck,  conveying  to 
Joseph  Horton,  a  parcel  of  land  beginning  at  certain  marked 
trees,  &c.,  with  turf  and  twigg  taken  off  the  said  ground  and  de- 
livered to  the  said  grantee,  in  peaceable  and  quiet  possession  by 
the  said  Pattliunck,  sen.,  and  Patthunck.  jr.c.  The  above  tract 
of  land  w\is  situated 

On  ths  east  side  of  Mamaroneck  river,  and  ran  with  a  line  of  mark  trees 
until  it  came  to  the  said  rivpr,  and  again  to  a  red  oak  tree,  close  by  the  river 
marked  IK,  together  with  all  the  woods,  &c.  &c.,  to  the  said  Joseph  Hor* 
ton,  his  heirs  &c.     Dated  this  29th  day  of  Dec.  A.  D.  1691. 

Signed,  sealed  and  delivered, 
in  presence  of  us.  The  mark  of 

The  mark  of  Patthunck,  sen.  o 


•  Rye  Rec.  Lib.  B. 

k  April  3d,  1688,  Timothy  Kuap  was  chosen  coUector  for  the  govemor*8  rate  of 
three  half  pence  per  pound. 

•  Thb  feudal  custom  was  always  transacted  with  the  greatest  formality.  A  twig 
and  a  piece  of  turf  having  been  brought  to  the  Sagamore,  he  placed  the  end  of  the 
branch  on  the  clod,  and  then  handed  them  both  to  the  purchaser,  as  a  token  that 
he  thereby  surrendered  to  him  the  soil,  with  all  the  trees  and  its  appurtenances. 


30  .'-  HISTORY  OP  THE 


•a. 


Captain  Robin,  ^f'wian,  The  mark  of 

William  Coales,  Wappetoe  Palthanck,x 

The  mark  of  q  R.  P.  Miller.  The  mark  of  Betty  Patthunck. 

The  mark  of  Ackanum  Patthunck,  X 
daughter  to  the  above  named 
Patthunck,  sen. 

13  April,  1705.  The  Indian  chiefs  Wapeto,  Rarequash,  and 
Mekeran,  granted  to  Capt.  Joseph  Theall,  Capt.  John  Clapp  and 
Capt.  John  Horton  all  of  ye  town  of  Rye, 

"  A  certain  parcel  of  land  lying  and  being  within  ye  towdship  of  Rye,  bound- 
ed by  a  certain  beach  tree  standing  upon  the  brink  of  Byram  river,  marked 
with  J.  G.  J.  and  J.  H.  and  J.  C,  running  up  ye  said  river  northerly  to  a 
great  swamp,  where  standeth  an  ash  tree  marked  with  the  above  said  letters, 
and  from  thence  in  a  direct  course  to  an  oak  tree  with  stones  laid  at  ye  root, 
and  from  thence  with  a  range  of  marked  trees  of  the  northermost  corner  of  ye 
great  pond,  so  running  down  by  ye  said  pond  till  it  meeteth  with  a  white  oak 
sapling  marked  with  ye  above  said  letters,  and  from  thence  by  certain  marked 
trees  to  the  above  said  marked  beach  tree  by  ye  brink  of  Byram  river.* 
Sig.  sealed  and  delivered  The  true  mark  of  o  Wapetoe, 

in  the  presence  of  The  true  mark  of  X  Raresquasb. 

Daniel  Strang.  The  true  mark  of  O^  Mekeran. 

Joseph  Purdy. 
The  marke  of  <^  Pare. 

A  further  gram  and  confirmation  was  obtained  of  the  Indian 
proprietors,  Seringoe,  Raresquash  and  Wopeto  Patthunck,  by  John 
Clnpp  and  others,  20  July,  1705. 

"Of  all  that  said  tract  of  land  which  is  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  viz. 
beginning  at  a  beach  tree  standing  by  Byram  river  near  a  great  rock,  marked 
with  letters  J.  H.  J.  P.  J.  C,  then  running  up  the  said  river  north-west  to  a 
certain  ash  tree  in  the  upper  end  of  a  place  commonly  called  Pond  Pound 
neck,  marked  with  the  letters  aforesaid,  &c.,  &c.,  to  the  Colony  line  and 
thence  by  the  said  Colony  line  westerdly  to  the  eight  mile  stake  standing  be- 
tween three  white  oak  trees,  marked,  viz.  one  of  said  trees  is  marked  with 
the  letters  C.  C.  R.  on  the  north  side,  and  on  ye  south  side  J.  D.  and  from 
said  tree  in  a  direct  line  runs  to  ye  northmost  corner  of  Rye  Pond  and  thence 
south  10  degrees  westerdly  to  a  white  oak  sapling,  marked  by  the  Pond  side 
with  the  letters  J.  P.,  thence  by  a  range  of  marked  trees  south  64  degrees 


•  See  Warrant  for  Survey.    Alb.  Rec.  Lib.  i.  127,  8. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  31 


east  to  ao  ash  tree  standing  by  Blind  brook  on  the  6Mt*yMo  thereof,  and 
thence  by  another  range  of  marked  trees  to  a  certain  chesnnt  tree  marked  with 
the  letters  J.  J.  on  ye  north  side,  on  the  west  side  with  the  letters  J.  P.,  on  the 
south-west  side  with  letters  J.  II.,  and  thence  by  a  range  of  marked  trees  to 
ye  place  where  it  began.* 

The  mark  of  Serringoe. 
Signed,  sealed  and  delivered  Serringoe^s  mark  in  behalf  Wapeto, 

in  presence  of  Pathanck,  and  of  his  brother  Raresquash. 

James  Mott. 

Henry  Disbrow. 

Joost  Paldinck. 

The  above  sales  were  again  confirmed  by  the  Indians,  13  Sep- 
tember, 1705.»> 

At  a  Court  of  General  Assembly  holden  at  New  Haven,  12th 
October,  1710,  "  Captain  John  Clapp  of  the  town  of  Rye,  in  the 
province  of  New  York,  presented  a  petition  to  this  assembly  on  the 
behalf  of  himself  and  partners,  praying  for  a  patent  to  be  granted 
to  them  of  a  certain  piece  or  parcel  of  land  lying  in  this  Colony 
and  within  the  bounds  of  the  said  town  of  Rye,  which  they  had 
purchased  (with  lycense)  of  the  native  Indians." 

Upon  consideration  whereof,  this  assembly  do  resolve  that  no 
patent  shall  be  granted  to  them,  forasmuch  as  the  said  land  hath 
been  formerly  granted  by  this  governnent  to  the  inhabitants  of 
the  said  town  of  Rye,  and  also  a  patent  given  them  for  the 
same."* 

Queen  Anne  the  same  year  issued  her  royal  letters  patent  "  to 
Anne  Bridges,  John  Clapp,  Augustine  Graham,  John  Horton, 
and  Thomas  Hyatt  for  lands  in  Rye, 

Beginning  at  a  beach  tree  standing  by  Byram  river,  near  a  great  rock 
marked  with  ye  letters  J.  H.  J.  P.  J.  C,  thence  running  op  by  ye  said  river 
north  north-west  to  a  certain  ash  tree  in  ye  upper  end  of  a  place  commonly 
called  ye  Pond  Pound  neck,  marked  with  ye  letters  aforesaid,  and  to  ye  Col- 
ony line,  and  from  thence  by  ye  said  Colony  line  westerdly  to  ye  eight  mile 
stake  standing  between  three  white  oak  trees,  marked,  viz.  one  of  ye  said 
trees  is  marked  with  the  letters  C.  C.  R.  on  ye  north  side,  and  on  ye  south 


•  Warrant  for  Survey,  Ind.  deeds.    Alb.  Rec.  Lib.  i.  129. 
b  Co.  Rec.  Lib.  E.  46. 

•  Hart  Rec  toI.  it.  12L 


32  HISTORY  OF  THE 

■ 
aide  J.  D.,  and  Arom  ye  said  tree  on  a  direct  line  it  runs  to  ye  northermost  cor- 

oer  of  Rye  Pond,  and  thence  80  to  the  westerdly  to  a  white  oak  sapling  mark- 
ed by  ye  pond  side  with  the  letters  J.  J.  P.,  i hence  by  a  range  of  marked 
trees  so  by  ye  east  to  an  ash  tree  standing  by  Blind  brook  on  ye  east  side 
thereof,  and  thence  by  another  range  of  marked  trees  to  a  certain  chesnot 
tree  marked  with  ye  letters  I.  T.  on  ye  north  side,  on  ye  west  side  with  ye 
letters  I.  P.,  on  ye  north-west  side  with  ye  letters  I.  H.,  and  thence  by  a 
range  of  marked  trees  to  ye  place  where  it  began,  &c.y  &o.  To  the  above 
•aid  patentees,  &c.,  &c.« 

The  proprietors  of  Poningoe  neck  were  in  1715, 

Hachaliah  Brown,  Joseph  Sherwood, 

Deliverance  Brown,  Isaac  Anderson, 

John  Stoakham,  John  Merritt,  Sen. 

Robert  Bloomer,  John  Brondige, 

George  Lane,  George  S.  Kniflfen, 

Timothy  Knapp,  John  Disbrow, 

Richard  Ogden,  Thomas  Merritt, 

Daniel  Psprdy,  Ebeuezer  Kniflfen, 

Peter  Brown. 

Upon  the  1st  of  July,  1715,  Robert  Hunter,  Captain  General 
and  Commander-in-chief,  set  out  for  patent  to  Christopher 
Bridges,  clerk,  rector  of  the  parish  of  Rye,  and  his  heirs  and  as- 
signs, twenty  small  parcels  of  land  situate,  &c.,  in  the  precinct 
and  parish  of  Rye,  &c.,  not  heretofore  granted  under  the  seal  of 
the  Province ;  all  which  certain  tracts  of  land,  purchased  by 
Cbistopher  Bridges,  contained  two  hundred  and  ciglity-one  acres.** 

On  the  12th  of  August,  1720,  the  following  letters  patent  were 
issued  under  the  great  seal  of  the  Province. 

CHARTER  OF  RYE. 

"  George  the  First,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France  and  Ire- 
land King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c.,  To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall 
come,  sendeth  greeting.  Whereas  oar  loving  subjects  Daniel  Purdy,  son  of 
John  Purdy,  jdeceased,  Samuel  Brown,  and  Benjamin  Brown,  in  behalf  of 
themselves  and  others,  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  township  of  Rye,  in 
the  county  of  Westchester,  in  the  province  of  New  York,  by  their  humble 


»  Co.  Rcc.  Lib.  E.  2. 

^  Alb.  Roc.  Book  of  Patent*,  Lib.  viii.  185.    llie  patent  appears  to  have  been 
granted  in  1718. 


tam^^'^^i^'mm^fm^^^mt 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  33 

petition  presented  to  oar  trusty  and  well  beloved  Col.  Philip  Schuyler,  presi  - 
dent  of  our  council  for  our  province  of  New  York  aforesaid,  have  set  forth 
that  they  and  their  ancestors  and  predecessors,  under  whom  they  hold,  have 
beld,  and  improved  at  their  great  charges  with  their  labour  and  industry,  a 
certain  tract  of  land  bordering  upon  the  line  of  diyision  between  this  province 
and  Connecticut  colony,  for  which  they  and  their  ancestors  and  predecessors^ 
have  hitherto  had  no  patent  under  the  seals  of  the  province  of  New  York, 
which  said  tract  of  land  is  situated,  lying,  and  beipg  between  Byram  river  and 
Blind  brook,  and  beginning  at  a  certain  rock,  being  the  ending  of  a  part  of 
land  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  Town  neck  point,  and  is  the  souther- 
roost  point  of  the  said  tract  of  land,  thence  running  easterly  by  the  Sound  to  a 
point  near  the  mouth  of  Byram  river,  called  Byram's  point,  including  a  certain 
island  called  Manusses  Island  ;  and  from  the  said  Byram  point  northerly  up 
Byram  river  on  the  east  side  of  the  said  river,  as  the  colony  line  is  at  present 
supposed  to  be  run  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  neighborhood,  to  a  rock  standing 
on  the  east  side  of  the  said  river  by  the  wading  place,  and  the  high  road  lead- 
ing to  Connecticut,  the  north  twenty-four  degrees  thirty  minutes,  west  three 
hundred  and  forty-eight  chains,  as  the  line  which  divides  this  province  from 
Connecticut  is  supposed  to  run  by  the  said  inhabitants,  to  a  walnut  tree  marked 
with  three  notches  on  the  three  sides,  being  twelve  chains  on  a  straight  line 
to  an  ash  tree  marked  with  three  notches  on  three  sides,  standing  near  Blind 
brook,  then  down  the  said  brook  until  it  empties  into  a  creek  called  Mill  creek, 
and  then  by  the  said  creek  to  the  place  where  it  began,  containing  four  thou- 
sand five  hnndred  acres  of  land  or  thereabout,  aAer  eighteen  small  tracts  of 
land  which  lie  within  the  said  bounds,  and  are  part  of  twenty  small  tracts 
formerly  granted  to  the  Rev.  Christopher  Bridges  in  his  lifetime,  are  deducted 
and  allowance  being  made  for  the  king's  highway ;  and  prayed  to  have  our 
grant  and  letters  patent  for  the  same  under  the  great  seal  of  the  province  of 
New  York,  in  the  manner  following,  that  is  to  say,  to  hold  to  them,  their  heirs, 
and  assigns  forever,  but  to  and  for  the  use  and  uses  following,  and  to  no  other 
use  whatsoever ;  (that  is  to  say)  as  for  and  concerning  such  tracts  of  land  and 
hereditaments,  parts  of  the  before  recited  four  thousand  five  hundred  acres  of 
land  and  island  whereof  they  the  said  Daniel  Purdy,  Samuel  Brown,  and  Ben* 
jamin  Brown,  stand  lawfully  and  rightfully  seized  and  possessed  in  their  own 
several  and  respective  rights,  interest,  and  estate,  to  and  for  the  sole  and  only 
proper  use,  benefit  and  behoof  of  the  aforesaid  Daniel  Purdy,  Samuel  Brown, 
and  Benjamin  Brown,  severally  and  respectively,  and  of  their  several  and  re- 
spective heirs  and  assigns  forever;  and  as  for  and  concerning  such  other 
tracts  of  land  and  hereditaments  parts  of  the  before  recited  four  thousand  five 
hundred  acres  of  land  and  island  which  are  belonging  and  appertaining  to  seve- 
ral other  persons,  freeholders  and  inhabitants  within  the  bounds  and  limits  of 
the  same  four  thousand  five  hundred  acres  of  land  and  island,  some  of  more, 
some  of  less,  according  to  the  several,  separate,  and  particular  interest,  in 
trust  to  and  for  the  sole  and  only  proper  use,  benefit  and  behoof  of  each  par* 

Vol.  II.  6 


34  '        HISTORY  OF  THE 

ticular  freehold  and  inhabitant,  particularly  and  respectively^  and  of  each  of 
their  particular  and  respective  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  in  as  full  and  ample 
manner  as  if  the  particular  names  and  their  particular  and  several  freeholds 
and  inheritances  were  particularly  and  severally  mentioned  and  described, 
under  the  usual  quit  rent,  with  the  usual  clauses,  provisions*  conditions,  limi- 
tations and  restrictions  as  are  limited  and  appointed  by  our  royal  instructioofi 
for  the  granting  of  lands  in  our  province  of  New  York  for  that  purpose.  Which 
request  we  being  willing  to  grant,  Know  ye,  that  of  our  especial  grace,  cer- 
tain knowledge,  and  mere  motion,  we  have  given,  granted,  ratified  and  con- 
firmed, and  do  by  these  presents,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  give,  grant, 
ratify  and  confirm  unto  the  said  Daniel  Purdy,  Samuel  Brown  and  Benjamin 
Brown,  and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  all  that  the  aforesaid  tract  of 
land  and  island  containing  in  the  whole  four  thousand  five  hundred  acres  in 
manner  and  form  as  last  mentioned  and  described,  together  with  all  and  singu- 
lar the  woods,  underwoods,  houses,  edifices,  buildings,  barns,  fences,  orchards, 
fields,  feedings,  pastures,  meadows,  marshes,  swamps,  ponds,  pools,  waters, 
water  courses,  runs,  rivulets,  rivers  and  streams  of  water,  fishing,  fowlingt 
hunting  and  hawking,  quarries,  mines,  minerals,  standing,  growing,  lying  and 
being,  or  to  be  had  or  used  and  enjoyed  within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid, 
and  all  other  profits,  &c.,  &c.  To  have  and  to  hold  all  that  the  aforesaid  tract 
of  land  and  island,  containing  in  the  whole  four  thousand  five  hundred  acres, 
and  all  other  the  above  recited  premises,  &c.,  &c."  "  Witness  our  said  trusty 
and  well  beloved  Colonel  Peter  Schuyler,  president  of  our  council  for  our 
province  of  New  York,  in  council  at  Fort  George  in  New  York,  the  eleventh 
day  of  August,  in  the  sixth  year  of  our  reign,  A.l).  1720.* 

In  1786  the  people  of  the  State,  (as  successors  of  the  Crown,) 
claimed  the  arrears  of  quit  rent  due  upon  the  tract  of  four 
thousand  five  hundred  acres,  granted  to  Daniel  Purdy,  Samuel 
Brown  and  Benjamin  Brown,  on  the  11th  of  August,  1720. 

The  lands  west  of  the  Blind  brook,  called  by  the  Indians 
Apawquammis,  are  to  be  distinguished  from  the  rest  of  the 
township  of  Rye,  as  constituting  a  distinct  patent.  This  territory 
was  purchased  of  the  native  sachem  Shanarocke  and  other 
Indians,  by  John  Budd  of  Southhold,  Long  Island. 

To  all  Christian  people,  Ingains  and  others  whom  it  may  concern,  that  wa 
whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed,  living  upon  Hudson^s  river,  in  Ameri- 
ca, That  we  Shanarocke,  sagamore,  and  Rackeate,  Napuckheast,  Tawka* 
heare,  Nanderwhere,  Tamepawcan,  Rawmaquare,  Puwaytahem,  Mawmawy- 
tam,  Howhoranes,  Cockkeneca,  Tawwayens,  Altoemacke,  Heathomees,  all 


«  Alb.  Rec.  Book  of  Patents,  lib.  viii.  407. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  36 

Ingiam,  for  diTers  good  eaoses  and  considerations  us  hereunto  moving,  have 
fully  and  ^hsolately  bargained  and  doe  for  ever  sell  onto  John  Budd,  senior, 
of  South  hole,  his  heires,  executors,  &c.,  all  our  real  right,  tittell  and  interest 
we  or  other  of  us  have  in  one  neack  of  land  lying  on  the  mayn,  called  Apaw- 
ammeis,  bated  and  bounded  on  the  east  with  Mockqnams  river,  and  on  the 
south  with  the  sea  against  Long  Island,  and  on  the  west  with  Fockeotess- 
make  river,  and  at  the  north  up  to  the  marke  trees  nyeer  Westchester,  both 
all  the  lands,  trees  to  fell  at  his  pleasure,  with  all  the  grounds  and  meadow 
grounds  and  planting  grounds,  moynes  and  minerals,  springs  and  rivers  or 
what  else  lying  or  being  within  the  sayd  neck  track  of  land,  and  also  range, 
feeding  and  grasse  for  cattell,  twenty  English  miles  northward  into  the 
country,  and  trees  to  fell  at  his  or  their  pleasure,  and  to  their  proper  use  and 
improvements  of  the  said  John  Budd,  his  heirs,  executors,  &c.  for  ever  to  en- 
joy, possess  and  keepe  as  their  real  right,  as  also  peaceably  to  inherite  the 
sayd  track  of  land  with  all  thereone,  and  we  the  before  named  Ingians  doe 
acknowledge  and  confesse  to  have  received  in  hand  of  the  said  John  Budd, 
the  juste  sum  of  eightie  pounds  sterling  in  full  satisfaction  for  the  aforesaid 
land  with  all  the  limits,  bounds  and  privileges  without  lett  or  molestation  of 
any  one.  Now  for  the  more  true  and  reall  enjoyment  and  possession  of  the 
said  John  Budd  his  heirs,  &c.,  we  doe  jointly  and  severally,  us  and  either  of 
us,  or  any  by  or  under  us,  for  ever  assign  and  make  over  by  virtue  of  this  our 
deed  and  bill  of  sale,  disclayme  any  further  right  in  the  sayd  tract  of  land 
from  the  day  of  the  date  hereof,  and  all  and  each  of  us  do  promise  to  put  the 
said  John  Budd  or  his  into  quiet,  peaceable  possession,  and  him  to  keep  and 
defend  and  mayotaine  against  all  person  or  persons  whatsoever  that  shall  di- 
rectly or  indirectly  lay  any  clayme  or  former  grant,  or  shall  trouble  or  molest 
the  said  John  Budd  or  his,  be  they  English,  or  Dutch,  or  Ingains,  or  whatso- 
ever. We  the  aforenamed  Ingains  doe  engage  ourselves,  heirs,  executors, 
&c.,  to  make  good  this  our  obligations  as  aforesaid,  I  Shanarocke,  Rackeate, 
Napockheast,  Tawkaheare,  Nanderwhere,  Tamepawcan,  Rawmaquare,  Puw- 
waytahem,  Mawmawytam,  Howhoranes,  Cockkenecs,  Tawwayen,  Altoe- 
macke,  Heathomees,  have  hereunto  set  our  hands  at  time  and  times,  and  we 
doe  approve  of  each  of  our  hands  to  this  deed  to  be  good  and  firm.  Witness 
this  our  hands  this  day,  being  the  8th  of  November,  1661. 
Signed,  sealed  and  delivered. 

Thomas  Revell,*  The  mark  of  P  Shanarocke. 

John  Coe,  O  Nanderwhere, 

Thomas  Clowes.  O^  Napockheast. 

Humphrey  Hughes.  •—  Howhoranes. 

Pi  Kawmaquaie. 
>  Rackeat. 
CO  Paw  way  taken. 
V<  Cockensseco. 


•  Probably  Thomas  Pell ;  see  vol.  I  286. 


36  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Know  all  men,  English  and  Ingaios,  that  whereas  Shanarocke  sold  John 
Badd  all  the  land  from  the  sea  to  Westchester  path,  I  Shanarocke  marked 
trees  by  Penning  path  do  hereby  give  and  grant  and  acknowledge  that  I  have 
received  fall  satisfaction  of  him,  and  according  to  the  true  intent  of  these 
bounds,  he  the  sayd  John  Budd  is  to  have  and  enjoy  all  the  land  by  the 
Blind  brook  to  Westchester  path,  in  witness  my  hand. 
Witness  the  The  mark  of  Shanarocke,  ^. 

mark  of  04  Cokeo.  The  mark  of  Remaquie. 

Peter  Disbrow. 

11  month,  5  day,  1661. 
Know  all  men  whom  this  may  concern,  that  I  Shanarocke,  sachem,  have 
bargained,  sold  and  delivered  unto  John  Budd,  the  islands  lying  south,  from 
the  neck  of  land  the  sayd  John  Budd  bought  of  me  and  other  Ingains,  and 
have  received  full  satisfaction  of  Thomas  Close  for  the  said  John  Budd^s  use 
and  due  warrant  the  sale  above  wxitten  in  the  presence  of  Thomas  Close  and 
William  Jones. 

The  mark  of  O  Shanarocke,  sachem. 
To  John  Budd. 

Another  bill  of  sale  occurs  a  few  days  later  for  the  lands  east 
of  the  Mamaroneck  river. 

11  month,  twelfth  day,  1661. 
Know  all  men  whom  this  may  concern,  that  I  Shanarocke,  Rawmaqua, 
Rackeath,  Pawwaytaham,  Mawmatoe,  Hawing,  have  bargained  sold  and  de- 
livered unto  John  Budd  a  neck  of  land,  bounded  by  a  neck  of  land  he  bought 
of  me  and  other  Ingains  on  the  south,  and  with  Merremack  river  on  the  west, 
and  with  marked  trees  to  the  north,  with  twenty  miles  for  feeding  ground  for 
cattle  with  all  the  woods,  trees,  marshes,  meadows  and  rivers,  and  have  re- 
ceived full  satisfaction  in  coats  and  three  score  faddom  of  wampum  of  Thomas 
Close  for  the  said  John's  use,  and  to  engage  myself  to  warrant  the  sale  there- 
of against  all  men,  English,  Dutch  and  Ingans,  and  for  the  faithful  perfor- 
mance hereof,  I  have  set  my  hand  in  the  presence  of  Thomas  Close  and  Wil- 
liam Jones,  the  day  and  year  above  written.* 

The  mark  of  Shanarocke. 

Rawmaqua. 

Hawnois. 

Peam,  his  mark. 

Raze,  his  mark. 


*  Col.  Rec.  Hartford,  vol.  i.  p.  333,  4. 


jmmmmmm&m 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  37 

A.  D.  1665.  John  Budd,  sen.,  grants  to  John  Morgan  and 
John  Concklin  of  Flushing,  lands  situate  in  Rye  upon  the  south- 
eastern neck,  '*  bounded  west  by  Mamaroneck  river,  east  by  a 
great  rock  in  a  bottom,  south  with  the  creek,  and  north  by 
marked  trees."* 

The  next  year,  John  Budd  obtains  a  confirmation  of  his  Apaw- 
quammis  lands  from  the  Indians,  together  with  an  additional 
grant  of  territory  extending  sixteen  miles  north  of  Westchester 
path. 

To  all  Christian  people,  Indians  and  others  living  on  Hudson*s  river  in 
America,  Shanarocke,  sagamore,  and  Rawackqua  and  Pathang,  as  we  have 
formerly  sold  a  tract  of  land  unto  John  Budd,  bounded  by  the  sea  on  the  sooth, 
on  the  north  by  Westchester  path,  and  the  name  of  the  tract  of  land  is  com- 
monly called  Apawamis,  and  whereas  we  have  sold  unto  said  John  Budd 
twenty  English  miles  norihward  from  the  above  said  tract  of  land  which  is 
called  by  Apawamis,  the  above  said  twenty  English  miles  we  do  acknowledge 
that  we  have  sold  unto  Mr.  John  Budd  for  range,  for  feed,  for  timber,  for 
graseing,  to  him  and  his  heirs  for  ever,  and  now  we  doe  acknowledge  that  we 
have  bargained,  sold  and  delivered,  we  and  every  one  of  us,  for  our  heirs,  ex- 
ecutors or  assignees  jointly  and  severally  unto  John  Budd,  his  heirs,  execu^ 
tors  or  assignees  a  tract  of  land  lying  within  the  compass  of  the  above  said 
twenty  English  miles,  bounded  on  the  south  by  Westchester  paih,  and  on  the 
east  by  the  Blind  brook,  and  on  the  west  by  Mamaroneck  river,  and  the  north 
bounds  is  sixteen  miles  English  from  Westchester  path  up  into  the  country,  for 
which  land  we  received  already  in  hand  a  certain  sum,  to  the  value  of  jE^20 
sterling,  for  the  abovesaid  tract  of  land ;  for  which  land  we  are  fully  satisfied 
by  the  said  John  Budd,  for  the  above  said  tract  of  land,  for  the  which  we  doe 
aeknowledge  we  have  bargained,  sold  and  delivered  onto  John  Budd  and  his 
heirs  for  ever,  with  warrantee  against  all  men,  English,  Dutch  and  Indians, 
and  doe  give  him  full  possession,  and  promise  so  to  keep  him,  to  the  which 
bargain  and  agreement,  we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands  this  day,  being  the 
29th  of  April,  1666. 

Witness,  Joseph  Horton,  Shanarocke, 

Witness,  John  Rawls,  Romackqua, 

The  mark  of  Coco,  Indian.  Pathung, 

Sachems. 

The  proprietors  of  Rye  appear  to  have  viewed  these  extensive 
purchases  of  John  Budd,  with  no  little  degree  of  anxiety,  for  we 


•  Col.  R^c.  Hartford,  vol  i  p.  333,  4. 


38  HISTORY  OP  THE 

find  the  following  petition  dispatched  to  the  ^[eneral  court  by  the 
inhabitants  of  Rye,  on  the  2d  of  October,  1 668. 

The  humble  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Rye,  to 
the  Right  Honorable  the  Governor  and  the  rest  of  the  gentlemen 
of  the  general  court  at  Hartford. 

May  it  please  your  Honor,  with  the  gentlemen  of  the  general 
courte,  to  understand  that  about  four  years  since,  that  John  Budd 
did  present  a  paper  with  several  names  to  it,  of  inhabitants  on  his 
neck  or  island,  so  called  and  patented.  It  was  for  the  settling  of 
himself  and  children;  on  which  we  conceived  had  it  been  per- 
formed it  had  done  noe  great  injury  to  the  towiie ;  but  he  noe  ways 
pretended  it,  as  doth  agree,  but  hath  and  doth  dayley  let  it  and 
settle  people  upon  it,  extreamely  prejuditiall  to  the  towne,  without 
the  towne's  approbation,  which  wee  humbly  conceave  may  be 
our  injury  if  not  speedily  prevented  ;  Doe  humbly  request  that 
neck  of  land  may  be  delivered  up  to  the  town,  we  paying 
him  by  Indian  purchases  with  interest,  he  abating  for  what 
land  he  hath  sold,  if  not  prejuditiall  to  the  towne.  And  them 
that  are  prejuditiall,  may  be  removed,  and  that  you  would  be 
pleased  to  depute  two  or  three  persones  whom  you  shall  think 
meet,  to  come  and  settell  amongst  us  with  what  speed  may  be. 
Soe  we  rest  your  humble  petitioners. 

Peter  Disbrow,      William  Woodhull,      Robert  Bloomer, 
Richard  Coules,    John  Brondig,  Stephen  Sherwood, 

Timothy  Knapp,  Thomas  Browne,  George  Lane. 

"  On  the  15ih  of  October,  1672,  the  general  courte  assembled  at 
Hartford,  ordered  that  Mr.  Budd  and  those  of  Rye,  that  have  ap- 
propriated the  lands  of  Rye  to  themselves  shall  appear  at  general 
court  in  May  next,  to  make  appear  their  right.  For  the  general 
court  intends  to  settle  those  lands  according  to  righteousness,  that 
no  plantation  may  be  discouraged,  and  plantation  work  may  goe 
forward  to  better  satisfaction  than  formerly."* 

The  court  must  subsequently  have  confirmed  John  Budd,  in  his 
rights  as  proprietor,  for  we  find  him  in  1681-2,  granting  a  piece 
of  meadow  land  lying  westward  of  John  Ogden,  to  John  Horton.^ 


•  Hart.  Rec.  vol.  iii.  29.  b  Co.  Rec.  Lib.  B.  84. 


VMfl 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  39 

In  1685,  John  Budd,  of  Southhold,  in  New  England,  sold  to 
Joseph  Purdy  a  certain  tract  of  land  iu  Rye,  lying  and  being  upon 
the  neck  called  Epawainos,  bounded  on  the  east  by  Blind  Brook, 
&c.,  ice.  Also  a  parcel  of  land  upon  the  same  to  Judith  Brown 
and  Joseph  Ogden,  29  April,  1685. « 

The  following  orders  were  issued  to  the  surveyor  general,  by  his 
Excellency  the  governor  in  council,  the  20th  of  February,  1695-6 : 
"  you  are  hereby  required  to  survey  and  lay  out  for  Joseph 
Budd  in  order  to  a  patent,  all  the  land  contained  in  an  Indian 
purchase  in  Westchester  Co.,  made  A.  D.  1661 ;  from  the  Sound 
to  the  marked  trees  near  Westchester  path,  bounded  on  the  west 
by  the  Mamaroneck  River,  on  the  east  side  by  parte  of  Blind 
Brook,"  and  this  shall  be  to  you  a  sufficient  warrant.^ 

Benjamin  Fletcher  to  Anthony  Graham,  Surveyor  General,  by 
order  of  council : 

In  consequence  of  the  unsettled  state  of  the  boundary  lines  be< 
tween  the  two  colonies  of  New  York  and  Connecticut,  Joseph 
Budd  failed  in  obtaining  his  patent  at  this  time. 

The  general  court  also  refused  him  a  patent  for  his  paternal 
lands  in  1710,  upon  the  ground  that  the  former  patent  granted 
was  sufficient.^  It  was  not  until  the  year  1720  that  the  Crown 
confirmed  the  Budd  purchase  by  letters  patent  under  the  great 
seal  of  the  province  of  New  York,  to  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hought 
and  Daniel  Purdy,  the  patentees  yielding  and  rendering  therefor 
yearly,  to  the  governor,  on  the  feast  duy  of  the  blessed  Virgin 
Mary,  commonly  called  I^dy  day,  the  annual  rent  of  one  pound 
nineteen  shillings. 

CHARTER  OF  RYE  NECK. 

George,  by  the  grace  of  God  King  of  Great  Britain,  France  and  Ireland, 
Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c.  All  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  sendeth 
greeting  ;  whereas  oor  loving  subjects  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hought,  and  Dan- 
iel Purdy,  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Rye,  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  by 
their  petition  presented  to  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Colonel  Peter  Sohuylert 


*  Co.  Ree.  Lib.  A.  p.  14. 

V  Indian  Deeds,  Alb.  Rec.  warrant  forsnrvey.  UK  I  39. 

c  Hart  Rec  toL  iv.  131. 


40  HISTORY  OF  THE 

president  of  the  eouDcil  for  our  province  of  New  York,  have  set  forth  that  in 
Tirtue  of  a  purchase  made  by  John  Budd  in  his  lifetime,  the  father  of  the  afore- 
said Joseph  Budd,  by  licence  from  the  governor  of  Connecticul  colony,  bear- 
ing date  the  eighth  day  of  November,  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  sixty,  of 
a  certain  tract  or  part  of  land  in  the  bounds  of  the  township  of  Rye,  in  the 
county  of  Westchester,  then  called  Apawquammis,  bounded  east  by  a  river 
then  called  Matquams  river,  southerly  by  the  sea  or  sound  against  Long  Island, 
now  called  the  Island  of  Nassau,  westerly  by  a  river  then  called  Poilhstoroak 
river,  and  northerly  by  marked  trees  near  Westchester  path,  they  the  said 
petitioners,  with  divers  others  of  our  loving  subjects,  inhabitants  of  the  same 
township  of  Rye,  who  have  and  do  hold  and  enjoy  the  same  tract  of  land  by, 
from,  or  under  the  same  John  Budd  and  his  heirs  and  assignees,  have  culti- 
vated and  improved  the  same  at  their  great  charge  and  great  labour  and  in- 
dustry, and  have  been  and  are  now  hitherto  peaceably  and  quietly  possessed 
thereof,  praying  to  have  the  same  confirmed  to  them  by  letters  patent  under 
the  great  seal  of  the  province  of  New  York,  in  the  manner  as  is  hereafter  de- 
scribed, (that  is  to  say)  all  that  tract  or  neck  of  land  in  the  township  of  Rye, 
in  the  county  of  Westchester,  in  the  province  of  New  York,  now  called  Budd^s 
purchase,  beginning  at  a  certain  grist  mill  called  Joseph  Lyon^s  mill,  standing 
on  a  brook  called  Blind  brook,  thence  up  the  stream  of  said  brook  including 
the  said  mill,  until  it  meets  with  a  small  brook  called  or  known  by  the  name  of 
Bound  brook,  then  on  a  north-west  course  until  it  meets  with  Westchester  old 
road,  thence  south-westerly  along  the  said  road  as  it  runs  to  a  white  oak  tree 
marked  on  two  sides,  standing  on  the  west  side  of  a  certain  brook  known  by 
the  name  of  Stoney  brook,  which  white  oak  tree  is  the  south-west  corner  of  a 
certain  patent  called  Harrison^s  patent,  then  from  said  white  oak  in  a  north- 
west course  to  an  ash  tree  marked  on  two  sides,  standing  on  the  east  side  of 
Maraneck  river,  close  by  the  edge  of  said  river  as  it  runs  to  the  place  where 
said  Maraneck  river  emptys  itself  into  Maraneck  harbour  or  neck,  then  south- 
erly to  where  said  Maraneck  harbour  or  creek  falls  into  the  Sound,  then 
easterly  all  along  the  Sound  untill  it  meets  with  a  certain  creek  called  Mill 
creek,  on  the  head  whereof  the  aforesaid  grist  mill  of  Joseph  Lyon  is  standing, 
thence  up  the  channel  of  said  creek  as  it  runs  until  it  meets  the  aforesaid  grist 
mill  where  it  first  begun,  bounded  easterly  by  Blind  brook  and  Mill  creek, 
northerly  by  Westchester  road   and  Harrison^s  patent,  westerly  by  Mara- 
neck river  and  harbor,  and  southerly  by  the  Sound,  together  with  a  small 
island  called  Hen  Island,  lying  in  the  Sound  over  against  the  said  lands,  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  main,  containing  in  the  whole,  main  land  and 
island,  1560  acres,  to  hold  to  them  and  their  heirs  and  assignees  forever,  but 
to  and  for  the  use  and  uses  following,  and  to  no  other  use  whatsoever  ;  (that 
is  to  say)  as  for  and  concerning  such  tracts  of  land  hereditaments,  part  of  the 
before  recited  tracts  of  land  and  island  whereof  the  said  Joseph  Budd,  John 
Hought  and  Daniel  Purdy  are  and  stand  lawfully  and  rightfully  seized  and 
possessed  in  their  own  several  and  respective  rights,  interest  and  estate,  to 


CO JN  TY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  4 1 

and  for  tlie  sole  and  only  proper  use,  benefit  and  belioof  of  the  aforesaid  Joseph 
Bttdd,  John  Hought  and  Daniel  Purdy,  severally  and  respectively,  and  of  their 
several  and  respective  heirs  and  assignees  forever,  and  as  for  and  concerning 
SQch  other  tracts  of  land,  parts  of  the  before  recited  tract  of  land  and  island 
which  are  belonging  and  appertaining  to  several  other  persons,  freeholders  and 
inhabitants  within  the  bounds  of  the  same  tract  of  land  and  island,  some  more 
and  some  less,  allowing  to  their  several,  separate,  and  particular  interest,  in 
tmst  to  and  for  the  sole  and  only  proper  use,  benefit  and  behoof  of  each  par- 
ticular freeholder  and  inhabitant,  particularly  and  respectively,  and  of  each  of 
their  particular  and  respective  heirs  and  assignees  forever,  in  as  full  and  ample 
manner  as  if  their  names  were  particularly  and  severally  mentioned  and  ex- 
pressed, and  their  particular  and  several  freeholds  were  particularly  and  seve- 
rally mentioned  and  described  under  the  usual  quit  rent,  with  the  usual  clauses, 
provisions,  conditions,  limitations  and  restrictions  as  are  limited  and  appointed 
by  our  royal  instructions  for  granting  of  land  in  our  said  province.  Which 
request  we  being  willing  to  grant.  Know  ye,  that  of  our  especial  grace,  certain 
knowledge  and  mere  motion,  we  have  given,  granted,  ratifyed  and  confirmed 
and  do  by  these  presents,  for  us,  our  heirs,  and  successors,  give,  grant,  ratify, 
and  confirm  unto  the  said  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hought  and  Daniel  Purdy,  and 
to  their  heirs  and  assignees  forever,  all  that  the  aforesaid  tract  of  land  and 
island  before  it,  containing  in  the  whole  1560  acres,  in  manner  and  form  as 
last  mentioned  and  described,  together  with  all  and  singular,  woods,  under- 
woods, houses,  edifices,  buildings,  barns,  fences,  orchards,  fields,  feedings, 
pastures,  meadows,  marshes,  swamps,  ponds,  pools,  waters,  water  courses, 
rivers,  rivulets,  runs,  and  streams  of  water,  fishing,  fowling,  hunting  and  hawk- 
ing, quarries,  mines,  minerals,  standing,  growing,  lying  and  being,  or  to  be  had, 
used  and  enjoyed,  within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid,  and  all  other  profits, 
benefits,  liberties,  privileges,  hereditaments,  and  appurtenances  to  tlie  same 
belonging  or  in  any  ways  appertaining ;  and  all  that  other  estate  right,  title, 
interest,  benefit,  claim,  and  demand  whatsoever,  of,  in,  or  to  the  same,  and  the 
reversion  and  reversions,  remainder  and  remainders,  and  the  yearly  rents  and 
profits  of  the  same,  excepting  and  always  reserving  out  of  this  our  own  pre- 
sent grant,  unto  our  heirs  and  successors  forever,  all  such  fir  trees  and  pine 
trees  of  the  diameter  of  twenty- four  inches,  at  twelve  inches  from  the  ground 
or  root,  as  are  or  shall  be  fit  to  make  masts  for  our  royal  navy,  as  also  such 
other  trees  as  are  or  shall  be  fit  to  make  plank  or  knees  for  the  use  of  our 
royal  navy  only,  which  now  are  standing,  growing  or  being,  or  which  for  ever 
hereafter  shall  be  standing,  growing  or  being,  in  or  upon  any  of  the  said  tract 
of  land  and  island,  with  free  license  and  liberty  for  any  person  and  persons 
whomsoever,  by  us,  oar  heirs  and  successors,  or  any  of  them,  to  be  thereunto 
authorized  and  appointed  under  our  or  their  sign  manuel,  with  workmen, 
horses,  waggons,  carts  and  carriages,  and  without,  to  enter  upon  and  come  in- 
to the  same  tract  of  land  and  island,  and  there  to  fell  and  cut  down,  root  up, 
hew,  saw,  rive,  split,  have,  take,  cart  and  carry  away  the  same,  trees,  planks, 

Vol.  IL  6 


42  HISTORY  OF  THE 

ihasts  and  knees  for  the  use  aforesaid,  and  also,  except  all  gold  and  silver  mines* 
to  have  and  to  hold  all  that,  the  aforesaid  tract  of  land,  and  island  before  it, 
containing  in  the  whole,  1560  acres,  and  all  other  the  above  granted  prerai- 
aes,  with  the  hereditaments  and  appoitenances,  (excepting  only  as  before  is 
excepted  and  reserved)  unto  the  aforesaid  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hoaght  and 
Daniel  Purdy,  their  heirs  and  assignees  forever,  hot  to  and  for  the  uses  fol- 
lowing, and  to  and  for  no  other  use  whatsoever,  (that  is  to  say)  and  for  and 
concerning  such  tract  of  land  and  hereditaments,  part  or  parts  of  the  before 
recited  tract  of  land  and  island  herein  and  hereby  granted,  whereof  them  the 
said  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hought  and  Daniel  Purdy,  are,  and  stand  lawfully  and 
rightfully  seized  and  possessed,  in  their  own  several  and  respective  rights,  in- 
terest and  estate,  to  and  for  the  sole  and  only  piroper  use  and  benefit  and  be- 
hoof of  the  said  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hought  and  Daniel  Purdy,  severally  and 
respectively,  and  their  several  and  respective  heirs  and  assignees  for  ever, 
and  as  for  and  containing  such  other  tracts  of  land  and  hereditaments,  part  or 
parcel  of  the  before  recited  tracts  of  land  and  island  herein  and  hereby  granted, 
which  are  or  shall  be  belonging  and  appertaining  to  several  other  persons, 
freeholders  and  inhabitants,  within  the  bounds  of  the  same  tract  of  land  and 
island,  some  more  and  some  less,  allowing  to  their  several  separate  and  par- 
ticular estates  and  interests  in  trust,  to  and  for  the  sole  and  only  proper  use, 
benefit  and  behoof  of  each  particular  freeholder  and  inhabitant,,  particularly 
and  respectively,  and  of  each  of  their  particular  and  respective  heirs  and  as- 
signs forever,  in  as  full  and  ample  manner,  as  if  their  several  names  and  their 
several  respective  freeholds  and  inhabitants,  were  particularly  and  severally 
described  and  expressed  in  these  presents,  to  be  holden  of  us,  our  heirs  and 
successors,  in  free  and  common  socage,  as  of  our  manor  of  East  Greenwich, 
in  the  county  of  Kent,  within  this  realm,  yielding,  rendering  and  paying  there- 
for unto  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  unto  our  and  their  receiver  general  for 
the  province  of  New  York,  for  the  time  being  at  our  custom  house  in  the  city 
of  New  York,  yearly  and  every  year  for  ever,  on  the  feast  day  of  the  Annun- 
ciation of  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary,  commonly  called  Lady  day,  the  annual 
rent  of  two  shillings  and  sixpence  for  every  hundred  acres  of  the  said  tract 
of  land  and  island,  and  so  proportionable,  for  a  smaller  quantity  (that  is  to  say) 
the  sum  of  one  pound  nineteen  shillings,  for  the  whole  tract  of  land  and  island, 
io  lieu  and  stead  of  all  other  rents,  services  and  duties  and  demands  whatso- 
ever, for  the  same  tract  of  land,  island  and  premises  so  granted  as  aforesaid, 
provided  always,  and  these  presents  are  upon  this  condition,  that  the  same 
Joseph  Budd,  John  Hought  and  Daniel  Purdy,  and  the  other  freeholders  and 
inhabitants  of  the  same  tract  of  land  and  island  so  granted  as  aforesaid,  and 
thfeir  heirs  and  assigns,  some  or  one  of  them  have,  or  shall  within  the  term 
and  space  of  three  years  next  ensuing  the  date  hereof,  settle,  clear  and  make 
improvement  of  five  acres  of  land  at  least,  for  every  fifty  acres  of  the  said 
tract  of  land  and  island,  and  so  proportionably  for  a  larger  or  smaller  tract  or 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  43 

p«rt  thereof,  and  in  faoh  thereof,  or  if  the  said  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hough t 
and  Daniel  Purdy,  and  the  other  inhabitants  and  freeholders  of  any  part  or 
parts  of  the  said  tract  of  lind  and  island,  or  their  heirs  and  assigns  or  any  of, 
them,  or  any  other  person  or  persons,  by  their  or  any  of  their  privity,  consent 
or  procurement,  shall  set  on  fire  and  burn  the  woods  in  the  same  tract  of  land 
and  island,  or  any  part  thereof,  to  clear  the  same,  that  then  and  in  either  of 
these  cases,  this  onr  present  grant,  and  every  article  and  clause  thereof,  shall 
become  Toid^  cease  and  determine  any  thing  in  these  presents  to  the  contrary 
thereof,  in  any  way  notwithstanding  we  do  hereby  will  and  grant,  that  these 
our  letters  shall  be  made  patent,  and  that  they  and  the  record  of  them,  in  our 
surrogates  office,  of  our  province  of  New  York,  shall  be  good  and  effectual  in 
the  law,  notwithstanding  the  neat,  true  and  well  reciting  of  the  premises,  or 
of  the  bounds  thereof,  or  of  any  forever,  or  other  letters  patent  or  grant, 
for  the  same  made  or  granted  to  any  other  person  or  persons,  body  corporate 
or  politic  whatsoever,  by  as  or  any  of  our  royal  ancestors  or  predecessors,  any 
law  or  other  restraint,  uncertainty  or  imperfection  whatsoever,  to  the  contrary 
hereof  in  any  ways  notwithstanding.  In  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused 
the  great  seal  of  our  province  of  New  York,  to  be  affixed  to  these  presents, 
and  the  same  to  be  entered  of  record  in  one  of  the  books  of  patent  in  our 
said  secretary's  office  remaining.  Witness  our  said  trusty  and  well  beloved 
Colonel  Peter  Schuyler,  President  of  our  Council  for  our  province  of  New 
York  in  council,  at  Fort  George  in  New  York,  the  28th  day  of  July,  in  the 
sixth  year  of  our  reign,  A.  D.  1730.« 

The  Budd  or  Rye  neck  patent  was  subsequently  divided 
among  the  following  proprietors,  viz.  James  Gedney,  102  acres. 
Daniel  Purdy,  drummer  of  Rye,  40  acres.  John  Carpenter,  a 
portion  joining  Mamaroneck  river.  Mr.  William  Bowuess  of 
Rye,  2  acres.  That  portion  called  the  Gusset  to  Joseph  Ogden. 
A  second  of  30  acres  to  Joseph  Lyon.  Daniel  Purdy,  3  acres. 
Monmouth  Hart,  15  acres.  James  Wood,  6  acres.  Archibald 
Titford,  18  acres.    The  residue  to  John  Budd. 

23  March,  1743.  Peter  Jay  leased  of  John  Budd  250  acres, 
and  obtained  a  release  for  the  same  the  succeeding  day.^ 

The  name  of  John  Roome  occurs  as  lessee  for  ihe  whole  pa- 
tent, of  1560  acres^  the  same  year. 

4  September,  1746.  Peter  Jay  purchased  four  acres  of  mea- 
dow on  Hen  Island  of  Monmouth  Hart.c 


•  Alb.  Rec.  Book  of  Patenti,  Lib.  viii.  387,  461. 
b  Co.  Rec  Lib.  R.  13S,  133,  128. 
«  Co.  Rec.  Lib.  R.  138. 


44  HISTORY  OF  THE 

The  partition  deed  between  Sir  James  Jay,  Peter  Jay,  John 
Jay  and  Frederick  Jay,  sons  of  Peter  deceased,  recites  "  that 
Peter  Jay  deceased  devised  all  his  real  estate  to  his  four  sons, 
and  conveyed  in  severalty  tb  Peter  Jay  the  Rye  farm,  as  convey- 
ed by  John  Budd  to  Peter  Jay  deceased  by  lease  and  release  of 
25th  and  26th  of  jMarch,  1745.* 

The  Jays  have  since  added  to  their  original  grant  by  other 
purchases  from  the  families  of  the  Harts,  Gedtieys,  Galons,  and 
Haines,  iJbc. 

Peter  Jay  by  will  bearing  dale,  1st  September,  1797,  devised 
all  his  real  estate  to  his  brother  John  Jay,  who  thereupon  be- 
came seized  of  the  whole  premises  in  severalty.  The  Hon.  John 
Jay  by  a  deed,  dated  16lh  September,  1822,  conveyed  them  in 
fee  to  the  late  Peter  Augustus,  Esq.,  father  of  the  present  pro- 
prietor, making  the  fourth  generation  that  has  occupied  this 
spot. 

The  Guions  are  also  owners  of  a  large  portion  of  the  Budd  or 
Rye  neck  patent. 

The  village  of  Rye  is  pleasantly  situated  upon  the  New  York 
and  Boston  turnpike  road  one  mile  and  a  half  north  of  Long 
Island  Sound.  The  Mockquamsy  (Blind  brook,)  a  beautiful 
perennial  stream  flows  through  the  place,  and  adds  much  to  the 
beauty  of  the  surrounding  scenery.  It  derives  its  source  from 
the  romantic  hills  north  of  the  village.  The  principal  spring  is 
located  on  the  lands  of  Edwin  Keeler.  In  its  progress  south  this 
stream,  fed  by  numerous  tributaries,  aflbrds  excellent  mill  seats.^ 

The  first  settlements  in  the  town,  (as  shown  by  the  Indian 
deed  of  1660,)  were  made  on  the  island  Minnewies  or  Minussing, 


*  Extracts  from  deduction  of  title. 

b  lu  Uie  town  records  occurs  the  following  entry.  **  March  3d,  1696.  Samuel 
Lane  and  Joseph  Lyon  are,  or  either  of  them,  permitted  to  build  a  fulling  or 
grist  mill  vpon  Blind  brook,  above  the  town,  provided  they  choose  their  location 
in  three  weeks,  and  build  the  fulling  mill  in  three  years.  This  mill  is  supposed  to 
have  occupied  the  site  of  the  present  grist  and  saw  mill  of  Mr.  James  E.  Beers,  so 
that  a  mill  has  stood  upon  this  stream  for  one  hundred  and  forty  years  at  least. 
The  ancient  Budd  milU  were  located  near  the  present  stone  bridge  at  the  entrance 
of  the  village. 


■<w'>  111  ■■^^PiwwaW 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  45 

near  the  Rye  Port  harbour.  To  the  Island  village  its  proprietors 
gave  the  name  of  Hastings.  From  this  place  the  early  settlers 
issued  their  famous  declaration,  dated 

Hastings,  July  26,  1662. 
"  Know  all  men  whom  this  may  concern,  that  we  the  inhabitants 
of  Minussing  island,  whose  names  are  underwritten  do  declare  unto 
all  men,  we  came  not  hither  to  live  without  government  as  some 
suppose,  an  1  therefore  do  proclaime  Charles  the  Second  our  true 
Lord  and  King,  and  doe  voluntary  submit  ourselves  and  all  our 
lands  that  we  have  bought  of  the  English  and  Indians  under  his 
gracious  protection,  and  do  expect  according  to  his  gracious  de- 
claration unto  all  his  subjects  which  we  are,  and  desire  to  be 
subject  to  a!l  his  wholesome  laws  that  are  just  and  righteous,  ac- 
cording to  God  and  our  consciences,  to  receive,  whereunto  we  do 
subscribe. 
The  mark  of  Taylor  Johnson.  Peter  Disbrow. 

The  mark  of  Moses.  John  Coe. 

Samuel  Allin.  The  mark  of  Thomas  Stedwell. 

The  mark  of  Robert  Hudsone.  William  OJell. 

John  Brondish. 

The  mark  of  Frederick  Hermanson. 
The  mark  of  Thomas  Applebe." 

To  this  declaration  is  appended  the  following  agreement  and 
orders,  (showing  the  botinds  of  the  future  township  of  Hastings,) 

"We  do  agree  that  for  our  land  bought  on  themnyn  land,  call- 
ed in  the  Indian  Poningoe^  and  in  English  the  Biaram  land, 
lying  between  the  aforesaid  Biaram  river  and  the  Blind  brook, 
bounded  east  and  west  with  these  two  rivers,  and  on  the  north 
with  Westchester  path,  and  on  the  south  with  the  sea,  for  a  plan- 
tation, and  the  name  of  the  town  to  be  called  Hastings. 

And  now  lastly  we  have  jointly  agreed  that  he  that  will  sub- 
scribe to  these  orders,  here  is  land  for  him,  and  he  that  doth  re- 
fuse to  subscribe  hereunto  we  have  no  land  for  him."<^ 


*  Rye  Rec.  Lib.  A. 


46  raSTORY  OP  THE 

Hastings,  July  26,  1662.  The  planters  hands  lo  these  or- 
ders. 

Benjamin  Woypen.  Robert  Hutson. 

John  May.  John  Brondish. 

Samuel  Allin.  Frederick  Harminson. 

Thomas  Aj)plebe. 

August  11,  1662.  These  orders  made  by  the  purchasers  of 
the  land  with  our  names. 

Peter  Disbrow,  John  Coe,  Thomas  Stedwell,  William  Odell. 

It  was  ordered  by  the  General  Court  of  Assembly,  holden  at 
Hartford,  May  1 1,  1665, 

"  That  the  villages  of  Hastings  and  Rye  shall  be  for  the  future 
conjoined  and  made  one  plantation,  and  that  it  shall  be  called 
by  the  appellation  of  Rye^  and  Mr.  Gold,  Mr.  Lawes,  and  John 
Banks  are  appointed  to  go  and  settle  the  differences  between 
the  inhabitants  of  Hastings  and  Rye,  and  also  see  the  line  be- 
tween Stamford  and  Greenwich  run."* 

"A.  D.  1666.  John  Budd,  Sen.,  of  Rye,  for  and  in  consider- 
ation of  thirty-seven  pounds,  ten  shillings,  sells  his  land,  divided 
by  agreement  of  the  men  of  Hastings  now  called  Rye^  to  George 
Kniffen  of  Stratford,  the  house  being  situated  in  the  town /or- 
merly  called  Hastings,  in  presence  of  us,  Francis  Brown  and 
Daniel  Simkins.*> 

In  the  main  street  of  the  village  stands  an  ancient  stone  tavern, 
at  present  occupied  by  Mr.  Silvanus  van  Sicklin.  This  build- 
ing was  erected  in  the  early  days  of  the  settlement,  when  it 
served  the  double  purpose  of  a  residence  and  fortification.  The 
remains  of  embrasures  can  yet  be  traced  in  its  walls.  The  fol- 
lowing order  is  presumed  to  relate  to  this  edifice. 

March  5lh,  1676.  Thomas  Lyon  and  Thomas  Brown  are  ap- 
pointed to  choose  a  house  or  place  to  be  fortified  for  the  safety  of 
the  town.  Also  the  young  men  who  come  into  the  fortification, 
and  remain  during  the  troubles^  are  to  have  an  equal  proportion 


•■  Hartford  Rec.  vol.  ii.  208. 

b  Probate  Rec.  Fairfield  Co.  from  1665  to  1675. 

<  King  Philip's  war  with  New  England.  On  the  13th  of  March,  1676,  (eight  days 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  47 

of  the  undivided  lands,  providedthey  be  such  as  the  town  approve.^ 
Upon  the  13th  of  July,  1681,  the  town  authorized  John  Ogden 
and  George  Knilfen  to  purchase  a  barrel  of  powder,  and  three 
hundred  weight  of  lead  of  Mr.  Budd  of  Fairfield,  or  wherever  it 
can  be  obtained  the  cheapest.  These  are  to  be  kept  for  the  use 
of  the  town." 

At  this  early  period,  the  Indians  were  very  numerous,  and  the 
surrounding  country  was  infested  by  wolves.  On  the  15th  of 
December,  1689,  a  bounty  of  fifteen  siiillings  was  ordered  to  be 
raised  by  a  town  rate,  for  the  killing  of  wolves.  Whilst  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  Connecticut,  the  villages  of  Rye  and  Hastings 
sent  a  deputy  to  the  general  court  of  that  colony.  The  first  in- 
dividual who  held  this  honorable  ofilce,  was  Mr.  John  Budd,  as 
appears  from  the  following  letter  addressed  to  the  members  of 
the  court  then  assembled  at  Hartford. 

Hastings,  the  Ist  month  26,  1663. 
Mach  Honored  Sirs  : — 

We  heer  underwritten,  heing  seted  upon  a  small  tract  of  land  lying  betwixt 
Greenwich  and  Westchester,  which  land  wee  have  bought  with  our  money 
the  which  wee  understand  doth  lye  within  your  patent,  and  whereas,  yoa 
have  already  required  our  subjection  as  his  majesties  subjects,  the  which 
we  did  willingly  and  readily  embrace,  and  according  to  your  desiour, 
we  sent  a  man  to  Fairfield,  who  have  there  taken  the  oath  of  a  consta- 
ble, we  have  now  made  choys  of  our  nayghbar  John  Budd  for  a  depute, 
and  sent  him  up  to  your  Corte  to  act  for  us,  as  hee  shall  see  good,  it  is  our 
desiour  to  have  some  settled  way  of  government  amongst  us,  and  therefore, 
we  do  crave  so  much  favor  at  the  hands  of  the  Honble  Cort,  that  they  do 
make  us  a  constable  or  any  other  officer,  that  they  would  give  him  power  to 
grant  a  warrant  in  case  of  need,  because  we  be  somewhat  remote  from  other 
places,  thus  leaving  it  to  your  well  and  judicious  consideration,  we  remain 
yours  to  command, 

Peter  Disbrow,  William  Odell, 

Richard  Fowler,  John  Brondig, 

George  Clere,  John  Jackson, 

Philip  Caspine,  Thomas  Stedwell, 

John  Coe,  Walter  Lancaster, 

in  the  name  of  the  rest.b 


after  the  date  of  the  above  order,)  the  entire  town  of  Groton*  consistiog  of  forty 
houses,  was  bomed  by  the  Indians.    See  Drake's  American  Indians. 

'  Rye  Rcc.  vol  I.  73. 

^  Hart  Rec.  vol.  i.  no.  66,  on  towns  and  lands. 


48  mSTORY  OF  THE 

June  26,  1676,  Mr.  John  Banks  occurs  as  deputy  to  the  gene- 
ral court  from  Rye. 

jjifp^  its  annexation  to  the  province  of  New  York,  Rye  was 
ei^ted  into  a  market  town,  and  enjoyed  the^extraordinary  privi- 
lege of  holding  and  keeping  a  yearly  fair,  orfthe  2d  Tuesday  in 
October,  to  end  on  ihe  Friday  next  following,  being  in  all 
four  days. 

Courts  of  special  sessions  were  also  held  in  Rye  during  the 
colonial  dynasty. 

Many  handsome  villas  and  country  residences  adorn  tl)e  vil- 
lage. The  mansion  of  the  lale  David  Brooks,  is  a  beautiful 
specimen  of  the  old  English  style,  only  requiring  the  proper  ac- 
cessories of  trees  and  shrubbery.  The  gables  are  enriched  with 
elaborately  carved  scroll  work,  and  surmounted  by  finials.  The 
oriel  windows  present  a  light  and  airy  eflfect.  The  whole  struc- 
ture is  elegantly  finished,  internally  as  well  as  externally. 
The  residences  of  the  late  Ebenezer  Clark  and  Mr.  Halstead, 
are  beautifully  situated  upon  the  margin  of  Blind  brook. 
Embosomed  amid  luxuriant  trees,  south  of  the  former,  is 
the  residence  of  Hachaliah  Brown,  Esq.,  whose  family  has  for 
five  generations  occupied  the  estate.  The  present  building 
was  erected,  A.  D.  1774,  upon  the  site  of  the  old  homestead. 
The  Browns  were  originally  from  the  town  of  Rye,  county  of 
Sussex,  England.  Hachaliah  Brown  the  more  immediate  ances- 
tor of  the  family,  having  been  one  of  the  first  planters  of  this 
town.  In  1756,  Hachaliah  Brown  of  Rye,  commanded  the 
Westchester  levies,  under  General  Lord  Amherst.  The  ad- 
joining estate  belongs  to  Henry  Barker,  Esq. 

North  east  of  t}:c  village  bordering  Purchase  street,  is  the  pro- 
perty of  the  late  Josiah  Purdy,  Esq.,  now  occupied  by  his  son 
Josiah  Purdy.  The  Purdy  family  were  among  the  early  set- 
tlers of  Fairfield,.  Connecticut.  Francis  Purdy,*^  the  first  of  the 
family  of  whom  we  have  any  accoimt,  died  in  1658,  at  Fairfield. 


»  An  iDventory  of  the  estate  of  Francis  Purdy,  was  taken  Oct.  14lh,  1586.    See 
Probate  Records,  Fairfield  Co. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  49 

Ris  aonSf  Francis,  John^  and  Samuel,  subsequently  removed  to 
Rye. 

The  old  parsonage  land  is  now  occupied  by  Henry  Strang 
son  of  the  late  Daniel.  Strang,  grandson  of  the  worthy  Huguenot, 
Daniel  L'Estrange  JMd  Mary  Hubert  his  wife,  who  removed 
firom  New  Rochelle  to  this  place,  in  1697. 

The  most  prominent  object  upon  entering  Rye  from  the  west, 
is  the  Presbyterian  church  with  its  spire,  a  neat  wooden  edifice, 
erected  at  the  private  cost  of  the  late  Ebenezer  Clark,  Esq.,  and 
dedicated  June  the  28th,  1842.^  It  occupies  the  site  of  the  old 
church  erected  A.  D.  ITOS.^^  The  latter  was  dedicated  by  the 
Rev.  Isaac  Lewis,  D.  D.,  of  Greenwich,  Connecticut,  who  offi- 
ciated here  for  some  time,  in  connection  with  his  own  charge. 
To  the  Presbyterian  church  at  Rye,  is  attached  the  chapel  at 
Port  Chester.  Service  is  now  regularly  held  every  Sunday 
morning  at  Port  Chester,  and  in  the  afternoon  at  Rye. 

The  first  Presbyterian  church  in  this  town,  is  said  to  have 
been  erected  upon  Pulpit  plains  the  property  of  Mr.  Billah 
Theale. 

In  1729,  the  proprietors  of  the  undivided  land  lying  in  Rye, 
between  Byram  and  Blind  brook  streams,  within  a  certain  pat- 
ent that  was  granted  unto  Daniel  Purdy,  son  of  John  Purdy  de- 
ceased, Samuel  Brown,  Benjamin  Brown  and  others,  grant  unto 
the  Presbyterian  Society  for  ever,  one-half  acre  of  land  lying  on 
the  Plains  near  unto  the  house  that  was  the  late  deceased 
Thomas  Merritt's  jun.,  &c.  In  witness  whereof,  we  have  here- 
unto set  our  hands,  the  15th  day  of  May,  in  the  second  year  of 
the  reign  of  King  George  the  second,  A.  D.  1729.^ 
Robert  Bloomer,         Charles  Leish,  Thomas  Brown, 

Daniel  Purdy,  sen.,    James  Roosevelt,        Jonathan  Brown, 
Joseph  Eniffen,  Hachaliah  Brown,      Thomas  Purdy, 


a  John  Purdy  wai  residing  at  Fairfield,  in  1658. 

b  The  cost  of  this  -edifice,  including  certain  improvements  around  the  church, 
wasfCOOO. 
•  The  land  was  the  gift  of  Mr.  Jesse  Park, 
d  Rye  Rec.  Lib.  C. 

YoL.  11.  7 


V 


60  raSTORY  OF  THE  .^ 

Abram  van  Wyck,  Joseph  Purdy,  John  Garhart, 

Nathan  Kniffen,  Andrew  Merritt,  ^  Timothy  Knapp, 

Samuel  Lane,  sen.,  Nathaniel  Sherwood,  Jonathan  Haight, 

John  Disbrow,  Thomas  Howell,  Justus  Bush, 

Benjamin  Brown,  Ebenezer  Eniffen,  j^ohn  Coe, 

John  Roosevelt,  Daniel  Purdy,  Joseph  Lyon, 

Joseph  Sherwood,  John  Lyon,  jun.,  Joseph  StedwelK 

George  Kniffen,  James  Brown, 

The  first  ordained  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Rye, 
was  the  Rev.  John  Smith,  who  appears  to  have  commenced  his 
labors  here  cir.  1753.  He  is  said  to  have  been  an  able  and  useful 
minister ;  he  died  February  26th,  1771,  aged  68  years.  In  1793, 
the  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis,  D.  D.,  officiated  here  statedly  for  three 
month's.  His  son  and  successor  in  the  church  at  Greenwich, 
continued  for  a  short  time  after.  Subsequently  at  irregular  inter- 
vals clergymen  visited  the  church  of  whom  no  record  remains. 
On  the  4tb  of  March,  1829,  this  church  was  regularly  organized 
by  a  commission  of  the  New  York  presbytery.  Upon  the  forma- 
tion of  the  Bedford  presbytery  in  October,  1829,  the  relations  of 
this  church  was  transferred  to  that  body,  in  which  connection  it 
has  ever  since  remained.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Saxton  officiated  as 
stated  supply  until  May  17th,  1827,  when  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Whit- 
temore  took  charge  and  continued  until  April,  1832.  In  July, 
1829,  the  second  church  edifice  was  thoroughly  repaired,  at  a  cost 
of  $800.  For  the  successors  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Whittemore,  see 
list  of  pastors. 

The  Presbyterian  Church  of  Rye  was  first  incorporated  on  the 
6th  of  June  1796;  Robert  Merritt,EzekieIHaIstead,  jun.,  Nathan 
Brown,  John  Doughly,  James  Hunt  and  David  Rogers,  trus- 
tees.* 

List  of  Ministers  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  at  Rye, 
Install,  or  call  Ministers,  vacated  by 

A.  D.  1763,  Rev.  John  Smith,  death, 


•  Co.  Roe.  Religiottf  Soc.  Lib.  A.  50. 


COUNTS  OP  WESTCHESTER.  61 

lust,  or  call.                            Ministers,  Vacated  by 

A.  D.    1793,  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis,  resig. 

1794,  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis,  jr.,  do. 

1826,  Rev.  Mr.  SaxtoD,  do. 

1827,  Rev.  W.  H.  Whittemore,  do. 
April,  1833,  Rev.  David  Remington,  death, 
April,  1834,  Rev.  Thomas  Payne,  resig. 

October,  1836,  Rev.  James  R.  Davenport,  do. 

Oct.  9  1838,  Rev.  Edward  D.  Bryan,  present  minister* 

Church  Memoranda. 

1836,    communicants    20,    baptisms    6, 
1846,  do  88,         do  7. 

The  first  religious  society  of  Rye  was  Congregational,  at  that 
time  the  established  religion  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut. 

<'  By  authority  it  had  been  enacted  that  no  person  within  the 
colony  should  embody  themselves  in  church  estate  without  the 
consent  of  the  general  court.  The  law  also  prohibited  any  min- 
istry being  attended  by  the  inhabitants,  in  any  plantation  distinct 
and  separate  from  that  which  was  established  in  the  place,  except 
by  the  approbation  of  the  general  court  and  the  neighboring 
churches. 

"  One  object  of  these  laws  was  doubtless  to  prevent  Baptists, 
Episcopalians  and  others  from  gaining  a  foothold.*'^ 

As  early  as  1660,  says  the  historian  Trumbull,  Rye  paid  taxes 
for  the  support  of  religion,  although  no  church  was  formed  nor 
pastors  ordained. 

Greenwich  and  Rye,  continues  the  same  authority,  were  but  ~ 
just  come  under  the  jurisdiction  of  Connecticut,  and  not  in  cir- 
cumstances for  the  support  of  ministers;  they  had  occasional 
preaching  only  for  a  considerable  time.*> 

At  a  town  meeting  held  in  Rye,  November,  1670,  the  town 
made  choice  of  Joseph  Horton,  Thomas  Brown,  and  John  Bron- 
dig,  who  are  to  do  their  endeavor  to  procure  a  minister. 

It  was  also  agreed  for  to  allow  two  pence  in  the  pound  for  the 


•  Lambtrt's  Hist.  N.  HaTsn,  p.  189.        b  TmubQU'd  Hist  Conn.  p.  300. 


62  HISTORY  OP  THE 

maintenance  of  a  minister  amongst  us,  that  is  to  say  an  orthodox 
minister. 

From  the  following  document  it  appears  that  the  town  had 
not  succeeded  in  procuring  a  minister,  for  May  the  llth,  1671, 
at  a  court  of  assembly  held  at  Hartford,  Capt.  Nathan  Gold, 
Thomas  Fitch,  Mr.  Holly,  Lt.  Richard  Olmstead,  and  Mr.  John 
Burr,  they,  or  any  three  of  them,  are  desired  to  repair  to  the  said 
Rye,  as  soon  as  may  be,  and  to  endeavor  a  comfortable  composure 
and  issue  of  such  differences  as  are  among  the  people  there,  and 
to  use  their  endeavors  in  the  procuring  of  an  able  and  orthodox 
minister  to  settle  in  that  place,  and  if  the  people  of  Rye  shall  not 
concur  with  their  endeavors  in  procuring  a  minister  and  comfort- 
ably settling  of  him  in  the  plantation  of  Rye,  then  the  court  doth 
empower  the  aforesaid  committe  to  agree  with  a  suitable  man 
for  that  work  in  that  place,  and  to  agree  with  him  for  maynte- 
nance  to  the  value  of  £40  per  annum,  which  the  treasurer,  by 
warrant  to  the  constable  of  said  Rye,  shall  order  for  the  gather- 
ing and  payment  thereof  with  the  county  rate.* 

October  8th,  1674.  The  general  court  again  empowers  Cap- 
tain John  Allyn,  Mr.  James  Bishop,  Major  Robert  Treat  with 
Mr.  Gold,  "  to  endeavor  also  the  obliging  and  settling  of  a  minis- 
ter at  Rye."b 

At  a  court  hoi  den  at  Hartford,  May  17th,  1675,  Major  Nathan 
Gold,  Major  Robert  Treat,  and  Mr.  Jehu  Burr  were  nominated 
and  appointed  a  committee  to  treat  with  the  inhabitants  of  Rye 
and  those  concerned  in  lands  there,  and  labor  to  accommodate 
matters,  as  that  there  may  be  suitable  encouragement  for  Mr. 
Prudden  to  settle  in  the  ministry,  and  such  other  suitable  inhabi- 
tants with  him  as  may  promote  the  settlement  of  said  town  of 
Rye  and  the  ministry  therein ;  and  if  they  shall  find  any  averse- 
ness  or  difficulty  with  the  inhabitants  or  proprietors  in  so  just 
and  necessary  publique  good  of  the  town,  they  are  empowered  to 
doe  what  they  see  meet  for  the  end  aforesaid,  and  make  reports 
to  the  court  in  October  next,  for  approbation ;  and  for  the  en- 
couragement of  the  ministry  at  Rye,  this  court,  for  this  year. 


•  Hart  Col.  Rec  toI.  iii.  18.  b  Hart.  Col.  Rec.  vol  iii.  53. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  53 

grants  them  a  penny  of  the  pound  upon  all  the  ratable  estate  of 
their  town,  to  be  payd  out  of  their  country  rate,  and  shall  be 
ready  as  need  requires  to  continue  such  necessary  encourage* 
ment  as  they  shall  judge  suitable.* 

Upon  the  27th  May,  1675,  the  town  orders  that  the  home  lot 
of  Peter  Disbrow,  adjoining  Timothy  Knapp,  be  taken  by  the 
town  in  exchange  for  the  land  by  the  Blind  brook,  south  of  Jacob 
Bridge's.  The  above  lot  to  be  for  Mr.  Peter  Prudden  for  a  par- 
sonage lot ;  if  not  thus  disposed  of,  this  agreement  to  be  void. 

February  26, 1676.  The  town  released  Peter  Disbrow's  lot, 
and  cancels  the  above  agreement. 

February  26lh,  1677.  John  Brundige  and  John  Purdy  are 
empowered  to  sell  the  frame  intended  for  a  parsonage  house. 

The  same  year  the  Rev.  Thomas  Denham  appears  to  have 
been  minister  here,  for,  June  15,  a  bouse  lot  is  ordered  for  Mr. 
Thomas  Denham,  and  on  November  the  22d,  we  find  the  same 
individual  admitted  an  inhabitant  of  the  town  of  Rye.  June  21 
167S,  Mr.  Thomas  Denham  is  to  have  all  the  grass  on  the  high- 
way at  the  old  town,  besides  an  equal  share  with  the  proprietors 
of  Poningoe  neck, 

March  5th,  1679.  60  poles  of  land  lying  before  his  door,  to- 
ward the  brook,  are  granted  to  Mr.  Thomas  Denham,  and  the 
ensuing  year  he  is  to  have  all  the  grass  in  the  highway  at  the 
first  of  the  old  town  lots ;  also  £30  allowed  for  his  maintenance. 
The  general  court  of  Connecticut,  October  14ih,  16S0,  ordered 
that  thirty  pounds  per  annum  agreed  by  Rye  to  be  paid  to  the 
minister,  Mr.  Denham,  shall  be  gathered  by  the  constable  with 
the  country  rate,  in  the  same  specie  and  prices  as  the  country 
rate,  and  by  him  to  be  paid  to  the  said  minister. ^  A.D.  1682, 
the  town  confirms  the  sura  of  £30  as  salary  to  Mr.  Denham,  and 
orders  the  same  to  be  paid  in  provisions. 

The  historian  Trumbull  informs  us  that  about  the  year  1688, 

the  Rev.  John  Bowers  removed  from  Derby  and  settled  at  Rye.® 

April  22d,  1690,  Captain  Horton,  Joseph  Theall,  and  John 


«  Hart  Col.  Rec  vol.  m.  59.  b  Hart  Col.  Rec.  yol.  iii.  59. 

«  Tmmlrairs  Hist.  Conn.  p.  523. 


64  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Brondig  are  chosen  by  the  town  to  procure  a  minister^  and,  if 
possible,  a  schoolmaster. 

27ih  June,  1693.  Hacaliah  Brown,  George  Lane,  and  Timothy 
Knapp  were  added  to  the  above  committee  to  procure  a  minister 
as  soon  as  possible. 

February  26th,  1694,  it  is  ordered  that  the  townsman  make  a 
rate  to  defray  the  expense  of  repairing  the  parsonage  house. 
22d  July,  1697 ;  Captain  Theal,  Hachaliah  Brown,  George  LanCi 
and  Thomas  Merritt  are  chosen  by  vote  for  the  procuring  of  a 
minister  for  the  town  of  Rye. 

Colonel  Caleb  Heathcote  writing  to  the  secretary  of  the  Pro- 
pagation Society  in  1705,  observes,  **  that  there  is  no  parish  in 
the  government  but  what  is  able  to  pay  twice  as  much  as  they  do. 
For  Rye  parish^  which  is  not  by  one-half  so  large  as  the  least 
parish  established  by  law  in  the  government  here,  since  my  liv- 
ing here,  maintained  two  dissenting  ministers,  viz.  one  at  Rye 
and  Mamaroneck,  and  one  B^Bed/ordf  and  gave  tM  former  £50, 
and  the  latter  £40,  a  year."» 

A   LIST    OF   MINISTERS    OF   THE    CONGREGATIONAL   CHURCH, 

RYE. 

In8tal  or  call.  Ministers. 

1681.  Rev.  Peter  Prudden. 

1677.  Rev.  Thomas  Denham. 

cir.     1684.  Rev.  John  Woodbridge. 

1688.  Rev.  John  Bowers. 

Christ  Church,  Rye,  is  agreeably  situated  upon  rising  ground, 
overlooking  the  village  and  vale  of  Blind  brook. 

The  building  itself  is  a  plain  edifice  of  wood,  surmounted  with 
an  embattled  tower,  and  a  small  vestry-room  attached  to  the 
rear. 


»  See  Scandale,  for  Heathcote*s  letter. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER. 


Its  interior  consists  of  the  nave,  two  aisles,  gallery  and  cbai>- 
cel.  On  the  korlh  side  of  the  laltar  there  is  a  neat  monQtnental 
tablet,  erected 

Id  memorj  of 
W>LLI*M   Thompbok, 

ofChnM  Church  «t  Rje, 

A  natire  of  EnnHkiHen, 

Trdand. 

Odlaiaed  April,  18S0, 

*  Appointed  to  the  charge  of  thia  Pariahi 

September,  1833, 

Died  AugDst  Sg,  1830. 

"Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  aprighl, 

for  the  end  of  that  man  ia  peace." — Paaltn  xxxtiii.  v.  37. 

Erected  by  hie  affeclionate 

Widow. 

His  remains  are  interred  in  the  village  cemeleir.  Beneath  the 
floor  of  the  church  lie  pillovred  in  the  darkness  of  the  grave  se- 
veral of  the  early  rectois. 


66 


HISTORY  OP  THE 


The  present  building  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  $5500,  in  the 
year  1788,  upon  the  site  of  the  old  stone  edifice  called  Grace 
church. 

It  was  designed  at  first  to  have  erected  a  steeple  in  place  of 
the  present  tower,  as  appears  by  an  act  of  the  vestry,  dated  Sept. 
17,  1791. 

"  Wherein  it  was  ordered  to  remove  the  work  projected  for  a 
steeple  on  the  top  of  the  roof,  at  the  west  end.'' 

Belonging  to  this  church  is  a  silver 
paten  and  chalice  presented  by  her  Ma- 
jesty Queen  Anne,  A.  D.  1706. 

These  articles  have  been  used  in  the 
administration  of  the  holy  sacrament 
nearly  one  century  and  a  half.  The 
royal  donation  originally  consisted,  (to- 
gether with  the  above,)  of  a  large 
church  bible,  common  ^prayer  book, 
book  of  homilies,  cloth  for  the  pulpit, 
and  a  communion  table. 

Upon  two  copper  alms  bowls  are  in- 
scribed, "Presented  to  Christ  Church 
at  Rye,  by  James  Meadows,  1769." 

Besides  a  fine  toned  bell  the  church 
contains  a  neat  organ. 

The  first  notice  of  this  parish  occurs 
in  the  two  acts  passed  by  the  Assembly  of  New  York  in  1693 
and  1697. 

The  first  entitled  ''  An  act  for  settling  a  ministry  and  raising 
a  maintenance  for  them  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  counties 
of  Richmond,  Westchester^  and  dueens." 

The  second  ordered,  "  That  there  shall  be  called,  inducted 
and  established  a  good  sufficient  Protestant  minister  to  officiate 
and  have  the  cure  of  souls  within  one  year  next  ensuing,  and  after 
the  publication  hereof.  In  the  county  of  Westchester  two ;  one 
to  have  the  cure  of  souls  within  Westchester,  &c. ;  the  other  to 
have  the  cure  of  Rye,  Mamaroneck  and  Bedford."* 


The  Qaeen*0  paten  and  cbalice. 


•  AcU  of  AflBemUy»  Pro.  of  N.  Y.  1691  to  1725,  p.  23. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  57 

Pursuant  to  these  acts  of  Assembly  a  town  meeting  was  held, 
February  28,  1695,  by  virtue  of  a  warrant  granted  by  Justice 
Theal,  when  George  Lane  and  John  Brondig  were  elected 
churchwardens,  and  Jonathan  Hart,  Joseph  Horton,  Josepii  Pur- 
dy,  Timothy  Enapp,  Hachaliah  Brown,  Thomas  Merritt,  Deliv- 
erance Brown  and  Isaac  Denham,  vestrymen,  the  two  last  being 
chosen  for  Bedford. 

The  whole  number  of  the  appropriated  precincts,  belonging  to 
the  parish  of  Rye  in  1725,  were  as  folbw  ;  Bedford,  Scarsdale, 
Mamaroneck  and  North  Castle,  to  which  were  subsequently  add- 
ed White  Plains  and  Harrison. 

For  collecting  the  minister's  maintenance,  writs,  of.  mandamus 
were  issued  to  the  justices  and  vestries,  empowenug  them  to 
make  a  rate  for  raising  the  rector's  tax. 

The  following  are  specimens  of  the  original  taxation  rolls  of 
this  benefice  in  1725. 

Bedford,  £16  2  0.  Mamaroneck,  £  IS  0  0.  Scarsdale,  £5  3  0. 
North  Castle,  £2  9  0.    Total  with  Rye,  £67  18  0. 

The  first  inducted  rector  of  the  parish  was  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Pritchard.  In  a  summary  account  of  the  state  of  the  church  in 
the  Province  of  New  York,  as  it  was  laid  before  the  clergy,  con- 
vened October  6th,  1704,  at  New  York,  d&c.,  it  was  stated,  that 
"  at  Rye,  of  which  the  Rev.  Thomas  Pritchard  is  rector,  there  is 
no  church,  but  the  minister  preaches  in  the  town  house ;  the 
parish  is  divided  into  three  districts,  viz.  Rye,  Bedford  and  Ma- 
maroneck. 

"  There  is  a  salary  of  £50  per  annum,  established  by  act  of 
Assembly;  the  number  of  communicants  are  considerably  in- 
creased, since  the  first  celebration  of  the  sacraments,  &c."^ 

In  a  letter  addressed  to  the  Propagation  Society,  dated  Rye, 
November  1st,  1704,  Mr.  Pritchard  proposes  to  that  body  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Stewart  then  missionary  at  Bedford^  as  a  most  suitable 
person  to  fill  the  vacant  parish  of  Hempstead,  Long  Island. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Pritchard  married  Anna  Stuyvesant, 
daughter  of  Nicholas  William,  and  grand-daughter  of  the  illus- 


*  Church  Rec.  Vol.  i.  No.  16.    Francis  L.  Hawks*  D.  D.>  editor. 

YoL.  II.  8 


58  HISTORY  OF  THK 

trious  Peter  Stnyvesant.^    Mr.  Pritchard  appears  to  have  been 
inducted  in  1703.    He  died  A.  D.  1706. 

His  successor  was  the  Rev.  George  Muirson.  Of  this  gentle- 
man the  Rev.  Mr.  Evans  thus  writes  in  a  letter  to  the  Bishop  of 
London,  under  date  of  October  17th,  1704.  "  This  comes  by 
the  hands  of  the  ingenious  Mr.  George  Muirson  to  receive  holy 
orders  from  your  Lordship,  by  the  approbation  of  his  Excellency 
my  Lord  Cornbury.  I  find  that  he  is  very  well  beloved  and  es- 
teemed by  all  sorts  of  people,  a  man  of  a  very  sober  and  blame- 
less conversation.  He  seems  to  be  indued  with  great  humility 
of  mind,  and  has  the  character  of  being  very  prudent  in  his  con* 
duct.  I  give  him  this  recommendation  not  to  gratify  himself, 
nor  any  body  else,  but  because  1  sincerely  believe  he  may  be 
very  instrumental  of  doing  much  good  in  the  church.''^ 

Mr.  Muirson  having  been  ordained,  was  appointed  to  the  mission 
of  Rye.  In  his  first  report  to  the  Society  he  states  *^  that  he  had  a 
very  great  congregation  every  Sunday  and  that  those  were  his  hear- 
ers who  never  were  in  a  Church  of  England  congregation  before. 
Though  the  people  were  of  almost  all  persuasions,  he  had  ad- 
mitted into  the  church,  by  baptism,  eighty  persons  young  and 
old  ;  hundreds  however  in  the  parish  remain  unbaptized.<^ 

He  further  remarks  to  the  Society,  <<  I  have  lately  been  in  the 
Government  of  Connecticut,  where  I  observe  some  people  well 
affected  to  the  church,  for  those  that  are  near  come  to  my  parish 
on  Sabbath  days  ;  so  that  I  am  assured  an  itinerant  missionary 
might  do  great  service  in  that  province.  Some  of  their  ministers 
have  privately  told  me  that  had  we  a  bishop  among  us,  they 
would  conform  and  receive  holy  orders,  from  which  as  well  as 
on  all  the  continent,  the  necessity  of  a  bishop  will  plainly  ap« 
pear."<i 

'<In  these  visits  and  in  every  effort  for  the  good  of  the  church, 
Mr.  Muirson  was  heartily  supported  by  Colonel  Caleb  Heathcote, 


»  Rep.  of  Propagation  Soe. 

b  N.  Y.  Hist  Collections,  New  Series,  vol.  i.  455. 

«  Hawkins*  Hist.  Not.  of  Col.  Church,  vol.  ii.  MS.  letters.  No.  34. 

*  HawkiM'  Hi«t.  Not  of  CoL  Church,  p.  277. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  09 

who  t\$o  wrote  to  the  Societjr  on  (he  subject,  confirming  the  ac- 
count  of  the  opposition  which  the  missionary  had  encounteredi 
and  stating  thai  the  justices  had  forbidden  him  to  preachy  and 
even  threatened  to  put  him  and  all  his  hearers  in  jail. 

Of  his  own  parish,  Mr.  Muirson  reports,  ''  1  have  baptized 
about  two  hundred  young  and  old,  but  most  adult  persons,  and 
am  in  hopes  of  initialing  many  more  into  the  church,  after  I  have 
examined,  taught,  and  find  ihem  qualified.  This  is  a  large  par* 
ish ;  the  towns  are  far  distant;  the  people  were  some  Quakers, 
some  Anabaptists,  but  chiefly  Presbyterians  and  Independents; 
they  were  violently  set  against  our  church,  but  now  (blessed 
be  God  !)  they  comply  heartily,  for  I  have  now  above  forty  com- 
municants, and  had  only  six  when  I  first  administered  that  holy 
sacrament.  I  find  that  catechising  on  the  wjek  days  in  the  remore 
towns,  and  frequent  visiting  is  of  great  service,  and  I  am  sure 
that  I  have  made  twice  more  proselytes  by  proceeding  after  that 
method  than  by  public  preaching.^ 

Mr.  Muirson,  besides  his  salary  of  £50  from  the  Society,  was 
entitled  to  £50  currency,  as  settled  by  act  of  Assembly  on  Rye 
parish ;  but  as  his  people  were  poor  and  for  the  most  part  recent 
converts,  he  considerately  forbore  to  press  his  legal  claim,  and 
during  the  first  two  years  of  his  ministry,  had  only  received 
about  ten  or  twelve  pounds  currency ;  thus  plainly  showing  ha 
sought  not  theirs  but  them« 

''  The  following  account  of  the  Indians,  written  in  the  year 
170S,  will  be  thought  interesting.  As  to  the  Indians,  the  natives 
of  "the  country,  they  are  a  decaying  people.  We  have  not  now 
in  all  the  parish  twenty  families,  whereas  not  many  years  ago 
there  were  several  hundreds.  I  have  frequently  conversed  with 
some  of  them,  and  been  at  their  great  meetings  of ''  pawawing,'' 
as  they  call  it.  i  have  taken  some  pains  to  teach  some  of  them, 
but  to  no  purpose,  for  they  seem  regardless  of  instruction,  and 
when  I  have  told  them  of  the  evil  consequences  of  their  hard 
drinking,  &c.,  they  replied  that  Englishmen  do  the  same,  and 


HawkiriB'  Hiit.  Not.  of  Col.  Churob,  p.  279. 


60  HISTORY  OF  THE 

that  it  is  not  so  great  a  sin  in  an  Indian  as  in  an  Englishman, 
because  the  Englisliman's  religion  forbids  it,  but  an  Indian's 
does  not.  They  further  say  they  will  not  be  Christians,  nor  do 
they  see  the  necessity  for  so  being,  because  we  do  not  live  ac- 
cording to  the  precepts  of  our  holy  religion.  In  such  ways  do 
most  of  the  Indians  that  I  have  conversed  with,  either  here  or 
elsewhere,  express  themselves.  I  am  heartily  sorry  that  we 
should  give  them  such  a.bad  example,  and  fill  their  mouths  with 
such  objections  to  our  blessed  religion." 

"He  mentions  in  this  letter  that  they  had  completed  the  house 
of  God  at  Rye,  by  the  subscription  of  the  inhabitants ;  a  stately 
structure  indeed." 

'*  Mr.  Muirson,  after  a  short  but  a  most  useful  service  in  the 
ministry  of  the  church,  died  in  October,  1708,  much  lamented 
by  his  friends,  and  missed  by  his  parish ioners."* 

The  last  will  of  George  Muirson,  clerk,  bears  date  September, 
1708.  By  his  wife  Gloriana,  daughter  of  the  Hon.  Colonel  Wil- 
liam Smith,b  he  left  one  son,  George  Muirson,  M.  D.,<^  of  Setau- 
kett,  L.  I.,  the  father  of  Heathcote  Muirson.  The  latter  was  a 
graduate  of  Yale  College  in  1776,  and  died  from  wounds  received 
in  the  attack  upon  Lloyd's  neck,  Long  Island,  July,  1781. 

Mr.  Muirson  was  succeeded  in  January,  1709,  by  the  Rev. 
Christopher  Bridges. 

"  Upon  the  9th  of  January,  1710,  at  a  meeting  of  the  par- 
ishioners, at  the  parish  church  in  Rye,  the  following  church- 
wardens and  vestrymen  were  elected  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Churchwardens. 
Capt.  Joseph  Theale,  Capt.  Jonathan  Hart, 

Cornelius  Seely. 


•  HiiO.  Not  of  the  Ch.  of  Enf^la^d  in  the  N.  A.  Colonies,  281. 

k  The  Hon.  William  Smith  was  chief  justice  and  president  of  the  Council  of  the 
Province  of  New  Yort. 

•  Anna,  the  eldest  daughter  of  Dr.  George  Muirson,  married  Cyrus  Punderson, 
D.  D.  Their  descendants  are  still  residing  upon  Long  Island.  Mary  the  youngest 
married  William  Wiekham  Wills. 


^ 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  61 

Vestrymen. 
Andrew  Coe,  George  Lane,  Jun.  - 

John  Merritt,  Sen.  Joseph  Lyon, 

Daniel  Purdy,  George  Kniffen, 

Thomas  Purdy,  John  Disbrow,  Mannaroneck. 

Thomas  Merritt,  Jun.  John  Miller,  Bedford. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry,  held  on  the  29th  of  July,  1712,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Bridges  presented  the  following  communication  from 
his  Excellency  Robert  Hunter : 

"  You  are  to  give  order  forthwith,  (if  the  same  be  not  already 
done)  that  every  orthodox  minister  within  your  government  be  one 
of  the  vestry  in  his  respective  parish,  and  that  no  vestry  be  held 
without  him,  except  in  case  of  sickness,  or  that  after  notice  of 
vestry  summoned  he  omit  to  come." 

Rev.  Sir,  the  above  copy  of  Uer  Majesty's  instructions  to  me, 
I  have  thought  fit  to  direct  to  the  several  ministers  within  this 
Province,  that  their  respective  vestries  may  regulate  themselves 
accordingly,  and  if  there  be  any  practice  contrary  thereunto,  I 
desire  you  may  duly  inform  me,  that  effectual  care  may  be  taken 
therein. 

I  remain  Reverend  Sir, 

Your  assured  Friend  and  Servant, 

Robert  Hunter.* 

In  1712,  <'  one  hundred  nnd  fifiy  prayer  books  and  five  pounds 
worth  of  tracts,  were  voted  to  Mr.  Bridges  of  Rye.  He  was  also 
allowed  for  the  services  of  two  school-masters  in  the  parish,  £5 
per  annum  each,  on  a  certificate,  that  they  have  taught  thirty 
children  the  bible,  the  catechism  and  the  use  of  the  liturgy ."^ 

In  1715,  '<Mr.  Bridges  at  Rye  had  reduced  many  who  were 
brought  up  in  a  very  dissolute  way  of  living  and  total  neglect  of 
public  worship,  to  a  more  sober  conversation  and  a  constant  at* 
tendance  on  the  worship  of  God,  using  his  utmost  endeavors  to 
put  a  stop  to  many  disorderly  practices.''^' 


•  Church  Roc.  k  Reporti  of  Propagation  Soc 

*  Reports  of  Propagation  Soc.  ^ 


62  HISTORY  OF  THE 

The  same  year  the  Propagation  Society  "presented  to  Mr. 
Huddlestone,  schoolmaster  in  Rye,  £f6  additional  salary  and  to 
Mr.  Bridges  some  common  prayer  books  and  devotional  tracts,  of 
which  the  people  were  very  desirous  before  he  wrote,  and  heartily 
thankful  for  them  since.  To  these  donations  the  Society  added 
two  dozep  prayer  books,  wiih  the  old  version  of  the  singing,  and 
as  many  of  Lewis's  church  catechism  for  exercise  in  his  school, 
or  in  mornings  of  the  Lord's  d«ys,  (when  not  only  his  own 
scholars,  but  several  of  the  young  people  of  the  town  of  both 
sexes  come  willingly  to  be  informed,)  one  dozen  bibles  with  the 
common  prayer,  and  the  new  version  of  psalms,  twenty- five 
psalters  and  fifty-one  primers,  all  which  he  requested  as  contri- 
buting mightily  to  the  spreading  the  good  work  he  has  in  hand, 
having  taught  besides  British  children,  six  hundred  Dutch  and 
French  to  read  and  write  English."* 

The  Rev.  Christopher  Bridges  died  on  the  22d  of  May,  1719, 
having  been  ten  years  minister  of  this  church. 

A.  D.  1720.  "The  Rev.  Mr.  Barclay  formerly  missionary  to 
Albany  was  missionary  of  Rye  with  a  salary  of  £30."  The  same 
year  the  Society  "gave  Mr.  Barclay  £L0  in  consideration  of  the 
hard  circumstances  he  lies  under."** 

In  1721,  the  Rev.  Thomas  Poyer  officiated  here.® 

Upon  the  4th  of  June,  1722,  the  churchwardens  and  vestrymen 
addressed  the  following  letter  to  the  venerable  Propagation 
Society : 

'*  We  the  charchwardeos  and  Testrymen  of  ye  parish  of  Rye,  in  ye  province 
of  New  York,  io  America,  having  taken  ye  liberty  soon  after  ye  death  of  onr 
late  incumbent,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Christopher  Bridges,  humbly  to  pray  that  your 
honours  would  continue  your  usual  bounty  to  our  poor  church,  and  supply  us 
in  oar  destitute  condition  with  a  Church  of  England  minister  in  ye  room  of 
our  late  incumbent,  do  take  this  opportunity  to  return  your  honours  oar  hearty 
thanks,  as  well  for  the  constant  supply  which  by  your  honours'  favorable  re- 
commendation we  had  from  the  clergy  of  this  province,  as  for  your  resolution, 


•  Reports  of  Propagation  Soc. 
b  Reports  of  Propagation  Soc. 

«  The  Propagation  Society  voted  X50  to  the  clergy  of  New  York  for  supplying 
the  church  at  Rye,  vacant  by  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bridges. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  63 

'appearing  in  print,  to  sapply  ua  with  a  miniater  to  reaide  among  ut,  aa  aeon 
aa  one  whom  your  hononra  can  approve  of  ahali  offer.  We  have  been,  to  our 
great  detriment,  destitute  about  three  yeara,  and  now  haviog  the  opportunity 
of  one  whom  we  are  universally  pleased  wi^i,  ye  Rev.  Mr.  Robert  Jenney, 
chaplain  of  the  forces  of  this  province,  who  is  willing  to  relinquish  his  place 
in  the  forces  to  settle  amongst  iia  and  become  our  miniater,  provided  he  can 
have  your  honoura^  favor  and  bounty  for  his  encouragement.  We  have  takea 
ye  liberty  to  give  him  a  call,  aa  ye  act  of  assembly  of  this  province  empowera 
us,  (which  is  enclosed  to  your  honours,)  humbly  praying  for  your  approbation^ 
of  what  we  have  done,  and  that  you  will  please  to  grant  unto  him  aa  our  min- 
iater, ye  favour  and  bounty,  being  a  person  whose  conversation,  preaching, 
and  diligence  in  his  holy  function  we  are  well  acquainted  and  satisfied  with. 
We  are  confident  that  his  residence  amongst  us  will  efilectually  reconcile  all 
oar  difilerences,  and  heal  all  our  breaches,  occaaioned  by  our  being  so  long  la 
want  of  a  faithful  and  prudent  pastor  to  guide  and  instruct  na.  That  God 
Almighty  will  prosper  your  honours*  pious  and  charitable  endeavoura  for  the 
acrvice  of  his  church  in  this  wilderness,  and  that  he  will  grant  unto  every  one 
of  you  the  choisest  of  bis  blessings,  temporal  and  eternal,  la  the  hearty 
prayer  of 

May  it  please  yonr  honours,  your  honours*  moat  dutiful  and  moat  obedient 
humble  aervanta.     Signed  by  order, 

John  Carhart,  Clerk.^ 

The  Rev.  Robert  Jenney,  minister  of  Rye,  writing  to  the  Pro- 
pagation Society  in  1723,  observes,  ''that  he  has  several  other 
townships  under  his  charge,  and  that  since  his  admission  in 
1722,  he  has  baptized  ten  adults  and  fifty  children ;  number  of 
communicants  twenty-six."b  In  1724  Mr.  Jenney  reported  "the 
baptism  of  two  adults  and  several  children ;  communicants 
twenly-eight.c  A.D.  1725,d  the  quotas  of  the  various  districts 
stood  thus : 

Rye,  £34  4  0  Bedford  £16  2  0 

Mamaroneck     18  0  0  Scarsdale  6  3  0 

North  Castle    £2  9  0 
Mr.  Jenhey  was  removed  by  the  Society  to  Hempstead,  Long 


«  Church  Rec. 
b  Rep.  of  Propagation  Soc. 
«Ibid. 

4  At  a  yettry  meeting  held  in  Rye,  Janaary  18th,  1735, « it  was  voted  that  roo« 
ney  be  raieed  to  purchase  a  dmm  for  the  church." 


64  HISTORY  OF  THE 


/ 


Island  in  1726.  The  vacancy  created  by  the  removal,  the  So- 
ciety proceeded  immediately  to  fill  by  appointing  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Colgan.  Upon  which  we  find  the  vestry  addressing  the  secre- 
tary of  the  society  as  follows : 

"  Ret.  Sir  :  We,  the  charchwardens  and  Testry  of  the  parish  of  Rye,  re- 
tarn  oar  humble  thanks  to  ye  honorable  Society  for  their  pious  and  charitable 
care  of  this  parish  in  providing  so  speedily  to  fiU  this  yacancy  by  appointing 
ye  Rev.  Mr.  Colgan  for  us.  We  conclude  they  have  before  this  time  been 
acquainted  by  our  letters  how  far  we  had  proceeded  to  obtain  a  minister,  fear- 
ing the  ill  consequences  of  being  lef^  destitate  ;  and  we  hope  ye  honorable 
Society  will  put  a  favorable  construction  upon  our  proceedings,  though  we 
haye  given  our  call  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wetmore,  and  he  received  induction  im- 
mediately upon  it,  yet  he  always  declared  that  he  should  submit  to  ye  resolu- 
tions of  the  honorable  Society,  and  not  in  any  degree  interfere  with  their  de- 
termination, and  though  we  find  ye  inclinations  of  ye  people  yery  much  to 
have  Mr.  Wetmore  appointed  for  us ;  on  which  account  we  can't  but  desire 
that  ye  honorable  Society  would  be  pleased  to  favor  it ;  yet  We  shall  always  pay 
ye  greatest  defierence  to  their  pleasure,  and  if  they  finally  determine  that  Mr. 
Colgan  shall  be  for  us,  against  whom  we  have  no  exceptions,  as,  being  a  stran- 
ger to  us,  we  shall  give  him  the  best  welcome  we  are  capable  of,  but  inasmuch 
as  ye  Rev.  Mr.  Colgan  is  willing,  by  exchange  with  Mr.  Wetmore,  to  continue 
at  New  York,  and  that  vestry  has  signified  their  approbation,  we  heartily  join 
with  them  in  requesting  of  ye  honorable  Society  that  they  would  confirm  that 
agreement,  and  give  liberty  for  Mr.  Wetmore  to  come  to  this  parish,  who,  by 
being  born  in  the  county  and  acquainted  with  the  dispositions  and  customs  of 
ye  people  here,  will  be  acceptable  to  us,  and  we  hope  do  much  service  for  re- 
ligion. But  all  this  with  submission  to  that  venerable  body,  whose  pleasure 
we' shall  most  cheerfully  submit  to  ;  and  we  pray  ye  continuance  of  their  favour 
and  charity  to  us,  and  that  God  would  prosper  their  pious  designs. 

We  are,  reverend  sir,  the  Hon'ble  Society's,  and  your  most  humble  and 
obedient  servants.     Signed  by  order.^ 

John  Carhart,  Clerk. 

To  the  Rev.  Mr.  David  Humphreys, 
Secretary  to  ye  Hon'ble  Society  for  Propagating  ye  Gospel,  &c.,  at  ye 
Archbishop's  Library  at  St.  Martins  in  ye  Fields,  London." 

In  accordance  with  this  request  the  society  were  pleased  to 
confirm  the  appointment  of  Mr.  Wetmore. 


•  Church  Rec 


COUNTTOF  WESTCHESTER.  65 

We  take  the  subjoined  extract  from  a  letter  sent  to  the  secretary 
of  the  society,  in  1726-7. 

"  And  now,  we  are  once  more  peaceably  settled,  we  hope  by 
the  blessing  of  God  to  see  religion  revive  among  us,  which  by  con- 
tentions and  divisions  is  sunk  to  a  very  low  ebb.  As  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Wetmore  has  been  born  in  the  county,  and  long  known  among 
us,  who  has  had  bis  conversation  becoming  his  sacred  character 
and  profession,  we  doubt  not  but  ye  people  of  this  parish  will 
continue  their  aflfection  to  him,  and  hope  to  see  this  good  fruit  of 
it,  viz:  that  they  be  brought  to  a  proper  sense  of  religion,  and 
more  general  and  constant  attendance,  in  ye  public  worship  and 
sacraments  which  for  a  long  time  have  been  very  much  neglect* 
ed  among  us ;  we  earnestly  pray  for  the  blessing  of  almighty 
God  upon  that  venerable  society  whose  extensive  charity  (under 
God,)  finds  food  for  so  many  souls  famishing  in  ignorance  and 
error,  and  shall  always  look  upon  ourselves  strictly  bound  to  pay 
it,  the  greatest  honor  and  most  cheerful  obedience  to  all  their 
commands  and  directions,  and  beg  leave  to  subscribe  with  all  du- 
tiful respects. 

Rev'd.  Sir,  your  and  ye  Honorable  Society's  most 

humble  and  obedient  servants. 
Signed  by  order  of  the  vestry,* 
John  Carhart,  clerk. 

The  Rev.  James  Wetmore,  writes  A.  D.  1728,  that  his  congre- 
gation is  considerably  increased,  he  has  added  nine  new  communi- 
cants and  baptized  nineteen.  In  1729  he  acquaints  the  society 
^'  that  he  meets  with  good  success  in  his  mission,  that  his  num- 
bers increase,  and  that  several  of  the  independents  have  quitted 
that  persuasion  and  very  regularly  attend  divine  service  at  his 
church.^b  July  1st,  1738,  he  says  "I  have  baptized  the  last  half 
year  five  adults  besides  several  children.  About  fifty  families  in 
the  adjoining  parish  have  requested  assistance.  Mr.  Purdy,"© 
(schoolmaster  at  Rye,)  ^'  teaches  twenty-one  children  of  church 


«  Church  Rec 
^  Propagation  Soe.  Rep. 

*  Mr.  Fordy  died  in  1753,  and  wai  boned  on  Ash  Wednesday.    Rep.  of  Propaga- 
tion Soc 

Vol.  IL  9 


66  HISTORY  OF  THE 

parents  and  fourteen  dissenters,  as  likewise  two  Dutch,  two  Jew- 
ish and  one  colored  child,  in  all  forty-one.  Mr.  Dwight  of 
White  Plains^  six  miles  from  Rye,  teaches  twenty -seven  children, 
in  all  forty-six." 

*<  And  adds,  July  15,  1740,  that  besides  his  regular  duty  at  Rye, 
he  officiates  once  a  month  at  Stamford  and  Greenwich.  He  had 
also  spent  some  days  last  winter  in  visiting  sundry  families  in 
the  woods.  Since  the  3d  day  of  May,  1739,  he  had  baptized  one 
hundred  and  eleven  children,  and  twenty-seven  adults;  his  com- 
municants number  fifty."^ 

Under  date  of  September  28lh,  1741 ,  he  observes  "  that  by  God's 
help  the  church  maintains  her  ground  notwithstanding  the  efforts 
of  the  sectaries  in  new  melhodism.  He  had  baptized  within  a 
year  sixty-nine  children  and  six  adults,  &c."^ 

In  1745  Mr.  Wetmore  writes  "  that  he  is  fully  occupied  in  per- 
forming duty  at  Rye,  Scarsdale  and  the  White  Plains,  and  begs 
for  an  assistant  to  officiate  under  him.  At  Bedford  and  North 
Castle  there  are  four  hundred  families,  icc^^ 

The  same  year  Mr.  Joseph  Lamson  was  appointed  assistant  to 
Mr.  Wetmore  with  a  salary  of  £20 ;  a  gratuity  of  £20  was  also 
made  by  the  society,  ''out  of  compassion  to  Mr.  Ijamson's  suffer- 
ings and  necessities,  who  was  taken  prisoner,  shipped  and  carried 
into  France  on  his  voyage  towards  England,  and  afterwards  on 
his  way  from  Port  Louis  in  France,  to  London,  was  detained 
seven  months  by  a  fever  at  Salisbury.  Mr.  Lamson  undertook 
the  voyage  to  England  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  Episcopal 
ordination.^  In  his  first  reports  dated  May  12th,  1746,  Mr. 
Lamson  writes '-  that  he  officiates  by  turns  at  Bedford  and  North 


*  Reports  of  Propagatiou  Soc. 

b  Reports  of  Propa|ration  Soc. 

»  Reports  of  Propagration  Soc. 

<  Some  idea  (says  the  Rev.  M.  H.  Henderson,)  of  the  great  disadvantages  under 
wbjch  the  church  labored  during  our  colonial  existence,  may  be  formed  from  the 
fftct,  that  beside  the  great  expense  of  the  voyage,  (XI 00,)  an  expense  which  candi- 
dates for  holy  orders  could  ill  affurd  to  bear,  nearly  one-fiAh  of  all  that  went  to 
England  for  ordination  died,  either  from  small- pox,  or  the  dangers  of  the  deep. 
*<  The  number  who  had  gone  to  England  for  ordination  from  the  northern  colonies^ 
tip  to  1767|  was  52 ;  of  these  42  only  returned  safely.  Henderson's  Centennial  Dis« 
course. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  67 

Castle  to  full  congregations  and  had  then  baptized  eleven  children 
and  three  adults.''^  At  a  vestry  meeting  of  this  parish  held  at 
Mr.  Benjamin  Brown's,  sen.,  in  Rye,  January  16th  1749,  the 
Rev.  James  Wetmore  delivered  the  following  letter,  from  the 
Rev.  Phihp  Bearcroft,  D.  D.,  secretary  to  the  Honorable  Proper 
gation  Society. 

London^  Charier  House^  June  27, 1749. 
Gents  : — 

It  is  with  much  concern  that  the  Society  for  the  Propa- 
gation of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts  are  informed  that  your 
churc/i  add  the  parsonage  house  are  very  much  out  of  repair, 
and  that  even  the  possession  of  the  glebe  is  disputed  against 
your  very  worthy  pastor  Mr.  Wetmore,  whose  great  pains  and 
abilities  in  the  cause  of  God's  church,  cannot  but  recommend 
him  to  every  worthy  member  of  it.  Therefore  the  Society  hope 
and  expect  tliat  upon  due  consideration  you  wi)l  give  orders  for 
the  full  repair  of  the  church  and  the  parsonage  house,  and  defend 
Mr.  Wetmore  in  the  maintenance  of  all  his  jasi  rights,  as  you 
desire  his  longer  continuance  among  you. 

I  am,  Gentlemen, 

Your  very  humble  servant, 

Philip  Bearcroft,  Secretary, 
To  the  Churchwardens  and  Vestry 
of  the  Church  of  Rye,  New  York. 

Mr.  Wetmore,  in  his  report  of  1751,  mentions  '*lhat  the  church 
had  lately  been  repaired  and  is  made  neat  and  beautiful." 

In  a  letter  of  April  7th,  1769,  Mr.  Wetmore  acquaints  the  Sob- 
riety "  that  a  very  worthy  person,  a  native  of  Englauji,^  but  now 
being  in  New  York  had  put  into  his  hands  £600  currency,  of 
which  he  reserves  to  himself  the  interest  during  life,  and  hath 
left  by  his  will  £400  more  to  be  added  after  his  death,  to  pur- 
chase a  convenient  glebe,  and  oiher  liberal  legacies."^^ 


^  Rep.  of  Propagation  Sqq, 

b  St.  Goorge  Talbot,  Esq.,  see  vol.  i.  25. 

•  Reports  of  Propagation  Soc 


68  HISTORY  OF  THB 

The  Rev.  James  Wetmore  died  on  the  16th  of  May,  1760,  <^ 
having  been  nearly  thirty- four  years  minister  of  this  church.  His 
remains  repose  in  the  old  parish  burial  ground,  on  the  north-west 
side  of  Blind  brook.  A  plain  monumental  tablet  marks  the  spot 
and  bears  the  following  inscription. 

Sacred  to  the  memory 

of  the 

Rev.   James   Wetmore, 

The  late,  worthy,  learned  and  faithful 

Minister  of  the  Parish  of  Rye, 

for  above  thirty  years,  who  having 

strenuously  defended  the  Church 

with  his  pen,  and  adorned  it  by  his  life 

and  doctrine,  at  length  being  seized 

of  the  small  pox,  departed  this 

life,  May  15,  1760.    iBtatis,  65. 

Cujus  memoriae  sit  in 

Benedictione  sempiterna. 

Mr.  Wetmore  left  issue  two  sons,  Timothy,  afterwards 
attorney  general  of  the  province  of  New  Brunswick,  and 
James,  of  Rye;  descendants  of  the  latter  are  still  living  in 
the  town.  Also  four  daughters,  Alethea,  wife  of  the  Rev.  Jo- 
seph Lamson,  Anna,  wife  of  Gilbert  Brundage,  Charity,  wife  of 
Josiab  f^urdy,  from  whom  descend  the  Purdys  of  Rye,  and 
Esther  who  married  first  David  Brown,  and  secondly  Jesse  Hunt, 
Esq.  high  sheriff  of  this  county  in  1780. 

In  a  letter  of  May  6th,  1761,  Mr.  Timothy  Wetmore  com- 
plains to  the  Society,  <'  that  since  the  death  of  his  father  they  had 
not  been  favored  with  a  sermon,  or  either  of  the  sacraments, 
for  six  or  eight  months.''^* 


•  The  last  will  of  James  Wetmore,  clerk,  bean  date  Not.  1759.    Surrogate's 
office,  N.  Y.  Lib.  xxu.  133. 
»  Reports  of  Propagation  Soc 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  09 

After  a  vacancy  of  nearly  tvo  years  the  mission  was  again  fill- 
ed by  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  Punderson.*  In 
1763  this  gentleman  informs  the  Society  ^'  that  since  writing  his 
last  letter,  besides  two-thirds  of  the  Sundays  at  Rye,  and  the 
other  third  at  White  Plains,  North  Castle  and  Bedford,  he  had 
been  twice  to  Crumpond  and  once  to  Croton,  he  had  also  bap- 
tized nineteen  adults  and  ninety-two  children." 

Mr.  Punderson  died  in  1764.  The  following  inscription  is 
taken  from  his  monument  in  the  grave  yard. 

Sacred  to  the  Memory 

of  the 

Rev.  Ebenezer  Punderson, 

late  Missionary  to  the  Rev.  Society  for 

Propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts, 

who  died  22d  Sept.,  A.  D.  1764, 

being  60  years  of  age. 

"  With  pure  religion  was  his  spirit  fraught, 

Practiced  himself  what  he  to  others  taught." 

Upon  the  19th  day  of  December,  1764,  Grace  Church,  Rye,  re- 
ceived the  following  charter  from  King  George  the  Third. 

CHARTER  OF  GRACE  CHURCH,  RYE. 

George  the  Third,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France  and  Ire- 
land, King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  and  so  forth.  To  all  to  whom  these  presents 
shall  come,  greeting  :  Whereas  our  loving  subjects,  Peter  Jay,  Elisha  Budd, 
Christopher  Isinghart,  Timothy  Wetmore,  Caleb  Purdy,  Joshua  Purdy,  John 
Gaion,  Joseph  Purdy,  Gilbert  Willet,  John  Carhart,  Thomas  Sawyer,  Gilbert 
Bmndige,  John  Thomas,  William  Sutton,  Anthony  Miller  and  John  Adee^ 
inhabitants  of  the  parish  of  Rye,  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  in  our  Province 
of  New  York,  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  establishedi 
by  their  humble  petition  presented  on  the  sixteenth  day  of  November  last 
past,  to  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esquire,  our  Liea- 


•  Tot  the  induction  of  Mr.  Fundf  rK>o,  see  Surrogate's  office,  N.  Y.  Book  of  Com* 
missiohs,  Fol.  t. 


70  mSTORY  OF  THE 

tenant  Governor  and  Commander-in-chief  of  our  Province  of  New  York 
and  tiie  territories  depending  thereon  in  America,  in  Conncil  did  set  forth 
that  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  parish  of  Rye,  in  communion  of  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  law  established,  have  by  voluntary  contributions  erected  and 
finished  a  decent  and  convenient  church  in  the  town  of  Rye,  in  the  said  par- 
ish, for  the  celebration  of  divine  service  according  to  the  rites  and  cere- 
monies of  the  Church  of  England,  but  that  from  a  want  of  some  persons  le- 
gally authorized  to  superintend  the  same  and  manage  the  affairs  and  interests 
thereof,  the  said  church  is  greatly  decayed,  and  the  petitioners  discouraged 
from  contributing  to  the  repair  thereof,  least  the  moneys  given  for  that  pur- 
pose may  be  misapplied,  and  that  on  that  account  also  charitable  and  well  dis- 
posed people  are  discouraged  in  their  design  of  establishing  proper  funds  for 
the  future  support  of  the  said  church  and  the  better  maintenance  of  the  min- 
istry, and  therefore  humbly  prayed  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  the  rest  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  said  parish  in  communion  of  the  church  of  England  as  by 
law  established,  our  letters  patent  incorporating  them  and  the  rector  and  in- 
habitants of  the  said  parish  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by 
law  established,  for  the  time  being  a  body  corporate  and  politick,  with  such 
rights,  privileges,  and  immunities,  as  should  appear  proper  and  expedient  to 
answer  the  purposes  aforesaid.  Now  We  being  willing  to  encourage  the  pious 
intentions  of  our  said  loving  subjects  and  to  grant  this  their  reasonable  re- 
quest, Know  Ye  that  of  our  especial  grace,  certain  knowledge  and  mere  mo- 
tion, we  have  ordained,  given,  granted  and  declared,  and  by  these  presents 
for  us,  our  heirs,  and  successors,  do  ordain,  give,  grant  and  declare,  that  they 
the  said  petitioners  and  the  rest  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  parish  of  Rye  in 
communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established,  and  their  succes- 
sors the  inhabitants  of  the  said  parish  of  Rye  in  communion  of  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  law  established,  with  the  rector  of  the  said  parish  of  Rye  for 
the  time  being>  for  ever,  shall  for  ever  hereafter  be  one  body  corporate  and 
politick  in  deed,  fact  and  name,  by  the  name,  stile  and  title  of  the  rector  and 
inhabitants  of  the  parish  of  Rye,  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as 
by  law  established,  and  them  and  their  successors  by  the  same  name,  we  do 
by  these  presents  for  us  our  heirs  and  successors  really  and  fully  make,  erect, 
create  and  constitute  one  body  politick  and  corporate  in  deed,  fact  and  name 
for  ever,  and  will,  give,  grant,  and  ordain,  that  they  and  their  successors  the 
rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  parish  of  Rye  in  communion  of  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  law  established,  by  the  same  name  shall  and  may  have  perpe- 
tual successioui  and  shall  and  may  be  capable  in  law  to  sue  and  be  sued,  im- 
plead and  be  impleaded,  answer  and  be  answered  onto,  defend  and  be  defend- 
ed in  all  courts  and  elsewhere,  in  all  manner  of  actions,  suits,  complaints, 
pleas,  causes,  matters  and  demands  whatsoever,  as  fully  and  amply  as  any 
other  oar  liege  subjects  of  our  said  Province  of  New  York  may  or  can  sue  or 
be  sued,  implead  or  be  impleaded,  defend  or  be  defended,  by  any  lawful  ways 
or  means  whatsoever,  and  that  they  and  their  successors  by  the  same  name 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  71 

shall  be  for  erer  hereaAer  capable  and  able  in  the  law  to  purchase,  take,  hold, 
receive,  and  enjoy  any  messua^s,  tenennents,  houses,  and  real  estate  whatso- 
erer,  in  fee  simple  for  term.of  life  or  lives,  or  in  any  other  manner  howsoever, 
for  the  use  of  the  said  church,  and  also  any  goods,  chattels,  or  personal  estate 
whatsoever,  Provided  always  that  the  clear  yearly  value  of  the  said  real  estate 
(exclusive  of  the  said  church  and  the  ground  whereon  the  same  is  built  and 
the  cemetery  belonging  to  the  same)  doth  not  at  any  time  exceed  the  sum  of 
^YQ  hundred  pounds  current  money  of  our  said  province,  and  that  they  and 
their  successors  by  the  same  name  shall  have  full  power  and  authority  to  give, 
grant,  sell,  lease  and  dispose  of  the  same  real  estate  for  life  or  lives,  or  years, 
or  for  ever,  under  certain  yearly  rents  and  all  goods,  chattels  and  personal  es- 
tate whatsoever  at  their  will  and  pleasure,  and  that  it  shall  and  may  be  law- 
ful for  them  and  their  successors  to  have  and,  use  a  common  seal,  and  our  will 
and  pleasure  further  is,  and  we  do  hereby  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  ordain 
and  appoint  that  there  shall  be  for  ever  hereaAer  belonging  to  the  said  church 
one  rector  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established,  duly  qualified  for 
the  cure  of  souls,  two  churchwardens  and  eight  vestrymen,  who  shall  conduct 
and  manage  the  affairs  and  business  of  the  said  church  and  corporation  in 
manner  as  hereafter  is  declared  and  appointed,  and  for  the  more  immediate 
carrying  into  execution  our  royal  will  and  pleasure  herein,  we  do  hereby  as- 
sign, constitute  and  appoint  Peter  Jay  and  Elisha  Budd  to  be  the  present 
churchwardens,  and  John  Thomas,  Joshua  Purdy,  Christopher  Isinghart, 
William  Sutton,  John  Adee,  Caleb  Purdy,  Anthony  Miller  and  Timothy  Wet- 
more  to  be  the  present  vestrymen  of  the  said  church,  who  shall  hold,  possess, 
and  enjoy  their  said  respective  offices  until  Tuesday  in  Easter  week,  which 
shall  come  and  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thooaand,  seven  hundred  and 
sixty-six,  and  for  the  keeping  op  the  succession  in  the  said  offices,  our  royal 
will  and  pleasure  is,  and  we  do  hereby  establish,  direct  and  require  that  on  the 
said  Tuesday  in  Easter  week  in  the  said  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand,  seven 
hundred  and  sixty-six,  and  yearly  and  every  year  thereafter  for  ever,  on 
Tuesday  in  Easter  week  in  every  year,  the  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  par- 
ish of  Rye  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established, 
shall  meet  at  the  said  church,  and  there  by  the  majority  of  voices  of  such  of 
them  as  shall  so  meet,  elect  and  choose  two  of  their  members  to  be  church- 
wardens and  eight  others  of  their  members  to  be  vestrymen  of  the  said  church 
for  the  ensuing  year,  which  said  churchwardens  and  vestrymen  so  elected  and 
chosen  shall  immediately  enter  upon  their  respective  offices,  and  hold,  exer- 
cise and  enjoy  the  same  respectively  from  the  time  of  such  elections  for  and 
during  the  space  of  one  year,  and  until  other  fit  persons  shall  be  elected  and 
chosen  in  their  respective  places,  and  in  case  the  churchwardens  or  vestry- 
men, or  either  of  them,  by  these  presents  named  and  appointed  or  which  shall 
be  hereafter  elected  and  chosen  by  virtue  of  these  presents,  shall  die  or  re- 
mo?e  from  the  said  parish  of  Rye  before  the  time  of  their  respective  appoint- 
ed services  shall  be  expired,  or  refuse  or  neglect  to  act  in  the  office  for  which 


72  '  HISTORY  OF  THE 

he  or  they  is  or  are  herein  nominated  and  appointed,  or  whereanto  he  or  they 
shall  or  may  be  so  elected  and  chosen,  then  oar  royal  will  and  pleasure  is  and 
we  do  hereby  direct,  ordain  and  require  the  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  par- 
ish of  Rye  in  communion  as  aforesaid  for  the  time  being  to  meet  at  the  said 
church,  and  choose  other  or  others  of  their  members  in  the  place  and  stead  of 
him  or  them  so  dying,  removing  or  refusing  to  act  within  thirty  days  next 
aAer  such  contingency,  and  in  this  case  for  the  more  due  and  orderly  con- 
ducting the  said  elections  and  to  prevent  any  undue  proceedings  therein,  we 
do  hereby  give  full  power  and   authority  to,  and  ordain  and  require  that  the 
rector  and  the  said  churchwardens  of  the  said  church  for  the  time  being,  or 
any  two  of  them,  shall  appoint  the  time  for  such  election  and  elections,  and  that 
the  rector  of  the  said  church,  or  in  his  absence  one  of  the  said  churchwardens 
for  the  time  being,  shall  give  public  notice  thereof  by  publishing  the  same  at 
the  said  church,  immediately  after  divine  service  on  the  Sunday  next  preceding 
the  day  appointed  for  such  election,  hereby  giving  and  granting  that  such  per- 
son or  persons  as  shall  be  so  chosen  from  time  to  time  by  the  rector  and  in- 
habitants of  the  said  pariah  of  Rye  in  communion  as  aforesaid,  or  the  majority 
of  such  of  them  as  shall  in  such  case  meet  in  manner  hereby  directed,  shall 
have,  hold,  exercise  and  enjoy  such  the  office  or  offices  to  which  he  or  they 
shall  be  so  elected  and  chosen  from  the  time  of  such  election  until  the  Tues- 
day in  Easter  week  thence  next  ensuing,  and  until  other  or  others  be  legally 
chosen  in  his  or  their  place  or  stead,  as  fully  and  amply  as  the  person  or  per- 
sons in  whose  place  he  or  they  shall  be  chosen  might  or  could  have  done  by 
virtue  of  these  presents,  and  we  do  hereby  will  and  direct  that  this  method 
shall  for  ever  hereafter  be  used  for  the  filling  up  all  vacancies  that  shall  hap- 
pen in  either  the  said  offices  between  the  annual  elections  above  directed ; 
and  our  royal  will  and  pleasure  further  is,  and  we  do  hereby  for  us,  our  heirs 
and  successors,  give  and  grant  that  as  well  the  churchwardens  and  vestrymen 
in  these  presents  nominated  and  appointed,  as  such  as  shall  from  time  to  time 
be  hereafter  elected  and  chosen  as  is  herein  directed,  shall  have  and  they  are 
hereby  invested  with  full  power  and  authority  to  execute  their  several  and 
respective  offices  in  as  full  and  ample  manner  as  any  churchwardens  or  ves- 
trymen in  that  part  of  our  kingdom  of  Great  Britain  called  England,  or  in  this 
our  province  of  New  Tork,  can  or  lawfully  may  execute  their  said  respective 
offices  ;  and  further  our  royal  will  and  pleasure  is,  and  we  do  by  these  pre- 
sents, for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  give,  grant,  ordain  and  appoint  that  the 
rector  and  the  said  churchwardens  of  the  said  church  for  the  time  being,  or 
any  two  of  them,  shall  and  may  from  time  to  time  as  occasion  shall  require, 
summon  and  call  together,  at  such  day  and  place  as  they  shall  think  proper, 
the  said  rector,  churchwardens  and  vestrymen  for  the  time  being,  to  meet  in 
vestry,  giving  them  at  the  least  one  day'^s  notice  thereof,  and  we  hereby  re- 
quire them  to  meet  accordingly ;  and  we  do  hereby  give,  grant  and  ordain, 
that  the  said  rector  and  one  of  the  said  churchwardens  for  the  time  being  at 
least,  together  with  the  majority  of  the  said  vestrymen  of  the  said  church  for 


COUNT Vr  OF  WESTCHESTER.  73 

the  time  being,  being  met  in  veetry  as  above  directed,  shall  for  ever  hereafter 
have,  and  they  are  hereby  invested  with  full  power  and  aathority  by  majority 
of  their  Toices,  to  do  and  execute  in  the  name  of  the  rector  and  inhabitants  of 
the  parish  of  Rye  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  estab- 
lished, all  and  singular  the  powers  and  authorities  hereinbefore  given  and 
granted  to  the  said  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  parish  of  Rye  in  communion 
of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established,  any  wise  touching  or  relate 
ing  to  such  lands,  messuages  and  tenements,  real  and  personal  estate  whatso* 
over,  as  they  the  said  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  parish  of  Rye  in  commti- 
nion  as  aforesaid,  shall  or  may  acquire  for  the  use  of  the  said  church,  and  also 
in  like  manner  to  order,  direct,  manage  and  transact  the  general  interest^ 
business  and  affairs  of  our  said  corporation,  and  also  shall  ha? e  full  power 
and  authority  in  like  manner  to  make  and  ordain  Such  rules,  orders  and  or* 
•iinances  as  they  shall  judge  convenient  for  the  good  government  and  discip- 
lijoe  of  the  members  of  the  said  church,  provided  «uch  rules,  orders  and  ordi- 
nances be  not  repugnant  to  the  laws  of  that  part  of  our  kingdom  of  Great  - 
Britain  called  England,  or  of  this  our  province  of  New  York,  but  as  n^ar  as 
may  be  agreeable  thereto,  and  that  the  same  be  faiirly  entered  in  a  book  or 
books  to  be  kept  for  that  purpose.    And  also  in  like  manner  to  appoint  the 
ibrra  of  the  common  seal  hereinbefore  granted  and  the  same^  to  alter,  break 
and  new  make  at  their  discretion ;  and  also  in  like  manner  to  appoint  such  of* 
ficer  or  officers  as  they  shall  stand  in  need  of;  always  provided  that  the  rector 
of  the  said  church  for  the  time  being  shall  have  th^  sola  power  of  nominating 
and  appointing  the  clerk  to  assist  him  in  performing  divine  service,  as  also 
the  sexton,  any  thing  hereinbefore  contained  to  the  contrary  in  any  wise  not- 
withstanding, which  clerk  and  sexton  shall  hold  and  enjoy  their  respective 
offices  during  the  will  and  pleasure  of  the  rector  of  the  said  church  for  iho 
time  being.    And  whereas  by  the  death  of  the  late  minister  of  the  said  church 
the  same  is  now  in  avoidance,  our  royal  will  and  pleasure  is  that  in  this  case, 
and  also  in  case  of  every  future  avoidance  of  the  said  church,  either  by  the 
death  of  the  rector  thereof  or  otherwise,  that  the  powers  and  authorities  here- 
by vested  in  the  rector,  churchwardens  and  vestrymen  in  vestry  met  as 
above  mentioned,  shall  until  the  said  church  be  legally  supplied  with  another 
incumbent  vest  in  and  be  executed  by  the  said  churchwardens  of  the  said 
ohorch  for  the  time  being :  provided  always  they  have  the  concurrence  and 
eonsept  of  the  major  number  of  the  whole  vestrymen  of  the  said  church  ap- 
pointed by  these  presents,  or  chosen  by  virtue  hereof,  for  the  time  being,  ii| 
every  thing  they  shall  in  such  case  do  by  virtue  hereof.    And  further  we  do 
by  these  presents  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  give  and  grant  unto  the 
tector  and  inhabitants  of  the  parish  of  Rye  in  communion  of  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  law  established,  and  their  successors  for  ever,  that  this  our 
present  grant  shall  be  deemed,  adjudged  and  construed  in  all  cases  most  fa- 
Torably  and  for  the  best  benefit  and  advantage  of  the  said  rector  and  inhabi- 
lants  of  the  parish  of  Rye  ip  communion  of  the  C)»nreh  of  Engl^pd  as  by  \%yf 

Vol.  II.  10 


H  HISTORY  OF  THE 

established,  and  that  this  our  present  grant  being  entered  on  record  as  is  here* 
inafter  particularly  expressed,  shall  be  good  and  efiectaal  in  the  law  to  all  in- 
tents,  constractione  and  purposes  whatsoever,  against  us,  our  heirs  and  suc- 
cessors, according  to  our  true  intent  and  meaning  herein  before  declared,  not- 
withstanding the  not  reciting  or  misreciting,  not  naming  or  misnaming  of  anj 
of  the  aforesaid  franchises,  privileges,  immunities,  offices  or  other  the  pre- 
mises, or  any  of  them,  and  although  no  writ  of  ad  quod  damnum,  or  other 
writs,  inquisitions  or  precepts  hath  or  have  been  upon  this  account  had,  made, 
issued  or  prosecuted,  to  have  and  to  hold  all  and  singular  the  privileges,  lib- 
erties, advantages  and  immunities  hereby  granted  or  meant,  mentioned  or  in- 
tended so  to  be,  unto  them  the  said  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  parish  of 
Rye  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established,  and  to 
their  successors  for  ever.  In  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  these  our 
letters  to  be  made  patent  and  the  great  seal  of  our  said  province  to  be  hereunto 
affixed,  and  the  same  to  be  entered  on  record  in  our  secretary's  office  in  our 
city  of  New  York,  in  one  of  the  books  of  patents  there  remaining.  Witness 
our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Cadwallader  Golden,  Esquire,  our  Lieutenant 
Governor  and  Commander-in-chief  of  our  Province  of  New  York,  and  terri- 
tories thereon  in  America,  at  our  Fort  in  our  city  of  New  York,  by  and  with 
the  advice  and  consent  of  our  Council  for  our  said  province,  the  nineteenth 
day  of  December,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand,  seven  hundred  and 
sixty  four,  and  of  our  reign  the  fiflh.  First  skin,  line  the  fortieth,  the  words 
or  with  ijid  second  skin,  line  the  twenty  ^seventh,  the  word  is  are  interlined. 

Clarke. 

August  27,  1766.  The  Rev.  Ephraim  Avery  was  appointed 
to  the  mission  of  Rye. 

In  1773,  Mr.  Avery's  notitia  parockialis  stood  thns:  baptized 
90  infants,  adults  G,  colored  infants  5  ;  marriages  5;  burials  10. 

On  the  5th  of  June,  1776,  he  informs  the  Socie(y/4hat  he  has 
lost  the  use  of  his  right  hand,  and  therefore  is  incapable  of  writing 
and  sending  an  account  of  his  parish. 

"  The  persecutions  and  privations  to  which  the  clergy  were 
exposed  (says/^Dr.  Hawkins,)  in  the  war,  whether  from  the 
Royalist  or  American  armies  proved  fatal  to  several  of  them. 
At  Rye,  Mr.  Avery  was  a  principal  sufferer ;  his  horses  were 
seized,  his  cattle  driven  off,  and  his  property  plundered.  His 
death,  by  some  supposed  to  have  been  occasioned  by  these  losses, 
happened  soon  afterwards."* 

.  «  Hawkins'  Hist.  Not.  Col.  Church,  281.    Mr.  Avery  was  a  step-son  of  the  cele-. 
hriMJOtfatnX  Patnam. — Editor. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  76 

The  Rev.  Isaac  Hunt  succeeded  Mr.  Avery  in  the  rectorship, 
havin|r  been  appointed  by  the  Propagation  Society  in  1777,  with 
a  salary  of  £40. 

During  the  subsequent  years  the  parish  of  Rye  suffered  con- 
siderably from  the  confusion  that  attended  the  Revolutionary 
war.  The  church  was  burned,  the  glebe  lands  hired  out  oq 
terms  which  produced  but  a  small  income,  and  the  parishioners 
scattered. 

After  the  close  of  the  war,  the  congregation  received  a  letter 
from  the  Rev.  Samuel  Provoost,  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New 
York,  Abraham  Beach  and  Benjamin  Moore,  dated  April  17, 1786, 
ipclosiog  the  journals  of  the  convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  held  in  Philadelphia,  September,  1785.  Upon 
the  reception  of  this  letter,  a  meeting  of  the  congregation  was 
called,  which  assembled  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Haviland,  in  Rye, 
on  the  6lh  of  May,  1786. 

Mr.  Joshua  Purdy  was  unanimously  elected  president  of  the 
meeting.  On  motion  it  was  resolved  to  take  the  sense  of  the 
congregation,  whether  they  v^ould  comply  with  the  request  of 
the  letter,  and  send  delegates  to  meet  in  convention  at  St.  Paul's 
Church  in  New  York,  upon  the  third  Tuesday  In  May  next. 

The  sense  being  taken,  it  was  unanimously  agreed  to  send 
delegates.  William  Miller  and  Alexander  Hunt,  Esqs.,  were 
chosen  delegates  to  the  general  convention. 

September,  1787.  The  Rev.  Richard  Channing  Moore  (after- 
wards Bishop  of  Virginia)  was  elected  to  the  rectorship,  the  first 
since  the  close  of  the  war. 

At  a  vestry  meeting  held  5th  March,  1788,  it  was  determined 
by  that  body  to  erect  a  new  church  on  or  near  the  place  where 
the  old  ruins  stood. 

Upon  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Moore  in  1788,  the  Rev.  David 
Foote  accepted  an  invitation  to  the  rectorship.  This  individual 
was  called  away  whilst  in  the  morning  of  life  from  the  field  of 
bis  earthly  labors  to  reap  an  eternal  reward,  A.  D.  1793. 

His  tombstone  bears  the  following  simple  inscription. 


76  HISTORY  OF  THE 

In  Iktemory 

of  th6 

Rev.  Mr.  David  Poote, 

late  Pastor  of  Rye  and  White  Plains, 

who  departed  this  life  the  first  of  August, 

1793, 

aged  32  years. 

Blessed  are  the  dead  who 
die  in  the  Lord. 

The  Rev.  John  J.  Sands  was  called  to  and  accepted  the  rec- 
torship  in  1793.  For«the  successors  of  Mr.  Sands,  see  the  list  of 
rectors. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  rector,  wardens  and«iirestrymen,  held  in 
1794,  it  was  resolved  to  substitute  the  title  Christ  instead  of 
Grace,  by  which  the  church  had  heretofore  been  distinguished. 

The  principal  benefactors  to  this  parish  have  been  the  Hon. 
Caleb  Heathcote,  St.  George  Talbot,  Esq ,  Ann  Jay,*  sister  of  the 
Hon.  John  Jay,  and  the  wardens  and  vestry  of  Trinity  Church, 
New  York.^ 

Christ  Church,  Rye,  was  incorporated  on  the  12th  of  March, 
1796.  Peter  Jay  and  John  Barker,  churchwardens,  Joshua  Pur- 
dy,  Sen.,  Roger  Purdy,  John  Haight,  Thomas  Carhart,  Gilbert 
Hatfield,  Roger  Purdy,  Jonathan  Horton  and  Jonathan  Purdy, 
vestrymen.<^  A  second  incorporation  occurs  on  the  18th  of 
June  following. 

The  present  glebe  was  purchased  by  the  vestry  in  1794.  Up- 
on it  a  neat  parsonage  has  been  erected.  To  Christ  Church,  Rye, 
is  attached  St.  Peter's  chapel  at  Portchester. 

The  first  delegates  from  this  parish  to  the  diocesan  conven- 
tion in  17U5,  were  Mr.  William  Miller  and  Mr.  Alexander  Hunt. 


»  Thii  lady  left  a  legacy  of  (250  to  the  church* 

b  In  1600  Trinity  Church  contributed  (750  for  a  parsonage  at  Rye,  to  which  was 
added  in  1813,  the  sum  of  (500. 
•  Ca  Rec.  Religions  Soc.  Lib.  A. 


COUNT?  OP  WESTCHESTER, 


77 


LIST  OP  RECTORS. 

Instituted  or  called,  Rectors, 

A.  D.  1702,  Rev.  Thomas  Pritchard,  Clericus, 
A.  D.  1704,  Rev.  George  Muirson,  Clericus, 
January,  1709,  Rev.  Christopher  Bridge,  M.  A.  Cler.» 

1719,  Rev.  Mr.  Barclay,  Clericus, 

1720,  Rev.  Thomas  Poyer,  Clericus, 
4  June,  1722,  Rev.  Robert  Jenney,  Clericus,^ 

1726,  Rev.  James  Wetmore,  Clericus, 
1746,  Rev.  Joseph  Lamson,  Clericus, 
1  July,  1763,  Rev.  Ebenezer  Punderson,  Clericus,^' 
27  Aug.  1765,  Rev.  Ephraim  Avery,  Clericus, 
1777,  Rev.  Isaac  Hunt,  Clericus, 
Sept  1787,  Re^i^  Richard  C.  Moore,  Presb., 
Nov.  1790,  Rev.  David  Poote,  Presb., 

1793,  Rev.  John  J.  Sands,  Presb., 
Nov.  1796,  Rev.  George  Ogilvie,  Presb., 


vacated  by 

death, 
the  same, 
the  same. 

resig. 
the  same, 
the  same, 
death. 

resig. 

death, 
the  same. 

resig. 
the  same. 

death. 

resig. 

death. 


*  The  following  obitaary  notice  of  Mr.  Bridge,  is  from  the  Boston  newspaper  of 
Jane  1st  to  8tb,  1719 :  '*  we -have  an  acooont  from  Rye,  in  the  government  of  New 
York,  of  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bridge,  M.  A.,  a  presbyter  of  the  church  of  En- 
gland, and  minister  of  the  gospel  at  that  place,  who  died  on  Saturday,  the  23d  of  May^ 
last  He  was  formerly,  for  many  years  together,  one  of  the  ministers  of  the  Church 
of  England,  in  Boston,  a  religious  and  worthy  man,  a  very  good  scholar,  and  a  fine 
gfave  preachet.  His  performances  in  the  pulpit  were  solid,  judicious  and  profitable, 
Us  conversation  was  agreeable  and  improving,  and  though  a  strict  churchman  in 
his  principles,  yetof  great  respect  and  charity  to  dissenters,  and  much  esteemed  by 
Ihem.  He  was  bred  at  the  University  of  Cambridge,  in  England,  and  was  about 
forty-eight  years  of  age  when  he  died,  very  much  lamented.**  Extracted  from 
Greenwood's  History  of  King's  Chapel. 

^  This  gentleman  was  the  son  of  Archdeacon  Jenny  of  Wanney  town,  in  the 
north  of  Ireland.     See  Hist,  of  Narragansett  church  by  Wilkins  Updike. 

«  Mr.  Punderson  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1726,  and  was  afterwards  ordained 
a  Congregational  minister  over  the  second  church  in  Groton.  In  1 732,  he  came  into 
the  Episcqml  church,  and  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  be  ordained.  On  his  return,  he  re* 
organized  a  church  at  the  village  of  Poquetannnc,  in  North  Graton,  in  1738,  which 
has  ever  since  existed,**  6lc  Mr.  Punderson  was  for  some  years  an  itinerant  mission- 
ary of  the  •<  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel,*'  from  1740  to  1750.  In 
1753-4  he  was  settled  missionary  in  the  towns  of  Guilford,  New  Haven  and 
Branford."    Ibid. 


78  HIST0R7  OF  THE 

Aug.  1797,  Rev.  Samuel  Haskell,  Presb.,  resig. 

April,  1801,  Rev.  Evan  Rogers,  Presb.,  death. 

1809,  Rev.  Samuel  Haskell,  Presb.,  resig. 

1822,  Rev.  William  Thompson,  Presb.,  death. 

1830,  Rev.  John  M.  Forbes,  Presb.,  resig. 

1832,  Rev.  William  M.  Carmichal,  Presb.,  the  same. 

Aug.,  1834,  Rev.  Peter  S.  Chauncey,  Presb.,  the  same. 

NOTITU  PAROCHIALIS. 


A.  D.  1722,  Communicants   25  Baptisms 

1739,  ditto             50               ditto          138 

1816,  ditto             60               ditto            25 

1847,  ditto           112               ditto            22 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  Rye,  was  erected  A.  D. 
1831.    The  whole  structure  is  valued  at  $2150. 

In  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  the  village,  is  the  Chres- 
tomathic  Institute,  a  select  English,  commercial  and  classical 
boarding  school  for  young  gentlemen.  Samuel  U.  Berrian,  A. 
M.,  principal,  and  proprietor.  <'  This  establishment  is  situated  on 
the  Boston  post  road,  twenty  six  and  a  half  miles  from  the  city 
of  New  York,  and  is  of  easy  access  therefrom,  by  land  or  water. 
It  possesses  many  attractions  to  render  it  a  favorite  place  of  re- 
sort for  the  young.  The  buildings  are  spacious  and  con- 
veniently planned,  and  the  internal  arrangements  perfect  and 
complete.  Ample  play  grounds  furnish  every  opportunity  for 
healthful  exorcise  and  recreation.  The  situation  of  the  premi- 
ses is  such^  that  the  pupils  are  entirely  free  from  any  vicious  or 
foreign  contact  from  without,"  and  is  well  suited  to  encourage 
them  in  studious  and  domestic  habits. 

South  of  the  village  lies  Poningoe  neck^  commonly  called 
Brown^s  Pointy  one  mile  and  a  half  in  extent.  The  extremity  of 
the  point  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Scotch  caps,  has  been  con- 
siderably undermined  by  the  constant  action  of  the  waves.  The 
eastern  shore  of  the  neck,  has  also  receded  before  the  same  destruc- 
tive element.  The  beach  on  Rt/e  flats  is  a  well  known  and  fa- 
vorite bathing  place.    It  also  commands  an  extensive  view  of  the 


COUNTY  QF  WESTCHESTER.  79 

Sound.  The  name  of  Parsonage  Point,  has  been  conferred  on 
the  south  east  projection.  At  present,  the  principal  proprietors 
are  Gideon  Reynolds  and  Hachaliah  Brown  Esq.  The  latter  in- 
dividual holds  250  acres  of  the  lower  portion. 

Upon  the  western  shore  of  Poningoe  neck  or  Brown's  Point 
stands,  the  small  hamlet  of  Milton,  overlooking  the  mouth  of 
the  Blind  brook,  (Mockquams)  the  beautiful  scenery  of  the  Mill 
creek  and  the  wooded  shores  of  Budd*s  neck.  Here  are  seve- 
ral stores  and  the  tide  mill  of  Henry  Sandford  and  company ; 
J^t  the  latter  is  situated  at  the  bead  of  the  navigable  waters  of 
Mill  creek.  In  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Milton,  is  the  residence 
of  Newberry  Halstead,  Esq.,  which  from  its  elevated  position, 
commands  splendid  prospects  of  the  river  and  surrounding  coun- 
try. The  Halsteads  have  been  long  residents  of  Rye,  and  de- 
scend from  a  common  ancestor  of  that  name,  who  originally 
came  from  Huntingdon,  Long  Island.  The  adjoining  proprie- 
tors are  Underbill  Halstead,  Joseph  Parker  and  Gideon  Rey- 
nolds. 

Near  the  entrance  of  the  Neck  Proper,  is  located  the  ancient 
village  burying  ground.    Here  the  frail  memorials 

With  uncoatb  rhymes  and  Bhapeless  scalptare  decked, 
Implore  the  passing  tribute  of  a  sigh. — Gray*t  Elegy,  ] 

The  following  inscription  is  taken  from  one  of  the  oldest  tomb- 
stones :  Mary,  daughter  to  Samuel  and  Mary  Kniffen,  deceased 
January  ye  12,  1707.  Upon  another  richly  carved  stone  sur- 
mounted by  a  winged  cherub,  are  these  words :  In  memory  of 
Mr.  Joseph  Lyon,  who  deceased  February  the  2Ist,  A.  D.  1761| 
in  the  84th  year  of  his  age.  Here  are  also  interred  the  bodies  of 
the  Rev.  William  Thompson*  and  the  Rev.  Evan  Rogers. 
The  tombstone  of  the  latter  is  inscribed  as  follows : 

The 

Masonic  Society 

in  the  town  of  Rye, 


•  The  iimcription  on  the  tombstone  of  Mr  Thompson,  is  an  exact  copy  of  that 
upon  his  tablet  in  the  church. 


80  HISTORY  OF  THE 

have  erected  this  monument 

sacred  to  the  memory 

of  their  beloved  brother, 

the 

Rev.  Evan  Rogers, 

Pastor  of  Christ  Church 

in  this  town, 

who  departed  this  life 

January  25th,  1809, 

in  the  42d  year, 

of  his  life, 

extremely  lamented. 

My  flesh  shall  slumber  in  the  ground. 
Till  the  last  trumpet's  joyful  sound, 
Then  burst  these  chains  with  sweet  surprise, 
And  in  my  Saviour's  image  rise. 

Also  memorials  to  Stephen  Roe,  M.  D.,  and  Dr.  Charles  Mc 
Donald  a  soldier  of  the  Revolution.  The  Unionville  Ceme- 
tery belonging  to  the  Episcopal  church,  is  situated  in  North 
street.  It  contains  monuments  to  the  families  of  Budd,  Nelson, 
Knifien,  Osborne,  Bulkley,  Brook?,  Merritt,  Yeoman,  Halstead, 
Barker,  Brown,  Prevoost,  Andrews,  Berrian,  Haviland,  Russel, 
Mount,  Fisher  and  Ferguson,  6cc. 

On  the  west  shore  of  the  Mill  creek,  extends  the  ancient  terri- 
tory of  Apawquammis,  afterwards  named  Budd's  neck,»  from 
John  Budd,  the  first  grantee  of  these  lands  under  the  Indians, 
A.  D.  1661.  In  1639,  the  name  of  John  Budd  occurs  in  the  New 
Haven  records,  as  one  of  the  first  planters  of  that  pluce.i>  He 
subsequently  removed  to  Southhold,  Long  Island,  from  whence 
he  came  to  Rye  in  1661.  In  1663,  John  Budd  was  deputy 
from  Rye  to  the  general  court  of  Connecticut.^^ 


A  Sometimes  called  Rye  neck, 
k  New   Hayen  Col.  Reo.  toL  I  7. 
•  New  Haren  CoL  Rac.  toI.  i.  495. 


•  { 


To  (hce  pnge  81,  vol.  it 


Anns  borne  by  the  Ha^enot.    D*BZur,  au  chevron  (Tor,  en  chef  depii  sole 


Fianclf  Jay,  died  ^ 
from  France  to  I 


Peter  Jut,  orRye,=^ary,  da.  of  Jacobt 


nat.  3d  Nov. 

▼an  Cortlandt,  of 

1701,  Ob  17th 

the  old  yunkers,  o 

April,  178S ; 

17th  April,  1777. 

miir.  30th  Jan. 

17S8.    Buned 

at  Rye 

Auffuatttt.  nat.  15ih 
Aarll,  ITM,  uh. 
23d  Dec.  18ul, 
a.  p. 


James,  nat.  97th  April,     Sir  James,  Knight, 
1731,  tih.  16th  Oct.  nat  87th  OcL 

1751,  s.  p.  ITdEI,  Ob.  90ih 

Oct.  1815.    Bu- 
lled at  Bye 


Peter,  natsMarj^ 
]!»Ui  Oct.        incf-. 
1734,  oh.         riecf 
8th  July, 
1813 


Peter  Aofustus  Jay_Mary  Rutherrurd, 


of  Rye  Neck,  nat. 
S4th  Jan.  1777,  ob. 
90th  Feb.  184J 


da.  or  Gen.  Mat- 
thew Clarkeon 


John  ClarksoB—. Laura 


I 


Jay,  M  D  of 
Bye  Neck 


Prime, 
da.  of 
Nath'l 
Prime 


Peter  AugustnB= 
Josephine  Pear- 
son 


I  I  I 

MarysPrederick  Sarah— Wm  Daw-     Catf 
Prima  son  Eletf 


i 


iohti,o%. 
1840. 


Augus.  reter 
tus,  ob    Augustus 


John 
Clarkson 


Laura 


Mary     Cornell 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  81 

John  Budd,  proprietor  of  Budd's  neck,  by  his  last  will  dated  the 
13th  of  October,  1669,  bequeathed  to  his  son  John,  all  his  part  of 
the  Mill  on  Blind  brook,  and  to  his  son  Joseph,  the  Epawqnammis 
lands.  Joseph  Budd  was  the  first  patentee  of  Budd's  or  Rye 
neck,  under  the  crown,  in  1720.&  From  the  Budds,  the  neck 
went  by  purchase,  into  the  families  of  the  Purdys,  Gedneys,  Gui- 
ons  and  Jays,  &c.  The  property  of  the  latter  family,  covers  a 
large  proportion  of  the  old  patent. 

We  have  previously  shown,  that  John  Budd  released  this  por- 
tion of  his  patrimonial  estate,  including  Pine  Island^  Marees 
neck  and  Hen  Island,  to  Peter  Jay,  A.  D.  1745. 

The  Jay  family  who  have  been  seated  here  for  four  genera- 
tions, are  of  French  origin,  and  descendants  of  Pierre  Jay, 
Ecuyer,  a  wealthy  merchant  of  La  Rochelle,  in  1684.  Pierre 
Jay  is  presumed  to  have  been  of  the  house  of  I/C  Jay,  of 
Poitou.  There  was  also  an  ancient  French  family  in  Paris  of 
the  name  of  Le  Jay,  which  formerly  distinguished  itself  in  the 
civil  department  of  the  state,  many  of  whom  bore  the  same 
christian  name,  as  many  of  the  Jays  have  since  done,  amongst 
whom  is  found,  a  John  le  Jay  in  the  early  part  of  the  sixteenth 
century;  a  Nicolas  le  Jay,  Baron  de  Tilley  de  la  Maison 
Rouge,  et  de  St.  Fargeau,  Seigneur  de  Villiers,  was  first  Presi- 
dent to  the  Parliament  of  Paris,  in  1636.  This  individual  was 
the  son  of  Nicolas  le  Jay,  styled  **  correcteur  des  Comptes  a 
Paris."b 

Of  Pierre  Jay,  Mr.  Renwick  in  his  life  of  John  Jay,  remarks : 


>  In  the  town  records  of  Westchester,  occurs  the  following  entry :  **  Baptised 
by  Mr.  John  Bartow,  rector  of  Westchester  parish,  in  the  parish  church  in  the 
town  aforesaid,  the  eighth  of  August,  1703,  Sarah  Budd,  the  wife  of  Joseph  Budd 
of  Rye,  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  and  their  son  Joseph  Budd,  aged  eleven 
months,  also. 

k  Hist.  Genealogique  et  Chronologique  par  le  P.  Anselme,  1731,  vol.  iz.  304. 
The  arms  borne  by  Nicolas  le  Jay,  were  "  D'azur  an  chevron  d*or,  accompagne  en 
chef  de  deux  ^toiles  de  m^me  en  point,  d'un  mouton  passant  d'argent.  The  anna 
of  Pierre  le  Jay  the  Hugnenot,  closely  resemble  the  former,  viz. :  "  d*azur  au  chev- 
nn  d*or,  en  chef  demi  soleil  splendant,  eutre  deux  ^toiles  de  mdme  en  point,  a  roo 
propre  snrmonte  par  oiseaux.    Crest  deux  ccpurs  unts. 

Vol.  II.  U 


82  HISTORY  OF  THE 

''  he  was  a  native  of  France,  and  resided  in  the  city  of  La  Ro- 
chelle,  his  business  was  that  of  a  merchant,  and  from  collateral 
facts,  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  he  was  both  wealthy  and 
enterprising.  Like  many  of  the  most  industrious. and  most  re- 
spectable inhabitants  in  that  part  of  the  country,  he  was  a  Pro- 
testant, and  doomed  as  we  shall  see,  to  undergo  much  trouble 
and  persecution  on  account  of  his  religion.  He  seems  to  have 
had  a  sort  of  presentiment,  probably  derived  from  the  grow- 
ing disfavor  of  the  Protestants  in  the  sight  of  the  government, 
that  it  would  at  some  time  or  other,  be  necessary  for  him  to  sac- 
rifice both  country  and  property,  on  account  of  his  religion.  On 
this  account,  he  determined  to  send  one  of  his  sons  to  England 
to  acquire  a  knowledge  of  that  language,  and  tc  educated  there. 
His  eldest  son  was  the  one  chosen  for  this  purpose,  but  he  unfortu- 
nately died  on  the  voyage.  With  great  promptness,  the  father 
sent  his  second  soU;  Augustus,  who  was  then  barely  twelve  years 
old,  to  take  his  place.  This  happened  A.  D.  1677.  The  troub- 
les and  persecutions  which  Mr.  Jay  seemed  to  have  foreseen,  and 
which  preceded  the  revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes,  now  com- 
menced, and  in  January,  1685,  the  Protestant  church  at  Ro- 
chelle  was  pulled  down,  pursuant  to  a  decree  passed  at  that  time. 
Finding  that  the  Protestants  still  continued  the  exercise  of  their 
religion,  and  were  i:ot  to  be  forced  to  change  it  by  any  ordinary 
means,  a  regiment  of  dragoons  was  despatched  to  that  portion  of 
the  country,  and  quartered  upon  the  Protestant  inhabitants. 
We  have  full  evidence  that  these  armed  missionaries  had  free 
license  to  make  their  hosts  as  uncomfortable  as  possible,  and  were 
encouraged  to  practice  upon  them  those  insults  so  easily  perpe- 
trated by  unrestrained  and  licentious  soldiery^ 

We  can  easily  imagine  what  must  have  been  the  situation  of 
a  pious  family,  and  what  the  feelings  of  a  husband  and  a  father 
under  such  circumstances.  Mr.  Jay  determined  that  those  near- 
est and  dearest  to  him  should  no  longer  be  exposed  to  insult  and 
contamination  ;  and,  finding  a  safe  opportunity,  he  secretly  sent 
his  family,  together  with  several  articles  of  value,  on  board  a 
vessel  bound  for  England.  This  vessel  arrived  in  safety.  The 
departure  of  his  family  did  not  long  remain  undiscovered  ;  and 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  83 

causing  suspicion  of  his  own  intention,  he  was  arrested  and 
thrown  into  prison.  From  thence  by  the  intervention  of  some 
worthy  Catholic  friends  he  was  rescued ;  when  foreseeing  that 
France  was  no  longer  a  residence  for  him,  he  determined  to  leave 
it  for  ever.  But  first  it  was  necessary  to  raise  funds  for  the  sup- 
port of  himself  and  family  in  a  strange  land ;  this  he  dared 
not  do  by  turning  any  of  his  French  property  into  money 
lest  his  motives  should  be  surmised,  and  a  second  arrest  should 
follow.  At  this  time,  several  of  his  ships  were  expected  to  arrive. 
He  gave  secret  orders  to  one  of  the  pilots  of  the  port,  to  bring 
the  first  of  his  ships  that  should  arrive,  to  anchor  at  some  dis- 
tance, and  not  come  up  to  the  town.  The  first  of  his  vessels 
that  made  its  appearance  was  from  a  Spanish  port,  laded  chiefly 
with  iron ;  and  fortunately,  both  for  his  honor  and  his  future 
means  of  living,  both  ship  and  cargo  belonged  entirely  to  him- 
self. The  pilot  faithful  to  his  instructions,  anchored  the  vessel 
in  the  place  determined  on.  With  his  assistance,  Mr.  Jay  em- 
barked and  sailed  immediately  for  England.  He  arrived  in 
safety,  and  happy  must  have  been  the  meeting  between  him  and 
his  family.  They  were  now  out  of  danger,  free  from  persecu- 
tion, and  in  the  enjoyment  of  their  chosen  religion ;  and,  although 
their  means  were  not  so  great  as  formerly,  yet  they  still  had  a 
sufficiency. 

On  his  escape  from  France  being  made  public,  all  his  pro- 
perty was  confiscated,  and  never  was  returned  so  as  to  be  of  any 
use  either  to  him  or  to  his  children.  But  one  thing  marred 
their  happiness,  this  was  their  uncertainty  as  to  what  would  be 
the  fate  of  their  second,  now  their  eldest  son,  who  was  at  that 
time  probably  in  Africa,  on  commercial  business  of  his  father's. 
This  son,  Augustus,  the  grandfather  of  John  Jay,  returned  (not 
knowing  of  his  parent's  escape)  (b  Rochelle.  Thence,  facilitated 
by  the  kindness  of  his  friends,  he  managed  to  procure  a  passage  to 
Charleston,  S.  C. ;  for  he  also,  like  his  parents,  was  resolute  in 
sacrificing  everything  for  his  religion.  From  Charleston,  driven 
by  a  climate  unhealthy  even  to  natives,  and  doubly  so  to  for- 
eigners, he  travelled  to  Philadelphia ;  but,  finding  in  that  city, 
then  an  infant  state,  no  field  for  the  exercise  of  commerce,  to 
which  business  he  had  been  brought  up,  he  made  his  way  to 


84  HISTORY  OF  THE 

New  York.  Here  he  not  only  found  occupation,  but  friends, 
driven  like  himself,  by  persecution,  to  carry  the  arts  and  industry 
of  France  to  other  shores.  Here  also  he  found  churches  built 
and  attended  by  French  refugees,  and  a  service  performed  in 
his  own  language.  Finding  that  his  success  in  life  must  wholly 
depend  upon  his  own  exertions,  he  applied  himself  with  diligence 
and  skill  to  business,  and  followed  for  many  years  the  calling  of 
a  supercargo.  Daring  this  time  he  both  heard  from  his  parents 
and  made  them  acquainted  with  his  welfare.^ 

Leaving  his  fortunes  for  a  while,  we  turn  to  those  of  his  young- 
er brother,  fsaac.  At  this  time  the  war  between  William  of 
Orange,  and  James  U,  of  England  was  in  progress,  and  a  regi- 
ment of  French  refugees  was  enrolled  by  the  former  to  assist  in 
driving  from  Ireland  his  catholic  competitor  for  the  throne.  Into 
this  regiment  Isaac  entered,  impelled  by  the  ardor  of  youth,  and 
no  doubt  not  a  little  by  the  recollection  of  the  many  insults  and  in- 
juries he  and  his  family  had  received  at  the  hands  of  those  who 
professed  the  Romish  religion.  He  sealed  his  conviction  of  the 
justice  of  his  own  cause  with  his  blood,  and  died  not  long  after 
the  battle  of  the  Boyne,  from  the  effects  of  wounds  received  in 
that  engagement. 

In  the  year  1692,  Augustus,  while  pursuing  his  commercial 
avocations,  started  on  a  voyage  from  New  York  to  Hamburg ;  on 
the  passage  the  vessel  was  captured  by  a  French  privateer,  and 
carried  into  St.  Maloes.  He,  with  other  prisoners  was  confined,  not 
very  closely  as  it  appears  by  subsequent  events,  in  a  fortress 
about  15  miles  from  that  place.  While  there,  news  arrived  of  the 
battle  of  La  Hogue,  and  the  prisoners  were  ordered  into  closer 
confinement.  They  in  some  way  received  news  of  this  order, 
and  determined  before  it  was  put  in  force  to  effect  their  escape. 
Accordingly,  on  the  evening  that  was  to  precede  their  imprison- 
ment, Augustus  and  some  of  his  companions  succeeded  in  scaling 


»  On  the  4lh  of  March,  1686,  letters  of  denizbtioa  were  granted  to  Augastaa 
Jay.  Upon  the  29th  of  Sept.  1698,  King  William  the  third  by  hb  royal  letteni 
patent,  granted  to  Augustua  Jay,  "  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  a  native  bom 
English  subject."  Augustus  Jay  was  admitted  to  the  freedom  of  the  city  of  New 
York,  by  the  mayor  and  Aldermen,  on  the  27th  Janoary,  17C0.  From  the  ori- 
ginal docamenti  in  poesession  of  the  Hon.  William  Jay. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  86 

the  wall  and  dropping  into  the  ditch.  Whether  his  friends  were 
stunned  by  the  fall,  or  recaptuned,  he  had  no  means  of  ascertain 
ing.  He  himself,  however,  got  out  of  the  ditch,  took  the  road 
and  arrived  at  Rochelle.  Here  ho  was  secreted  and  protected  by 
his  aunt,  until  she  found  means  to  send  him  to  the  isle  of  Aux 
Rhe,  whence  he  got  passage  to  Denmark.  On  his  way  home  he 
passed  through  Holland,  performed  his  business  there,  and  then 
crossed  over  to  England,  where  he  saw  his  father  and  sister  for 
the  first  time  since  their  separation  so  many  years  before.  There 
was  one  drawback  to  their  joy,  one  cause  of  grief;  the  mother 
who  had  gone  through  so  many  trials  with  them,  was  no  more. 
The  calls  of  business  soon  separated  this  happy  party,  and  Au- 
gustus took  a  last  farewell,  and  returned  to  his  business  in  Ame- 
rica. 

A  few  years  after  his  return  he  married  Anna  Maria,  daughter 
of  Mr.  Balthazar  Bayard.  She  like  himself,  was  descended  from 
a  family  who  had  suflfered  from  religious  persecution.  Her  great 
grandfather  was  a  Frenchman,  a  Protestant  professor  of  theology, 
in  one  of  the  colleges  at  Paris,  who  was  forced  either  to  give  up 
his  religion  or  leave  his  country,  during  the  reign  of  Louis  XHI. 
He  chose  the  latter  alternative,  and  fled  to  Holland,  whence  his 
grandson  emigrated  to  this  country. 

By  this  marriage,  Augustus  Jay  found  himself  surrounded  by 
a  numerous  and  influential  Dutch  connection.  In  the  colony  of 
New  York,  the  descendants  of  the  Dutch  were  the  most  numer- 
ous class  of  the  population,  and  they  were  remarkable  for  the  lib- 
eral manner  in  which  they  befriended  and  assisted  their  country- 
men, or  those  connected  with  them. 

Sooa  after  his  marriage,  finding  himself  in  comfortable  and  re- 
spectable circumstances,  Mr.  Jay  sent  out  for  his  father  and  sis- 
ter ;  but  the  father  felt  that  his  declining  years  would  not  per- 
mit such  a  voyage,  and  the  sister  would  on  no  account  leave  him. 
Augustus  Jay  went  on  for  many  years  increasing  his  wealth  and 
influence  ;  and,  after  having  had  three  children,  all  of  whom  were 
daughters,  he  was  at  last  made  happy  by  the  birth  of  a  son  in  the 
year  1704.  This  son,  the  father  of  John  Jay,  he  named  Peter. 
No  other  children  were  born,  and  Peter  therefore,  at  his  father's 
death,  which  did  not  take  place  until  he  had  reached  the  nge  of 
84,  found  himself  sole  bearer  of  the  name  of  Jay. 


86  HISTORY  OP  THE 

Peter  Jay,  like  his  father  and  gra^d -father,  was  a  merchant 
and  followed  his  business  with  such  success,  that  at  the  age  of 
forty  he  was  able  to  retire  and  live  on  the  proceeds  of  his  in- 
dustry. At  the  age  of  twenty-four  he  married  Mary  van  Cort- 
landt.  This  lady  was  the  daughter  of  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt  of 
the  Lower  Yonkers,  by  his  wife  Eva  Philipse,  daughter  of  the 
Hon.  Frederick  Philipse,  lord  of  the  manor  of  Pliilipsburgh. 
Through  this  lady  the  Jays  subsequently  became  possessed  of 
the  Bedford  estates. 

Peter  Jay,  Esq.,  by  his  wife  Mary  van  Cortlandt  had  ten  chil- 
dren. 

Their  eighth  child  John  Jay  was  born  on  the  12th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1745,  the  same  year  that  his  father  purchased  the  Rye  es- 
tate. <^  At  the  age  of  eight  years,  John  Jay  was  sent  to  a  gram- 
mar school  at  New  Rochelle;  his  instructor  being  the  Rev. 
Pierre  Stouppe,  minister  of  the  French  Episcopal  Church.  "  Here 
he  continued  for  three  years,  and  was  then  placed  by  his  father 
under  the  care  of  a  private  tutor,  who  prepared  him  for  college. 
The  one  selected  was  King's,  now  Columbia  College,  an  insti- 
tution that  boasts  of  many  celebrated  men  among  its  alumni." 

"  In  his  fourth  collegiate  year  he  decided  upon  the  law  as  his 
future  profession.^  At  the  commencement  held  at  St.  George's 
Chapel,  May,  1764,  General  Gage  and  his  Majesty's  council,  &c., 
being  present,  Richard  Harrison  seventeen  years  of  age  deliver- 
ed the  salutatory4)ration ;  John  Jay,  a  dissertation  on  the  bless- 
ings of  peace."  Upon  this  occasion  he  received  his  degree  of 
bachelor  of  arts. 

The  annexed  sketch  of  Mr.  Jay's  subsequent  life  is.  from 
Blake's  Biographical  Dictionary. 

''  John  Jay,  L.  L.  D.,  first  chief  justice  of  the  United  States  un- 
der the  constitution  of  1789,  graduated  at  King's  (now  Colum- 
bia) College,  A.  D.  1764,  and  in  1768  was  admitted  to  the  bar. 
He  was  appointed  to  the  first  American  Congress  in  1774.  Be- 
ing on  the  committee  with  Lee  and  Livingston  to  draft  an  ad- 


•  Here  John  Jay  spent  his  boyhood. 

k  Compiled  and  abridged  from  the  life  of  John  Jay  by  Henry  B.  Renwick. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  87 

dress  to  the  people  of  Great  Britain,  he  was  the  writer  of  that 
eloquent  production.    In  the  congress  of  1775,  he  was  on  vari- 
ous important  committees,  performing  more  service  perhaps  than 
any  other  member  except  Franklin  and  John  Adams.     In  May, 
1776,  he  was  recalled  to  assist  in  framing  the  government  of 
New  York,  and  in  consequence  his  name  is  not  attached  to  the 
Declaration  of  Independence ;  but  July  9th,  he  reported  resolu- 
tions in  the  provincial  convention  in  favor  of  the  declaration. 
After  the  fall  of  New  York,  and  the  removal  of  the  Provincial 
Assembly  to  Poughkeepsie,  Mr.  Jay  retained  his  resolute  patrio- 
tism.    The  very  eloquent  address  of  the  convention  to  the  peo- 
ple of  New  York,  dated  Fishkill,  December  23,  1776,  and  sign- 
ed  by  A.  Ten  Broeck,  as  president,  was  written  by  him.    MarcB 
12,  1777,  he  reported  to  the  convention  of  New  York  the  draft 
of  a  form  of  government,  which  was  adopted,  and  many  of  the 
provisions  of  which  were  introduced  into  the  constitution  of 
other  states.     From  May  3,  1777,  to  August  18,  1779,  he  was 
chief  justice  of  the  state,  but  resigned  that  office  in  consequence 
of  his  duties  as  president  of  congress.    The  glowing  address  of 
that  body  to  their  constituents,  dated  September  8,  1779,  was 
prepared  by  him.    On  the  29th  of  September,  he  was  appointed 
minister  plenipotentiary  to  the  court  of  Spain.    He  was  one  of 
the   commissioners  to  negotiate  peace  with  Great  Britain,  and 
signed  the  definitive  treaty  of  peace  at  Paris,  September  3,  1783« 
He  returned  to  America  in  1784.     Congress  had  previously  ap- 
pointed him  secretary  of  state  for  fcreign  afiairs.    In  the  difii- 
cull  circumstances  of  the  country,  the  secretary  was  in  efifect  the 
head  of  the  government.    Mr.  JayVservices  were  of  great  impor- 
tance.   He  drew  up,  October  13,  1776,  an  elaborate  report  on 
the  relations   between   the  United    States  and  Great  Britain. 
Though  not  a  member  of  the  convention  which  formed  the  con- 
stitution of  the  United  States,  he  was  present  at  Annapolis,  and 
aided  by  his  advice.    He  also  assisted  Madison  and  Hamilton  in 
writing  the  Federalist.   In  the  convention  of  New  York,  he  con- 
tributed to  the  adoption  of  the  constitution.    He  was  appointed 
chief  justice  by  Washington,  September  26,  1789.    In  1794  he 
was  appointed  minister  plenipotentiary  to  Great  Britain  and  suc- 
ceeded in  negotiating  the  treaty  which  still  goes  by  his  name. 


88  HISTORY  OF  THE 

He  was  governor  of  the  state  of  New  York  from  1795  to  1801. 
The  remainder  of  his  life  he  passed  in  retirement  at  Bedford,  in 
this  county.  He  died  17th  May,  1829.  His  remains  are  de- 
posited in  the  family  burying  ground. 

By  his  wife,  Sarah  Yanburgh,  daughter  of  the  Hon.  William 
Livingston,  Governor  of  New  Jersey,  he  left  issue  two  sons,  viz. 
the  late  Hon.  Peter  Augustus  Jay,  member  of  the  State  Assembly 
in  1813,  recorder  of  New  York  in  1819,  and  delegate  to  the  con- 
vention which  framed  the  late  constitution  of  the  state  of  New 
York ;  and  the  Hon.  William  Jay  of  Bedford,  for  several  years 
a  judge  of  the  late  court  of  common  pleas  in  this  county ;  be- 
sides four  daughters. 

*  The  family  residence  is  situated  near  the  post  road  leading  to 
Rye  at  no  great  distance  from  the  river.  The  building  is  a  hand- 
some structure  of  wood,  presenting  a  lofty  portico  on  the  north. 
The  south  front  commands  a  beautiful  lawn,  and  charming 
views  of  the  Sound  and  Long  Island.  Some  highly  interesting 
family  portraits  adorn  the  walls  of  the  hall  and  dining  room; 
amongst  them  are  the  following  :  Hon.  John  Jay,  first  chief  jus- 
tice of  the  United  States,  and  governor  of  the  state  of  New  York. 
Hend  by  Stewart,  figure  by  Trumbull.  The  Hon.  John  Jay  sat 
to  Colonel  Trumbull  (his  secretary)  for  this  picture,  whilst  resi- 
dent ambassador  at  the  court  of  St.  James,  London.  The  artist 
subsequently  presented  it  to  Mr.  Jay.»  Augustus  Jay,  who  emi- 
grated to  this  country  in  1686,  a  copy  from  the  original,  by  Wal- 
do ;  Anna  Maria  Bayard,  wife  of  Augustus  Jay,  by  ditto  ;  Peter 
Augustus  Jay,  as  a  boy.  artist  unknown  ;  an  old  painting  upon  oak 
panel,  supposed  to  represent  Catharine,  wife  of  the  Hon.  Stephen 
van  Cortlandt  of  Cortlandt,  South  Holland.  This  lady  appears 
habited  in  a  plain  black  dress,  wearing  a  high  neck  ruffle  and  in 
her  right  hand  holds  a  clasped  book.  In  one  corner  of  the  pic- 
ture is  inscribed  "  eetat.  64,  1630."^ 

The  library  contains  a  large  and  valuable  collection  of  shells 


>  This  picture  baa  been  engrayed  for  Herring'a  National  Portrait  Gallery.  In  the 
poaaession  of  Henry  Munro,  Esq.,  is  another  portrait  of  the  Hon.  John  Jay  by  Stew- 
art, in  his  robes  as  chief  justice  of  the  United  States. 

k  This  picture  was  found  in  one  of  the  old  city  residence!  of  the  Van  Cortlandts. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  89 

amounting  to  between  three  or  four  thousand  specia.ens.  John 
C.  Jay,  M.  D.,  has  published  several  catalogues  of  the  new  and 
rare  shells  contained  in  his  cabinet.^ 

Among  other  family  relics  we  noticed  the  gold  snuff  box  pre- 
sented by  the  corporation  of  New  York,  with  the  freedom  of  the 
city,  to  his  Excellency  John  Jay,  on  the  4tli  of  October,  1784. 
Also  a  French  bible,^  containing  the  following  memoranda. 
Auguste  Jay  esc  ne  a  la  Rochelle  dans  le  Royaume  de  France 
le  f f  Mars,  1665.  Laus  Deo.  N.  York,  July  ye  lOih,  1733,  this 
day  at  4  o'clock  in  ye  morning  dyed  Eva  van  Cortlandt,  was 
buried  ye  next  day  ye  12  en  ye  voute  at  Mr.  Stuyvesant's  about 
six  and  seven  o'clock." 

The  situation  of  the  Jay  property  is  very  fine,  embracing  some 
of  the  most  graceful  undulations  of  a  hilly  district,  highly  diver- 
sified with  rocks,  woods  and  river  scenery.  Contiguous  to  the 
southern  portion  of  the  estate,  and  bordering  the  Sound,  is  Ma- 
ree's  neck,  and  the  neighboring  islands  of  Pine  and  Hen-hawk, 
the  latter  consisting  of  seventy-seven  acres.  A  curious  pheno- 
menon, called  Mirage,  is  frequently  seen  from  these  shores,  when 
the  land  on  the  opposite  coast  of  Long  Island  appears  to  rise 
above  the  waters  of  the  Sound,  while  the  intermediate  portions 
seem  to  be  sunk  beneath  the  waves.  This  illusion  is  caused  by 
a  certain  state  of  the  atmosphere,  depending  chiefly  upon  its  hu- 
midity and  warmth  which  changes  considerably  its  ordinary  re- 
fractive power.  In  days  of  ignorance  and  superstition  such 
appearances  occasionally  excited  a  strange  interest. 

In  an  opening  of  the  woods  on  the  south  east  side  of  the  man- 
sion, is  the  family  cemetery. 


«  See  "  Catalogue  of  recent  thelk  in  (he  cabiuet  of  John  C.  Jay,'*  8vo.  New 
York,  1835.  pp.  56.  "  Detcription  of  new  and  rare  shells  with  fonr  plates,"  Svo. 
N.  Y.  1836.  2d  ed.  pp.  78.  "  A  catalogue  of  the  shells  arranged  according  to  the 
Lamarckian  sy|teiD,  together  with  descriptions  of  new  and  rare  species  contained  in 
the  collection  of  John  C.Jay,  M.  D."  3d  ed.  4to.  New  York,  pp.  125,  with  ten  plates. 

b  The  title  runs  thus,  "  La  Sainte  Bible  qui  contient  le  Vieux  et  le  Nonveaa  Tes* 
lament,  par  David  Martin,  pasteor  de  Tfiglise  Walione  d'Utrecht,  AmsterdaxDj 


MDccm." 


Vol.  11.  12 


90 


HISTORY  OF  THE 


Here 

are  interred 

the  remains  of  the 

Jay  family, 

which  were  removed  from 
the  family  vault 

New  York, 

the  28th  of  October^ 

.1807. 

In  memory  of 

John  Jay, 

Eminent  among  those  who  asserted  the  liberty 

and  established  the  Independence 

of  his  Country, 

which  he  long  served  in  the  most 

important  offices, 

Legislative,  executive,  judicial  and  diplomatic, 

and  distinguished  in  them  all,  by  his       .^ 

ability,  firmness,  patriotism  and  integrity, 

he  was  in  his  )ife  and  in  his  death, 

an  example  of  the  virtues, 

the  faith  and  the  hopes 

of  a  Christian. 

Born  Dec.  12ih,  1745, 

Died  May  17th,  1829. 


In 
memory 

of 

Sir  James  Jay,  Kn't. 

born  27  October,  1732, 

died  20  October,  1816. 


Peter  Jay  Munro, 

who  died 

22  Sept.  1833, 

aged  66  years, 

8  months  and  12  days. 


In 

memory  of 

Judith 

relict  of  John  W.  Watkins,  Esq.. 

and  last  surviving  daughter  of 

William  Livingston, 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  9i 

Governor  of  New  Jersey, 

who  departed  this  life 

July  7ih,  1843, 

in  the  83d  year  of  her  age. 

Anchored  safe,  the  weary  soul 

Shall  find  eternal  rest. 

Nor  storms  shall  beat  nor  billows  roll  ' 

Across  my  peaceful  breast. 

Besides  other  appropriate  memorials  to  Peter  Jay,  Peter  Augus- 
tus Jay,  Esq.,  Mary  Rutherford  Jay,  Margaret  Munro,  Golds- 
borough  Banyar,  Eva  MunrO;  Harriet  van  Corllandt  and  Mary 
Jay,  wife  of  Frederick  Prime,  Esq. 

The  adjoining  territory  upon  the  west,  constitutes  what  it 
commonly  called  Guioti's  neck,  a  portion  of  which  is  still  vested 
in  William  Henry  Guion,  son  of  the  late  Abraham  Guion.  This 
branch  of  the  Guion  family  descend  from  Isaac  Guion  of  New  Ro- 
chelle,  the  son  of  Louis  Guion  who  emigrated  from  England 
about  1(I67.»  The  beautiful  beaver  stream^  called  by  the  In- 
dians, Pockeotessen,  rises  north  of  Guion  neck,  and  forms  its 
western  boundary. 

The  Purdy  estate  is  situated  upon  the  eastern  shore  of  Rye 
neck  bordering  the  Blind  brook,  (Mockquams).  A  short  distance 
from  the  house  is  the  burial  place  of  the  Purdy  family.  Among 
other  memorials  is  the  following  : 

Joshua  Purdy, 

't  ob,  ^larch  4,  1600, 

iEtat,  79. 

On  the  west  bank  of  the  Byram  river,  which  here  forms  the 
boundary  between  New  York  and  Connecticut,  is  situated  the 
village  of  Port  Chester^  This  place  has  grown  rapidly  within 
a  few  years,  and  bids  fair  to  rival  any  on  the  Sound ;  among 
other  causes,  its  manufactories  have  contributed  greatly  to  pro- 
mote this  prosperity.  These  consist  at  present,  of  the  iron  foun« 
dry  of  William  Abendroth  and   company,  carriage  factory  of 

•■  See  vol.  i.  page  424. 

b  Sometimee  styled  Stony  brook. 

•  Formerly  called  Sawpits. 


92  HISTORY  OP  THE 

Henry  Webb,  leather  manufactory  of  Edward  Field,  plane  fac- 
tory of  Edward  Baldwin,  piano  factory  of  Mr  Holder,  lock  fac- 
tory of  John  Drumgoold,  tin  factory  of  Agnr  Pixley,  hat  factory- 
of  H.  D.  Hinman  and  the  dyewood  mill  of  Henry  Sandford,  be- 
sides the  manufactories,  there  are  twenty  stores  doing  an  exten- 
sive business,  and  a  large  hotel  termed  the  Pavilion,  kept  by  Mr. 
George  W.  Smith.  The  Byram  or  Armonck  river,  which  wa- 
ters this  beautiful  section  of  Westchester  county,  takes  its  rise 
from  the  Byram  lake,  an  extensive  sheet  of  water  fed  by  the 
springs  of  the  Comonck  or  Armonck  hills  in  Bedford.  During  its 
downward  course,  it  winds  .between  lofty  hills,  fringed  with 
copse  wood,  and  abounding  with  bold  projections  which  here 
and  there  break  the  course  of  its  rapid  current.  In  other  pla- 
ces it  forms  romantic  glens,  shaded  with  the  wild  hemlock 
and  fir.  The  wooded  shores  of  Byram  point,  rise  directly  oppo- 
site the  village^  forming  a  fine  contrast  to  the  western  side  of  the 
river.  The  Byram  is  navigable  nearly  two  miles  from  its  mouth, 
affording  an  easy  transit  from  this  place  for  the  marketable  pro- 
ductions of  the  interior.  The  sloops  at  present  engaged  in  this 
trade,  are  the  William  Marston  and  the  Sarah  Odee,  Messrs. 
Peck  owners,  and  the  New  York  and  Washingtonian. 

The  site  of  the  ancient /err^  across  the  sound  to  Matinecock, 
upon  Long  Island,  was  the  Horse  rock  in  the  vicinity  otRye  Port. 

Upon  ihc  18ih  of  July,  1739,  King  George  the  second,  by  his 
royal  letters  patent,  regulated  and  established  a  ferry  at  this 
place,  to  be  kept  and  attended  for  the  couveniency  of  passing  and 
repassing  to  and  from  the  land  in  the  two  patents  called  BiidcPs 
neck  and  Poningoe  neck,  lying  and  being  in  Rye,  to  the  island 
of  Nassau,  over  against  the  township  of  Oyster  Bay,  in  the  said 
island. 

Which  ferry  oar  loving  subjects  John  Budd,  Hachaliah  Drown  and  Jona- 
than Brown,  Esqs,  propose  to  undertake  and  to  provide  and  keep  at  their  own 
charge  and  expense,  a  sufficient  number  of  good  and  able  boats  and  servants 
for  the  due  attendance  on  such  ferry,  &c.,  &c.,  and  have  free  liberty  to  ask, 
demand  and  take  for  ferriage  at  and  for  such  ferry,  &c.,  the  several  and  re- 
spective fees  hereinafter  mentioned,  &c.,  viz.  for  every  person  one  shilling 
and  sixpence,  for  every  man  and  horse  three  shillings,  for  all  horned  cattle 
from  two  years  old  and  upwards  each  two  shillings,  for  all  colts  and  horned 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  93 

cattle  tinder  two  years  old  each  one  shilling,  for  every  score  of  sheep,  Iambs, 
hogs  and  sows  five  shillings,  and  so  in  proportion  for  any  greater  or  lesser 
number,  for  every  full  barrel  one  shilling,  for  every  empty  barrel  four  pence, 
for  every  full  pipe  or  hogshead  six  shillings,  for  every  empty  pipe  or  hogs- 
head two  shillings,  for  every  firkin  or  tub  of  butter  four  pence,  fur  every  bushel 
of  wheat,  salt,  grain,  seeds  or  any  other  thing  fully  measured  and  sold  by  the 
bushel  one  penny,  for  every  waggon,  cart  or  carriage  seven  shillings  and  six- 
pence, for  every  pair  of  wheels  two  shillings,  for  every  cupboard,  press  for 
clothes  or  writing  desk  four  shillings  and  sixpence,  for  every  full  trunk  or 
chest  two  shillings  and  sixpence,  for  every  empty  trunk  or  chest  one  shilling, 
for  every  full  half  barrel  sixpence,  for  every  gammon,  flitch  of  bacon,  or  piece 
of  smoked  beef  one  penny,  fer  every  hundred  weight  of  gunpowder,  iron, 
steel,  sheet  pewter  or  lead  and  iron  or  iron,  copper  or  brass  kettles  or  pots 
one  shilling  and  sixpence,  and  so  in  proportion  for  any  greater  or  less  quan- 
tity, for  every  such  one  penny,  for  every  corn  fan  five  pence,  for  every  hun- 
dred of  shingles  one  shilling,  for  every  bed,  bedstead  and  bedding  together 
three  shillings,  for  everjr  chair  two  pence,  for  every  tab]%  eight  pence,  for 
every  saddle  without  horse  three  pence,  for  every  gun  two  pence,  for  every 
case  with  buttles  nine  pence,  for  every  frying  pan  or  warming  pan  two  pence, 
for  every  looking  glass  of  one  foot  sixpence,  and  so  in  proportion  for  all  other 
goods  for  which  no  provision  is  hereby  made,  and  also  all  manner  of  privi- 
leges, &c.,  &c.  For  which  the  patentees  and  their  heirs  are  to  pay  to  the 
collector  general^of  the  town  being,  on  the  25th  day  of  March,  commonly  call- 
ed Lady-day,  the  yearly  rent  of  -two  shillings  and  sixpence,  &c.,  &c. 

Frederick  Morris,  Secretary, 

The  ancient  ferry  now  exists  only  in  name,  the  present  rapid 
communications  with  the  island  having  superseded  this  danger- 
ous mode  of  navigation.  The  property  is  vested  in  the  Pro- 
voost  family.  Directly  opposite  the  port  lies  Minnewies  or 
Manursing  Island,  separated  from  the  main  by  a  narrow  creek 
on  the  south-west  side.  It  consists  of  one  hundred  acres,  divided 
between  the  three  proprietors,  Joseph  Bartam,  Mr.  Beale  and 
Thomas  Theall.  Upon  the  main  is  situated  the  tide  mill  of  Mr. 
Kirby. 

A  dock  appears  to  have  been  commenced  at  or  near  Rye  port 
as  early  as  1679,  for  in  this  year  we  find  a  grant  made  by  the 
town  to  "John  Ogden  of  forty  eight  or  fifty  acres  of  land  by  the 
water  side  at  the  Fishing  rocky  for  the  purpose  of  building  a 
house  and  wharf.  The  inhabitants  of  Poningoe  neck  to  have 
wharfage  free,"     From  Rye  port  a  steam-boat  runs  daily  to  and 


94  HISTORY  OP  THE 

from  the  city  of  New  York.  These  is  also  a  neat  boarding  house 
established  here  for  the  accommodation  of  summer  visitors  to 
this  delightful  spot. 

The  islands  ealled  the  Greats  Middle  and  Little  Captains 
east  of  Manursing  belong  to  this  toVen. 

In  the  village  of  Portchester  is  located  the  Portchester  semi- 
nary, a  large  and  flourishing  institution  for  the  education  of  both 
sexes.  Mr.  Edward  D.  Dow,  principal  and  proprietor.  There 
tire  also  four  district  and  two  neighborhood  schools. 

Near  the  eastern  end  of  the  village  stands  the  Episcopal  cha- 
pel of  St.  Peters,  a  neat  and  plain  structure  of  wood  ornamented 
with  a  tower  of  the  same  material.  The  corner  stone  of  this  edi- 
fice was  laid  on  the  25th  of  July,  1843,  by  the  Right  Rev.  Ben- 
jamin T.  Onderdonk,  bishop  of  the  diocese,  on  which  occasion 
the  rector  of  the  parish  delivered  an  appropriate  address.  There 
were  also  present  of  the  clergy  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Coit,  Harris, 
Partridge  and  Todd.  It  was  consecrated  to  ihe  service  of  Al- 
mighty God,  Monday,  July  the  15th,  1844,  by  the  bishop  of  the 
diocese.  Present  and  assisting  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Coit,  Carmichael, 
Schrocder  and  Meade,  Doctors  of  Divinity,  also  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Chauncey,  Powell,  Haskell,  Harris,  Ward,  Haight.  Coit,  Bull, 
Yarriiigton,  Partridge,  Meade,  Todd,  Cushing,  Cox,  Meade,  Hal- 
sey  and  Guion.  St.  Peters  is  at  present  a  chapel  of  ease*  to  the 
parisli  church  of  Rye. 

On  the  same  side  of  the  main  street  is  situated  the  Presbyterian 
chapel.    The  erection  of  this  building  was  commenced  May  26, 
1830,  and  completed  September,  1333,  at  a  cost  of  $2100;  to        \, 
which  a  tower  and  bell  were  added  in  the  spring  of  1840,  at  an 


»  Chapels  of  ease,  according  to  the  original  meaning  of  the  term,  are  not  known 
in  this  country  since  the  Revolution.  In  England,  there  is  a  distinction  between 
a  chapel  of  ease  and  a  parochial  chapel  of  ease.  Chapels  of  ease  are  founded  for 
the  convenience  of  the  people  in  large  parishes  in  attending  public  worship,  where 
they  live  at  a  dixtance  from  the  parish  church  ;  to  which  however  the  saci-aments 
and  burials  are  restricted.  Parochial  chapeU  of  ease  possess  the  rights  of  baptizing 
mnd  burying,  but  have  neither  rectory  nor  endowment.  The  curate  or  vicar  of  both 
is  dependent  on  the  parochial  minister.  To  preserve  this  dependence,  a  reservation 
it  made  of  repairing  to  the  parish  church  on  the  great  festival  days.  Such  chapels 
vere  built  in  South  Carolina  before  the  Revolution. — Dalcho*s  History,  p.  267. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  96 

additional  expense  of  8900.  It  was  dedicated  to  the  worship  of 
God,  September,  1833,  and  has  ever  since  been  attached  to  the 
Presbyterian  church  of  Rye. 

At  the  foot  of  King  street  is  located  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church.  This  society  was  incorporated  on  the  16th  of  December, 
1829.  Horace  B.  Smith,  R.  Meade,  Elisha  Halstead,  John  Sey- 
mour and  William  Fowler,  trustees.* 

Near  the  western  entrance  of  the  village  stands  the  residence 
of  the  Merritt  family.  Mr.  Merritt  ihe  present  occupant,  is  a 
lineal  descendant  of  John  Merritt,  one  of  the  original  proprie- 
tors  of  Rye.  Of  this  family  was  "  Thomas  Merritt,  a  cornet  of 
cavalry  in  the  Queen's  Rangers,  A.  D.  1780.  This  gentleman 
subsequently  settled  in  Upper  Canada,  and  held  the  offices  of 
■<  *^  '  sheriff  of  the  District  of  Niagara,  and  surveyor  of  the  King's 
forests.    He  died  at  St.  Catharine's,  May,  1842,  aged  eighty-two.*' 

King  street  extends  nearly  seven  miles  north  of  Portches* 
ter,  and  finally  terminates  in  the  northwest  corner  of  Green* 
wich  township,  Connecticut.  The  surrounding  country  is  a  fine 
agricultural  district,  embracing  some  of  the  finest  farms  in  the 
county.  Among  the  principal  farmers  in  the  vicinity  of  Port* 
Chester  are  William  Bush  and  James  Biackstock,  Esqrs. 

The  border  hamlet  of  Glenville  is  situated  on  the  west  bank 
of  the  By  ram,  east  of  King  street.  Here  are  the  grist  mill  and 
lead  manufactory  of  Samuel  G.  Cornell,  Esq. 

During  the  Revolutionary  war  the  continental  forces  appear  to 
have  been  frequently  quartered  in  this  town.  On  the  8ih  of  Jan- 
uary, General  Parson's  bris:ade  were  posted  in  King  street. 
■  The  same  year,  General  Wooster's  division  retreated  as  far  as 
Rye  neck.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  also  received  or- 
ders from  congress  to  maintain  his  station  until  obliged  to  retreat 
upon  Rye  neck.  Subsequently  the  enemy  occupied  this  portion 
of  Westchester  county,  where  the  soldiers  did  much  wanton  mis- 
chief and  plundered  most  of  the  houses.  Their  principal  en- 
campment seems  to  have  been  on  the  high  ground  between  the 
villages  of  Rye  and  Portchester. 


'  Co.  Rec.  Religious  Soc.  Lib.  B.  1. 


%  HISTORY  OF  THE 


•v' 


Tffe  earliest  record  of  (own  officers  occurs  on  the  25th  of  April, 
1671.  Upon  this  occasion,  "George  Kniffen  and  Francis  Purdy 
were  appointed  pounders." 

"  Upon  the  3d  of  October,  Joseph  Horton,  Thomas  Brown  and 
John  Brondig  were  chosen  town  and  selectman  for  the  year  en- 
suing." **  2Slh  of  September,  George  Lane  was  elected  constable.^^ 
*•  13lh  of  June,  1691.  Mr.  Joseph  Theall,  supervisor.^^  "June 
26th,  1696,  Deliverance  Brown  was  chosen  constable  for  the 
town  of  Rye,  and  Mr.  John  Hoil,  recorder J^ 

Sig.    John  Lyon. 

Hachaliah  Brown. 
Samuel  Kniffen. 

The  general  surface  of  the  town  is  uneven  and  stoney.^ 
The  land,  however,  is  under  good  cultivation.  The  soil  consists 
of  a  clay  loam.  The  natural  growth  of  wood  is  oak,  chestnut, 
walnut,  hickory,  &c.,  on  the  higher  lands,  and  in  the  low  lands, 
ash,  birch,  and  maple.  We  have  already  shown  that  it  is  drained 
on  the  east  by  Byram  river,  and  on  the  west  by  Blind  brook, 
both  flowing  into  Long  Island  Sound.  Upon  these  streams  are 
numerous  mill  seats.  Among  the  principal  mineral  productions 
of  the  town  may  be  noticed  Chlorite, *»  "a  soft  greenish  substance, 
composed  of  minute  scales,  closely  compacted  together,  it  differs 
very  little  from  soapstone,"  also  Tourmaline,  in  long  slender 
crystals.® 


•  Diaturneirs  Gazetteer  of  N.  Y. 

b  Rocks  containing  it  are  said  to  be  Chloritic. 

•  See  geological  survey  of  the  state,  1840. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTEK.  97 


SCARSDALE. 

This  town  is  bounded  on  the  norlh  by  White  Plains  and 
Greenburgh,  east  by  Mamaroneck,  west  by  Greenburgli,  and 
south  by  Eastchester  and  Rochelle.  Under  the  colonial  govern- 
ment it  constituted  a  portion  of  Scarsdale  manor,  which  also, 
embraced  the  greater  part  of  White  Plains  and  the  townships  of 
Norlh  and  New  Castle.* 

The  place  acquired  its  name  from  the  Heathcote  family,  who 
originally  came  from  Scarsdale,  Derbyshire,  England.  ''  More 
onward,  says  the  learned  Camden,  (describing  that  part  of  Der- 
byshire,) we  see  Chesterfield  in  Scarsdale^  that  is,  i?i  a  dale  en- 
closed with  rocks :  For  crags  were  call'd  scarrs  by  the  Saxons." 
Under  the  Mohegan  Indians  Scarsdale  is  believed  to  have  formed 
a  portion  of  the  Indian  territory  of  Qnaroppas^  which  was  ceded 
to  John  Richbell  by  the  Indian  proprietors  in  1660. 

A.  D.  1696.  Col.  Caleb  Heathcote  obtained  of  Anne  Richbell, 
relic  of  John  Richbell,  deceased,  a  full  patent  right  to  purchase 
lands,  "which  are  already  included  in  her  husband^s  sale  of 
166Q.'^b 

Upon  the  30th  of  March,  1701,  occurs  the  following  indenture 
"  between  Col.  Caleb  Heathcote  on  the  one  part,  of  Mamaroneck, 
gentleman,  and  the  Indian  proprietors,  Patthunck,  Beaupo,  Ko- 
hawney,  and  Wapetuck,  on  the  other  part, 

"  Witnesseth  that  the  said  Patthunck,  Beaapo,  Kohawney,  and  Wapetuck, 
&c.,  for  and  in  consideration  of  a  certain  sum  of  good  and  lawful  money  to 
them  in  hand  paid,  and  secured  to  be  paid,  at  or  before  the  ensealing  and  de- 
livery of  these  presents,  by  the  said  Caleb  Heathcote,  the  receipt  whereof 
the  said  Patthunck,  Beaupo,  Kohawney,  Wapetuck,  &c.,  doth  hereby  ac- 
knowledge themselves  therewith  to  be  fully  satisfied  and  contented  and  paid 
and  thereof  and  therefrom  do  acquit,  exonerate  and  discharge  the  said  Caleb 
Heathcote,  his  heirs,  executors,  and  administrators  have  given,  granted,  sold. 

•  The  prewnt  township  was  organized  on  the  7th  of  March,  1788. 
k*  See  Mamaroneck,  New  CasUe,  &c. 

Vol.  II.  13 


98  HISTORY  OP  Tto*  :  -^'' 

bargained,  alienated,  efi^ofll^^nd  co^Npiidf-tDd  4te  1^  Hkese  presents  give, 
grant,  bargain,  seU,  alJM|Bte,  enfeofle  a^,  evniirin  oato  the  said  Caleb  Heath* 
cote,  his  heirs  and  assignee*  Avever,  all  our  rights,  title,  and  interest  in  a 
certain  tract  of  land  lying  mMbiing  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  bounded 
as  follows:  To  begin  on  the  xre^t  side  at  southermost  end  of  a  ridge  known 
by  the  name  of  Richbeirs  or  Horse  ridge,  at  a  gres)  rock,  and  so  to  run  a 
north- north-west  line  to  Broncks*s  river,  and  on  tlie  eastermost  side  with 
Bfamaroneck  river,  and  from  the  head  thereof  to  Broncks's  river,  to  have  and 
to  hold  the  said  bargained  premises,  with  every  of  the  appurtenances  thereunto 
belonging,  to  the  said  Caleb  Heathcote,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  forever ;  and 
that  the  said  Caleb  Heathcote,  his  heirs,  executors,  administrators,  and  as- 
signees, shall  and  may  at  all  times  hereafter,  and  from  time  to  time,  peaceably 
and  quietly  have,  hold,  use,  occupy,  and  enjoy,  all  and  singular  the  herein 
before  mentioned  bargained  premises,  with  their  and  every  of  their  appurte- 
nances, without  the  let,  hindrance  or  molestation  of  them  the  said  proprietors, 
their  heirs  or  assignees.  In  witness  whereof  they  have  hereunto  set  their 
bands  and  seals,  the  day  above  written.* 

Signed  sealed  and  delivered  in  presence  of  us, 

Ann  Mullington,  Patthanck, 

Benj.  Collier,  Beaupo, 

John  Cooke,  Cohawney, 

The  mark  of  Wapetock, 

Kaokquerin  Womatera. 

Upon  the  2Ist  of  March,  1701,  the  extensive  purchases  of 
Colonel  Caleb  Heathcote  in  Westchester  county  were  erected 
into  the  lordship  and  manor  of  Scarsdale,  to  be  holden  of  the 
king  in  free  and  common  soccage,  its  lord  yielding  and  rendering 
therefor  annually,  upon  the  festival  of  the  Nativity,  five  pounds 
current  money  of  New  York,  &c. 

THE  ROYAL  CHARTER. 

William  the  Third,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  England,  Scotland,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c,  to  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall 
come,  sendeth  greeting :  Whereas  our  loving  subject  Caleb  Heathcote,  Es- 
quire, hath  petitioned  the  Honorable  John  Nanfan,  oar  Lieutenant-Governor 
and  Commander-in-chief  of  the  Province  of  ^ew  York  in  America,  and  our 
Council  of  the  said  Province,  for  a  confirmation  of  a  tract  of  land  in  the  county 
of  Westchester,  beginning  at  a  marked  tree  by  Mamaroneck  river,  which  is 
the  eastermost  side  of  the  northern  bounds  of  Mamaroneck  township,  being 
about  two  miles  from  the  county  road,  and  to  run  along  the  said  river  to  the 


»  From  the  original,  in  posseaiton  of  the  Rt  Rev.  W.  Heathcote  de  Lancey. 


.  ^Uirfr  OF  WESTCHESTER.  99 

head  thereof,  and  theoM-'ftl  a  norlk  Bie  nntil  e(|BtoeB  Miles  from  eaid  nhrked 
tree  is  completed,  westerly  at  the  maiked  treeor  a  gAlt  rock,  being  the  wee- 
termost  part  of  the  said  northern  bounds  of  ifeif  aforesaid  township  being  aboot 
two  miles  from  the  county  road,  and  thenoe  to  ma  northerly  eighteen  miles 
as  ye  line  on  ye  eastermost  side  of  the  said  laod  runneth,  including  in  ye  said 
manor  his  eighth  part  \ii  the  two  miles  laid  out  for  ye  town  of  Mamaronec1r« 
with  ye  lott  he  now  liveth  on,  and  ye  lott  bought  of  Alice  Hatfield,  with  the 
lands  and  meadows  below,  westerly  to  a  path  to  him  belonging  by  virtue  of 
his  deeds  and  conveyances,  part  of  which'  land  within  the  bounds  aforesaid 
was  purchased  by  John  Richbell  from  ye  native  Indian  proprietors,  which  said 
John  Richbell  had  a  arrant  and  confirmation  for  ye  same  from  Fraacis  Love- 
lace, late  Governor  of  oar  said  Province,  and  ye  right  of  ye  said  John  Rich- 
bell therein  is  legally  vested  in  ye  said  Caleb  Heathcote,  and  other  parts  hava 
been  purchased  by  ye  said  Caleb  Heathcote  of  ye  native  Indian  proprietors^ 
and  whereas  the  said  Caleb  Heathcote  hath  farther  petitioned  our  said  Lieu*- 
tenant  Governor  and  Council  that  the  said  tract  of  land  may  be  crested  into  a 
manor  by  ye  name  of  ye  manor  of  Scarsdale,  whereupon  our  said  Lieutisnant 
Governor,  by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  Council,  directed  a  writ  to  the  high 
sheriff  of  the  said  county  of  Westchester  to  inquire  to  what  damage  such  pa- 
tent would  be,  which  writ  issued  accordingly  with  a  proviso  that  it  should  not 
give  the  said  Caleb  Heathcote  any  further  title  than  which  he  already  hath  to  ye 
land  caUed  White  Plains,  which  is  in  dispute  between  ye  said  Caleb  Heath- 
cote and  some  of  ye  inhabitants  of  ye  town  of  Rye,  whereupon  ye  said  sheriff 
returned  that  ye  jurors  found  that  there  is  no  damage  to  ye  King  or  his  sub- 
jects in  erecting  the  manor  aforesaid,  except  ye  said  White  Plains  which  are 
in  dispute  and  contest  between  ye  said  Caleb  Heathcote  and  ye  town  of  Rye, 
and  excepting  James  Mott  and  ye  rest  of  ye  purchasers  of  Mamaroneck  which 
have  deed  within  ye  patent  of  Richbell,  Know  ye  that  of  our  special  grace, 
certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion,  we  have  given,  granted,  ratified  and  con- 
firmed, and  by  these  presents  do  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  give,  grant, 
ratify  and  confirm  unto  ye  said  Caleb  Heathcote,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  all 
and  every  ye  aforesaid  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  and  meadow  within  ye  re- 
spective limits  and  bounds  before  mentioned  and  expressed,  together  with  all 
and  every  the  messuages,  tenements,  buildings,  barns,  houses,  out -houses, 
fences,  orchards,  gardens,  pastures,  meadows,  marshes,  swamps,  pools,  ponds, 
waters,  water-courses,  woods,  under-woods,  trees,   timbers,  quarries,  runs, 
rivers,  rivulets,  brooks,  lakes,  streams,  creeks,  harbours,  beaches,  bays,  isl^ 
ands,  ferries,  fishing,  fowling,  hunting  and  hawking,  mines,  minerals,  (royal 
mines  only  excepted,)  and  all  the  rights,  members,  liberties,  privileges,  juris- 
dictions, royalties,  hereditaments,  profits,  benefits,  advantages  and  appurten- 
ances whatsoever  to  aforesaid  several  and  respective  tracts  and  parcels  of 
lands  and  meadow  belonging  or  in  any  ways  appertaining  or  accepted,  reputed, 
taken,  known  or  occupied  as  part,  parcel,  or  member  thereof  to  have  and  to 
hold  all  the  aforesaid  several  and  respective  tracts,  parcels  of  land  and  mea* 


100  mSTORYOFTHE 

dow  and  premises  within  the  Respective  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid,  with  all 
and  every  of  the  appurtenances  unto  him  the  siyd  Caleb  Heathcote^^is  heirs 
and  assigns,  to  the  only  proper  use  and  behoof  of  him  the  said  Caleb  Heath- 
cote,  his  heirs  and  assigns  fur  ever,  provided  that  nothing  herein  contained 
shall  be  construed,  deemed  or  taken  to  give  the  dfld  Caleb  Heathcote  any  fur- 
ther title  than  what  he  now  by  virtue  of  these  our  letters  patent  lawfully  hath 
to  ye  said  White  Plains  in  dispute  as  aforesaid,  nor  any  jurisdiction  within  the 
said  White  Plains  until  the  same  shall  happen  to  belong  to  the  said  Caleb 
Heathcote ;  and  moreover  Know  ye  that  of  our  further  special  grace,  certain 
knowledge  and  mere  motion,  we  have  thought  fit  to  erect  all  the  afore  recited 
tracts  and  parcels  of  land  and  meadow  within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid 
into  a  lordship  and  manor  except  as  before  excepted,  and  therefore  by  these 
presents  we  do  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  erect,  make  and  constitute 
all  the  afore-recited  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  and  meadow  within  the  limits 
and  bounds  before  mentioned  (except  as  before  excepted)  together  with  all 
and  every  the  above  granted  premises,  with  all  and  every  of  their  appurten- 
ances into  one  lordship  or  manor,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  and  it  is  our 
royal  will  and  pleasure,  that  the  said  lordship  and  manor  shall  from  henceforth 
be  called  the  lordship  and  manor  of  Scarsdale  ;  and  Know  ye  that  we  repos- 
ing especial  trust  and  confidence  in  the  loyalty,  wisdom,  justice,  prudence  and 
circumspection  of  our  said  loving  subject,  do  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors, 
give  and  grant  unto  the  said  Caleb  Heathcote,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  full 
power  and  authority  at  all  times  forever  hereafler  within  the  said  lordship  or 
manor  one  court  leet  and  one  court  baron,  to  hold  and  keep  at  such  time  and 
times,  and  so  often  yearly  as  he  or  they  shall  think  meet,  and  we  do  further 
give  and  grant  to  the  said  Caleb  HeathcotOt  his  heirs  and  assigns,  all  fines 
and  issues  and  amercements  at  the  said  court  leet  and  court  baron  to  be  hoi- 
den  within  our  said  lordship  or  manor,  to  be  sett,  forfeited,  or  imposed,  or 
payable  or  happening  at  any  time  to  be  payable  by  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  or 
within  the  said  lordship  or  manor  of  Scarsdale,  or  the  limits  and  bounds  there- 
of, and  also  all  and  every  power  and  powers,  authority  and  authorities  for 
holding  and  keeping  the  said  court  leet  and  court  baron  from  time  to  time,  and 
to  award  to  and  issue  out  the  accustomed  writs  to  be  issued  and  awarded  out 
of  courts  leet  and  courts  baron,  and  also  that  the  said  court  leet  and  court 
baron  be  kept  by  the  said  Caleb  Heathcote,  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  his 
or  their  or  any  of  their  stewards  and  deputies,  and  appointed  with  full  and 
ample  power  and  authority  to  distrain  for  the  rents,  services  and  other  sums 
of  money  payable  by  virtue  of  the  premises,  and  all  other  lawful  remedies  and 
means  for  the  having,  possessing,  levying  and  enjoying  the  premises  and  every 
part  and  parcel  of  the  same,  and  all  waifs  and  estrays,  deodands  and  goods  of 
felons  happening  or  to  be  happening,  being  or  to  be  forfeited  within  the  said 
lordship  or  manor  of  Scarsdale,  and  we  do  further  give  and  grant  unto  the 
said  Caleb  Heathcote,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  that  all  and  singular  ye  tenants 
of  him  ye  said  Caleb  Heathcote  within  ye  said  manor  shall  and  may  at  all 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  101 

time*  hereafter  meet  together  and  choose  assessors  within  ye  manor  aforesaid, 
accordin^jibaach  rules,  wm  jtod  methods  as  are  prescribed  for  cities,  towns, 
and  counties,  within  our  saia  Province  by  ye  acts  of  General  Assembly  for  de- 
fraying the  public  charge  of  each  respective  city,  town  and  county  aforesaid, 
and  all  such  sums  of  moneyio  assessed  and  levied  to  collect  and  dispose  of 
for  such  use  as  any  act  or  acts  as  the  said  General  Assembly  shall  establish 
and  appoint,  to  have,  hold,  possess  and  enjoy  all  and  singular  the  said  lordship 
or  manor  of  Scarsdale  and  premises,  with  all  and  every  of  their  appurtenances 
unto  the  said  Caleb  Heathcote,  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  and  that  the 
said  lordship  or  manor  aforesaid  shall  be  and  for  ever  continue  free  and  ex- 
empt from  the  jurisdiction  of  every  town,  township  or  manor  whatsoever,  to 
be  holden  of  us,  our  heirs  and  successors  in  free  and  common  soccage  accor- 
ding to  the  tenure  of  our  manor  of  East  Greenwich,  in  the  county  of  Kent 
within  our  kingdom  of  England,  yielding,  rendering  and  paying  therefor  yearly 
and  every  year  for  ever  at  our  city  of  New  York  unto  us,  our  heirs  and  suc- 
cessors, or  to  such  officer  or  oflScers  as  shall  from  time  to  time  be  impowered 
to  receive  ye  same,  five  pounds  current  money  of  New  York,  upon  the  Nati- 
vity of  our  Lord,  in  lieu  and  stead  of  all  services,  dues,  duties  or  demands 
whatsoever.  In  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  great  seal  of  our 
province  of  New  York  to  be  hereunto  aflSxed.  Witness  John  Nanfan ,  Esquire, 
our  Lieutenant  Governor  and  Commander-in-chief  of  our  Province  of  New 
York  and  territories  depending  thereon  in  America.  Given  at  Fort  William 
Henry  in  our  city  of  New  York,  this  twenty-first  day  of  March,  in  the  four- 
teenth year  of  our  reign.    Anno  Domini,  1701.^ 

John  Nanfan. 

Col.  Caleb  Heathcote,  first  lord  of  the  manor  of  Scarsdale,  was 
the  son  of  Gilbert  Heathcote,  Esq.,  of  Chesterfield,  (Scarsdale) 
Derbyshire,  England,  a  representative  of  the  ancient  family  of 
the  Hetbecotes  of  that  place. 


Aatofraph  and  Seal  of  Col.  Caleb  Htatbcote. 


Book  of  Pat  Alh.  Rec.  No.  rii.  S36. 


102  HISTORY  OP  THE  > 

Concerning  this  individua1|  Dunlap  the  historian  thus  spedo ' 
''  I  will  pause  to  give  some  notice  of  the  Caleb  Heathcote  who 
became  at  this  time  one  of  (he  governour's  or  his  majesty's  ooun- 
cil.  He  was  judge,  and  a  colonel  of  militia.  The  name  of 
George  Heathcote,  appears  among  the  inhabitants  of  New  York, 
in  1676,  and  his  property  is  rated  at  £2036,  which  placed  him 
as  one  of  the  rich  of  the  time.  George  died  unmarried,  and  his 
property  devolved  to  Caleb.  Tradition  says,  that  the  father  of 
Caleb  was  a  man  of  fortune,  and  mayor  of  Chester,  in  England ; 
but  Caleb  had  two  brothers  born  before  him,  who,  probably,  one 
or  both,  inherited  the  father's  estate ;  both  procured  titles,  and 
founded  families  well  known  in  England.  The  oldest  brother 
was  Sir  Gilbert  Heathcote,  the  founder  and  first  president  of  the 
Bank  of  England,  and  Lord  Mayor  of  London.  Caleb,  the 
youngest,  had  formed  a  matrimonial  engagement  with  a  lady  of 
great  beauty,  but  unfortunately  took  his  elder  brother,  Gilbert, 
to  see  his  intended  wife.  Gilbert  was  struck  with  the  lady's 
beauty,  and  supplanted  his  brother,  who  sought  refuge  with  his 
uncle  in  New  York,  married  a  daughter  of  "  Tangier  Smith,"*  of 
Long  Island,  and  became  a  distinguished  man  in  our  history 
He  was  a  sincere  Episcopalian,  and  probably  seconded  from 
principle,  the  views  which  Fletcher  advocated  from  interest, 
and  in  obedience  to  his  orders.  Heathcote,  in  his  military  capa- 
city, had  command  of  the  West  Riding,^on  Long  Island,  and  in 
one  of  his  letters,  gives  this  account  of  his  method  of  '*  con- 
verting," as  my  friend  Doctor  De  Kay,  from  whom  I  have  the 
extract,  says,  "military  into  religious  exercises." 

The  colonel  came  to  America  in  1692,  as  I  gather  from  tliis 
letter,  which  is  dated  in  1704.  and  he  must  have  had  both  influ- 
ence and  fortune  to  have  attained  a  seat  in  the  council,  the  first 
year  of  his  arrival. 

He  writes  thus :— "  I  shall  begin  the  history  of  the  church 
from  the  time  I  first  came  among  them,  which  was  about  twelve 


•  fimilh  was  so  caUed.  from  hftving  been  goYernor  of  Tangier,  and  to  diatingaiah 
brn  from  «  BuU  Smith/'  and  aU  other  SmiUia. 


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PEDIGKKK    OF    HKA 


Anns.     Ermine  three  pomeis,  each  charged . 

4l 


tiilben  lleailicoie,  Eiq  ,  of  Cbetterfleld  In  ^tcRmlale,  Uerbyilil 


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ancestor     i>f    ITIuUtopliar 
the     |»nj8eui    Rayner,  Baq 
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Niirmanton 
Park,       Co. 
Rutland    ob. 
Jnn  25.  i::i3 
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Gilbert, 

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ob.  s.  p. 


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of  Hath,  8iwif>rMl,  aid*  < 
di'camp of  Oun.  Aber-  i 
cr«»Mibi«,  at  'I'Icoiidero- 
ga,  July  8, 1758.  [ 


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of  rieatbcote  hill, 
Mamaroneck. 


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COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  103 

years  ago.  I  found  it  the  most  rude  and  heathenish  country  I 
ever  saw  in  my  whole  life,  which  called  themselves  Christians, 
there  not  being  so  much  as  the  least  marks  or  footsteps  of  reli- 
gion of  any  sort.  Sundays  were  the  only  times  set  apart  by 
them  for  all  manner  of  vain  sports  and  lewd  diversion,  and  they 
were  grown  to  such  a  degree  of  rudeness,  that  it  was  intolerable. 
I  having  then  command  of  the  militia,  sent  an  order  to  all 
the  captains,  requiring  them  to  call  their  men  imder  arms,  and 
to  acquaint  theiOi  that  in  case  they  would  not  in  every  town 
agree  among  themselves  to  appoint  readers,  and  to  pass  the  Sab- 
bath in  the  best  manner  they  could,  till  such  times  as  they  should 
be  better  provided,  that  the  captains  should,  every  Sunday,  call 
their  companies  under  arm^.  and  spend  the  day  in  exercise. 
Whereupon,  it  was  unanimously  agreed  on  throughout  the  coun- 
try, to  make  choice  of  readers,  which  they  accordingly  did,  and 
continued  in  those  methods  for  some  time." 

The  following  letter  is  extracted  from  the  MSS.  of  the  Vene- 
rable Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts. 

COLONEL  HEATHCOTE  TO  THE  SECRETARY. 

Manor  of  Scarsdale,  Nov,  9,  1705. 
Sir: 
I  am  indebted  to  you  for  yours  ofihe  11th  Jan.  and  0th  of  April,  and  am 
wonderfully  surprised  that  the  Society  should  make  choice  of  me  for  one  of 
their  members.  It  was  a  very  great  satisfaction  to  me,  that  any  thing  I  could 
offer  was  acceptable  to  them,  and  should  very  joyfully  embrace  any  opportunity 
of  doing  service  to  the  Church,  and  I  bless  God  for  it,  I  am  not  conscious  to 
myself  of  ever  having  slipt  one  fair  occasion  therein,  when  government  would 
give  me  leave.  I  beg  of  you,  sir,  to  present  my  most  humble  duty  to  that 
honorable  body,  and  thank  them  for  the  honor  they  have  been  pleased  to  do 
me,  and  may  assure  them  that  I  shall  not  only  endeavor  to  give  them  satisfac- 
tion as  to  any  thing  they  shall  desire  of  me ;  but  if  any  new  matter  occurs, 
which  I  believe  may  be  of  service  to  the  Church,  I  will  not  fail  laying  it  be- 
fore them  for  their  consideration.  If  I  mistake  not,  the  several  heads  you 
desire  satisfaction  of  in  both  your  letters  now  before  me,  are,  first,  an  exact 
and  impartial  account  of  all  your  Ministers.  Secondly,  what  fruit  may  be  ex- 
pected from  Mr.  Moor's  mission.  Thirdly,  what  my  thoughts  are  of  sending 
Mr.  Dellius  into  those  parts  again.  Fourthly,  my  opinion  of  the  Society's 
having  appointed  that  good  man,  Mr.    Elias  Neau,  as  Catechist  to  the 


104  HISTORY  OP  THE 

Negroes  and  Indians,  and  the  cause  of  misunderstanding  betwixt  him  and  Mr.  ^ 
Vesey. 

As  to  the  first,  I  must  do  all  the  gentlemen  which  you  have  sent  to  this 
Province  that  justice  as  to  declare  that  a  better  clergy  were  never  in  aay** 
place,  there  being  not  one  amongst  them  that  has  the  least  stain  or  blemish  a9^ 
to  his  life  or  conversation,  and  though  I  am  not  an  eye  witness  to  the  actions  of 
any,  save  those  in  this  county,  yet  I  omit  no  opportunity  of  inquiring  into  their 
behavior,  both  of  the  friends  and  enemies  of  the  Church,  and  they  all  agree  as 
to  the  character  of  the  gentlemen  :  and  that  they  use  their  bfest  endeavors  to 
gain  over  the  people.  And  as  to  their  diligence  in  the  iaithful  discharge  of 
their  tiust,  the  Society,  I  hope,  will,  in  their  instructions,  have  laid  down  such 
rules  as  they  wonU  fail  coming  at  it  without  being  imposed  on.  Mr.  Urquhart, 
minister  of  Jamaica,  has  the  most  diflScuIt  task  of  any  missionary  in  this  gov- 
ernment, for  although  he  has  not  only  the  character  of  a  very  good  man,  but 
of  being  extraordinary  industrious  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  yet  he  having 
a  Presbyterian  meeting  house  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  Quakers  on  the  other, 
and  very  little  assistance  in  his  Parish,  except  from  those  who  have  no  interest 
with  the  people,  that  his  work  canH  but  go  on  very  heavily,  as  I  understand  it 
does  :  but  Mr.  Thomas,  of  Hempstead,  having  better  assistance,  the  leading 
men  in  his  parish  not  being  disgusted,  are  helpful  in  the  work ;  and  having  no 
other  sectaries  to  oppose  him  by  their  meetings  but  the  Quakers,  makes  very 
considerable  progress,  as  I  have  been  told  by  some  of  the  most  sensible  of  his 
paris^h.  As  for  Mr.  Mackenzie,  he  has  a  very  good  report  from  the  people  of 
Staten  Island,  and  I  shall  not  fail  making  further  inquiry  concerning  him,  and 
let  you  know  it  in  my  next. 

But  when  all  is  done,  what  I  can  tell  you  concerning  any  minister,  except 
in  this  county,  is  only  by  information  from  others,  which  is  oflen  very  uncer- 
tain ;  for  some  gentlemen  may  many  titpes,  and  very  deservingly,  have  a  fair 
and  good  character  by  the  generality  of  their  neighbors,  and  yet  at  the  same 
time,  by  one  misfortune  or  other,  not  perform  much  of  the  service  of  the 
Church,  in  which  I  will  give  you  this  plain  instance. 

There  is  not  any  gentleman  whom  the  Society  have  sent  over,  that  is 
clothed  with  a  fairer  character  than  Mr.  Bartow,  of  Westchester,  and  truly  he 
is  a  very  good  and  sober  man,  and  is  extremely  well  liked  and  spoken  of  by 
his  parishioners  in  general ;  yet  although  he  has  been  three  years  in  that  par- 
iah, not  many  are  added  to  the  communion,  nor  baptized,  and  few  catechised ; 
and  if  he  is  directed  to  send  an  account  how  he  has  advanced  on  each  of  these 
heads,  annually  since  his  coming  there,  it  will  be  found  accordingly.  For 
this  and  many  other  reasons,  I  can^t  help  still  to  be  pressing  that  the  Society 
should  lay  the  gentlemen  which  are  sent  over  under  exact  rules,  and  methinks 
it  is  no  difficult  matter  to  have  it  ordered  so  as  to  know  almost  as  well  what  is 
done  as  if  they  were  present  in  every  parish. 

The  people  of  Westchester  were  very  angry  with  me  because  I  was  for 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  106 

■  ba?ing  this  county  diYided  into  three  parishes,  and  every  minister  to  have  70/. 
:  instead  of  50/.,  and  I  had  brought  the  county,  except  that  place,  to  a  willing- 
.  ness  to  have  it  so,  as  I  formerly  acquainted  you,  and  had  they  permitted  that 
-;  Rejection  to  have  taken  place,  it  would  have  been  a  great  ease  to  the  Society : 
for  first,  what  Mr.  Bartow  had  more  than  the  50/.  he  now  hath,  might  reason- 
ably have  been.deducted  at  home.  Secondly,  Mr.  Bondet  would  have  been 
provided  for.  And  thirdly,  one  Mr.  Morgan,  who  was  minister  of  Eastches- 
ter,  promised  me  to  conform ;  that  there  would  not  have  been  occasion  of  an- 
other being  sent  to  us,  and  by  that  means  have  saved  50/.  a  year  more  at  home, 
and  wholly  out  of  all  hopes  of  any  dissenting  minister  getting  footing  amongst 
us,  and  it  will  never  be  well  until  we  are  in  three  parishes ;  and  I  shall  not 
fail,  when  I  have  a  fair  opportunity,  to  push  for  it  again.  And  to  satisfy 
you  of  the  reasonableness  in  what  I  offer,  I  believe  there  has  not  six  publio 
taxes  been  laid  on  this  county  by  the  Assembly  this  fiileen  years  past,  but  I 
have  been  at  the  proportioning  of,  and  when  the  places  in  Rye  parish  pay  601. 
the  towns  in  Westchester  parish  were  allotted  120/. ;  and  there  are  two  places 
more,  which,  both  together,  are  one  third  part  as  big  as  Rye  parish,  which  are 
now  in  neither  of  them.  And  now  I  am  on  this  subject,  it  comes  in  course  to 
make  out  what  I  told  you  in  my  former  letters,  viz  :  that  there  is  no  parish  in 
the  government  but  what  is  able  to  pay  twice  as  much  as  they  do.  For  Rye 
parish  which  is  not  by  one  half  so  large  as  the  least  parish  established  by  law  in 
the  government  here,  since  my  living  here,  maintained  two  dissenting  minis- 
ters, ^iz  :  one  at  Rye  and  Mamaroneck,  and  one  at  Bedford,  and  gave  the  for- 
mer 50/.  and  the  latter  40/.  a  year,  which  I  think  makes  it  out  very  plain 
what  I  have  offered  on  that  head  ;  and  you  may  be  assured  I  shall  omit  no  op- 
portunity of  serving  the  Society  therein.  But  ihe  work  must  be  done,  in  a 
great  measure  by  the  minister*s  taking  pains,  and  bringing  the  people  into  a 
good  opinion  of  the  Church,  for  though  the  reason  hereof  is  very  plain,  it 
must  be  a  business  of  time  to  efiect  it.  We  have  had  it  reported  that  the 
Queen  would  be  at  the  charge  of  maintaining  a  Suffragan  Bishop  in  these 
parts.  If  that  was  granted,  I  question  not  but  a  great  many  who  have  had 
their  education  in  Boston  College  would  conform,  and  would  be  content  with 
the  benefices  as  settled  by  Assembly,  without  being  very  burthensome  to  the 
Society. 

I  have  been  so  long  wandering  from  one  subject  to  another,  that  I  had  al- 
most forgot  to  give  yon  my  thoughts  of  Mr.  Muirson  whom  my  Lord  of  Lon- 
don has  sent  for  this  parish.  He  has  been  here  about  three  months,  in  which 
time  he  hath  by  much  outdone  my  expectation  ;  having  very  fully  retrieved 
all  that  unfortunate  gentleman,  Mr.  Pritchard  lost;  and  if  he  continues  to 
faithful  in  the  discharge  of  his  trust,  of  which  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  but 
he  will,  he^l  be  able. to  give  as  large  account  of  his  services  as  any  that  has 
been  sent  over  to  this  Province.  And  I  must  do  him  the  justice  to  own  that 
he  is  as  deserving  of  the  Society's  favors.  For  as  some  of  his  parishioners 
told  me,  and  which  I  know  in  a  great  measure  to  be  true,  that  although  thej 

Vol.  II.  14 


106  HISTORY  OF  THE 

have  had  a  great  many  ministers  amongst  them  since  the  settlement  of  their 
town,  yet  Mr.  Muirson  did  more  good  amongst  them  the  first  six  weeks  after 
his  coming  than  all  they  e?er  had  before.  And  I  question  not  bat  when  yon  have 
the  particolars  of  his  proceedings  transmitted,  }ou  will  find  what  I  have  said  of 
him  to  be  troe.  As  for  Mr.  Brooks,  whom  the  Society  have  sent  to  the  Jerseys  he 
has  an  uncommon  good  character  given  him  from  those  parts  ;  and  it  is  report- 
ed of  him  that  he  makes  wonderful  advances  for  the  service  of  the  Church* 
and  I  question  not  but  Col.  Morris  will  be  very  particular  concerning  him — 
that  being  properly  his  watch.  For  though  that  Province  is  not  above  SO 
miles  from  my  house,  and  Stalen  Island  about  forty,  yet  by  reason  of  the  diffi- 
euhy  of  water  passages,  I  have  never  been  at  either  of  them  above  twice 
doce  my  coming  to  America.  And  I  am  now  more  tied  at  home  with  a  fami- 
ly, and  my  private  affairs  than  formerly,  for  which  I  humbly  crave  an  allow- 
ance. My  principles  and  natural  temper  lead  me  to  do  the  Church  all  the  ser- 
vice I  can  every  where,  but  I  dare  not  promise  for  more  than  this  county  at 
present,  and  my  best  endeavors  in  the  westernmost  towns  in  Connecticut  colo- 
ny, when  the  Church  is  well  rooted  here.  And  it  has  always  been  ny  opin- 
ion, and  is  so  still,  that  there  is  no  part  of  this  Province,  or  even  America,  that 
would  be  of  greater  use  or  service  to  have  the  Church  tboroaghly  settled  in  ; 
for  it  is  not  only  large  in  extent,  and  the  land  very  good,  and  near  the  city  ; 
•0,  consequently,  will  in  time  be  a  great  settlement.  But  bordering  on  Connec- 
ticut there  is  no  part  of  the  continent  from  whence  the  Churoh  can  have  so  fair 
an  opportunity  to  make  impressions  upon  the  dissenters  in  that  government, 
who  are  settled  by  their  laws  from  Rye  parish  to  Boston  colony,  which  is 
about  35  leagues,  in  which  there  are  abundance  of  people  and  places.  As  for 
Boston  colony,  I  never  was  in  it,  so  can  say  little  to  it.  But  for  Connecticut, 
I  am  and  have  been  pretty  conversant ;  and  always  was  as  much  in  all  their 
good  graces  as  any  man.  And  now  I  am  upon  that  subject,  I  will  give  you  the 
best  account  I  can  of  that  colony.  It  contains,  in  length,  about  140  miles,  and 
has  in  it  about  40  towns,  in  each  of  which  there  is  a  Presbyterian  or  Indepen- 
dent minister  settled  by  their  law  ;  to  whom  the  people  are  all  obliged  to  pay 
notwithstanding  many  times  they  are  not  ordained  ;  of  which  I  have  known 
several  examples.  The  number  of  people  there,  are,  I  believe,  about  3,400 
souls.  They  have  abundance  of  odd  kind  of  laws  to  prevent  any  dissenting 
from  their  church,  and  endeavor  to  keep  the  people  in  as  much  blindness  and 
unacquaintedness  with  any  other  religion  as  possible  ;  but  in  a  more  particular 
manner  the  Church,  looking  upon  her  as  the  most  dangerous  enemy  they  have 
to  grapple  withal.  And  abundance  of  pains  is  taken  to  make  the  ignorant 
think  as  bad  as  possible  of  her.  And  I  really  believe  that  more  than  half 
the  people  in  that  government,  think  our  Church  to  be  little  better  than 
the  Papist.  And  they  fail  not  to  improve  every  little  thing  against  us :  but  I 
bless  God  for  it,  the  Society  have  robbed  them  of  their  best  argument,  which 
was  the  ill  lives  of  our  clergy  that  came  into  these  parts.  And  the  truth  is» 
I  have  not  seen  many  good  men  but  of  the  Society^s  sending. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  107 

And  no  sooner  was  that  honorable  body  settled,  and  those  pmdent  measares 
taken  for  carrying  on  of  that  great  work,  but  the  people  of  Connecticut,  doubtiag 
of  maintaining  their  ground  without  some  further  support,  they  with  great  indus- 
try went  through  their  colony  for  subscriptions  to  build  a  college  at  a  place 
called  Seabrook.  And  the  ministers  who  are  as  absolute  in  their  respective 
parishes,  as  the  Pope  of  Rome,  argued,  prayed,  and  preached  up  the  necessity 
of  it ;  and  the  passive  obedience  people  who  dare  not  do  otherwise  than  obey, 
gave  even  beyond  their  ability.  A  thing  which  they  call  a  college  was  prepared 
accordingly,  wherein,  as  I  am  informed,  a  commencement  was  made  about  three 
or  four  months  ago.  But  notwithstanding  their  new  college  here,  and  old  one 
in  Boston,  and  that  every  town  in  that  colony  has  one,  and  some  two  minis- 
ters, and  have  not  only  heard  them  say,  bnt  seen  it  in  their  prints,  that  there 
was  no  place  in  the  world  where  the  gospel  shone  so  brightly,  nor  that  the 
people  lived  so  religiously  and  well  as  they  :  yet  I  dare  aver,  that  there  is  not 
a  much  greater  necessity  of  having  the  christian  religion  in  its  true  light 
preached  any  where  than  amongst  them.  Many,  if  not  the  greatest  number 
of  them,  being  little  better  than  in  a  state  of  heathenism  ;  having  never  been 
baptized  nor  admitted  to  the  communion.  And  that  you  may  be  satisfied  what 
I  tell  you  herein  is  not  spoken  at  random,  nor  grounded  ou  careless  observation, 
Mr.  Muirson's  parish  is  more  than  three  fourths  of  it  composed  of  two  towns, 
viz :  Rye  and  Bedford,  which  were  first  settled  under  the  colony  of  Con- 
necticut, and  of  people  bred  and  born  under  that  government,  and  some  time 
before  my  coming,  had  a  minister,  one  Mr.  Denham,  and  had  afterwards  two 
more,  Woodbridge  and  Bowers,  at  Rye,  and  one  Mr.  Jones,  at  Bedford.  And 
the  people  of  Rye  only  had  of  this  county  the  care  to  provide  a  parsonage 
house.  And  notwithstanding  all  those  great  shows  of  religion,  and  that  a* 
such  times  as  they  were  destitute  of  a  minister. 

Greenwich  and  Stanford,  the  bounds  of  the  former  of  which  places  join 
npon  theirs,  and  the  other  is  not  above  ten  miles  distant,  where  they  were  al- 
ways supplied.  But  they  could  not  be  s^id  to  want  the  opportunity  of  having 
the  sacraments  administered  to  them,  yet  I  believe  20  of  them  had  never  re- 
ceived the  communion,  nor  half  of  them  been  baptized,  as  Mr.  Muirson  \^ill 
more  fully  inform  yon.  And  now  I  have  given  you  an  account  of  the  state  of 
that  colony,  what  will  in  the  next  place  be  naturally  expected  from  me,  is  to  know 
my  opinion  of  the  best  and  most  probable  way  of  doing  good  amongst  them. 

There  is  nothing  more  certain,  than  that  it  is  the  most  difficult  task  the  so- 
ciety have  to  wade  through.  For  the  people  are  not  only  not  of  the  church, 
but  have  been  and  are  trained  up  with  all  the  care  imaginable  to  be  its  ene- 
mies. That  to  make  an  impression  under  all  those  disadvantages  is  very 
difficult,  though  I  hope  not  impossible.  And  though,  at  first  view,  the  pros- 
pect of  doing  any  good  upon  them  is  very  little,  yet  no  doubt  but  the  most 
|>roper  measures  ought  to  be  taken,  leaving  the  event  to  Almighty  God. 

Now,  to  give  you  my  thoughts  in  what  way  this  great  work  may  best  be 
endeavored  at,  so  as  it  may  be  done  with  little  expense.     I  believe,  for  th^ 


108  HISTORY  OF  THE 

first  step,  the  most  proper  way  would  be,  that  one  of  the  ministers  in  this  cofin« 
try  were  directed  by  my  Lord  of  London  to  inform  himself  where  there  are  any 
in  that  government  that  profess  themselves  to  be  of  the  church,  and  to  know 
if  they  or  any  of  their  neighbors  have  any  children  to  baptize,  or  desire  to 
partake  of  the  sacrament :  and  that  he  will  come  to  the  towns  where  they  live, 
and  after  having  given  them  a  sermon,  will  perform  those  holy  rites.  There 
need,  I  think,  no  more  be  done  in  this  matter  for  the  present.  But  the  socie- 
ty may,  if  they  please,  leave  the  rest  to  me,  and  I  won*t  only  give  him  the 
best  advice  and  directions  I  can  therein,  but  will,  God  willing,  wait  upon  him 
in  his  progress,  and  persuade  some  useful  friends  along  with  me.  And  when 
this  essay  has  been  made,  I  shall  be  much  better  able  to  guess  at  the  state  of 
that  government,  and  what  is  fitting  to  be  done  next.  Now  the  person  that 
I  would  advise  them  to  pitch  upon  by  all  means  for  this  expedition,  is  Mr. 
Muirson ;  he  being  not  only  posted  next  those  parts,  and  so  will  look  less 
like  design,  but  he  has  a  very  happy  way  of  delivery,  and  makes  little  use  of 
his  notes  in  preaching,  which  is  extremely  taking  amongst  those  people  ;  and 
for  argument,  few  of  his  years  exceed  him. 

The  chief  end  I  have  in  this  projection,  is  to  have  the  people  of  that  gor- 
ernment  undeceived  in  their  notions  concerning  our  church ;  there  being,  I 
believe,  fifteen  thousand  in  that  colony  who  have  never  heard,  nor  scarce  seen 
a  church  of  England  minister.  And  I  have  the  charity  to  believe,  that  after 
having  heard  one  of  our  ministers  preach,  they  will  not  look  upon  our  church 
to  be  such  a  monster  as  she  is  represented.  And  being  convinced  of  some  of 
the  cheats,  many  of  them  may  duly  consider  of  the  sin  of  schism.  However, 
let  the  success  be  what  it  will,  to  me  the  .duty  seems  plain.  I  have  not  only 
mentioned  this  to  you,  but  in  my  letter  to  my  Lord  of  London,  and  shall  pa- 
tiently wait  fur  his  and  the  society^s  commands  therein. 

I  will  now  proceed  in  giving  direct  answers  to  the  several  qoeries  men- 
tioned in  yours.  Having  as  yet,  only  spoke  to  the  first,  so  shall  now  take  the 
rest  in  course.  As  for  Mr.  Moor^s  mission,  you  will  undoubteHlv  have  the 
account  thereof  very  fully  by  Mr.  Talbot,  whose  place  he  supplies  having  not 
thought  it  worth  the  while  to  stay  at  Albany.  As  for  my  opinion  in  that  mat- 
ter, I  think  it  is  too  heavy  for  the  society  to  meddle  with  at  present,  and 
would  properly  lie  as  a  burthen  upon  the  crown,  to  be  defrayed  out  of  the 
revenue  here.  For  their  being  brought  over  to  our  holy  faith,  will  at  the  same 
time,  secure  them  in  their  fidelity  to  the  government.  And  not  only  that,  hut 
the  society  will,  I  believe,  find  employment  enough  for  their  money  in  sending 
of  missionaries  amongst  those  who  call  themselves  christians,  on  the  coast  of 
America ;  which  I  find  to  be  their  resolution.  And  it  is  certainly  the  great- 
est charity  in  the  world,  to  have  the  best  religion  planted  in  these  parts,  which 
with  time  will,  in  all  probability,  be  so  vast  a  country  and  people.  But  whe- 
ther the  charge  of  missionaries  for  converting  the  Indians  fall  to  the  share  of 
the  crown  or  the  society,  to  effect  that  matter  well  and  thoroughly,  those  sent 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  109 

OTer  on  that  errand,  mast  be  sach  as  can  endare  hardships,  and  are  able  and 
willing  to  live  with  the  Indians  in  their  own  country,  and  according  lo  their 
way  and  manner,  which  are  iho  methods  the  French  take.  And  1  believe 
some  of  those  gentleman  who  have  had  their  education  in  the  colleges  of  the 
north  parts  of  Scotland,  being  in  orders  from  my  Lord  of  London,  may  be 
the  likeliest  to  undergo  it.  As  for  Mr.  Dellius,  I  don't  think  it  worth  the 
while  in  being  at  any  extraordinary  charge  in  sending  of  him ;  because  1  be- 
lieve no  consideration  would  make  him  live  in  the  Indian  country.  And  if 
he  did,  he  has  not  the  language  ;  and  one  that  goes  on  that  mission  must  be  a 
young  man,  who  i^  able  to  grapple  with  fatigues,  and  will  not  only  take  pains, 
but  is  capable  of  learning  the  language  ;  and  it  is  a  general  observation  that 
none  are  so  apt  to  gain  foreign  tongues  as  the  Scotch. 

As  for  my  thoughts  of  this  society's  having  appointed  that  good  man  Mr. 
Neau,  as  catechist  to  the  negroes  and  Indians,  it  is  undoubtedly  a  very  good 
work:  and  he  is  wonderfully  industrious  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  and  the 
truth  is,  takes  more  pains  than  he  needs,  by  going  from  house  to  house  to  per- 
form that  office.  And  I  believe  he  would  find  it  as  effectual  to  gain  the  end, 
and  not  the  fourth  part  of  the  trouble  to  himself,  to  appoint  set  times  in  having 
them  together  at  the  English  church,  or  at  least  so  many  at  once  as  may  be 
proper,  and  catechise  and  instruct  them.  And  Mr.  Vesey  assures  me  that  he 
shall  be  very  free  and  willing  to  let  him  have  the  use  of  the  church  for  that 
purpose.  And  now  I  am  on  this  subject,  it  will  be  very  proper  that  the  socie- 
ty direct  Mr.  Cleator,  if  he  comes  over,  or  any  schoolmaster  whom  they  ap- 
point in  their  respective  places  to  catechise  and  instruct  the  negroes  and  In- 
dians ;  and  that  the  ministers  in  their  several  parishes  were  desired  to  send  a 
list  of  all  the  slaves  or  free  negroes  and  Indians,  the  society  would  then  see 
how  that  matter  was  further  worth  their  consideration. 

I  did,  i#  my  former  letters,  make  mention  of  one  Mr.  Bondet,  a  French 
Protestant  minister,  who  is  in  orders  from  the  Bishop  of  London.  He  is  a 
good  man,  and  preaches  very  intelligibly  in  English — which  he  does  every 
third  Sunday,  in  his  French  congregation,  when  he  uses  the  liturgy  of  the 
church.  He  has  done  a  great  deal  of  service  since  his  first  coming  into  this 
country,  and  is  well  worth  the  thoughts  of  the  society.  The  town  he  lives  in 
is  called  New  Rochelle,  a  place  settled  by  French  Protestants  ;  it  is  compre- 
hended in  Mr.  Bartow's  parish,  and  contributes  toward  his  maintenance, 
which  disables  them,  in  a  great  measure,  to  pay  toward  Mr.  Bondet's,  who  is 
in  very  grna*  want.  It  is  true,  besides  twenty  pounds  a  year,  which  the  peo- 
ple of  New  Rochelle  promise  him,  and  is  very  ill  paid,  he  has  thirty  pounds 
a  year  settled  on  him  out  of  the  public  revenue  here,  as  the  French  minister 
in  York  hath  ;  but  that  is  paid  with  so  much  uncertainty,  that  he  starves  un- 
der the  prospect  of  it. 

Now  for  a  remedy  for  this  poor  gentleman,  and  that  he  may  be  made  as 
useful  to  the  church  as  possible ;  if  the  society  would  use  their  interest  that 


110  msTORY  or  the 

he  might  ha^e  an  order  from  the  court  that  he  may  not  only  forthwith  be  paid 
his  arrears,  bat  that  he  should  aAerwards  ha^e  his  money  by  quarterly  pay- 
ments ;  and  that,  at  the  same  time,  he  be  directed  by  the  Bishop  of  London, 
to  consult  with  and  be  helpful  to  Mr.  Bartow  and  Mr.  Muirson  in  taking  care 
of  the  scattering  towns  of  their  parishes  ;  especially  Mr.  Bartow's,  where  it  is 
impossible  for  any  one  to  manage  it.  And  whereas,  he  has  been  obliged  for 
his  bread,  to  use  the  French  prayers  in  his  French  congregation,  according  to 
the  orders  of  the  Protestant  churches  of  France,  and  had  that  liberty  granted 
iiim  (as  he  tells  roe)  npon  his  receiving  of  orders,  it  is  his  earnest  request, 
that  he  might  have  directions  relating  thereunto,  wherein  he  might  be  re- 
quired not  to  use  otherwise  than  the  liturgy  of  our  church  in  any  congrega- 
tions where  he  preacheth,  whether  English  or  French.  And  it  would  be  well 
that  some  French  common  prayer  books  and  catechisms  were  sent  over  for 
that  purpose.  The  reason  of  desiring  an  order  of  that  nature  is,  that  it  would 
put  the  matter  out  of  dispute.  Mr.^  Bondet  and  I  have  gone  as  far  as  we  can 
in  that  afiair,  and  it  would  spend  too  much  time  to  tell  you  what  tempests  we 
waded  through  in  attempting  it,  but  if  directions  came  from  England  about  it, 
none,  I  believe  would  be  found  to  oppose  it.  The  chief  cause  of  its  being 
hindered  with  so  much  heat  was,  that  the  French  congregation  in  York  were 
apprehensive  that  it  might  be  a  precedent  for  them  ;  and  for  that  reason  fired 
the  most  ignorant  of  Mr.  Bondet's  people,  and  persuaded  them  to  recant  from 
what  they  had  agreed  to.-  But  I  must  do  the  most  sensible  of  them  the  jus- 
tice, that  they  hold  fast  their  integrity,  and  are  willing  to  receive  the  church. 

If  this  matter  goes  forward,  I  expect  that  the  greatest  part  of  the  people  of 
New  Rochelle  will  cease  their  contributions  to  Mr.  Bondet ;  so  I  must  desire 
the  society  to  consider  him  with  sonie  allowance  in  England.  And  if  efiec- 
taal  care  conid  be  taken  that  30/.  is  paid  him,  15/.  sterling  more,  with  the 
small  helps  he  will  have  from  those  who  will  continue  steady  to  the  church, 
will  enable  him  to  maintain  himself  and  family. 

If  care  is  not  already  taken  therein  in  the  instructions  which  are  preparing,  it 
will  be  of  absolute  necessity,  that  the  clergy  of  this  county  be  directed  to  meet 
twice  at  least,  annually,  and  taking  to  their  assistance  the  best  and  most  sen- 
sible of  their  parishes,  to  consult  of  the  most  eflfectual  ways  for  settling  the 
church,  and  to  give  you  an  impartial  account  how  the  parishes  are  settled  in 
point  of  coDveniency,  and  which  way  it  may  be  better  done,  not  only  to  make 
it  easy  for  themselves,  but  so  as  the  bread  of  life  may  be  fairly  and  equally 
divided  amongst  their  people,  that  proper  measures  might  be  taken,  in  having 
it  regulated  by  act  of  assembly.  For  if  'something  of  this  nature  is  not  done, 
one  half  the  people  of  the  county  wonU  have  much  benefit  by  all  the  cost  that 
is  laid  out  upon  them.  In  the  conclusion  of  your  last  letter,  you  tell  me  that 
you  had  sent  some  common  prayers  and  catechisms,  by  Mr.  Mackenzy,  but  do 
not  understand  he  has  brought  any  ;  so  beg  of  you  to  inquire  into  that  mistake. 
And  in  case  you  send  any  other  books  to  be  disposed,  pray  let  them  only  be 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  Ill 

Dr.  Beveridge's  (now  Bishop  of  St.  Asaph,)  sermon  concerning  the  common 
prayers,  a  little  book  entitled  A  Christianas  Way  to  Heaven,  and  one  of  the 
lawfulness  of  the  common  prayer.  No  books  can  be  more  serviceable  thaa 
they ;  and  I  would  take  care  to  have  them  scattered  through  Connecticut 
colony  to  both  ministers  and  people,  and  am  apt  to  belieye  they  would  do  ser- 
vice. As  for  the  deputation  the  society  now  pleased  to  send  me,  I  am  exceed- 
ing sorry  I  can  do  them  no  service  therein.  For  the  people  of  this  conntyy 
having  generally  land  of  their  own,  although  they  donH  want,  few  or  none  of 
them  very  much  abound.  There  being  besides,  a  settlement  belonging  tQ 
Col.  Morris,  and  another  to  Mr.  Phillips,  and  mine,  not  any  that  belong  to 
particular  men  of  any  great  value  in  the  county  ;  nor  are  there  ten  in  the 
whole  county  but  what  have  been  brought  over  to  the  church  since  I  cama 
into  the  province,  that  truly  sir,  if  we  can  persuade  them  to  build  and  finish 
their  churches  and  schools,  help  to  maintain  their  ministers  and  schoolmasters* 
and  fit  conveniences  for  them,  it  is  the  most  that  can  be  expected  till  things 
are  better  settled,  and  the  church  a  more  firm  footing  among  them.  1  have 
DOt  had  the  happiness  to  be  in  company  with  CoL  Morris  since  I  received  the 
deputation ;  but  shall  discourse  with  him  concerning  that  matter  when  I  see 
him  next.  1  could  offer  some  few  things  more  to  the  consideration  of  the  so- 
ciety, but  time  won't  permit  me  to  enlarge,  so  I  shall  reserve  it  to  the  next 
opportunity.  So  with  my  humble  duty  to  the  society,  begging  their  pardon 
for  the  trouble  I  have  given  them  therewith,  I  desire  to  remain,  sir,  &c.  &o., 

Caleb  IIeathcotb.^ 

George  Heathcote  before  meutioned,  appears  to  have  been  a 
cousin  of  Col.  Caleb  Heathcote ;  for  in  the  will  of  George  Heath- 
cote of  Bucks  county,  province  of  Pennsylvania,  among  other 
items  occurs  the  following:  '^I  give  and  bequeath  unto  my  cou- 
sin, Caleb  Heathcote,  of  the  province  of  New  York,  the  residue 
of  my  estate,  and  nominate  him  executor  of  this  my  last  will  and 
testament. "b 

Col.  Caleb  Heathcote  was  also  a  member  of  the  venerable  Pro- 
pagation Society,  mayor  of  New  York  in  1711,  vestryman  of 
Trinity  Church  from  1697  to  1714,  and  upon  the  incorporatioQ 
of  the  borough  town  of  Westchester  in  1697,  chosen  first  mayor 
of  that  place. 

The  following  order  swere  addressed  by  Benjamin  Fletcher, 
captain-general,  and  goveruor-in-chief  of  the  province  of  New 


»  Church  Rec.  Francis  L.  Hawks,  D.  D.,  vol.  i.  no.  29. 
fc  Surrogate's  Ofltee  N.  Y.  No.  vU.  p.  3. 


I 


112  HISTORY  OF  THE 

York,  &c.,  to  Colonel  Caleb  Heathcole,  con  mander  of  a  regiment 
of  foot  in  Westchester  county. 

"Whereas  I  am  informed  that  several  disorders  and  misdemeanors  aro 
daily  committed  by  the  regiment  under  your  command,  and  no  obedience  paid 
to  my  several  orders  for  prevention  whereof,  for  the  fatnre,  reposing  special 
trust  and  confidence  in  your  prudence  and  conduct  by  virtue  of  the  power  and 
authority  to  me  given  by  virtue  of  their  majesties'  letters  patent  under  their 
great  sea!  of  England,  I  have  thought  fit  and  do  hereby  erect,  constitute  and 
appoint  a  court  martial  in  Westchester  county  aforesaid,  and  hereby  I  em- 
power and  authorize  you,  the  said  Caleb  Heathcote,  from  henceforth  and  at 
all  times,  when  so  often  it  shall  be  found  needful  to  call  the  said  court  mar- 
tial, which  shall  consist  of  you,  the  said  Caleb  Heathcote,  as  president  judge 
advocate,  and  six  at  least  of  the  commissioned  oilicers  under  your  command, 
whereof  four  to  be  captains,  with  full  power  and  authority  to  hear,  judge  and 
determine  ail  crimes  and  offences  committed  by  any  officer  or  soldier  under 
your  command,  and  sentence  to  pronounce  so  far  as  fine  or  imprisonment  or 
other  corporal  punishment,  as  the  merit  of  the  crime  or  offence  shall  deserve, 
according  to  an  act  of  assembly  made  and  provided  against  such  offenders  and 
criminals,  and  to  cause  such  sentence  to  be  put  into  execution  according  to 
the  rules,  articles,  and  laws  of  war  and  arms ;  provided  always  that  this  con- 
dition shall  continue  in  force  during  this  war,  or  till  my  pleasure  be  further 
known,  and  no  longer. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  armes,  at  Fort  William  Henry,  New 
York,  the  12th  day  of  September,  1693,  in  the  fiAh  year  of  his  majesty's  reign, 
by  his  excellency's  command. 

Benj.  Fletcheb. 

In  1715  Colonel  Heathcote  received  the  appointment  of  sur- 
veyor general  of  the  province. 

Among  the  archives  of  the  Wyllys  family  in  Boston,  Massa- 
chusetts, there  is  still  preserved  a  Latin  order  from  the  king  to 
Col.  Heathcote,  dated  London,  August  4th,  1719. 

The  manor  house  of  Scarsdale  has  been  already  described  in 
our  account  of  Mnmaroneck. 

Colonel  Heathcote  married  Martha,  daughter  of  the  Honorable 
William  Smith,  governor  of  Tangier.  Mrs.  Heathcote  bore  her 
husband  six  children  ;  namely,  Gilbert,  William,  Anne,  Mar}'', 
Martha,  and  Elizabeth.  On  the  29th  of  February,  1719,  Col. 
Caleb  Heathcote  executed  his  last  will  and  testament  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner: 

"  Imprimis.    To  his  wife  Martha  he  devolved  the  sole  keep- 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  113 

ing  and  management  of  his  children  during  minority,  &c.,  and 
from  the  moneys  in  England  due  to  her  the  sum  of  £100  to  be 
paid  to  her  annually.  Item,  To  his  eldest  son  Gilbert  he  devises 
his  dwelling  house  at  Mamaroneck^  together  with  the  neck  of 
land  called  Mamaroneck  east  neck,  and  all  mills,  &c.,  and  rights 
of  streams  within  the  limits  of  Mamaroneck  township,  known 
by  the  name  of  the  Two  Miles  Bounds,  and  also  all  my  lands 
lying  on  the  east  »ide  of  Mamaroneck  river;  and  the  lands 
I  bought  from  Anne  Richbell,  within  the  county  of  West- 
chester aforesaid,  running  eighteen  miles  in  length  into  the 
woods,  1  hereby  give  and  bequeath  unto  my  said  son  Gilbert 
Heathcote,  one  thousand  acres,  to  be  laid  out  by  my  wife,  &c. 

^^Item.  Out  of  the  legacy  lately  left  me  by  my  brother,  Wil- 
liam Heathcote,  in  England,  I  hereby  give  and  devise  to  my  son 
Gilbert,  £2600  sterling.  To  my  son  William  Heathcote  the 
same ;  and  to  my  four  daughters,  Anne,  Mary,  Martha  and  Eliz- 
abeth  £4000  each. 

"His  two  brothers  in-law,  Col.  Henry  Smith  and  Major  Wil- 
liam Smith,  he  constitutes  and  appoints  executors  of  this  his 
last  will  and  testament.*^ 

The  last  will  of  his  wife,  Martha  Heathcote,  bears  date  13th 
of  August,  1736,  by  which  she  bequeaths  to  her  daughter  Anne, 
the  wife  of  James  de  Lancey,  the  sum  of  £1000,  also  a  pair  of 
silver  candlesticks,  silver  snuffers  and  snuff  dish,  together  with 
my  silver  tea  pot,  silver  tankard,  and  my  large  coffer.  To  her 
daughter  Martha  Johnston  she  bequeaths  the  like  sum  of  £1000, 
and  to  her  daughters  Anne  and  Martha  all  her  wearing  ap-  . 
parel,  &c. 

The  sons  of  Col.  Caleb  Heathcote  died  in  their  minority,  upon 
which  the  manor  of  Scarsdale^  with  other  possessions,  descend^ 
ed  to  Anne  and  Martha,  their  surviving  sisters  and  heiresses. 
Anne,  the  eldest,  married  the  Honorable  James  de  Lancey,  lieu- 
tenant governor  of  the  province.  The  children  of  Anne  and  the 
Honorable  James  de  Lancey  were  first  Captain  James  de  Lancey, 
who  greatly  distinguished  himself  as  the  aide  of  General  Aber- 


«  Surrogate's  Office,  N.  Y.  lib.  vUi.  234. 

Vol.  IL  16 


114  HISTORY  OF  THE 

crombie  at  the  celebrated  siege  of  Port  Ticonderoga,  father  of 
the  present  Lieutenant  Colonel  James  de  Lancey,  of  Somerset, 
England,  the  eldest  heir  male  of  the  De  Lancey  family. 

The  youngest  son  was  Major  John  Peler  de  Lancey  of  Heath- 
cote  Hill,  Mamaroneck,  who  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of 
Colonel  Richard  Floyd,  of  Floyd's  neck,  Long  Island.  This  in- 
dividual ultimately  became  possessor  of  the  Scarsdale  estates. 

John  Peter  de  Lancey,  by  his  last  will  ai^d  testament,  bearing 
date  28th  of  January,  1823,  bequeathed  his  property  amongst  his 
surviving  children ;  namely,  William  Heathcote,  Elizabeth  Car- 
oline, Martha  Arabella,  Anne  Charlotte,  and  Susannah  Augusta 
de  Lancey. 

Under  the  Heathcotes  and  De  Lanceys,  the  Angevines  iield 
the  farm  bearing  their  name  for  four  generations,  whilst  the 
Secor  family  rented  the  Hickories. 

By  a  survey  and  division  of  Heathcote's  lands  lying  in  Scars- 
dale  manor  on  the  II th  of  August,  A.  D.  1774,  in  the  county  of 
Westchester,  the  property  of  Caleb  Heathcote  in  his  lifetime,  and 
which  remain  unsold  by  his  descendants  since  his  death,  &c. 
No.  1,  in  north  division,  contained  twenty-one  lots,  and  likewise 
two  small  lots  in  the  possession  of  William  Barker.  Lots  Nos. 
16  and  17  were  controverted  lands  in  this  division. 

Upon  the  west  side  of  the  manor  the  proprietors  appear  to 
have  been  the  Crawfords,  Devauxs,  Vailes,  Gedneys,  Angevines, 
Tompkinses  and  Townsends.  On  the  east  side,  the  Griflens, 
Fishers,  Vuils,  Underbills,  Gedneys  and  Cromwells.  On  the 
south-west^  the  GrifTens  and  Barkers. 

The  surface  of  this  town  is  undulating  and  hilly  ;  soil,  sandy 
and  clny  loam ;  drained,  south  by  the  Bronx  river,  which  bounds 
it  on  the  west.  Two  small  streams  called  the  Hutchinson  and 
Sheldrake,  rise  in  Scarsdale,  and  flow  southerly  into  the  sound. 
The  latter  is  a  tributary  of  the  Mamaroneck  river.  They  are 
well  supplied  with  all  kinds  of  fresh  water  fish. 

The  most  prominent  features  of  Scarsdale,  however,  are  the 
extensive  tracts  of  woodland  which  completely  cover  its  wild 
and  romantic  hills  on  the  west,  displaying  themselves  to  great 
advantage  from  every  part  of  the  surrounding  country.  The 
Saxton  forest  which  forms  a  large  portion  of  this  woody  district, 


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COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  116 

abounds  with  foxes,  rabbits  and  other  wild  game,  and  retains 
much  of  its  ancient  grandeur. 

At  the  fox  meadows,  Scarsdale,  was  born  on  the  21st  of  June, 
1774,  that  dislingruished  individual  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  Vice 
President  of  the  United  States.*  He  was  die  seventh  son  of  the 
Hon.  Jonathan  G.  Tompkins,  by  his  wife  Sarah  Hyatt,  and 
grandson  of  Stephen  Tompkins,  whose  ancestors  emigrated  ori- 
ginally from  the  north  of  England,  (during  the  time  of  the  reli- 
gious persecution  in  that  country,)  and  landed  at  Plymouth,  in 
the  colony  of  Massachusetts;^  from  Plymouth  they  removed 
to  Concord.  John  Tompkins  of  that  place,  had  John  born  there 
in  1642,  and  a  daughter,  Ruth,  in  1640.  The  Tompkins  family 
subsequently  emij^rated  to  Fairfield,  in  Connecticut.c  lu  1649, 
we  find  John  Tompkins  proprietor  of  lands  in  Fairfield. 

From  Fairfield,  the  family  removed  to  Eastchester,  Westches- 
ter Co.  The  name  of  Nathaniel  Tompkins  occurs  among  a  list  of 
the  first  proprietors  of  Eastchester,  in  1665.  Of  this  family  was 
Micah  Tompkins  of  Milford,  Connecticut,  who  secreted  King 
Charles'  judges  when  they  fled  to  Milford.  "The  regicides 
Whalley  and  GofFe,  (says  Mr.  Lambert)  lived  in  the  town  from 
the  20ih  of  Auorust,  1661,  for  more  than  two  ypars,  till  they  went 
to  Hadley.  Here  they  were  secreted  by  Mr.  Tompkins,  in  the 
basement  story  of  a  shop  standing  near  his  dwelling.  It  is  re- 
lated that  Mr.  Tompkins's  daughters  often  spun  in  the  shop,  and 
sometimes  would  sing  some  poetry  which  was  composed  about 
that  time,  concerning  the  martyrdom  of  King  Charles,  (in  which 
they  are  mentioned)  which  much  amused  the  judges.  The 
girls  were  of  course  acquainted  with  their  concealment.^  After 
remaining  in  Eastchester  a  short  time,  the  sons  of  Nathaniel 
and  John  Tompkins  removed  to  Scarsdale  and  Greenburgh, 
where  they  purchased  lands  and  permanently  settled. 

"  Tlie  father  of  Daniel  D.  Tompkins  was  a  member  of  the 
state  convention,  which  adopted  the  Declaration  of  Independence 
and  the  first  constitution  of  the  state.    He  was  a  member  of 


^  The  fox  meadow  estate  originally  belonged  to  the  Griffin  family,  and  paawfi 
from  Jonathan  Griffin  to  his  adopted  son,  Jonathan  Grifl^  Toisp)uo>* 
b  Herring's  Nat  Portrait  Gallery. 
•  Sbattncks*  Hist  of  Concord. 
4  Lambert's  Hist  of  New  Haven,  144 


116  HISTORY  OF  THE 

the  legislature  during  the  whole  period  of  the  Revolution,  aUo 
for  many  years  first  judge  of  the  court  of  common  pleas  for  this 
county ;  and  on  the  institution  of  the  university,  was  appointed 
one  of  the  regents,  which  situation  he  held  until  his  resignation 
of  it,  in  1808.  He  died  after  seeing  his  son  elevated  to  the  sec- 
ond office  in  the  gift  of  liis  country. 

Governor  Tompkins  was  educated  at  Columbia  college  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  and  received  the  first  honors  of  his  class  in 
1796.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  supreme  court  in  the 
capacity  of  attorney,  6th  Aug.,  1797.*  In  1801,  he  was  elected 
a  representative  of  the  city,  in  the  convention  to  revise  the  con- 
stitution of  the  state ;  in  1802,  was  chosen  to  the  state  legislature ; 
and  in  1804,  was  appointed  a  judge  of  the  supreme  court  of  the 
stale,  to  supply  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  election  of  Chief 
Justice  Lewis  to  the  gubernatorial  chair.  In  the  same  year  he 
was  elected  a  member  of  congress  for  the  city,  as  a  colleague  of 
the  late  Dr.  Mitchell.  Gov.  Tompkins  (continues  his  biogra* 
pher)  seemed  to  embody  within  himself,  the  peculiar  character- 
istics of  the  citizens  of  his  native  state,  activity,  energy  and  per* 
severance,  and  his  talents  constantly  and  variously  as  they  were 
tried,  were  always  found  equal  to  any  emergency.  At  the  bar 
in  the  city  of  New  York  during  the  early  part  of  his  life,  he 
sustained  an  honorable  rank  ;  on  the  bench  of  the  supreme  court 
of  the  state,  amid  the  bright  constellation  of  judicial  talent, 
learning  and  eloquence  which  then  adorned  it,  he  was  conspicu- 
ously distinguished  while  yet  a  comparative  youth,  and  we  ven- 
ture to  say,  that  no  judge  since  the  formation  of  our  government, 
ever  presided  at  nisi  prius,  or  travelled  the  circuit  with  more 
popularity.  Dignified  in  his  person,  peaceful  and  conciliating  in 
his  address,  and  thoroughly  amiable  in  his  character,  he  won  the 
respect  and  confidence  of  the  bar,  and  the  admiration  of  the 


«  As  attorney  in  the  court  of  common  pleas  in  N.  Y.  and  Westchester  Co.,  26 
Sept.  1797 ;  counsellor  in  court  of  common  pleas,  26tb  Sept.  1797  ;  counsellor  in 
Mayor's  court,  Feb.  24,  1801  ;  counsellor  in  supreme  court,  2  May,  1801  ;  solici- 
tor in  court  of  chancery,  5  June,  1801 ;  elected  representative  of  city  to  convention 
on  revision  of  constitution,  7  June,  1802  ;  solicitor  in  circuit  court  of  the  U.  S., 
1804 ;  justice  of  supreme  court,  2  July,  1804,  member  of  congress  for  N.  Y.,  1804, 
judge  of  district  court,  March,  1805.  -^Editor. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  117 

public.  The  distinction  which  he  gained  in  his  judicial  ca- 
pacity, soon  elevated  him  to  a  different  theatre  of  action,  the 
gubernatorial  chair  of  his  native  state.  (In  1807,  when  not  thirty- 
three  years  of  age,)  he  was  put  forward  as  a  candidate  by  the  most 
influential  of  the  republicans  of  that  day,  and  in  the  mode  in 
which  he  administered  the  government  he  did  not  disappoint 
their  choice.  Those  were  turbulent  times  in  politics,  but  like  a 
skilful  pilot,  he  safely  and  triumphantly  weathered  the  storm, 
Lot  only  that  which  was  raging  within  our  own  bounds  and 
among  ourselves,  but  a  more  painful  one  which  was  pouring  in 
upon  us  from  a  foreign  foe.  By  his  unwearied  efforts  in  repeat- 
edly pressing  the  subject  upon  the  attention  of  the  legislature, 
slavery  was  finally  abolished  in  the  state  of  New  York. 

The  subject  of  public  education  and  morals,  was  always  near 
his  heart.  Tlie  benevolent  feelings  of  Gov.  Tompkins,  prompted 
him  to  call  the  attention  of  the  legislature  on  repeated  occasions, 
to  the  abolition  of  corporeal  punishment,  and  he  at  length  happi- 
ly effected  that  of  the  former ;.  the  latter  siill  remains.  So  early 
as  1811,  we  find  him  raising  his  voice  in  favor  of  the  encour- 
agement of  manufactures.  In  1812,  he  prorogued  the  senate  and 
assembly  of  the  state.  In  this  brief  sketch,  it  is  not  to  be  ex- 
pected that  even  all  the  most  prominent  measures  of  Gov.  Tomp- 
kins's administration  can  be  noticed."^^ 

We  come  now,  (continues  his  biographer)  to  the  part  which  he 
bore  in  our  late  war  with  Great  Britain,  which  embraces  a  most 
interesting  period  of  his  life.  Whenever  the  history  of  that  war 
shall  be  written  for  posterity,  his  name  will  fill  an  ample  space. 

As  governor  of  the  state  of  New  York,  he  had  the  direction  of 
all  her  energies,  and  many  and  arduous  were  the  duties  which 
he  was  ordered  upon  to  perform,  but  those  who  were  conversant 
with  the  scenes  of  that  period,  will  recollect  the  universal  confi- 
dence which  he  inspired  in  every  lover  of  his  country.  The  fol- 
lowing letter,  dated  a  few  days  after  the  declaration  of  war,  will 
show  the  perilous  situation  of  the  state  of  New  York  at  that 
time,  the  condition  of  the  army,  and  the  responsibility  he  as« 
sumed  to  meet  the  exigency. 


*  Herring's  Nat.  Portrait  Gallery,  jo\.  U, 


118  HISTORY  OP  THE 

Albany t  June  28,  1819^. 
To  Major  Giniral  Dearborn, 

Sir,  your  letter  of  the  22  inst.  has  been  received.     I  had  anticipated 
year  request  by  ordering  the  detachments  from  Washington,  Essex,  Clinton 
and  Franklin  counties  into  service,  and  have  fixed  the  days  and  places  of  their 
rendezvous.     Upon  application  to  the  quarter  master  general,  I  find  there  are 
but  139  tents  and  60  camp  kettles  at  this  place,  and  even  those  I  take  by  a 
kind  of  stealth,  the  deputy  quarter  master  general  declines  giving  an  order  for 
their  delivery,  until  he  shall  have  a  written  order  from  the  quarter  master 
general,  and  the  latter  is  willing  I  shall  take  them,  but  will  not  give  the  de- 
puty a  written  order  for  that  purpose,  under ^ such  circumstances.    I   shall 
RTaii  myself  of  the  rule  of  possession,  and  by  virtue  of  the  eleven  points  of 
the  law,  send  them  ofif  tomorrow  morning  without  a  written  order  from 
any  one.     Tou  may  remember,  that  when  yon  were  secretary  of  the  war  de- 
partment, I  invited  you  to  forward  and  deposite  in  our  frontier  arsenals,  arms, 
Rmmunition  and  camp  equipage,  for  self  defence,  to  be  ready  for  defence  in 
ease  of  war,  and  the  same  invitation  to  the  war  department  has  been  repeated 
four  times  since.    The  United  States  have  now  from  five  to  six  hundred 
regular   troops  at  Plattsborgh,  Rome,  Canandaigua,  &c.     And  yet    those 
reeruits  are  now  and  must  be  for  weeks  to  come,  unarmed,  and  in  every  re- 
spect unequipped,  although  within  musket  shot  of  arsenals.    The  recruits  at 
Piattsburgh,  aro  within  fifly  miles  of  two  tribes  of  Canadian   Indians.     In 
ease  of  an  attack  upon  the  frontiers,  that  portion  of  the  United  States  army 
would  be  as  inefiicient  and  as  unable  to  defend  the  inhabitants  or  themselves 
even,  as  so  many  women.    As  to  cannon,  muskets  and  ammunition,  I  can 
find  no  one  here  who  will  exercise  any  authority  over  them,  or  deliver  a  single 
article  upon  my  requisition,  neither  can  1  find  any  officer  of  the  army  who 
feels  himself  authorized  to  exercise  any  authority,  or  do  any  act  which  will 
aid  me  in  the  all  important  object  of  protecting  the  iohibitants  of  our  extended 
frontier  exposed  to  the  cruelty  of  savages,  and  the  depredations  of  the  enemy. 
If  I  must  rely  upon  the  militia  solely  for  such  protection,  I  entreat  you  to  give 
orders  to  your  officers  here,  to  furnish  upon  my  order  for  the  use  of  militia 
detachments,  all  needful  weapons  and  articles  with  which  the  United  Slates 
are  furnished,  and  of  which  we  are  destitute. 

''  You  may  rely  upon  the  assistance  which  my  talents,  influence  and  autho- 
rity can  furnish,  in  the  active  prosecution  of  the  just  and  necessary  war, 
which  has  been  declared  by  the  constituted  authority  of  our  beloved  coun- 
try." 

Prom  the  day  of  the  declaration  of  the  war,  the  governor  en- 
tered heart  and  soul  into  the  prosecution  of  it,  and  so  continued 
until  its  close.  Most  of  the  frontier  troops  the  first  campaign, 
were  militia,  and  many  of  them  were  marched  several  hundred 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  119 

miles:  The  quarter  master  general  of  that  day,  refused  to  make 
any  advances  to  them  ;  the  governor  was  therefore  placed  in  the 
dilemma  of  providing  as  well  as  he  could  for  them,  expenses  of 
every  kind,  or  of  permitting,  them  to  return  home  for  want  of  ac- 
commodation, disgusted  both  with  the  war  and  the  government; 
he  issued  orders  for  raising  a  brigade  of  volunteers  upon  his  own 
responsibiliryy» which  greatly  distinguished  itself  on  the  Niagara 
frontier,  and  particularly  at  the  memorable  sortie  from  Fort 
Erie. 

The  officers  were  all  selected  by  Gov.  Tompkins,  and  their 
gallant  conduct  in  the  field  showed  his  admirable  discrimination 
in  this  respect.  He  had  previously  recommended  to  the  legisla- 
ture to  raise  volunteer  regiments  for  the  defence  of  our  frontiers 
and  the  city  of  New  York ;  but  by  a  perversity  that  seems 
strange  to  us  at  the  present  day,  his  patriotic  recommendation 
was  rejected.  A  man  of  less  firmness  than  Governor  Tompkins 
would  have  quailed  beneath  the  storm  which  was  raised  against 
him  in  Albany  in  the  winter  of  1813-14,  and  the  consequence 
would  probably  have  been  that  the  state  would  have  been  over- 
run by  the  foe.  Not  only  was  the  whole  western  frontier  in 
danger  of  invasion,  but  Sacketts  Harbor,  Plattsburgh  and  the 
city  of  New  York.  But  regardless  of  censure  or  disapprobation 
he  called  into  the  field  large  bodies  of  militia,  and  organized  a 
corps  of  new  fencibles  for  the  protection  of  the  city  of  New  York, 
consisting  of  one  thousand  men.  In  Sejitember,  1814,  the  mi- 
litia in  service  for  the  defence  of  the  city  amounted  to  17,300 
men.  He  was  even  ready  to  dispatch  a  force  under  the  lamented 
Decatur  for  the  assistance  of  Baltimore,  which  was  then  menaced 
with  an  attack,  and  had  not  the  news  of  the  enemy's  retreat  been 
received  the  succor  would  have  been  upon  the  march  to  the  re- 
lief of  a  sister  state.  In  1814,  from  information  received  and 
corroborated  by  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  there  are  suS- 
cient  grounds  of  belief  that  one  great  object  of  his  campaign  was 
to  penetrate  with  his  northern  army  by  the  waters  of  Lake 
Champlain  and  the  Hudson,  and  by  a  simultaneous  attack  with 
his  maritime  forces  on  New  York,  to  form  a  junction  which 
would  sever  the  communication  of  the  states.  The  exigency  of 
the  time,  while  it  subjected  the  executive  to  great  responsibility, 


120  HISTORY  OF  THE 

admitted  of  no  delay.  To  defeat  his  arrogant  design  and  save 
the  state  from  inroad,  it  was  necessary  immediately  to  exercise 
fuller  powers  and  more  ample  resources  than  had  been  placed  in 
his  hands  by  the  legislature.  «  He  proceeded  therefore  to  make 
such  dispositions  as  were  deemed  indispensable  to  secure  the  ex* 
posed  points  against  menaced  invasion.  To  efiect  these  objects 
he  found  it  necessary  to  transcend  the  authority  tfnd  means  ves- 
ted in  him  by  law,  perfectly  satisfied  that  the  legislature  would 
approve  and  sanction  what  he  had  done. 

In  October  of  this  year.  Governor  Tompkins  was  appointed 
by  the  President  to  the  command  of  the  third  military  district. 
He  acquitted  himself  of  the  command  with  great  ability,  and  on 
the  disbanding  of  the  troops  he  received  from  every  quarter  let- 
ters of  compliment  and  gratitude  ;  and  this  was  the  only  recom- 
pense for  his  services  in  this  command  which  he  ever  obtained. 

During  the  fall  of  this  year  the  general  government  was  desi- 
rous of  fitting  out  an  expedition  to  dislodge  the  enemy  from  Cas- 
tine  in  the  province  of  Maine.  They  had  applied  to  the  Gover- 
nor of  Massachusetts  to  raise  the  necessary  funds  for  this  pur- 
pose but  without  effect.  In  this  dilemma  the  situation  of  the 
general  government  was  hinted  to  Governor  Tompkins,  who 
with  his  individual  credit  and  upon  his  own  responsibilities, 
immediately  raised  the  money,  $300,000,  which  he  placed  at  the 
orders  of  General  Dearborn,  then  commanding  in  Massachu- 
setts. This  noble  act  of  patriotism  speaks  for  itself  and  comment 
would  be  superfluous."* 

"  He  contributed  (remarks  the  Hon.  G.  Rathbun)  more  than 
any  one  man  in  the  Union  to  the  success  of  our  arms  in  repell- 
ing the  invaders  of  our  soil.  Mr.  Tompkins  disbursed  for  the 
United  States  very  nearly  two  millions  of  dollars.  This  sum 
was  charged  to  him.  Further,  he  borrowed  for  the  use  of  the 
general  government  more  than  one  million,  three  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars,  some  of  it  partly  upon  the  credit  of  the  government, 
and  some  of  it  upon  his  own  responsibility,  &c.'^^ 


^  Herrinsfs  Nat.  Portrait  Gallery,  vol.  ii. 

b  Extract*  from  spoecb  of  Hon.  G.  Rathbun  of  N.  Y.  in  favor  of  an  appropriation 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  121 

*'  In  looking  over  his  military  correspondence,  it  is  surprising 
to  see  how  watchful  he  was  to  foster  a  delicate  and  punctilious 
regard  to  the  relative  rank  of  tlie  officers  of  the  militia,  so  as  to 
preclude  any  cause  of  jealousy  or  complaint.  The  officers  were 
appointed  by  the  council  of  appointment,  which  in  the  winter  of 
1813-14,  was  together  with  one  branch  of  the  legislature  opposed 
to  the  administration  of  the  general  government,  and  to  the  pro- 
secution of  the  war,  and  it  is  evident  from  his  correspondence  at 
this  period  that  attempts  were  constantly  made  to  create  discon- 
tents, by  the  recommending  of  persons  for  promotion  over  the 
heads  of  those  who  were  entitled  to  it  by  their  previous  military 
rank ;  and  in  turning  back  to  his  private  correspondence  from 
1808  to  1811,  we  are  struck  with  the  continual  annoyance  ex- 
perienced by  him  from  the  intrigues  and  slanders  of  political  op- 
ponents, and  at  the  same  time  with  the  indefatigable  industry 
and  noble  frankness  with  which  he  counteracted  and  exposed 
them.  In  the  fall  of  1814,  Mr.  Monroe  having  just  been  appoint- 
ed secretary  of  war,  President  Madison  requested  permission  to 
name  Governor  Tompkins  to  the  senate  as  his  successor.  This 
offer  of  what  is  considered  the  highest  office  in  the  gift  of  the 
President  of  the  United  States  was  declined.  In  the  spring  of 
1815,  after  peace  had  been  proclaimed,  he  resigned  the  command 
of  the  third  military  district,  and  the  President  addressed  to  him 
a  letter  of  thanks  for  his  *^  patriotic  action  and  able  support  given 
to  the  government  during  the  war." 

"In  February,  1817,  having  received  official  information  of 
his  election  to  the  office  of  Vice  President  of  the  United  States  he 
surrendered  that  of  chief  magistrate  of  the  state  of  New  York." 
He  was  also  chancellor  of  the  university,  and  in  June,  1820,  was 
elected  grand  master  of  masons  in  the  state  of  New  York.  In 
1821,  he  was  chosen  a  delegate  for  the  county  of  Richmond  to 
the  convention  for  framing  a  new  constitution  for  the  state;  and 
he  was  afterwards  appointed  president  of  this  body.  This  was 
the  la3t  public  situation  which  he  held.''^ 


for  the  heira  of  D.  D.  Tompkini,  delivered  ia  the  House  of  ReprescatatiTes,  Feb.  4| 
1847. 
»  Herrinsft  National  Portait  Gallery,  vol.  ii. 

Vol.  ii.  16 


122  HISTORY  OF  THE 

"Years  having  rolled  away  (remarks  Mr.  John  W.  Edmonds) 
since  he  played  so  prominent  and  active  a  part  on  the  stage,  and 
the  party  rancor  with  which  he  was  sometimes  beset  having  been 
long  since  buried  in  the  grave  of  the  past,  ample  justice  may 
now,  without  ofience  be  done  to  him  who  was  in  every  sense  of 
the  word, 

'*  A  stitesmaR  lofly  and  a  patriot  pure/' 

The  task,  however,  of  doing  full  justice  to  his  memory  belongs 
to  an  abler  pen ;  but  no  one  is  too  feeble  to  admire  the  elevated 
patriotism  which  induced  him,  at  a  most  trying  crisis,  to  forego 
the  honor  intended  for  him  by  the  President,  to  sacrifice  his  own 
health  and  the  comfort  of  his  family  to  the  paramount  duty  of 
serving  his  country  in  that  sphere  where  he  could  be  most  use- 
ful, and  to  offer  himself  a  victim  for  its  safety  if  it  should  be  neces- 
sary ;  and  the  indomitable  energy  which  enabled  him  in  less  than 
forty  days,  without  assistance  in  money  from  the  national  gov- 
ernment, to  bring  into  the  field  at  various  points  of  danger  nearly 
50,000  men,  organized,  armed  and  equipped,  to  endure  the  toil, 
expense  and  embarrassment  of  commanding  20,000  of  them  in 
person,  and  at  the  same  time  to  administer  the  government  of  the 
state :  and  in  less  than  sixty  days  when  the  national  credit  was 
at  its  lowest  poiiit  of  depression,  when  the  payment  of  even  the 
interest  of  its  notes  could  not  be  provided  for,  to  raise  for  the  pub- 
lic service  upwards  of  $1,000,000.^ 

If  it  should  be  asked  what  was  his  reward,  for  his  great  ser- 
vices to  his  country,  and  where  stands  his  monument?  the  ven- 
eration in  which  his  memory  is  yet  regarded  by  the  whole  na- 
tion, answers  that  it  is  erected  in  the  hearts  of  his  countrymen. 

*'  Such  honors  Ilion  to  her  hero  paid, 
And  peaceful  slept  the  mighty  Hector's  8hade.**i» 


■  Id  consequence  of  the  death  of  Goyemor  Tompkins  in  1825,  and  of  Mm. 
Tompkins  a  few  years  after,  the  claim  of  what  was  due  him  in  1824,  slept  until 
February  4,  1847,  when  Congrress  voted  its  appropriation  to  the  heirs  of  Daniel  D. 
Tompkins. — Editor.    See  speech  of  the  Hon.  G.  Rathbun. 

b  Some  passages  in  the  Hfe  of  Governor  Tompkins,  by  Mr.  John  W.  Edmonds. 
See  Froceedings  of  N.  Y.  Hist  Soc.  1844. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  123 

'  The  Hon.  Daniel  D.  Tompkins  died  at  his  residence  Tomp- 
kinsTille,  Stateu  Island,  June  11,  1825,  aged  fifty-one,  and  was 
buried  in  the  vault  of  Mr.  Minthorne,  at  St.  Mark's  Church, 
New  York.*  His  wife  was  a  daughter  of  Mangle  Minthorne, 
Esq.,  of  New  York.  His  sons  were  Minthorne,  Ray,  Daniel, 
Clinton  and  Griffin  Tompkins. 

The  Fox  meadow  estate  in  Scarsdale  passed  to  the  late  Hon. 
Caleb  Tompkins,  the  eldest  brother  of  the  Governor,  and  is  now 
occupied  by  his  son  the  present  Jonathan  G.  Tompkins.  The 
only  surviving  brother  of  the  Governor  is  George  Washington 
Tompkins,  Esq.,  of  While  Plains. 

The  neighboring  properly  on  the  south  formerly  belonged  to 
the  Hon.  Richard  Morris  for  many  years  chief  justice  of  the  pro- 
vince of  New  York,  from  whom  it  passed  to  his  son-in-law,  the 
late  Brigade  Major  William  Pppham.  The  mansion  erected  in 
1790,  is  a  spacious  wooden  structure,  and  occupies  a  very  se- 
cluded position  in  a  picturesque  hollow,  surrounded  by  groves  of 
locust  trees.  The  Bronx  enlivens  the  estate  upon  the  west. 
Here  is  situated  a  valuable  mill  sent,  once  occupied  by  an  exten- 
sive beaver  dam.  The  calm  solitude  of  this  beautiful  spot  is  inr 
creased  by  the  overhanging  woods  and  the  low  murmuring  of 
the  river  over  its  stony  bed.  The  graceful  hemlock,  fitly  en- 
titled by  Coleridge  "  the  lady  of  the  woods,"  appears  to  luxuri^ 
ant  in  this  vicinity. 

Directly  opposite  to  the  former  residence  of  the  Hon.  Richard 
Morris,  a  tragical  event  took  place  during  the  Revolution.  The 
circumstances  are  thus  narrated.  An  officer  belonging  to  Col, 
Armand's  cavalry,  went  to  the  village  of  Eastchester  on  the  Sun- 
day, to  have  his  horse  shod.  Vincent,  the  blacksmith,  as  a  mat- 
ter of  conscience,  refused  to  shoe  the  horse  ;  whereupon  the  ofr 


«  In  the  cemetery  of  this  parish,  around  the  church,  (says  Dr.  Aothon  in  hit 
Historical  Notices  of  St  Mark's  Churcli  in  the  Bowery,)  the  govornors  of  three  dif- 
ferent dynasties,  Dutch,  English  and  American,  repose  almost  side  by  side.  In 
the  Stnyvesant  vault,  next  to  Governor  Stnyvesant  are  the  remains  of  the  English 
governor.  Colonel  Henry  Slonghter,  who  died  in  1691.  In  the  vault  of  Mr.  Min^ 
thome,  not  far  distant,  the  body  of  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  a  former  governor  of  the 
state  of  New  York,  was  interred.     Parish  Aonals  by  Henry  Anihon,  D.  P, 


124  HISTORY  OF  THE 

ficer  becoming  enraged,  drew  his  sword  and  struck  the  unofiend« 
ing  blacksmith  to  the  ground.  In  revenge  for  this  brutal  assault, 
Elijah  Vincent,  a  brother  of  ihe  smith,  concealed  himself  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Morris  house,  and  whilst  the  French  officer  was 
passing,  on  his  return  from  Oearmore's  expedition,  shot  him 
dead. 

The  Pophara  family  were  originally  from  Popham;  in  the 
county  of  Hampshire,  England,  and  spring  from  Gilbert  Popham, 
of  Popham,  who  in  the  year  1200  married  Joan,  daughter  and 
heiress  of  Robert  Clarke,  a  feoffee  in  trust  for  the  manor  of  Pop- 
ham. They  were  greatly  distinguished  by  the  favor  of  the 
Empress  Maud,  A.  D.  1140,  and  held  high  and  honorable  sta- 
tions in  ihe  reign  of  Henry  the  third.  To  Hampshire  county 
they  gave  several  sheriffs. «*  Sixth  in  descent  from  Gilbert  Pop- 
ham was  Sir  John  Popham,  knight  of  the  Bath,  lord  chief  justice 
of  the  Queen's  Bench,  purchaser  of  the  Littlecot  estate,  Wiltshire, 
England;  this  individual  died,  A.  D.  1607,  and  his  remains  re- 
pose under  a  magnificent  tomb  in  the  church  of  Wellington,  sur-  5^^ 
rounded  by  a  palisade  of  wood  and  iron ;  on  a  tablet  are  the 
effigies  of  himself  and  Lady  Popham.  His  only  son  was  Sir 
Francis  Popham,  Knt.,  of  Littlecot,  Wilts.  This  gentleman, 
together  with  his  son  Alexander,  became  so  obnoxious  to  King 
Charles  the  first,  that  he  excepted  them  both  out  of  the  general 
pardon.  John  Popham,  eldest  son  of  Sir  Francis,  was  for  many 
years  a  gentleman  of  the  household  to  King  James  the  first. 
Upon  the  restoration  of  King  Charles  II.,  he  removed  to  Ireland, 
and  there  purchased  the  Bandon  estates,  county  of  Cork.  His 
only  son  he  significantly  named  Icabod,^  (the  glory  is  departed.) 
Icabod  left  one  son,  John,  the  father  of  James  and  grandfather 
of  William  Popham  of  Bandon,  whose  son  was  the  late  Major 
William  Popham  of  Scarsdale.  We  are  indebted  to  the  New 
York  Express,  of  September  27,  1847,  for  the  following  account 
of  the  late  Major  Popham.    "  He  was  born  in  the  town  of  Ban- 


«  Robertos  de  Popham,  1227.    Stephanas  de  Popham,  cir.  1428. 
%  The  mother  of  Icabod  is  reported  to  have  been  a  daughter  of  the  celebrated 
Chief  Justice  Bradshaw. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  125 

don,  Cork  county,  Ireland,  on  the  19th  of  September,  1732.  He 
was  brought  to  this  country  at  the  early  age  of  nine  years,  and 
his  parents  having  settled  in  the  town  of  Newark,  state  of  Dela- 
ware, it  was  in  that  place  that  he  spent  his  youth,  and  where  be 
received  a  finished  education.  It  was  his  intention  to  enter  upon 
the  holy  office  of  the  ministry,  but  on  the  breaking  out  of  the 
revolutionary  war,  he  was  fired  with  military  zeal,  and  accepted 
a  commission  in  the  army,  and  immediately  raised  a  company  in 
defence  of  his  country. 

"  His  first  engagement  was  at  the  battle  of  Long  Island,  where 
he  greatly  distinguished  himself  by  taking  prisoner  the  famous 
Capt.  Ragg,  with  eighteen  more  of  the  enemy.  He  was  then 
appointed  a  captain  in  the  army,  and  having  followed  the  Ame- 
rican arms  to  White  Plains,  he  there  again  distinguished  him- 
self as  an  accomplished  soldier  and  brave  man.  As  a  captain  he 
took  part  in  the  battle  of  Brandywine,  and  also  acted  as  aid  to 
Gen.  Clinton  in  the  northern  division  of  the  army,  and  was  also 
the  aid  of  Gen.  Sullivan  in  his  western  expedition  among  the 
Indians. 

*'  After  the  war  he  resided  a  few  years  in  the  city  of  Albany 
in  this  state,  where  he  entered  upon  the  study  of  the  law,  and 
practised  his  profession.  Subsequently  to  that  time  he  came  to 
New  York,  and  practised  his  profession  for  a  few  years.  In  the 
year  1787  he  purchased  a  farm  in  Westchester  county,  upon 
which  he  resided  for  many  years,  during  the  whole  of  which 
time  he  held  the  office  of  clerk  of  the  court  of  exchequer.  He 
held  this  office  until  it  was  abolished.  In  1804,  he  again  took 
up  his  abode  in  New  York,  where  he  remained  until  1811,  at- 
tending to  his  profession,  and  paying  particular  attention  to  the 
education  of  his  children.  He  then  returned  to  his  farm,  and 
lived  there  until  the  year  1836,  when  the  death  of  his  wife*  oc- 
curred, and  he  then  returned  to  New  York  and  resided  until  his 
own  death. 

*^He  was  ever  a  remarkably  religious  man,  and  died  at  the 
age  of  ninety  five,  the  peaceful  and  happy  death  of  a  firm  Chris* 


*  Mra.  Popham  was  a  daaghter  of  the  Hon.  Richard  Morria. 


126  mSTORY  OF  THE 

tian,  and  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  church.  He  jpras  not,  as 
has  been  stated,-.ffQ]an  of  property,  though  he  was  always  blessed 
with  an  abundan j%.  He  was  a  friend  to  the  poor  and  needy,  and 
derived  much  of  his  happiness  by  doing  good.  He  was  the 
friend  and  companion  of  Washington,  and  claimed  as  his  inti- 
mates many  of  the  most  remarkable  men  of  his  day.  He  be- 
longed  to  the  old  school  of  American  gentlemen,  and  in  mind 
and  body  was  distinguished  for  activity  and  sprightliness.  He 
was  an  accomplished  scholar,  and  in  every  particular  a  thorough- 
bred gentleman.  His  funeral  took  place  on  Sunday  evening  last, 
and  Bishop  de  Lance y,  an  old  and  well  tried  friend  of  the  de- 
parted, officiated  on  the  occasion.  The  remains  of  the  deceased 
were  conveyed  to  White  Plains,  where,  in  the  little  church-yard 
of  the  village,  they  now  repose  in  peace.  He  lived  the  life  of  a 
noble  man,  and  died  the  death  of  a  happy  Christian — leaving  be- 
hind him  three  children,  two  sons  and  one  daughter." 

Major  Popham  was  President  of  the  New  York  State  Society 
of  Cincinnati,^  and  as  the  oldest  member,  President  General  of 


*  The  folio wingr  ^neral  order  was  inaed  by  the  New  York  State  Society  of  the 
Cincionati,  dated  New  York,  Sept  27tb,  1847. 

NEW  YORK  STATE  SOCIETY  OF  THE  CINCINNATI. 

General  Order. 

New  York,  Sept.  27th,  1847.  It  has  become  the  painful  daty  of  the  vice  presi- 
dent to  announce  to  the  society  the  death  of  their  venerable  president,  Major  Wil- 
liam Popham,  at  the  advanced  age  of  95  years.  Major  Popham  was  also  President 
General  of  the  General  Society  of  the  Cincinnati  of  the  United  States. 

He  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  came  to  this  country  previous  to  our  Revolution, 
and  was  at  its  commencement,  appointed  a  lieutenant  in  the  army,  and  at  the  bat- 
tle of  Long  Island  with  a  detachment  of  troops  under  his  command,  captured  and 
brought  to  head  quarters  in  this  city,  a  British  guard  with  its  commanding  officer, 
and  was  highly  complimented  by  General  Washington  on  the  occasion  ;  he  was 
afterwards  appointed  an  aide-de-camp  to  General  James  Clinton,  and  subsequently  to 
Baron  Steuben,  by  whom  he  was  much  beloved  ;  he  continued  in  the  service  till 
the  termination  of  the  war,  was  a  brave  and  accomplished  officer,  and  a  gentleman 
of  considerable  legal  and  literary  acquirements.  He  held  for  a  long  time  an  im- 
portant civil  office  connected  with  our  courts  of  justice.  He  always  sustained  the 
character  of  the  most  exemplary  punctuality  in  the  execution  of  his  official  duties. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  127 

« 

the  Genen4  Society  of  Cincinnati  of  the  United  States,  an  office 
first  held  by  General  Washington.  As  presidMl  general  he  had 
in  his  possession  the  golden  eagle  of  the  ordikr,  most  splendidly 
set  in  diamonds.  It  bears  the  following  inscription  :  <*  Presented 
in  the  name  of  the  French  sailors,  to  his  Excellency  the 
General  Washington."  This  precious  relic  of  the  society,  goes 
to  his  successor  in  the  office.^ 

Immediately  north  of  the  Popham  residence,  is  situated  the 
estate  of  the  Yarian  family.  The  late  Col.  Jonathan  Varian 
who  greatly  distinguished  himself  in  the  last  war  with  Great 
Britain,  was  the  eldest  son  of  Michael  Yarian,  who  occupied  the 
homestead  in  1775.  Michael  as  well  as  his  brothers  Richard  and 
Isaac,  took  an  active  part  in  their  country's  service,  during  the 
revolutionary  war.  Of  this  family  was  Isaac  Yarian  former 
Mayor  of  the  city  of  New  York. 

In  the  northwestern  corner  of  the  town,  lies  Morningvillei 
two  miles  south  of  White  Plains.  Here  is  a  railroad  station,  and 
the  Bronx  Powder  Manufactory,  of  the  Messrs.  E.  F.  Haubold 
and  Company.  There  are  now  in  operation  four  grinding  mills, 
a  dyeing  house,  saltpetre  magazine,  two  coul  houses,  store  house 
and  car  house,  besides  a  spacious  stone  dwelling. 

Near  the  centre  of  the  town,  upon  what  is  called  the  Angevine 
farm,  stands  the  former  residence  of  Fenimore  Cooper,  Esq. 
The  house  is  in  the  French  chateau  style,  and  will  excite  atten- 


In  private  life  he  wu  respected  and  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him  ;  his  mental 
faculties  were  retained  with  gre^i  vigor  notil  the  last  moment  of  his  life,  and  died 
as  a  Christian  soldier,  with  the  confident  hope,  that  his  piety  and  faithfulness, 
would  entitle  him  to  the  reward  in  the  life  to  come,  promised  to  those  who  con- 
tinue faithful  to  the  end. 

•'  Sweet  sleep  the  brave  who  sink  to  rest, 
With  all  their  country's  honor  blest." 

The  members  of  the  society  are  requested  to  wear  the  usual  badge  of  mourning 
for  thirty  days.     By  order, 

GiH.  Anthony  Lamb,  Vice  Pres't 

Edward  P.  Marckxxjn,  Sec*y* 

a  Major  Popham  was  the  third  person  who  has  held  that  office  since  its  institution 

in  1763. 


128  HISTORY  OF  THE 

tJon  from  its  commanding  position.  There  is  an  extensive  view 
from  the  south  front  of  the  sound  and  surrounding*  country. 

In  this  vicinity  formerly  resided  Captain  De  Kay,  the  father  of 
James  E.  De  Kay,  M.  D.,  one  of  the  geological  commissioners 
of  the  state. 

On  the  south  eastern  side  of  Scarsdale,  is  situated  the  duaker 
meeting  house.  Upon  the  site  of  the  oldest  building  stood  a 
much  older  structure,  erected  prior  to  the  Revolution.^ 

• 

The  first  Independent  election  for  officers  of  the  manor  of  Scarsdale,  took 
pkee  on  the  22nd  of  Dec.  1783.  In  parsnance  of  an  act  of  the  legislatnre 
passed  Oct.  23d,  1779,  entitled  "  an  act  to  provide  for  the  temporal  govern- 
ment of  the  southern  part  of  this  state,  irhenever  the  enemy  shall  abandon  or 
be  dispossessed  of  the  same,  and  until  the  legislature  can  be  convened,**  &c, 

"The  town  met  on  the  aforesaid  day,  at  the  house  of  Jonathan  Griffin,  near 
the  usual  place  of  holding  said  meetings  ;  then  and  there  the  inhabitants  pro- 
ceeded to  choose  town  officers  by  a  majority  of  votes. 

Jonathan  Tompkins,  Supervisor. 

Benjamin  Cornel],  C)erk. 

Stephen  Cornell,  >  . 
Thomas  Cornell,  J  A»»essors. 

Israel  Herriott,  Constable  and  Collector. 

Ferris  Cornell,  Founder. 

Thomas' C^?I^^^^    \  ^®°®®  *°^  Sewage  Viewers. 

At  a  town  meeting  held  in  the  manor  of  Scarsdale,  at  the  school  house  in 
said  manor,  near  Capt.  Jonathan  Griffin^s,  on  the  6ih  of  April,  1784,  and  in  the 
8th  year  of  the  independency  of  America,  according  to  an  act  of  assembly 
made  in  that  case  for  each  town,  manor,  province  and  district,  to  choose  all 
necessary  town  officers  for  the  benefit  of  the  towns,  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Jonathan  Tompkins,  ^ 

John  Barker,  >  Inspectors  of  said  meeting. 

Israel  Herriott,         } 

Jonathan  G.  Tompkins,  Supervisor. 

Benjamin  Cornell,  Clerk. 


»  The  first  Friends'  meeting  house  erected  in  this  vicinity,  stood  near  the  Palme 
burying  in  Mamaroneck. 


COUNTV  of  WESTCHESTER.  129 

Israel  Herriott,  Constable  and  Collector. 

John  Barker,        ^ 

John  Coropton,     >  Assessors. 

Stephen  Cornell,  J 

^^ire?Hi"^r'  (  ^^«^^®"  of  highways. 
Thomw  i  Fence  and  damage  Overseera. 

Samuel  Higher,  Pounder. 


Vol.  IL  IT 


130  HISTORY  OF  THE 


SOMERS/ 

SoMERs  is  situated  twenty  miles  north  of  the  village  of  White 
Plains,  distant  fifty  miles  from  Mew  York,  and  one  hundred  and 
twenty  from  Albany,  bounded  north  by  Dutchess  county,  east 
by  North  Salem  and  Lewisborough,  south  by  Bedford  and  New 
Castle,  and  west  by  Yorktown. 

Prior  to  the  year  1788  Somers  formed  a  part  of  the  township 
o(  Hanover,  within  Cortlandt's  manor.  Upon  the  7th  of  March, 
1788,  it  was  independently  organized  under  the  title  of  Stephen- 
town,  a  name  adopted  out  of  compliment  to  Stephen  van  Cort- 
landt,  one  of  its  principal  proprietors.  The  present  name  was 
bestowed,  A.  D.  1808,  in  honor,  it  is  said,  of  Captain  Somers,  one 
of  the  gallant  heroes  of  the  Tripolitan  war.  This  individual 
terminated  a  short  but  brilliant  career  in  the  bay  of  TripolL 

The  name  of  Somers,  (says  Mr.  Silliman,)  the  twin  brother  in 
arms  of  Decatur,  shines  brightly  in  the  history  of  American 
warfare;  and  the  last  desperate  action  which  terminated  his 
short  and  brilliant  career  with  his  life,  is  stamped  in  colors  so  in- 
delible, that  nothing  but  the  destroying  finger  of  time  can  efi!ace 
it  from  its  pages.  After  a  severe  and  continued  fighting  before 
Tripoli,  the  Turkish  flotilla  withdrew  within  the  mole,  and 
could  not  be  induced  to  venture  themselves  beyond  the  guns  of 
the  Tripolitan  battery.  The  ketch  Intrepid  was  fitted  out  as  a 
fire-ship,  filled  to  the  decks  with  barrels  of  gunpowder,  shells, 
pitch,  and  other  combustible  materials ;  and  Capt.  Somers,  with 
a  volunteer  crew,  undertook  the  hazardous,  almost  desperate, 
task  of  navigating  her  in  the  darkness  of  the  night  into  the 
middle  of  the  Turkish  flotilla,  when  the  train  was  to  be  fired 
and  they  were  to  make  their  escape  as  they  best  could  in  her 
boats.  Lieutenants  Wadsworth  and  Israel  were  the  only  ofllcers 
allowed  to  join  the  expedition,  which  was  composed  of  a  small 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  131 

crew  of  picked  men.  The  Intrepid  was  escorted  as  Tar  as  pru« 
dent  by  three  vessels  of  the  squadron,  who  hove  to,  to  avoid 
suspicion,  and  to  be  ready  to  pick  up  the  boats  upon  their  return  ; 
the  Constitution  under  easy  sail  in  the  ofSng. 

Many  a  brave  heart  could  almost  hear  its  own  pulsations  in 
those  vessels,  as  she  bec^raie  more  and  more  indistinct  and  era- 
dually  disappeared  in  the  distance.  They  watched  for  some 
time  with  intense  anxiety,  when  a  heavy  cannonade  was  opened 
from  the  Turkish  batteries,  which,  by  its  flashes,  discovered  the 
ketch  determinedly  progressing  on  her  deadly  errand.  She  was 
slowly  and  surely  making  for  the  entrance  of  the  mole,  when  the 
whole  atmosphere  suddenly  blazed  as  if  into  open  day.  The 
mast  with  all  its  sails  shot  high  up  in  the  air;  shells  whizzed, 
rocket-like,  exploding  in  every  direction ;  a  deafening  roar  fol- 
lowed, and  all  sunk  again  into  the  deepest  pitchy  darkness. 
The  Americans  waited — waited — in  anxious — at  last  sickening 
suspense.  Their  companions  came  not — the  hours  rolled  on — 
no  boat  hailed — no  oar  splashed  in  the  surrounding  darkness. 
The  east  grew  gray  with  the  dawn — the  sun  shone  brightly 
above  the  horizon,  nought  but  a  few  shattered  vessels  lying  near 
the  shore — the  flotilla — the  batteries-rand  the  minarets  of  Tripoli 
gilded  by  the  morning  sunbeams,  met  their  gaze.  Those  noble 
spirits  had  written  their  history.  Whether  consigned  to  eternity 
by  a  shot  of  the  enemy,  prematurely  exploding  the  magazine,  or 
from  the  firing  of  the  train  by  their  own  hands,  must  always  re- 
main untold  and  unknown."^ 

The  U.  S.  brig  Somers,  lost  in  a  gale  oflf  Vera  Cruz,  January, 
1847,  was  also  named  after  this  young  hero. 

Under  the  Mohegan  Indians,  Somerstown  formed  an  appen- 
dage to  the  great  terrhory  of  Aniaghpogh  or  AtnmawcUk,    In 
1699  a  deed  for  this  tract  was  executed  by  Sachima  Wicker, 
the  chief  of  the  Kightawonck  tribe,  (within  whose  limits  Amagh 
pogh  was  comprehended,)  to  Stephanus  van  Cortlandt. 

The  principal  Indian  settlement  appears  to  have  stood  upon 


«  Silliman*8  Gallop  among  American  Scenery. 


132  HISTOBY  OP  THE 

the  summit  of  a  rocky  ridge  bordering  the  Croton 'ri^er,  on  the 
lands  of  Gerard  Crnne,  Esq.  Indian  lodges  also  occupied  the 
higher  grounds  and  adorned  the  romantic  banks  of  the  numerous 
streams  iutersecting  this  town.  In  the  woods  of  Ray  Tompkins, 
Esq.,  situated  upon  the  east  side  of  Angle  Ply  brook,  are  yet 
visible  the  remains  of  Indian  habitations.  The  Indian  burying 
ground  lies  near  Wood's  bridge,  at  the  junction  of  Plum  brook 
and  Croton  river.  This  beautiful  portion  of  Westchester  county, 
80  highly  diversified  with  hills  and  dales  was  once  covered  with 
extensive  forests,  abounding  with  every  species  of  wild  game* 
Deer  were  numerous  here  as  late  as  1780,  and  wolves,  though 
rare,  were  not  extinct  at  that  period.  The  Indians,  for  the  better 
purpose  of  hunting  the  large  herds  of  deer  that  roamed  through 
these  forests,  annually  burnt  the  higher  grounds.  ^'This  prac- 
tice (says  Vanderdonck,)  is  named  by  us  and  the  Indians,  ^bush' 
burnin^j^  which  is  done  for  several  reasons;  first,  to  render 
hunting  easier,  as  the  bush  and  vegetable  growth  renders  the 
walking  difficult  for  the  hunter,  and  the  crackling  of  the  dry 
substances  betrays  him  and  frightens  away  the  game.  Secondly, 
to  thin  out  and  clear  the  woods  of  all  dead  substances  and  grass, 
which  grow  better  the  ensuing  spring.  Thirdly,  to  circumscribe 
and  enclose  the  game  within  the  lines  of  the  fire,  when  it  is  more 
easily  taken,  and  also  because  the  game  is  more  easily  tracked 
over  the  burned  parts  of  the  woods.  The  bush  burning  presents 
a  grand  and  sublime  appearance.  On  seeing  it  from  without, 
we  would  imagine  that  not  only  the  dry  leaves,  vegetables  and 
limbs  would  be  burnt,  but  that  the  whole  woods  would  be  con- 
sumed where  the  fire  passes,  for  it  frequently  spreads  and  rages 
with  such  violence,  that  it  is  awful  to  behold,"  &c.»  The  last 
burning  remembered  by  the  oldest  inhabitant  took  place  on  the 
high  ridge  cast  of  Primrose  street. 

By  the  royal  patent  to  Stephanus  van  Cortlandt  in  1697,  it 
will  be  seen  that  he  enjoyed  the  sole  right  of  hunting  deer  with- 
in the  forests  of  Cortlandt,  a  privilege  usually  conceded  to  the 
Ranger  of  the  county. *> 


«  N.  Y.  Hist  Collect.  2d  teries,  rol.  i.        k  S«e  Cortlandt  town,  vol.  i.  46. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER. 

The  deep  seclusion  of  the  woods  bordering  Plumb  brook  af- 
forded an  agreeable  haunt  to  the  bearer,  and  here  these  industri- 
ous animals  had  constructed  an  extensive  dam  which  long  sur- 
vived their  existence. 

Upon  the  partition  of  the  manor  of  Cortlandt  among  the  heirs 
of  the  Hon.  Stephanus  van  Cortlandt  in  the  year  1734,  the  fol- 
lowing allotments  were  made  in  this  town ;  north  lot,  No.  5, 
Mrs.  Margaret  Bayard  ;  ditto  No.  6,  Philip  van  Cortlandt ;  ditto, 
No.  7,  Andrew  Johnston  ;  part  of  north  lot  No.  8,  Mr.  Miller;  south 
lot,  No.  5,  Stephen  de  Lancey ;  ditto  No.  6,  Stephen  van  Cort- 
landt; ditto  half  of  lot  No.  7,  Stephen  van  Cortlandt;  part  of 
south  lot  No.  9,  Mrs.  Susannah  Wurren ;  ditto.  No.  10,  Stephen 
de  Lancey ;  this  lot  has  since  been  annexed  to  the  town  of  New 
Castle  by  an  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  in  1846.  Subsequent 
to  the  above  division,  we  find  the  heirs  of  Stephanus  van  Cort- 
landt disposing  of  their  respective  rights  in  the  same.  On  the 
4ih  of  June,  1760,  Samuel  Bayard  granted  to  Hachaliah  Brown, 
gentleman,  of  the  town  of  Rye,  "all  that  tract  of  land  being  in 
the  northernmost  part  of  the  manor  of  Cortlandt,  bounded  north 
by  the  dividing  line  of  Dutchess  and  Westchester,  to  the  line  of 
Philips's  upper  patent,  west  by  lot  of  Andrew  JohnstoUj  south  by 
bounds  of  Samuel  Brown  and  east  by  Croton  river." 

In  the  year  1763,  Andrew  Johnston  conveyed  to  Hachaliah 
Brown,  "  all  that  lot  of  land,  situate,  lying  and  being  in  lot  No* 
6,  east  range,  and  being  part  of  north  lot  No.  7,  at  Plum  brook^ 
consisting  of  two  hundred  and  thirty  acres.^ 

It  appears  that  Andrew  Johnston  did  also  in  his  lifetime,  by  a 
certain  indenture  bearing  date,  20ih  March,  1762,  lease  to  John 
Hampstead  a  certain  lot  of  land,  lying  and  being  at  Plum  brook, 
in  the  manor  of  Cortlandt,  known  by  the  name  of  farm  No.  4, 
west  range,  and  is  part  of  great  lot  No.  7.    Tlie  same  was  again 


»  Co.  Rec.  Lib.  I.  61.  Upon  the  17th  of  June,, 1760,  Hachaliah  Brown  of  Rfo. 
conveyed  the  same  to  hit  eldest  son,  Hachaliah  Brown,  Jun.  The  property  is  still 
▼ested  in  their  descendants. 

»  Co.  Ree.  Lib.  L  66. 


134  HISTORY  OP  THE 

leased  to  John  Hampstead  by  the  heirs  of  Andrew  Johnston, 
24th  of  June,  1772. 

John  Hampstead  the  above  lessee  was  one  of  the  first  settlers 
of  this  town.  From  his  tomb-stone  in  the  Union  burying  ground^ 
we  learn  that  he  departed  this  life  the  26th  of  April,  1801,  at 
the  advanced  age  of  107  years,  6  months  and  21  days. 

How  few  can  reach  those  years  of  time, 

Whicd  here  are  numbered  to  our  view, 
Since  death  calls  most  while  in  their  prime. 

And  leaves  behind  so  aged  few. 

Upon  the  3d  of  Dec.  1772,  the  devisees  of  Andrew  Johnston 
conveyed  to  Lewis  Riiley,  farm  No.  9,  in  west  range  of  great 
north  lot  No.  7,^  In  the  year  1775,  the  executors  and  heirs  of 
Andrew  Johnston  deceased,  conveyed  to  Abraham  Theale,  cer- 
tain lands  situate  on  Plum  brook. 

A.  D.  1793.  John  Johnston,  executor  of  Andrew  Johnston, 
conveyed  to  Benjamin  Green  of  Stephentown,  a  farm  in  the  north 
east  corner  of  lot  No.  4,  west  range,  being  part  of  Andrew  John- 
ston's great  north  lot  No.  7. 

These  sales  clearly  show  that  the  great  lots  were  again  sub- 
divided by  the  devisees  of  Stephanus  van  Cortlandt.  Many  of 
the  descendants  of  the  above  mentioned  grantees  still  occupy  the 
patrimonial  estates  in  fee  simple. 

The  oldest  record  relating  to  town  officers  occurs  in  a  small 
manuscript  volume,  entitled  as  follows : 

"  Book  of  the  records  of  the  proceedings  from  the  first  town 
meeting  of  the  people  of  Stephentown,  being  the  year  of  our 
Lord,  one  thousand,  seven  hundred  and  eighty-eight,  whereof 
William  Horton,  Esq.  was  chosen  town  clerk. 

The  first  Tuesday  in  April,  in  the  year  above  written,  the 
people  of  Stephentown  met  at  the  house  of  Benjamin  Green,  for 
choosing  town  officers  and  oth^  necessary  business  of  the  town 
for  the  year  ensuing. 

Hachaliah  Brown,  supervisor. 


■  Co.  Rec.  Lib.  I.  179. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  136 


assessors. 


William  Horton,  Esq.,  town  clerk* 

Obadiah  Fttttf^ 
Nathaniel  Wright, 
Herman  Hilliker, 
Samuel  Green, 

John  StedwelK     >  r  , 

Jacob  Lent,  }   orerseers  of  ihe  poor. 

Benjamin  Green,  constable  and  collector." 


1 


The  village  of  Somers  is  pleasantly  situated  on  a  beautiful 
plain  almost  surrounded  by  romantic  hills,  the  top  of  which  are 
clothed  with  a  profusion  of  green  verdure.  The  air  of  this  de- 
lightful region  is  said  to  be  uncommonly  mild  and  salubrious. 
To  the  south  of  the  village  lies  the  delightful  vale  of  Plum 
brook,  through  which  passes  the  road  to  Pine's  bridge.  On  the 
north-east  Prospect  hill  rises  in  a  grand  and  picturesque  manner. 
The  village  of  Somers  PlaiUj  ccmmonly  so  called,  "  is  the  prin- 
cipal market  of  lean  stock  of  cattle  and  sheep,  brought  hither 
from  variotis  and  distant  parts  of  the  country  to  supply  the  wants 
occasioned  by  the  sales  of  fattened  cattle  and  sheep  to  the  butch- 
ers of  New  York.  The  farmers  of  this  county  carry  on  an  ex- 
tensive traffic  in  this  way,  and  droves  are  annually  and  almost 
constantly  arriving  from  the  inland  regions,  some  from  100,  200, 
and  300  miles,  to  replace  the  consumption."^  It  is  computed 
that  over  5000  head  of  horned  stock  are  annually  fatted  in  this 
district  alone. 

A  bank  has  been  for  many  years  established  in  this  village, 
under  the  name  of  "  the  Farmers  and  Drovers  Bank  of  So- 
mers.^^  This  institution  was  first  organized  under  the  general 
banking  law  of  1839,  with  a  capital  of  $111,000.  First  presi- 
dent, Horace  Bailey,  Esq.  It  deserves  notice  that  the  money  of 
the  Farmers  and  Drovers  Bank  has  always  been  redeemable  at 
par.    The  present  board  of  directors,  consist  of 


>  New  York  Gajtettef  r. 


136  HISTORY  or  THE 

Horace  Bailey,  Esq.  Lewis  Doaney 

Tjeonard  D.  Clift,  Epenetus  Howe, 
Edwin  Crosby,  Stephen  Brown, 

John  Titus,  Charles  Wright, 

Gerard  Crane,  .Daniel  Kent, 
Thaddeus  Crane,  Lewis  Brown, 

Solomon  Bailey. 

OFFICERS. 

Horace  Bailey,  Esq.,  President. 
Egbert  Howland,  Cashier. 

Near  the  centre  of  the  village,  and  directly  opposite  the  junc- 
tion of  the  Pines  bridge  and  Peekskill  turnpike  road,  stands  the 
Elephant  Hotels  a  very  commodious  and  handsome  brick  edi- 
fice, under  the  superintendence  of  Horace  Bailey,  Esq. 

The  large  zoological  exhibitions  which  annually  visit  this 
state,  originated  in  Somerstown,  through  the  enterprise  of  Hacha- 
liah  Bailey,  who  imported  about  1816,  the  celebrate^  elephant 
•  «  Old  Bet,'^  the  first  ever  brought  to  the  United  States.  Other  im- 
portations of  animals  quickly  followed,  but  subsequently  the  smal- 
ler companies  became  absorbed  into  one  grand  travelling  mena- 
gerie. The  present  propiietors  are  Messrs.  Thaddeus  and  Ge- 
rard Crane.  These  gentlemen  are  associated  with  the  great  lion- 
tamer.  Van  Amburgh,  and  in  the  adjoining  town  of  North  Salem, 
with  Lewis  Tit  is  imd  John  June. 

The  Episcopal  Church  of  St.  Luke,  occupies  a  fine  situation, 
on  the  Plain^  at  no  great  distance  from  the  hotel.  It  is  a  very 
handsome  edifice  of  wood,  in  the  Grecian  style,  with  a  stone 
basement  beneath.  The  front  presents  a  lofty  portico,  supported 
by  Ionic  columns ;  the  roof  is  surmounted  with  a  low  tower. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER. 


Previous  to  ihe  erection  of  ihis  church  in  1842,  Episcopal  ser- 
vices were  occasionally  performed  in  the  town,  by  the  neighbor- 
ing clergy.  They  were  held  usnally  in  an  edifice  erected  by 
the  liberality  of  persona  belonging  to  the  various  religious  socie- 
ties and  others,  possessing  no  denominational  connection,  under 
the  name  of  the  Union  Meeting  House.  Here  the  church- 
men of'this  section  of  country  were  favored  with  the  occa- 
sional ministrations  of  the  Rev.  R.  C.  Moore,  the  late  pious 
and  beloved  Bishop  of  Virginia,  and  many  other  respectable  and 
laborious  clei^ymen.  As  early  as  1808,  we  find  the  Rev.  Evan 
Rogers  officiating  here.  Before  the  26th  of  January,  in  the  year 
1835,  the  present  parish  was  organized  under  the  rectorship  of 
the  Rer.  Alexander  Fraser,  and  about  this  lime,  arrangements 
vere  made  for  disposing  of  the  interest  which  the  Episcopal 
party  held  in  Ihe  Union  meeting  house  and  parsonage,  and  build- 
ing a  church  for  themselves.  This  was  quickly  effected  through 
the  active  and  zealous  exertions  of  the  vestry,  to  whose  liberali- 
ty together  with  that  of  several  other  individuals  of  the  neigh- 
borhood, friendly  to  the  undertaking,  the  parish  is  indebted  for 
its  present  commodious  and  beautiful  church. 

This  building  was  consecrated  to  the  service  of  Almighty 
God,  on  the  19ih  of  January,  A.  D.  1S42,  by  the  Right  Rev. 

ToL.  II.  18 


138  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Bcnj.  Tredwell  Onderdonk.    It  had  been  previously  incorpo- 
rated upon  the  28lh  Feb.,  1835. 

Isaac  Purdy,  and  Frederick  J.  Coffin,  church  wardens,  Thaddcus 
Barlow,  Aaron  Brown,  William  Marshall,  Gerard  Crane,  Edwin 
Finch,  Charles  Wright,  William  Clock  and  ftay  Tompkins,  ves- 
trymen.* 

LIST  OF  RECTORS. 

Instituted  or  called.  Incumbents.  Vacated  by 

A.  D.  19^,  Rev.  Alexander  Fraser,  Presb.  xesig. 

A.  D.  1842,  Rev.  David  H.  Short,  Presb.  do. 

A.  D.  1844,  Rev.  Samuel  Chalmess  Davis,  Presb.  do. 

A.  D.  1846,  Rev.  Alfred  H.  Partridge,  present  incumbent. 

Kotitia  Parochialis. 

1843,  Communicants^  14.        Baptisms,    1. 

1844,  do.  22.  da        12. 

The  Presbyterian  church  is  very  pleasantly  situated  on  the 
north  side  of  the  main  street,  near  the  foot  of  Prospect  Hill. 

Its  front  presents  a  neat  portico  of  the  Doric  order.  The 
Presbyterian  society  was  first  incorporated  on  the  10th  of  Janu- 
ary, 1811,  under  the  name  of  the  "  Union  Presbyterian  Church 
of  Somerstown,"  Darius  Crosby,  Lewis  Brown,  Amaziah  Mead, 
Joseph  Owen,  jr.,  James  Bailey  and  Ebenezer  White,  jr.,  triis- 
tees.i>  111  the  year  1832,  a  mutual  division  took  place,  which 
led  to  the  erection  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Croton  falls, 
whose  pastor  is  the  Rev.  Joseph  Nimmo.  The  present  church 
edifice  was  erected,  A.  D.  1799. 

CATALOGUE  OF  PASTORS  AND  SUPPLIES. 

Instal  or  call.  Pastor  or  Supply.  vacated  by 

A.  D.  1801,  Rev.  John  McNiece,  resignation 

A.  D.  1805,  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  ditto. 


•  Co.  Ree.  ReligioiM  Soc,  Lib.  B.  33.  b  Ibid.  Lib.  A.  45. 


A.  D.  1825, 
A.  D.  1826, 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  139 

A.  D.  1823,  Rev.  Sylvanus  Haight,  resi^. 

A.  D.  1824,  Rev.  Abraham  Purely,  by  death. 

A.  D.  1827,  Rev.  Ezra  Day,  resignation. 

A.  D.  1831,  Rev.  Griffith  R.  Griffith,  ditto. 

A.  D.  1834,  Rev.  Henry  Benedict,  ditto. 

A.  D.  1835,  Rev.  Alexander  Leadbither,         ditto. 

A.  D.  1845,  Rev.  George  Menelaus,  present  pastor. 

Chnrch  Memoranda. 

1846,  Communicants,  25,  Baptisms,  1. 

The  first  Methodist  Episcopal  society  in  this  town,  was  in* 
corporated  on  the  10th  of  May,  1794,  Joseph  Hadden,  Thomas 
Bailey,  John  Stedwell,  Abraham  Golding,  Samuel  Wilson,  Jup., 
and  Benjamin  Huestis,  trustees.*  A  second  incorporation  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  occurs  upon  the  20th  of  De^ 
cember,  1808.^  The  incorporation  of  the  Methodist  brick 
church,  took  place  on  the  20lh  of  Sept.  1836.  This  building 
is  still  standing  on  the  Mahopack  road,  a  littlo  northeast  of  the 
village. 

In  the  rear  of  the  Presbyterian  church  is  situated  the  Union 
burying  ground.  Here  are  memorials  to' the  Browns,  Owensy 
Wrights,  Crosbys,  Cranes,  Finchs,  Baileys,  Turks  and  Whites, 
Sec.  &c.  The  oldest  interment  appears  to  be  a  member  of  the 
Roof  family,  1770.  A  plain  head-stone  bears  the  following  in* 
scription : 

Sacred  to  the  memory 

of 

James  Bailey, 
who  died  Nov.  13th,  1826, 

aged  79  years  1  mo.  and  16  days, 

O  !  death  thy  ensigns  here  display. 


•  Co.  Rec.  Religiotti  Sac  Lib.  A.  45.  J>  Ibid. 


140  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Another  mortal  snatched  away. 
From  life,  from  friends,  from  every  tie 
That  binds  to  earth,  yet  called  to  die. 
Such  is  our  lot,  like  him  here  laid. 
'  We  must  be  numbered  with  the  dead, 
And  yield  our  life  a  transient  day, 
To  mingle  with  our  mother  clay. 

In  this  yard  lie  also  the  remains  of  Mary,  wife  of  Luther  Kin- 
nicut,*  who  departed  this  life  Nov.  13th,  1811,  aged  66  years. 

In  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  village,  are  situated  the  farms 
and  residences  of  Gerard  Crane,  Edward  Finch,  Charles  Wright,** 
Thaddeus  Crane,  Caleb  Green,  Robert  Halleck,  John  Titus^  and 
others. 

A  charming  valley  opens  to  the  east  of  the  plains  through 
which  flows  the  Croton.  Rapidity  seems  to  be  the  principal 
characteristic  of  this  fine  stream,  its  Indian  name  Kitcha- 
wan,  denoting  the  general  swiftness  qf  its  current.  South  of 
Dean^s  bridge^  the  banks  are  highly  diversified  with  romantic 
and  picturesque  scenery ;  below  Dean's  bridge  are  Golding's, 
Woods'  and  the  Muscoota  bridges. 

The  village  of  Croion  Fallsj  formerly  Owenville,  occupies  the 
northeast  comer  of  Somers,  bordering  on  the  south  line  of  Put- 
nam county.  At  this  place,  the  Croton  river  ^'afibrds  hydraulic 
power  to  a  great  extent,  but  little  of  which  is  as  yet  occupied  for 
manufacturing  purposes."  The  stream  is  said  to  average  three 
hundred  horse  power.  Here  are  located  a  Presbyterian  church, 
a  paper  mill,  a  saw  and  grist  mill,  a  clothier's  works,  a  post  ofiicei 
two  stores  and  several  dwellings,  besides  a  rail  road  depot  for  the 
accommodation  of  travellers,  and  for  merchandise.  There  is 
also  a  convenient  hotel  under  the  management  of  Messrs.  Smith 


»  Luther  Kinnicut  served  in  the  capacity  of  a  spy  to  General  Washington  during 
the  ReTolntion,  see  page  12. 

b  Mr.  Wright  occupies  tlie  estate  formerly  owned  by  James  Bailey. 

•  This  gentleman  is  the  son  of  John  Titus,  and  great  grandson  of  Samuel  Titus, 
whose  father,  Edmund,  was  bom  in  England,  in  1630,  and  came  from  Mas- 
mchusetts  to  Long  Island,  in  1G50.    SeeThompson*s  Long  Island,  toI.  ii.  54. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  141 

and  Mead.  Stages  during  the  summer  months,  leave  this  place 
daily  for  Lake  Mahopack,*  a  distance  of  five  miles.  Nearly  oppo- 
site the  depot,  the  two  main  branches  of  the  Croton  river  unite. 
The  Presbyterian  Society  was  first  organized  here,  in  1833i 
under  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Nimmo.  A  neat 
and  commodious  church  edifice  has  been  recently  erected,  to 
which  is  attached  a  small  parsonage  and  grave  yard.i> 

Church  Memoranda. 
1847,  Communicants,  26,  Baptisms,  2. 

Bordering  the  Croton  river,  are  the  estates  and  residences  of 
Mr.  Silas  Finch,  Mr.  Edwin  Crosby  and  Thomas  R.  Lee,  Esq. 
The  latter  gentleman  represented  (in  1842)  this  county  in  assem- 
bly. 

Within  a  short  distance  of  the  village,  is  situated  the  property 
of  the  late  Lewis  Brown,  Esq.,  whose  grandfather,  Hachaliah 
Brown  of  Rye,  purchased  these  lands  under  the  heirs  of  Ste- 
phanus  van  Cortland t,  in  1760.  His  son  Elbert,  at  present,  re- 
sides on  the  estate. 

West  Somers,  as  its  name  imports,  is  situated  to  the  west  of 
Somerstown  Plains.  It  is  a  scattered  hamlet,  containing  a  store, 
a  post  office,  and  a  commodious  hotel  belonging  to  the  Messrs. 
Charles  and  William  Teed. 

The  neighborhood  of  West  Somers  is  exceedingly  beautiful, 
commanding  a  rich  view  of  the  Plains  and  Plum  Brook  val- 
ley. 

To  the  west  of  this  place  lies  the  valley  of  the  Muscoota, 
through  which  meanders  the  Muscoota  river.  The  margins  of 
this  lovely  stream  are  adorned  in  many  places  with  thick  wood- 
land and  bold  hills,  which  constrain  it  into  an  endless  variety 
of  windings,  at  every  turn,  presenting  new  features.    South  of 


•  ''  Lake  Mahopack-is  a  beautifa]  sheet  of  water,  lying  in  the  town  of  Cannel, 
Patnam  Co. ;  it  is  about  one  mile  in  diameter,  in  which  are  embosomed  two  or 
three  small  islands.  The  waters  abound  with  Tarious  kinds  of  fish  of  fine  flavor, 
which  are  taken  in  great  quantities."  Disturnell's  Gazetteer  of  N.  Y.  Lake  Ma- 
hopack  is  situated  150  feet  aboTe  Croton  falls — Editor. 

b  This  church  is  at  present  connected  with  the  Bedford  Pkiesbyterjr. 


142  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Bedell's  mill  pond  its  waters  form  a  succession  of  rapids,  which 
enter  the  Croton  a  little  below  Woodsbridge,*'near  the  junction 
of  Cross  and  Croton  rivers.  The  running  supply  of  the  Mus- 
coota  is  said  to  be  at  a  fair  calculation  3,628,800  gallons  per 
diem. 

Upon  this  stream  are  placed  (he  grist  and  saw  mill  of  W.  S. 
Tompkins,  the  cloth  dressing  establishment  of  Reuben  C.  Yar- 
nall,  the  grist,  saw  and  fulling  mill  of  Munson  Perry,  and  the 
grist  and  saw  mill  of  Isaac  Bedle. 

On  the  Mili  Brooke  a  branch  of  the  Muscoota,  are  situated  the 
paper  mills  of  William  Wallace  and  Abraham  H.  Miller. 

Angle  Fly  Brook,  a  celebrated  trout  stream,  which  rises  on 
the  lands  of  Mr.  Tompkins,  is  a  tributary  of  the  Muscoota  river. 

On  the  east  side  of  Primrose  street  are  situated  the  residences 
of  Samuel  Teed,  William  Marshall  and  Ray  Tompkins,  Esqs. 
The  latter  individual  is  the  second  son  of  the  Hon.  Daniel  D. 
Tompkins.  In  his  possession  is  an  excellent  portrait  of  the 
Governor  by  Waldo  and  Jewett. 

Mount  Zion  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  Primrose  street 
was  erected,  cir.  1794,  and  appears  to  have  been  incorporated  on 
the  20th  May,  1828.  Henry  Clift,  Aaron  Brown,  James  Phil- 
lips, Samuel  S.  Ferguson  and  Samuel  Pedwick  trustees. 

In  the  grave  yard  are  interred  the  remains  of 

Margaret, 

wife  of 

Enoch  Crosby,  Esq., 

formerly  the  wife  of 

Colonel  Benjamin  Green,  deceased. 

Died  March  22,  1825, 

Aged  64  years,  3  months, 

and  20  days. 

The  above  mentoned  lady  was  the  second  wife  of  the  well- 
known  "  Westchester  Spy."  By  her  side  is  a  plain  marble  mo- 
nument inscribed, 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  IC 

In 

Memory  of 

ColI  Benjamin  GreeNi 

who  died 

October  6,  1812, 

Aged  56  years  and  2  months. 

Upon  Plum  Brook  are  situated  the  saw  mills  of  Messrs. 
Sylvanus  Kniffen  and  Jacob  Ruxer,  also  the  saw  and  grist  mill 
of  Robert  Halleck.  This  stream  has  its  source  in  the  northern 
part  of  the  town,  and  running  through  the  town,  passes  into  the 
Croton  at  Woodsbridge.  There  are  few  historical  notices  of  im- 
portance in  connection  with  Somers,  except  that  during  the  Re- 
volution, -General  Washington  lay  encamped  for  sometime  on 
the  high  hills  east  of  the  village,  in  the  vicinity  of  Mr.  Reuben 
Wright's  house. 

<^  The  surface  of  Somers  is  uneven  in  part,  with  some  exten- 
sive plains  ;  soil,  various,  but  mostly  well  adapted  to  grass  and 
grain."*  '*  The  farms  are  large,  and  the  inhabitants  industrious 
and  wealthy.  The  growth  of  wood  is  similar  to  that  in  the 
neighboring  towns."  The  high  lands  in  the  north-eastern  part 
of  the  town  are  said  to  abound  with  iron  ore  of  good  quality. 


•  See  Diitaniell's  GazeUeer  of  N.  Y. 


HISTORY  OF  THE 


WESTCHESTER. 

The  township  of  - 
Westchester*  is  siliia- 
ted  sixteen  miles  south 
of  the  village  of  White 
Plains,  distant  twelve 
miles  from  New  York,  | 
and  one  hundred  and 
fifty  from  Albany; 
bounded  on  the  north  by 
Eastchester,  east  by  the 
Eastchester  bay  or  Long  Island  Sound,  south  by  the  East  River, 
and  west  by  the  Bronx.  "  Its  form  is  defined  by  waters  on  three 
sides,  and  of  course  irregular,  but  its  medial  extent  north  and 
south  may  be  four  miles,  and  east  and  west  about  two  and  a 
half;  with  an  area  of  nearly  ten  square  miles."''     Prior  to  1846 


flt.  FfMr*i  Chweh, 


•  Tbie  name  ■  probably  derived  rroin  tlie  citj  of  the  Same  title  in  ChMhirs,  Eng- 
Und.  "  Not  for  from  tba  moulh  of  the  Dee  in  CLmhire,  (nji  Camden,)  atanda 
that  noble  city,  which  Plolemy  calls  Deunana  and  ADtDninua,  Deva,  from  the  river ; 
the  Britoua  Caer-Legion,  Jic,  and  by  way  of  pre-emiaeoce  Caer;  as  oui  ancetton 
the  Saxona  called  it  Legeacerca,  rrom  Ihe  legion  there,  end  we  more  eonttactlj 
Wflchtiter  from  ite  wealerly  litaalion,  and  aimpty  Ckttltr  according  to  that 

Ceitria  do  Caatria  nomen  qnaii  Caitria  BampaiL 
Cbeater  from  Caater  (or  the  camp)  wai  named. 
A  more  appropriale  aiune  could  not  have  been  lelected,  aa  It  WW  •Itnated  WMt 
of  the  Mew  EDglaad  lettlemeDta. 

k  Spifbrd'a  Gazetteer.  ^ 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  145 

this  town  embraced  West  Farms,  and  the  manors  of  Morrisania 
and  Fordham. 

Like  the  adjoining  lands,  Westchester  was  originally  purchased 
by  the  Dutch  West  India  Company,  of  the  Mohegan  sachems 
and  other  Indians,  who  claimed  it  in  1610.^ 

Upon  the  14th  of  November,  1654,  Thomas  Pell  of  Fairfield, 
Connecticut,  obtained  a  second  grant  from  the  aboriginal  propri- 
etors, which  also  embraced  the  present  town.  Thirty  years 
later  we  find  the  sachems  Maminepoe  and  Wampage  conveying 
to  the  inhabitants  of  Westchester  '*  all  that  tract  of  land  lying  on 
the  east  side  of  Bronckses  river." 

The  principal  Indian  settlements  in  this  town,  were  located 
upon  Castle  Hill  neck  and  about  Bear  swamp.^  The  former  is 
said  to  have  been  the  site  of  an  Indian  castle.  On  the  south-east 
side  of  Spicer's  neck  is  situated  " Burying  Point"  their  place 
of  sepulture.  The  extensive  ^^  shell  banks?^  on  the  shores  of  the 
East  river,  afford  evidence  that  the  aboriginal  population  must 
at  one  time  have  been  very  considerable. 

Westchester  "  was  probably  first  settled  in  1 642,  by  a  Mr. 
John  Throckmorton  and  thirty-five  associates,  who  came  from 
New  England,  with  the  approbation  of  the  Dutch  authorities."*^ 
By  the  Dutch  it  was  denominated  "  Vredeland^"  or  the  "  Land  of 
Peace,"  "a  meet  appellation  (says  the  historian  of  the  New 
Netherlands,)  for  the  spot  selected  as  a  place  of  refuge  by  those 
who  were  br^ised  and  broken  down  by  religious  persecution."^' 

In  reply  to  John  Throckmorton's  petition,  soliciting  permission 
to  settle  down  within  the  limits  of  the  New  Netherlands,  is  the 
following  license,  dated  2d  October,  1642. 

**  Whereas  Mr.  Throckmorton,  with  his  asAociates,  solicits  to  settle  with 
thirty  five  families  within  the  limits  of  the  jurisdiction  of  their  High  Mighti- 


•  Alb.  Rec.  Tol.  ii.  147. 

b  The  aborigines  maintained  poesesnon  here  as  late  as  1789.  The  site  of  their 
wigwams  is  now  owned  by  Mr.  Jesse  Ryer.  In  this  Ticinity  is  a  small  ezcaTation 
cat  out  of  a  granite  rock,  (in  the  form  of  a  mortar,)  used  by  the  Indians  in  pound- 
ing their  com. 

•  Hist.  Collections  of  N.  Y.  by  John  Barber  and  Henry  Howe. 
4  0*CaUaghan's  Hist  N.  N.  358. 

Vol.  11.  19 


146  HISTORY  OF  THE 

nesses,  to  reside  there  in  peace  and  enjoy  the  aame  privilej^es  as  onr  othir 
subjects,  and  be  faYured  with  the  free  exercise  of  their  religion  ;  having  seen 
the  petition  of  the  aforesaid  Throckmorton,  and  consulted  with  the  interests 
of  the  Company,  as  this  request  can  by  no  means  be  injurious  to  the  country, 
more  so  as  the  English  are  to  settle  at  a  distance  of  three  miles  from  us,  so 
it  is  granted.  Mr.  Throckmorton,  with  thirty-five  English  families,  are 
permitted  to  settle  within  three  miles  of  Amsterdam.^** 

Upon  the  6th  of  July,  1643,  the  following  "  land  briefs  was 
granted  to  Jan  Throckmorton,  &c. 

'*  We,  William  KieA,  director  iifeneral,  and  the  coancil,  in  behalf  of  their 
high  mighty  lords,  the  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands,  his  highness 
the  Prince  of  Orange,  and  the  noble  lords,  the  managers  of  the  General  In- 
corporated West  India  Company  in  New  Nethei lands  residing,  by  these  pre- 
sents, do  publish  and  declare  that  we,  on  this  day  the  date  underwritten,  have 
given  and  granted  onto  Jan  Throckmorton  a  piece  of  land,  (being  a  portion  of 
Vredeland,)  containing  as  follows,  along  the  East  river  of  New  Netherlands, 
extending  from  the  point  half  a  mile,  which  piece  of  land  aforesaid  is  sur- 
rounded on  one  side  by  a  little  river,  and  on  the  other  side  by  a  great  hill, 
which  river  and  hill  on  high  water  running,  meet  each  other,  surround  the 
Miid  land,  as  will  more  clearly  appear  by  a  map  of  the  same  which  has  been 
made  and  marked  off  by  the  surveyor,  with  the  express  conditions  and  terms 
that  the  said  Jan  Throckmorton,  or  they  who  by  virtue  of  these  presents  shall 
succeed  to  his  action,  the  noble  lords,  the  managers  aforesaid,  shall  acknow- 
ledge as  their  lords  and  patroons,  under  the  sovereignty  of  the  high  and 
mighty  lords,  the  States  General,  and  unto  their  director  and  council  here, 
shall  in  all  things  be  confirmed  as  all  good  citizens  are  in  duty  bound  ;  provided 
also  that  the  said  Jan  Throckmorton  and  his  company  (associates)  shall  fur- 
thermore be  subject  to  all  such  burdens  and  imposts,  as  already  have  been 
enacted  by  the  noble  lords,  and  hereafter  may  yet  be  enacted.  It  is  further- 
more made  an  express  condition  that  the  aforesaid  Jan  Throckmorton,  ac- 
cording to  promise,  shall  settle  on  the  aforesaid  lands  as  many  families  as  may 
offer  in  the  same  manner,  constituting  over  the  said  Throckmorton  and  his 
company,  in  our  stead,  in  the  real  and  actual  possession  of  the  aforesaid  piece 
of  land,  lying  on  the  East  river  aforesaid,  giving  them  by  these  presents  the 
full  and  irrevocable  might,  authority,  and  special  permission  the  aforesaid  par- 
cel of  land  to  enter,  cultivate,  inhabit,  and  occupy,  in  like  manner  as  he  may 
lawfully  do  with  other  his  patrimonial  lands  and  effects,  without  our,  the  gran- 
tors in  quality  aforesaid,  thereunto  any  longer  having,  reserving  or  saving  any 
part,  action,  or  control  whatever,  but  to  the  behoof  as  aforesaid,  from  all  as- 


•  Alb.  Rec.  firom  1638  to  1642. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  147 

flisting  from  this  time  forth  and  forever,  promising  moreover  this  tntospoit 
firmly,  invariably,  and  irrevocably  to  maintain,  fulfil,  and  execute,  and  to  d« 
all  that  in  equity  we  are  bound  to  do.  Done  in  Fort  Amsterdam  in  New 
Netherlands,  this  0th  day  of  July,  1643. 

"WiLUAM  KiKrr. 
"  By  order  of  the  noble  lords,  the  directors  and  coQocil  of  the  New 
Netherlands. 

"  CoRNELis  Tikhhoven,  Secretary."* 

This  grant,  subsequently  called  Throckmorton's  neck,  em- 
braced the  eastern  part  of  the  present  town.  It  was  bounded  oa 
the  north  by  Eastchester  neck,  on  the  east  by  the  Easlchester 
bay  and  Long  Island  sound,  on  the  south  by  the  East  river,  and 
on  the  west  by  the  Westchester  creek. 

John  Throckmorton,  the  patentee,  originally  emigrated  from 
England  to  Nantaskett,  Massachusetts,  5th  February,  1631,  in 
the  ship  Lyon;  from  this  place  he  removed  to  Salem  in  1639; 
he  afterwards  became  a  Baptist,  and  a  resident  of  Rhode  Island.^ 
From  Rhode  Island  he  fled  to  Vredeland  that  he  might  enjoy 
here  (among  the  Dutch)  the  free  exercise  of  his  religious  prin* 
ciples. 

The  Throckmorton  family  derive  their  name  from  Throcke- 
mertona,  (Throckmorton)  or  the  Rockmoor  town,  which  is  situ* 
ated  in  the  vale  of  Evesham,  Worcester  county,  England*  Joha 
Throckmorton  was  lord  of  the  manor  of  Throckmorton,  about 
sixty  years  after  the  Norman  conquest-  The  etymology  of  the 
name  is  either  British  or  Saxon,  which  shows  that  they  held  this 
property  before  that  period.  Eighth  in  descent  from  John  Throck- 
morton, lord  of  I'hrockmorton  in  1130,  was  John  ThrockmortoOi 
lord  of  Throckmorton^s  neck,  Vredeland,  who  left  issue  John 
Throckmorton.  The  patentee  is  now  represented  by  the  Throck- 
mortons  of  Middletown,  New  Jersey.  Several  members  of  the 
Throckmorton  family  appear  to  have  fallen  in  the  Indian  massar 
ere  which  took  place  on  the  6th  of  October,  1643.^  Upon  the 
29tb  of  April,  1652,  John  Throckmorton  petitioned  the  director 


>  Alb.  R«c.  6.  6. 98.    Ibid.  173,  4. 
^  Farmers*  Register. 

•  See  page  514.    The  war  between  the  Dutch  and  the  Indians  of  W^itchester 
continued  throughoat  1644.    Alb.  Rec.  toI  zi.  56. 


148  HISTORY  OF  THE 

general  for  leave  to  transport  Throckmorton's  neck.  In  October 
following  permission  was  granted,  whereupon  he  conveyed  the 
same  to  Augustine  Hermans.* 

On  the  6th  of  December,  1656,  Governor  Stuyvesant  ordered 
that  Throckmorton's  and  Cornhili's  neck  (Clason's  Point,)  might 
come  into  .their  jurisdiction  if  they  please.^ 

Augustine  Hermans,  soon  after  his  purchase, conveyed  fifty 
morgen  of  land  situated  on  Throckmorton's  neck,  to  Thomas 
Hunt.  In  1665  the  town  of  Westchester  asserted  **  that  she  had 
always  enjoyed  Throckmorton's  neck."c 

The  following  abstract  is  taken  from  a  cause  in  the  court  of 
assize,  September,  1666,  wherein  Augustine  Hermans  was  plain- 
tiff, for  usurpation  of  rights  ;  and  the  inhabitants  of  ye  town  of 
Westchester,  defendants. 

Mr.  Rider,      )  Attorneys  for  ye 
—  Sharpe,   )     Plaintiff,  &c. 

*^They  produce  the  patent  to  Throckmorton  transported  to  Augaatina^. 
Hermans. 

**  A  mappe  of  ye  neck  oC  land  is  viewed. 

"  Thomas  Hunt,  sen.,  his  deposition  read,  and  Ids  deed  from  Augastinas 
Hermans. 

"  A  copy  of  an  order  is  produced  by  the  defendant,  made  by  the  Dutch  g07- 
ernor,  bearing  date  July  Oih,  1657,  wherein  its  exprest  that  Westchester  shall 
have  four  English,  or  one  Dutch  mile  square  of  land  for  the  towne,  which 
must  be  taken  of  this  neck.  There  is  also  mention  made  on  ye  said  order  of 
a  reservation  of  one  hundred  or  fiOy  morgen  for  Throckmorton^s  and  Corneirs 
neck,  for  a  farme  upon  each. 

Another  order  brought  in  by  them,  dated  1660,  viz.,  that  all  persons  shall 
remove  from  their  out  farmes,  which  were  at  a  distance,  and  settle  in  townes. 

Another  writing,  acknowledged  before  Mr.  van  Ruyven,  of  ye  plaintiff's 
making  over  his  interest  in  ye  land  in  question  to  Thomas  Hunt,  sen. 

The  court  adjudge  in  lieu  of  all  ye  plaintiff's  pretences  to  Throckmorton's 
neck,  hee  shall  only  have  fifty  morgen  of  land  thereupon,  with  meadow  pro- 
per con  able  :  thirty- four  morgen  whereof,  with  a  due  proporcon  of  meadow, 
being  that  which  was  heretofore  sold  by  the  plaintiff  to  Thomas  Hunt,  sen., 
who  is  in  possession  thereof.    The  other  fifteen  morgen  at  the  sale  reserved 


»  Rec.  of  Asiize,  vol.  ii.  59. 

b  Alb.  Rec.  Courts  of  Assize,  vol.  i.  CO. 

•  Alb.  Rec*  Courts  of  Assize,  vol.  II.  60. 


C0UN1*Y  OF  WESTCHESTER.  149 

by  the  pltintiflf,  and  making  up  the  complement  of  the  fifty,  is  to  be  aett  out 
opon  the  said  neck,  with  its  proporeon  of  meadow,  by  the  gOTcrnor^s  order, 
and  not  otherwise,  saving  the  right  which  Mr.^  Spicer  shall  hereafter  make 
appeare  to  have  therein,  and  the  remainder  of  Throckmorton's  aeck  is  to  bee 
at  ye  governor's  disposall.  It  appearing  not  to  this  court  that  ye  towne  of 
Westchester  hath  any  lawful  pretence  thereunto,  the  defendants  are  likewise 
to  pay  the  charge  of  suite.'> 

(JpoQ  the  12th  of  September,  1666,  a  warrant  was  granted 
unto  Mr.  Augustine  Hermans  against  the  inhabitants  of  West- 
chester, by  Governor  Richard  Nicolls.** 

On  the  7th  January,  1667,  Richard  Nicolls  granted  to  Roger 
Townsend  "  a  certain  parcel  of  land  within  the  limits  of  West- 
chester, upon  the  maine,  situate,  lying,  and  being  on  ye  back 
side  of  Throckmorton's  neck,  at  ye  south-east  end  thereof,  com- 
monly called  New  Found  Passage,  containing  fifteen  acres,  as 
also  a  small  neck  near  thereto  adjoining,  commonly  called  Horse- 
neck,  being  about  the  same  quantity  of  land,  which  is  not  in  oc- 
cupation." 

In  1669,  thirty  acres  of  land  on  Throckmorton's  neck  were 
granted  to  Mrs.  Micah  Spicer.^ 

Upon  the  12th  of  January,  1686,  SpicePs  and  Brockett's  necks 
(commonly  called  the  grove  farm,)  were  confirmed  by  letters 
patent,  under  the  great  seal  of  the  province,  to  Thomas  Hunt,  in 
the  following  manner. 

GROVE  FARM  PATENT. 

Thomas  Dongan,  Captain  General,  Governor  in  chief  and  Vice  Admiral  ia 
and  over  the  Province  of  New  York  and  territories  depending  thereon  ia 
America,  under  his  Majesty  James  the  Second,  by  the  grace  of  God,  King  of 
England,  Scotland,  France  and  Ireland,  &c.,  &c.,  &c..  Defender  of  the 
Faith,  &c.,  to  all  lo  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  sendeth  greeting: 
Whereas  Thomas  Hnnt  of  the  Westchester  in  the  Co.  of  W.  C.  stands 
seized  of  an  estate  in  fee  simple,  or  one  messuage  or  tenement,  and  a  certaia 


>  Alb.  Assize  Rec.  vol.  1.  129. 

^  Alb.  Assize  Rec.  vol.  L  46. 

*  The  Spicers  and  Brockets  were  doobtleai  some  of  the  associates  of  John  Throok* 
morton.  At  a  court  or  assizes  held  November  5th,  1669,  Mrs.  Mtoah  Spicer  sued 
for  thirty  acres  of  liihd  on  Throckmorton's  neck.    Assise  Ree.  225, 


150  HISTORY  OF  THE 

tract  or  parcel  of  land  afid  meadow  ground,  lying,  situate  and  being  within  ihe 
liinita  or  bounds  of  the  town  of  Westchester  aforesaid,  on  two  certain  necks 
of  land  called  by  the  name  and  names  of  Spicer^s  neck  and  Brnokcti^s  neck, 
vh  said  messuage  or  tenement  and  parcel  of  land  and  premises  is  now  called 
and  distinguished  and  known  by  the  name  of  the  Grove  Farm  of  Westcbes* 
ter,  being  bounded  on  the  east  by  a  certain  cove  or  bay  which  runs  up  to  the 
north  part  of  Spicer^s  neck,  on  the  south  by  the  Sound,  on  the  west  by  the 
harbour  and  river  that  runs  up  to  the  sd  town  of  Westchester,  and  on  the 
north  by  a  swamp  and  a  certain  creek  wh  runs  into  the  sd  river  and  divides 
the  lands  called  Throgmortpn^s  neck  from  Spicer^s  neck  aforesaid  ;  Know  yte 
That  by  virtue  of  the  commission  and  authority  from  his  roost  sacred  Majesty 
and  power  in  me  being  and  residing,  in  consideration  of  the  quit  rent  herein 
aAer  reserved,  and  other  good  and  lawful  considerations  me  thereunto  move- 
ing,  I  have  given,  granted,  ratified  and  confirmed,  and  by  these  presents  do 
give,  grant,  ratify  and  &o.,  &c.,  &c.,  confirmed  unto  the  said  Thomas  Hunt, 
his  heirs  and  assigns,  for  ever,  all  the  before  recited  messuages  or  tenements 
and  tract  or  parcel  of  land  and  premises  with  their  and  ev^ry  of  their  appur- 
tenances together  with  all  and  singular  houaes,  out-houses,  barns,  stables, 
orchards,  gardens,  yards,  lands,  meadows,  meadow  grounds,  marshes,  pas- 
tures, fields,  woods,  wood  lands,  nndcr-woods,  waters,  lakes,  creeks,  coves, 
hunting,  hawking,  fishing  and  fowling,  and  all  other  proffits  and  comodiiy, 
easments,  emoluments,  hereditaments  and  appurtenances,  to  the  above  gran- 
ted messuage,  lands  and  premises  belonging  or  in  any  wise.  &c.,  &c.,  apper- 
taining, as  also  liberty  and  the  freedom  of  commonage  for  all  sorts  of  cattle , 
cutting  of  timber  and  fire -wood  in  the  commons  and  common  wood  lands  of 
Westchester  aforesaid,  as  other  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of  Westches- 
ter do  or  may  enjoy,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  said  messuage  or  tenement,  tract 
or  parcel  of  land  and  premises,  with  all  and  singular  the  hereditaments  and 
appurtenances  thereunto  belonging  or  appertaining,  and  herein  before  granted 
and  confirmed  unto  the  said  Thomas  Hunt,  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  un- 
to the  sole  and  only  proper  use,  benefit  and  behoof  of  him  the  said  Thomas 
Hunt,  his  heirs,  and  assigns  for  ever ;  and  I  the  said  Thomas  Dtingan  do  fur- 
ther will,  declare  and  grant  to  the  said  Thomas  Hunt,  his  heirs  and  assigns, 
that  the  messuage  lands  and  premises  herein  above  granted  and  confirmed, 
shall  and  may  at  all  time  and  times,  &c.,  &c.,  hereafter  for  ever  hold,  use, 
retain  and  keep  the  name  of  the  Grove  Farm  of  W^estchester,  and  by  that 
name,  style,  to  be  known,  called  and  distinguished  in  all  bargains,  sales,  es- 
cripts,  deeds,  records  and  writings ;  the  said  messuage  or  teiiementst  lands 
and  premises  to  bee  holden  of  his  most  sacred  Majesty,  his  heirs  and  succes- 
sors, in  free  and  common  soccage,  according  to  the  tenure  of  East  Green- 
wich, in  the  county  of  Kent,  in  his  Majesty's  kingdom  of  England,  yielding, 
rendering  and  paying  therefor  yearly  and  every  year  unto  his  said  most  sacred 
Majesty,  his  heirs  and  successors,  or  to  such  officer  or  officers  as  shall  from 
time  to  time  be  empowered  to  receive  the  same,  vis.  one  bushell  of  good  win- 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  151 

fer  wheat  as  a  quit  rent,  on  or  before  the  five  and  twentieth  day  of  March,  at 
the  city  of  New  York,  in  lieu  and  stead  of  all  services,  dues  and  demands 
whatsoever.  In  testimony  of  the  premises  I  have  caused  these  presents  to  bp 
recorded  in  the  secretary's  office,  and  the  seal  of  the  Province  to  be  hereunto 
affixed,  the  &c.,  &c.,  &c.,  twelfth  day  of  January,  in  the  second  year  of  his 
Majesty's  reign,  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  six  hundred  eighty 
and  six.* 

Thomas  Dongan.^ 
By  his  Majesty's  command. 

G.  S.  Swinton. 

In  1688,  William  Barnes  and  Martha  his  wife  conveyed  lands 
on  ThrockiTiorton's  neck,  (situate  near  those  of  Robert  Huestis)  to 
Thomas  Bedient.^ 

Thomas  Hunt,  senr.,  by  his  will  bearing  date  1694,  "be- 
queathed to  his  grandson  Josiah  Hunt,  eldest  son  of  my  son  Jo- 
siah  Hunt,  "  the  Grove  Farm,  to  him  and  his  heirs  male,  which 
was  patented  to  me  by  Governor  Nicolls  Ath  Decetnier^  1667, 
and  further  entails  the  same  to  the  said  Josiah  and  his  heirs  male 
lawfully  begotten  from  generation  to  generation." 

The  Grove  Farm  is  now  owned  by  the  Ferrises,  into  which 
family  it  passed  by  the  marriage  of  John  Ferris  with  Hannah 
Hunt. 

At  an  early  period  James  Rivington  (the  celebrated  printer  and 
bookseller  of  New  Vork^)  held  considerable  properly  on  Throck- 
morton's neck.  The  successors  of  the  Rivingtons  were  the  Bay- 
ards,, a  family  of  considerable  opulence  and  distinction.  Samuel 
Vetch  Bayard  **  served  under  the  Crown  of  England,  and  was  a 
distinguished  military  officer.  He  died  in  Wilmot,  Nova  Scotia, 
A.  D.  Ib32,  aged  seventy-five."  Bayard  purchased  of  Rivington 
the  properly  now  owned  by  Daniel  Edgar,  Esq. 


*  From  the  origioal  in  the  ponession  of  Mr.  Charlton  Ferris. 

b  Co.  R«c.  Lib.  A.  2.50. 

c  Rivington  "  was  possessed  of  6Qe  talents,  polite  mauners,  and  was  well  inftnn- 
ed.  Tbn  is  apparent  from  the  correspondence  of  several  of  the  leaders  on  the  po- 
pular side,  as  well  as  from  what  has  been  here  said,  that  his  tact  and  ability  in  eon- 
duntiug  a  newspaper  was  mach  feared,  and  that  his  press  had  more  influence  over 
the  public  mind  than  any  other  in  the  royal  interest  in  the  country.  Rivington  died 
in  1602,  «t  78."    Bee  Sabine's  American  Loyalists. 


162  HISTORY  OP  THE 

The  grandsons  of  Colonel  Samuel  Vetch  Bayard  (who  still  re* 
side  in  the  vicinity)  are  William  Bayard,  M.  D.,  of  West  FarroSj 
and  Mr.  Edward  Cooper  of  Throckmorton's  neck. 

A  portion  of  Col.  Bayard's  estate  was  subsequently  purchased 
by  his  brother  William  Bayard.  The  whole  property  is  now 
divided  among  numerous  individuals. 

The  second  grantee  under  the  Dutch,  (in  this  town)  was 
Thomas  Cornhill  or  Cornell,  who  obtained  the  following 
^'grond  brief,"  or  grant  in  1646. 

"We  William  Kief\,  Director  General,  and  the  Council  on  the  behalf  of  the 
High  and  Mighty  Lords,  the  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands,  the 
Prince  of  Orange  and  the  noble  Lords,  the  Managers  of  the  incorporated  West 
India  Companj  in  New  Netherlands  residing,  by  these  presents  do  publish  and 
declare  that  we,  on  this  day  the  date  underwritten,  have  given  and  granted 
unto  Thomas  Cornell  a  certain  piece  of  land  lying  on  the  East  River,  begin- 
oing  from  the  kill  of  Bronck^s  land  east  south  east  along  the  river,  extending 
about  half  a  Dutch  mile  from  the  river  till  to  a  little  creek  over  the  valley 
(marsh)  which  runs  back  around  this  land ;  with  the  express  condition  and 
terms  that  the  said  Thomas  Cornell,  or  they  who  to  his  action  hereafter  may 
succeed,  the  noble  Lords  the  Managers  aforesaid,  shall  acknowledge  as  their 
Lords  and  Patroons  under  the  sovereignty  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords  the 
States  General,  and  unto  their  Director  and  Council  here  shall  in  all  things 
be  confirmed  as  all  good  citizens  are  in  duty  bound,  provided  also  that  he  shall 
be  furthermore  subject  to  all  such  burdens  and  imposts  as  by  their  noble  Lords 
already  have  been  enacted,  or  such  as  hereafter  may  yet  be  enacted,  consti- 
tuting over  the  same  the  aforesaid  Thomas  Cornell  in  our  stead  in  the  real 
and  actual  possession  of  the  aforesaid  piece  of  land,  giving  him  by  these  pre- 
sents the  full  might,  authority,  and  special  license,  the  aforesaid  piece  to  en- 
ter, cultivate,  inhabit  and  occupy  in  like  manner  as  be  may  lawfully  do  with 
other  his  patrimonial  lands  and  effects,  without  our  the  grantors  in  the  quality 
as  aforesaid  thereunto  any  longer  having,  reserving  or  saving  any  part,  action 
or  control  whatever,  but  to  the  behoof  as  aforesaid  for  all  destiny,  for  this 
time  and  for  ever  more,  promising  furthermore  this  their  transport  firmly,  ia- 
Tiolahly  and  irrevocably  to  maintain,  fulfil  and  execute,  and  furthermore  to  do 
all  that  in  equity  we  are  bound  to  do  without  fraud  or  deceit,  these  presents 
only  as  undersigned  and  confirmed  with  our  seal  of  red  wax  here  underneath 
suspended. 

Done  in  the  Fort  Amsterdam  in  New  Netherlands,  this  26th  of  July,  1645, 
midersigned, 

William  Kiirr. 


••* 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  153 

By  order  of  the  noble  Lords,  the  Director  General  and  the  Council  of  New 
Netherlands. 

CoRRELXs  VAN  TiENHOTEN,  Secretary, •^ 

Upon  the  death  of  Thomas  Cornell,  the  neck  became  vested 
in  his  widow  who  conveyed  the  same  to  her  eldest  daughter, 
Sarah,  the  wife  of  Charles  Bridges. 

In  the  book  of  general  entries  at  Albany,  occurs  the  following 
order  addressed  to  the  schoiU,  biirgomeestcrs,  and  schepens  of 
New  York : 

<*  Upon  the  complaint  of  Charles  Bridges  and  Sarah  his  wife 
against  William  Newman  and  Thomas  Seneqviam,  an  Indian, 
now  in  custody,  you  are  hereby  required  to  summon  a  court  to 
meet  to-morrow,  to  examine,  hear  and  determine  the  matters 
in  controversie  between  the  said  partyes,  and  to  proceed  therein 
according  to  equity  and  good  conscience.  Given  under  my  hand 
at  Fort  James,  in  New  York,  the  24th  of  March,  1661.''b 

Richard  Nicolls. 

The  cause  appears  to  have  been  decided  in  favor  of  Mr. 
Bridges  and  his  wife,  for  on  the  27th  day  of  March,  1665,  the 
constable  of  Westchester  was  required  (by  the  Gpvemor)  "  to  de- 
liver unto  Mr.  Bridges  and  his  wife,  or  their  assignees,  the  goods 
that  lye  attached  in  your  hands  as  of  right  belonging  to  them, 
for  doing  whereof  this  shall  be  your  warrant.  Given  under  my 
band  at  Fort  James  in  New  York,  <kc."o    Richard  Nicolls. 

In  1664,  Thomas  Pell  of  Onkway,  Connecticut,  laid  claim  to 
Cornell's  neck. 

Upon  the  26th  of  October,  1664,  "  Charles  Bridges  and  Sarah 
his  wife  entered  a  protest  before  and  against  all  bargains,  deeds, 
and  sales  of  Thomas  Pell  of  Onkway,  or  any  from  or  under  him, 
of  or  concerning  a  parcel  of  land  situated  on  the  East  River,  be- 
ginning from  the  kill  of  Bronx  land,  east  south  east,  likewise 
alongst  the  river  bounded  almost  half  a  Dutch  mile,  a  copy  of 


>  Alb.  Ree.  G.  6.  206,  abo  351. 

b  Alb.  Book  of  Gen.  Entries,  from  1664  to  1665,  page  101. 

c  Alb.  Book  of  Gen.  Eutriee,  phge  103. 

Vol.  II.  20 


164  HISTORY  OF  THE 

the  original  grant  whereof  unto  Thomas  Cornell,  father  of  the 
said  Sarah  Bridpres  they  have  also  registered,  until  such  time  as 
the  cause  can  be  tried."* 

The  following  particulars  are  taken  from  the  assize  records,  in 
relation  to  a  trial  between  the  two  parties,  held  on  the  29ih  of 
September,  1665. 

Charles  Bridges     }  pi-intiffa  Names  of  Jurors. 

and  Sarah  his  wife,  J  '  John  Tucker,  Foremao, 

Thomas  Pell,  Defendant.  William  Wilkins,   John  Emans, 

Charles  Morgan,     John  Forster, 
Joseph  Bay  ley,      Rohert  Terry. 

'*  The  attorney  for  the  plaintiffs  produced  a  copy  of  the  heads  of  the  trial 
at  the  court  of  sessions  held  in  June  last,  st  Hampstead,  he  likewise  pnts  in  a 
declaration  alledging  the  defendant's  unjust  molestation  of  the  plaintiffs  in  their 
possession  of  a  certain  parcel  of  land  called  Corneirs  neck,  lying  and  being 
near  Westchester,  which  of  right  belongs  unto  them,  &c. 

To  prove  their  title,  a  grant  and  patent  from  the  Dutch  governor,  Kie(\,  to 
Thomas  Cornell,  deceased,  father  of  Sarah,  one  of  the  plaintiffs,  is  produced 
and  read  in  court,  that  upon  the  said  grant,  Thomas  Cornell  was  in  lawful 
possession  of  the  said  lands,  and  that  he  was  at  considerable  charges  in  build- 
ing, manuring,  and  planting  ye  same,  that  af\er  some  years  the  said  Thomas 
Cornell  was  driven  off  his  said  lands,  by  the  barbarous  violence  of  the  InJians 
who  burnt  his  house  and  goods,  and  destroyed  his  cattle,  which  was  made  ap- 
peare  by  sufficient  testimony.  That  widow  Cornell's  conveyance  of  the  said 
neck  of  land  to  Sarah  Bridges,  one  of  the  plaintiffs,  and  hor  sister,  was  like- 
wise given  in,  under  which  the  plaintiffs  claime.  That  the  said  widow  Cornell 
was  left  sole  executrix  of  the  last  will  and  testament  of  her  husband,  Thomas 
Cornell,  deceased,  and  so  had  power  to  convey  the  premises ;  this  was  allowed 
of,  (although  neither  the  will  nor  a  copy  thereof  were  produced,)  there  being 
DO  exceptions  made  against  it.  There  was  likewise  an  act  from  the  late 
Dutch  governor,  Stuyvesant,  produced,  where  he  buyes  the  same  lands  of  the 
Indians  again,  (though  alledged  to  be  bought  long  before,)  and  confirms  it  to 
Thomas  Cornell,  his  heires  and  assigns. 

Mr.  Poll,  the  defendant,  makes  answer  for  himself,  that  he  bought  the  land 
in  question  in  the  year  1654,  of  the  natives,  and  paid  them  for  it.  He  pleads 
his  being  a  free  denizen  of  England,  and  hath  thereby  liberty  to  purchase  lands 
in  any  of  his  majesties  dominions,  within  which  compass  this  is.  He  alledges 
the  fif\h  clause  in  the  King's  treaty,  sent  over  hither  to  make  for  him,  as  de- 
claring this  land  to  be  within  his  majesties  dominions,  he  saith  the  governor 


■  Alb.  Rec.  Gen.  Entries.  toI.  i.  p.  14. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  166 

and  council  of  Connecticut  tooke  notice  of  this  land  to  be  under  their  goTern- 
ment,*  and  that  they  ordered  roagistratical  power  to  be  exercised  at  WeaC- 
cheater,  and  that  lie  had  license  from  them  to  purchase.  He  pleads  that 
where  there  is  no  right  there  can  be  no  dominion,  so  no  patent  could  be 
granted  by  the  Dutch,  they  having  no  right.  Several  testimony s  were  read 
to  prove  that  ye  Indians  questioned  Mr.  Corneirs  and  other  plantations  there^ 
about  not  paying  for  those  lands^  which  was  the  occasion  of  their  cutting  them 
off  and  driving  away  the  inhabitants ,  but  the  defendant  hath  paid  a  valuable 
consideration  to  the  natives. 

The  attorney  for  the  plaintifis  alledges  ye  articles  of  surrender,  and  the 
King^s  instructions,  wherein  any  grant  or  conveyance  from  the  Dutch  is  con- 
firmed, and  plead  the  antiquity  of  Mr.  Corneirs  grant  and  possession,  together 
with  his  great  losse.  After  a  full  hearing  of  the  case  it  was  referred  to  the 
jury,  who  brought  in  their  verdict  for  the  plaintiffs,  the  defendant  to  pay  costs 
and  charges  of  suite,  and  sixpence  damage." 

Jiulgment  was  accordingly  granted  by  the  court,  and  the  fol- 
lowing order  issued. 

"  The  bonrt  having  heard  the  case  in  difference  between  the  plaintiffs  aut 
defendant  debated  at  large  concerning  their  title  to  a  certaine  parcell  of  land, 
commonly  called  CornelFa  neck,  adjoining  to  Bronx  land,  near  Westchester, 
and  having  also  seen  and  perused  their  writings  and  evidences,  it  was  com^ 
mitted  to  a  jury,  who  brought  in  their  verdict  for  the  plaintiffs,  vi^  ,  that  thee 
land  in  question  doth  of  right  belong  to  the  plaintiffs,  and  that  the  defendant 
shall  pay  the  costs  and  charges  of  suit,  and  sixpence  damage.  The  couit 
doth  give  their  judgment  accordingly,  and  do  likewise  order  that  the  high 
sheriff*  or  the  under  aheriff  of  ye  north  riding  of  lorkshire,  upon  Long  Island, 
do  put  the  plaintiffs  in  possession  of  the  said  lands  and  premises,  and  all  per- 
sons are  required  to  forbear  the  giving  the  said  plaintiffa,  or  their  assigns,  any 
molestation  in  their  peaceable  and  quiet  enjoyment  thereof.^b 

In  1709  Col.  Thomas  Willelt,®  of  Flushing,  Long  Island,  con- 
veyed to  his  eldest  son,  Willianri  Willett,  <'all  that  certain  parcel 


»  The  legislature  of  Connecticut,  (says  the  historian  Trumbull,)  determining  to 
secure  as  far  as  possible  the  lands  within  the  limits  of  their  charter,  authorized  one 
Thomas  Pell  to  purchase  of  the  Indian  proprietors  all  that  tract  between  West- 
chester and  Hudson'^  river,  and  the  waters  which  made  the  Manhadoes  an  Island  ; 
and  resolved  that'it  should  be  added  to  Westchester,  1663.— 7rum6tt2i'«  Hist.  t(f 
Connecticut,  S73. 

b  Alb.  Assize  Rec.  p.  15. 

<  Col.  Thomas  Willett  was  the  son  of  the  Hon.  Thomas  WHlett,  fliat  mayor  of 
the  city  of  New  York,  in  1665. 


166  HISTORY  OF  THE 

of  land  contained  within  a  neck,  commonly  called  and  known 
by  the  name  of  CornelPs  neck,  bounded  on  the  west  by  a  certain 
rivulet  that  runs  to  the  black  rock,  and  so  into  Bronx's  river."* 
From  William  Willett,  the  neck  passed  to  his  brother  Thomas 
Willett,  who  conveyed  the  same  to  his  son  William  Willett. 
The  latter  was  the  father  of  Isaac  Willett,  Esq.,  high  sheriff  of 
this  county  in  1738>  Cornell's  neck  is  now  owned  by  the  fami- 
lies of  Ludlow,  Clason,  and  Beach. 

Prior  to  1647  we  have  seen  that  "  Vredeland,"  (Westchester) 
was  settled  under  grants  from  the  Dutch.  But,  about  this  period, 
a  number  of  Puritans  from  Connecticut  must  have  commenced 
a  settlement,  for,  at  a  meeting  of  the  New  England  commission- 
ers, and  Governor  Stuyvesant,  on  the  19th  of  September,  1650, 
the  latter  complained  of  the  English  encroachments  upon  West- 
chester, and  asserted  that  the  "  West  India  Company  of  Amster- 
dam, had  bought  and  paid  for  the  lands  in  question,  of  the  right 
proprietors,  the  native  Americans,  before  any  other  nation  either 
bought  or  pretended  right  thereunto;  he  also  affirmed  he  had 
proof  of  the  Jirst  Dutch  purchase."®  Under  the  apprehension 
that  the  English  settlements  might  be  connected  with  the  claim 
of  jurisdiction,  it  was  determined  (by  the  Dutch)  to  remonstrate 
against  it.  In  1654,  it  was  resolved  at  a  meeting  of  the  director 
general  and  council,  "  that  whereas  a  few  English  are  beginning 
a  settlement  at  a  grehi  distance  from  our  outposts,  on  lands  long 
bought  and  paid  for  near  Vreedlant,  to  send  there  an  interdict, 
and  the  attorney  general,  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  and  forbid 
them  to  proceed,  no  further,  but  to  abandon  that  spot,  done  at 
Fort  Amstcl,  6th  Kovember,  1654."^ 

We  have  already  seen  that  the  principal  intruder  was  Thomas 
PelI.e 

This  individual  on  the  14tli  of  November,  1654,  purchased  a 


>  Co.  Reo.  lib.  D.  38.    From  thit  funily  it  obtained  the  name  of  Willeti's  Deck, 
b  This  individual  married  Isabella  Morrifi,  daughter  of  Lewis  Morris,  of  Mor- 
risania. 

«  Dunlap's  Hist.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  95. 

d  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  ix.  1.75. 

'  See  trial  between  1  homas  Tell  and  Charles  Bridges,  page  154. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  167 

tract  of  land  called  '<  Westchester ^^^  of  the  sachem  Ann-hock| 
alias  Wampage,  and  other  Indians.* 

Upon  the  second  of  April,  1655,  we  find  the  following  account 
of  an  interview  between  the  Dutch  officer  Van  Elslaudt  and  the 
English  intruders. 

**yan  Elslandt  went  to  protest  against  those  of  Vreedlandt. 
Four  armed  men  came  to  meet  them  on  the  creek,  asking  what 
he  willed?  He  answered,  he  wished  to  land  near  the  house. 
They  told  him  he  should  not  land.  Hd  rejoined,  allow  me  to  go 
ashore,  I  am  cold ;  whereupon  he  sprang  ashore,  where  he  and 
Albert  the  Trumpeter  were  warned  not  to  come  a  foot  higher. 
The  commander  came  up  to  us  with  a  pistol  in  hand  with  eight 
or  nine  armed  men,  to  whom  he  read  the  protest  and  handed  it 
to  him.  He  answered,  I  cannot  understand  Dutch,  why  did  not 
the  fiscal  or  sheriff  send  English?  when  he  sends  English  then 
I  will  answer.  We  expect  the  determination  on  the  boundaries, 
the  next  vessel.  Time  will  tell  whether  we  shall  be  under  Dutch 
government  or  the  Parliament ;  until  then  we  remain  here  under 
the  state  of  England.  Van  Elslandt  saw  their  houses  and  settle- 
ments, also  the  English  arms  hanging  from  a  tree ;  they  were 
carved  on  a  board  (plank.)  Van  Elslandt  was  left  in  a  house  on 
the  shore  well  guarded  with  men."*» 

The  continued  encroachments  of  the  English  upon  "  Ooost- 
dorp,''  {East  town,)  "  which  they  called  Westchester,''''  at  last 
awakened  the  most  vigorous  opposition  on  the  part  of  the  Dutch 
authorities,  for  soon  after  PelPs  purchase  occurs  the  following 
resolution. 

"  The  Director  General  and  Council  are  informed  by  credita* 

ble  witnesses  that  the  English  in  the  village  which  they  call 

Westchester,  situated  in  Vreedlandt,  about  two  miles  from  this 

city,  not  only  encourage  and  shelter  the  fugitives  from  tliis  pro* 


■  See  Pelham,  pag^e  515.  Tbie  prant  embraced  tbe  present  iownihipe  of  New  Ro» 
chelle,  Pelham,  Eaatchetter  and  Westcbestef. 

b  Alb.  Rec.  Hoi.  doc.  iz.  261,  363,  4. 

«  Whicb  appears  from  the  letters  of  the  Burgomeeflters,  dated  33d  Nov.  1654« 
16th  April  and  3d  of  May,  1635. 


168  HISTORY  OF  THE 

vince,bnf,as  plainly  appears  by  a  copy  from  a  certain  letter,  tbat 
the  high  sheriff  Lieutenant  Weyler  kept  in  and  about  the  time  of 
our  late  dismal  engagements  with  the  savnges,  a  constant  corres- 
pondence with  these  barbarians.^  Wherefore  to  promote  the  wel- 
fare  of  the  country,  and  defend  the  rights  of  the  Lords  Patroons, 
against  such  usurpations,  it  was  unanimously  resolved  by  the 
Director  General  and  Council  to  arrest  as  secretly  and  easily  as 
it  can  be  performed,  said  Englishmen  or  at  least  their  leaders,  to 
compel  the  remaining  to  remove  from  there  with  their  property, 
and  the  execution  of  this  expedition  to  be  intrusted  to  the  valiant 
Captain  Frederick  de  Coninck.  Captain  Lieutenant  Brian  Naton, 
and  with  them  the  Attorney  General,  Cornells  Tieiihoven,  to  ex- 
ecute his  commission  and  apprehend  the  fugitives  and  thieves. 
Done  in  Fort  Amsterdam,  6th  of  March,  1656. 

Peter  Stuyvesant. 

Nicassius  de  Siile. 

La  Montague. 

Cornells  van  Tienhoven.^ 

In  accordance  with  the  above  order,  the  valiant  Captain  Fre- 
derick de  Conhick  embarked  in  the  ship  Weigh-scales  and  pro- 
ceeded to  Wtstchester^  where  he  succeeded  in  arresting  several 
of  the  English  thieves.  Upon  their  arrival  in  the  city,  the  fol- 
lowing order  appears  in  Council. 

"With  regard  to  the  English  prisoners,  lately  brought  hither 
from  Vreedlandtf  from  the  village  which  they  call  Westchester^ 
who  remain  yet  in  confinement  in  the  ship  the  Weigh-scales,  it 
is  unanimously  concluded  and  resolved,  that  all  those  who  be- 
fore were  on  oath  and  allegiance  of  this  government,  and  who 
therefore  either  for  debts  or  other  causes  did  run  away,  or 
against  whom  the  attorney  general  supposes  to  have  a  just  cause 
for  indictment,  these  the  aforesaid  attorney  general  is  authorized 
to  secure  in  close  confinement,  and  prosecute  them  agreeably  to 
law.  The  remainder  who  either  from  New  England  or  from  other 


^  The  Sachems  Pennekek  and  Oratang  were  very  troublesome  to  the  West- 
chester settlements  in  1655  — Editor, 
k  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  H.  p.  283. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  169 

places  have  been  lured  and  decoyed  by- Mr.  Pell  or  any  other 
person  to  settle  within  our  limits,  of  which  district  this  city  had 
a  grant,  to  keep  them  in  a  civil  arrest,  either  in  the  court  house 
or  any  proper  and  convenient  place,  till  a  further  examination 
sliall  be  instituted  and  our  orders  issued  in  conformity  with  these. 
Done  in  Council,  in  our  fort  at  New  Amsterdam,  in  New  Nether- 
land,  14  March,  11)56. 

Peter  Stuy  vesant. 

Nicassius  de  Sille. 

La  Montague.^ 

On  the  15th  of  March,  1656,  the  attorney  general  presented  bis 
demand  to  the  Director  General  and  Council  as  plaintiff  in  the 
case. 

RfSPECTruL  Lords: 

It  is  not  only  known  to  your  Honors,  but  evory  one  residing  in  this 
country,  that  since  many  years  the  district  called  Vreedlandl  was  cultivated 
and  inhabited  in  letters  patent  granted  by  your  Honors  and  their  predecessors 
by  the  Dutch,  under  your  government,  till  the  period  of  the  general  war  in 
1643.  Now  it  has  happened  that  one  Mr.  Pell,  residing  at  Onkeneg  in  New 
England,  his  dared  against  the  rights  and  usages  of  Christian  countries  to 
pretend  that  he  bought  these  lands  of  the  natives,  (which  long  since  were 
purchased  of  them  and  paid  by  your  Honors  as  evidently  appears  from  the 
transfers  in  your  records,)  and  actually  made  a  beginning  of  settling  and  cul- 
tivating these  lands,  without  your  Honors  previous  knowledge  or  consent,  di- 
rectly contrary  to  the  limits  and  decisions  of  1650,  concluded  with  the  United 
Colonies  of  New  England  at  Hartford,<>  against  which  usurpation  your  attor- 
ney general,  in  his  quality  and  in  the  name  of  the  Lords  his  masters,  had  in 
due  form  entered  his  protest,  which  the  Lieutenant  Wheeler,  who  there  com- 
mands, not  at  all  respecting,  continues  to  remain  there  with  his  associates  io 
planting  and  building,  luring  and  accommodating  our  run-away  inhabitants, 
vagrants  and  thieves,  and  others  who  for  their  bad  conduct  find  there  a  refuge. 
As  it  has  pleased  your  Honors  in  conformity  to  the  instructions  and  letters  of 
the  Lords  majors,  and  in  preservation  of  the  convention  made  at  Hartford,  to 
keep  it  inviolated,  to  send  thither  a  liody  of  armed  men  to  secure  said  Wheel- 
er and  his  associates,  who,  as  appears  from  their  own  declaration  of  the  14th 


•  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  ii.  291. 

b  Se6  negotiatioDs  between  New  England  and  Peter  StayresaDt  concerning 
limits.    Hazard's  Hist  Coll.  vol.  ii.  156,  173,  549. 


160  HISTORY  OF  THE 

of  March  had  met  there  the  Director  General  there  present  on  the  spot  with  em 
armed  force,  and  declined  to  inoye  from  thence,  saying  that  it  was  their  land, 
00  which  said  Englishmen  were  disarmed  and  twenty-three  of  them  conducted 
as  prisoners  to  the  ship  the  Weigh -scales,  leaving  a  few  there  to  protect  their 
vives,  children  and  property.  All  which  the  attorney  general  demands  that 
your  Honors  would  send  one  or  two  of  the  oldest  to  Vreedlandt  to  inform  the 
remainder  of  the  English  ifhat  they  must  leave  that  spot,  taking  with  them  all  that 
they  brought  thither,  under  the  penalty  that  if  they  acted  otherwise,  that  then 
other  measures  shall  be  adopted  according  to  law  ;  and  further  that  the  afore- 
said Lieutenant  Wheeler  and  his  associates  shall  not  be  set  at  liberty  before 
they  have  paid  all  the  expenses  which  your  Honors  have  been  compelled  to, 
through  their  conduct  and  disobedience,  in  that  expedition  in  going  thither 
with  an  armed  force  in  boats.  Besides  this  they  shall  sign  an  act  and  pro- 
mise under  oath  that  they  never  more  will  inhabit  any  of  the  lands  of  oar 
Lords  and  principals  situated  in  Vreedlandt,  now  lately  by  them  called  West- 
chester, or  any  other  lands  within  the  limits  finally  concluded  at  Hartford, 
neither  settle,  or  build,  or  plant,  or  sow,  or  mow  there,  without  a  special  order 
and  consent  of  your  Honors,  under  the  penalty  if  they  acted  contrary  to  it  of 
corporal  punishment,  as  the  case  might  require,  &c.« 

The  council  sustained  this  demand  of  the  attorney  general  (as 
plaintiff,)  the  same  day. 

Upon  the  16th  of  March,  1656,  Lieut.  Thomas  "Wheeler  and 
his  English  associates  at  Vreedlandt,  voluntarily  submitted  them- 
selves to  the  government  of  the  New  Netherlands.  Their  names 
were  as  follows : 

Thomas  N.  Newman,  Thomas  Wheeler, 

Robert  Basset,  Isaac  Holbert, 

John  Cloes,  Robert  Roes, 

Sherrood  Damis,  James  Bill, 

William  H.  Fenfall,  John  S.  Genner, 

Richard  C.  Meares,  Richard  Osbort, 

Samuel  Harelt,  William  Ward. 

The  following  prisoners  were  released  on  the  25th  of  March, 
1666,  Captain  R.  Ponton,  William  Elet  Black,  merchant,  Joha 
Gray  and  Roger  Wheeler.**  They  were  "  commanded  to  depart 
the  limits  of  the  New  Netherlands,  except  some  of  the  inhabi- 


•  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  ii.  301. 

b  Arrested  for  taking  up  arms  at  Vreedland 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  161 

tants  of  Vreedlant  would  adopt  them  and  become  tail  for  their 
good  behaviour."  "In  1656  the  inhabilanls  of  Westchester 
dispatched  five  of  their  number,  viz.,  Lieut.  Thomas  Wheeler, 
Thomas  Newman,  John  Lord,  Jonah  Wilbert,  William  Ward 
and  Nicolas  Hurler,  to  the  governor  and  council  (hat  they  might 
confirm  and  establish  them,  and  praying  that  they  may  in  future 
appoint  their  civil  oflScers."* 

Having  efiected  a  settlement  of  the  difficulties  at  "  Oost-dorp^^ 
we  find  the  director  and  his  council  ordering  a  supply  of  arms 
and  ammunition  for  its  protection. 

"  Being  presented  to  the  Hon'ble  Director  General  and  Council  in  New 
Nelherland,  a  report  of  Brian  Norton,  captain  lieut.,  Cornelia  van  Ruyven, 
secretary,  and  Carel  van  Brugge,  commissary,  appointed  to  go  to  Oost-dorp^ 
the  director  general  and  council  did  approve  it,  upon  which  they  resolved  that 
they  would  send  by  the  first  opportunity  to  the  magistrates  of  Oost-dorp  the 
following  ammunitions  of  war,  to  be  preserved  there  for  the  use  of  the  afore- 
said village,  and  to  be  employed  when  necessity  might  require  it,  viz. : 
12  muskets,  12  lb.  of  powder, 

12  lb.  of  lead,  2  bundles  of  matches. 

And  further,  a  writing  book  for  the  magistrates.  Done  in  Fort  Ao^sterdam, 
N.  N.,  U  June,  1657. 

Piter  Stuvtesaiit, 
NicAssius  Di  Sills, 
Petrr  Tonhemak."i> 

Upon  the  28th  of  June,  1660,  Governor  Stuyvesant  addressed 
the  following  letter  to  the  inhabitants  of  Oost-dorp^  (East- 
town.) 

LdYINO  FRIENDS  .* 

Out  of  your  nomination  presented  unto  us  we  have  made  choice,  as  jou 
may  know  by  these  presents,  of 

Josiah  Gilbert, 

Nicolas  Bayley, 

Thomas  Wall. 
The  which  we,  for  the  year  following,  do  confirm  and  establish  for  magistrates 
of  the  towne  called  East  town,  requiring  all  and  every  one  whom  these  may 


•  Alb.  Rec.  p.  318.  b  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  xv.  8. 

Vol.  II.  21 


162  mSTORY  OP  THE 

eoncerne,  to  esteem  them  as  oar  elected  and  confirmed  magistrates  for  the 
said  town.     So,  after  my  respects,  I^est 

Your  loving  friend  and  governor, 

P.  Stuyvesant,* 
Amsterdam,  N.  N.,  28ih  June,  1600. 

In  1662,  Governor  Stuyvesant  granted  to  the  English  towns 
the  right  to  nominate  their  own  magistrates^  and  to  have  their 
own  courts,  "  but  in  dark  and  dubious  matters,  especially  in 
witchcraft,  the  party  aggrieved  might  appeal  to  the  governor  and 
council.''** 

Upon  the  nomination  of  town  officers,  the  same  year,  the  in- 
habitants addressed  the  governor  as  follows : 

Right  Hon^ble  Lord  Governor  of  the  New  Netherlands,  Lord  Stevensone : 
We,  the  inhabitants  of  the  towne,  do  heare  present  our  choice  unto  your 
honor,  for  the  establishing  of  magistrates  for  the  ensuing  yeare  ;  these  may 
give  your  honor  for  to  understand  what  the  towne  choyce  is,  as  followeth^ 
namely : 

William  Betts,  Robert  Huestis,  John  Quimbe, 

Edward  Waters,  Nicolas  Bayley,  Thomas  Vaille. 

East  Towne,  Feb.  11,  1663.« 

About  this  period  Connecticut  claimed  Westchester  as  lying 
within  her  jurisdiction  j^  in  support  of  which  she  issued  the  fol- 
lowing orders. 

At  a  court  of  general  assembly,  held  at  Hartford  October  9lh, 
1662 :  **  This  assembly  doth  hereby  declare  and  inform  the  in- 
habitants of  Westchester,  that  the  plantation  is  included  in  ye 
bounds  of  our  charter,  granted  to  this  colony  of  Connecticut."* 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  Westchester, 

Hartford f  this  I3th  Oct.  1663. 
You  are  required  in  his  majesties  name  to  appear  (or  by  your  deputies,}  at 


>  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  xzrr.  38. 

b  Alb.  Rec.  Tol.  xxi.  233-8 

6  Alb.  Rec.  yol.  xx.  51. 

d  July  10,  1663.  Connecticut  now  laid  claim  to  Westchester,  (says  TnimbuIIi) 
and  sent  one  of  her  magistrates  to  bend  the  inhabitants  to  the  choice  of  their  offi- 
cers, and  to  administer  the  proper  oaths  to  such  as  they  might  elect. — TrumhulfB 
Hist  of  Conn,  268. 

•Hartford  Reo.  Boundary  Letters,  yoL  ii.  168. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  163 

Hartford,  the  Becoad  Thursday  Id  May  next,  to  attend  your  duty  according  to 
his  majeeties  grants,  by  letters  patent  hereof.    You  may  not  fail  at  your  peril.' 

John  Mason,  Deputy  Governor. 

To  the  InhahitaiUs  of  Westchester, 
[Connecticut  seal.]  25/A  of  Oct.  1662. 

Mr.  Gold,  Mr.  Clark,  chairman,  Mr.  Campfield,  and  Jehu  Burr  are  hereby 
appointed  to  keep  a  court  at  Fairfield,  when  they  see  cause  for  the  issuing 
and  determioing  auch  causes  and  cases  as  shall  then  be  presented.  Clerk 
Stamford,  Clerk  Greenwich,  and  Westchester,  have  hereby  liberty  to  take 
the  benefit  of  the  court  of  Fairfield,  as  shall  be  in  controversy  amongst  them- 
for  the  future. 

This  is  a  true  copy  of  the  order  of  ihfO 
Hon.  Genl.  Assembly  held  at  Hartford 
the  9th  of  Oct.  last  past,  under  the  seal 
of  the  colony,  and  under  the  hand  of 
Dakiel  Clark,  Clerk. 
Transcribed  for  me.  Will  Hill,  Clerk 
of  the  courts  to  be  held  at  Fairfield. 
Copia  scripUim  per  me, 

Richard  Mills. 

The  absolute  seal  came  not  to  the 
inhabitants  of  Westchester,  only  the 
sign  as  above,  with  the  word  seal  above 
it. 

Richard  Mills.* 

Another  letter  from  Hartford,  entitled  an  order  of  the  general 
assembly  at  Hartford  about  Oost  dorp. 

"  This  assembly  doth  hereby  declare  and  inform  the  inhabitants  of  West«> 
Chester  that  that  plantation  is  included  within  the  bounds  of  the  charter  granted 
to  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  and  as  it  late  pleased  his  majesty,  our  gracious 
sovereign  lord,  Charles  H.,  thus  to  dispose  of  them,  we  cannot  but  declare, 
that  we  conceive  it  most  conducible  to  their  tranquility  and  future  peace,  thajl 
they  do  demean  themselves  in  all  ihings  as  may  declare  and  manifest  their  rea- 
diness to  subject  to  his  royal  will  and  pleasure  herein. 

The  next  assembly  is  appointed  and  ordered  to  be  held  at  Hartford  on  th# 
second  Thursday  in  May  next. 

Copia  scriptum  per  me, 

Richard  Mills. 


>  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  xxi-  99. 


J64  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Extracted  from  the  records  of  tlie 
cdony  court  at  CoDDecticot,  and  certi- 
fied with  the  seal  of  the  said  court  per 
Daniel  CLAaK,  Secretary. 
The  signal  of  the  seal  above  is  come 
to  the  inhabitants  of  Westchester,  abso- 
lote  made  in  red  wax,  the  motto  I  sup- 
pose to  be  the  arborated  craggy  wilder- 
ness and  the  flying  cloudrs. 

Richard  Mills. 

In  this  dilemma,  we  find  the  inhabitants  of  Westchester  ad- 
dressing Governor  Stuyvesant  in  a  letter  which  they  sent  by 
their  two  magistrates,  William  Betts  and  Edward  Waters. 

Westcbester^  tho  30th  of  April,  1663. 
Hon.  Lord  STCTENsoif, 
We  humbly  beseech  you  to  understand,  that  wee  the  inhabitants  of  thia 
place,  have  not  plotted  nor  conspired  against  your  Honour.  The  original  of 
the  writing  here  enclosed,  were  not  in  any  measure,  sought  for  by  us,  but 
were  by  the  said  court  sent  unto  us  when  we  expected  them  not.  How  to  re- 
sist them  we  know  not,  they  being  as  you  see,  in  his  majesties  name  of  En- 
gland. This  was  a  reason  why  we  choose  not  rosgistrates  at  present  as 
formerly,  and  that  wee  hope  that  your  honour  will  be  herewith  satisfied.  Your 
honour*s  loving  friend,  Richard  Mills,  in  the  name  and  by  the  appointment 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Westchester.*' 

Governor  Stuyvesant  having  ascertained,  that  the  inhabitants 
of  We«stchester  were  about  to  send  two  delegates  to  Hartford,  de- 
spatched the  Sheriff  Waldron  with  this  letter. 

Loving  Friends, 
We  were  much  wondered,  that  yon  according  to  order  and  your  duty, 
have  not  presented  unto  us  your  nomination  of  your  new  magistrates  for  this 
present  year,  being  now  four  months  past  that  this  thing  should  be  done,  the 
reason  wherefore  being  unknown  to  us,  we  have  purposely  sent  and  ordered 
the  bearer.  Resolve  Waldron  our  substitute  sheriff,  (schout)  for  to  inquire 
after  the  grounds  and  reasons  thereof,  which  you  are  to  give  unto  him  in 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  166 

writing,  and  send  either  your  present  magistrates  to  give  us  more  fuUy  infor- 
mation.   So  after  our  love,  I  shall  rest, 

•  Your  loving  friend  and  Governor, 

Done  in  Fort  AmsterdanD,  inscribed, 

N.  Netherland,  P.  Stuyvesamt.* 

9  May,  1663.  ^ 

The  same  day  Sheriff  Waldron  conducted  the  two  magistrates, 
William  Betts  and  Edward  Waters,  to  Governor  Stuyvesant, 
**  who  were  asked,  why  they  neglected  to  present  to  the  Director 
General  and  Council  in  conformity  to  custom  and  orders,  a  new 
nomination  of  magistrates  ?  Their  answer  was,  that  they  in  due 
time,  when  the  nomination  ought  to  have  been  made,  called  the 
inhabitants  together,  and  requested  them  to  nominate  new  ma- 
gistrates for  the  ensuing  year,  who  declined  to  do  so  at  two 
different  times,  because  they  had  been  summoned  by  those  of  Hart- 
ford in  Connecticut  colony,  as  clearly  appears  by  the  following 
English  documents^  conveyed  to  them  for  this  purpose,  by  the 
aforesaid  colony,  with  the  declaration  of  the  aforesaid  village,  in 
the  form  of  a  letter  to  the  Director  General.    Being  further  ques- 
tioned why  they  did  not  communicate  the  aforesaid  orders  and 
letters  of  Connecticut  colony,  so  as  they  ought  to  have  done, 
and  as  other  English  villages  actually  did  at  the  past  instance, 
now  more  than  half  a  year  past,  and  now  above  it,  had  actually 
de  novo,  appointed  two  of  their  village  to  go  and  assist  in  the 
aforesaid  order,  on  the  stated  day,  at  Hartford.    They  answer  ia 
the  first,  that  they  as  magistrates,  solicited  an  order  to  present 
to  us  the  nomination,  but  that  they  could  not  obtain  it  while  it 
was  refused  by  me,  Mr.  Richard  Mills  who  had  it  in  his  pos- 
session, or  by  an  order  of  the  people  of  that  village,  or  in  his 
own  authority  unknown  to  them.   At  last,  they  acknowledged 
and  declared,  that  they  through  ignorance  to  maintain  the  peace 
and  tranquility  in  said  village,  had  committed  a  fault,  and  soli- 
cited with  submission  and  prayed,  to  be  excused  for  the  present 
time.    The  director  general  and  council  having  heard  the  sub- 
mission and  confession  of  guilt  of  the  aforesaid  persons,  together 


*  Alb.  Ree.  vol.  xxi.  80.  k  See  preceding  c^ocuments. 


166  HISTORY  OF  THE 

with  the  promises  made  by  them,  to  dispose  if  possible,  the  in- 
habitants to  make  a  new  nomination  of  ma^strates,  and  due 
obedience,  resolved  to  let  them  return  for  the  present  time, 
and  the  following  letter  to  the  inhabitants  was  delivered  to 
them.  ^ 

Done  at  Fort  Amsterdam  in  New  Netherlands 

12th  May,  1663.» 

« 

The  letter  delivered  to  the  magistrates  by  Governor  Stuy- 
vesant. 

**  Whereat,  wee  by  the  bearers,  year  present  magistrates  were  iofbrmed, 
which  in  part  your  letters  (subscribed  by  one  Richard  Blills)  doe  confirm*  that 
the  nomination  for  new  magistrates  at  dae  time  by  them,  were  propoonded 
at  a  town  meeting,  bat  hitherto  differed  throngh  some  unacceptable  orders  of 
Hartford*s  assembly,  thb,  therefore,  are  to  require  and  to  order  you  and 
erery  one  that  are  inhabitants  of  your  towne,  that  I  shall  not  attend  any  of 
there  orders,  nor  that  you  shall  not  send  any  deputies  thither,  but  that  yoa 
shall,  according  to  oath  and  duty  upon  sight  of  this  presents,  make  nomina* 
tion  of  magistrates  for  this  present  year,  and  present  them  upon  Monday  sen- 
nit before  us,  and  if  any  should  be  unwilfully  so  to  doe,  we  have  ordered 
the  bearers,  that  the  names  uf  such  disobedient  and  troublesome  persons 
shall  be  sent  unto  us,  that  we  may  act,  and  proceed  against  them  according  to 
law  and  judgment :  so,  after  my  Iofc,  I  shall  rest,  your  loving  friend 

and  GoTeroor, 

Done  in  Fort  Amsterdam,  P.  SrurvKSANT. 

N.  N.,  12  May,  1663. 

On  the  14th  day  of  May,  1663,  the  general  assembly  of  Con- 
necticut, choose  "  Mr.  Willys,  Mr.  Gould,  Capt.  Sallcote  and  Capt; 
Young,  as  a  committee  to  consider  and  give  up  their  thoughts 
and  apprehensions  concerning  the  settlement  of  Westchester 
and  Stamford,  and  to  make  return  to  the  court."b 

The  same  court  also  ordered,  that  '*  the  letter  drawne  up  by 
the  committee  to  the  Atanhadoes,  be  drawn  out  fair  and  sent  to 
the  Lord  Stephenson,  &c.,  as  also  the  letter  to  Westchester."^ 


•  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  zzi.  93-4. 

k  Hartford  Reo.  Bound.  Leiteri,  toI.  ii.  183. 

«  Hartford  Rec.  Bonnd  Letters,  vol.  ii. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  167 

For  the  purpose  of  answering  these  pretensions  and  claims 
on  Westchester,  Governor  Stuyvesant  repaired  in  person  to  Bos- 
ton, and  entered  his  complaints^  In  his  interview  with  the  com* 
missioners  (of  the  New.  England  colonies)  on  the  21sl  of  Sept. 
1663,  he  stated,  "  that  he  wished  a  friendly  and  neighborly  settle- 
ment of  differences  concerning  Easidorpe  by  the  English  called 
Westchester,  and  all  other  disputes,  that  the  parties  may  live  in 
peace  in  the  wilderness  where  many  barbarous  Indians  dwell." 
He  requested  of  the  commissioners  a  categorical  answer,  whether 
the  treaty  of  Hartford  made  in  1650,  remained  ^^Jirrn  and  bind- 
ingy^  and  whether  the  patent  of  Hartford,  newly  obtained,  should 
extend  westward.  In  conclusion,  he  expressed  his  willingness 
to  abide  by  the  treaty  of  Hartford."* 

Governor  Stuyvesant  was  unsuccessful  in  his  negotiations 
with  the  commissioners,  for  he  "  found  their  demands  in  no  way 
answerable  to  the  rights  of  h*is  superiors.''^ 

While  these  negotiations  were  pending,  Richard  Mills  (the  lead- 
ing magistrate  of  Westchester)  appears  to  have  been  languishing 
in  the  dungeons  of  Fort  Amsterdam  ;  for,  on  the  16th  of  May, 
1663,  occurs  the  following  petition  from  the  prisoner : 

"  Right  Hon.  Got.  Xiord  Peter  StCYcnsoo,  thy  degraded  prisoner  Richard 
Mills,  doe  htHoblj  supplicate  for  your  favor  and  commiseration  towards  me, 
in  admitting  of  me  unto  your  honoris  presence,  there  to  indicate  ray  free  and 
ready  mind  to  satisfy  your  honor  wherein  I  am  able,  for  any  indignity  done 
unto  your  lordship  by  me  in  any  way,  and  if  possible  to  release  me  or  confine 
me  to  some  more  wholesome  place  than  where  I  am.  I  having  been  tenderly 
bred  from  my  cradle,  and  now  antient  and  weakly,  and  at  this  time,  and  ever 
since  I  came  into  this  unwholesome  place,  I  have  been  very  ill,  and  lame  with 
pains  in  my  back,  hip  and  joints,  and  I  doubt  not,  in  a  few  days,  will  perdite 
(endanger  or  destroy)  my  life,  if  not  prevented  by  removal  or  release,  will 
hope  of  your  honoris  gracious  admittance  and  reception,  and  craving  these 
my  poor  humble  requests  and  prayers  to  God  for  your  honor,  I  remain  your 
lordship,  at  your  pleasure, 

Richard  Mills. 
From  the  gaol  in 
Fort  Amsterdam,  16  May,  1663.^ 


»  DuDlap'a  Hist.  N.  Y.  vol.  r.  113. 
b  Dunlaps*8  Hist  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  113. 
<^  Alb.  Rec.  vol  zzL 


168  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Alarmed  at  the  sunnmary  manner  in  which  the  director  had 
treated  their  leader,  we  find  the  inhabitants  of  Westchester  has- 
tening to  nominate  officers  for  the  ensuing  year. 

LoTiNo  Frisnds, 

Oat  of  your  nomiDations  this  day  presented,  we  have  made  choice,  as 
you  may  know  by  these  presents,  of 

Robert  Huestis, 
John  Barker, 
Nicolas  Bay  ley. 
The  which  we  for  the  year  following,  doe  confirm  for  magistrates  of  the 
towne,  called  East-towne,  requiring  all  and  erery  one  whom  these  may  eon- 
oeme,  to  esteem  them  as  our  elected  and  confirmed  magistrates  for  the  6aid 
town  :  so,  nher  my  love,  I  shall  rest, 

Your  loving  friend  and  Governor 
Amsterdam,  N.  N.,  P.  STurvssANT.^ 

24  May,  1663. 

The  humble  petition  of  Richard  Mills,  to  the  Hon.  High  Court 
of  the  Manhatt^s,  held  9th  of  June,  1663,  showeth  : 

That  whereas,  your  honors  have  continued  anger  against  me  about  some  wri- 
tings that  were  in  my  costody,  I  owne  unto  your  honors  that  I  did  not  well 
to  embrace  the  receipt  of,  though  thereunto  importuned,  my  proper  calling 
being  to  act  in  another  sphere,  and  doe  see  cause  to  blame  myself  for  under- 
taking to  keep  them  ;  and  as  for  Richard  Ponton,  his  carrying  them  away, 
I  assure  your  honors  that  I  never  gave  order  to  him  or  any  others,  measure 
806  to  do :  neither  did  I  acquaint  him  directly  or  indirectly,  where  I  should 
hide  them.  I  so  doing,  prepared  that  I  might  be  sure  to  have  them  when 
forced  to  send  for  them,  which  I  can  freely. take  my  oath  unto  when  called 
hereunto,  wherefore  I  humbly  beseech  your  honors  wrath  towards  me  may  be 
purified,  and  freedom  to  me  granted,  soe  as  that  I  may  proceed  in  my  lawful 
calling,  the  short  time  I  have  to  stay  in  these  parts,  being  bound  for  Vir- 
ginia in  Sept.  next,  humbly  craving  pardon  for  what  I  have  done  amiss.  I 
remain  your  honoris  petitioner 
and  prisoner, 

Richard  Mills. 

The  preceding  submission  and  confession  of  guilt  of  the  pri- 


•  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  xxl  115. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  169 

soner,  Richard  Mills,  made  by  him  verbally  and  in  writing,  being 
heard  and  read,  so  is  he  discharged  upon  his  humble  petition, 
under  the  express  promise,  sanctioned  by  his  oath,  that  he  never 
will  undertake  any  thing  either  wiihin  or  out  of  this  government, 
to  the  injury  of  this  province,  either  directly  or  indirectly.  Done 
in  Fort  Amsterdam,  N.  N.,  18tli  of  June,  1663. 

By  a  court  of  general  assembly,  (held  at  Hartford,  8th  of  Oct., 
1663)  it  was  ordered,  that  **  this  court  doth  accept  of-the  town  of 
Westchester  as  a  member  of  this  corporation,  being  received  and 
accepted  as  such,  by  a  council  formerly. 

This  court  moreover  declares,  that  all  the  land  between  the 
Westchester  and  Stamford,  doth  also  belong  to  the  colony  of 
Cofinecticut."* 

In  1664.  the  inhabitants  of  Westchester  addressed  the  follow- 
ing  petition  to  the  honorable  his  majesty's  commissioners  for  the 
affairs  of  New  England,  which, 

'<  Humbly  showeth  ' 

l8t,  That  the  said  tract  of  land  called  Weatcbeater,  waa  purchaaed  for 
large  aammea,  under  the  tiile  of  England,  by  Mr.  Thomaa  Pell  of  the  known 
ancient  proprietora,  in  the  year  1654. 

2d.  The  pretended  power  'of  the  Manhatoea,  did  therefore  continue  pro- 
testing againat  and  threatening  of  the  said  plantation,  keeping  the  inhabitants 
at  continual  watch  and  ward,  until  at  length  the  persona  of  twenty-three  in- 
habitants of  Westchester  aforesaid,  were  aeized  under  commission  from  the 
said  powers,  and  committed  prisoners  into  the  hould  of  a  yessel,  where  they 
continued  in  restraint  from  all  friends,  for  the  space  of  thirteen  days,  fed  with 
rotten  provisions  creeping  with  worms,  whereby  some  of  them  remained  dis- 
eased to  this  day,  after  which,  they  were^ carried  away  in  chains  and  laid  ia 
their  dungeon  at  Manhatoea. 

3d.  That  the  said  inhabitants  had  perished  <vith  famine  in  the  said  imprisoq- 
ment,  but  for  (he  relief  obtained  at  other  hands. 

4th.  That  all  this  sufiering  was  inflicted  on  them,  under  noe  other  pretence, 
but  that  they  were  opposera  to  the  Dutch  title  to  the  lands  aforesaid. 

5th.  That  when  the  said  pretended  powers  had  freed  the  said  prisoners, 
and  introduced  their  own  goverment  over  the  said  plantation,  they  dro?e  away 
such  aa  would  not  submit  to  their  pretended  authority,  to  their  great  endaq* 
germent,  and  the  enslaving  of  such  aa  remained. 

6th.  That  when  in  May,  1663,  the  said  plantation  was  reduced  to  the  king's 


»  Hartford  Col.  Rec.  yoI.  iL  169. 

Vol.  II.  28 


170  HISTORY  OF  THE 

authority,  by  virtue  of  his  letters  patent  to  Coane^licat,  the  pretended  pow* 
ers  aforesaid,  sent  in  hostile  manner  for  certain  inhabitants  of  Westchester, 
whom  they  confined  in  Manhatoes,  and'  the  next  day  sent  for  one  Mr.  Rich- 
ard Mills,  whom  they  cast  into  their  dungeon,  and  afterwards  so  used  him  for 
thirty  dayes  space,  as  there  are  yet  strong^  and  crying  presumptions  they 
caused  his  death,  which  followed  soone  after. 

7th.  That  the  unreasonable  damage  of  the  purchaser,  and  the  low  estate 
of  the  plantation  occasioned  by  the  premises,  hath  had  no  other  recompense 
to  this  day,  but  new  threatenings,  and  thereby  an  otter  obstruction  from  the 
peopling  and  improTeing  of  a  hopeful  country,  all  which  is  an  insuperable 
abuse  to  his  royal  majestie^s,  and  our  English  nation,  is  humbly  offered  to 
the  consideration  of  the  hon.  commissioners.'** 

The  difficulties  between  Connecticut  and  the  New  Nether- 
lands continued  to  increase,  until  the  subjugation  of  the  latter  by 
the  British  forces  under  Governor  Richard  Nicolls,  on  the  27th 
of  August,  1664. 

"When  Governor  Nicolls  visited  Westchester,  shortly  after  the 
surrender,  the  inhabitants  complained  to  hin),  and  as  a  matter  of 
course  were  adjudged  to  belong  to  New  York.**  Subsequently 
the  towns  of  Westchester,  Harapstead  and  Oyster  Bay  constitu- 
ted the  north  riding  of  Yorkshire.** 

Upon  the  16th  of  June,  1664,  we  find  the  inhabitants  of  West- 
chester surrendering  all  their  rights  to  Thomas  Pell  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner, 

"  Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  whereas  there  was  an  agreement 
made  the  fourteenth  of  November,  1654,  between  Thomas  Pell  and  divers 
persons,  about  a  tract  of  land  called  Westchester^^  which  was  and  is  Thomas 
Peirs,  bounded  as  appears  by  an  instrument  bearing  date  as  above  expressed, 
wherein  the  undertakers  engaged  the  payment  of  a  certaine  somme  of  money, 
present  pay,  for  the  said  land  expressed  in  the  covenant,  by  reason  of  some 
troubles  which  hindered  the  underwriters  possession,  the  agreement  was  not 
attended  to,  the  present  inhabitants  considering  the  justnesse  and  right  of  the 
above  said  title  of  Thomas  Pell,, doe  surrender  all  their  rights,  titles,  and 
claimes,  to  all  the  tract  of  land  aforesaid,  to  bee  at  the  disposal  of  the  said 
Thomas  Pell,  as  being  the  true  and  proper  owner  thereof.    Witness  our  hand, 


•  Alb.  Rec.  Gen.  Entries,  p.  11.     Also  AlK  Rec.  vol.  i.  120,  121. 

b  Westchester  continued  to  form  a  portion  of  the  north  riding  until  1683,  when 
the  present  county  was  erected. 

•  At  this  period  Westchester  embraced  the  present  town  of  Eastchester.     See 
ToL  i.  122. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHBSTER.  171 

this  16th  day  of  Jane  in  the  yeere  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  six  hundred  and 

sixty.foor. 

John  Quimbie.  John  Winter. 

Consider  Wood.  Richard  Ponton, 

Niekolas  Balle.  his  X  mark. 

John  Barker.  William  Jones, 

Robert  Huestis.  his  >-  mark. 

Edward  Jessopp.  John  Acer.» 

Wm  Beet.  John  Williams, 

John  Larens.  his  ^  mark. 

Samuel  Barret,  Samuel  Pitcher, 

his  B  mark.  his  r"  mark. 

Thomas  Vaille,  Thomas  MoIIener. 
his  ^  mark.b 

Thomas  Pell  must  have  subsequently  released  to  ihe  inhabi- 
tants of  Westchester,  for  on  the  15th  of  February,  1667,  occurs 
the  following  patent  from  Governor  Nicolls. 

FIRST  PATENT  OF  WESTCHESTER. 

Richard  Nicolls,  Esq.,  Governor  General  under  his  Royal  Highness  James, 
Duke  of  York  and  Albany,  &c.,  of  all  his  territories  in  America,  to  all  to 
whom  these  presents  shall  come,  sendeth  greeting  :  Whereas  there  is  a  cer* 
tain  town  within  this  government,  situate,  lying  and  being  upon  the  main  to 
the  east  of  Harlem  river,  commonly  called  and  known  by  tho  name  of  West- 
chester, which  said  town  belongs  to  the  north  riding  of  Yorkshire,  upon  Long 
Island,  and  is  now  in  the  tenure  and  occupation  of  several  freeholders  and  in- 
habitants who  having  heretofore  been  seated  there  by  authority,  have  been  at 
considerable  charge  in  manuring  and  planting  parts  of  the  lands  belonging 
thereunto,  and  have  likewise  settled  a  competent  number  of  families  thereupon 
for  a  township,  now  for  a  confirmation  unto  the  said  freeholders  and  inhabi- 
tants in  their  possession  and  enjoyment  of  the  premises,  as  also  for  an  en- 
couragement to  them  in  their  further  improvements  of  their  said  lands  and 
premises.  Know  ye,  that  by  virtue  of  ye  commission  and  authority  unto  me 
given  by  his  Royal  Highness,  I  have  given,  ratified,  confirmed  and  granted, 
and  by  these  presents  do  give,  ratify,  confirm  and  grant  unto  John  Quimby, 
John  Ferris,  Nicholas  Bayley,  William  Betts  and  Edward  Waters,  as  pa» 
tenteesfor  and  on  the  behalf  of  themselves  and  their  associates,  ye  freeholderft 
and  inhabitants  of  ye  said  town,  their  heirs,  successors  and  assignees,  all  that 


•  DoubtleM  Jao  or  John  Archer,  first  lord  of  the  manor  of  Fordham. 
V  Westchester  Town  Roc. 


173  '         HISTORY  OP  THE 

tract  of  land  together  with  the  several  parcels  not  otherwise  by  patent  dis- 
posed of,  which  already  have  or  hereafter  shall  be  purchased  or  procured  for 
and  on  the  behalf  of  ye  said  town  whether  from  the  native  Indian  proprietors 
or  others,  within  the  bounds  and  limits  hereafter  set  forth  and  expressed,  (viz.) 
that  is  to  say,  ye  western  bounds  of  ye  lands  lying  within  ye  limits  of  ye  said 
town,  beginning  at  the  west  part  of  the  lands,  commonly  called  Bronks'  land, 
near  or  adjoining  unto  Harlem  river,  from  whence  they  extend  eastward  to 
the  west  part  of  a  certain  neck  of  land,  commonly  called  Ann-hook's  neck  or 
Mr.  Peirs  purchase,  southward  they  are  bounded  by  ye  Sound  or  East  River« 
and  so  runne  upon  a  parallel  line  from  the  east  and  west  limits  north  into  ye 
woods  without  limitation  for  range  of  cattle  or  other  improvements,  together 
with  all  ye  lands,  soyles,  necks  and  lands,  rivers,  creeks,  harbours,  quarries, 
woods,  meadows,  pastures,  marshes,  waters,  lakes,  fishing,  hawking,  hunting 
and  fowling,  and  all  other  profits,  commodities,  endowments  and  heredaments 
to  ye  said  land  and  premises  within  ye  said  bounds  and  lymits  described  and 
set  forth  belonging  or  in  any  ways  appertaining,  to  have  and  to  hold  all  and 
singular  ye  said  tract  and  parcells  of  land,  heredaments  and  premises,  with 
their  and  every  of  their  appurtenances  and  of  every  part  and  parcel  thereof 
to  ye  said  patentees  and  their  associates,  their  heirs  and  assignees,  to  the 
proper  use  and  behoof  of  ye  said  patentees  and  their  associates,  their  heirs 
and  assignees  for  ever.  Moreover,  I  do  hereby  give,  ratify,  confirm  and 
grant  unto  the  said  patentees  and  their  associates,  their  heirs,  successors  and 
assignees,  all  ye  rights  and  privileges  belonging  to  a  town  within  this  gov- 
ernment, and  that  ye  place  of  their  present  habitation  shall  continue  and  re- 
tain the  name  of  Westchester  by  which  name  and  style  it  shall  be  distinguish- 
ed and  known  in  all  bargains  and  sales,  deeds,  writings  and  records,  they  ye 
said  patentees  and  their  associates,  their  heirs,  successors  and  assignees,  ren- 
dering and  paying  such  duties  and  acknowledgements  as  now  are  or  hereafter 
shall  be  constituted  and  established  by  the  laws  of  this  government,  under 
the  obedience  of  his  Royal  Highness,  his  heirs  and  successors.  Given  un- 
der my  hands  and  seal,  at  Fort  James,  in  New  York,  on  the  isle  of  Manhat- 
tans, 13  February,  in  the  19th  year  of  his  Majesty's  reign,  Anno  Domini, 

1667. 

Richard  Ntcolls. 

In  the  Assize  Records  at  Albany,  appears  the  following  entry. 

"  Whereas  Mr.  Thomas  Pell  of  Ann-hookes  neck,  (Pelham 
neck.)  late  deceased,  npon  pretence  o£  purchase  of  several  tracts 
of  land  of  the  Indian  proprietors  within  'the  then  government 
and  jusisdiction  of  the  Dutch,  made  claims  unto  the  same  as 
namely,  the  lands  belonging  to  Westchester,  Easlchester  and 
Cromwell's  neck,  and  that,  after  said  land  together  with  a  larger 
tract  formerly  belonging  to  the  said  Dutch,  were  by  his  Majes- 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  173 

ty^s  letters  patent  granted  Unto  his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of 
York,  and  by  the  said  Dutch  surrendered  by  agreement  unto  his 
Itoyal  Highness's  deputy  Col.  Richard  Nicolls  before  whom  said 
Pell  did  personally  appear  the  first  assizes  held  in  New  York, 
and  then  to  make  good  his  claim  to  the  lands  aforesaid,  and 
where  it  being  sufficiently  and  lawfully  proved  that  the  aforesaid 
lands,  together  with  a  large  tract  as  far  as  Greenwich,  was  be- 
fore purchased  by  the  late  Dutch  government,  and  whatso- 
ever part  thereof  was  not  by  him  granted  out,  was  of  right  pro- 
perty belonging  unto  his  Royal  Highness,  some  of  which  was 
granted  to  Thomas  Richbcll,  &c.,  &c. 

In  1673,  the  province  of  New  York,  surrendered  to  the  Dutch. 
Upon  this  occasion  we  find  the  inhabitants  of  Oost*dorp  tender- 
ing their  submission. 

"  The  deputies  of  Oost-dorp  alias  Westchester  and  adjacent  hamlet  of  East- 
cheater,  deliveriogf  their  credentials,  offered  to  submit  themselves  to  the  goT- 
ernment  of  their  high  mightinesses,  and  the  Prince  of  Orange,  and  were  com- 
manded to  nominate  by  their  inhabitants  a  double  number  of  magistrates  for 
the  aforesaid  ▼illages,  by  a  majority  of  votes,  and  to  present  it  to  the  council 
by  the  first  opportunity,  fiom  which  we  shall  elect  three  for  their  magistrates, 
yiz.,  two  for  the  village  of  Westchester,  and  one  for  Eastchester,  who  in  his 
Tillage  may  decide  all  differences  to  the  value  of  thirty  shillings ;  those  of 
higher  value  shall  be  determined  by  the  whole  college,  in  the  village  of  West- 
chester aforesaid."^ 

On  the  28th  of  August,  1673,  the  lords  commanders  of  the 
New  Netherlands,  made  choice  of  Joseph  Palmer  and  Edward 
Waters  as  magistrates  for  Westchester.** 

In  1686,  Governor  Dongan  issued  the  following  letters  patent 
under  the  great  seal  of  the  province. 

SECOND  PATENT  OF  WESTCHESTER. 

Thomas  Dongan,  captain  general,  governor-in-chief  and  vice  admiral  in  all 
the  province  of  New  York,  and  territories  depending  thereon  in  America, 
under  his  majesty  James  Second,  by  the  grace  of  God  king  of  England,  Scot- 
land, France,  and  Ireland,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c.,  to  all  whom  these  pre- 
sents shall  come  sendeth  greeting  :  Whereas  Richard  Nicolls,  Esq.,  gover- 
nor general  under  his  then  royal  highness,  James,  Duke  of  York  and  Albany, 

•  Alb.  Rec.  ToL  xxiii.  273.  ^  Eastchester  Rec. 


174  mSTORY  OP  THE 

&c.,  now  his  present  majesty^  of  all  his  territories  in  America  did,  by  a  cdr* 
tain  writing  or  patent,  under  his  hand  and  seal,  bearing  date  the  fifteenth  day 
of  February,  in  the  nineteenth  year  of  the  reign  of  our  late  so?ereign  lord, 
King  Charles  the  Second  of  blessed  memory,  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  God 
1667,  by  virtue  of  the  power  and  authority  onto  him  given  by  him,  the  said 
royal  highness,  now  his  present  majesty  as  aforesaid.  Give,  ratify,  confirm  and 
grant  unto  John  Quimby,  John  Ferris,  Nicholas  Baily,  William  Betts,  and 
Edward  Waters  as  patentees  for  and  in  the  behalf  of  themselves  and  their  as- 
sociates, tlie  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Westchester,  within 
this  government,  situate,  lying,  and  being  upon  the  main,  to  the  east  of  Har- 
lem river,  which  said  town  belongs  to  the  North  Riding  of  Yorkshire,  upon 
Long  Island,  then  in  the  tenure  and  occupation  of  several  freeholders  and  in- 
habitants who  had  theretofore  been  seated  on  them  by  authority,  and  at  con- 
siderable charge  in  manuring  and  planting  part  of  the  land  belonging  thereunto, 
and  likewise  have  settled  a  competent  number  of  families  thereupon  for  a 
township,  all  that  tract  of  land  together  with  the  several  parcels  not  otherwise 
by  patent  disposed  of,  which  already  had  or  thereafter  should  be  purchased  or 
procured,  for  and  in  the  behalf  of  the  said  town,  whether  from  the  native  In- 
dian proprietors  or  others  with  the  bounds  and  limits  hereafter  set  forth  and 
expressed,  viz.,  the  eastern  bounds  of  the  lands  lying  within  the  limits  of  the 
said  town,  beginning  at  the  west  part  of  the  land  commonly  called  Bronk's 
land,  near  or  adjoining  unto  Harlem  river,  from  whence  they  extend  eastward 
to  the  west  part  of  a  certain  neck  of  land,  commonly  called  Ann-hooks  neck, 
or  Mr.  Peirs  purchase,  southward  they  are  bounded  by  the  Sound  or  East 
river,  and  so  run  upon  a  paralel  line,  for  the  east  and  west  limits,  north  into 
the  woods  without  limitation,  for  range  of  cattle  or  other  improvements,  to- 
gether with  all  the  lands,  soyles,  neck,  &c.,  &c.  William  Richardson,  John 
Hunt,  Edward  Waters,  Robert  Hnestis,  Richard  Ponton,  William  Barnes,  John 
Beybie,  John  Bailey,  John  Tudor,  John  Ferris,  Joseph  Palmer,  Thomas  Bax- 
ter, freeholders  of  the  commonality  of  the  town  of  Westchester. 
6M  January,  1686. 

Thomas  Donoan. 

October  1687,  "it  was  voted,  and  agreed  upon,  by  the  major 
part  of  the  trustees,  that  John  Ferris,  sen.,  and  Joseph  Palmer, 
should  go  on  Monday  next,  &c.,  and  run  the  north-west  Wne^ 
from  the  head  of  Hutchinson's,  to  Broncks's  river;  it  was  also 
voted  that  Joseph  Palmer  and  Edward  Waters  shall  go  with  the 
Indians  and  shew  them  the  line  as  near  as  they  can,  that  runs 
between  Mr.  Pell  and  our  town,  as  also  the  line  which  runs  be- 
twixt this  town  and  Eastchester."* 


*  Westchester  Rec 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  176 

Upon  the  27ih  of  May,  1692,  we  find  the  Indian  proprietors, 
Maminepoe  and  Wampage,  conveying  the  following  tract  of 
land,  to  the  trustees  of  Westchester. 

'*  To  all  Christian  people  to  whom  this  deed  of  sale  shall  come,  greeting : 
Know  ye,  that  wee,  Maminepoe  and  Wampage  alias  Ann-hook,  Indian  pro- 
prietors of  a  certain  tract  of  land  lying  within  the  limits  and  hounds  of  the 
patent  of  the  county  town  of  W^estchester,  in  the  province  of  New  York,  for 
a  valuable  consideration,  and  other  considerations  us  thereunto  moving,  and 
having  taken  the  advice  and  approbation  of  several  native  Indians  here  under- 
written, to  us  in  hand  paid  by  John  Palmer,  William  Barnes,  William  Rich- 
ardson, Joseph  Palmer,  Samuel  Palmer,  Robert  Huestis,  John  Ferris,  John 
Hunt,  Joseph  Hunt,  Josiah  Hunt,  Thomas  Baxter,  and  Edward  Collier,  trus- 
tees of  the  freehold  and  commonality  of  the  town  of  Westchester  aforesaid, 
the  receipt  whereof  we  do  hereby  acknowledge  and  therewith  to  be  lawfully 
satisfied,  contented,  and  paid,  and  thereof  do  acquit,  exonerate,  and  release, 
and  discharge  the  said  trustees,  their  heirs,  successors,  and  assignees  forever, 
have  given,  granted,  bargained,  sold,  enfeoffed,  released,  and  confirmed,  and 
by  these  presents  do  fully,  clearly,  absolutely,  give,  grant,  bargain,  sell,  enfeof, 
release,  and  confirm  unto  the  said  trustees,  their  heirs,  successors  and  assign- 
ees'forever,  all  that  tract  of  land  lying  on  the  east  side  of  Brunxs's  river,  be- 
ginning at  the  pine  trees  and  so  compassing  all  the  land  which  we  the  said 
Maminepoe  and  Wampage  layes  claim  to,  until  they  come  to  the  head  of  Rattle 
Snake  brook,  and  from  thence  north-east  to  Mr.  PelPs  land,  so  north  by  said 
PelPs  marked  trees  by  Brunxs*s  river,  together  with  the  woods,  underwoods, 
timber,  trees,  waters,  rivers,  runs,  brooks,  and  all  and  singular  the  emolle- 
ments,  hereditaments,  rights,  privileges,  and  appurtenances  thereunto  belong- 
ing or  appertaining,  (only  reserving  to  ourselves  the  privilege  of  making  use 
of  white  wood  trees  for  our  particular  use,)  to  have  and  to  hold  the  before  re- 
cited premises,  with  all  and  every  of  its  appurtenances,  unto  the  said  trustees, 
their  heirs,  successors,  and  assignees,  to  the  only  proper  use,  benefit  and  be- 
hoof of  them  the  said  trustees,  their  heirs,  successors,  and  assignees  forever, 
and  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  the  said  trustees,  their  heirs,  successors, 
and  assignees,  from  henceforth  and  forever,  to  have  and  to  hold,  use,  occupy, 
and  enjoy  the  said  tract  of  land,  free  from  all  incumbrances  whatsoever,  unto 
the  said  trustees,  their  successors  and  assignees  forever,  without  any  manner 
of  claime,  challenge,  or  demand  of  us,  our  heirs,  executors,  or  administrators, 
or  any  other  native  Indians  or  Christian  people,  by,  from,  or  under  as,  or  any 
person  or  persons  whatsoever,  and  we  the  said  Maminepoe  and  Wampage 
alias  Ann-hook,  shall  and  will  forever  warrant  and  defend  the  said  tract  of 
land  unto  the  said  freeholders  of  the  corporation  of  Westchester,  their  heirs 
and  assignees  forever.     In  witness  whereof  we  the  said  Maminepoe  and 


176 


HISTORY  OF  THE 


Wampage,  alias  Ann-hook,  have  put  to  our  hands  and  seales  this  37th  of  May, 
in  the  foarth  year  of  their  majesties  reign,  and  A.  D.  1603. 

Signed,  sealed,  and  de\i/t0ied  in  pre-    The  mark  of  <  Maminepoe. 
sence  of  as,  The  mark  of  V  Wampage, 

Abraham  Haw  kj^y^sN   ^    ,^  [alias  A  on- hook. 

Isac  Larens,  The  mark  of  X  Crohamananthense. 

The  mark  of  John  Garretson.  The  mark  of  V  Mamertekoh. 

Native  Indian  witnesses  to  the  above  deed. 
The  mark  of  X  Weenetonah. 
The  mark  of  V  Tanancot. 
The  mark  of  X  CoiMhoa. 
The  mark  of  >  Rauh  Coawind. 
«^The  marK  of  C  Tom. 

•     ■ 

The  following' entry  in  the  town  books  refers  to  this  sale: 
"  At  a  meeting  of  (he  inhabitants  held  the  27th  of  May,  1692, 
this  day,  the  land  on  the  east  side  of  Broncks's  river,  till  wee 
come  to  Mr.  Pell's  line,  was  purchased  of  Mamiuepoe  and  Ann- 
Hook  for 


2  gunns, 
2  shirts, 
2  adzes, 


6  bitts  in  money. 


2  coats, 

2  kettles, 

1  barrel  of  cider, 


DISBURSEMENTS   UPON    THE    INDIAN   PURCHASE. 

William  Barnes,  1  kettle, 

To  expences  to  ye  Indians, 

John  Hunt,  1  coate, 

For  money,      .... 

To  Indian  supper  and  other  expences 

William  Richardson,  3  shirts, 

John  Ferris,  sen.  1  coate,        , 

To  1  day  with  the  Indians, 

Josiah  Hunt,  2  adzes,  and  3s.  bd,  in  money 

Samuel  Palmer,  I  gun,     . 

Thomas  Baxter,  1  gun,    . 

Joseph  Hunt,  1  barrel  of  cider, 

Robert  Huestis  and  Thomas  Baxter,  1  gun.» 


£2    2 

0 

0    6 

0 

0  12 

0 

0     1 

6 

0    3 

Q 

0  12 

0 

0  12 

0 

0    3 

0 

0  15 

0 

1     0 

0 

1     2 

0 

0    3 

0 

£8    4 

6 

iL  Alb.  Rec.  gen.  entries.    See  also  Town  Ree.    27th  March,  1704,  Joseph  Hont 
was  directed  to  go  to  the  clerk  of  the  county  and  see  the  Indian  deed  recorded. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  177 

At  a  meeting  held  by  the  trustees  of  Westchester  the  sixth  day 
of  February,  169|, 

**  Present,  William  Barnes,  John  Ferris,  Joseph  Palmer,  Samuel 
Palmer,  Thomas  Baxter,  John  Bayley,  Jobn  Hunt,  Robert  Hues- 
tis  and  Edward  Collier.  It  was  yoted  and  agreed  upon,  that 
John  Ferris,  sen.  and  Joseph  Palmer  should  go  to  Mr.  Pell's  and 
proceed  to  have  the  line  run  between  the  town  and  him,  ^c.| 
and  report  of  their  doings  next  Tuesday." 

Fourth  of  September,  1694,  it  was  agreed  upon  at  a  lawful 
town  meeting  that  Richardson  shall  have  free  liberty  to  build  or 
erect  a  mill  or  mills  upon  the  stream  on  the  great  creek  of  the 
town,  for  and  in  consideration  of  grinding  of  the  inhabitants' 
corn,  for  the  fourteenth  part,  also  liberty  of  cutUng  timber  for  a 
saw  mill.     Done  in  behalf  of  the  town,  &c. 

in  1700  it  was  resolved  at  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants,  "That 
the  line  between*'  **  Thomas  Pell's  patent  and  the  town  of  Wesi^ 
Chester^  (pursuant  to  the  grants  made  by  Governor  Nicolls,)  shall 
be  run  by  the  surveyor  general  of  the  province  of  New  York, 
and  that  the  standard  for  running  said  line  shall  be  pitched 
and  placed  and  sett  in  the  middle  of"  "  Hutchinson's  river  at  the 
going  over  of  the  road  as  far  up  as  (he  tide  flows,  and  so  to  run 
upon  a  north  line  to  Broncks's  river,  and  northward  down  said 
river  in  the  middle  of  the  channel  to  the  Sound,  which  said 
bounds  or  lines  to  continue  forever  between  the  said  Thomas 
Pell's  patent  and  the  said  town  of  Westchester."* 

The  same  year  a  grant  of  land  appears  to  have  been  made  by 
the  inhabitants  to  John  Pell,  Esq.t> 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  held  23d  day  of  January,  A.  D, 
1720,  present.  Miles  Oakley,  president, 

Trustees. 
John  Oakley,  John  Ferris, 

Thomas  Hadden,  Peter  Ferris, 

Thomas  Baxter,  Joshua  Hunt, 

Israel  Honeywell,  Nathaniel  Underbill. 

"Whereas  several  persons  have  come  with  boats,  canoes,  &c.,  a  fishing, 


»  Town  Reo.  b  Town  Rec 

Vol.  II.  23 


178  HISTORY  OF  THE 

and  hare  broke  op  our  groand,  and  taken  away  ye  oysters  from  within  ye 
limits  of  our  patent,  in  an  nnlawful  manner,  therefore,  it  is  voted  and  agreed 
upon  by  the  trustees  aforesaid,  that  any  person  or  persons  who  shall  at  any 
time  hereaAer  trespass  upon  us  by  fishing,  breaking  our  ground,  and  taking 
onr  oysters  in  ye  manner  aforesaid,  shall  be  immediately  prosecuted  according 
to  law  for  snch  trespass  or  trespasses,  and  it  is  also  voted  and  agreed  upon  by 
ye  trustees  aforesaid,  that  John  Ferris,  Thomas  Baxter,  Joshua  Hunt,  of 
Westchester,  Capt.  Joseoh  Drake,  Nathaniel  Tompkins,  and  Moses  Fowler, 
of  Eastchester,  do  immediately  put  this  into  execution  ;  and  it  is  also  agreed 
that  if  any  freeholder  of  Westchester  do  take  any  oysters  to  transport  out  of 
our  township  to  make  sale  thereof,  such  freeholder  or  freholders  shall  be 
esteemed  as  trespassers,  &c.  Provided  that  the  freeholders  in  general  of 
Eastchester  shall  not  be  esteemed  trespassers  according  to  this  act,  excepting 
sucl;  of  them  as  shall  take  oysters  within  ye  limits  of  West  and  Eastchester 
to  transport  them  out  of  ye  said  townships  to  make  sale  thereof,'**  &c. 

In  the  reign  of  George  the  first,  a  charter  was  granted  to  the 
trustees  of  this  town,  entitled,  '<  an  act  to  prevent  the  fencing  in 
or  enclosing  the  sheep  pasture^  or  any  part  thereof,  in  the  bor- 
ough town  of  Westchester,"  &c.  Dated  28th  February,  in  the 
eighth  year  of  his  reign,  and  of  our  Lord  God,  1721. 

The  sheep  pasture  embraced  what  was  subsequently  known 
as  the  commons.  Upon  this  extensive  waste,  the  freeholders  of 
the  town  enjoyed  the  free  use  of  pasturage.  The  commons  were 
purchased  by  Martin  Wilkins,  of  the  trustees,  in  1825,  and  are 
now  owned  by  his  son,  Governeur  M.  Wilkins,  Esq..  of  Castle 
hill  neck. 

The  village  of  Westchester  is  situated  at  the  head  of  naviga* 
tion,  on  Westchester  creek,**  twelve  miles  from  the  city  of  New 
York ;  it  contains  about  four  hundred  inhabitants,  fifty  dwel- 
lings, an  Episcopal,  a  Roman  Catholic,  a  Methodist  church  and 
two  Friends'  meeting  houses,  three  taverns,  a  post  office  and 
four  stores.    Here  is  a  convenient  landing,  from  which  ply  three 


•  Town  Ree.  fol.  ix.  ISK),  121. — At  a  court  of  common  council  held  1740,  it  was 
ordained  that  no  person  not  belonging  to  this  corporation  do  take  and  carry  away 
oor  clams  or  oysters,  but  that  all  boats,  canoes,  or  other  craft  belonging  to  persons 
who  shall  presame  to  take  the  same,  not  inhabiting  within  this  county,  shall  be 
soiled,  and  further  no  person  belonging  to  this  corporation  shall  have  power  to  giTt 
eaye  to  any  person  not  livmg  in  this  corporation  to  get  oysters  or  clams. 

k  Called  by  the  Dutch,  Ooet>dorp  kit. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  179 

sloops  to  the  New  York  market.  The  Westchester  creek  (al 
high  water)  admits  of  vessels  carrying  300  tons,  to  the  landing. 
There  are  three  school  districts  in  the  town,  viz.,  Westchester 
village,  Throckmorton's  neck,  and  Bear  swamp.  There  are  also 
several  manufactories,  and  two  grist  mills,  one  of  which  is  a  tide 
mill.* 

Westchester  is  by  several  years  the  oldest  village  in  the  coun- 
ty, its  first  settlement  (by  the  Puritans)  being  coeval  with 
Throckmorton's  purchase,  in  1642.^  At  this  early  period,  it 
formed  a  part  of  the  Dutch  district  of  Vrede-land  (or  land  of 
peace)  and  was,  therefore,  within  the  limits  and  jurisdiction  of  the 
New  Netherland.  By  the  Dutch  it  was  named  Oosidorpy  (East 
town)  from  its  situation  east  of  the  Manhattans.  So  early  as 
1657,  Gov.  Stuyvesant  ordered  that  Westchester  should  have 
four  English  or  one  Dutch  mile  square  of  land  for  the  town.* 

During  the  Dutch  dynasty,  courts  appear  to  have  been  holden 
regularly  at  Oost-dorp,  for,  among  the  town  records,  is  a  small 
volume,  entitled  "  The  Book  of  Court  acts,  from  1657  to  1668,'* 
from  which  we  extract  the  following  memoranda. 

"  Feb.  1st,  1657,  William  Bin  field  for  contempt  of  authority, 
is  bound  over  to  answer  at  next  court." 

On  the  same  occasion,  "  John  Archer,  plaintiff  against  Roger 
Wiles,  in  an  action  of  debt  for  the  value  of  seventy-four  guilders, 
principal." 

East  town,  the  13th  of  September^  1662,  at  a  court  held  be- 
fore Edward  Walters,  Robert  Huestis  and  William  Bett,  by  order 
and  power  of  the  Governor  General,  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Governor 
of  the  province  of  New  Netherland,  and  the  high  council,  (fcc. 

Thomas  Higgins,  plaintiff,  complains  of  Lawrence  Turner,  in 


•  N.  Y.  GazeUeer. 

b  Dr.  De  Witt  fixes  the  date  of  ita  settlement  some  eS^t  years  later.  "  After 
the  provisional  arrangement  of  boundaries  between  New  Netherland  and  New  En. 
gland,  by  Got.  Stuyvesant  and  the  New  Eng^l^d  commissioners,  m  1650.  A 
number  of  Puritans  from  the  east,  settled  a  place  then  named  Oo9t  Dorp,  (East 
Town)  now  Westchester,  in  Westchester  county."  De  Witt's  paper  on  New  Neth- 
eriand.    Proceedings  N.  Y.  Hist  Soc,  1644,  69. 


180  HISTORY  OF  THE 

an  action  of  slander  done  by  his  wife,  &c.,  ended  by  arbitra^ 
tion. 

When  Richard  Nicolls,  the  Duke  of  York^s  governour,  con- 
vened an  assembly  from  the  towns  of  Long  Island  and  West- 
chester, to  meet  at  Hempstead,  March  1st,  1665,  there  appeared 
the  following  deputies  from  this  place  : 

Edward  Jessup, 
John  Cluimby,* 
August  6th,  1665,  we  whose  names  are  underwritten,  doe 
jointly  agree  to  set  to  our  hands  to  send  the  eight  townsmen  to 
Governor  Nicolls,  to  stand  by  them  in  what  they  do  in  that  par- 
ticular, for  the  settlement  of  the  towne. 

William  Quimby,  Thomas  Miller, 

,     John  Ferris,  John  Smith, 

Robert  Piuckney,  C.  Wood, 

Edward  Waters,  Edward  Jessupe, 

Richard  Ponton,  Thomas  Hunt, 

Samuel  Barret,  Thomas  Hunt,  Jr. 

Thomas  Vaile. 
At  this  early  period,  a  portion  of  the  judicial  power  appears  to 
have  been  lodged  in  the  hands  of  the  constable,  for  in  the  town 
records  this  entry  occurs. 

Westchester,  Sept  3, 1663. 
At  a  town  court  holden  by  the  constable  and  the  commis- 
sioners appointed.  Thomas  Hunt  complained  against  an  Indian 
called  Pomoqucee,  that  the  said  Indian  took  his  canoe  from  the 
shore,  where  it  was  safe,  and  carried  it  quite  away.  Upon  ex- 
amination, the  Indian  confessed  that  he  took  the  canoe  from  the 
shore,  but  said  it  was  not  secured.** 


•  Alb.  Uec.  Gen.  Eutries,  1G64-65,  page  96.     See  Dunlap  Hist.  N.  Y. 

k  The  inhabiiantB  of  Westchester  (like  their  New  Eogland  forefathers)  appear 
to  have  been  greatly  troubled  with  the  plague  of  witchcraa,  for,  ia  1670,  Katha- 
rine Harryson  of  England  who  had  lived  nineteen  yean  at  Weathersfield  in  Con- 
necticut, where  she  had  been  tried  for  witchcraft,  found  guilty  by  the  jwnf,  ae» 
quitted  by  the  bench,  and  released  out  of  prison,  on  consideration  that  she  would 
remove.  Appeared  before  the  council  on  the  accusation  of  Thomas  Hunt 
and  Edward  Waters,  in  behalf  of  the  town  of  Westchester,  they  praying  that 
the  might  be  driven  from  the  town.    This  affair  was  adjoarned  to  the  4th  of  Au- 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  181 

The  subjoined  document  woyild  appear  to  be  the  first  tavern 
license  granted  in  this  county. 

*'  At  a  town  meelingf  in  Westchester,  the  27th  of  Jane,  1681,  Justice  Pell 
present.  The  town  made  choice  of  John  Hunt  for  an  ordinary  keeper,  for  one 
year  ensuing,  fur  the  town  of  Westchester,  and  desired  him  the  said  John 
Hunt,  may  be  licensed  by  the  justices  of  the  riding.  The  said  Hunt  is  to  sell 
his  biere  at  two  pence  per  quart,  and  rum  at  three  pence  per  gill,  which  he 
shall  not  exceed,  and  to  take  his  corne  at  price  current,  according  to  the  cur- 
rent rate,  and  that  none  else  to  retaile  againe  in  rum  in  the  said  towne  of 
Westchester,  during  the  said  tearme  of  one  year,  without  the  approbation  of 
the  said  Hunt.''* 

We  have  already  shown  that  Westchester  sent  representatives 
to  the  Governor's  assembly  in  1665.  The  following  relates  to 
the  election  of  representatives  in  1683. 

Westchester,  the  29ih  of  Sept.  1683. 
At  a  town  meeting  held  in  obedience  to  a  warrant  from  the 
high  sheriff  concerning  the  choice  of  four  men  out  of  the  town- 
ship to  goe  to  Jamaica  upon  Long  Island  the  first  day  of  Octo- 
ber next  ensuing,  there  to  joyne  with  a  committee  chosen  out  of 
each  towne  in  the  north  riding'^  and  this  said  committee  to 
choose  two  out  of  the  riding,  able  men  as  representatives  for  the 
north  riding.    The  town  hath  made  choice  of  William  Richard- 


gust,  when  being  heard,  it  was  referred  to  the  general  court  of  assizes.  The  wo- 
man being  ordered  to  give  security  for  good  behavior.  The  foliowiog  sentence  was 
recorded  by  the  court,  Oct.,  1670 :  in  the  case  of  Catharine  Ilarrysou,  widow,  who 
was  bound  to  her  good  behaviour,  upon  complaint  of  some  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Westchester,  whiUt  ye  holding  of  this  court.  It  is  ordered,  that  in  regard  there  is 
nothing  appears  against  her  deserving  the  continuance  of  that  obligation,  shee  is  to 
be  released  from  it,  and  hath  liberty  to  remove  from  the  town  of  Westchester  were 
she  now  resides,  or  any  were  else  in  the  government  during  her  pleasure.  The  hu- 
mane efforts,  however  of  the  court,  to  protect  the  poor  widow,  appear  to  have  been 
ineffectual,  for  soon  after  an  order  was  given  for  Catharine  Harryson  charged  with 
witchcraft,  to  leave  Westchester,  as  the  inhabitants  are  uneasy  at  her  residing  there, 
and  she  is  ordered  to  go  off.  Assize  Rec.  Albany, 
•  Town.  Rec. 


1Q2  HISTORY  OF  THE 

SOD,  Richard  Ponton,  Thomas  Hunt,  sen.,  and  John  Palmer  to 
be  the  four  men  to  goe  to  Jamaica. 

Recorded  in  town  meeting, 

per  Francis  French,  Recorder. 


% 


Upon  the  division  of  the  provinCennto  shires  and  counties^  the 
following  act  was  passed  by  the  Colonial  Assembly  for  the  re- 
gulating and  settling  of  courts  of  justice,  entitled  "  an  act  for  the 
more  orderly  hearing  and  determining  of  matters  and  cases  of 
controversy,  &c."  Two  courts  of  sessions  for  the  county  of 
Westchester^  the  first  Tuesday  in  June  and  the  first  Tuesday  in 
December  yearly  and  every  year,  the  one  to  be  held  at  West' 
Chester^  and  the  other  at  Eastchester.  Also  a  court  of  oyer  and 
terminer  and  general  jail  delivery  in  the  same  county  on  the  first 
Wednesday  in  December.    Passed  29th  of  October,  1683.* 

Westchester  formed  the  shire  town  of  the  county  from  1683 
to  1769.  The  last  court  held  here  was  on  the  6th  of  November, 
1759.^  A  few  extracts  are  selected  from  the  early  records  to 
show  the  manner  in  which  the  county  courts  were  conducted. 

"  At  a  court  of  sessions  held  at  Westchester,  for  the  county  of  Westches- 
ter, by  their  Majesties  authority,  present  John  Pell,  justice  and  quoram,  pre- 
sident of  the  court,  John  Palmer,  justice  of  the  peace  and  quorum,  Daniel 
Sharpe  and  William  Barnes,  Esquires,  justices  of  ye  peace.  December  ye  1st 
1691. 

The  Court  opened. 
The  grand  jury  called  and  appeared,  viz. 

Robert  Hustead,  John  Furgeson, 

John  Ferris,  sen.  Robert  Hustead,  jun. 

John  Mollinex,  John  Hadden,*  sen. 


a  Acts  of  AsMmbly,  passed  A.  D.  1683.  Upon  the  29th  of  October,  1684,  the 
period  was  changed  for  holdiug  the  above  courts  from  the  first  Tuesday  in  Decem- 
ber to  the  third  Tuesday  in  November.  In  1691  the  courts  were  held  as  first 
ordered. 

k  Rec.  of  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  Lib.  B.  The  old  court  house  at  Westchester 
was  burnt  at  an  early  period  of  the  Revolution. 

c  A.  D.  1749.  Died  John  Hadden  and  Abigail  his  wife  within  a  few  hovrs  of 
each  other,  having  lived  lovingly  together  70  years.  He  died  aged  96,  and  his  wife 
90. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  183 

Joseph  Hant,  Edward  Hadden, 

John  Hoot,  John  Winter, 

John  Qnimby,  jun.  Thorny  Bedient,  . 

John  Baly,  SamudliPalmer,  • 

William  Chftdderton. 

he     court  adjourned  till  Thursday  morning. 

Constables  called. 
Westchester,  Joseph  Hunt.     Eastchester,  Henry  Fowler.     New  Rochelle, 
Cornelis  Seely.    Mamaronerk,  Richard  Ward.     Rye,  Samuel  Knifien.     Up- 
per Yonckers,  Matthias  Brookes.     Bedford,  — .     Benjamin  Collier,  high 
sheriff  of  the  county.^ 

*'  At  a  court  of  sessions  held  at  Westchester  by  his  Majesty's  authority, 
June  6th  and  7th,  1693,  before  the  Honorable  Caleb  Heathcote,  Esq.,  judge 
of  the  court  of  common  pleas,  justice  and  quorum,  &c  ,  the  following  curious 
testimony  was  given  in  a  suit  between  Richard  Ponton,  defendant,  and  Gabriel 
Leggett,  plaintiff.  Captain  Thomas  Williams,t»  aged  62  years,  deposed,  saith, 
the  first  reason  of  this  difficulty  was  a  big  look  violently  from  mee.  After- 
wards Captain  Leisler*  sent  an  order  to  Captain  Ponton  to  send  him  some 
men  to  go  to  Albany  for  their  assistance  against  the  French,  and  also  the  said 
Williams  to  assist  the  said  Ponton  in  taking  and  sending  the  said  the  men  up. 
When  the  townes  company  was  called  together  and  Captam  Ponton  asked 
them  who  was  willing  to  go  volunteers  upon  said  expedition,  and  Gabriel 
Leggett  answered  that  was  fooles  if  any  of  them  did  go,  and  said  who  would 
give  them  a  legg  or  an  arm  if  they  lost  them.  Upon  which,  Captain  Ponton 
commanded  him  to  hold  his  peace,  but  he  still  continued  abusing  the  defendant 
and  said  here  comes  the  father  of  rogues,  and  many  other  scurrilous  words, 
upon  which  I  got  a  warrant  against  him,  &e." 

At  a  general  court  of  sessions,  held  in  1696. 

"  The  jury  for  our  Sovereign  Lord  the  King,  upon  their  oaths  do  present 
Thomas  Furgeson  of  the  county  town  of  Westchester,  laborer,  for  selling  of 
a  certain  horse  without  a  tongue  of  a  brown  culler  at  Westchester  aforesaid, 
at  or  about  the  first  day  of  May  last,  &o. 

By  an  act  of  Assembly  passed  on  the  11th  of  May,  1693,  "  a 


•■  Fint  Rec.  of  Court  of  Sewions. 

k  Dec  11th,  1689.    Thomas  WUliams,  freeholder  of  Westchester,  was  elected  a 
member  of  the  GoTemor's  ConncU. 
•  GoTemor  Jacob  Leiiler  who  assumed  the  goremment  of  the  Province  in  1689. 


184  BISTORT  OF  TH8 

public  and  open  market  was  appointed  to  be  held  on  every 
Wednesday  of  the  week  at  Westchester,  "  to  which  market  it 
was  lawful  for  all  and  every  of  the  inhabitants  and  sojourners  to 
go,  frequent  and  resort,  and  thither  to  carry  all  sorts  of  cattle^ 
grain,  victuals,  provisions  and  other  necessaries  from  eight  in  the 
morning  to  sunset.'** 

It  was  also  enacted  by  General  Assembly  the  same  year,  "  that 
there  shall  likewise  be  held  and  kept  twice  yearly  and  every  year, 
a/c/ir,  to  which  fair  it  shall  and  may  be  likewise  lawful  for  all 
and  every  person  to  go  and  frequent,  &c.,  two  fairs  yearly  for 
the  county  of  Westchester;  the  first  to  be  kept  at  the  town  of 
Westchester  in  the  said  county  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  May 
and  to  and  on  the  Fiiday  following,  being  in  all  four  days,  ex- 
clusive and  no  longer,  and  the  second  fair  to  be  kept  at  Rye  in 
the  said  county  on  the  second  Tuesday  in  October  yearly  add  to 
end  the  Friday  following,  &c.,  &c."*>  These  privileges  were 
subsequently  confirmed  and  enlarged.^: 

The  following  charter,  iucor|)orating  the  ancient  settlement  of 
Westchester  as  a  borough  town,  was  granted  on  the  16ih  of 
April,  1696: 

ROYAL  CHARTER, 

Gulielmas  Tertius  Dei  Gratia,  Anglic,  Scotie,  Gallie  et  Hiberoie,  Rex 
fidei  defensor,  &c.  &c. 
*'  To  all  to  whome  these  presents  shall  come,  sendeth  greeting  : 
Whereas,  Richard  Nichulls,  Esq.,  sumeiime  Governor  General  of  our  pro- 
vince of  New  York,  in  America,  by  a  certain  writing  or  patent  under  his 
band  and  seal,  bearing  date  on  or  about  ye  15th  day  of  February,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  God,  1667,  by  virtue  of  the  power  and  authority  unto  him  given, 
did  give,  ratify,  confirm  and  grant,  unto  John  Quimby,  John  Ferris,  Nicho- 
las Bailey,  William  Belts,  and  Edward  Walters,  as  pattentees  for  and  on 
the  behalf  of  themselves  and  their  associates,  the  freeholds  and  inhabitants  of 
the  town  of  Westchester,  within  our  sd.  province  of  New  York,  all  that 


■  The  above  act  was  confirmed  in  1697.    See  Acts  of  Assembly,  p.  17. 
k  Acts  of  Assembly,  confirmed  11  May,  1697. 
•  See  Charter. 


COUOTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  185 

tract  of  land  scituate,  lyings  and  being  apon  the  main  to  the  east  of  Harlem  riTer 
then  in  thetenare  and  occupation  of  the  above  ad  patentees,  and  seToral  other 
fireeholders  and  inhabitants,  of  the  said  town,  who,  before  that  time  by  authority, 
had  been  settled  there,  and  had  been  at  considerable  charges  in  manuring 
and  planting  part  of  the  lands  belonging  thereunto,  and  likewise  had  settled  a 
competent  number  of  families  thereupon  for  a  township,  the  boundaries  and 
limits  whereof,  were  therein  set  forth  and  exprest  as  follows:  (viz.)  tho 
western  bounds  of  the  sd.  land,  then  lying  within  the  limits  of  the  said  town, 
did  begin  at  the  land  commonly  called  B rank's  land,  near  or  adjoining  to 
Harlem  river  afores'd,  from  whence  they  extend  eastward  to  the  west  pari 
of  a  certain  neck  of  land,  commonly  called  Ann  Hooks  neok  or  Mr.  Pell's 
puroh'e,  southward,  they  are  bounded  by  the  Sound  or  East  river,  and  so  to 
run  op  a  parellel  line  from  the  east  and  west  limits,  north,  into  the  woods 
without  limitation,  for  range  of  cattle,  and  other  improvementSt  together 
with  all  the  lands,  soiles,  necks  of  land,  rivers,  oreeks,  harbours,  quarry's, 
woods,  meadows,  pastures,  marshes,  waters,  ffishings,  hawkings,  huntings  and 
ffowlings,  and  all  other  profits,  commodities,  emoluments  and  hereditaments,  to 
the  sd  lands  and  premises,  within  the  said  bounds  and  limits  described  and  set 
forth  belonging  or  in  any  manner  of  wayes  appertaining,  to  have  and  to  hold^  all 
and  singular  the  said  tracts  and  parcels  of  land,  hereditaments  and  appurte* 
nances,  and  every  part  and  parcel  thereof  to  the  said  pattentees  and  their  as* 
Aociates,  their  heirs,  successors  and  assigns,  forever. 

And  moreover i  the  said  Richard  Nicholl^s,  Esq.,  asGovr.  Grenl.  as  aforesd, 
did  thereby  ratify,  confirm  and  grant  unto  the  said  patentees,  their  associates, 
their  heirs,  successors  and  assigns,  all  the  rights  and  privileges  belonging  to 
a  town  within  this  government,  and  that  the  place  of  their  then  present  habi- 
tation should  continue  and  retain  the  name  of  Westchester,  by  which  name 
and  stile  it  was  to  be  distinguished  and  known  in  all  bargains,  sales,  deeds, 
writings  and  records,  they  the  sd.  patentees  and  their  associates,  heirs,  suc- 
cessors and  assigns,  rendering  and  paying  such  duties  and  acknowledgments, 
as  then  were  or  hereafter  should  be  constituted  or  established  by  the  laws  of 
the  said  province,  as  by  the  said  writing  or  patent  now  remaining  upon  the 
records  of  the  secretaries  office,  relation  being  thereunto  had,  may  more  at 
large  appear.  And  whereas^  afterwards,  on  or  about  the  sixth  day  of  Janry., 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1686,  upon  the  petition  of  several  of  the  freeholders 
of  the  said  town  of  Westohester,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  the  rest  of  tba 
ffreeholdars  and  inhabitants  of  the  said  town,  directed  to  Coll.  Thomas  Dun* 
gan,  then  Capn.  Genl.  and  Gov.  in  Chief  of  our  sd.  province.  The  sd.  ColL 
Thomas  Dnngan,  by  virtoe  of  the  power  and  authority  to  hhn  derived,  in  and 
by  a  certain  instromeot  in  writing,  under  his  hand  and  seal  of  our  sd  prov'e 
of  New  York,  whose  date  is  the  day  and  yeir  last  abovesd,  for  the  oonsido- 
ration  therein  mentioned,  did  give,  grant,  ratify,  release  and  confirm,  unto 
twelve  of  he  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  sd  town  of  Westohestarp 

YoL.  IL  84 


186  HISTORY  OF  THE 

aikd  thereby  made  them  one  body  corporate  and  polotick,  and  willed  and  deter- 
mined them  to  be  known  and  called  by  the  name  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Ffree- 
holders  and  Commonality  of  the  Town  of  Westchester  and  their  Successors, 
all  the  aforesd  tracts  and  parcels  of  land,within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesd 
together  with  all  and  singular  the  houses,  mesuages,  tenements,  building,  mills, 
niilldams,  fiences,  inclosures,  gardens,  orchards,  fields,  pastures,  woods,  nnder- 
mroods,  common  of  pastures,  meadows,  marshes,  swamps,  creeks,  harbors  and  all 
other  profits  and  commodities  and  hereditaments  whatsoever,  to  the  sd  tracts  of 
land,  and  premises  belonging,  or  in  any  manner  of  ways  appertaining,  to  have  and 
to  hold  unto  them  the  sd  trustees  of  the  flfreeholders  and  commonallity  of  the 
sd  town  of  Westchester,  and  their  successors  forever,  to  and  for  the  several 
«nd  respective  uses  therein  mentioned,  (viz.)  as  for  and  concerning  all  and  sin- 
gular the  several  and  respective  parcels  of  land  and  meadows,  part  of  the 
abovesd  granted  premises,  then  in  any  wise  taken  up  and  appropriated,  ei- 
ther by  patent  under  the  hand  of  any  of  his  majties  governors  in  this  province, 
and  soiled  with  the  seal  thereof,  or  by  particular  divisions,  settlements,  al- 
lottments  and  grants,  by  town  orders,  either  for  the  planting  of  land  or  erect- 
»  ing  of  saw  mills,  with  all  and  every  the  priviledges  of  cutting  of  timber,  and 
pasture  for  cattle,  before  the  day  of  the  date  thereof,  onto  the  several  and  re- 
spective then  present,  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of  West- 
chester, by  virtue  of  the  before  recited  deeds  or  pattent,  to  the  use,  benefit 
and  behoof  of  the  sd  fifreeholders  and  inhabitants  respectively,  and  their 
several  and  respective  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  and  as  for  and  concerning 
all  and  every  such  tracts  and  parcels  of  land,  remainder  of  the  granted  pre- 
mises not  then  taken  up  and  appropriated  to  any  particular  person  or  persons, 
by  virtue  of  the  before  recited  deed  or  pattent,  to  the  use,  benefit  and  be- 
hoof of  the  then  present  fl*rceholders  and  inhabitants,  their  heirs,  successors 
and  assignes  for  ever,  in  proportion  to  their  several  and  respective  settle- 
ments, divisions  and  allotments  as  tenents  in  common,  without  any  lett,  hin- 
drance or  molestation,  to  be  had  upon  pretence  of  jointanaey  or  survivorship 
therein  saveing  to  his  then  majestic,  his  heirs  and  successors,  the  several  rents 
and  quit-rents  reserved  due, and  payable  from  several  persons,  inhabiting 
within  the  limitts  and  bounds  aforesd  by  virtue  of  former  grants  to  them  made 
and  given,  always  provided,  that  all  and  every  such  person  and  persons  that 
hold  any  land  within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesd,  by  virtue  of  the  particular 
grants,  patents,  are  forever  to  be  excluded  from  having  any  rights  or  oom- 
monage  or  particular  division  of  any  of  the  lands  within  the  limits  and  bounds 
aforesd  that  then  remaind  unappropriated  to  de  holden  of  us,  our  heirs  and 
successors  in  fee  and  common  socage  according  to  the  manner  of  East 
Greenwich,  in  the  county  of  Kent,  within  our  realm  of  England,  under  a  cer- 
tain ye  irly  quit  rent  therein  reserved,  due  and  payable  unto  us,  our  heirs  and 
successors ;  and  whereas^  the  northerly  bounds  of  the  first  recited  pattent, 
extends  into  the  woods  without  limitation,  the  said  Coll.  Thomas  Dungan  did, 
in  and  by  the  last  abovementioned  pattent  and  confirmation,  declare  and  deter- 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  187 

mite,  tkat  the  northerly  north-east  and  north-west  bounds  of  the  sd  town  of 
Westchester,  shoald  for  erer  hereafter  be  ooncladed  and  ascertain*d  by  ye 
southerly  line  of  the  pattent  of  Onsal  and  the  south  and  west  line  of  Thos 
Pell,  as  by  ye  last  aboTe  reeited  patent,  relation  being  thereunto  bad,  may 
more,  at  large  appear;  and,  fforasmuch  a.n  the  present  trustees  and  other 
the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  sd  town  of  Westchester,  hare  lately, 
by  their  hnmble  petition  to  onr  trusty  and  well  beloved  Benjan  Ffletclier,  oor 
Capn  GenI  and  GoTernr-in-ehief  of  our  said  province  of  New  York,  in  Amer- 
ica, prayM  our  charter  or  pattent  of  confirmation  of  all  those  sesferal  tracts 
and  parcels  of  land,  and  other  the  premises  to  them  granted  as  aforesd,  and 
that  the  said  town  of  Westchester,  and  all  and  singular  the  lands  and  tene- 
ments thereunto  belonging  and  appertaining,  may  forever  hereafter,  be  a  free 
borough  and  town  corporate  ;  now  knowe  ye,  that  we  do  by  this  our  royal 
pattent  or  charter  of  confirmation,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  grant, 
ratify,  approve  and  confirm,  onto  the  sd  trustees  of  the  (Freeholders  and  in- 
habitants of  onr  sd  town  of  Westchester,  and  to  their  successors  and  assignee 
forever,  all  the  several  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  hereinbefore  recited,  whose 
meets  and  bounds  are  forever  hereafter  to  be  taken,  and  esteemed  to  be  and 
remain  as  follows :  (viz.)  the  western  bounds  thereof  are  to  begin  at  the  west 
part  of  the  land  commonly  caird  Urunks  land,  near  or  adjoining  to  Harlem  river 
from  whence  they  are  to  extend  eastward  to  the  west  part  of  a  neck  of  land, 
commonly  callM  Ann-hookas  neck,  or  the  westermost  bounds  of  Mr.  PelPs 
pattern,  southard  by  the  Sound  and  East  river,  and  so  to  run  up  a  parraUell 
line  from  the  east  and  west  limits,  north  into  the  woods,  until  it  meet  the 
southerly  line  of  the  pattent  of  Oneal  and  the  south  and  west  line  of  Thomas 
FelPs  patent,  together  with  all  and  singular  the  houses,  mesuages,  tenements, 
erections  and  buildings,  mills,  mill  dams,  fences,  inclosures,  gardens,  orch- 
ards, fields,  pastures,  common  of  pastures,  meadows,  marshes,  swamps,  plains, 
woods,  underwoods,  timber,  trees,  rivers,  rivulets,  runs,  streams,  water,  lakes, 
ponds,  pools,  pits,  braches,  quarries,  mines,  minerals,  (half  of  gold  and  silver 
mines  excepted)  creeks,  harbours,  highways,  easements,  fishing,  hunting  and 
fowling,  and  all  other  franchises,  profits,  commodities,  hereditaments  and  ap- 
purtenances whatsoever,  to  the  same  belonging,  or  in  any  manner  of  waysap* 
pertaining  or  therewithal  us'd  and  enjoy M,  as  part,  parcel  or  member  thereof, 
or  accepted,  requited  or  taken,  to  belong  or  in  any  wise  to  appertain  thereun- 
to, to  have  and  to  hold  and  enjoy  all  and  singular  the  abovesd  tracts  and 
parcels  of  land,  hereditaments  and  premises,  with  their  and  every  of  their 
appurtenances  unto  the  sd  trustees  of  the  fi'reeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the 
said  borough  and  town  of  Westchester,  and  their  successors  forever,  to  and 
for  the  sevi^ral  and  respective  uses  following,  and  to  no  other  use,  intent  or 
purpose  whatsoever,  (viz. )  as  for  and  concerning  all  and  singular  the  several 
and  respective  parcels  of  upland  and  meadow  ground,  part  of  the  above  granted 
premises,  in  any  wise  taken  op  and  appropriated,  either  by  pattU  under  the 
hand  of  any  of  our  former  g'lvers  of  this  our  province,  and  sealed  with  the 


188  HISTORY  OF  THE    " 

teal  thereof,  or  by  grant  from  the  shore  moDtioiied  tmetees,  or  by  ptrtienlar 
divisions,  settlements  and  grants,  by  town  orders,  either  for  planting  of  land* 
or  erecting  of  saw  mills,  with  all  and  erery  the  privileges  of  cutting  of  tim- 
Iber,  and  pastures  for  cattle,  before  the  date  of  these  presents,  and  that  by  rir- 
toe  of  any  the  hereinbefore  recited  grants  or  patients  or  any  of  them,  ahaB 
he  and  remain  to  the  use  and  behoof  of  such  of  the  scYeral  and  respeetiYe 
ffreeholders  and  inhabitats  respectively,  and  their  several  and  respective  heirs 
and  assigns  for  ever,  and  particularly  by  one  agreement  made  by  the  trustees 
of  the  sd  town,  bearing  date  the  2d  day  of  December,  1694,  with  one  Richard 
Ward,  relating  to  the  stream  of  the  Great  creek  within  the  sd  town,  on  which 
Coll.  Caleb  Heathcott  and  the  sd  Richard  Ward,  who  are  now  equally  coi- 
eerned  therein,  are  erecting  of  sundry  mills,  and  is  for  and  concerning  all  and 
•very  other  the  tracts  and  parcels  of  upland  and  meadow  ground,  remain- 
der of  the  above  granted  premises  not  yet  taken  up  or  appropriated  by 
any  particular  person  or  persons  as  aforesaid,  to  be  and  remain  to  the 
only  proper  use  and  behoof  of  the  sd  trustees  and  the  ffreeholders  and 
inhabitants  of  the  sd  borroogh  and  town  of  Westchester,  and  to  their  succea- 
sors  and  assignes  forever,  and  to  no  other  use,  intent,  or  purpose  whatsoever. 
To  be  holden  of  us,  our  heirs,  and  successors,  according  to  the  manner  of 
East  Greenwich  in  the  county  of  Kent,  within  our  realm  of  England,  in  free 
and  comnu>n  socage,  rendering  and  paying  unto  us,  our  heira,  end  suocessorSf 
or  to  the  hands  of  our  receiver  genl  of  our  sd  province  of  New  York  for  the 
lime  being  or  to  such  other  officer  or  officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive 
the  same  for  and  out  of  the  sd  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  and  other  the  premises 
the  sum  of  thirty  shillings  current  money  of  N.  York,  upon  every  2&th  day  of 
March  forever  hereafter.  And  we  do  farther  give  and  grant  unto  the  ffree- 
holders and  inhabitants  of  the  sd  town  of  W.  Chester,  and  to  their  heirs  and 
assigns  forever,  full  power  and  authority  annually  and  once  every  year,  and 
that  upon  the  first  Monday  in  the  month  of  May,  that  they  the  said  ffreeholders 
and  inhabitants  bhall  and  may  as  formerly  hath  been  accustomed  in  the  sd 
town,  to  elect  and  choose  twelve  freeholders  for  their  trustees,  who  shall  have 
full  power  and  authority,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  to  order  and  dispose  of  all 
or  any  part  of  the  undivided  land  within  sd  town  limits  and  precincts  thereof, 
as  fully  and  amply  to  all  intents,  constructions,  and  purposess  as  formerly  they 
have  used  and  been  accustomed  to  do.  And  farther  of  our  especial  grace, 
certain  knowledge,  and  mcer  motion,  we  do,  for  us,  our  heirs,  and  suceesors, 
grant,  constitute,  ordain,  and  appoint,  by  this  our  present  charter,  that  all  and 
singular  the  lands,  tenements,  and  hereditaments  herein  before  in  this  our  sd 
royal  charter  and  grant  granted  and  confirmed,  mentioned  or  intended  to  be 
granted  and  confirmed,  shall  from  henceforth  forever  be  a  free  borough  and 
corporation,  excepting  and  always  reserving  out  of  the  sd  borough  or  corpora- 
tion all  that  tract  of  land  scituate  and  being  upon  the  east  side  of  Harlem  river 
aforesd,  and  which  did  formerly  belong  to  Coll.  Lewis  Morris,  deced,  and 
which  now  is  in  the  tenure  and  occupation  of  James  Graham,  Esqr,,  and  to  be 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  189 

and  remain  ont  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  ad  corporation.  And  farther  of  oar 
especial  grace,  certain  knowledge,  and  meer  motion,  do,  for  ns,  onr  heirs,  and 
successors,  grant,  constitote,  ordain,  and  appoint,  by  this  onr  present  charter, 
that  the  sd  town  of  W.  Chester  and  all  and  singolar  the  lands  and  tenements 
thereunto  belonging  and  appertaining  may  forever  hereafler  be  a  free  borough 
and  town  corporate,  and  shall  be  called  the  borough  and  town  of  W.  Chester, 
and  that  in  the  sd  town  corporate  there  shall  be  a  body  politick  consisting  of 
a  mayor,  six  aldermen,  and  six  assistants,  or  common  council  of  the  sd  borough 
and  town  of  W.  Chester,  to  continue  in  succession  forever,  and  fur  the  more 
full  and  perfect  erection  of  the  sd  corporation  and  body  politick  to  consist, 
continue,  and  be  of  a  mayor,  six  aldermen,  and  six  assistants,  or  common  coun- 
cil of  the  sd  borough  or  town  to  be  called  and  known  by  the  name  of  the  may- 
or, aldermen,  and  commooay  of  the  borough  and  town  of  W.  Chester. 

We  of  our  especial  grace,  certain  knowledge  and  meer  motion,  do  by  these 
presents  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  create,  make,  ordain,  constitute, 
nominate  and  appoint  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Coll.  Caleb  Heathcote,  Esq. 
one  of  our  counoellors  of  our  sd  province  of  N.  York,  to  be  the  first  and  now 
mayor  of  the  sd  town  and  borough  of  W.  Chester,  and  to  continue  in  the  said 
office  untill  the  first  Monday  in  the  month  of  May,  which  shall  be  in  the  ninth 
year  of  our  reign.  And  we  do  likewise  create,  make,  ordain,  constitute,  no- 
minate and  appoint  Wm.  Barns,  Jno.  Stuert,  Wm.  Willett,  Thus.  Baxter, 
Josiah  Stuert  and  Jno.  Baily,  gents.,  to  be  first  aldermen  of  the  sd  borough 
and  town  of  Westchester,  and  Israel  Honeywell,  Robert  Hustis,  Sam*l  Hus- 
tis,  Saml  Ferris,  Daniel  Turner  and  Miles  Oakley,  gents.,  the  first  assistants 
and  common  council  of  the  sd  borough  and  town,  and  that  the  sd  mayor,  ald'o 
and  common  council  and  their  successors,  shall  for  ever  hereafter  be  in  name 
aod  in  deed  a  body  corporate  and  politick  and  shall  forever  hereailer  be  called 
and  known  in  all  courts  whatsoever,  plead  and  be  impleaded  by  the  name  of 
the  Mayor,  Ald'n  and  Commonalty  of  the  Borough  and  Town  of  W.  Chester. 
And  of  our  further  grace,  certain  knowledge  and  meer  motion,  and  to  the  in- 
tent that  the  sd  corporation  and  body  politick  by  these  presents  created  and 
began  as  aforesd,  may  have  perpetual  succession  and  continue  forever,  we  do 
by  these  presents  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  grant  unto  the  sd  mayor, 
ald'n  and  common  council  and  their  successors  fur  ever,  that  the  sd  mavor 

w 

and  ald'n  of  the  sd  borough  and  town  of  W.  Chester,  for  the  time  being,  shall 
and  may  from  time  to  time,  whensoever  aod  as  oflen  as  they  shall  think  meet, 
admit  and  receive  under  the  common  seal  of  the  sd  corporation  to  be  of  the 
commonalty  of  the  sd  borough  and  town,  such  and  so  many  persons  as  the 
said  mayor  and  alder'n,  or  the  mayor  fur  the  time  being  and  the  greatest  part 
of  the  sd  alder*n  shall  think  mg^t,  and  that  every  such  person  and  persons  by 
them  the  sd  mayor  and  alder*n  or  the  greater  part  of  them  as  aforesM  to  be 
admitted  and  received  as  aforesM,  shall  immediately  af\er  such  admission  be 
free  men  of  the  sd  borough  and  town  and  members  of  the  sd  body  politick,  and 
have  and  enjoy  all  each  the  same  and  so  many  priviledges,  franchises  and  im« 


190  HISTORY  OF  THE 

muqities,  as  if  the  said  pereont  bo  to  be  admitted  had  been  apecially  and  par- 
ticularly named  in  tbia  our  ad  royal  charter  to  be  of  the  sd  commonality. 
And  further  we  of  our  eapecial  grace,  certain  knowledge,  and  roeer  motion,  do 
by  theae  preaenta,  for  ua,  our  heira  and  aucoesaor,  give  and  grant  onto  the  ad 
tnayxir,  alder'n  and  common  council  of  the  ad  borough  and  town  of  W.  Chea- 
ter, that  they  and  their  auccesaora  shall  from  henceforth  for  ever  be  a  body 
politick  and  incorporate,  in  deed  and  in  name,  and  by  theae  preaenta  fully  and 
absolutely  make,  create,  coniBtitute,  eatabliah  and  unite  the  ad  mayor,  alder'a 
and  common  council  into  one  body  politick  and  incorporate  to  endure  and  con 
tinue  for  ever,  and  them  and  their  aucceaaora  do  declare,  accept  and  allow  for 
a  perfect  corporation  and  body  politick  for  ever,  and  that  the  ad  body  politick 
and  corporate  aball  be  called  and  known  for  ever  by  the  name  of  the  Mayor, 
Alder^n  and  Commonalty  of  the  Borough  and  Town  of  W.  Cheater,  and  that 
by  that  name  they  and  their  aucceaaora  aball  be  able  peraona  in  law  to  make 
all  manner  of  contracta  and  granta,  and  to  make,  receive  and  take  all  manner 
of  gifta,  granta  and  purchaaea  aa  any  other  natural  peraon  or  body  politick  is 
able  to  make,  receive  and  take  by  the  lawa  of  our  realm  of  England  and  thia 
our  province,  and  that  they  and  their  aucceaaora  ahall  and  may  by  that  name 
implead  any  other  peraon  or  peraona,  or  be  impleaded  in  any  court  or  courts, 
in  all  and  all  manner  of  causes  and  actions,  real  and  personal  ot  mixt  of  what 
kind  or  nature  soever,  and  claim  and  demand  their  libertiea  and  francheaaea 
before  any  judge  or  judges,  ecclesiastical  or  aecular,  and  otherwise  do  and 
execute  alt  and  every  act  and  acts,  thing  and  things  whatsoever,  which  any 
other  liege  men  which  are  enabled  and  made  capable  of  the  benefit  of  our 
laws  within  our  realm  of  England  or  this  our  province  of  N«  York,  can  or  may 
lawfully  do  or  execute.     And  farther  of  our  especial  grace,  certain  kno^vledge, 
and  meer  motion,  we  do  by  these  presents  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors, 
give  and  grant  unto  the  sd  mayor,  alder^n  and  common  council,  that  the  sd 
Col.  Caleb  Heathcott  and  his  successors,  mayora  of  the  sd  town  and  borough 
of  W.  Chester  aforesM  for  the  time  being,  shall  have  the  charge  of  free  gov- 
ernmH  of  the  sd  borough  and  town  of  W.  Chester  during  the  time  of  his  and 
their  bearing  the  sd  office,  in  aa  absolute  and  ample  manner  as  is  usual  and 
CQStomary  with  other  mayors  in  the  like  corporations  in  our  realm  of  England. 
And  further  because  the  sd  mayor  for  the  time  being  may  many  times  have 
jnat  occasion  to  be  absent  from  the  sd  town,  either  of  the  public  affairs  thereof 
or  for  his  own  private  respects,  wee  do  therefore  for  us,  our  heirs  and  succes- 
sors, by  these  presents  give  and  grant  unto  the  sd  mayor,  ald^n  and  common 
eounoel  and  their  anccessors,  that  the  sd  Coll.  Caleb  Healhcott  and  his  suc- 
cessors, mayors  of  the  sd  borough  and  town  of  W.  Cheater,  and   every  of 
them,  shall  have  full  power  and  authority  from  time  to  time  during  his  year  of 
government,  with  the  consent  of  the  said  aldermen  of  the  sd  town  for  the 
time  being  or  the  greater  part  of  them,  to  substitute  in  his  absence  some  dis- 
ereet  and  substantial  person  being  one  of  the  members  of  the  sd  aldermen 
ishabiting  in  the  sd  town  or  borough,  ts  be  his  deputy  mayor  during  the  ah- 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  191 

•enee  of  the  said  mayor,  and  each  deputy  mayor  for  the  time  being,  we  do  by 
these  presents  fully  and  absolutely  authorise  to  do  and  execute  all  (hings  what- 
soever belonging  to  the  sd  office  or  place  of  mayor  in  as  large  and  ample  man- 
ner as  if  the  sd  mayor  himself  was  personally  present.  And  we  do  farther 
by  these  presents  give  and  grant  unto  the  sd  mayor,  aldermen  and  common 
councel  of  the  sd  borough  and  town  of  Westchester  and  their  successors  for 
ever,  that  the  sd  miayor  for  the  time  being  or  lawful  deputy  and  any  two  or 
more  of  the  sd  aldn  of  the  sd  town  shall  and  may  lawfully  hold  and  keep  upon 
the  first  Tuesday  in  every  month  throughout  the  year  a  court  within  ye  sd 
town  of  W.  Chester,  and  therein  shall  have  full  power  and  authority  to  hold 
plea  of  all  manner  of  debts,  covenants,  trespasses,  accompts,  detinues,  de- 
mands, and  all  other  actions  personal  of  what  kind  or  nature  soever  the  same 
be,  arising  and  growing  only  within  the  sd  borough  or  town  of  W.  Chester 
and  the  limits  thereof,  so  as  ye  same  doth  not  exceed  in  debt  or  damages  the 
sum  of  twenty  pounds  current  money  of  this  our  province,  who  shall  have 
power  to  hear  and  determine  the  same  pleas  and  accompts  according  to  the 
rules  of  the  common  law  of  our  realm  of  England  and  the  acts  of  General 
Assembly  of  this  our  province  of  N.  York.  And  farther  of  our  like  especial 
grace,  certain  knowledge  and  meer  motion,  we  do  by  these  presents  for  us, 
our  heirs  and  successors,  give  and  grant  unto  the  said  mayor,  aldern  and  com- 
mon council  of  the.sd  borough  and  town  of  W.  Chester  and  thejr  successors 
for  ever,  that  they  and  their  successors  for  ever  shall  have  a  common  seal  un- 
der which  they  shall  pass  all  grants,  warrants,  deeds  and  specialties,  and 
other  the  affairs  and  business  of  or  concerning  the  sd  corporation,  which  shall 
be  engraven  with  such  form  and  inscription  as  shall  be  devised  by  the  mayor, 
aldermen  and  common  councel  of  the  sd  borough  and  town  ;  that  the  sd  may- 
or, aldern  and  common  council  shall  and  may  build,  or  cause  to  be  built  in  some 
convenient  place  of  the  sd  town  a  common  hall  or  town  house  to  be  called  by 
the  name  of  the  town  hall  of  the  borough  and  town  of  W.  Chester,  where  the 
sd  mayor,  aldern  and  common  council  shall  and  may  from  henceforth  for  ever 
lawfully  assemble  themselves  to  deliberate  and  consult  touching  the  publick 
welfare  of  the  sd  borough  and  town  of  Westchester,  and  that  they  and  their 
successors  shall  and  may  from  henceforth  be  a  free  guild  mercaturie,  and  that 
they  or  the  greater  part  of  them  and  their  successors  of  which  the  mayor  to 
be  one,  shall  and  may  from  time  to  time  in  their  public  counoels  freely  and 
lawfully  make  and  establish  all  such  ordinances,  statutes,  orders  or  by-laws  as 
may  tend  to  the  good  and  wholesome  government  of  the  said  borough  and 
town  and  to  ye  public  benefit  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  same,  not  being  repug- 
nant to  the  common  laws  and  statues  of  oar  realm  of  England,  and  this  our 
province  of  N.  York,  and  such  ordinances,  by-laws,  statutes,  orders,  and  d6- 
erees  as  shall  be  made  by  them  as  aforesaid,  we  do  by  these  presents,  for  as 
our  heirs  and  successors,  ratify,  confirm  aifd  allow  as  good  and  effeotnal  to 
bind  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  sd  borough  and  town,  and  do  expressly  will  and 
command  by  these  presents  that  the  same  be  duly  pot  in  execotiony  and  that 


192  HISTORY  OF  THE 

the  8d  mayor,  aldern  and  common  eoaiiool  ahall  at  aoj  time  or  times  hereafter 
hare  full  power  to  establish  a  ferry  orer  the  Sound>  between  the  said  corpo- 
ration and  the  island  of  Nassaa,  in  such  convenient  place  or  places  as  to  the 
ad  mayor  and  to  the  greater  part  of  the  said  aldern  shall  seem  meet  and  con- 
venient, and  to  take  such  fees  and  perqaisites  for  the  same  for  the  use  of  the 
td  corj>oration,  as  is  now  paid  for  the  flferidge  between  N.  York  and  the  -sd 
iaiand. 

And  farther,  for  the  more  orderly  government  of  the  said  borough  and  town, 
according  to  the  form  of  the  best  governed  towns  and  corporations  of  onr 
realm  of  England,  Wee  do  by  these  presents,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  snccessors, 
give  ami  grant  unto  the  s^d  mayor,  alder'n,  and  common  council  of  the  sM 
borough  and  town  of  W.  Chester,  full  power  to  elect  and  nominate  one  dis- 
creet and  sufficient  person,  learned  in  ye  law,  to  be  recorder  and  town  clerk 
i>f  the  s*d  borough  and  town  of  W.  Chester,  daring  the  pleasure  of  the  s*d 
mayor,  alder'n,  and  common  council,  and  such  person  or  persons  as  they  the  s'd 
mayor,  alder'n,  and  common  council  shall  choose  to  be  recorder  and  town  clerk 
of  the  sM  borough  and  town.  Wee  do,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successes,  make, 
ordain,  and  constitute  recorder  and  town  clerk  of  the  s*d  borough  and  town, 
and  that  the  s'd  person  or  persons  may  execute  their  sM  offices,  by  them- 
selves or  lawful  deputy  or  deputies,  so  that  the  same  be  first  approved  of  by 
the  sM  mayor  and  tho  major  part  of  the  said  alder'n,  and  wee  do  hereby  autho- 
rise the  said  recorder  and  town  clerk,  his  or  their  lawful  deputy  or  deputies, 
to  use  and  exercise  such  jurisdictions  and  authority  as  the  recorder  and  town 
clerk  doth  or  ought  to  do  in  the  like  corporations  in  our  realm  of  England. 
And  further,  we  do  by  tbese  presents,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  make 
ordain,  and  constitute  the  s'd  mayor  and  aldermen  of  the  s'd  borough  and  town 
of  W.  Chester  to  be  justices  of  the  peace  within  the  s'd  bounds  and  limits  of 
the  s'd  town,  and  do  hereby  give  them  full  power  and  atithority  to  do  and  exe- 
cute all  and  every  act  and  acts,  thing  and  things  whatsoever,  within  the  sM 
bounds  and  limits  of  the  s'd  borough  and  town,  in  as  absolute  and  ample  man- 
ner as  any  justice  of  the  peace  within  the  s'd  county  of  W.  Chester  may  or 
ought  to  do,  by  the  laws  and  statotes  of  our  realm  of  England  and  this  oar 
province  of  N.  York.  And  we  do  further,  for  us,  our  heirs,  and  successors, 
give  and  grant  unto  the  s'd  mayor,  aldermen,  and  common  council  of  ye  s'd 
borough  for  the  time  being,  and  to  their  success'rs  forever,  full  power  and  au- 
thority to  nominate  and  appoint,  from  time  to  time,  one  serjeant  of  the  mace, 
and  all  other  inferior  officers  and  ministers  which  they  shall  think  to  be  con- 
venient and  necessary,  and  which  are  accustomary  in  any  of  our  corporations 
in  our  realm  of  England,  for  ye  service  of  the  s'd  borough  and  town  i  all  which 
officers  being  from  time  to  time  appoin'd  by  the  s'd  mayor  and  aldermen  as 
afuresM,  we  do,  for  us,  our  heirs,  and  successors,  by  these  presents,  constitute 
and  establish  in  their  several  offices,  and  do  give  them  and  every  of  them  fall 
power  and  authority  to  use  and  exercise  ye  same  within  the  s'd  borough  and 
town,  and  within  the  limits  and  franchises  thereof  during  ye  will  and  pleasort 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  193 

of  the  sd  mayor  and  aldermen  as  fully  and  freely  as  any  other  the  like  offi- 
cers in  or  of  any  of  the  like  corporations  in  our  realm  of  England  lawfully 
may  or  ought  to  dO)  and  the  sM  office  of  mayor  shall  from  thenceforth  forever 
be  annual,  and  that  the  sd  mayor,  alder'n,  and  common  ooancil  shall  from 
henceforth  forerer  have  frank  and  free  election  of  the  sd  mayor,  to  be  chosen 
yearly  out  of  the  number  of  the  sd  aldermen,  and  that  by  the  Totes  of  the 
greatest  number  of  the  said  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  said  eorporationt 
and  all  other  the  said  officers  and  ministers  out  of  the  rest  of  the  number  of 
the  sd  ffreeholders  and  inhabitants  by  ye  greater  number  of  the  sd  mayor, 
aldermen,  and  common  council,  and  when  and  so  often  as  any  of  the  affores'd 
aldermen  and  common  council  who  are  hereby  nominated  and  created  for  their 
limetime,  or  untill  they  or  any  of  them  shall  be  lawfully  removed,  or  Tollenta- 
rily  remove  themselves  from  the  sd  corporation,  ye  said  aldermen  to  be  elect- 
ed and  chosen  out  of  the  number  of  the  sd  common  council,  and  the  number 
of  the  common  council  to  be  chosen  and  made  up  out  of  the  freemen  of  the  sd 
corporation  by  the  grater  vote  of  the  sd  freeholders  and  inhabitants  thereof^ 
and  that  always  within  fourteen  days  after  the  death  or  removal  of  any  of 
them  as  aforsM.  And  farther  our  will  and  pleasure  is  that  the  first  Monday 
in  the  month  of  May,  yearly,  shall  be  forever  the  day  of  election  of  the  ad 
mayor  and  all  other  the  sd  officers  and  ministers  which  shall  yearly  succeed 
in  the  sd  borough,  unless  the  sd  mayor  for  the  time  being  happen  to  die  or 
be  lawfully  removM  within  the  year,  in  which  case  our  pleasure  is  that  the 
aforesM  ffreeholders  and  inhabitants  shall  within  fourteen  days  after  the  death 
or  removal  of  any  such  mayor  for  the  time  being,  as  afores^d,  proceed  to  elec- 
tion to  some  other  of  the  sd  aldermen  to  supply  the  place  of  the  sd  mayor, 
being  void  as  afores'd,  and  that  Coll.  Caleb  Heathcott,  the  present  mayor, 
shall  immediately,  before  he  take  upon  him  the  said  office  and  place,  take  the 
oaths  lately  appointed  by  act  of  parliament  instead  of  the  oaths  of  alliegeanee 
and  supremacy,  and  that  the  same  be  administered  to  him  in  the  presence  of 
our  sd  cap^n  genel  and  gover*r  in  chief  of  oar  sd  province  of  N.  York,  and 
the  8*d  Coll.  Caleb  Heathcott  having  taken  ye  said  oaths,  shall  cause  the 
same  to  be  given  in  his  presence  as  well  to  such  persons  as  ye  sd  Coll.  Caleb 
Heathcott  shall  at  any  time  during  his  mayoralty  leave  to  be  his  deputy  in  his 
absence  as  afores^d,  as  to  the  aldermen  and  common  council  created  as  afores*d, 
and  to  the  recorder  and  all  such  other  officers  and  ministers  as  shall  be  chosen 
in  the  said  borough  for  the  better  government  of  the  same,  and  that  before 
they  or  any  of  them  shall  take  upon  them  to  execute  any  office  or  place  by 
virtue  of  this  our  royal  charter  and  pattent,  and  after  the  end  of  the  mayoralty 
of  the  sd  Coll.  Caleb  Heatheota,  our  will  and  pleasure  is  that  every  mayor 
of  the  sd  town  that  shall  be  hereafter  elected  in  manner  aforesM  shall  imme- 
diately take  the  aboves'd  oaths  before  three  at  the  least  of  the  aldermen  of  the 
ad  boroughj  and  that  upon  election  of  any  other  alder*n  or  common  ooancil,  in 
case  of  death  or  removal  as  afores'd,  or  such  other  officers  as  shall  be  annaally 
chosen  to  take  the  abovesM  oaths  before  the  mayor  for  the  time  being,  and  any 

Vol.  II.  25 


194  HISTORY  OF  THE 

tTto  of  the  sd  aldermen^  whom  we  do  by  theee  presents  fully  aathorixe  to  a^ 
minister  snd  gi?e  the  sd  several  oaths.  And  farther^  of  oar  especial  graeo 
certain  knowledge  and  meer  motion,  do  by  these  presents,  for  us,  our  heirs 
and  successors,  give  and  grant  unto  the  sd  mayor,  alder*n,  aad  common  cfmm* 
eil  of  the  borough  and  town  of  Westchester,  and  their  successors  forever,  that 
they  the  sd  mayor  and  alderman  shall  and  may  from  henceforth  forever,  have, 
bold  and  keep,  one  free  market  within  the  sd  borough  and  town  upon  every 
Wednesday  in  every  week,  and  two  fairs  within  the  sd  borough  and  town  at 
two  several  times  in  the  year,  (viz.)  the  one  to  begin  and  to  be  holden  within 
the  said  borough  and  town  upon  the  second  Tuesday  in  May,  yearly  forever, 
and  to  continue  for  three  days  and  no  longer,  and  the  other  of  the  sd  fairs  to 
begin  upon  the  last  Tuesday  in  October  yearly,  forever,  and  to  continue  also 
for  three  days  and  no  longer,  with  power  to  erect  several  courts  of  pipowder, 
and  the  office  of  clerk  of  entries,  and  all  other  things  thereunto  belonging,  with 
all  and  singular  the  perquisites  and  profits,  issues,  customs,  tolls,  fees,  amercia- 
ments, commodities,  jurisdictions  and  emoluments,  to  the  sd  courts,  fairs,  and 
markets,  in  any  wise  belonging  and  appertaining,  and  that  the  mayor  of  the 
said  borough  and  town  of  W.  Chester  for  the  time  being,  aud  no  other,  have 
power  and  authority  to  give  and  grant  license  annually,  under  the  public  seal 
of  the  said  corporation,  to  all  tavern  keepers,  inn  keepers,  ordinary  keepers, 
vicktuallers,  and  all  puhlick  sellers  of  wine,  strong  waters,  rum,  cyder,  beer, 
or  any  other  sort  of  strong  liquors  by  retail,  within  the  sd  corporation 
or  the  liberties  and  precincts  thereof ;  and  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to 
and  for  the  sd  mayor  of  the  sd  borough  for  the  time  being,  or  his  lawful  de- 
puty, to  ask,  demand,  and  receive  for  such  licence  by  him  to  be  given  and 
granted  as  aforesd,  such  sum  or  sums  of  money  as  he  and  the  person  to 
whome  such  licence  shall  be  given  and  granted  shall  agree  for  not  exceeding 
the  sum  of  20s.  for  such  licence,  ail  which  money  as  by  ye  said  mayor  shall 
be  so  receivd,  shall  be  us'd  and  applyd  to  the  public  use  of  the  mayor,  alder- 
men and  common  council  of  the  sd  borough  and  their  successors.  And  also 
we  do,  of  our  like  especial  grace,  certain  knowledg,  and  meer  motion,  by  these 
presents,  for  us,  our  heirs,  and  successrs,  grant  unto  the  said  mayor,  aldermen 
and  common  council  of  the  sil  borough  and  town  of  W.  Chester  and  their  suc- 
cessrs forever,  that  the  mayor  with  two  or  more  of  the  aldermen  for  the  time 
being,  shall  have  full  power  to  enquire,  hear,  and  determine,  of  all  frays  and 
bloodsheds  whatsoever,  happening  within  the  sd  borough  and  town  of  W. 
Chester,  and  the  offenders  therein  to  correct  and  punish  according  to  the  laws 
of  our  realm  of  England  and  this  our  province  of  N.  York.  And  we  do  far- 
ther by  these  presents,  for  us,  our  heirs,  and  successrs*  give  and  grant  unto 
the  sd  mayor,  aldern,  and  common  council  of  the  sd  borough  and  town  of  W. 
Chester,  and  to  their  successrs  forever  that  the  mayor,  or  in  his  absence  his 
deputy  mayor  of  the  sd  borough  and  town  for  the  time  being,  shall  be  coroner 
and  clerk  of  the  market  within  ye  sd  borough  and  town  and  the  liberties  there- 
of,  giving  and^  hereby  granting  unto  the  sd  mayor  and  deputy  mayor  fur  the 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  196 

time  being  full  power  and  anthority  to  exercise  and  execnte  the  eaid  office  and 
offices  of  coroner  and  clerk  of  the  market  in  the  sd  borough  and  town  and  the 
liberties  thereof  in  as  large  and  ample  manner  as  any  other  coroner  or  clerk 
of  the  market  doth  or  may  lawfully  execute  the  like  office  or  offices  in  any 
other  town  or  liberties  within  this  our  province  of  N.  York.  And  farther,  of 
our  especial  grace,  certain  knowledg,  and  meer  motion,  wee  do  by  these  pre- 
sents, for  us,  our  heirs,  and  successors,  give  and  grant  unto  the  sd  mayor,  al- 
dermen and  common  council  of  the  sd  borough  and  town  of  W.  Chester 
aforesd,  and  their  successrs  forever,  that  they  and  their  successors  shall  and 
may  from  time  to  time  return  and  send  one  discreet  burgess  of  the  sd  town 
and  borough  into  every  general  assembly  hereafter  to  be  suromond  or  holdeii 
within  this  our  province  of  N.  York,  which  burgess  so  returnd  and  sent  shall 
be  receivd  into  the  house  of  deputies  or  members  of  the  sd  house  and  have  and 
enjoy  such  priviledges  as  any  otlier  of  the  sd  members  have  or  ought  to  have. 
And  lastly  our  express  will  and  pleasure  is,  and  we  do  by  these  presents  for  us, 
our  heirs  and  successors,  give  and  grant  unto  sd  mayor,  aldermen,  and  com- 
mon council  of  the  sd  borough,  and  their  successrs  forever,  that  these  our 
letters  patent  or  the  inrolment  thereof  in  our  secretarie^s  office  of  our  sd  pro- 
vince, shall  be  good,  available,  and  effectual  in  the  law  to  all  intents,  construc- 
tions, and  purposes,  against  us,  our  heirs,  and  successors,  without  any  other 
licence,  grant,  or  confirmation  from  us,  our  heirs,  or  successors  hereafter,  by 
the  sd  mayor,  aldermen,  and  common  council,  or  their  successors,  or  any  of 
them,  to  be  had  and  obtained  notwithstanding  the  not  recitall  or  miss-recitall, 
not  nameing  or  miss-nameing  of  the  sd  offices,  ffranchises,  lands,  tenements, 
or  hereditaments,  and  other  the  premises  or  any  of  them,  and  notwithstanding 
that  no  writ  of  ad  quod  damnum  hath  issued  forth  to  enquire  of  the  premises 
or  any  of  them  before  the  sealing  of  these  presents,  any  statute,  act,  ordinance, 
or  provision,  or  any  other  matter  or  thing  whatsoever  to  the  contrary  in  any 
wise  notwithstanding.  In  witness  whereof  we  have  caused  these  our  letters 
to  be  made  paiteot.  Witness  oar  trusty  and  well  beloved  Benjamin  Fletcher 
our  capn  genl  and  govenr  in  chief  of  our  sd  provin/sa  of  New  York  and  the 
territories  and  tracts  of  land  depending  thereon  in  America,  and  vice  admiral 
of  the  same,  our  lieutent  ^nd  commander  in  chief  of  the  melitia  and  of  all  the 
fibrsses  by  sea  and  land  within  our  coUony  of  Connecticut,  and  of  all  the  fibrts 
and  places  of  strength  within  the  same,  Att  our  fort  at  New  York,  this  six- 
teenth day  of  April,  in  the  eighth  year  of  our  reign.^ 

VjvAiiT  Rex  et  Reoina." 

Another  entry  relates  to  the  swearing  in  of  the  first  aldermen 
and  common  council  of  the  borough. 


•  From  a  certified  copy  of  the  original,  in  the  possession  of  Ogden  Hammond,  Esq. 


tw 


HEffTOBT  OW  THE 


(•"('"OMnt-  altinm«n.  iif  cba  wid  larjocUim,  aai  Babcrt   Hmcaaar  Shbm£ 
KiMMk  l^Mmiri  Faccus  DCIm  UsUa«  ud  IhB^  ToEnr.  padommr  conni^ 

«UUBItli  lit*  «i|i  mirpamljim,  mn.(  .f|||  a^  ^  OBtfu  Spganttd  I17  MSOtf  Pttdi*- 

awtt.  WtiUMt  <^  >if  tba  wlits  of  aUagJun  u^  M 


■  HsKCMEim,  JBqpr.^ 


IhifitxiscitssdoaMiefbribe  ose  of  ibe  cMpnaCani^  mii  tfiat  in. 
tita  vaua  tiioe  the  ko/  k  ibnoerly  awd  by  ibe  inisie»  liialL  te 
WMWoseoC  it  wMfurthei  ordered,  that  Hr.J«iK»Caiittt^iaU. 
V»  Mwrrfw  and  li^dward  Collier  hia  deputy ;  abo  ftM  laaaph. 
Hoat.  jan^  ahoold  be  tenant  of  the  maee,  if  be  wosM  aasspt  a£ 
il,  and  if  not  John  Willisma  ihould  beieiTeanf  e^iAcmuin.'* 

"  At  a  coart  held  in  the  borough  tovn  of  WestcfaotBir  &?  the 
mayor  and  aldermen  of  uid  town  on  the  6lb  of  Oetdbs;.  Iti9^ 
Colonel  Ueatbcoie  brought  the  wal  for  (be  coriKMatiaiinSid.(fiil 
give  it  gratia  to  the  town,  and  left  it  in  the  hands  <i£  t&a  cor 
corder." 


nt  Sol  cT  Ibt  B«Oith  AT 


Serenl  imfnmioi^  at  thii  k>1  mc  atUclMd  b 


1  (lie  lows  eSnk'a 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  197 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  of  this  town,  held  on  the  8tli  of 
June,  1700,  it  was  resolved, 

"  That  whereas  at  a  former  meeting  held  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  borough 
town  and  precincts,  on  the  3d  day  of  May,  1697,  it  was  Toted  and  agreed  up- 
on that  there  should  be  a  town  hall  built  to  hold  courts  in  and  for  the  public 
worship  of  God,  &c.,  but  it  being  then  neglected,  the  mayor,  aldermen  and 
Justices  at  this  meeting,  did  order  with  a  joynt  consent  to  build  a  house  for 
the  uses  of  a  court  and  prison,*-  The  dimensions  of  the  house  is  to  be  twenty- 
six  feet  square,  sixteen  feet  joynts,  a  square  roof,  six  window  cases  fi?e  feet 
square,  &c.  The  trustees  agreed  with  Richard  Ward  to  build  said  house  for 
jC33,  and  with  Erasmus  Orton  to  build  the  prison  for  £5.  It  is  to  be  twenty 
feet  long,  16  feet  wide,  scTon  feet  high,  two  feet  thick  with  a  good  chimney. 
The  town  to  find  attendance.    Which  work  is  to  be  done  by  the  Slst."^ 

By  a  reference  to  the  charter,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  borough 
of  Westchester  enjoyed  the  right  of  being  represented  in  Assem- 
bly. The  first  representative  appears  to  have  been  Lewis  Morris, 
Esq.  The  following  certificate  refers  to  the  services  of  this  in- 
dividual 

General  Assembly  for  the  Colony  of  New  York. 

Die  Sabbati,  6  July.  1733. 

These  are  to  certifie  that  Lewis  Morris,  Esq.,  one  of  the  persons  duly 

elected  for  ye  borough  of  Westchester  to  serre  in  General  Assembly  for  ye 

Colony  of  New  York,  hath  attended  the  serTice  of  this  house  in  General  As<* 

sembly,  the  full  term  of  sixty-one  days. 

By  order  of  ye  General  Assembly, 

R.  LiYiKosTON,  Speaker. 

July  6th,  1733. 
ReceiTed  ye  full  payment  of  this  certificate  from  ye  borough  of  Westohes* 
ter,  I  say  receiTed  by  me. 

Lewis  Morris. < 


*■  The  old  court  house  and  jail  occupied  the  site  of  the  present  carriage  shed,  on 
the  south  side  of  St.  Peter's  church.    Both  were  burned  during  the  Revolution. 

k  Westchester  Rec  On  the  4th  of  September,  1700,  Joseph  Haviland  and  John 
Hunt  were  directed  to  agree  for  the  timber  work  of  the  priaon. 

•  Town  Rec.  book  9, 155. 


198  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Peter  de  Lancey,  Esq.,  represented  the  borough,  in  1766,  for 
which  he  received  ten  shillings  per  diern.^ 

One  of  the  most  important  privileges  conferred  upon  this  town 
by  the  royal  charter,  was  ihat  of  holding  a  mayor*s  courts  the 
first  Tuesday  in  every  month.  This  court  had  full  power  to 
bear  and  determine  all  causes  '*  not  exceeding  in  debtor  damages 
the  sum  of  twenty  pounds."  From  the  town  records  it  appears, 
that  "  at  a  mayor's  court  holden  in  Westchester,  6th  of  July, 
1697,  the  court  did  order  that  Capt.  William  Barnes  shall  see  out 
for  a  workman  to  make  a  pair  of  stocks  and  the  prison  sufficient 
for  the  securing  of  prisoners,  until  such  time  as  a  way  may  be 
found  for  the  building  of  a  new  one,"  &c.^ 

As  a  proof  that  liberty  was  not  yet  clearly  understood  by  our 
ancient  judges,  we  subjoin  an  extract  from  the  records  of  the  ma- 
yor*s  court  in  1730. 

<<  Present  Miles  Oakley,  mayor,  Thomaa  Hunt,  Joshua  Hunt, 
James  Cromwell,  Nathaniel  Underbill  and  William  lieggett, 
aldermen. 

"The  jury  being  called  over  said  they  could  not  agree,  and 
James  Dangly  and  Gabriel  Le^gett  who  dissented  from  the 
others  gave  their  reasons  to  the  court ;  which  being  judged  in- 
sufficient, they  were  fined  40j.  each,  and  to  stand  committed  till 
paid.    The  jury  were  then  discharged."c 

"At  a  mayor's  court  held  in  Westchester,  December,  1734, 
Present,  William  Leggett,  Esq.,  mayor,  William  Firster,  recor- 
der, Nathaniel  Underbill,  Thomas  Hunt,  Joshua  Hunt  and  Ga- 
briel Leggett,  aldermen,  <kc.  The  recorder  presented  the  free- 
dom of  the  town  to  the  Hon.  James  de  Lancey,  Esq.,  and  John 
Chambers,  attorney  at  law,  which  was  read  and  approved :  and 
thereupon  it  was  ordered  that  the  mayor,  recorder  and  aldermen 
do  forthwith  wait  on  the  said  James  de  Lancey,  Esq.,  and  John 
Chambers,  at  the  house  of  William  Burnett,  and  deliver  the  same 


•  Smith's  Hilt  of  N.  Y*    The  daily  wages  of  Uie  representatives,  wer^  regulatpd 
by  sundry  acts  of  Assembly, 
b  Town  Rec, 
c  Town  Rec, 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  199 

unto  (hem»  and  desire  their  acceptance  of  the  same.    According- 
ly the  court  adjourned."* 

The  town  properly^  is  at  present  managed  by  a  board  of  three 
trustees^  who  represent  the  wayor^  aldermen  and  commonalty 
of  the  ancient  borough  of  Westchester.  The  following  act  was 
passed  by  the  legislature  of  this  state,  on  the  19th  of  March, 
1813,  entitled  '<an  act  relative  to  the  duties  aud  privileges  of 
towns."    The  28th  section  of  which  directs, 

"  That  ihe  freeholders  aad  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Westchester,  in  the 
coanty  of  Westchester,  may,  on  the  day  of  their  annual  town  meeting,  under 
the  usual  manner  of  electing  town  officers,  choose  six  freeholders  resident  in 
this  town  for  trustees,  and  the  said  trustees  or  a  majoriiy  of  them,  shall  and 
may  order  and  dispose  of,  all  or  any  part  of  the  undivided  lands  within  the 
said  town,  as  folly  to  every  purpose,  as  trustees  have  been  used  to  do.  under 
any  patent  or  charier  to  the  said  town,  and  may  continue  to  lease  out  the  right 
and  privilege  of  setting  and  keeping  a  ferry  across  the  East  river  from  the 
said  toWn  of  Westchester  to  the  town  of  Flushing,  in  Queens  county,  in  like 
manner,  at  the  same  rates  of  ferriage,  under  the  same  rules  and  regulations, 
and  for  the  like  purposes,  as  they  have  lawfully  been  accustomed  to  do,  since 
the  eighteenth  day  of  April,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty  five.^o 

In  1746,  the  small  pox  prevailing  in  Greenwich,  New  York, 
the  house  of  asserubly  adjourned  to  Westchester. 

The  following  letter  of  the  Westchester  sub-committee,  dated 
borough  and  town  of  Westchester,  A^ugust  24th,  1775,  to  the 
Honorable  Provincial  Congress,  is  copied  from  the  military  re- 
turns. 


•  Town  Rec.  On  the  2d  of  July,  1737,  Lewis  Morris,  Jun.,  and  Frederick  Phi- 
llpse  were  admitted  fieemen  of  the  borough  under  the  common  seal  of  the  corpor- 
ation. 

b  The  town  property  prior  to  its  divuiion,  in  1846,  amounted  to  sixteen  or  twenty 
thousand  dollars,  (arising  from  the  sale  of  the  common  lands)  the  interest  of  which 
was  appropriated  to  the  common  schools. 

c  Laws  of  New  York,  1813-  The  above  confirms  a  former  act  of  legislatare, 
passed  18  April,  1785,  in  which  the  freeholders  of  the  town  were  antborised  to 
choose  six  trustees,  who  should  have  the  right  to  order  and  dispose  of  the  ondivided 
lands,  &.C. 


200  HISTORY  OP  THE 

We  the  subscribers  appointed  a  sab-committee  to  inspeet  theelection  of  mili- 
tia officers  for  the  said  town,  do  most  humbly  certify,  that  the  following  per- 
sons were  chosen  this  24th  day  of  Angnst,  1775,  by  a  majority  of  Toieea  duly 
qaalified  for  that  purpose,  agreeable  to  the  resdotiona  of  the  honoraUe  con- 
gress abo?esaid,  (viz.  :) 

John  Oakley,         Captain. 

Nicholas  Berrian,  1st  Lieutenant. 

Isaac  Leggett,        2d  Lieutenant, 

Frederick  Philipse  Stevenson,  Ensign. 

C  Thomas  Hunt, 
Committee,        <  James  Ferris, 

\  Lewis  Graham. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Westchester,  held  1st  day  of  April,  1788,  being  the  first  Tuesday 
in  April,  and  the  annual  day  of  electing  town  officers,  pursuant 
to  an  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  the  14th  Feb.  1787.  Present, 
Joseph  Bowne,  &c. 

The  following  persons  were  chosen  for  the  ensuing  year : 

Israel  Underbill,         Supervisor. 

John  Bartow,  Jr.,     1 

Michael  Ryer,  >  Assessors. 

Augustus  Drake,       y 

John  Bartow,  Jr., 
Israel  Underbill, 

Josiah  Quimby,  LTrnatees 

Edward  Briggs,        >^ro»tces. 

Joseph  Bowne, 
Samuel  Bayard. 

Cornelius  Hunt,  Constable. 

The  first  settlers  of  Westchester,  appear  to  have  made  early 
provision  for  ifie  education  of  the  young,  and  the  support  of  reli^ 
gion  among  them.  This  is  abundantly  seen  in  the  town  re- 
cords. Tiie  church  at  this  period  was  Congregational  in  its 
form  of  government,  and  so  continued  until  the  organization  of 
the  English  Colonial  Church  in  1693.' 

On  the  llih  of  February,  1680,  occurs  the  following  entry  in 
the  town  books.    "  There  was  sprinkled  with  water  by  Morgan 


>  For  a  long  period,  Westcheiiter  appears  to  have  been  associated  with  Eastches' 
ter,  in  the  support  of  a  minister . 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  201 

Jones,  priest,  (what  they  call  baptizing)  Williana  Hunt,  son  of 
John  Hunt  of  Westchester ;  witnesses  present,  Joseph  Hiint  and 
Bridget  Waters."  The  same  year,  •*  Morgan  Jones  married 
Isaac  Dickerman  of  this  towne,  to  Bertha,' the  daughter  of  Hen- 
ry Gardner.    Recorded  by  me,  Francis  French,  clerk."* 

At  a  town  meeting  held  in  Westchester,  April  2nd,  1684,  '*  it 
was  voted,  that  the  justices  and  vestrymen  of  Westchester,  East- 
chester  and  Yonckcrs,  do  accept  of  Mr.  Warham  Mather  as  our 
minister  for  one  whole  year,  and  that  he  shall  have  sixty  pound 
in  country  produce,  at  money  price,  for  his  salary,  and  that  he 
shall  be  paid  every  quarter.  Done  in  behalf  of  the  justices  afore- 
said, signed  by  us,"^ 

John  Quimby, 
Joseph  Hunt, 
John  Bayley, 
John  Burkbee.    . 
In  the  year  1692,  the  church  appears  to  have  been  without  a 
minister ;  for,  '<  at  a  lawful  town  meeting  held  in  Westchester,  by 
the  freeholders  and  inhabitants,  and  residents  of  said  place,  the 
2nd  day  of  January,  1692,  in  order  to  consult,  conclude  and 
agree,  about  procuring  an  orthodox  minister  in  said  town.    It  is 
voated  and  agreed  upon,  that  there  shall  be  an  orthodox  minister 
in  the  town  aforesaid,  as  soon  as  possible  may  be,  and  to  allow 
him  forty  or  fifty  pound  per  annum,  equivalent  to  money,  for 
his  maintenance.    Its  also  voated  and  agreed  upon,  that  a  m^n 
shall  go  to  the  Honorable  Colonel  Heathcotc,  and  see  if  he  can 
prevail  with  him  for  to  procure  us  a  minister,  in  his  travels  in 
New  England,  otherwise  that  Captain  William  Barnes  shall  go 
and  procure  us  a  minister.''^ 

On  the  15th  of  Dec,  1692,  the  general  court  of  sessions  ordered, 
'Mhat  within  any  towne,  precinct  and  patent  within  this  county, 
due  observation  of  the  Lord*s  day  shall  be  kept,  and  for  want  of 
an  able  minister,  the  inhabitants  shall  employ  a  reader,  to  read 
out  of  good  books,  two  sermons  every  Lord's  day,  (that  is  to  say) 
one  in  the  forenoone  between  9  and  1 1  o'clock,  and  one  in  the 


•  Town  See.  k  Town  Rec.  •  Town  Rec  p.  198 

Vol.  II.  26 


202  HISTORY  OF  THE 

afternoone  between  two  and  four  o'clock,  at  such  places  as  shall 
be  thought  meet  and  convenient  by  ye  inhabitants  of  such  towne, 
precinct  and  patent,  &c.^ 

A  LIST  OP  MINISTERS  OP  THE  CONGREGATIONAL 

CHURCH,  WESTCHESTER. 

Instal  or  call.  Ministers.  Yacated  by 

1665*6,  Rev.  Mr.  Brewster,  resignatioB. 

1674,  Rev.  Eaekiel  Fogge,  ditto. 

1680,  Rev.  Morgan  Jones,  ditto. 

1684,  Rev.  Warham  Mather,  ditto. 

The  first  organization  of  the  Episcopal  church  in  this  town 
took  place  under  the  act  of  assembly  passed  September,  1693. 
entitled  "  An  act  for  settling  a  ministry  and  raising  a  maintenance 
for  them  in  the  city  of  New  York  and  the  counties  of  Richmond, 
Westchester^  and  Queen's."  To  the  above  act  was  added  as  fol- 
lows on  the  Uth  of  May,  1697,  "that  there  shall  be  called  and 
inducted  and  established  a  good  sufficient  Protestant  minister  to 
officiate  and  have  the  care  of  sonis  within  one  year  next  and  after 
the  publication  hereof.  In  the  county  of  Westchester  two,  one 
to  have  the  cure  of  Westchester,  Eastchester,  Yonkers,  and  the 
manor  of  Pelham,"^  <fcc.,  Ac. 

The  subjoined  order  relates  to  the  erection  of  the  first  Episco- 
pal church  in  Westchester.© 

"At  a  meeting  held  by  the  trustees  this  4th  of  September, 
1700,  present,  Josiah  Hunt,  president,  Edward  Waters,  Joseph 
Haviland,  John  Hunt,  Joseph  Bayley,  John  Perris,  sen.,  and 
Richard  Ponton.  It  is  voted  and  agreed  upon  that  all  who  shall 
cart  timber  and  stuff  for  the  meeting  house  shall  have  six  shil- 
lings per  diem,  &c.,  done  in  behalf  of  the  freeholders  and  com- 
monality of  the  town."** 


»  Town  Rec. 

k  Aeti  of  proYincial  assembly,  N.  Y.,  from  1691  to  1725,  p.  33. 

*  The  exact  date  when  the  CoogrregalioDal  meeting^  house  was  erected  here  is 
uncertaio ;  it  most,  however,  ha?e  fallen  into  decay  sometime  prior  lo  the  erection 
of  the  Episci^al  church. 

4  Town  Rec. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  203 

At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  trustees  held  on  the  26th  of 
October,  A.  D.  1700,  "  It  was  voted  that  Richard  Ward  shall 
build  the  meeting  house  twenty-eight  feet  square^  with  a  turret 
on  the  top,  for  forty  pounds.''* 

The  first  rector  of  the  parish  was  the  Rev.  John  Bartow. 
''This  individual  (remarks  Dr.  Hawkins,)  was  appointed  mis- 
sionary on  an  annual  salary  of  £50,  in  the  year  1702.  He  ar- 
rived in  New  York  in  ten  weeks,  during  the  prevalence  of  a  very 
fatal  sickness,  of  which  twenty  persons,  on  an  average,  died 
every  day  for  some  months.  He  was  fixed  at  Westchester  by 
the  governor.  Lord  Cornbury,  but  found  the  glebe  of  one  hun- 
dred acres  *'all  a  wilderness,**  no  part  of  which  had  ever  been 
cultivated.  He  says,  November  4th,  1702,  '<  we  have  a  small 
house  built  here  for  public  worship  of  boards,  but  there  is  neither 
desk,  pulpit,  nor  bell  in  it."b 

Here  follows  the  Bishop  of  London's^:  license  to  John  Bartow, 
clerk. 


•  In  1793  the  tt%m%  work  of  the  old  church  was  aold  by  order  of  the  veetry  to 
Mn.  Sarah  Ferris,  widow  of  Benjamin  Ferris,  who  afterwards  converted  it  into  a 
bam.  It  is  now  owned  by  her  son-in-law.  Captain  E.  Hawkins.  The  frame  work 
measures  exactly  twenty-eight  feet  square,  according  to  the  specification  147  yean 
ago.    The  posts  are  sixteen  feet  high. 

k  Hawkins'  Hist.  Notes  of  Colonial  Church,  276.    MS.  Letters,  vol.  i.  1,  55. 

e  We  take  the  following  extracts  from  Queen  Aune's  instruetioiis  to  Lord  Corn- 
bury,  dated  December  5th,  1702.  "  Article  6th.  And  whereas  the  inhabitants  of 
our  said  province  have  of  late  years  been  unhappily  divided,  and  by  their  enmity  to 
each  other,  our  service  and  their  own  general  welfajre  have  been  very  much  ob- 
structed, you  are  therefore  in  the  execution  of  our  commission  to  avoid  the  engaging 
yourself  in  the  parties  which  have  been  formed  amongst  them,  and  to  use  such 
impartiality  and  moderation  to  all  as  may  best  conduce  to  our  service  and  the 
good  of  the  colony." 

Article  60.  **  You  shall  take  especial  care  that  God  Almighty  be  devoutly  and 
duly  served  throughout  your  government,  the  book  of  common  prayer  as  by  law 
established  read  each  Sunday  and  holyday,  and  the  blessed  sacraments  administered, 
according  to  the  rites  of  the  Church  of  England.  You  shall  be  careful  that  the 
churches  already  built  there  be  well  and  orderly  kept,  and  that  more  be  built  as  the 
colony  shall  by  God*s  blessing  be  improved,  and  that  besides  a  £ompetent  mainte- 
nance to  be  assigned  to  the  minister  of  each  orthodox  church  a  convenient  house 
be  built  at  the  common  charge,  for  each  minister,  and  a  competent  proportion  of 
land  assigned  him  for  a  glebe  and  exercise  of  his  industry.  And  jou  are  to  tnka 
care  that  the  parishes  be  limited  and  settled  as  you  shall  find  most  convenient  for 
the  accomplishing  this  good  work**' 


204  HISTORY  OF  THE 

• 

Henriciu,  pennissione  dirina,  Londooensis  episeopos,  dfleoto  nobis  ia  Ciirista 

lohanni  Bartow,  clerico,  ealutero  et  gratiam,  ad  peragendum  offieium  ministe* 

riale  intra  pro?iociam  de  Novo  Eboraco,  in  America,  in  precibaa  eoniiniuiiboa 

aliisqae  nainisteriia  ecclesiastiois  ad  offieium  mioisteriale  pertinentibas  jaxta 

formam  descriptam  in  libro  publicaram  precum,  auctoritate  parliamenti  hujaa 

inclyti  regni  Anglise,  in  ea  parte  edita,  et  proviaa,  et  eanones,  et  constitationiar 

in  ea  parte  legitime  stabilitaa,  et  poblicataa,  et  non  aliter  neqae  riio  modo ; 

tibi  de  cujus  fidelitate  moram  integritate  literarum  scientia  aaroma  doctrina  ei 

diligentia  plurimuro  confidemua,  (prestituta  peniius  parte  juramoa  totami  de 

agnoacendo  regiam  aupremam  majeatatam,  juxta  vim  formam  et  effectam  ata* 

tuti  parliamenti  dicti  regni  Anglie,  in  ea  parte  editi  et  provisi,  quam  de  canon- 

ica  obedientia  nobis  et  successoribas  nostris  in  omnibus  recitis  et  honestis  per 

te  prasstanda  et  exhibenda  subseriptisqne  pertinentibas  illis  articuUs  mentiona- 

lia  ip  tricesimo  sexto  capituk)  libri  coostitutorum,  si?e  canonum  eccleszaatico* 

ram,  anno  Domini,  1604,  regia  auctoritate  editorum  et  prcHnulgatonim  licentiam 

facultatum  ntatram  concedimu^  ct  impertamur  per  precedeotes,  ad  nostraoa 

beneplacitum  dum  tanat  duraturas,  in  cujus  rei  testimonium  sigillam  nostram, 


**  61.  You  are  not  to  prefer  any  miaister  to  any  ecclesiastical  benefice  in  that 
our  province  without  a  certificate  from  the  Right  Rev.  father  in  God  the  Bishop  of 
London,  of  his  being  conformable  to  the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Church  of 
England,  and  of  a  good  life  and  conversation,  and  if  any  person  preferred  already 
to  a  benefice  appear  to  you  to  give  ecandall,  either  by  his  doctrine  or  manners,  you 
are  to  use  the  best  means  for  the  removal  of  him,  and  to  supply  the  vacancy  in  such 
manner  as  we  have  directed.*' 

*'  Article  62.  You  are  to  give  order  forthwith  (if  the  same  be  not  already  doue,) 
that  every  orthodox  minister  witiiin  your  goveruraent  be  one  of  the  vestry  in  his 
respective  parish,  and  that  no  vestry  be  held  without  him,  except  in  case  of  sickness, 
or  that  after  notice  of  a  vestry  summoned  he  omit  to  come." 

*'  Article  63.  You  are  to  examine  whether  there  be  any  minister  within  your 
government  who  preaches  and  administers  the  sacraments  in  any  orthodox  church 
or  chapel  without  being  in  due  orders,  and  to  give  an  account  thereof  to  the  said 
Bishop  of  London." 

**  Article  64.  And  to  the  end  the  ecclesiastical  jurisdiction  of  the  said  Bishop  of 
London  may  take  place  in  that  province  so  far  as  convenieutly  may  be,  we  do 
think  fit  that  you  give  all  countenance  and  encouragement  to  the  exercise  of  the 
same,  excepting  only  the  collecting  to  benefices,  granting  licences  for  marriages, 
and  prpbate  of  wills,  which  we  have  reserved  to  you,  our  governor,  and  to  the  com* 
mander*in>chief  of  our  said  province  for  the  time  being." 

•*  Article  65.  We  do  further  direct  that  no  schoolmaster  be  henceforth  permitted 
to  come  from  England  and  to  keep  school  within  our  province  of  New  York  without 
the  license  of  the  said  Bishop  of  London,  and  that  no  other  person  now  there  or  that 
shall  come  from  other  parts  be  admitted  to  keep  school  without  your  license  fiial 
obtained,"  &c.  The  original  document  is  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Hayward,  West 
I3lh  street,  New  York. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  205 

(quam  in  similibos  plenimqae  utimur,)  presentibas  apponi  feeimos  dat  vieetimo 
seouDdo  die  meneis  JuDii,  anno  Domini  millesimo  septengeotesimo,  secundo 
nostra  translaiione  Ticesimo  septimo.'''* 

» 
The  first  election  for  church  officers,  occurs  the  year  of  Mr. 
Bartow*s  arrival.  '^  At  a  meeting  held  in  the  borough  town  of 
Westchester,  by  the  parishioneni  of  said  church,  pursuant  to  an 
act  of  general  assembly,  '^entitled  an  act  for  the  settling  a  minis- 
try and  raising  a  mai  itenance  for  them,  ^c,"  and  Mr.  John 
Bartow  being  settled  minister  of  said  parish,  and  his  maintenance 
ought  to  be  taken  care  for,  do  voluntarily  make  choice  of  the 
vestry  and  churchwardens,  the  12th  day  of  January,  the  first 
year  of  his  majesties  reign,  A.  D.  1702. 

Present. 
Mr.  Justice  Pell,  Mr.  Justice  John  Hunt, 

Mr.  Justice  Willett,  Mr.  Justice  Graham, 

Mr.  Justice  Josiah  Hunt,  Mr.  Jostice  Bay  ley. 

Churchwardens. 

Lieutenant  Col.  GrahaiOi  Justice  Josiah  Hunt. 

Vestrymen. 

Thomas  Baxter,  sen.,  Joseph  tiaviland, 

Joseph  Draka,  Thomas  Pell, 

John  Archer,  Miles  Oakley, 

John  Buckbee,  Daniel  Clark, 

Thomas  Hunt,  senr.  of  West  Farms,  Peter  Ic  Roy. 
Edward  Collier,  clerk.                   Erasmus  Allen,  Messenger. 

It  is  agreed  upon  by  the  said  justices  and  vestrymen,  that  there 
shall  be  raised  fifty-five  )K)unds  for  the  minister's  maintenance, 
and  poor  of  the  parish.    The  quotas  for  each  precinct  is  as  fol- 

loweth : 

« 

Westchester,  £27  18  0 

Morris  Anna,  3    7  0 

Eastchester,  7  13  0 

Pelham,  1  13  0 

Rochelte,  7    3  0 

Yonkers,  7    6  0 


£55    0  0 


•  Probate  Rec  New  York,  lih.  vi. 


206  BISTORT  OF  THE 

To  be  paid  unto  the  churchwardens,  at  or  before  the  15th  of 
December,  next  ensuing." 

■  From  a  summary  account  of  the  state  of  the  church  in  the 
province  of  New  York,  as  it  was  laid  before  the  clergy,  convened 
Oct.  5th,  1704,  at  New  York,  &c.,  we  learn  that  there  was  a 
church  built,  but  not  finished,  being  neither  glazed  nor  ceiled." 
"There  is  £30  settled  on  the  minister's  salary  by  act  of  Assem- 
Uy."  "There  is  twenty-three  acres  of  land  given  by  Westches- 
ter division,  for  a  glebe,*  &c.  "  At  the  end  of  two  years,"  Mr. 
Bartow  speaks  with  thankfulness,  of  having,  "  by  the  blessing 
of  Almighty  God,  been  made  instrumental  in  making  many  pro- 
selytes to  our  holy  religion,  who  are  very  constant  and  devout, 
in  and  at  their  attendance  on  Divine  service ;  and,  those  who 
were  enemies  at  my  first  coming,  are  now  zealous  professors  of 
the  ordinances  of  our  church.  The  inhabitants  of  our  parish 
live  scattered  and  dispersed  up  and  down  in  the  woods,  so  that 
many  cannot  repair  constantly  to  the  church,  by  reason  of  their 
great  distance  from  it."  Mr.  Bartow  appears,  by  bis  letters,  to 
have  been  in  the  habii^  of  making  collections  in  his  church  for 
any  very  urgent  cases  of  distress.  Thus  we  have  the  following 
notices :  '*  September  5th,  170S,  came  a  distressed  woman,  widow 
o(  Maynard,  throtigh  Westchester,  who  had  nine  children  mur- 
dered by  the  Indians.  Collected  for  her  in  the  church,  eleven 
shillings  and  six  pence."  The  following  Sunday  he  made  a 
similar  collection  for  a  poor  man.  Besides  Westchester  at  which 
he  resided,  Mr.  Bartow  chelated  once  a  month  at  Eastchester, 
and  occasionally  at  Yonkers.  The  population  of  Westchester 
was  about  five  hundred  and  fifty  :  that  of  Eastchester,  four  hun- 
dred, &c.<* 

Colonel  Caleb  Heathcote  in  a  letter  to  the  secretary  of  the  Yene- 
rable  Propagation  Society,  dated  manor  of  Scarsdale,  Nov.  9, 
1705,  says,  "  there  is  not  any  gentleman  whom  the  society  hath 
sent  over,  that  is  clothed  with  a  fairer  character  than  Mr.  Bartow, 
of  Westchester,  and  truly  he  is  a  very  good  and  sober  man,  and 


•  Church  Record,  Francit  L.  Hawks,  D.  D.,  Editor,  vol.  i.  no  16,  1841, 
k  MS.  Letters  in  Lambeth  collection,  vol.  ii.  L  32. 

«  Hist  Not.  of  the  Col.  Church,  hj  Ernest  Hawkins,  276.   MS.  letten,  Lambeth 
Colt  vol.  ix.  p.  109. 


«•• 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  207 

is  extremely  well  liked  of  and  spoken  of  by  his  parishioners  in 
general." 

The  following  items  are  taken  from  the  town  records :  "  At  a 
meeting  of  the  Ji/^/ice^  of  the  vestry  the  6th  of  Mai  eh,  1704-6, 
John  Williams  late  constable  for  the  year  1703,  appears  with  a 
receipt  from  Mr.  John  Bartow,  bearing  date  the  5th  of  March, 
1704,  for  the  sum  of  £26  10,  which  is  the  full  quota  for  the 
minister's  rate  in  Westchester. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  justices,  churchwardens  and  vestry  of  the 
parish  of  Westchester,  Eastchester,  Yonkers  and  the  manor  of 
Pelham,  this  12th  of  December,  1706,  in  obedience  to  his  excel- 
lency the  governor's  order,  &c.,  present, 

JasticeB. 
John  Hunt,  Capt.  John  Drake  and  Major  Wm.  Willett. 

Vestrymen. 
Capt.  Olirer  Bayley,  Henry  Fowler,  Son., 

Lieut.  Joseph  Drake,  Samnel  Ferris, 

Thomas  Pell,  Jeremiah  Fowler. 

It  is  voted  and  agreed  upon  by  the  justices  and  vestry  afore- 
said, that  the  parish  church  in  Westchester^  shall  be  finished, 
that  is  to  say,  to  seal  the  sides  up  to  the  wall  plates,  and  lay  a 
board  floor,  and  make  two  new  door  cases,  with  doors  and  window 
shuts  for  the  windows  in  said  church,  the  upper  windows  ex- 
cepted ;  and  whereas,  Jeremiah  Fowler  and  Isaac  Irehil,  pre- 
senting themselves  to  do  said  work,  the  justices  and  vestry  have 
agreed  with  them  to  do  said  worke  for  £17,  in  good  current 
money  of  New  York,  provided,  that  as  soon  as  they  have  laid 
the  under  floor  and  made  the  doors,  and  door  cases  and  window 
shuts,  they  shall  be  paid  to  the  value  of  said  work,  and  the  re- 
mainder of  said  JE^17,  at  the  finishing  thereof.  The  justices  and 
vestry  to  find  bords,  and  nails  and  hinges. 

Edmund  CullierP 

''At  a  subsequent  meeting  held  by  ye  justices,  churchwardens 
and  vestry,  &c.,  this  23d  day  of  December,  1707,  they  found  it 
necessary  to  raise  ye  sumes  which  followeth,  viz. 

To  ye  minister's  rate  and  collecting        ....        £b2  10  0 

To  ye  poor,  &c .  3980 

To  boards  for  Eastchester  church 6    0  0 


208  , HISTORY  OP  THE 

To  ye  cl^rk  of  ye  vestry         ......  XI    0  0 

To  ye  bell  ringer 100 

To  ye  colleciing  uf 11     0  0 

To  ye  belfry  roof  of  Westchester  church         .         .         .  0    7  0 

To  ye  sacrament  and  collection 3     8  0 

At  a  meeting  of  ye  churchwardens  and  vestrymen,  freeholders 
and  parishioners  of  the  borough  of  Westchester,  held  the  10th 
day  of  January,  A.  D.  1709,  present, 

Joseph  Hunt,  Major  William  WDlett, 

Thomas  Pinckney,  John  Hunt, 

Justices, 
Were  chosen,  and  appointed 

Joseph  Hunt,  jun.  and  Jeremiah  Fowler,  Churchwardens. 

Vestrymen. 
For  the  borough  of  Westchester.  For  Eastchester. 

Miles  Oakley,  Isaac  Taylor, 

^  Thomas  Baxter,  sen.  John  Lancaster, 

Thomas  Hunt.  Nathaniel  Tompkins. 

For  Yonckers  Precinct.  For  the  Manor  of  Pelham. 

John  Archer,  Thomas  Pell.- 

Noah  Bartow.  For  New  Rochelle, 

Anthony  Lespinard. 

Collected  for  the  minister,  jC50.  For  the  clerk  of  Testry,  £5.  For  col- 
lecting, £2  13.    The  quotas  for  the  different  precincts  were 

Westchester,        £25  0  0  New  Rochelle,      i^S  15  0 

Eastchester,  0  0  0  Pelham,  3    0  0 

Yonckers,  8  0  0  Morrisania,  3    0  0 

In  1720  the  qnotas  for  the  church  and  poor  of  the  parish  stood  thus, 
Westchester,        je37  10  02  Eastchester,        £\2  U  11^ 

Yonckers,  U  12  lOi  New  Rochelle,       12  14    U 

Pelham,  4    4     1^  Morrisania,  4  10    0 

In  the  year  1711,  the  venerable  Propagation  Society  voted  one 
hundred  and  fifty  prayer  books,  and  £5  worth  of  tracts  for  the 
Rev.  John  Bartow  of  Westchester. «^ 

Mr.  Bartow  in  1713  contributed  £9  6s.  6rf.,  towards  rectify- 
ing the  pews  and  seats  in  East  and  Westchester.^  The  same 
year,  Mr.  Charles  Glen  was  appointed  schoolmaster  at  Westches* 


•  Raportfl  of  Propagation  Soo.  k  Ibid. 


To  fiice  pnge  C03,  vol.  ii. 


Arms. — D*or,  a  le  banc 


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COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER-  209 

ter,  with  a  salary  of  £18  per  annum,  "as  he  is  recommended 
under  the  character  of  a  person  sober  and  diligent,  well  affected 
to  the  Church  of  England,  and  competently  skilled  in  reading, 
writing,  aritiiinetic,  psalmody  and  the  Latin  tongue,  provided  he 
comply  with  the  Society's  rules  in  sending  certificates  of  the 
number  of  his  scholars."* 

In  1715,  by  the  blessing  of  God  on  Mr.  Bartow's  ministry  at 
Westchester,  Eastchester,  Yonckers,  and  the  manor  of  Pelhamj 
where  there  were  formerly  very  few  of  the  Church  communion, 
there  was  visibly  a  very  great  reformation  of  manners.^ 

Mr.  William  Forster  appears  to  have  been  schoolmaster  in 
1719.  This  individual  had  thirty  scholars,  '^  whom  he  catechises 
every  Saturday  and  also  every  Sunday  when  Mr.  Bartow  goes 
to  another  part  of  the  parish.^^ 

In  1722,  Mr.  Bartow  informs  the  Society  *'lhat  they  are  re- 
pairing the  church  at  Westchester  by  voluntary  contributions, 
procured  by  the  zealous  efforts  of  Mr.  Forster."** 

"  Mr.  Bartow  (says  Dr.  Hawkins)  continued  in  the  discharge  of 
his  important  duties  for  the  long  period  of  a  quarter  of  a  century. 
He  was  the  itistrument  of  bringing  many  separatists  back  to  the 
church,  and  admitting  into  it  many  hitherto  careless  adults.  He 
likewise  gave  much  of  his  time  to  (he  instruction  of  the  poor 
negroes."  "  By  such  long  and  faithful  services  he  received  the 
general  esteem  of  his  people."  The  Rev.  John  Bartow  was  the 
son  of  General  Bartow,  a  French  Protestant  refugee,  who  fled 
from  France  to  England  on  the  revocation  of  the  edict  of  Nantes. 
A  branch  of  this  family,  resident  in  Brittany,  originally  wrote 
the  name  Bertaut ;«  but  like  other  French  names  it  was  after- 
wards changed. 

Mr.  Bartow  received  his  education  at  Christ  College,  Cam- 
bridge,  and  as  we  have  previously  shown  entered  upon  his  duties 
here  in  1702.  In  1722,  he  purchased  of  John  Moss  and  Rosa- 
mond his  wife,  the  farm  now  owned  by  Mr.  Abraham  Hatfield. 


•  Reports  of  Propagation  Soc.  b  Ibid.  •  Ibid.  d  Ibid. 

*  The  anm  of  ihe  Bertautea  or  Bertaudes,  en  Bretagne,  Da  Hertray,  Du  Haim|, 
Da  Pontpierre,  de  la  Poissonniere,  were  d'or  a  la  bande  de  lable,  charge  de  tnrit  b^ 
Miita  d'argent  accompagn^  de  six  annelets  de  geales,  rail  en  orle. 

YoL.  11.  27 


210  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Here  be  must  have  resided  till  his  death,  A.  D.  1725.  His  re- 
mains are  supposed  to  be  interred  in  the  family  burying  ground. 
In  1705,  he  married  Helen,  second  daughter  of  John  Read  of 
Middrow  Castle,  parish  of  Kirkleston,  Scotland,  and  sister  of  Col. 
Read,  Governor  of  New  Jersey.  By  his  last  wilt  he  bequeathed 
an  equal  part  of  all  his  personal  estate  to  his  wife.  To  Thomas 
his  eldest  son,  land  in  Monmouth  county,  New  Jersey,  granted 
to  him  and  his  wife  Helen  by  his  father-in-law,  John  Read,  in 
1705,  and  all  his  Greek  and  Latin  books,  watch  and  a  new  Eng- 
lish bible  quarto.  To  Theodosius,  lands  in  New  Jersey,  a  gold 
ring  and  an  English  bible  quarto.  To  Anthony,  lands  on  Mon- 
tapon  river  in  jhe  same  province,  and  a  new  English  bible  quar- 
to. To  Basil,  an  estate  in  Middlesex,  New  Jersey,  also  a  part  of 
the  Indian  purchase,  called  Pine  hill,  and  a  bible  quarto,  ^c.^ 

In  1725,  "  a  gratuity  of  £50  was  made  by  the  Propagation 
Society  to  Mrs.  Bartow,  in  consequence  of  Mr.  Bartow's  good  sei* 
vices  of  twenty-three  years."^  Three  sons  of  Mr.  Bartow,  Thc- 
ophilus,  Anthony,  and  Basil,  left  a  numerous  posterity,  some  of 
whom  are  still  residing  in  Westchester  county. 

Mr.  Bartow  was  succeeded  in  1726  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  Stan- 
dard. In  his  report  for  the  year  1728,  Mr.  Standard  states,  that 
he  preaches  alternately  at  East  and  Westchester  twice  a  day,  for 
the  summer,  and  catechises  the  children  publicly  at  P^astchester. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  and  freeholders  of  the  borough 
town  of  Westchester,  held  the  14ih  of  March,  1729,  present  Miles 
Oukley,  president,  and  Thomas  Hadden,  Nathauiel  Cnderhilly 
Underbill  Barnes,  Thomas  Baxter,  John  Palmer,  Thomas  Hunty 
Joseph  Hunt,  and  James  Baxter,  trustees,  ordered  that  Nathaniel 
Underbill,  treasurer,  pay  Ebenczer  Haviland 

For  a  Bpindle  for  the  church, £Z    7    6 

To  Justice  Hadden,  for  lath  and  service  done     .         .         .         .         2     8     0 

To  Captain  Oakley  fur  service  dune, 0    6    0 

Allowed  the  treasurer  for  four  white  oak  plank, 
Carting  ditto,  and  for  the  weathercock, 


! 


1     1     0 


•  Rec.  of  Wills,  Surrogate's  office,  N.  Y.  vol.  x.  180. 
h  Rep.  of  Propagation  Soe. 

•  Hawkin's  Hist.  Not.  of  the  Col.  Church,  277. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  211 

To  Win.  Oakley  for  bringing  the  weathercock  from  New  York,  0  3  0 
To  Israel  Honeywell  for  4500  shingles  and  carting,  and  paid  for 

mending  the  windows, 13  1  0 

To  Mr.  Gillaim  fur  work  done  above  his  articles,       .         .         .  9  3  3 

To  Mr.  Gillaim  for  work  as  per  articles, 43  0  0 

To  expenses  at  making  the  agreement, 3  0  0 

To  Mr.  Barnett,  expenses  at  this  meeting,         .        •        .        .  0  9  0 

To  Jeremiah  Fowler^s  expenses, 0  10    0 

• 

Total*  £73  7    9 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees,  (fcc,  had  on  the  6lh  day  of  May, 
A.  D.  1729,  present  Miles  Oakley,  president,  John  Palmer,  Tho^ 
mas  Baxter,  Joseph  Hunt,  Thomas  Hadden,  Thomas  Hunt,  Na- 
thaniel Underhill,  John  Cromwell,  Underhill  Barnes,  and  Miles 
Oakley,  jr.,  trustees  ;  pursuant  to  an  act  of  general  assembly  of 
this  province  passed  in  the  tenth  year  of  the  reign  of  our  late 
sovereign  lord.  King  William  the  Third  of  glorious  memory, 
entitled  an  act  to  enable  the  respective  towns  in  this  province  to 
build  and  repair  their  meeting  houses  and  other  publick  buildings. 
Resolved,  nemine  contra  dicetite,  that  the  sum  of  £70  shall  be 
raised,  and  also  the  collection  for  the  same  sum^  for  the  repairing 
St.  Peter^s  Church  in  said  Westchester,  and  for  no  other  use, 
and  that  they  will  make  a  rate  accordingly,  agreeable  to  ye  next 
assessments  to  be  made  and  taken  of  the  town  sworn  assessors, 
and  that  they  will  meet  on  yc  22d  inst.  to  agree  with  workmen 
for  that  purpose,"*>  <fec. 

At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  trustees  "£16  was  ordered  to 
be  raised  to  finish  the  seats  of  the  church,  secure  the  frame,  and 
to  pay  off  the  arrears,  the  seats  to  be  made  with  backs,  indluding 
the  collector's  fees ;  and  Underhill  Barnes  and  Thomas  Hunt  are 
appointed  overseers  of  the  work,  and  to  employ  workmen.  It 
was  further  ordered  that  a  warrant  be  issued  for  raising  said 
money  according  to  law,  to  be  paid  at  ye  same  time  with  the 
county  tax.  Also  ordered,  the  overseers  now  chosen  require 
Henry  Gillaim  to  compleat  his  work,  especially  the  front  of  the 
gallery^  and  to  make  it  secure  and  substantial."^ 


•■  Westchestor  Rec.  vol.  iz.  213.  b  Weitchester  Ree.  Tol.  ix.  906. 

•  Westchester  Rec.  yol.  ix.  313. 


212  HISTORY  OF  THE 

In  1743,  the  Rev.  Thomas  Standard  acquaints  the  Society 
'^  that  notwithstanding  the  country  swarmed  with  vagrant  preach- 
ers called  New  Lights  he  had  a  more  numerous  congregation 
than  usual  the  Lord's  day  preceding." 

Uporf  the  earnest  petition  of  the  churchwardens  and  vestry- 
men of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Westchester,  the  Propagation  Society 
appointed  Mr.  Basil  Bartow  schoolmaster  of  the  parish.  The 
king^s  commissary  transmitted  tRe  following  account  of  this  in- 
dividual. ''That  he  is  son  to  the  Rev.  John  Bartow,  late  the 
Society's  worthy  missionary  there.  He  is  a  person  of  good  tem- 
per, sober,  and  pious,  and  well  affected  to  the  present  government, 
conformable  to  the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  church,  and 
exceedingly  well  qualified  for  the  instruction  of  the  young." 

A.  D.  1745,  Mr.  Standard  observes,  "  that  the  churches  of  East 
and  Westchester^  are  in  a  peaceable  and  growing  state.^ 

In  a  letter  dated  th^  1st  of  August,  1760,  the  churchwardens 
of  Westchester  inform  the  society,  that  the  Rev.  Thomas  Stan- 
dard was  dead,  and  that  for  sometime  before  his  death,  he  had 
been  incapable  of  performing  his  office  of  the  church,  of  which 
he  had  been  incumbent  for  more  than  thirty-four  y«ars.* 

Upon  the  12ili  of  June,  1761,  the  Rev.  John  Milner  was  insti- 
tuted Rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  by  Governor  Golden,  in  the 
following  manner: 


'*  I  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esq.,  president  of  his  majesties  coancil  and  comman- 
der-in-chief of  the  province  of  New  York,  and  the  territories  depending  thereon 
in  America,  do,  in  pursaance  of  the  power  defoived  in  me,  collate,  institute  and 
eeiablish  you,  John  Milner,  clerk,  rector  of  the  parish  charcb  of  Westchester, 
commonly  called  St.  Peter's  church,  including  the  several  districts  of  West- 
chester, Yonkers,  and  the  manor  of  Pelham,  in  the  county  of  Westchester, 
within  this  government,  to  have  the  care  of  souls  of  the  parishioners  of  the 
•aid  church  districts  aforesaid,  and  take  your  cure  and  mine.  Given  under 
roy  hand  and  the  prerogative  seal  of  the  province  of  New  York,  at  Fort 
George,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  the  12th  day  of  June,  lT6i/'>> 

Cadwallader  Coi^den. 


*  Report  of  Propagation  Soc. 

k  Surrogates  office  N.  Y  ,  Book  of  Commissions,  vol.  v.  343. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  213 

On  the  3d  of  October,  1761,  the  Rev.  John  Milner  informs  the 
society,  "  that  after  a  long  and  dangerous  passage,  he  arrived 
at  his  mission.  May  13th,  and  had  ever  since  preached  to 
crowded  audiences.  He  further  states,  that  his  parish  is  of 
large  extent,  and  he  is  obliged  to  attend  three  churches.  Until 
Mr.  Houdin  came  to  New  Rochelle^  he  officiated  there  once  a 

month. 

< 

In  a  letter  dated  June  4th,  1763,  Mr.  Milner  acquaints  the  so- 
ciety "  that  he  has  procured  a  charter  for  St.  Peter's  church,  and 
that  the  people  have  purchased  a  house  with  a  glebe  of  thirty 
acres."  The  charter  here  alluded  to,  was  granted  in  the  follow- 
ing manner : 

CHARTER  OF  ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH,  WESTCHES- 
TER. 

Geori^e  the  third,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France  and  Ire- 
land, king,  defender  of  the  faith,  &c.,  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come, 
greeting :  whereas,  our  loving  sabjeot  the  Rev.  John  Milner,  rector  of  St. 
Peter^s  church,  in  the  borough  town  of  Westchester,  and  the  county  of  West- 
chester, in  our  province  of  New  York,  and  John  Bartow,  Isaac  Willett, 
Lewis  Morris,  Jr.,  Peter  de  Lancey,  Nathaniel  Underhill,  James  Graham  and 
James  van  Cortlandt,  inhfbitanis  of  the  said  borough  town  of  Westchester, 
in  communion  of  the  church  of  England,  as  by  law  established,  in  behalf  of 
themselves  and  the  rest  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town,  in  communion  as 
aforesaid,  by  their  humble  petition,  presented  on  the  twelfth  day  of  May  last, 
to  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Cadwallader  Golden,  Esq.,  then  our  lientenant, 
governor  and  commander-in-chief  of  our  Province  of  New  York  and  the  terri- 
tories depending  thereon,  in  America,  in  council  did  set  forth,  that  for  many 
years  past  there  had  been  a  church  in  the  said  town  of  Westchester,  for  the 
regular  administration  of  divine  service  according  to  the  use  of  the  church  of 
England,  as  by  law  established,  but  that  for  the  want  of  proper  persons  to  su- 
perintend the  affairs  and  interests  of  the  same  with  legal  authority,  the  building 
was  considerably  out  of  repair,  and  pious  and  well  disposed  persons  were  dis- 
couraged in  the  designs  of  contributing  to  and  establishing  proper  funds  for 
the  support  of  the  said  and  the  minister  thereof,  for  remedying  whereof,  the 
said  petitioners  did  humbly  pray  a  letter  patent,  constituting  the  said  petition- 
ers or  snch  of  thetn  as  shall  be  thought  proper,  a  body  politick  and  corpo- 
rate, for  the  purpose  of  conducting  and  managing  the  affairs  and  interests  of 
the  said  church,  in  such  manner  and  forth,  and  with  such  rights,  privileges 
tnd  immunities  as  were  therefore  granted  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 


214  mSTORY  OF  THE 

FfashiRg,  in  Queen^s  ooanty,  in  comnaanion  of  the  ehurcb  of  England,  or  with 
Koch  other  rights  privileges  and  immunities  as  should  be  thonght  reasonable 
and  proper  ;  now,  we  being  willing  to  encoarage  the  pious  intentions  of  our 
said  loving  subjects,  and  to  grant  this  their  reasonable  request^  know  ye,  that  of 
oor  especial  grace,  certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion,  we  have  ordainedi 
given,  granted  and  declared,  and  by  these  presents  for  os,  our  heirs  and  suc- 
cessors, do  ordain,  give,  grant  and  declare,  that  they  the  said  petitioners, 
and  the  rest  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  borough  town  of  Westchester,  in 
oommunioo  of  the  church  of  England,  as  by  law  established,  and  theit  socces- 
•ors,  the  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  said  borough  town  of  Westchester,  in  eom- 
monion  of  the  church  of  England  as  by  law  established,  hereafter  shall  be  a 
body  corporate  and  politic,  in  deed,  fact  and  name,  by  the  name,  stile  and  title 
of  the  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  borough  town  of  Westchester,  in  com- 
munion of  the  church  of  England,  as  by  law  established,  and  them  and  their 
successors  by  the  same  name.  We  do  by  these  presents,  for  os,  oar  heirs 
and  successors,  really  and  fully  make,  erect  and  constitute  one  body  politic 
and  corporate,  in  deed,  fact  and  name  forever,  and  we  give  grant  and  ordain, 
that  they  and  their  successors,  the  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  borough  town 
of  Westchester,  in  communion  of  the  church  of  England  as  bylaw  established, 
by  the  same  name  shall  and  may  have  perpetual  successions,  and  shall  and  may  be 
capable  in  law  to  sue  and  be  sued,  implead  and  be  impleaded,  answer  and  be  an« 
flwered  unto,  defend  and  be  defended  in  all  courts  and  elsewhere,  in  all  manner 
of  actions,  writs,  complaints,  pleas,  causes,  matters  and  demands  whatsoever, 
as  fully  and  amply  as  any  other  our  liege  subjects  of  oor  said  province  of 
New  York  may  or  can  sue  or  be  sued,  implead  or  ^  impleaded,  defend  or  be 
defended,  by  any  lawful  way  or  means  whatsoever,  and  that  they  and  their 
successors  by  the  same  name  shall  be  for  ever  hereafter  capable  and  able  in 
the  law  to  purchase,  take,  hold,  receive  and  enjoy  any  messuages,  tenements, 
personal  and  real  estate  whatsoever  in  fee  simple  for  the  term  of  life  or  lives,  or 
in  any  other  manner  howsoever  for  the  use  of  the  said  church,  and  also  any  goods, 
chattels  or  personal  estate  whatsoever,  provided  always  that  the  clear  yearly 
value  of  the  said  real  estate  (exclusive  of  the  said  church  and  the  ground 
whereon  the  same  is  built,  and  the  cemetery  belonging  to  the  same,)  doth  not 
at  any  time  exceed  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds  current  money  of  our  said 
province,  and  that  they  and  their  successors  by  the  same  name  shall  have  full 
power  and  authority  to  give,  grant,  sell,  leave  and  dispose  of  the  same  real 
estate  for  life  or  lives,  or  year  or  for  ever,  under  certain  yearly  rents,  and  all 
goods  and  chattels  and  personal  estate  whatsoever,  at  their  will  and  pleasure, 
and  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  them  and  their  successors  to  have  and 
use  a  common  seal,  and  our  will  and  pleasure  further  is,  and  we  do  hereby  for 
us,  our  heirs  ind  successors,  ordain  and  appoint  that  there  shall  be  for  ever 
hereafter  belonging  to  the  said  church  one  rector  of  the  Church  of  England  as 
by  law  established,  duly  qualified  for  the  cure  of  souls,  two  churchwardens 
and  eight  vestrymen  who  shall  conduct  and  manage  the  affairs  and  business  of 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  215 

the  said  charch  and  confer  in  manner  aa  hereafter  is  eatabiiahed  and  appoint- 
ed, and  for  the  more  immediate  carrying  into  execution  our  royal  will  and 
pleasure  herein  we  do  hereby  assign,  constitute  and  appoint  Isaac  Willett  and 
Nathaniel  Underbill,  the  elder,  to  be  the  present  churchwardens  and  Peter 
de  Lanoey,  James  Graham,  James  van  Cortlandt,  Lewis  Morris,  John  Smith, 
Theophilus  B&rtow,  Cornelius  Willett  and  Thomas  Hunt,  to  be  the  present 
vestrymen  of  the  said  church,  who  shall  hold,  possess  and  enjoy  their  respec- 
tive offices  until  Tuesday  in  Easter  week  now  next  ensuing,  and  fur  the  keep- 
ing of  the  succession  in  the  said  offices  our  royal  will  and  pleasure  is,  and  we 
do  hereby  establish,  direct  and  require,  that  on  the  said  Tuesday  in  Easter 
week  now  next  ensuing,  and  yearly  and  every  year  thereafter  for  ever  on 
Tuesday  in  Easter  week  in  every  year  the  rector  and  inbabitants  of  the  bo- 
rough town  of  Westchester  in  communion  of  the  church  of  England  as  by  law 
established,  shall  meet  at  the  said  church,  and  there  by  the  majority  uf  voices 
of  such  of  them  as  shall  so  meet,  elect  and  choose  two  of  the  members  to  be 
churchwardens,  and  eight  others  of  their  members  to  be  vestrymen  of  the  said 
church  for  the  ensuing  year,  which  said  churchwardens  and  vestrymen  so 
elected  and  chosen  shall  immediately  enter  upon  their  respective  offices  and 
hold,  exercise  and  enjoy  the  same  respectively  from  the  time  of  such  elections 
for  and  during  the  space  of  one  year,  and  until  other  fit  persons  shall  be  elect- 
ed and  chosen  in  their  respective  places,  and  in  case  the  churchwardens  or 
vestrymen,  or  either  of  them,  by  these  presents  named  and  appointed,  or 
which  shall  bo  hereafter  elected  and  chosen,  shall  die  or  remove  from  the 
said  borough  town  of  Westchester  before  the  time  of  their  respective  appoint- 
ed services  shall  be  expired,  or  refuse  or  neglect  to  act  in  the  office  for  which 
he  or  they  is  or  are  herein  nominated  and  appointed,  or  whereunto  he  or  they 
shall  or  may  be  elected  and  chosen,  then  our  royal  will  and  pleasure  is,  and 
we  do  hereby  direct  and  ordain  and  require  the  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the 
borough  town  of  Westchester  in  communion  as  aforesaid  for  the  time  being  to 
meet  at  the  said  church  and  choose  other  or  others  of  their  numbers  in  place 
and  stead  of  him  or  them  so  dying,  removing  or  refusing  to  act  within  thirty 
days  next  aAer  such  contingency,  and  in  this  case  fortbe  more  due  and  order- 
ly conducting  the  said  elections,  and  to  prevent  any  undue  proceedings  there- 
in, we  do  hereby  give  full  power  and  authority  to,  and  ordain  and  require  that 
the  rector  and  churchwardens  of  the  said  church  for  the  time  being,  or  any 
two  of  them,  shall  appoint  the  time  for  such  election  or  elections,  and  that  the 
rector  of  the  said  church,  or  in  his  absence  one  of  the  churchwardens  for  the 
time  being,  shall  give  public  notice  thereof  by  publishing  the  same  at  the  said 
church  immediately  afler  divine  service  on  the  Sunday  preceding  the  day  ap- 
pointed for  such  elections,  hereby  giving  and  granting  that  such  person  or 
persons  as  shall  be  so  chosen  from  time  to  lime  by  the  rector  and  inhabitante 
of  the  said  borough  town  of  Westchester  in  commupioa  as  aforesaid,  or  the 
majority  of  such  of  them  as  shall  in  such  case  meet  in  maooer  hereby  directed » 
shall  have,  hold,  exercise  and  enjoy  such  the  office  or  offices  to  which  he  or 


216  HISTORY  OF  THE 

they  Bhall  be  so  elected  and  chosen  from  the  time  of  such  election  nntil  the 
Tuesday  in  Easter  week  thence  nest  ensuing,  and  until  other  or  others  be  le- 
gally chosen  in  his  or  their  place  instead,  as  fully  and  amply  as  the  person  or 
persons  in  whose  place  he  or  they  shall  be  chosen  might  or  could  have  done 
by  virtue  of  these  presents,  and  wo  do  hereby  will  and  direct  that  this  method 
shall  for  ever  hereaAer  be  osed  for  the  filling  up  all  vacancies  that  shall  hap- 
pen in  either  the  said  offices  between  the  annual  elections  above  directed,  and 
Our  royal  will  and  pleasure  further  is,  and  we  do  hereby  for  us,  our  heirs  aod 
successors,  give  and  grant  that  as  well  the  churchwardens  and  vestry,  or  those 
present  nominated  and  appointed  as  such  as  shall  from  time  to  time  be  here- 
after elected  and  chosen  as  is  herein  directed,  shall  have  and  they  are  hereby 
invested  with  full  power  and  authority  to  ezpcute  their  several  and  respective 
offices  in  as  full  and  ample  manner  as  any  churchwardens  or  vestrymen  in 
that  part  of  our  kingdom  of  Great  Britain  called  England,  or  in  this  our  pro- 
Tince  of  New  York,  can  or  lawfully  may  execute  their  said  respective  offices* 
and  further  our  royal  will  and  pleasure  is,  and  we  do  by  these  presents  for  us, 
our  heirs  and  successors,  give,  grant,  ordam  and  appoint  that  the  rector  and 
churchwardens  of  said  church  for  the  time  being,  or  any  two  of  them,  shall 
and  may  from  time  to  time  as  occasion  shall  require,  summon  and  call  together 
at  such  day  and  place  as  they  shall  think  proper  the  said  rector,  churchwar- 
dens and  vcbtrymen  for  the  time  being  to  meet  in  vestry,  giving  them  at  the 
least  one  day^s  notice  thereof  and  we  hereby  require  them  to  meet  accordingly 
and  we  do  hereby  give,  grant  and  ordain  that  the  said  rector,  one  of  the  said 
churchwardens  for  the  time  being  at  least,  together  with  the  majority  of  the 
said  vestrymen  of  the  said  church,  for  the  time  being,  being  met  in  vestry 
88  above    directed,  shall    for    ever   hereaftier  have,  and  they  are  hereby 
invested  with  full    power   and    authority  by  a  majority  of  their  voices  to 
do  and   esecute  in   the  name  of  the  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  burough 
town  of  Westchester  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by   law 
established,  all  and  singular  powers  aod  authorities  herein  before  given  and 
granted  to  the  said  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  borough  town  of  Westchester 
in  communion  of  the  church  of  England  as  by  law  established,  any  wise  touch- 
ing or  relating  to  such  lands,  messuages,  and  tenements,  real  and  persona! 
estate  whatsoever,  as  they  the  said  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  borough  town 
of  Westchester,  in  communion  as  aforesaid,  shall  or  may  acquire  for  the  use 
of  the  said  church,  and  also  in  like  manner  to  order,  direct,  manage,  and  trans- 
act the  general  interest,  business,  and  affairs  of  our  said  corporation,  and  also 
shall  have  full  power  and  authority  in  like  manner  tot  make  and  ordain  such  rules, 
orders,  and  ordinances  as  they  shall  judge  convenient  for  the  good  govern- 
ment and  discipline  of  the  members  of  the  said  church,  provided  such  rules, 
orders  and  ordinances  be  not  repugnant  to  the  lawsof<lhat  part  of  our  kingdom 
of  Great  Britain  called  England,  or  of  this  our  province  of  New  York,  but  as 
near  as  may  be  agreeable  thereto,  and  that  the  same  be  fairly  entered  in  a 
book  or  books  to  be  kept  for  that  purpose,  and  also  in  like  manner  to  appoini 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  217 

the  form  of  the  common  seal  herein  before  granted,  and  the  same  to  alter, 
break,  and  remake  at  their  discretion,  and  also  in  like  manner  to  appoint 
such  officer  or  officers  as  they  shall  stand  in  need  t>f,   always  provided 
that  the  rector  of  the  said  chnrch  for  the  time  being  shall  have  the  sole 
power  of  nominating  and  appointing  the  clerk  to  assist  him  in  performing 
divine  service,  as  also  the  sexton,  anything  herein  before  contained  to  the 
contrary  in  any  wise  notwithstanding,  which  clerk  and  sexton  shall  hold  and 
enjoy  their  respective  offices  during  the  will  and  pleasure  of  the  rector  of  the 
said  church  for  the  time  being,  and  in  case  of  any  avoidance  of  the  said  church 
either  by  the  death  of  the  rector  thereof  or  otherwise,  then  our  royal  will  and 
pleasure  is  that  the  powers  and  authority  hereby  vested  in  the  rector,  church- 
wardens, and  vestrymen,  in  vestry  met  as  above  mentioned,  shall,  until  the 
said  church  be  legally  supplied  with  another  incumbent,  vest  in  and  be  exe- 
cuted by  the  churchwardens  of  the  said  church  for  the  time  being,  provided 
always  they  have  the  concurrence  and  consent  of  the  major  number  of  the 
whole  vestrymen  of  the  said  church  for  the  time  being,  in  any  thing  they  shall 
in  such  case  do  by  virtue  hereof,  and  further  we  do  by  these  presents,  for  us, 
our  heirs,  and  snccessors,  give  and  grant  unto  the  rector  and  inhabitants  of 
the  borough  town  of  Westchester  in  communion  of  the  church  of  England  as 
by  law  established,  and  their  successors  forever,  that  this  our  present  grant 
shall  be  deemed,  adjudged  and  construed  in  all  cases  most  favorably  and  for 
the  best  benefit  and  advantage  of  the  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  borough 
town  of  Westchester  in  communion  of  the  church  of  England  as  by  law  esta- 
blished, and  that  this  our  present  grant  being  entered  on  record  as  is  herein- 
after particularly  expressed,  shall  be  good  and  effectual  in  the  law  to  all  in- 
tents, constructions  and  purposes  whatsoever,  against  us,  our  heirs,  and 
successors,  according  to  our  true  interests  and  meaning  herein  before  declared 
notwithstanding  the  nof  reciting  or  mis-reciting,  not  naming  or  mis-naming  of 
any  of  the  aforesaid  franchises,  privileges,  immunities,  officers,  in  either  the 
premises  or  any  of  them,  and  although  no  writ  of  ad  quod  damnum  or  other 
writs,  inquisitions  in  precept  hath  or  have  been  up  this  account,  had,  made, 
or  presented  or  issued,  to  have  and  to  hold  all  and  singular  the  privileges, 
liberties,  advantages,  and  immunities  hereby  granted  or  meant,  mentioned,  or 
intended  so  to  be,  unto  the  said  rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  borough  town  of 
Westchester  in  communion  of  the  church  of  England  as  by  law  established, 
and  to  their  successors  forever,  in  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  these 
our  letters  to  be  made  patent,  and  the  great  seal  of  our  said  province  to  be 
hereunto  affixed,  and  the  same  to  be  entered  on  record  in  our  secretary's  office, 
in  our  city  of  New  York,  in  one  of  the  books  of  patents  there  remaining. 
Witness  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Robt.  Monckton,  our  captain  general  and 
governor-in-chief  of  our  province  of  New  York  and  the  territories  depending 
thereon  in  America,  vice  admiral  of  the  same  and  major-general  of  oar  forces 
at  our  fort  in  our  city  of  New  York,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of 

Vol.  II.  28 


218  HISTORY  OF  THE 

oar  governor  for  our  said  province.    Second  day  of  December,  in  the  yeir 
A.  D.  17C2,  and  of  our  reign  the  third.* 

Signed  Clakub. 

[L.  S.] 

Upon  the  7ih  of  July,  1764,  the  church  wardens  of  the  parish, 
stated  to  the  Propagation  Society,  "  that  they  have  purchased  a 
glebe  of  near  thirty  acres  with  a  house,  which  will  cost  them  in 
the  whole,  near  £700,  and  that  whole  families  of  Quakers  have 
conformed  to  the  church."  On  the  8th  of  July,  Mr.  Milner  in- 
formed the  same  body,  that  he  had  at  his  own  expense,  laid  out 
£200  on  the  parsonage,  built  a  new  barn  and  out  houses,  &c., 
&c.,  and' further  added,  that  he  had  appointed  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Sea  bury,  a  son  of  the  late  worthy  missionary,  at  Hempstead, 
schoolmaster. 

"  In  1766,  (says  Mr.  Hawkins)  Mr.  Seabury  intimated  to  the  so- 
ciety, his  wish  to  accept  the  offer  of  the  mission  of  Westchester, 
which  was  made  to  him  by  the  churchwardens  and  vestry,  and 
the  society  consenting  to  this  proposal,  he  removed  thither  at  the 
end  of  the  year  1706.^ 

His  average  congregation  at  this  pluce,  was  about  200 ;  and  he 
states,  that  one  of  the  means  which  he  adopted  of  communicating 
religious  instruction  to  the  people,  was  preaching  at  funerals  in 
the  more  remote  districts,  whereby  he  had  the  opportunity  of  ad- 
diessing  those  who  could  not  be  brought  together  at  any  other 
time.  In  1776  he  was  seized  by  a  party  of  the  disaffected  in 
arms,  aiid  carried  off  to  New  Haven,  all  his  papers  being  exami- 
ned for  proof  against  him.  After  describing  this  outrage,  he 
says,  *^  God's  providence  will,  I  hope,  protect  His  church  and 
clergy  in  this  county,  the  disorder  and  confusion  of  which  are 
beyond  description."  He  says,  in  a  letter  dated  New  York,  De- 
cember 29th,  1776,  "  since  my  last  letter,  I  have  undergone 
more  uneasiness  than  I  can  describe :  more,  I  believe,  than  I 


«  Alb.  Rec.  Book  of  Patents,  No.  xiu.  490. 
•    b  The  Rev.  Samuel  Seabury  was  instituted  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  West- 
ehester,  by  Sir  Henry  Moore,  Baronet,  on  the  3d  of  Dec.  1766. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  210 

could  well  support  again.''  He  goes  on  to  say,  "  I  continued 
tolerably  quiet  at  home  for  a  few  weeks,  till  after  the  king's 
troops  evacuated  Boston,  when  the  rebel  army  passing  from 
thence  to  New  York,  bodies  of  them,  consisting  of  twenty  or 
thirty  men,  would  every  day  or  two,  sometimes  two  or  three 
times  a  day,  come  through  Westchester,  though  five  miles  out 
of  their  way,  and  never  failed  to  slop  at  my  house." 

^^Soon  after  this,  the  British  fleet  and  army  arrived  at  Staten 
Island.  The  rebels  then  became  very  alert  in  apprehending  the 
friends  of  government.  Many  had  retired  to  Westchester  from 
New  York.  These  were  first  sought  after  :  some  escaped,  many 
were  seized.  My  situation  became  daily  more  critical,  as  they 
began  to  take  up  the  inhabitants  of  the  county.  At  length  two 
ships  of  war  came  into  the  Sound  and  took  their  station  in  sight 
of  my  house. 

Immediately  the  whole  coast  was  guarded,  that  no  one  might 
go  to  them.  Within  a  few  days,  the  troops  landed  on  Long 
Island,  and  the  rebels  we*e  defeated  ;  a  body  of  them  then  took 
post  at  the  heights  near  King^s  bridge,  in  my  parish,  and  began 
to  throw  up  works.  Another  body  fixed  themselves  within  two 
miles  of  my  house.  For  some  time  before,  I  had  kept  a  good 
deal  out  of  sight,  lodging  abroad,  and  never  being  at  home  for 
more  than  an  hour  or  two  at  a  time,  and  having  a  number  of 
people  whom  I  could  depend  upon,  engaged,  who  punctually  in- 
formed me  of  every  circumstance  that  was  necessary  for  me  to 
know."  With  some  difficulty  he  effected  his  escape  to  Long 
Island.  The  troops  then,  having  burned  the  pews,  converted 
his  church  into  a  hospital.  They  also  quartered  cavalry  in  his 
house,  and  consumed  all  the  produce  of  his  farm.  A  school 
which  he  had  opened  at  Westchester,  was  necessarily  broken  up, 
and  thus  he  was  deprived  of  every  means  of  support."* 

The  following  notice  of  this  individual  occurs  in  Sabine's  bio- 
graphical sketches  of  American  Loyalists.     "Samuel  Seabury, 


•  Hawkini  Ilist  Not  of  Col.  Church.    Ori^rinal  lettera  Lambeth  coUectiou  vol 
six.  169. 


820  HISTORY  OF  THE 

D.  D.,  the  first  bishop  of  the  Episcopal  chnrch  in  the  United 
States.  He  was  the  son  of  the  Re^.  Uamuel  Seabury,  who  was 
a  Congregational  minister  at  Groton,  and  subsequently  the  first 
Episcopal  minister  of  New  London.  He  was  born  at  New  Lon- 
don in  1728,  and  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  175L  Soon  after 
completing  his  collegiate  education,  he  went  to  Scotland  for  the 
purpose  of  studying  medicine,  but  changed  his  purpose  and  de- 
voted his  attention  to  theology.  In  1753  he  took  orders  in  Lon- 
don, and  returning  to  his  native  country,  was  settled  at  New 
Brunswick,  New  Jersey.  After  the  death  of  Mr.  Colgan,  Sir 
Charles  Hardy,  governor  of  New  York,  introduced  him  as  cler- 
gyman of  the  Episcopal  church  at  Jamaica,  Long  Island,  where 
he  remained  from  1756  to  1766.  Near  the  close  of  the  latter 
year  he  removed  to  Westchester,  and  continued  there  until  the 
commencement  of  hostilities.  In  April,  1775,  a  large  number  of 
loyalists  assembled  at  White  Plains,  and  adopted  the  following 
protest.  Mr.  Seabury's  name  is  the  third  affixed  to  it ;  that  of 
the  Rev.  Luke  Babcock,  another  Episcopalian  minister,  is  the 
fourth.  *^  We,  the  subscribers,  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the 
county  of  Westchester,  having  assembled  at  the  White  Plains  in 
consequence  of  certain  advertisements,  do  now  declare,  that  we 
meet  here  to  declare  our  honest  abhorrence  of  all  unlawful  con- 
gresses and  committees,  and  that  we  are  determined,  at  the 
hazard  of  our  lives  and  properties,  to  support  the  king  and  con- 
stitution ;  and  that  we  acknowledge  no  representatives  but  the 
general  assembly,  to  whose  wisdom  and  integrity  we  submit  the 
guardianship  of  our  rights,  liberties,  and  privileges."  Mr.  Sea* 
bury  went  into  New  York  after  the  Revolution  opened,  and  at 
one  time  was  chaplain  of  the  king's  American  regiment,  com- 
manded'by  Colonel  Fanning.  At  the  peace  he  settled  at  New 
London.  In  1784  he  went  to  England  to  obtain  consecration  as 
a  bishop,  but  objections  arising  there,  he  was  consecrated  in  Scot- 
land on  the  14th  of  November  of  that  year  by  three  non  juring 
bishops.  For  the  remainder  of  his  life  he  presided  over  the 
diocese  of  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island.  His  duties  were  dis- 
charged in  an  exemplary  manner.  He  died  February  25ih, 
1796,  aged  sixty-eight  years.  Two  volumes  of  his  sermons 
were  published  before  his  decease,  and  one  volume  in  1798.    A 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  221 

sermon  founded  on  St  Peter's  exhortation  to  fear  God  and  honor 
the  king,  delivered  before  the  provincial  or  loyalist  troops,  was 
printed  during  the  war  by  direction  of  Governor  Try  on."*  The 
following  is  inscribed  on  his  tombstone  at  New  London. 

Here  lies  the  body  of 

Samuel  Seaburt,  D.  D. 

Bishop  of  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island, 

who  departed  this  transitory  scene,  February  25ih,  1796, 

in  the  sixty-eighth  year  of  his  age,  and  the  eleventh  of  his 

Episcopal  Consecration. 
Ingenious  without  pride, 
Learned  without  pedantry, 
Good  without  severity. 
He  was  duly  qualified  to  discharge 
The  duties  of  the  Christian  and  the  Bishop  ; 
In  the  pulpit  he  enforced  religion  ; 
In  his  conduct  he  exemplified  it. 
The  poor  he  assisted  with  his  charity  ; 
The  ignorant  he  blessed  with  his  instruction. 
The  friend  of  men,  he  ever  designed  their  good  ; 
The  enemy  of  vice,  he  ever  opposed  it. 
Christian !  dost  thou  aspire  to  happiness  ? 
Seabury  has  shown  the  way  that  leads  to  it. 

"Charles  Seabury,  the  youngest  son  of  ihe  bishop,  was  born 
in  Westchester,  in  May,  1770,  and  succeeded  his  father  in  the 
church  at  New  London.  In  1796,  he  preached  a  while  at  Ja- 
maica. His  first  wife  was  Anne,  the  daughter  of  Roswell  Sal- 
tonstali  of  New  London,  by  whom  he  had  issue.  His  son, 
Samuel  Seabury,  D.  D.,  is  the  present  rector  of  the  church  of  the 
Annunciation,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  editor  of  the 
Churchman,  a  religious  newspaper."** 

During  the  American  Revolution  religious  services  appear  to 
have  been  suspended  in  this  church. 

On  the  6th  day  of  April,  A.  D.  1784,  the  legislature  of  the 
state  of  New  York,  passed  a  law  entitled  "  An  act  to  enable  all 
religious  denominations  in  this  state  to  appoint  trustees,  who 


*■  Sabine*B  Hist  of  American  Loyalists. 

t>  History  of  the  Narragaosett  Church,  by  Wilkios  Updike,  page  144. 


222 


mSTORY  OF  THE 


should  be  a  bodjr  corporate,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  care  of  the 
temporalities  of  their  respective  congregations,  and  for  other  pur- 
poses therein  mentioned."  Under  the  provisions  of  this  act  St. 
Peler's  Church  was  incorporated  on  the  19th  of  April,  1788, 
Lewis  Graham,  Josiah  Browne,  Thomas  Hunt,  Israel  Underhill, 
John  Bartow,  Philip  I.  Livingston  and  Samuel  Bayard,  trustees.^ 
Upon  the  reorganization  of  the  church,  the  Rev.  Theodosius 
Bartow  was  called  lo  the  rectorship.  For  the  successors  of  Mr. 
Bartow,  see  list  of  rectors.  The  present  edifice  was  erected  in 
1794,  on  the  site  of  the  old  church,  and  consecrated  upon  the  9th 
of  December,  1793,  by  the  Right  Rev.  Samuel  Provoost,  bishop 
of  the  diocese.  It  is  a  neat  wooden  structure  surmounted  by  a 
cupola.  The  latter  contains  the  original  bell  presented  to  the 
church  by  the  Morris  family,  inscribed 

"LEWIS  MORRIS,  1677." 

The  commtmion  plate  consists  of  a  chalice  and  paten,  the 
gift  of  dueene  Anne,  A.  D.  1706. 


«  Co.  Rec.  Religious  Soc.  lib.  A.  19.  A  second  incorporation  occurs  on  the  2d  of 
Angnst.  1795 ;  Israel  Underhill,  Philip  I.  Livingston,  churchwardens  ;  John  Bar- 
tow, jun.,  Thomas  Rartow,  Oliver  de  Lancey,  Warren  de  Lancey,  Josiah  Brown, 
Jonathan  Fowler,  Robert  Heaton,  and  Nicholas  Bayard,  vestrymen.    Lib.  A.  58. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  223 

The  queen  also  presented  a  church  bible,  book  of  homilies, 
cloth  for  the  pulpit,  and  communion  table.  . 

On  the  sonth  side  of  the  chancel  is  a  plain  stone  tablet,  bear- 
ing the  following  epitaph : 

Sacred 

to  the  memory  of 

Tbb  Reverend  Isaac  Wilkins,  D.  D., 

who,  for  thirty-one  years,  was  the 

diligent  and  faithful  minister  of 

this  parish, 

plaeed  here,  as  he  believed,  by  his  Redeemer. 

He  remained  satisfied  with  the 

pittance  allowed  him,  rejoicing  that  even  in  that 

he  was  no  burden  to  his 

parishioners ; 

nor  ever  wished,  nor  ever  went  forth 

to  seek  a  better  living. 

Died  5th  February,  1830, 

aged  89  years. 

A  monument  on  the  north  side,  records  the  death  of  Mrs. 
Wilkins : 

Sacred 

to  the  memory 

of 

Mrs.  Isabella  Wilkins, 

the  humble  hanmaid 

and  faithful  worshipper 

of 
God,  her  Saviour, 

She  died  the  31st  October,  A.  D.  1810, 

in  the  64th  year  of  her  age, 

and  lies  buried  here. 


This  monument  in  conjugal  love, 
is  raised 


224  HISTORY  OF  THE 

and 
inscribed,  by  her  grateful,  faithful  and  afieotionate 

husband. 

And  now  Lord  !  what  is  our  hope  t 
Truly  our  hope  is  ever  in  thee. 

In  the  vestry  room  are  memorials  of  the  Hoffman,  Wilkins 
and  Turnbiill  families,  &c. 

To' St.  Peter's  church  is  attached  a  small  glebe  and  parson- 
age. 

The  following  liberal  grants  have  been  made  by  Trinity 
parish,  New  York,  to  this  church,  viz. :  in  1795,  the  sum  of  $750, 
in  1796,  $500,  and  in  1809,  five  lots  of  ground  in  Reade,  Cham- 
ber and  Warren  streets.  New  York,  the  present  value  of  which 
is  $22,500.*  The  first  delegates  from  this  parish  to  the  dioce- 
cesan  convention,  in  1785,  were  John  Jay  and  Richard  Morris, 
Esqrs. 

RECTORS    OF  ST.    PETER'S   CHURCH,   WESTCHES- 
TER. 

Inst,  or  call.  Rectors.  Vacated  by 

A.  D.  1702,  Rev.  John  Bartow,  Clericus,  Death. 

A.  D.  1723,  Rev.  Thomas  Standard,  Clericus,    the  same. 

12  Nov.  1761,  Rev.  John  Milner,  Clericus,  the  same. 

3  Dec.  1766,  Rev.  Samuel  Seabury,  Clericus,     resignation. 

5  July,  1790,  Rev.  Theodosius  Bartow,  Presb.     the  same. 

August,  1794,  Rev.  John  Ireland,  Presb.  the  same. 

9  March,  1799,  Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  D.  D.,  Presb.,      Death. 

27  April,  1830,  Rev.  William  Powell,  Presb.  preset  incumbent. 

Notitia  Parochialis. 

A.  D.  1718,        Communicants,  —        Baptisms,    32. 
1761,  ditto         30,  ditto       114. 

1764,  ditto         50,  ditto        91. 


•  Hiat  of  Trinity  Church,  N.  Y.,  by  WUliam  Bcrrian,  D.  D. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER. 


1774, 

ditto 

_ 

ditto 

18. 

1814, 

diiio 

40, 

ditto 

13. 

The  baptisranl  register  of  this  parish,  contains  the  following 
memoranda : 

"March  4th,  1702,  tlien  baptized  by  Mr.  John  Barlow,  Rector 
of  Westchester,  John  Haden,  aged  41  years ;  John  Haden,  son 
of  said  John  Haden,  aged  17  years ;  Abagail  Haden,  aged  16 
years ;  Samtiel  Haden,  aged  13  years ;  Thomas  Haden,  aged  8 
years;  Elizabeth  Heden,  aged  11  years;  Joseph  Haden,  aged 
1  year  and  7  months,  &.c.* 

The  church  yard,  which  is  probably  coeval  with  the  settle- 
ment of  the  village,  contains  numerous  interments. 

"  Where  heaTea  the  Intrin  maop  »  rooatdering  heap," 

Each  in  hiB  Dftrrow  cell  forever  laid, 

The  tade  forefather*  of  the  hamlet  alee  p.— Gray '«  Eltgy. 

The  following  inscriptions  are  copied  from  the  monumenla 

Here  lyeth  the  body  of  William ,  Esq.,  aged  50  years, 

deceased  March  27lh,  1702.    H.  1718.    P.  B.o  1727.    In  mem- 


'  Weatehnter.  Reo. 


226  mSTORY  OF  THE 

ory  of  Philip  Honeywell,  Esq.,  he  diM  of  a  lingering  illness,  at 
Greeubiirgh,  on  the  8lh  day  of  Sept.  1813,  in  the  53d  year  of 
his  age. 

He  was  an  active  character 

during  the  Revolutionary  war, 

he  lived  respected  and  died  regretted. 

Ann  Eustace,. bis  wife, 

died  May  11,  18II,  ctat  50. 

Look  on  this  stone  and-yoa  will  find. 
My  journey ^s  o*er,  and  yours  behind. 
Think  then,  before  you  turn  away. 
That  yours  may  end  before  this  day. 

In  memory  of  Oliver  de  Lancey,  senr.,  who  departed  this 
life  April  4th,  1840,  aged  70  years.  Sacred  to  the  memory  of 
Captain  Stephen  Bayard,  who  was  born  Oct.  26lh,  1785,  and 
died  July  11,  1814:  "my  Blessed  Saviour  receive  my  spirit, 
were  his  last  words,"  and  whosoever  believeth  in  him,  tho'  he 
die,  yet  shall  he  live  again.  Ever  will  the  sweet  remembrance, 
of  your  useful,  generous,  forgiving  and  affectionate  virtues,  best 
of  husbands  and  fathers,  be  cherished  in  the  hearts  of  your  wife 
and  family.  Sacra  memoria  of  Philip  Livingston,  whose  family 
were  suddenly  bereaved  of  a  valued  parent,  on  the  27th  Nov. 
1808,  aged  74  years.  His  afflictions  were  numerous  and  deep 
felt,  yet  was  he  comforted. 

His  heart,  its  confidence 

Reposed  in  God,  its  strength  and  shield. 

The  paths  of  death  in  glory  shine, 

When  saints  the  call  obey, 

A  light  from  Heaven,  an  arm  divine, 

Are  with  them  on  the  way. 

Here  lies 

the  mortal  remains  of 

Wright  Post, 

during  many  years  eminent  as  a 

physician  and  surgeon 

in  the  city  of  New  York, 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  227 

he  was  distiogiibhed  for  sound  judgment, 
practioa]  ikill  and  unwearied  diligence  ia 
his  profession,  and  for  modest,  dignified  and 

mild  deportment  in  all  the  walks  of  life, 

an  enlightened  and  attached  member  of  the 

Protestant  Episcopal  church, 

he  was  for  many  years  a  yestryman 

of  Grace  church 

in  the  city  of  New  York, 

and  for  seyeral  years  its  senior  warden, 

overplied  by  professional  labours, 

his  feeble  frame  gradually  gave  way 

to  the  attacks  of  pulmonary  consumption. 

He  retired  from  the  city  to  his  country  seat 

in  this  neigeborhood,  and  aAer  a  residence 

of  a  few  weeks,  he  departed  this  life 

in  full  possession  of  his  mental  faculties, 

at  peace  with  the  worM, 

and  a  devout  hope  of  acceptance 

with  God,  through  faith  in  the  merits  of 

Jesus  Christ. 

He  died  June  14,  182S, 

aged  62  years,  3  months 

and  26  days. 

There  are  also  memorials  in  the  yard,  to  members  of  the 
Hunt,  Doty,  Baxter,  Bartow,  Lewis,  Arden,  Findlay,  Tucker, 
Read,  Burnett,  Holsman  auJ  Wright  fimilies,  <S6C.,  beside  vaults 
belonging  to  the  families  of  Tiuipson,  Adee  and  Ludlow,  &c. 
Near  the  Episcopal  grave  yard,  is  situated  the  Ferris  burying 
ground,^  which  contains  the  family  vaults  of  Benjamin  Ferris 
and  numerous  head  stones  to  the  Pell  family. 

The  Friends'  meeting  house  which  stands  south  of  the  church, 
was  erected  cir.  1747.    The  first  meeting  of  this  nuiiierous  and 

•  John  Ferris  of  the  boroug  thown  of  WestcheBter,  in  1715,  by  his  last  will,  ■■  re- 
serves the  hnrying  groand  for  the  people  to  bury  their  dead,  in  the  place  where  they 
formerly  buried  without  any  let  or  hindrance.  Since  known  as  the  pasture  hiU 
burying  ground." 


228  HISTORY  OF  THE 

respectable  society  in  America,  is4pd  to  have  been  held  at 
Westchester.  There  is  also  a  tradition,  that  George  Fox  "  the 
dauntless  founder  of  their  sect,"  preached  here  in  1672. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  society  of  Westchester,  was  first  or- 
ganized in  1808,  and  incorporated  8th  March,  1809;  William 
Johnston,  Gilbert  Lewis,  Abraham  .Seacord,  Benjamin  Morgan, 
Moses  Hunt  and  Gilbert  Hunt,  trustees.^  The  present  church 
edifice  was  erected  about  1818. 

The  Roman  Catholic  church  dedicated  to  St.  Raymond,  is 
pleasantly  situated  on  the  road  leading  from  Westchester  io 
West  Farms.     The  Rev.  A.  Higgins  is  the  present  incumbent.^ 

A  number  of  handsome  residences  adorn  the  village.  Among 
them  may  be  noticed,  the  mansions  of  Captain  E.  Hawkins, 
Mr.  George  Adee,  Mr.  Paul  Lalavette,  Mr.  Stephen  Scribner 
and  Captain  Cornell  Ferris,  &c. 

About  two  miles  northwest  of  the  village,  is  the  residence  and 
estate  of  William  A.  Spencer,  Esq,  Within  a  few  years,  great 
additions  and  improvements  have  been  made  to  this  beautiful 
spot  by  the  present  occupant,  who  has  enlarged  the  mansion 
and  completely  reformed  the  gardens  and  grounds.  This  pro- 
perty originally  belonged  to  the  Underbill  family,  having  been 
purchased  by  Nathaniel  Underbill,  of  John  Turner,  in  1685* 
Nathaniel  Underbill  was  the  youngest  son  of  the  celebrated  Cap- 
tain John  Underbill,  commonly  called  Lord  Underbill,  descended 
of  an  ancient  and  honorable  family,  in  Warwickshire,  England. 

As  early  ns  1416,  we  find  John  Underbill  and  Agnes  his  wife, 
seated  at  Uoingham  in  Warwickshire,  and  in  1587,  occurs 
the  name  of  Sir  Hercules  Underbill,  Knight,  High  Sheriff  of 
that  county.b 

The  following  account  of  Captain  John  Underbill,  "of  whom 
so  frequent  mention  is  made  in  the  early  histories  of  New  En- 
gland and  New  York,"  is  taken  from  a  small  printed  volume, 
called    the  "  Algerine  Captive,"  by  Jphfi  Underbill.     He   had 


•  Co.  Rec.  ReligriouB  Soc.  Lib.  B.  30. 

b  The  celebrated  Mr.  Eklveard  Underbill,  one  of  Queen  Mary*8  baud  of  gentle- 
meu  peniiouera,  in  155>^,  was  a  member  of  Uiis  family. 


'^. 


To  tU9 


nlUiut. 
dtFleid. 


n~ 

iMrfitersMiirjr         DavU 
;  liv.       Feirig 


T 


AkMp 


eIMM 

Bcnitli 


i 


borali=li«Biy 


of  WeHche^^AiiBa,  da.    AbrahMn.  of  Whlte--IlMnah    BmlM.  Bmnir  Minr 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  229 

early  imbibed  an  firdent  love  of  liberty,  civil  and  religious,  by 
his  service  as  a  soldier  among  the   Dutch,  in  their  glorious  and 
successful  struggle  for  freedom,  with  Philip  the  second  of  Spain  ; 
when,  though  quite  a  youth,  he  held  a  commission  in  the  Earl  of 
Leicester's  own  troop  of  guards,  who  was  then  sent  to  the  assist- 
ance of  that  brave  people,  by  the  renowned  Queen  Elizabeth  of 
England.     The  extravagant  passion,  which  that  princess  was 
supposed  to  entertain  for  various  male  favorites,  which    occa- 
sioned the  disgrace  of  one,  and  the  premature  death  of  another, 
while  it  has  furnished  a  darling  theme  to  the  novelist,  and  has 
been  wept  over  in  the  tragic  scene,  has  never  yet  received  the 
sober  sanction  of  the  historian.    A  traditional  family  anecdote, 
while  it  places  the  affection  of  the  queen  for  Leicester  beyond 
doubt,  may  not  be  unpleasing  to  the  learned  reader,  and  may 
benefit  the  English  historiographer. 

It  is  well  known  that  this  crafty  queen,  though  repeatedly  so- 
licited, never  eflicaciously  assisted  the  Netherlanders,  until  their 
affairs  were  apparently  at  their  lowest  ebb,  and  they  in  such  des- 
perate circumstances,  as  to  offer  the  sovereignty  of  their  country 
to  her  general,  the  Earl  of  Leicester.  Captain  Underbill  car- 
ried the  dispatches  to  England,  and  delivered  them  at  the 
office  of  Lord  Burleigh.  The  same  evening,  the  queen  sent  for 
the  captain,  and.  with  apparent  perturbation,  inquired  of  him,  if 
he  was  the  messenger  from  Leicester,  and  whether  he  had  any 
private  dispatches  for  her.  He  replied,  that  he  had  delivered  all 
his  letters  to  the  secretary  of  state.  She  appeared  much  disa|i- 
pointed,  and,  after  musing  for  some  time,  said,  "so  Leicester 
wants  to  be  a  king."  Underbill,  who  was  in  the  general's  confi- 
dence, replied  that  the  Dutch  had  indeed  made  the  offer  of  the  sove- 
reignty of  their  country  to  her  general,  esteeming  it  a  great  honor, 
as  they  said,  to  h  ive  a  subject  of  her  grace  for  their  sovereign. 
No,  replied  the  queen,  it  is  not  the  Dutch  ;  they  hate  kings  and 
their  divine  rights;  it  is  the  proud  Leicester,  who  yearns  to  be" 
independent  of  his  own  sovereign,  who  moves  this  insolent 
proposal.  Tell  him  from  me,  that  ho  must  learn  to  obey,  be- 
fore he  is  fit  to  govern.  Tell  him,  added  the  queen,  softening 
her  voice,  that  obRlience  may  make  hi.n  a  king  indeed.  Imme- 
diately after  Captain  Underbill  had  taken  his  public  dispatches, 


230  HISTORY  OF  THE 

the  qtieen  sent  for  him  to  her  privy  closet,  recalled  her  verbal 
message,  delivered  him  a  letter  for  Leicester,  directed  with  her 
own  hand,  and  a  purse  of  one  hundred  crowns  for  himself; 
charging  him  to  enclose  the  letter  in  lead,  sink  it  in  case  of  dan- 
ger in  his  passage  by  sea,  and  to  deliver  it  privately.    On  the  re* 
ceipt  of  this  letter,  Leicester  was  violently  agitated,  walked  his 
chamber  the  whole  of  the  ensuing  night.    Soon  after,  he  resigned 
his  command,  and  returned  to  England,  animated  by  the  bright- 
est hopes  of  realizing  the  lofty  sugs;estions  of  his  ambition. 
With  him  Captain  Underbill  returned,  and  upon  the  decease  of 
the  Elarl  of  Leicester,  attached  himself  to  the  fortunes  of  the 
Earl  of  Essex,  the  unfortunate  successor  to  Leicester  in    the 
queen's  favor.    He  accompanied  that  gallant  nobleman  in  his 
successful  attack  upon  Cadiz,  and  shared  his  ill  fortune  in  his 
fruitless  expedition  against  Tyronne,  the  rebel  chief  of  the  re- 
volted clans  of  Ireland;  and,  returning  with  the  earl  into  En- 
gland, by  his  attachment  to  that  imprudent  nobleman,  sallying 
into  the. streets  of  London  in  the  petty  insurrection,  which  cost 
Essex  his  head,  he  was  obliged  to  seek  safety  in  Holland,  until 
the  accession  of  King  James,  in  one  thousand  six  hundred  and 
three,  when  he  applied  for  pardon  and  leave  to  return  to  his  na- 
tive country.     But  that  monarch  entertained  such  an  exalted 
idea  of  the  dignity  of  kings,  and  fro  n  policy,  affected  so  great 
veneration  for  the  memory  of  his  predecessor,  that  no  interest  of 
his  friends  could  procure  his  pardon  for  an  offence,  which,  in 
this  day  and  country, would  be  considered  a  simple  rout  or  riot, 
and  punished  with  a  small  fine,  in   that  age  of  kingly  glory  was 
supposed  to  combine  treason  and  blasphemy:  treason  against  the 
queen  in  her  political  capacity,  and  blasphemy  against  her,  as 
God's  representative  and  vicegerent  on  earth. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Robinson,  with  a  number  of  other  pious  puri- 
tans, having  fled  from  the  persecuting  fury  of  the  English  pre- 
lates, to  Holland,  in  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  tliree,  he 
dwelt  and  communed  with  them  a  number  of  years.  He  was 
strongly  solicited  to  go  with  Governor  Carver,  Elder  Brewster 
and  the  other  worthies,  part  of  Mr.  Robinson's  church,  to  the 
settlement  of  Plymouth,  and  had  partly  en^;ed  with  them,  as 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  231 

their  chief  military  officer;  but,  Captain  Miles  Standish,  his 
brave  fellow  soldier  in  the  Low  Countries,  undertaking  ihe  bu- 
siness, he  declined.  How  he  joined  Governor  Winihrop,  does 
not  appear,  but  he  came  over  to  New  England  with  him,  and 
soon  after  we  find  him  disciplining  the  Boston  militia,  where  he 
was  held  in  such  high  estimation  that  he  was  chosen  to  repre- 
sent that  town  in  the  general  court;  but,  his  ideas  of  religious 
toleration  being  more  liberal  than  those  around  him,  he  lost  his 
popularity,  and  was,  on  the  twentieth  of  November,  one  thousand 
six  hundred  and  thirty-seven,  disfranchised  and  eventually  ban- 
ished the  jurisdiction  of  Massachusetts. 

The  writers  of  those  times  differ,  as  to  the  particular  offence 
for  which  he  was  punished.     Some  say  that  it  was  for  holding 
the  Antinomian  tenets  of  the  celebrated  Anne  Hutchinson,  others 
that  the  charge  against  him  was  for  saying,  that  the  government 
at  Boston  were  as  zealous  as  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  and 
as  Paul  before  his  conversion.    Tlie  best  account,  I  have  been 
able  to  collect,  is,  that  at  the  time  when  the  zeal  of  our  worthy 
forefathers  burned  the  hottest  against  heretics  and  sectaries,  when 
good  Roger  Williams,  who  settled  Providence,  the  pious  Wheel- 
right,  and  others,  were  banished,  he,  with  about  sixty  other  im- 
prudent persons,  who  did  not  believe  in  the  then  popular  argu- 
ments of  fines,  imprisonment,  disfranchisement,  confiscation,  ban- 
ishments, and  halters  for  the  conversion  of  infidels,  supposed 
that  the  Christian  faith,  which  had  spread  so  wonderfully  in  its 
infancy,  when  ihe  sword  of  civil  power  was  drawn  against  it,  in 
that  age,  surrounded  by  numerous  proselytes,  needed  not  the 
same  sword  unsheathed  in  its  favor.    These  mistaken  people 
signed  a  remonstrance  against  the  violent  proceedings,  which 
"were  the  order  of  that   day.     William  Aspinwall   and  John 
Goggeshell,   two  of  the  Boston   representatives,   who  signed 
the  remonstrance,  were  sent  home,  and  the  town  ordered  to 
choose  others  in  their  room.    Some  of  the  remonstrants  recanted, 
some  were  fined,  some  were  disfranchised,  and  others,  among 
whom  was  Captain  Underbill,  were  banished."    "  When  the  sen- 
tence of  banishment  passed  on  Captain  Underbill,  he  returned  to 
Dover  in  New  Hampshire,  and  was  elected  governor  of  the 
European  settlers  there;  but,  notwithstanding  his  great  service 


232  HISTORY  OF  THE     . 

to  the  people  of  Massachusetts,  in  the  Pequod  wars,  his  persecu- 
tors in  Boston  would  not  allow  him  to  die  in  peace.  First,  by 
writing  injurious  letters  to  those  he  governed  ;  by  threats  of  their 
power;  and  lastly,  by  determining  that  Dover  was  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  Massachusetts,  they  forced  him  to  flee  to  Albany, 
then  possessed  by  the  Dutch,  under  the  name  of  Amboyna. 

The  Dutch  were  highly  pleased  with  the  captain,  and  after 
Dutchifying  his  name  into  Captain  Hans  van  Yanderbill,  they 
gave  him  a  command  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  men,  in  their 
wars  with  the  natives.  It  is  said  that  he  killed  one  hundred 
and  fifty  Indians  on  Lon^  Island,  and  upwards  of  three  hundred 
on  the  main.  The  laurels  of  the  famous  Colonel  Church  wither 
in  comparison."*  "At  the  period  of  his  military  employment 
(says  Mr.  Thompson,)  he  lived  at  Stamford,  Connecticut,  was  a 
delegate  from  that  town  to  the  general  court  at  New  Haven  in 
1613,  and  was  appointed  an  assistant  justice.  In  1644  he  came 
with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Denton  and  others  of  his  church,  to  Long 
Island,  and  soon  after  became  a  resident  of  Flushing,  where  he 
evinced  the  same  restless  temper  as  formerly,  and  was  anxious 
for  a  military  employment."  "  He  was  afterward  settled  in  Ojrster 
Bay,  for  in  1665  he  was  a  delegate  from  that  town  to  the  meet- 
ing at  Hampstead,  by  order  of  Governor  Nicoll,  and  was  by  him 
made  high  sheriff  of  the  North  Riding  on  Long  Island."  "In 
1667,  the  Matinecock  Indians  conveyed  to  him  a  large  tract  of 
their  lands,  a  part  of  which,  called  Killingworth,**  remained  in  his 
family  for  nearly  two  hundred  years."^  Captain  John  Underbill, 
at  an  advanced  age,  died  in  Killingworth,  leaving  several  sons ; 
the  youngest  of  whom,  Nathaniel,  (before  mentioned,)  removed 
to  Westchester,  in  1685.  By  his  last  will,  bearing  date  the  18lh 
of  September,  1671,  Copt.  John  Underbill  bequeathes  "his  whole 
estate  in  possession  of  his  wife  Elizabeth  Underbill,  during  ye 
time  of  her  widowhood  ;  but  if  she  marry,  then  my  brother  John 
Bowne,  Henry  Townsend,  Matthew  Pryer,  and  my  son  John 


•  The  "  Algerine  Captive,"  by  Dr  Updike  Underbill,  vol.  i.  25,  printed  at  Wal- 
pole.  New  Hampebire,  1797. 

k  Originally  Kenilworth,  from  the  place  of  the  lame  name  in  Warwickshire,  Eng. 
«  Thompson's  Hist,  of  Long  Island,  vol.  ii  358. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  S33 

Underbill,  I  empower  hereby  tbat  they  see  to  ye  estate,  that  ye 
children  be  not  wronged,  nor  turned  off,  without  some  propor- 
tionable allowance,  as  ye  estate  will  afford ;  and  that  my  son 
Nathaniel^  remain  with  his  mother  untill  twenty-one  years, 
&c."» 

Upon  the  22d  of  March,  1686-7,  Nathaniel  Underbill  and 
Mary  his  wife,  of  the  town  and  county  of  Westchester,  conveyed 
all  their  land  of  every  kind  at  Matinecock,  Oyster  Bay,  "  which 
is  the  land  that  my  father,  John  Underbill,  sen.,  lived  upon,  with 
forty  acres  in  the  woods,  which  I  bought  of  the  Indians,"  to  John 
Underbill  of  Matinecock.^ 

The  sons  of  Nathaniel  were  Thomas,  John,  Nathaniel  Under- 
bill, jun.,  from  whom  were  descended  the  late  Anthony  L.  Un- 
derbill of  New  York,  and  Lancaster  Underbill  of  Easichester, 
and  Abraham,  from  whom  come  the  Underbills  of  Yorktowa 
and  Cortlandtown,  &c. 

Nathaniel  Underbill,  jr.,  died  at  Westchester  in  1775.  The 
following  epitaph  is  inscribed  on  bis  bead  stone  in  the  family 
cemetery. 

Here  lies  the  body  of 

Nathaniel  Underbil, 

who  was  born  August  the 

11th,  1690,  and  departed 

this  life  November 

the  27tb,  1776,  aged  85 

years  3  months  and  16  days. 

Nathaniel,  the  eldest  son  of  this  individual,  filled  various  pub« 
lie  offices,  and  in  1775  was  elected  mayor  of  the  borough  of 
Westchester. 

Upon  Dorman^s  Island,^  in  the  north-east  corner  of  the  town, 
is  situated  the  estate  of  Mr.  Thomas  C.  Taylor  ;  the  dwelling- 
bouse,  a  fine  stone  structure,  occupies  a  pleasant  position,  over- 


«  Thompeon*!  Hivt.  of  Long  Island,  toI  ii.  361 . 
b  QueAn's  Co.  Rec  lib.  B.  9]. 
•  So  called  prior  to  1704. 

Vol.  II.  30 


234  HISTORY  OF  THE 

looking  the  Eastchester  bay  and  opposit^Mi^es.  The  grounds 
are  tastefully  arranged  and  ornamciripi  wWrthriving  plantations. 
The  Eastchester  creek  bridge  communicates  with  Ihe  Westches- 
ter shore  and  Pelham  neck.* 

The  adjoining  estate,  Rorkfield,  is  the  property  of  Augustus 
F.  van  Cortlandt,  Esq. ;  the  house  is  a  very  good  specimen  of  the 
rural  Gothic  style,  and  agrees  well  with  its  picturesque  situation. 
A  choice  colleciion  of  paintings  adorns  the  walls,  viz.,  St.  AgathSi 
Carlo  Doici;  JMarianne  Wellesiey,  Marchioness  of  Wellesley, 
Sir  Thomas  Lawrence.  This  ludy  was  the  daughter  of  Richard 
Caton,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia,  and  widow  of  Robert  Patterson, 
Esq.  I'itian's  Mistress,  Heely ;  Augustus  van  Cortlandt  of 
Yonkers,  Jarvis ;  Mrs.  van  Cortlandt,  (a  miniature)  Leslie.  The 
views  of  the  water  from  this  place  are  of  a  beautiful  description. 
Jn  the  immediate  vicinity  are  located  the  residences  of  Mr.  Daniel 
D.  Edgar  and  Mr.  Robert  R.  Morris.  This  portion  of  Throck- 
morton's neck,  together  with  Dorman's  island,  formerly  constituted 
the  old  Bayard  estate,  as  noticed  in  the  early  part  of  this  town. 

Further  south  lies  the  Ferris  property,  which  has  been  held 
by  the  family  of  that  name  for  five  generations.  At  an  early 
period  John  Ferris,^  removed  hither  from  Fairfield,*^  Connecticut, 
and  became  one  of  the  ten  proprietors  of  Throckmorton's  neck. 
These  lands  he  probably  obtained  by  purchase  from  Thomas 
Pell.  John  Ferris  was  one  of  the  first  patentees  of  the  town  of 
Westchester  in  1G67  ;  he  lived  to  an  advanced  age,  and  died  in 
1715,  leaving  five  sons,  viz.,  Samuel,  one  of  the  first  assistants 
and  common  council  of  the  borough  of  Westchester,  John,  James, 
proprietor  of  the  homestead  in  1746,  Jonathan,  ancestor  of  the 
Corllandt-town  brunch,  and  Peter,  of  Westchester.    His  grand- 


•  See  vol.  i.  550. 

k  The  Ferrises  were  originally  from  I^icestersbire,  England,  and  dascend  rrom 
the  houite  of  Feriers,  Ferrerr,  Ferreis  or  Ferris,  the  first  member  of  which  (in  Eng- 
land) was  Henry  de  Teriers,  the  sen  of  Gualchelme  de  Feriers,  a  Norman,  wbo 
obtained  of  William  the  Conqueror  large  grants  of  laud  in  the  counties  of  Stafford* 
shire,  Derbyshire,  and  Leicestershire. 

«  In  16G0  occurs  the  name  of  Jefi*erey  Ferryes  of  Fairfield,  Conn.  Farmer's 
Register  contains  the  names  of  Benjamin  Fernis,  of  Salem,  1G40,  and  Jeffrey  of 
Massachusetts,  who  was  admitted  a  freeman,  A.  D.  1635. 


m^mmKm^^mmmmmmmm 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  236 

son,  James  Ferris,  possessed  this  estate  in  1776,  when  it  was  oc- 
cupied by  the  British*  troops,  under  Lord  Howe.  The  family 
happened  to  be  at  breakfast,  in  the  present  house,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  I2ih  of  October,  1776,  when  a  gun  from  the  British 
flag  ship  announced  the  disembarkation  of  the  troops ;  this  signal 
was  instantly  answered  by  the  enemies'  shipping  which  lay  at  an- 
chor between  City  Island  and  Throckmorton's  neck.  On  the  next 
day  Lord  Howe,  supposing  that  he  had  been  deceived  by  his 
guides  and  landed  upon  an  island,  summoned  them  before  a 
board  of  officers ;  as  they  entered,  he  struck  the  table  violently 
with  his  sword,  and  demanded  in  a  tlireatning  manner,  how  they 
could  dare  to  deceive  him  ?  After  a  proper  explanation  had  been 
made,  he  solemnly  declared  he  would  hang  every  one  of  them 
unless  conducted  safe  from  his  present  position.  The  retreat 
was  ultimately  effected  by  a  bridge  of  boats. 

James  Ferris  was  subsequently  captured  by  the  '•  Queen's 
HangerSf^^  and  removed  to  the  New  York  Provost.  His  descen- 
dants are  very  numerous  in  the  town.  Mr.  Edward  Cooper  is 
the  present  occupant  of  the  homestead. 

Throckmorton's  point,  situated  at  the  south-east  extremity  of 
the  nock  proper,  derives  its  name  a«  already  stated,  from  John 
Throckmorton,  an  Enp^lishman,  who  took  a  grant  for  it  under 
the  Dutch,  A.  D.  1643.  The  name  (says  Judge  Benson,)  has 
been  abbreviated  from  Tlirogmorton's  to  Throg's  and  finally  cor- 
rupted to  Frog's  neck. 

From  the  Throckmortons  and  others  the  point  passed  by  pur- 
chase to  the  late  Abijah  Hammond,  Esq.,  whose  heirs  sold  to 
Mr.  H.  Le  Roy  Newbold,  Mr.  W.  Whitehead,  Mr.  James  Drake, 
and  the  late  Mr.  Charles  King,  <fec.  The  mansion  erected  by 
Abijah  Hammond  occupies  a  splendid  situation  near  the  entrance 
of  the  point,  commanding  on  the  right  and  left  extensive  prospects 
of  the  East  River.  Mr.  Hammond  was  the  son  of  Abijah  Ham- 
mond, and  grandson  of  John  Hammond,  who  emigrated  to  Mas- 
sachusetts in  1680>    His  first  wife  was  Catharine,  a  daughter 


»  The  Hammond  family,  claim  descent  from  the  house  of  Penn  through  the  mar- 
riage of  William  Hammond  with  Elizabeth  Penn,  daughter  .of  Sir  WjJliam  apd 
sister  of  William  Penn,  the  foander  of  Penosyl?ani^ 


236  HISTORY  OF  THE 

of  Abraham  Ogden ;  several  children  survive.  His  son,  Ogden, 
for  many  years  resided  on  the  point.  His  daughter  Mary  is  the 
wife  of  William  H.  Harrison,  Esq.,  of  New  York. 

Upon  the  extremity  of  the  point  is  now  "  in  course  of  erection 
by  the  United  States  government,  a  very  strong  fortificationi 
called  Fort  Schuyler.  It  is  calculated,  when  completed,  to  de- 
fend this  entrance  and  protect  the  city  of  New  York  from  foreign 
invasions,  in  connection  with  the  formidable  works  of  a  similar 
character  erected  at  the  Narrows.''* 

Throckmorton's  point  is  distinguished  as  being  the  scene  of 
important  military  o})erations,  and  was  for  a  short  time  in  the 
possession  of  the  enemy  during  the  revolutionary  war.  The  fol- 
lowing account  is  from  General  Heath's  memoirs. 

"  October  3d,  1776.  The  brigadier  generals  of  our  general's 
division,^  were  in  council,  and  several  new  works  were  laid  out ; 
among  others,  a  redoubt  on  the  hill  above  William's  bridge. 
Our  general,  in  reconnoitering  his  position,  accompanied  by  Col. 
Hand,  below  the  camp  of  the  rifle  corps,  being  apprehensive  that 
the  British  might  land  on  Frog's  neck,  took  a  view  of  the  cause- 
way between  Westchester  and  the  point.  Upon  the  neck,  which 
runs  between  these  two,  is  a  tide  mill,  and  a  plank  bridge  at  the 
mill}  at  the  west  end  of  the  causeway,  (the  side  of  the  American 
army,)  was  at  this  time  a  range  of  cord  wood,  as  advantageously 
situated  to  cover  a  party  to  defend  the  pass  as  if  constructed  for 
the  very  purpose.  After  taking  a  full  view,  our  general  directed 
Col.  Hand,  immediately  on  his  return  to  his  camp,  to  fix  upon 
one  of  the  best  subaltern  officers,  and  twenty-flve  picked  men  of 
his  corps,  and  assign  them  to  this  pass,  as  their  alarm-post  at  all 
times  ;  and  in  case  the  enemy  made  a  landing  on  Frog's  neck, 
to  direct  this  officer  immediately  to  take  up  the  planks  of  the 
bridge  ;  to  have  everything  in  readiness  to  set  the  mill  on  fire; 
but  not  to  do  it,  unless  the  fire  of  the  riflemen  should  appear  in- 
sufficient to  check  the  advance  of  the  enemy  on  the  causeway; 
to  assign  another  party  to  the  head  of  the  creek ;  to  reinforce 
both,  in  case  the  enemy  landed ;  and  that  he  should  be  sup- 
ported.   Col.  Hand  made  his  arrangements  accordingly. 


•  Distunieirt  Gazetteer  of  N.  Y.  b  General  Heath. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  237 

^October  7th.  Gen.  Lincoln  came  to  camp.  He  had  come 
from  Massachusetts  with  a  body  of  militia.  This  was  the  first 
of  his  joining  the  main  army.  The  same  day  the  British  were 
putting  over  horses  from  Horn's  Hook  to  Long  Island,  and  fixing 
their  pontoons. 

"October  9th.  Our  general's  division  was  formed  in  line,  with 
its  advance,  reserve  flank-guards,  and  artillery,  all  in  order  of 
battle,  when  they  were  moved  down  over  the  diflerent  grounds, 
whfch  it  was  supposed  might  be  the  scene  of  action.  Some  of 
this  ground  was  very  broken,  and  there  were  many  fences. 
These  afforded  frequent  opportunities  for  the  troops  to  break  off 
and  form,  for  the  pioneers  to  open  avenues,  &c.,  and  for  the 
whole  to  become  acquainted  with  every  part  of  the  ground,  and 
the  best  choice  of  it,  if  suddenly  called  to  action. 

"  October  12th.  Early  in  the  morning  eighty  or  ninety  British 
boats,  full  of  men,  stood  up  the  Sound,  from  Montresor's  Island, 
Long  Island,  &c.  The  troops  landed  at  Frog's  neck,  and  their 
advance  pushed  towards  the  causeway  and  bridge  at  Westches- 
ter mill.  Col.  Hand's  riflemen  took  up  the  planks  of  the  bridgOi 
as  had  been  directed,  and  commenced  a  firing  with  their  rifles. 
The  British  moved  towards  the  head  of  the  creek,  but  found 
here  also  the  Americans  in  possession  of  the  pass.  Our  general 
immediately  (as  he  had  assured  Col.  Hand  he  would  do,)  ordered 
Col.  Prescott,  the  hero  of  Bunker  Hill,  with  his  regiment,  and 
Capt.  Lieut.  Bryant,  of  the  artillery,  with  a  three  pounder,  to 
reinforce  the  riflemen  at  Westchester  causeway,  and  Col.  Gra- 
ham of  the  New  York  line,  with  his  regiment,  and  Lieut.  Jack- 
son of  the  artillery,  with  a  six  pounder,  to  teinforce  at  the  head 
of  the  creek;  aH  of  which  was  promptly  done,  to  the  check  aud 
disappointment  of  the  enemy.  The  British  encamped  on  the 
neck.  The  riflemen  and  yagers  kept  up  a  scattering  popping  at 
each  other  across  the  marsh ;  and  the  Americans  on  their  side, 
and  the  British  on  the  other,  threw  up  a  work  at  the  end  of  the 
causeway.  Capt.  Bryant,  now  and  then,  when  there  was  an  ob* 
ject,  saluted  the  British  with  a  field  piece. 

"In  the  afternoon  forty  or  fifty  sail  of  vessels  passed  up,  and 
came  to  anchor  off  Frog's  Point.  The  same  evening  Gen.  Mc- 
Dougal's  brigade  joined  our  general's  division. 


838  HISTORY  OF  TIIE 

**  Oclober  13th,  The  brigade  formerly  under  the  command  of 
our  general,  when  he  was  brigadief,  joined  his  division.  The 
division  now  became  very  strong.  Tho  general  officers  of  the 
army  were  this  day  in  council  at  our  general's  quarters. 

"  October  14ih.  Our  general,  with  the  generals  under  his  com- 
mand, reconnoitred  the  enemy  at  Frog's  neck;  afterwards  the 
general  officers  of  the  army  reconnoitred  the  various  grounds. 
The  same  day  Maj.  Gen.  Lee  was  ordered  to  the  command  of 
the  troops  above  Kingsbridge,  now  become  the  largest  part  of 
the  American  army.  But  Gen.  Washington  had  desired  him  not 
to  exercise  the  command  for  a  day  or  two,  until  he  Could  make 
himself  acquainted  with  the  post,  its  circumstances,  and  arrange- 
ments of  duty.  A  great  number  of  sloops,  boats,  d&c,  were  pass- 
ing the  sound  eastward,  just  at  dusk,  probably  conveying  ammu- 
nition, provisions,  &c.,  to  the  troops  at  Frog's  Point. 

"  October  15ih.  Five  sailors  came  off  from  the  La  Brune,  they 
informed  that  there  was  a  large  body  of  the  British  on  Frog's 
Point,  and  that  an  attack  might  be  soon  expected.  The  scatter- 
ing fire  across  the  marsh  continued,  and  now  and  then  a  man 
was  killed. 

"October  16th.  Two  works  were  discovered  on  Frog's  neck, 
nearly  finished.  The  general  officers  of  the  army  rode  to  recon- 
noitre the  ground  at  Pell's  neck,  (fcc,  and  it  was  determined  that 
the  position  of  the  American  army  should  be  immediately 
changed;  the  left  flank  to  be  extended  more  northerly,  to  pre- 
vent its  being  turned  by  the  British. 

"October  17lh.  Wadsworth's  and  Fellow's  brigades  came  to 
Kingsbridge.  The  British  shipping,  d&c,  continued  moving 
eastward. 

"  October  18th.  The  regiment  at  Westchester  causeway  had 
been  relieved  by  another.  The  officer  on  command  there,  this 
morning,  sent  up  an  express  to  our  general,  informing  him  that 
the  British  were  opening  an  embrasure  in  their  work  at  the  end 
of  the  causeway,  and  that  he  apprehended  they  intended  under  a 
cannonade  from  this,  to  attempt  to  pass.  Our  general  ordered 
one  of  his  aids  to  gallop  his  horse  to  the  officer  commanding  the 
brigade  near  Valentine's,  the  nearest  to  Westchester,  and  order 
him  to  form  his  brigade  instantly.    Arriving  himself  by  the  time 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  239 

the  brigade  was  formed,  he  ordered  the  officer  to  march  with  the 
utmost  expedition,  to  the  head  of  ihe  causeway,  to  reinforce 
the  troops  there-^  himself  moving  on  with  them.  When  the 
troops  had  advanced  to  about  half  the  way  between  the  head  of 
the  creek  and  the  post  at  the  head  of  the  causeway,  another  ex- 
press met  him,  hiforming  him  that  the  whole  British  army  were 
in  motion,  and  seemed  to  be  moving  towards  the  pass  at  the  head 
of  the  creek.  Upon  this,  the  brigade  was  ordered  to  halt,  the 
whole  to  prime  and  load,  and  the  rear  regiment  to  file  off  by  the 
left,  and  march  briskly  to  reinforce  the  Americans  at  the  pass,  at 
the  head  of  the  creek.  At  this  instant  Gen.  Washington  came 
up,  and  having  inquired  of  our  general  the  state  of  things,  ordered 
him  to  return  immediately  and  have  his  division  formed  ready 
f^r  action,  and  to  take  such  a  position  as  might  appear  best  cal- 
culated to  oppose  the  enemy,  should  they  attempt  to  land  another 
body  of  troops  on  Morrisania,  which  he  thought  not  improbable. 
Our  general  immediately  obeyed  the  order. 

<<  The  wind  was  now  fresh  at  south-west.  The  British  crossed 
to  the  other  side  of  Frog's  neck,  embarked  on  board  their  boats 
crossed  over  the  cove,  and  landed  on  Pell's  neck."* 

Throckmorton's  point  is  likewise  remarkable  as  the  place 
where  the  tides  meet  in  the  Sound.  Directly  opposite  are 
the  famous  stepping  stones,  a  number  of  rocks  which  pro- 
ject in  a  line  from  the  Long  Island  shore,  and  show  their  bare 
tops  at  low  water.  "An  Indian  origin  (says  Judge  Benson)  is 
asserted  for  this  name,  and  a  tradition  vouched  as  the  authority.'^ 
'^  It  is  said,  that  at  a  certain  time,  doubtless  some  years  ago,  the 
evil  spirit  set  up  a  claim  against  the  Indians,  to  Connecticut,  as 
his  peculiar  domain  ;  but  they  being  in  possession,  determined^ 
of  course,  to  try  to  hold  it.  By  Connecticut,  the  premises  in 
question,  is  to  be  understood,  the  original  Connecticut  proper, 
the  territory  between  the  oblong,  our  eastern  boundary  in  that 
quarter,  and  the  Sound."  The  surfaces  of  Connecticut  and  Long 
Island,  were  then  the  reverse  of  what  they  are  now.  Long 
Island  was  covered  with  rocks,  Connecticut  was  free  from  them. 


*  Homth'i  Mom.  67. 


210  HISTORY  OF  THE 

The  Indians  were  fuiljr  sensible  of  what  they  bad  to  dread  from 
such  an  adversary,  and  accordingly  betook  themselves  to  a 
course  not  unus<tl  on  occasions  of  great  difficulty  and  danger, 
they  referred  the  case  to  the  squaws,  the  mothers  of  the  tribes, 
who,  it  is  said,  recommended  an  offer  to  quit,  on  being  allowed 
their  betterments,  a  Novanglican  law  teraSt  devised  to  signify 
the  dwelling  and  other  erections,  and  comprehending  girdling 
the  trees  to  disencumber  the  land  of  the  wood,  by  a  person  en- 
tering without  title,  on  land  never  before  cultivated,  known  as 
new  or  wild  land,  d^c."  '*  No  answer  as  was  to  be  expected, 
was  given  to  this  offer,  and  the  parties  claiming  to  be  entitled  to 
the  right  of  sovereign  states,  and  there  being  no  federal  court 
to  interpose  between  them,  had  recourse  to  the  "alternate  mean 
of  discussion  between  princes,  to  arms."  The  parties  foresee- 
ing there  would  be  war,  were,  as  behooved  them,  prepared 
for  it. 

The  renowned  arch-leader,  an  host  in  himself,  took  the  field 
alone ;  and  being  an  overmatch  for  the  Indians  in  skill  and 
spirit,  he  at  first  advanced  on  them  ;  but,  they  having  provided 
there  should  be  constantly  reinforcements  on  their  march, 
thereby  preserving' their  corps  entire,  and  harassing  him  inces- 
santly, giving  him  no  rest  night  nor  day,  he  was  obliged  finally 
to  yield  to  vigilance  and  perseverance,  and  fall  back.  He  re- 
tired collected,  and,  as  usual,  giving  up  the  ground  only  inch  by 
inch  ;  and,  though  retiring,  still  presenting  a  front  whenever  at- 
tack threatened  ;  he  kept  close  to  the  Sound  to  secure  his  flank 
on  that  side ;  and,  having  reached  Frog^s  point,  and  the  water 
becoming  narrow,  to  be  crossed  by  the  Indians  in  bark  canoes, 
easily  to  be  made  in  a  night,  and  the  tide  being  out,  and  the 
rocks  showing  their  heads,  he  availed  himself  of  them,  and  step- 
ping from  one  to  another,  effected  fiis  retreat  to  Long  island. 
He  at  first  betook  himself  sullen  and  silent  to  Coram,  in  the  mid- 
dle of  the  island  ;  but  it  being  in  his  nature  not  to  remain  idle 
long,  and  "  rage  superadded,  soon  roused  him  and  ministered  to 
him  the  means  of  revenge.  He  collected  all  the  rocks  in  the 
island  in  heaps  at  Cold  Sprincf,  and  throwing  them  in  different 
directions,  to  different  distances  across  the  Sound  in  Connecti- 
cut, covered  the  surface  of  it  with  them  as  we  now  see  it ;  and 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  241 

It  has  been  repeated  from  the  whites,  the  first  settlers  of  the 
lands  at  Cold  Spring,  that  the  Indians  to  the  last  who  re- 
mained, not  only  undertook  to  show  the  spot  where  he  stood, 
but  insisted  they  could  still  discern  the  print  of  his  feet." 
''  The  fact  of  tradition  (adds  Judge  Benson)  among  the  Indians  of 
Long  Island,  of  a  wnx  between  those  of  Connecticut  and  the 
evil  spirit  about  the  territory,  and  of  his  being  worsted  and  re- 
treating to  the  island,  &c.,  I  had  from  the  late  Air.  L'Hommedieu 
a  native  of  the  island."<^  A  projecting  point  of  land  on  the  neck 
still  bears  the  name  of  Satan^s  toe. 

Upon  the  north-east  side  of  Throckmorton's  point  lies  Locust 
Island,  the  property  of  James  Drake.    On  the  south,  the  shores 
of  the  East  river  are  ornamented  with  numerous  handsome  re- 
sidences, as  the  seats  of  Mr.  W.  H.  Carter  called  Bella  Vista, 
Mrs.  Wright  Post,  Mr.  Barker  and  Mr.    Thomas  Ash.    The 
property  of  the  latter  gentleman,  formerly  belonged  tp  Philip  J. 
Livingston,  Esq.,  who  expended  large  sums  in  procuring  every 
novelty  in  the  vegetable  world  to  adorn  this  beautiful  spot.    The 
gardens   at  one  time    covered   several  hundred  acres.    "The 
finest  cedar  of  Lebanon  in   the  Union,  (says  Mr.  Downing)  is 
growing  in  the  grounds  of  Mr.  Ash,  being  50  feet  high,  and 
of  corresponding  breadth.''*>    There  is  also  a  superb  specimen  of 
the    copper  coloured   beech.     The    road   from    the   point    to 
Westchester  village,  passes  many  beautiful  country  villas.     Spi- 
cer^s  and  Brockett^s  necks  are  situated  at  the  south-west  extremi- 
ty of  Throckmorton's   neck   proper,  and  constitute  what  was 
formerly  known  as  the  Qrovefarm.    This  property  we  have 
seen,  was  patented  by  Governor    Nicolls  to  Thomas  Hunt,  la 
1667,  who  bequeathed  it  in  1694  to  his  grandson,  Josiah  Hunt. 
At  Josiah's  death,  A.  D.  1729,  it  went  to  his  son,  Thomas  Hunt. 
Upon  the  demise  of  the  latter,  in  1756,  the  Grove  farm  descen- 
ded to  his  eldest  daughter,  Mianna  Hunt,  who  married  John 
Ferris.    Their  son  was  the  late  Elijah  Ferris,  whose  sons,  John 
H.,  William  and  Charlton  Ferris,  are  the  present  owners.    The 
old  grange  erected  in  1697,  is  prettily  located  at  the  entrance  of 

»  Memoirs  of  the  SUte  of  N.  Y.,  by  Egbert  Beusoa,  1817. 
b  Downiog't  Landscape  Gardcoing. 

Vol.  II.  31 


242  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Spicer's  neck,  on  the  margin  of  the  Westchester  creek,  shrouded 
by  a  group  of  venerable  locusts.  The  nurseries  of  Mr.  William 
Ferris,  situated  a  little  north  of  the  house,  are  very  extensive 
and  contain  eveiy  variety  of  fruit  and  ornamental  trees.  We  be- 
lieve this  is  the  largest  establishment  of  the  kind  in  West- 
chester county.  There  was  formerly  a  ferry  between  Ferry 
point,  the  termination  of  Brockeii's  neck,  now  called  Laing's  Isl- 
and, and  the  opposite  shore  of  Powell's  point,  L.  I.  The  pas- 
sage was  performed  in  a  peri-auger. 

The  Westchester  creek  which  is  here  nearly  three  quarters  of 
n  mile  across,  abounds  with  every  description  of  shell  and  salt 
water  fish.  Among  the  latter,  may  be  enumerated,  bass,  week 
fish,  black  fish,  drum,  eels,  flounders,  spice,  tomicods,  perch, 
porgics,  horse  mackerel,  herrings,  bequeals,  garnet,  d&c. 

On  the  eastern  side  of  the  creek,  lies  Castle-hill  neck,*'  the 
property  of  Governeur  M.  Wilkins,  Esq.  This  estate  was  for- 
merly held  by  the  Cromwell  family.**  In  1685,  John  Cromwell 
and  Elizabeth  Cromwell  his  wife,  exchanged  six  acres  of  meadow 
with  Thomas  Hunt,  for  eight  acres  of  upland,  situated  upon 
Castle  neck,^  From  the  Cromweli's,^  it  went  to  a  younger 
branch  of  the  Underhiirs,^  who  conveyed  it  to  the  Rev,  Isaac 
Wilkins.  After  being  sold  by  Mr.  Wilkins,  in  1784,  it  was 
successively  the  property  of  the  families  of  Pell,  Russell, 
Gilchrist,  Taylor  and  Aspen,  from  whom  it  passed  to  Mar- 
tin Wilkins,  Esq.,  by  whose  son  it  is  now  enjoyed.  The 
family  of  Wilkins,  was  oritjiually  seated  in  the  county  of 
Glamorgan,  South  Wales,  and  derives  from  "  Robert  de  Winlona, 
or  Wincestria,  who  came  into  that  county  with  Robert  Fitz- 
hamon,  who  was  lord  of  the  manor  of  Languian,  near  Coubridge 
and  built  a  castle  there,  the  ruins  of  which  are  still  extant.     The 

'^  A  name  derived  from  the  ludian  castle  which  formerly  8tood  near  the  termi- 
nation of  the  neck. 

b  From  this  family,  it  obtained  the  name  of  CromwelVa  neck. 

«  Co.  Rec.  Lib.  A.  95. 

d  See  vol.  i.  251. 

•  Co.  Rec.  Lib.  A.  214. 

f  The  name  is  supposed  to  be  derived  from  the  Whelk,  an  imaginary  animal, 
which  tradition  asserts,  inhabited  the  vale.  The  Whelk  ia  still  borne  on  the  coat 
armor  of  the  family,  with  the  significant  Welch  motto :  Son  ar  dy  Hyn :  anglice, 
beware  of  thyselH 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  243 

valley  underneath,  is  called  Pant  Wilkyn  (Welkyn's  vale) 
to  this  day.*  Mennbers  of  the  family,  yet  reside  at  Brecon,  Gla- 
morganshire and  Maeslongh,  Radnorshire.  The  more  immedi- 
ate ancestor  of  the  American  branch  emigrated  to  Jamaica,  West 
Indies,  in  1720,  and  settled  as  a  planter  at  St.  Dorothy's  in  that 
colony.     His  grandson,  was  the  Rev.  Isaac  Wilkins,  D.  D. 

Of  the  latter,  the  following    account  is  given  in  "  Sabine^s 
Sketches  of   American   Loyalists?^    His  father  was   "  Martin 
Wilkins,"  a  rich  planter  of  Jamaica,  and  died  when  he  was  quite 
young.     He  was  sent  to  New  Vork  to  be  educated,  and  enjoyed 
the  best  advantages  which  the  country  afforded.     He  prepared 
himself  for  the  ministry,  but  did  not  take  orders.     Having  set- 
tled in  the  countv  of  Westchester,  he  was  returned  as  a  mem- 
ber  of  the  houss  of  assembly,  in  which  boiy  he  became  a  leader 
on  the  ministerial  side.    His  influence  with  his  associates,  and 
with  his  party,  was  very  great.     Near  the  close  of  the  session  of 
the  assembly  of  Februury,  1775,   Col.  Woodhull,  (a  whig  who 
met  a  sad  and  early  death)  moved  that  the  thanks  of  the  house 
should  be  presented  to  the  delegates  to  the  continental  congress, 
who  met  at  Philadelphia,  in  September  previously.     The  motion 
was  opposed  and  lost,  Mr.  Wilkins  voting  against  it.     When 
the  question  of  appointing  delegates  to  the  second  congress,  came 
up,  he  made  a  speech,  which  was  much  admired  by  his  friends 
for  its  eloquence,  clearness  and  precision.    Schuyler  and  George 
Clinton  were  his  principal  antagonists  in  the  debate.    As  this 
speech  affords  a  good  specimen  of  the  views  of  loyalists  and  of 
the  state  of  the  controversy  at  that  period,  I  insert  it  entire,  and 
nearly  verbatim,  as  it  was  delivered  ;  as  a  matter  of  curious  his- 
tory, and  as  the  effort  of  an  able  man,  the  reader  will  be  inte- 
rested in  its  perusal. 

Mr.  Speaker, 
The  subject  now  under  consideration  is  the  most  importmnt,  I  believe, 
that  has  ever  come  before  this  house ;  nothing  less  than  the  welfare,  I  had  al- 
most said  the  existence,  of  this  colony,  and  perhaps  of  all  America,  depends 
upon  the  result  of  our  present  deliberations.  Deeply  impressed  with  this 
idea,  I  rise  with  great  anxiety  of  mind  to  deliver  my  sentiments  on  this  oo- 


»  Burke's  Hist,  of  the  landed  gentry  of  England,  vol.  iii.  393. 


244  HISTORY  OF  THE 

casion.  Whether  they  are  sach  as  this  hoase  will  think  proper  to  approTe* 
1  cannot  tell ;  but  sore  I  am,  they  are  such  as  are  dictated  by  an  honest  heart, 
an  heart  biased  by  no  selfish  or  sinister  motives,  and  warped  by  no  attach- 
ment to  sect,  persons  or  party.  There  is  not,  I  am  persuaded,  an  individual 
in  this  assembly,  who  does  not  wish  well  to  America  in  general,  and  who  is 
not  solicitous  for  the  preservation  of  this  province  in  parV^colar.  For  my 
own  part,  I  feel  more  real  concern  than  I  can  well  express,  at  the  gloomy 
prospect  of  our  aflfairs,  and  I  would  sacrifice  more,  much  more,  than  meet 
men  would  be  willing  to  believe,  if  I  could  by  that  means  rescue  my  country 
from  the  ruin  and  destruction  that  is  now  ready  to  overwhelm  her.  The  d«- 
cessity  of  a  speedy  reconciliation  between  us  and  our  mother  country,  must  be 
obvious  to  every  «}ne  who  is  not  totally  destitute  of  sense  and  feeling ;  so  that 
there  can  be  no  dispute  now,  I  presume,  but  about  the  means  of  accomplish- 
ing it.  Before  I  give  my  opinion,  however,  upon  this  matter,  I  must  beg  the 
indulgence  of  the  House,  while  I  exhibit  a  short  view  of  the  rise  and  progress 
of  our  present  disturbances  in  America. 

"  Ever  since  the  first  settlement  of  these  colonies,  Great  Britain  has  claimed 
and  exercised  the  right  of  jurisdiction  over  them,  and  her  claim  was  founded 
in  reason,  and  in  the  nature  of  civil  government,  for  it  is  certain  beyond 
all  manner  of  doubt  and  controversy,  that  the  supreme  authority  of  every 
empire,  must  extend  over  the  whole  and  every  part  of  that  empire, 
otherwise  there  must  be  imperium  in  imperio^  two  absolute  and  dis- 
tinct powers  in  one  and  the  same  government,  which  is  impossible ; 
and  consequently  the  supreme  authority  of  the  British  empire,  which  is 
irested  in  the  king,  lords,  and  commons,  must  extend  over  these  colonies, 
which  are  a  part  of  the  British  empire.  This  authority  was  never  disputed 
by  the  colonies,  till  the  time  of  the  stamp  act,  and  then  no  farther  than  as  to 
the  right  of  imposing  internal  taxes  ;  for  the  right  of  regulating  trade,  and  of 
imposing  duties  upon  articles  of  commerce,  was  universally  acknowledged  as 
essential  to  the  supremacy  of  the  British  parliament.  Their  right  of  inter- 
nal taxation  over  the  Colonies,  was  by  the  Americans  opposed  upon  this  prin- 
ciple, that  it  was  contrary  to  one  of  the  fundamentals  of  our  free  Constitution, 
which  forbids  the  taking  of  the  subjects'  money  without  their  consent,  given 
either  personally  or  by  their  representative.  This  power  of  disposing  of  their 
property,  they  imagined  and  asserted,  was  lodged  in  their  Provincial  Legisla- 
tures only.  Be  that  as  it  will,  this  was  certainly  placing  their  liberty  upon  a 
proper  bssis  :  here  they  ought  to  have  rested  ;  here  they  ought  to  have  bound- 
ed their  demands ;  this  would  have  been  a  sufficient  bsrrier  sgainst  arbitrary 
power.  The  Parliament,  in  consequence  of  this,  although  they  did  not  relin- 
quish their  claim  or  right  to  tax  the  Colonies,  repealed  that  impolitic  and  op- 
pressive act ;  and  although  they  aAerwards  imposed  duties  on  paper,  glass, 
paints,  colors,  &c.,  yet  those  also,  in  compliance  with  our  demands,  were 
taken  off:  so  indulgent  has  our  mother  country  been  to  the  claims  and 
humors  of  her  children.    This  complying 'disposition,  however,  i  i  her  so  far 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  245 

from  exciting  oar  gratitude,  or  satisfying  oar  uneasiness  and  discontent,  has 
only  emboldened  us  to  make  farther  encroachments  upon  her  authority.  We 
foolishly  attributed  this  gentle  conduct  towards  us  to  fear,  and  to  a  conscious- 
ness of  her  inability  to  compel  us  to  submission.  And  when  a  three  penny  duty 
on  tea  was  demanded  of  us,  we  peremptorily  refused  to  comply  ;  and  instead 
of  expostulating  or  of  showing  our  disapprobation  of  that  act,  by  remonstrating 
in  a  legal  and  constitutional  way,  as  we  ought  to  have  done ;  or  instead  of 
taking  that  easy  and  effectual  method  that  offered  itself  to  us,  I  mean  the  not 
purchasing  that  commodity,  while  encumbered  with  the  duty,  we  flew  into  the 
most  indecent  rage,  and  hastily  adopted  every  unwarrantable  measure  that 
could  irritate  and  provoke  the  government ;  we  either  destroyed  or  sent  back, 
in  a  must  contemptuous  manner,  all  the  tea  that  entered  our  harbors ;  we 
insulted  her  ministers,  and  absolutely  denied  her  authority. 

*'  The  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay  was  the  foremost  and  the  most  violent 
in  this  opposition,  and  chastisement  followed  close  upon  tho  transgression, 
which,  though  the  mildest  that  could  possibly  have  bee;i  inflicted,  considering 
the  nature  of  the  offence,  has  kindled  such  a  flame  through  the  whole  conti- 
nent of  America,  as  threatens  universal  devastation.  The  Colonies,  instead 
of  endeavoring  to  extinguish  it,  are  increasing  its  violence ;  instead  of  strifing 
to  restore  peace  and  good  harmony,  so  essential  to  the  welfare  of  both  coun- 
tries, are  using  every  possible  means  to  widen  the  breach  and  make  it  irrepa- 
rable. Good  God !  that  we  should  be  so  void  of  common  sense !  that  we 
should  be  so  blind  to  our  own  happiness  !  What  advantage,  in  the  name  of 
Heaven,  can  we  propose  to  ourselves,  in  being  at  enmity  with  Great  Britain  1 
Shall  we  by  this  means  become  more  powerful,  more  wealthy,  or  more  free  ? 
Let  us  pause  for  a  moment,  and  reflect  a  little  upon  the  absurdity  and  folly  of 
such  expectations.  On  the  contrary,  shall  we  not  derive  every  desirable  ad- 
vantage from  being  in  friendship  and  amity  with  her  1  Shall  we  not  derive 
strength,  proteetion  and  stability,  from  that  oak  around  which  we  have  so  long 
twined  ourselves,  and  under  the  shadow  of  whose  branches  we  have  so  long 
flourished  in  security  ? 

*'  Permit  me  to  carry  on  this  allusion.  We  are  a  vigorous  and  fertile  vine  ; 
but  without  some  prop,  without  some  sufficient  support,  we  shall  only  trail 
along  the  ground,  and  be  liable  to  injury  and  destruction  from  the  foot  of  every 
passenger.  But  if  Great  Britain  gifes  us  her  protection  ;  if  she  cultivates  us 
with  tenderness  and  care,  we  shall  yield  her  a  rich  and  plentiful  vintage,  as 
necessary  to  her  welfare  and  prosperity,  as  her  support  is  to  our  existence. 
In  this  mutual  relation  do  we  stand  to  each  other.  Let  us  therefore,  like  wise 
men,  endeavor  to  establish  a  lasting  and  permanent  union  between  us  ;  let  us 
endeavor  to  remove  every  obstacle  to  this  desirable  end  ;  and  let  us  reject 
with  the  utmost  disdain  and  abhorrence  every  measure  that  can  tend  to  in- 
crease the  difference  between  us,  and  make  this  necessary  union  impracticable. 
Let  us  therefore,  to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  endeavor  to  put  a  stop  to  the 
illegal  and  disorderly  proceedings,  and  resolutions  of  committees,  associations. 


216  HISTORT  OF  THB 

sod  eoojrrewes.  Tbey  have  already  drivea  this  Colonf  to  tie  brink  of  a  pve- 
cipice ;  wumit  of  oar  sister  CokMiies  (I  speak  with  the  deepest  eoneern.)  have 
already  taken  the  desperate  plonge,  and  ooless  the  cleaieocy  of  Great  Britain 
shall  work  a  miracle  io  their  faror,  I  know  not  hov  they  vill  escape  perdiiioo. 
Let  OS  be  warned  by  their  example ;  let  their  folly  and  precipitation  teach  no 
wisdom  ;  and,  instead  of  linking  oarseUes  to  the  chain  of  their  evil  destiny, 
let  us  instantly  break  loose,  and,  by  a  well  timed  effort,  rescue  oomelveo  froni 
destruction,  and  endeavor  to  make  peace  for  ourselves, — not  a  shamefnl,  not 
an  igncHoinioos  peace, — but  such  a  one  as  shall  be  worthy  of  freemen ;  such 
a  one  as  will  secure  to  us  our  liberties  and  properties,  and  render  the  onion 
between  us  and  our  mother  country  permanent  and  lasting ;  in  short,  such  as 
will  be  worthy  Great  Britain  to  offer,  and  Americans  to  receive. 

"  And  here  let  it  not  be  said  that  it  will  be  a  base  desertion  of  oor  sister 
eolooies,  to  withdraw  oor  assistance  from  them  when  in  so  critical  and  dan- 
gerous a  situation.  But  let  it  be  remembered  that  Great  Britain  is  oor 
mother — a  kind  and  indulgent  mother,  who  hath  nourished,  protected  and 
established  us  in  this  land  of  Canaan,  this  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey-^ 
a  mother,  whose  arms  are  open  to  receive  all  such  of  her  children  as  will  re- 
torn  to  their  duty ;  who  is  willing  to  hear  their  complaints,  and  to  redress  their 
grievances.  And  shall  we  take  part  against  such  a  parent  1  Shall  we,  like 
detestable  parricides,  wound  her  bosom  fur  the  sake  of  ungrateful  brethren, 
who  have  wilfully  shut  their  eyes  both  to  their  interest  and  their  duty,  and 
who  are  obstinately  bent  upon  their  own  destruction  T  Surely  we  cannot. 
No,  I  am  persuaded  there  is  not  an  individual  in  this  House  who  would  not 
reject  this  proposal  with  the  utmost  abhorrence.  We  have  too  much  under- 
standing not  to  know  that  the  interest  of  these  colonies  and  of  Great  Britain 
is  the  same ;  that  we  are  all  one  people — of  the  same  laws,  language  and  re- 
ligion, each  of  us  equally  bound  to  one  another  by  the  ties  of  reciprocal  affec- 
tion ;  and  we  have  too  much  loyalty  to  the  best  of  sovereigns — too  great  a 
regard  to  order  and  good  government,  to  assert  that  insurreciiona  and  tumults 
in  one  Colony  can  or  ought  to  justify  them  in  another.  Indeed,  so  far  am  I 
from  thinking  that  this  conduct  in  us  would  be  deserving  the  common  cause  of 
the  Colonies,  that  I  am  convinced  it  is  the  only  expedient  left,  by  which  we 
can  in  any  measure  promote  their  real  and  true  interest.  By  uniting  with 
them,  we  shall  in  all  probability  sink  with  them,  but  by  rending  ourselves  from 
the  rash  and  ill-judged  combination  in  which  they  have  engaged,  while  we 
are  doing  good  to  ourselves,  we  may  do  good  also  to  them.  We  may  have  it 
in  our  power,  as  I  know  we  shall  have  it  in  our  will,  to  stretch  out  a  helping 
hand  to  raise  them  from  the  pit  into  which  they  are  falling.  And  I  will  ven- 
ture to  assert  with  baldness  and  confidence,  that  if  this  Loyal  Province  will  do 
her  duty,  and  act  with  wisdom  and  moderation  in  the  critical  juncture,  she 
may  yet  save  America. 

'*  Great  Britain  is  not  the  only  quarter  from  whence  danger  is  to  be  appre- 
hended. Her  resentment,  no  doubt,  is  to  be  dreaded,  aod  it  behoves  us,  if  possi- 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER,  247 

ble,  to  avert  it ;  she  may  destroy  oar  cities ;  she  may  ruin  oar  commerce ;  she 
may  reduce  us  to  so  deplorable  a  condition  that  we  shall  be  willing  to  accept 
of  peace  and  reconciliation  upon  any  terms  which 'she  shall  think  proper  to 
impose.  This  is  what  she  may  do,  and  what  most  probably  she  will  do,  un- 
less we  alter  the  mode  of  our  conduct  towards  her.  But  if  she  should  think 
proper  to  decline  the  contest ;  if  in  her  wrath  she  should  give  us  up  to  our 
own  direction,  and  leave  us  to  cut  and  shuffle  for  ourselves,  and  to  settle  oar 
boundaries,  and  to  appoint  our  forms  of  government,  deeper  and  more  terrible 
scenes  of  distress  will  present  themselves  to  our  view.  Fsin  would  I  draw  a 
veil  over  this  melancholy  prospect,  and  hide  it  from  the  eye  of  humanity  ;  but 
my  duty  to  my  family — to  my  constituents — to  my  country,  forbids  me  to  be 
silent.  Factions  and  animosities  will  lay  waste  our  country.  Provinces  will 
rise  against  Provinces,  and  no  umpire  to  determine  the  contest  but  the  sword. 
This  once  flourishing  and  happy  land  will  smile  no  more ;  it  will  become  a 
field  of  blood,  and  a  scene  of  terror  and  desolition.  To  such  calamities  shall 
we  awake  from  our  dreams  of  independence,  and  to  such  miseries  will  our 
unreasonable  love  of  liberty  lead  us.  Let  us  therefore,  moderate  a  little  the 
eagerness  of  our  dispute,  and  not  prostitute  this  noblest  and  best  principle  of 
the  human  heart,  to  the  unworthy  purposes  of  sedition  and  rebellion. 

*'  The  Americans  love  liberty,  *His  their  grand,  their  darling  object,  and  may 
they  ever  have  virtue  and  spirit  enough  to  assert  and  defend  it,  as  well  as  wis- 
dom  and  prudence  to  enjoy  it.  But  that  love  of  liberty  which  beats  so  strongly  in 
onr  hearts,  and  which  seems  to  animate  and  inspirit  almost  every  individual, 
if  not  carefully  watched  and  attended  to,  will,  on  some  future  day,  (should 
we  be  so  fortunate  as  to  escape  onr  present  danger,)  prove  a  dreadful 
source  of  misfortune  to  us,  if  not  our  ruin.  Liberty  and  licentiousness 
are  nearly  allied  to  each  other  ;  like  wit  and  madness,  there  is  but  a  thin 
partition  between  them  ;  and,  licentiousness  invariably  leads  to  slavery.  Al- 
most every  page  of  history  will  furnish  abundant  proofs  of  the  truths  of  these 
observations  ;  and  God  grant  that  the  annals  of  this  country  i  ?.y  not  add  to 
the  number  ;  but  I  fear  from  the  present  licentious  conduct  v  e  are  much 
nearer  to  a  state  of  slavery  and  oppression  than  we  seem  to  be  aware  of.  So 
far  already  have  we  advanced  towardsit,  that  all  internal  order  and  rubordiaatioa 
is  nearly  at  an  end  amongst  us.  The  authority  of  the  civil  magistrate  is  become 
useless,  and  almost  contemptible ;  even  the  authority  of  this  House,  nay,  of  the 
whole  Legislative  body  of  this  Province,  has  been  treated  with  the  utmost  con- 
tempt, and  our  power  in  a  manner  wrested  from  us,  by  a  set  of  men  who  hav* 
arrogated  to  themselves  the  style  of  the  People^s  Representatives.  If  they  are 
in  reality  such,  to  what  purpose  are  we  here  assembled !  If  they  are  autho- 
rized  to  make  laws,  to  establish  penalties,  and  to  regulate  the  concerns  of 
this  Colony,  why  are  we  called  together  ?  what  is  left  for  us  to  do  1  Notbiog 
sir,  but  to  do  our  duty  ;  to  undo,  if  possible,  all  that  they  have  done  ;  to  strip 
them  of  their  borrowed  plumes,  and  to  resume  that  authority,  which  has  been 
delegated  to  us  forthe  most  important  parposes ;  for  the  preservation  oi  liberty^ 


248  HISTORY  OF  THE 

order  and  good  goTernment.  We  are  the  representatives  of  the  inhabitantB 
of  this  Colony  ;  they  have  entrusted  os  with  the  guardianship  of  their  rights 
and  liberties,  and  they  lo^  up  to  us  for  the  preservation  of  them.  Let  os,  there- 
fore, act  as  becomes  us,  with  firmness  and  resolution.  The  eyes  of  all  honest 
and  good  men  are  upon  us :  their  hopes  ^  their  expectations  of  peace  and  safety^ 
under  Heaven^  are  centred  here.  Let  us  not  disappoint  their  hopes,  but  let  us 
lay  aside  every  prejudice  ;  let  us  suppress  every  passion  and  sentiment  that 
can  interfere  with  our  oountry*s  welfare,  and  let  us  unite  with  one  voice  and 
one  mouth,  to  save  her  from  destruction. 

'*  We  have  this  day  before  us,  the  choice  either  of  peace  nr  war  ;  of  hapi»- 
ness  or  misery,  of  freedom  or  slavery  ;  and  sorely  we  cannot  hesitate  a  mo- 
ment which  to  choose.     By  proceeding  in  a  firm,  but  in  a  peaceable,  loyal 
and  constitutional  manner,  in  the  settlement  of  this  unhappy  difference  with 
our  mother  country,  we  eannot  fail,  I  am  convinced,  of  meeting  with  all  de- 
sirable success.     We  shall  by  these  means,  nndoubtedly,  secure  to  ourselves 
a  free  constitution  ;  we  shall  have  a  line  of  government  stretched  out  and  as- 
certained, and  we  shall  be  restored  to  the  favor  and  protection  of  the  parent 
state,  which,  next  to  the  favor  of  Heaven,  will  be  our  best  and  strongest  safe- 
guard and  security.     But  if  you  listen  to  the  dictates  of  violent  and  enthusi- 
astic men,  if  you  adopt  the  ill-judged,  tyrannical,  and  destructive  measures  of 
the  Congress,  where  will  your  miseries  end  ?  where,  indeed,  I  cannot  tell ;  but 
from  that  moment  you  must  date  the  commencement  of  them ;  from  that  mo- 
ment be  assured  your  ruin  is  inevitable.     Now  is  the  critical  moment  of  our 
fate  ;  we  have  it  in  our  power  to  do  the  most  essential  good,  or  the  most  es- 
sential mischief  to  oarselves  and  our  posterity.   If  we  neglect  this  opportunity 
of  promoting  our  common  felicity,  and  of  establishing'our  liberties  upon  a  firm 
and  lasting  basis,  we  may,  perhaps,  never  have  another,  and  we  shall  repent 
of  our  fatal  fully  and  infatuation,  when  too  late  to  retrieve  the  mistake; 
when  the  horrors  and  miseries  of  a  civil  war  shall  be  increased,  if  possible, 
ten  fold  upon  our  heads,  by  the  curses  and  execration  of  our  distracted  and 
deluded  constituents  ;  when  all  orders  and  degrees  of  men  shall,  in  the  bitter- 
ness of  their  hearts,  point  us  out  as  the  authors  of  their  ruin ;  when  we  shall 
be  obliged  to  submit  to  the  laws  of  conquest,  or  the  penalties  of  rebellion. 

^*  I  have  now  sir,  delivered  my  sentiments  freely  and  candidly  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  our  consideration.  1  have  stiown  that  the  rise  of  our  present  disputes 
with  Great  Britain  has  been  un  unreasonable  jealousy  on  our  part,  originating 
from  an  impolitic  exertion  of  authority,  on  hers.  I  have  proved  that  it  is 
both  our  duty  and  interest,  to  cultivate  the  closest  and  most  intimate  union 
with  her.  I  have  shown  that  the  authority  of  the  British  Parliament,  which 
is  the  supreme  Legislature  of  the  empire,  extends  over  these  colonies,  which 
are  parts  of  that  empire.  I  have  shown  the  extreme  danger  of  undue  opposi- 
tion to  that  authority,  which,  either  by  exerting  itself  against  us,  or  giving  us 
up  to  our  own  government,  will  equally  involve  us  in  misery  and  destruction. 
1  have  shown,  that  by  a  peaceable  and  loyal  conduct,  we  may  procure  for 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  249 

oarselves,  and  perhaps  (or  oar  sister  colonies,  a  more  perfect  system  of  gor- 
ernmeut  than  that  which  we  had  hi.herto  enjoyed,  whic)i  was  indeed  better 
calculated  for  our  infant  state,  than  for  the  present  period  of  our  present  ma- 
tarity,  a  period  that  requires,  at  the  same  time,  more  liberty  and  a  stricter 
government  I  have,  therefore^Mr.  Speaker,  nothing  more  to  add,  than  that, 
if  contrary  to  my  hopes  and  my  most  ardent  wishes;  if,  contrary  to  the 
honor  and  dignity  of  this  house ;  if,  contrary  to  the  dictates  of  humanity,  and 
to  the  duty  which  we  owe  to  our  constituents  and  our  country,  you  adopt  the 
unjust  and  destructive  measures  of  the  conj^ress,  and  by  that  means,  involve 
our  country  in  a  civil  war,  the  most  dreadful  calamity  that  can  befall  a  people, 
I  hereby  declare  my  honest  indignation  to  that  measure,  and  now  call  Heaven 
and  the  house  to  witness,  that  I  am  guiltless  of  the  blood  of  my  fellow  sub- 
jects that  will  be  shed  ui>on  the  occasion.  I  am  guiltless  of  the  ruin  of  my 
country. 

"  Mr.  Wilkins's  zeal  and  extreme  loyalty,  rendered  him  very- 
obnoxious  to  the  whigs.  Besides  his  prominent  position  in  the 
Assembly,  he  gaye  utterance  to  his  thoughts,  in  essays.  It  is  a 
singular  circumstance,  that  the  youthful  Hamilton,  who  was 
also  born  in  the  West  Indies,  undeHook  the  task  of  replying  to 
two  of  his  poetical  effusions.  One  of  these.  The  Congress  Can- 
vassed, &c.,  which  was  signed,  A.  W.  Farmer,  was  extensively 
circulated,  and  with  that  called,  A  View  of  the  Controversy  be- 
tween Great  Britain  and  her  Colonies,"  was  burnt,  "  whenever 
they  fell  into  the  hands  of  those  whose  measures  they  criticised 
and  condemned." 

''A  few  months  after  the  delivery  of  this  speech,  he  abandoned 
the  country  and  went  to  England.  At  the  moment  of  his  de- 
parture he  issued  the  following  address : 

Niw  York,  May  3,  1775. 

Mt   CoUNTRTMBIf  : 

Before  I  leave  America,  the  land  I  love,  and  in  which  is  contained  every- 
thing that  is  valuable  and  dear  to  me :  my  wife,  my  children,  my  friends  and 
property,  permit  me  to  make  a  short  and  faithful  declaration,  which  1  am 
induced  to  do,  neither  through  fear  nor  a  consciousness  of  having  acted 
wrong.  An  honest  man  and  a  christian  hath  nothing  to  apprehend  from  this 
world.  God  is  my  judge,  and  God  is  my  witness,  that  all  I  have  done,  writ- 
ten or  said,  in  relation  to  the  present  unnatural  dispute  between  Great  Britain 
and  her  colonies,  proceeded  from  an  honest  intention  of  serving  my  country ; 
her  welfare  and  prosperity  were  the  objects  toward  which  all  my  endeavors 
have  been  directed.  They  are  still  the  sacred  objects  which  I  shall  efer 
steadily  and  invariably  keep  in  view ;  and,  when  in  England,  all  the  influenoe 

Vol.  II.  32 


260  U18T0RY  OF  THE 

that  ao  incontidarable  a  man  as  I  am  can  have,  shall  be  exerted  in  her  be- 
half. It  has  been  my  constant  maxim  through  life  to  do  my  doty  conscien* 
tioosly,  and  to  traat  the  issue  of  my  actions  to  the  Almighty.  May  that  God 
in  whose  hands  are  all  events,  speedily  restore  peace  and  liberty  to  my  un- 
happy country.  May  Great  Britain  and  America  be  soon  united  in  the  bonds 
of  everlasting  unity,  and  when  united,  may  they  continue  a  free,  a  virtuous 
and  happy  nation  to  the  end  of  time.  I  leave  America,  and  every  endearing 
eonneotion,  because  I  will  not  raise  my  hand  against  my  sovereign,  nor  will  I 
draw  my  sword  against  my  country,  when  I  can  conscientiously  draw  it  ia 
her  favor.     My  life  shall  be  cheerfully  devoted  to  her  service. 

Isaac  Wilkims. 

In  1776,  he  returned  to  Long  Island,  where  he  remained  until 
the  peace,  when  he  returned  to  Shelburne,  Nova  Scotia.  He 
remained  in  Nova  Scotia  several  years,  and  lived  a  part  of  the 
time  at  Lnnenburgh.  About  the  year  1800,  he  took  up  his 
residence  in  Westchester  County,  New  York,  and  was  settled 
over  the  Episcopal  parish  there.  He  continued  in  the  ministry 
until  his  decease  in  1830,  at  the  age  ol  89.  Doctor  Wilkins  mar- 
ried Isabella,  sister  of  Lewis  Morris,  a  signer  of  the  Declaration 
of  Independence,  and  of  Gouverneur  Morris,  another  distin* 
guished  whig.  Their  motlier  espoused  the  royal  side,  and  re-  ' 
mained  within  the  British  lines.  Their  correspondence  with  her 
during  hostilities  occasioned  suspicion,  and  caused  them  difficulty, 
notwithstanding  their  sacrifices  and  services.  At  the  moment 
when  Lewis  voted  in  congress  for  independence,  British  ships  of 
war  were  lying  within  cannon  shot  of  his  house;  and  soon  after, 
his  manor  of  Morrisania  was  desolated,  his  woodland  of  one  thou- 
sand acres  destroyed,  and  his  family  driven  into  exile.  Three  of 
the  sons  of  Lewis  served  in  the  whig  army.  Staats,  brother  of 
Lewis  and  Gouverneur,  was  an  officer  in  the  royal  service,  be- 
came a  member  of  parliament,  and  a  lieutenant  general.  Thus 
was  the  Morris  family  divided.  Doctor  Wilkins  has  a  son  in 
Nova  Scotia,  who  bears  the  name  of  his  uncle  Lewis  Morris,  and 
who  has  obtained  distinction.  He  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
house  of  Assembly,  about  the  time  of  his  father's  return  to  the 
United  States ;  and  when  in  1806,  William  Cottam  Longe,  Esq., 
who  was  elected  speaker,  was  disallowed  by  the  governor,  Lewis 
Morris  Wilkins  was  chosen  in  his  place,  and  approved  of,  and 
occupied  the  chair,  by  subsequent  election,  until  1817,  when  he 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  851 

was  removed,  to  be  placed  on  the  bench  of  the  supreme  court  of 
the  colony.    Judge  Wilkins  resides  at  Windsor."* 

The  present  residence  of  Mr.  Gouverneur  M.  Wilkins  is  seated 
on  the  brow  of  a  hill,  near  the  extremity  of  the  neck,  and  com- 
mands an  almost  uninterrupted  view  of  the  river  with  the  ad- 
jacent shores.  The  interior  contains  some  good  paintings,  par- 
ticularly a  view  on  the  Arno,  by  Cole,  and  a  portrait  of  Martin 
Wilkins,  Esq.,  by  Rogers,  &;c.,  also  a  beautiful  white  marble 
bust  of  Washington,  by  Garacchi,  and  an  Apollo  by  Tantenovi. 
The  old  family  mansion,  which  stands  on  the  side  of  the  neck 
is  now  converted  into  a  farm  house.  Here  in  1776  three  of  the 
clergy  managed  to  secrete  themselves  for  some  time,  notwith- 
standing the  most  minute  and  persevering  search  was  made  for 
them,  so  ingeniously  contrived  was  the  place  of  their  conceal- 
ment in  and  about  the  old  fashioned  chimney.  Food  was  con- 
veyed to  them  through  a  trap  door  in  the  floor.  Tye  front  of 
the  house  is  shaded  by  two  of  the  largest  and  finest  elm  trees  in 
the  County.  Cornell's  or  Clason's  neck,  which  is  pleasantly 
situated  in  the  south-west  corner  of  the  town,  contains  about  five 
hundred  and  fifty  acres.  We  have  seen  that  Thomas  Cornell i 
from  whom  it  was  originally  named,  became  possessed  of  tlia 
neck  through  the  Dutch,  who  purchased  of  the  Indians.^  Near 
the  entrance  to  the  neck,  are  the  mansions  of  Mrs.  Ludlow,  and 
of  her  son,  Henry  Ludlow,  Esq. 

The  site  of  the  old  Willett  homestead  is  now  occupied  by  the 
residence  of  Mrs.  Clason.<^  On  the  extreme  point  of  the  neck 
stands  that  of  Augustus  Clason,  Esq. 

About  three  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Bronx,  and  directly 
opposite  to  the  village  of  West  Farms,  is  the  mill  seat  and  pro- 
perty of  Philip  M.  Lydig,  Esq.,  formerly  called.  I)e  Lancey's 
mills.  Here  it  is  probable  that  Jonas  Bronck<^  erected  a  mill 
and  laid  out  a  plantation  as  early  as  1639.  Upon  the  16th  of 
August,  1680,  the  town  of  Westchester  did  give  and  grant  unto 


•  liorenzo  Sabine'i  Biographioal  Sketches  of  Ameriota  Loyaliiii. 

b  See  pege  156. 

c  On  the  north  tide  of  this  house  we  noticed  t  bstatiful  specimen  of  the  Hycene 
Wisteria,  which  is  ssM  to  be  indigenous  to  the  neck. 

i  From  this  indiTidaal  the  riTer  deri?es  its  name.  Town  Rec.  lib.  i?.  57.  Bee. 
of  Trastees,  pages  8S,  89. 


262  HISTORY  OF  THE 

William  Richardson  and  his  associates  the  privilege  of  the 
stream  of  Broncks's  river,  to  set  up  two  mills^  viz^  one  saw  and 
a  corn  mill,  upon  certain  conditions  specified  in  the  conveyance.* 
Ou  the  2nd  of  April,  171 L,  TryiHje  Byvanck,  widow  of  Evert 
Byvanck,  granted  to  William  Provost  fot/r  mills^  to  wit,  three 
grist  mills  and  one  saw  mill,  situate  in  the  township  of  West- 
chester, and  all  rights  and  privileges  appertaining  thereto,  &c. ; 
also  a  certain  privilege  granted  by  the  freeholders  of  Westches^ 
ier  of  the  stream  of  Broncks^s  river,  ^c,  ^*c.  From  the  Pro- 
vosts, this  property  was  purchased  by  Stephen  de  Lancey,  Esq., 
in  whose  will,  made  the  4th  of  March,  1735,  occurs  the  following 
item: 

*'  I  do  hereby  give,  devise,  and  bequeath  unto  my  son  Peter, 
and  to  his  heirs,  all  my  mills,  mill  house,  mill  boat,  farm  and 
land,  and  all  and  every  the  appurtenances  thereunto  belonging, 
situate  and  being  in  the  County  of  Westchester,  upon  Broncks'a 
river,  lately  known  as  the  mills  of  William  Richardson,  to  have 
and  to  hold  unto  my  son  Peter,  and  to  liis  heirs  and  as^gnees 
forever.">> 

"  James  de  Lancey,«  the  eldest  son  of  the  above  testator,  was 
chief  justice  and  lieutenant  governor  of  the  province  of  New  York. 
He  married  Atme,  eldest  daughter  of  Col.  Caleb  Heathcote,  and 
left  James,  Stephen,  John  Peter,<i  Maria,  Anne  and  Susan.  Jaxues, 
the  first  of  these,  was  educated  at  Corpus  Christi  college,  Cam- 
bridge, England,  in  which  college  his  father  had  been  educated 
before  him.  On  quitting  college,  he  entered  the  army,  rising  to 
the  rank  of  captain.  In  the  unfortunate  campaign  against  Ticon- 
deroga,  he  was  an  aid  of  Abercrombie's.  When  his  father  died, 
or  shortly  after,  Captain  de  Lnncey  sold  out,  inheriting  the  prin- 
cipal esXaies  qf  his  family.  He  married  Margaret,  a  daughter  of 
Chief  Justice  Allen  of  Pennsylvania,  whose  other  daughter  Anne 
married  John  Penn,  grandson  of  William  Penn,  the  founder  of 
Pennsylvania. 

Early  in  the  Revolution,  Capt.  James  de  Lancey  went  to  Eng- 
land. Eventually  he  established  himself  atBaih."  This  gentle- 
man, (and  not  his  cousin,  Lt.  Col.  James,  as  Mr.  Sabine  supposes,) 


a  See  Tol.  i.  298.  e  gee  yol.  i.  297. 

b  Surrogattf*!  Office,  N.  Y.  lib.  xit.  91.     <  Ibid  299. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  263 

"at  the  close  of  the  t^ar,  and  ftt  the  formation  of  the  loyalist 
agency  folr  presenting  claims  for  compensation,  was   ippointed 
agent  for  New  York,  and  became  vice  president  of  the  board    His 
own  losses  were  large  and  difficult  of  adjustment,  and  occupied 
.  the  attention  of  the  commissioners  for  some  days.    Excepting  Sir 
William  Pepperell,"  Captain  James  "  de  Lancey  appears  o  ravj 
been  the  most  active  member  of  the  agency.''*  "  Five  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Capt.  James  de  Lancey  and  Margaret  grew  up,  viz.,  two 
sons  and  three  daughters.    Charles,  the  eldest  sou,  was  in  the 
British  navy,  and  died  a  bachelor.    James,  late  Lt.  Col.  ist  Dra- 
goon Guards,  is  living,  also  a  bachelor.    Two  of  the  dn  'irhters, 
Anne  and  Susan,  are  single,  and  still  living ;  while  Margaret 
married  the  present  Sir  Juckes  Granville  Clifton,  Bart.,  and  died 
early,  childless." 

The  second  son  of  Stephen  de  Lancey,  the  Huguenot,  was 
Brigadier  General  Oliver  de  Lancey.  Sabine,  in  his  sketches  of 
American  Loyalists,  states  that/<at  the  period  of  the  French 
war,  Oliver  de  Lancey  occupied  a  commanding  position,  and 
perhaps  he  did  not  overrate  his  personal  influence  when  he  said, 
that  it'  in  the  expedition  against  Crown  Point,  he  *<  should  accept 
the  command  of  the  Hew  York  raiment,  he  could  in  ten  days 
raise  the  whole  quota  of  troops  allotted  to  that  colony."  This 
standing  he  maintained  after  his  brother's  death,  and  until  the 
Revolution.  *'He  opposed  the  dismemberment  of  the  empire, 
and  put  his  life  and  property  at  stake  to  prevent  it.  In  1776,  he 
was  appointed  a  brigadier  general  in  the  royal  service.  Skinner, 
of  New  Jersey,  Brown,  a  former  governer  of  the  Bahamas,  Arnold, 
the  af)ostate,  and  Cunningham,  of  South  Carolina,  were  of  the 
same  grade,  but  their  commissions  were  of  later  date.  Gen.  de 
Lancey  was,  therefore,  the  senior  loyalist  officer  in  commission 
during  the  contest.  His  command  consisted  of  three  battalionS| 
ktiown  as  De  Lancey's  battalions." 

<*  Previous  to  the  Revolution,  Gen.  De  Lancey  was  a  member 
of  the  Council,  and  was  considered  to  be  in  office  in  1782,  though 
a  constitution  was  formed  in  New  York  in  1777,  and  a  govern- 
ment organized  under  it.    By  this  government  he  was  attainted 


•  Sftbioe'f  Sketehee  of  Am^rieaii  I^yalitta. 


264  HISTORY  OF  THE 

of  treason,  and  his  large  property  confiscated."  **  At  the  eracna- 
tion  in  1783,  he  went  to  England,  and  died  at  Beyerly,  Yorkshire 
in  1785y  aged  sixty-eight  His  body  is  interred  in  the  choir  of 
the  Minster,  while  a  mouuraent  standing  near  (he  transept  records 
his  services."  ''His  son,  Oliver  de  Lancey,  jr.,  was  educated  in 
Europe;  put  early  in  the  17th  Light  Dragoons ;  was  a  captain  at 
the  commencement  of  the  Revolution ;  became  Major  in  1776,  a 
Lieutenant  Colonel  a  year  or  two  later,  and  succeeded  Andre  as 
Adjutant  General  of  the  British  army  in  America.  On  his  return 
to  Europe,  he  was  made  Deputy  Adjutant  Gieneral  of  England ; 
as  a  Major  General  he  got  the  Colonelcy  of  the  17th  Light  Dra- 
goons ;  was  subsequently  made  Barrack  Master  General  of  the 
British  empire ;  rose  through  the  grade  of  Lieutenant  General  to 
that  of  General,  and  died,  some  six  or  eight  and  twenty  years 
since,  nearly  at  the  head  of  the  English  Army  list.  This  branch 
of  the  family  is  now  extinct  in  the  male  line ;  its  last  man  having 
been  killed  at  Waterloo,  in  the  person  of  Sir  William  Heathcote  de 
Lancey,  the  Quarter-master  General  of  Wellington's  army." 

Peter  de  Lancey,  youngest  son  of  the  Huguenot,  to  whom  his 
father  devised  the  mills,  was  a  man  of  wealth  and  of  considerable 
influence  in  the  colony.  His  wife  was  Alice,  daughter  of  Cad- 
wallader  Colden,  lieutenant  governor  of  the  Province  of  New 
York  in  1761.  His  children  were  John,  father  of  Mrs.  Yates, 
relict  of  Grovernor  Yates,  and  Lt.  Col.  James  de  Lancey,  a  distin- 
guished military  officer.  "  James  was  for  a  considerable  time  she- 
riff of  Westchester  county.  He  took  a  battalion  in  the  brigade  of 
his  uncle  Oliver  de  Lancey,  called  the  Loyalist  Rangers,^  or  De 

•■  The  command  of  the  Loyalist  Rangeis  afibrded  Colonel  de  Lancey  faciiiiiea  for 
communicating  with  hb  old  aaeociatea  in  thii  lection  of  country,  and  waa  the  meane 
of  indncingr  some  of  the  landed  jrcntry  to  take  an  active  part  in  the  contest  This 
was  particularly  the  case  with  Samuel  Kip,  Eaq.,  of  a  family  which  from  the  first 
settlement  by  the  Dutch  had  possessed  a  gnni  of  land  at  Kip's  Bay,  and  in  other 
parts  of  New  York  island-  Members  of  this  family  were  named  as  officers  under 
the  Crown  in  the  royal  charter  granted  when  the  British  first  took  possession  of  the 
colony  in  1664,  and  in  that  given  thirty  years  later.  Having  been  always  associated 
with  the  government,  and  from  their  landed  interest  wielding  an  infiuence  in  its 
affairs,  they  were  naturally  predisposed  to  espouse  th^  royal  cause.  In  addition  to 
this,  Mr.  Kip's  estate  was  near  that  of  Col.  de  Lancey,  and  a  close  intimacy  had 
always  existed  between  them.    He  was,  therefore,  easily  indnoad  to  acoept  a  cap« 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  265 

Lancet's  Horse.  In  consequence  of  his  familiarity  with  the 
county,  Lt  Col.  James  de  Lancey  was  stationed  much  of  his 
time  in  Westchester,  to  keep  open  the  means  of  procuring  sup- 
plies. His  corfis  made  free  with  the  cattle  of  that  part  of  the 
country,  and  got  the  soubriquet  of ''  Cow  Boys,"  in  revenge  for 
their  knowledge  in  the  aiticle  of  beef."  The  colonel  finally  fixed 
his  residence  in  Nova  Scotia,  and  in  1797,  was  sworn  in  as  a 
member  of  the  council  of  that  colony.  He  died  at  Annapolis,  N. 
S.,  about  the  ye^r  1809.  Martha  Tippett,  his  widow,  also  died 
there  in  1827,  aged  73,  and  where  his  sons  are  still  living.  Oliver 
de  Lancey,  third  son  of  Peter  and  Alice,  threw  up  his  commission 
in  the  British  service  at  the  commencement  of  the  Itevolutionary 
war.  His  children  are  resident  in  the  town.  Peter,  the  fourth 
son,  and  Lt..Col.  Warren  de  Lancey,  besides  four  daughters. ^ 

By  an  indenture  bearing  date  the  20th  of  July,  1774.  the  trus- 
tees of  Westchester  for  divers  considerations,  sold  to  Jamei  and 
Oliver  de  Lancey,  and  their  heirs  and  assignees,  the  ground  un* 
der  the  water  of  Broncks's  river,  and  all  such  lands  as  had  been 
granted  or  appointed  by  the  town,  for  the  use  of  the  mills,  dtc* 
The  present  proprietor,  Philip  M.  Lydig,  Esq.,  holds  by  convey, 
ance  from  under  Oliver  de  Lancey,  Esq.  The  dwelling  house 
which  once  served  as  the  head-quarters  of  Washington,  was  de- 
stroyed by  fire  a  few  years  since. 

The  grounds,  which  display  all  the  elegance  of  modern  gar- 
dening, rise  in  a  succession  of  terraces  from  the  water's  edge. 
Near  the  old  mansion  stands  a  majestic  pine  tree,  a  noble  relic  of 


tain's  oommiision  from  the  royal  goTemment  and  embark  all  his  interests  in  this 
contest  He  raised  a  company  of  caTaJry,  principally  from  his  own  tenants,  joined 
the  British  army  with  the  colonel,  and  from  his  intimate  knowledge  of  the  country 
was  enabled  to  gain  the  reputation  of  an  active  and  daring  partisan  officer.  For  this 
reason  he  was  for  a  time  assigned  to  a  command  in  the  Loyalist  Hangen.  In  one  of 
the  severe  skirmbhes  whioh  took  place  in  Westchester  county  in  1781,  Capt.  Kip, 
while  charging  a  body  of  American  troope,  had  his  horse  killed  under  him,  and  re- 
ceived a  severe  bayonet  wound.  He  survived,  howe vrr,  several  years  after  the 
war,  though,  like  his  friend  De  Imncey,  a  heavy  pecuniary  sufferer  from  the  cause 
he  had  espoused. 

•  For  many  of  the  above  particulan  we  are  indebted  to  Mr.  Cooper's  correspon- 
dence in  the  Home  Jonmal  of  1848. 

k  Rec.  of  Trustees,  pp.  88,  89. 


256  HISTORY  OF  THE 

the  post.  "  The  foltowing  appropriate  lines  were  written  hy  a 
genileman,  atier  a  Tisit  paid  (o  (his  beautiful  apot,  th»  former 
residence  of  the  De  Lancey  family. 


!>•  Luuy  HlUa, 


of  Dr.  Bijard  at  WiM  Parm. 


Db  Lahcsi's  Akcikkt  Pun. 
Wbere  gantle  Bronx  elm  winding  flow*, 
Tbe  ahcdawj  b&nks  b«lween. 
Where  bloBBDmed  Irall  or  wilding  rou 
AdoroE  the  biightest  green : 
Memorial  of  tbe  fallen  greit, 
'I'be  rich  tnd  hononred  line, 
S lands  high  in  aoliurj  alate, 
De  Lancej's  ancient  pine. 

There  once  at  eatlj  dawn  arrajed 

The  rural  siKirl  to  lead. 

The  frallant  maeter  of  the  glade, 

Bedecked  his  eager  eteed. 

And  once  ihe  Ijghtfoot  maiden  came 

In  lovelineaa  divine, 

I'o  sculpture  with  the  dearest  name, 

De  Lancey'a  ancient  pine. 

But  now  the  airanger'a  foot  eiplores 
De  Laacej's  wide  domain, 
And  aearce  one  kindred  heart  reatotea, 
Hia  DiemoTj  to  the  plain ; 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  267 

And  jast  like  one  in  age  alone, 
The  last  of  all  his  line, 
Bends  sadly  where  the  waters  moan, 
De  Lanoej's  ancient  pine. 

Oh,  victim  of  misguided  zeal 

To  tell  thy  former  fame ! 

Who  bids  the  fretted  stone  reveal 

The  numbers  of  thy  name  1 

Ere  brightening  up  the  eastern  sky 

Another  morn  shall  shine. 

In  equalizing  dust  may  tie 

De  Lancey^s  ancient  pine. 

Wo  ho !  the  satiate  traveller  stays 
Where  eve^s  calm  glories  shine, 
To  weep  as  tells  of  other  days, 
De  Lancey^s  ancient  pine. 

At  ft  short  distance  from  Lydig's  mills,  on  the  property  of  Mr. 
Leonard  Mapes,  may  be  seen  the  ruins  of  an  old  chateau,  since 
the  residence  of  Lewis  H.  Guerlain.  Thn  following  inscription 
upon  a  marble  monument  hard  by,  so  touchingly  records  the 
history  of  its  former  inmates,  that  any  further  account  would  be 
needless.  A.  D.  1798,  sacred  to  the  memory  of  virtue,  merit 
and  beauty ;  to  Sarah  Guerlain,  the  beloved  consort  of  Lewis  H. 
Guerlain. 

Alas !  His  in  vain !  the  spirit  has  ied  ! 

Sarah  has  sunk  in  the  tomb, 

The  beauty  of  nature  lies  mixM  with  the  dead 

Gods !  how  severe  is  the  doom : 

As  a  delicate  lily  that  blows  in  the  vale, 

That  springs  to  perfection  and  dies, 

So  she  bloomed,  and  then  sickened ;  but,  shall  we  bewail  ? 

The  grave  of  the  pure  is  the  path  to  the  skies. 

£TERinT7   HOW   LOVO  ! 

In  1798, 7th  March,  Sarah  died  in  the  West  Indies,  in  the  20th 
year  of  her  age,  in  the  passage  from  St.  Croix  to  St.  Christopher's 
and  was  brought  back  by  her  disconsolate  husband  to  this  peace- 
ful mansion,  the  place  of  their  union,  the  4th  of  October,  1 795. 

Lire  HOW  short! 

Vol.  II.  33 


8B8  HISTORY  OF  THE  '' 

Immediate!  7  north  of  the  village  of  West  Farms,  lies  Bronx 
dale,  the  sides  of  which  present  a  most  romantic  appearance.  la 
this  neighborhood,  is  a  small  settlement,  containing  two  public 
houses,  two  stores  and  about  twenty  dwellings,  also  the  exten- 
sive bleach  factory  of  Mr.  James  Bolton,  and  the  snuflf  milU  of 
Mr.  Peter  Loriliard.  The  beautiful  seat  of  the  latter  gentleman 
is  rendered  particularly  attractive,  from  the  contiguity  of  over 
hanging  woods,  and  its  due  vicinity  to  the  river.  The  low 
ground  cast  of  Bronx  dale,  is  called  Bear  swamp.  The  general 
"surface  of  Westchester  is  rolling,  and  in  some  places  hilly; 
soil,  clay  loam,  mostly  susceptible  of  high  cultivation."  "The 
lands  produce  all  kinds  of  grain,  but  they  are  best  adapted  to 
grass  and  pasturage.  Almost  every  variety  of  fruit  trees  flourish 
here.  The  principal  growth  of  wood  is  oak  of  all  sorts,  chesnut 
and  hickory,  &c.  It  is  freely  watered  in  every  part  by  springs 
and  rivulets."^ 


COUNTT  OP  WESTCHESTER. 


Onc«  Cbnrcb,  Wot  Ftrma. 


WEST  FARMS. 

Thjb  township  vhich  is 
situated  at  (h«  soulli  west  ex- 
tremity  of  tbe  county,  was  se- 
parated from  ihe  ancient  town 
of  Westchester ;»  and,  incor- 
porated oQ  the  13th  of  May, 
1846,t>  by  an  act  of  the  legis- 
atiire.  It  is- bounded  on  ths 
north  by  Yonkers,  east  by 
the  Bronx,  south  by  the  East 
river,  and  west  by  the  Har- 
lem river,  or  county  of  New 

York.    It  is  distant  sixteen  miles  south  of  the  Tillage  of  White 

Plains,  and  about  one  hundred  and  forty-one  miles  from  Albany. 

"  Kings  bridge,  across  Harlem  river,  is  just  within  the  line,  at 

the  north-west  comer  of  this  town." 
Our  intention  is  to  lake  up  separately  the  three  former  divi- 

sions  of  the  present   town,  viz.,  West  Farms,  Morrisania  and 

Fordham. 

From  the  following;  patent,  it  appears  that  the  proprietors  of 

the  lands  subsequently  called  the  West  Farms,  in  1666,  were 

Edward  Jessup  aud  John  Richardson,  of  Westchester. 

PATENT  OP  WEST  FARMS. 

"  Richard  NieoUa,  Esq.,  goteraor  seoenl  nader  hia  tajal  highneN,  JuMy 
Daka  of  Yorli  ud  Albany,  &e.  fco.,  of  all  bia  lerriiorjea  in  America,  lo  aU  lo 
whom  UwM  pr«a«nt«  ahall  come,  aeodeth  greeting  ;  whereu,  there  ia  a  car- 


260  HISTORY  OF  TH»,^^ 

tain  tract  or  parcel  of  land  within  this  government,  situate,  lying  and  being 
neare  unto  and  within  the  limits  of  the  towne  of  Westchester.    Upon  ye 
maine  being  bounded  to  the  east  by  the  river  commonly  called  by  the  Indians 
Aquehung^  otherwise  Broncke  river,  ezteadlHig  to  the  midst  of  said  river  to 
the  north,  by  the  markH  trees  and  by  a  piece  of  hassock  meadow,  westwardly 
a  little  brook  called  by  the  natives  Sackiorahung,  and  southward  by  the  Sound 
or  East  river,  including  within  a  certain  neck  of  land  called  Quinnahungf 
which  said  parcel  or  tract  and  neck  of  land  with  the  appurtenances,  together 
with  commonage  and  liberty  for  range  of  horses  and  cattle,  as  free  as  thej 
please  into  the  woods,  hath  heretofore  been  jointly  purchased  of  the  Indyan  - 
proprietors  by  Edward  Jessup  and  John  Richardson  of  Westchester  aforesaid, 
and  due  satisfaction  hath  ye  then  been  given  for  the  same,  as  by  the  deed  re- 
maining upon  record,  more  at  large  doth  and  may  appear,  now  it  being  ma- 
tually  agreed  upon  ye  both  the  aforesaid  purchasers,  that  an  equal  division 
shall  be  made  of  the  said  parcel  or  tract  of  land  and  appurtenances  between 
.'them  the  said  Edward  Jeseup  and  John  Richardson,  their  heirs  and  assigns,  and 
to  the  end  that  the  said  lands  may  be  better  manured  and  planted  for  a  further 
confirmation  unto  each  and  either  of  them,  in  their  possession  and  enjoyment 
of  the  premises.     Know  ye,  that  by  virtue  of  the  commission  and  authority 
unto  me  given  by  his  royal  highness,  I  have  ratified,  confirmed  and  granted, 
and  by  these  presents  do  ratify,  confirm  and  grant,  unto  John  Richardson 
aforesaid,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  the  moiety  or  one-half  of  the  aforesaid  par- 
cel or  tract  of  land  and  premises,  together  with  the  moiety  or  one-half  of  all 
the  woods,  meadows,  pastures,  waters,  conmionage,  marshes,  rivers  or  lakes 
thereunto  belonging,  within  their  and  every  of  them,  appurtenances  and  every 
part  and  parcel  thereof,  to  have  and  to   hold  their  said  moiety,  or  one-half  of 
ihe  said  parcel  or  tract  of  land,  commonage  and  premises,  with  all  and  singu- 
lar the  appurtenances  to  the  said  John  Richardson,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  unto 
the  proper  use  and  behoof  of  the  said  John  Richardson,  his  heirs  and  assigns 
forever,  he  or  they  rendering  and  paying  such  duties  and  acknowledgments 
as  now  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  constituted  and  established  by  the  laws  of  this 
government,  under  the  obedience  of  his  royal  highness,  his  heirs  and  suc- 
cessors, given  under  my  hand    and  seal  at  Fort  James^  in  New  York,  on  the 
island  of  Manhattoes,  25th  day  of  April,  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  his  majesties 
reign,  A.  D.  1666." 

Richard  Nicolls. 

Edward  Jessnp  one  of  the  above  patentees,  like  most  of  the 
original  settlers  of  Westchester,  emigrated  from  Fairfield,  Con- 
necticut. In  1653,  occurs  the  name  of  Edward  Jessope,  owner 
of  lands  on  Snscoe  neck  in  that  town.  By  his  wife  Elizabeth 
Bridges,  he  left  issue  a  son,  Edward,  and  two  daughters.  Eliza- 
beth married  Thomas  Hunt,  of  the  Grove  farm,  Westchester, 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  261 

from  whom  the  Hunts  of  Hunt's  point  descend.    Edward  Jes- 
8up  died  in  1666 ;   his  will  bears  date  the  same  year. 

The  last  Will  and  Testament  of  Edward  Jessup. 

"  Being  eicke  and  weake  in  body,  yet  in  perfect  nenaory,  I  bequeath  noiy 
•oule  to  ye  Almighty  God  that  gave  it,  and  my  body  after  my  death  to  be  de- 
cently buried,  my  funeral  to  be  discharged  and  my  debts  to  be  paid.  I  will 
and  bequeath  to  my  daughter  Elizabeth  Hunt,  twenty  shillings,  besides  which, 
I  have  already  given  her  to  be  paid  in  a  year  and  a  day  aAer  my  decease.  I 
will  and  bequeath  unto  my  daughter  Hannah  Jessup,  the  sum  of  five  and  thirty 
pounds  with  that  she  hath  already,  to  be  payed  unto  her  at  18  years  of  age. 

I  will  and  bequeath  unto  my  sonne  Edward  Jessup,  two  mares  with  two 
colts  by  their  sides,  one  is  a  gray  mare,  and  the  other  is  a  mare  marked  on 
both  ears  with  two  half  pence  on  each  ear,  to  bee  set  out  for  him  for  hil 
use  a  year  and  a  day  after  my  decease. 

I  will  and  bequeath  unto  my  grandchild  Mary  Hunt,  twenty  shillings,  to  bee 
payd  in  a  year  and  a  day  after  my  decease.  I  will  and  bequeath  ooto  my 
cousin  Johannah  Burroughs,  twenty  shillings,  to  bee  payed  in  a  year  and  a 
day  after  my  decease. 

Furthermore,  I  institute  and  appoint  my  well  beloved  wife,  Elizabeth  Jet- 
sup,  to  bee  whole  and  sole  executrix,  and  I  do  will  and  bequeath  unto  her,  all 
my  lands  and  houses,  and  goods  and  cattle,  moveable  and  immovable,  of  this 
my  last  will  and  testament,  and  to  receive  all  debts,  dues  and  demands  what- 
soever, to  be  at  her  disposing,  and  she  to  pay  all  debts,  dues  and  legaoies 
whatsoever,  and  she  to  bring  up  my  two  children  in  the  feare  of  God.  This 
I  do  owne  to  be  my  last  will  and  testament. 

Further,  I  do  appoint  my  well  beloved  friends  Mr.  Richard  Cornhill,  jos- 
tice  of  the  peace,  Mrs.  Sarah  Bridges,  my  well  beloved  brother-in'law,  John 
Burroughs,  and  Ralph  Hunt,  overseers  of  this  my  last  will  and  testament,  like- 
wise to  be  assistants  to  my  executrix  in  all  cases  and  difliculties,  and  this  I 
do  owne  as  my  owne  act  and  deed,  to  all  true  intents  and  meanings,  and  doe 
furthermore  ratify  and  confirm  it  as  my  owne  act  and  deed  by  ye  setting  to 
my  hand  and  seal,  the  day  and  year  underwritten. 

August  the  16th,  1666. 

EowiRD  Jxssup. 
Signed,  sealed  and  delivered 
in  the  presence  of  us,  witnesses, 
WilFm  Gouldstone,  John  Richardson, 
mark  of  Richard  Horton.  X 

Upon  the  20tfa  of  June,  I668j  Robert  Beacham  and  Elizabeth 


262  HISTORY  OF  THE 

the  wife  formerly  of  Edward  Jesmp  of  Westchesteri  in  the 
North  Riding  of  Yorkshire,  on  Long  Island,  did  fully  (ind  abso- 
lutely sell  and ''make  over  unto  Thomas  Hunt  of  Westchester 
aforesaid  all  those  hoeing  lands  and  accommodations  that  were 
formerly  Edward  Jessup's,  within  the  bounds  and  limits  of  the 
aforesaid  Westchester,  that  the  said  Edward  Jessup  and  John 
Richardson  purchased  together  and  procured  patents  for  from 
the  Hon.  Col.  Richard  Nicolls,"  &c. 

John  Richardson,  the  surviving  patentee,  appears  to  have 
united  with  Thomas  Hunt  the  following  year  in  making  an 
equal  division  of  these  lands,  for  on  the  12th  of  August,  1669, 
occurs  the  following  report  of  the  commissioners. 

-  *»  We  whose  names  are  underwritten  being  made  choice  of  by  John  Rieli- 
ardson  and  Thomas  Hunt,  bothe  inhabiting  in  Westchester,  in  the  Neith 
Riding  of  Yorkshire,  to  make  an  equal  division  of  a  grant  of  land  formerly 
purchased  of  the  Indian  proprietors  by  Edward  Jessup  and  John  RichardsoD, 
being  butted  and  bounded  by  patent  I  say  all  those  uplands  and  meadows  within 
that  purchase,  save  some  upland  and  meadows,  which  was  formerly  divided 
by  the  forementioned  persons,  Edward  Jessup  and  John  Richardson,  have 
been  committed  unto  us,  William  Ilayden,  Samuel  Drake,  Thomas  Lawrence 
and  Jonathan  Hazard,  to  make  an  equal  division,  &c.,  Sic,  As  first  we  find 
it  necessary  that  John  Richardson,  having  twenty  acres  of  upland  and  meadow 
more  or  less,  lying  on  the  southermost  poynt  of  the  corne  field  neck,  which 
tract  of  land  is  a  district  of  itself  by  a  divisional  line  running  west  and  by  north 
east  and  by  south,  and  all  the  rest  of  the  upland  both  in  that  neck  and  a  little 
neck  adjoining  to  it,  is  Thomas  Hunt's,  with  highways  laid  out,  and  into  the 
above  said  neck  north  to  upland  and  meadows,  with  marks  renewed  between 
the  meadows  and  the  upland,  beginning  at  a  white  oak,  which  is  the  divisional 
line  between  Thomas  Hunt  and  John  Richardson,  which  line  runneth  from 
the  white  oak  to  the  water  east  and  by  north,  and  all  the  meadow  lying  along 
between  the  water  and  the  marked  trees  is  John  Richardson's,  until  you  meet 
another  divisional  line  that  bears  west  and  by  north  and  east  and  by  south,  which 
line  runs  at  the  old  highway,  and  all  the  rest  of  the  meadows  within  the  neck 
to  be  Thomas  Hunt's,  for  and  in  consideration  John  Richardson  hath  all  the 
Long  neck  lying  upon  the  south  end  of  the  dwelling  houses  of  John  Richard- 
son and  Thomas  Hunt,  all  the  above  said  neck  within  fence,  and  further  we 
have  laid  out  unto  Thomas  Hunt  a  tract  of  upland  lying  near  bis  bouse  contain* 
ing  sixteen  acres  and  forty-five  rods,  stretching  from  the  creek  north  north- 
west and  south  south-west  to  a  great  burnt  stump,  from  thence  west  sonth- 
wett  to  a  creek,  and  from  the  creek  south  south-east,  &c.,  &c." 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  263 

The  three  daughters  and  co-heiresses  of  John  Richardson 
were  Bethia,  wife  of  Joseph  Ketchani  of  Newton,  Long  Islandi 
Mary,  wife  of  Joseph  Hadley  of  Yonkers,  and  Elizabeth,  wife  of 
Gabriel  Leggett,  from  whom  descend  the  Leggetls  of  West 
Farms.  His  last  will  bears  date  16th  November,  1679.  In  it  he 
beqneaths  ''to  his  beloved  wife,  Martha,  all  his  housing  and 
orchard,  and  all  moveables  without  and  within,  and  all  live 
stock,  also  all  his  land  and  meadow  on  the  planting  neck,  and 
all  the  Long  neck  that  runs  southward  from  Thomas  Hunt's 
new  dwelling  house  to  the  Sound,  and  this  during  her  life  to  act 
and  dispose  as  she  shall  see  cause." 

'*To  his  son-in-law,  Joseph  Hadley,  a  pasture  of  three  acres 
already  laid  out,  &c.,  at  or  about  the  first  spring,  and  all  the 
meadow  that  is  already  divided,  that  is  on  this  side  the  river 
above  ye  planting  neck,^^  '^  To  his  three  daughters  two  hundred 
acres  of  land  each ;"  ''and  to  his  brother's  son,  in  England,  Jo- 
seph  Richardson,  one  hundred  acres,  if  he  come  within  the  space 
of  one  whole  year  to  receive  it,  and  if  he  come  not  within  the 
time  prefixed  it  shall  remain  in  Martha  my  wife's  hands."  ''In 
conclusion,  he  constitutes  and  appoints  his  well  beloved  friends, 
William  Richardson  and  Richard  Ponton,  both  of  Westchesteri 
and  Jonathan  Hayward  of  Newtown,  Long  Island,  overseers  of 
Iiis  last  will  and  testament,  and  that  it  is  his  whole  will  and  tes- 
tament after  his  decease,  he  witnesses  it  under  his  own  hand 
the  16th  day  of  November,  1679." 

Signed  John  Richardson. 

Upon  the  12th  of  January,  16S6,  Governor  Thomas  Dongan 
granted  a  patent  to  Thomas  Hunt,  sen.,  for  all  his  land  bounded 
on  the  east  by  the  river  Aquehnng  or  Bronx,  extending  to  the 
midst  of  the  said  river,  on  the  north  by  certain  marked  trees  and 
a  piece  of  hammock,  and  on  the  west  by  a  certain  brook  called 
Sackrahung,  for  the  value  of  one  bushel  of  good  winter  wheat."* 

The  following  receipt  appears  to  have  been  given  for  quit  rent 
due  on  the  above  patent. 


•  Co.  Ree.  toI.  iL    From  tka  origintl  tn  the  poasMiioB  of  Mr.  Daaiol  Wiflthi|b 
Hunt*!  Point 


964  HISTORT  OF  THE 

''Received  of  Thomas  Hunt,  sen.,  twenty-fire  bushels  and  one 
half  wheat,  in  full  for  his  quit  rent  for  his  land  in  the  county  of 
Westchester,  upon  Broncks*s  river,  to  the  25th  of  March  last  past. 
Witness  my  hand,  in  New  York,  this  9th  day  of  April,  A.  D. 
1717. 

''Richard  Nicoll,  Deputy  Receiver!^ 

Seventeenth  of  October,  1687,  Joseph  Hadley  of  the  Yonkers 
patent  conveys  to  Thomas  Williams  of  the  West  Farms  eight 
acres  formerly  given  him  by  John  Richardson.  In  1711  the 
heirs  of  the  patentees  united  in  a  second  division  of  the  West 
Farms. 

**  Whereas  Thomas  Hunt,  sen.,  of  ye  West  Farms  io  ye  leraugh  totem  aoi 
county  of  Westchester  in  ye  colony  of  New  York,  yeoman,  and  Rliaaheth 
Leggett  of  ye  same  place,  widow,  did  on  ye  9th  day  of  May  last  past,  by  aa 
instrument  ander  their  hands  and  seals,  formerly  agree  and  conclude  that  the 
West  Farms  lots,  containing  twelve  in  number,  should  be  surreyed  and  laid 
out  by  myself  or  some  other  person,  and  that  according  to  a  former  surrey 
made  by  me  William  Taylor,  on  or  before  the  last  day  of  June  instant,  with  a 
farther  covenant,  promise,  and  agreement,  each  to  the  other,  for  themselTes 
and  each  of  their  heirs,  executors,  and  administrators,  as  far  as  they  or  any  of 
them  are  concerned  in  the  said  lots,  that  the  survey  made  by  M.  W.  E.  or 
some  other  person,  in  manner  as  above,  and  the  lines  or  bounds  so  run  and 
settled  should  remain,  continue,  and  not  be  removed  for  ever  hereafter  upon 
the  penalty  of  ^^e  hundred  pounds  current  money  of  said  colony,  to  be  paid 
by  the  party  or  persons  breaking  the  said  conclusion  or  agreement  and  cove- 
nant to  the  party  or  persons  fulfilling  and  performing  the  same,  &c.,  &e.,  as 
by  the  said  instrument,  relation  being  thereunto  had,  will  fully  and  at  large 
appear.  Therefore  upon  this  request  and  desire  of  the  said  Thomas  Hunt, 
Elizabeth  Leggett  and  others,  the  owners  and  proprietors  of  said  land,  I  have 
sarreyed  the  said  twelve  lots  of  land  as  followeth.  That  is  to  say,  begin  at  a 
ohesnut  tree  standing  on  the  river  side  above  Byvanck^s  miUy  running  thence 
north  forty-three  degrees,  west  two  hundred  and  eighty-three,  to  a  marked 
white  wood,  thence  south  thirty  degrees,  west  about  forty-five,  eight  rods  to 
the  north  side  and  westernmost  corner  of  the  sixth  lot,  and  then  upon  several 
courses  until  it  meets  with  the  north-west  corner  of  the  twelfth  lot,  then  east 
twenty-one  degrees  and  a  half  rod  to  ye  meadow  and  from  thence  along  the 
meadow  and  river  to  the  place  first  begun  as  appears  in  the  scheme  hereunto 
annexed,  the  whole  tract  containing  1096  acres,  &c.,  &c.  It  is  firmly  agreed 
and  concluded  upon  by  the  said  Thomas  Hunt,  Elizabeth  Leggett  and  others 
concerned  in  the  matter,  that  what  every  or  any  lot  wants  or  falls  short  of 
one  hundred  acres  as  above  shall  be  allowed  and  made  up  to  then  or  theirs 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  26^ 

oat  of*  the  land  not  contained  within  this  survey.  Comprehended  with  a  cer- 
tain patent  granted  by  Governor  Richard  Nicolls  to  Edward  Jessup  and  John 
Richardson  in  the  year  of  onr  Lord  Christ  1666,  except  thirty  acres  which  he» 
said  Thomas  Hunt,  formerly  sold  to  John  Feryedon  and  Robert  Manning,  and 
also  thirty  acres  belonging  to  the  said  Elizabeth  Leggett,  being  in  lieu  of  the 
aforesaid  thirty  acres  on  which  Thomas  Davenport  now  dwells,  in  witness 
whereof,  &c.,  &c. 
In  presence  of  Joseph  Huitt,  Thomas  Hunt, 

Justice.  Elizabeth  Legoet, 

John  Lawrence, 
Matthew  Puoslby. 

This  Survey  was  made  and  completed  on  the  26th  day  of  June,  1711,  by  me, 
Peter  Berrien. 

On  the  30th  of  Sept.  1723,  William  Davenport  of  Penh  Am- 
boy,  in  East  New  Jersey,  and  Bridget  his  wife,  did  convey  all 
their  right,  title  and  interest  in  ye  patent  of  West  Farms  unto 
William  Leggett,  viz.,  all  and  singular  ye  flats,  coves,  bays,  fish- 
ing places,  &c, ;  also,  all  their  right,  title  and  property  of  fishing, 
hunting,  hawking  and  fowling  in  this  ye  same  patent,  &c."» 

In  the  southwest  corner  of  the  patent  of  West  Farms,  was 
situated  a  small  tract  of  land,  called  the  *^ debatable  ground" 
This  territory  appears  to  have  been  in  dispute  between  the  heirs 
of  the  patentees  of  West  Farms,  and  Lewis  Morris,  proprietor  of 
the  manor  of  Morrisania,  from  1666  to  1740.  At  an  early  period, 
Lewis  Morris  laid  claim  to  most  of  the  undivided  lands  of  the 
West  i^arm^  patent,  as  belonging  to  him." 

Upon  the  4th  of  Feb.,  1712,  "Elizabeth  Leggett,  widow  of 
Gabriel  Leggett  and  daughter  of  John  Richardson,  released  her 
title  and  interest  of  all  the  common  and  undivided  lands,  that 
Mr,  Lewis  Morris  makes  any  claim  to  within  our  patent  of 
West  FarmsJ^  In  1737,  "  William  Leggett,  assignee  to  the  heirs 
of  John  Richardson,  of  one- half  moiety  of  the  West  Farm^s,  and 
Abraham  Lent,  of  the  heirs  of  Edward  Jessup,  }oini\y  agreed  to 
prosecute  Lewis  Morris,  who  is  now  in  posses.^ion  of  almost  all 
the  undivided  landsP 


»  The  same  rights  had  previously  been  conveyed  by  Thomas  Davenporti  father  of 
the  above  grantor,  to  Abraham  Leggett. 

Vol.  II.  34 


266  HISTORY  OF  THE 

A  complete  settlement  of  the  undivided  lands  was  not  made 
till  1740.  In  1830,  the  debatable  lands  were  purchased  by 
William  H.  Leggeti,  Esq. 

The  twelve  lots  into  which  the  West  farms  was  originally  di- 
vided, have  been  long  since  distributed  among  numerous  pro- 
prietors. 

The  village  of  West  Farms  is  pliitMitly  situated  at  the  head 
of  the  navigable  waters  of  the  Bronx,  three  miles  from  the  East 
river,  and  twelve  from  New  York.  This  place  from  its  close 
vicinity  to  the  city,  and  its  valuable  water  privileges,  is  rapidly 
increasing  in  importance.  It  now  contains  about  1,600  inhabi- 
tants, 200  dwelling  houses,  an  Episcopal,  a  Dutch  Reformed,  a 
Presbyterian  and  a  Methodist  church,  4  taverns,  a  tem]ierance 
house,  12  stores  of  different  kinds,  and  a  post  office ;  also,  seve- 
ral extensive  manufactories,  among  which  may  be  named  the 
Brussels  carpet  and  spinning  factory  of  Mr.  Richard  Crow- 
ther,^  the  Ingrain  carpet  factory  of  Mr.  A.  Smith,  and  the  grist 
and  mahogany  saw  mill  of  Mr.  Philip  M.  Lydig  ;  beside  nume- 
rous coopering  establishments  doing  a  large  business.  Here 
are  owned  seven  sloops,  trading  with  the  New  York  and  other 
markets.  The  Haarlem  and  Westchester  rail  road  depot,  situa- 
ted one  mile  north-west  of  the  village,  affords  almost  hourly 
communication  with  the  city  of  New  York. 

Near  the  centre  of  the  village  is  situated  the  Episcopal 
churchf  a  beautiful  Gothic  structure,  of  wood.  The  bell 
tower  is  attached  to  the  north-eastern  corner.  Over  the  prin- 
cipal entrance,  is  a  neat  porch.  The  cornerstone  of  this  edi- 
fice was  laid  on  Tuesday,  November  10th,  1846,  by  the  Rev. 
Hugh  Smith,  D.  D.,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  New  York;  on 
which  occasion,  an  address  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  J.  T.  Gush- 
ing minister  in  charge  of  the  parish.  In  the  corner  stone  were  depo- 
sited a  copy  of  the  New  Testament,  and  of  the  book  of  common 
prayer ;  the  journal  of  the  last  general  convention  in  1844 ;  the 
journal  of  the  last  diocesan  convention  of  New  York  for  1845, 
together  with  the  debates  in  the  same  j  copies  of  the  general  and 


*  Mr.  Crowther*tf  manufactory  occupies  Uic  silo  of  the  old  paint  mills  and  pottery 
workfli  wliich  were  in  successful  operation  during  the  last  war  with  Great  Britain. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  267 

the  diocesan  canons,  Swords'  pocket  almanack  for  1846,  Prot. 
Churchman  of  the  date  of  Nov.  7th,  1846,  the  New  York  Courier 
and  Enquirer  of  Nov.  9th,  1846,  and  sundry  parish  documents 
&c.  &c.  Besides  the  officiating  clergy,  there  were  present,  th« 
Rev.  William  Powell,  rector  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Westchester, 
and  the  Rev.  Robert  Bolton,  rector  of  Christ's  church,  Pelhara. 

On  the  28th  of  June^  1847,  it  was  consecrated  and  set  apart 
to  the  worship  and  service  of  Almighty  God,  under  the  title  of 
Grace  church,  by  the  Right  Reverend  William  Heathcote  do 
Lancey,  Bishop  of  the  diocese  of  Western  New  York.  The 
consecration  sermon  being  preached  by  the  Rev.  Kingston 
Goddard  of  Staten  Island. 

Grace  church.  West  Farms,  was  incorporated  upon  the  13th 
of  Dec.  1844.  William  A.  Spencer  and  Philip  M.  Lydi^,  church- 
wardens ;  Peter  Lorillard,  Richard  Crowlher,  Dr.  William  Bay- 
ard, Charles  S.  Valentine,  Benjamin  Lea,  Jacob  M.  van  Winkle 
and  William  B.  Hoffman,  vestrymen."*^ 

On  June  3rd,  1847,  the  Rev.  Washington  Rodman  was  unani- 
mously called  to  be  rector  of  the  parish.  The  credit  of  first  attempt- 
ing the  establishment  of  an  Episcopal  church  in  this  village,  is 
due,  under  God,  to  Miss  Margaret  Hunt,^  a  lady  whose  intelli- 
gent zeal,  kindly  sympathy  and  untiring  benevolence,  deserve 
especial  mention.  The  work  was  undertaken  by  this  lady  about 
twelve  years  since  ;  and,  although  the  number  of  Episcopalians 
in  the  immediate  neighborhood  was  then  comparatively  small, 
still  a  considerable  interest  was  awakened  by  her  endeavors. 
The  amount  of  $2061,00  was  collected,  to  which  the  sum  of 
$1000,00  was  added  by  the  munificent  donation  of  Mrs.  C.  L. 
Spencer,  to  whose  christian  liberality,  the  congregation  is  further 
indebted  for  the  gift  of  an  organ,  a  Sunday  school  library,  and 
numerous  other  contributions  to  the  church.  Additional  aid 
was  given  by  the  following  gentlemen,  viz. :  Messrs.  Peter  Loril- 
lard, jun.,  Philip  M.  Lydig,  Governeur  M.  Wilkins,  J.  D.  Wolfe, 
William  A.  Spencer  and  others,  making  in  all  the  sum  of  $4,1&8 


'  Co.  Roc.  Religious  Soc.  Lib.  B.  p.  93. 

b  Daughter  of  Thomas  Hunt,  fourth  in  descent  from  Edvard  Jessup,  one  of 
the  first  patentees  of  the  West  Farms. 


268  HISTORY  OF  THE 

95,  (he  cost  of  ihe  church.  The  congregation  are  also  deeply- 
indebted  to  Francis  Barretto,  Esq.,  of  the  building  committee, 
for  his  generous  sympathy  with  the  first  projectors  of  the  church, 
as  well  as  for  his  attentive  supervision  of  the  building  while  in 
process  of  erection.  A  bell  weighing  6.^6  lbs.  has  been  pur- 
chased by  subscriptions  received  principally  from  the  members  of 
the  church. 

The  Presbyterian  church  stands  upon  the  highest  ground  in 
the  village.  It  was  incorporated,  in  1814,  by  the  name  of 
the  V  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  village  of  West  Farms," 
Robert  Givan,  Caleb  Pell,  Ebenezer  Waterbury,  James  Bathgate, 
James  Renwick  and  John  B.  Gillespie,  first  trustees.^  Prior  to 
the  year  1836,  it  belonged  to  the  Bedford  presbytery,  but  is  now 
in  connection  with  the  second  New  York  Presbytery.  The  pre- 
sent church  edifice  was  erected  in  1816. 

LIST  OF  PASTORS  AND  SUPPLIES.^ 


Install  or  call. 

Supply. 

1815, 

Rev.  Isaac  Lewis, 

do. 

1819, 

Rev.  Truman  Osborne, 

do. 

1821, 

Rev.  Samuel  Nott, 

do. 

1823, 

Rev.  Joseph  B.  Felt, 

do. 

1823, 

Rev.  Thomas  S.  Wickes, 

do. 

1824, 

Rev.  Ithamer  Hillsbury, 

do. 

1824, 

Rev.  E.  D.  Wells, 

do. 

1825, 

Rev.  J.  D.  Wickliam, 

do. 

1828, 

Rev.  George  Stebbins, 

do. 

1835, 

Rev.  William  Gray, 

do. 

Jan.  22,  1836, 

Kev.  M.  I.  Adam, 

pastor. 

Feb.        1841, 

Rev.  James  B.  Ramsey, 

do. 

1846, 

Rev.  Charles  Moase, 

supply. 

Oct.  28,  1847, 

Rev.  Isaac  Watts  Piatt,  present  pastor. 

•  Co.  Rec.  Lib    A.  154. 

h  For  BoniA  y«an  this  church  wai  aiaocialed,  iu  the  Bupport  of  a  minister,  with 
the  PretibyteriaQ  church  of  New  Rochelle. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  269 

Church  Notes. 

1826,  Communicants,  41,  Baptisms,  1. 

1846,  do.  38,  do.        8. 

The  Dutch  Reformed  Church  of  this  village  was  first  organ- 
ized iu  1839,  under  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  late  Rev.  George 
Bourne,  of  New  York,  and  incorporated  on  the  I6ih  of  March, 
1840.»  First  elders,  Thomas  Butler,  George  Wilson,  and  Abijah 
Rogers ;  first  deacons,  James  P.  Fitch,  J.  G.  Rowland,  and  Ste- 
phen Kelly.  Mr.  Bourne  was  succeeded,  in  1842,  by  the  Rev. 
Barnabas  Collins.  The  present  pastor  is  the  Rev.  John  Simon- 
son,  who  commenced  his  ministrations  in  1845. 

An  Episcopal  Methodist  Society  was  incorporated  upon  the 
21th  October,  1831 ;  Andrew  C.  Wheeler,  Joseph  Smith,  John 
F.  Fay,  Thomas  T.  Phillips,  and  Thomas  Bolton,  trustees.** 

West  Farms  is  not  behind  any  of  the  neighboring  towns  in 
her  literary  institutions ;  for,  b<^sides  three  large  district  schools 
for  the  education  of  both  sexes,  there  is  a  ladies'  seminary  and 
a  boys'  school.  In  1803  there  appears  to  have  been  an  academy 
existing  here,  the  trustees  of  which  were  the  Hon.  Governenr 
Morris,  Dominick  Lynch,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Abijah  Hammond, 
James  Morris,  Daniel  Ludlow,  Isaac  Clason,  Israel  Underhill| 
Philip  I.  Livingston,  Robert  Gilchrist,  Joseph  Given,  Jonathan 
Randel,  Andrew  Barton,  Israel  Honeywell,  Samuel  Kelly,  Rob- 
ert Heaton,  and  William  H.  Morris. 

During  the  revolutionary  war,  West  Farms  was  constantly  ex- 
posed to  the  daily  forays  of  both  armies,  as  they  alternately  held 
possession  of  the  adjoining  country.  "  Ou  the  25th  of  January, 
1777,  (observes  General  Heath,)  early  on  the  morning,  the  enemy 
made  a  sally  towards  De  Lancey^s  MiUs,^  where  they  surprised 
and  routed  the  guard,  wounding  several,  but  not  killing  or  taking 


»  Co.  Rea  Relifioos  Soc  Lib.  B.    The  firat  church  edifice  wai  erected  io  1839. 
k  Co.  Rec.  Religious  Sec.  Lib.  B.  p.  6.    Aa  incorporatioQ  of  the  Methodist  Epis* 
copal  Church  occom  in  1836,  aod  again  in  18(3.     See  Lib.  B.  4(^,  76. 
<  Now  known  as  Lydig's  Mills. 


270  HISTORY  OF  THE 

any  of  them  ;  and  a  regiment  near  that  place  quitted  their  quar- 
ter8."» 

The  Military  Blockhouse,  which  occupied  the  site  of  Mr. 
Mapes's  Temperance  House,  was  destroyed  by  Colonel  Burr  in 
the  winter  of  1779.  The  event  is  thus  related  by  Samuel  Young, 
in  a  letter  to  Commodore  Valentine  Morris  : — 

"Soon  after  Tryon's  retreat,  Colonel  Delancey,  who  com- 
manded the  British  refugees,  in  order  to  secure  themselves 
against  surprise,  erected  a  blockhouse  on  a  rising  ground  below 
De  Lancey's  Bridge.  This  Colonel  Burr  resolved  to  destroy.  I 
was  in  that  expedition,  and  recollect  the  circumstances. 

"He  procured  a  number  of  hand-grenades  ;  also,  rolls  of  port 
fire,  and  canteens  filled  with  inflammable  materials,  with  contri- 
vances to  attach  them  to  the  side  of  the  blockhouse.  He  set  out 
with  his  troops  early  in  the  evening,  and  arrived  within  a  mile 
of  the  blockhouse  by  two  o'clock  in  the  morning.  The  colonel 
gave  Captain  Black  the  command  of  about  forty  volunteers,  who 
were  first  to  approach ;  twenty  of  them  were  to  carry  the  port 
fires,  &c.  Those  who  had  hand-grenades,  had  short  ladders  to 
enable  them  to  reach  the  port  holes,  the  exact  height  of  which 
Colonel  Burr  had  ascertained.  Colonel  Burr  gave  Captain  Black 
his  instructions  in  the  hearing  of  his  company,  assuring  him  of 
his  protection  if  they  were  attacked  by  superior  numbers ;  for  it 
was  expected  that  the  enemy,  who  had  several  thousand  men  at 
and  near  King's  Bridge,  would  endeavor  to  cut  us  off,  as  we  were 
several  miles  below  them.  Burr  directed  those  who  carried  the 
combustibles  to  march  in  front  as  silently  as  possible;  that  on 
being  hailed,  they  should  light  the  hand-grenades,  Soc.  with  a 
slow  match  provided  for  the  purpose,  and  throw  them  into  the 
port  holes.  I  was  one  of  the  party  that  advanced.  The  senti- 
nel hailed  and  fired.  We  rushed  on.  The  first  hand-grenade 
that  was  thrown  in  drove  the  enemy  from  the  upper  story,  and 
before  they  could  take  any  measure  to  defend  it,  the  blockhouse 
was  on  fire  in  several  places.    Some  few  escaped,  and  the  rest 


^  Heath's  Mem. p.  ill. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER. 


271 


surrendered  without  our  having  lost  a  single  man.    Though 
many  shots  were  fired  at  us,  we  did  not  fire  a  gun."* 

Although  the  inhabitants  appear  to  have  suffered  much  during 
the  Revolution,  they  generally  continued  firmly  attached  to  the 
interests  of  their  country.  In  1775  occurs  the  following  petition 
to  the  Hon.  Provincial  Congress,  from  the  subscribers,  inhabi- 
tants of  the  manor  of  Fordham  and  West'Farms,  in  the  county 
of  Westchester,  which 

"  Harobly  sheweth  that  we  were  Rommoned  to  appear  at  Westchester  in 
order  to  choose  officers,  accordiag  to  the  resolution  of  the  congress,  it  having 
been  represented,  as  we  understand,  that  there  was  not  a  competent  number 
of  men  in  our  district  to  form  a  company,  we  therefore  beg  leave  to  inform 
you  that  the  manor  of  Fordham  and  the  West  Farms  have  in  the  militia  al- 
ways been  considered  as  a  district  by  themselves,  and  that  within  their  limits 
there  are  upwards  of  seventy  men  fit  to  bear  arms,  and  that  an  attendance  at 
Westchester  upon  the  meeting  of  the  company  will  be  attended  with  great  in- 
convenience to  many  of  the  inhabitants  and  therefore  injurious  to  the  service 
intended  to  be  advanced  ;  from  which  considerations  your  petitioners  humbly 
pray  the  Hon*bIe  Congress  will  be  pleased  to  order  that  the  manor  of  Ford- 
ham and  the  West  Farms  have  a  company  with  themselves,  and  that  they 
elect  their  own  officers  under  such  inspection  as  the  Honorable  Congress  in 
their  wisdom  shall  think  best ;  and  your  petitioners  shall  ever  pray. 


Nicolas  Berrien, 
Isaac  Valentine, 
Peter  Valentine, 
John  Stevens, 
Benjamin  Curser, 
Abraham  Dyckman, 
John  Farmer, 
Benjamin  Valentine, 
George  Pilpet, 
Isaac  Valentine,  jr. 
Peter  Bussing,  jr. 
Abraham  Wilson, 
Benjamin  Curser,  jr. 
Ilendrick  Ryer, 
John  Lent, 
John  Rver, 
Isaac  Curser,  jr. 


Hezekiah  Ward, 
Tunis  Garrison, 
Isaac  Cant, 
Gilbert  Taylor, 
Robert  Gilmer, 
Benjamin  Archer,  jr. 
Daniel  Devoe,  jr. 
John  Embrie,  sen. 
Jacob  Lent, 
Abraham  Lent, 
Dennis  Hycr, 
Jacob  Valentine, 
Abraham  Garrison, 
James  G.  Groot, 
Thomas  Hunt, 
Abraham  Leggett, 
William  Leggett, 


Levi  Hunt, 
Jeremiah  Requa, 
James  McKay, 
Robert  Campbell, 
Eden  Hunt, 
Isaac  Hunt, 
James  Archer, 
Saml  Embrie,  jr. 
John  Embrie,  jr. 
Thomas  Cromwell, 
G.  Cromwell, 
Obadiah  Hide, 
John  Curser, 
Simon  Williams, 
John  Ryer,  jr. 
Jacob  Chappelf 
John  Garrison, 


'  Davis*!  Mem.  of  Aaron  Burr,  vol.  i.  164» 


272 


inSTORY  OF  THE 


Tunis  Le  Joye, 
Philip  Hant, 
Stephen  Emboli, 
Nathan*!  Lawrence, 
Peter  De?oe, 
James  Swain, 
Nazareth  Brewer, 
Edward  Harris, 
John  Cullard, 
T'ornelius  Jacobs, 


John  Leggett,  jr. 
Robert  Hunt,  jr. 
Cornelias  Leggett, 
Mr.  Woods, 
John  Hedger, 
Thomas  Hedger, 
Stephen  Edwards, 
James  Rock, 
George  Higby, 
Jacob  Hunt, 


John  Jacobs, 
Thomas  Dogherty, 
John  Cbrk, 
John  de  Noo, 
John  Blixard, 
John  Walbin, 
John  Warwick, 
Thomas  Gemble, 
Peter  Bussing, 
Is^c  Curser. 


Congress  were  pleased  to  grant  the  prayer  of  this  petition. 

The  road  passing  the  Tillage  landing  south  leads  to  the  Grent 
Planting  neck,  called  by  the  Indians  Quinnakung^  upon  which 
are  now  many  beatUifnl  country  seats.  At  the  south-east  extre- 
mity of  the  neck  is  situated  HmiCs  Point.  This  property  has 
been  occupied  by  the  Hunt  family  for  nearly  one  huiidred  and 
sixty  yeitrs,  having  passed  into  their  hands  by  the  marriage  of 
Thomas  Hunt  with  Elizabeth  Jessup,  daughter  of  Edward  Jes- 
sup,  one  of  the  first  patentees.  In  1688,  Thomas  Hunt,  of  the 
Grove  farm,  granted  to  his  son  Thomas  Hunt  one  hundred  acres 
lying  on  the  south  side  of  Gabriel  Leggett's  land,  bounded  east- 
wardly  and  southerly  by  Broncks^s  river.  It  is  now  the  property 
of  Mr.  Daniel  Winship,  who  married  Eliza,  the  widow  of  the 
late  Richard  Hunt,  Esq.  The  old  Grange  erected  in  1688,  occu- 
pies a  beautiful  situation  near  the  termination  of  the  point,  over- 
looking the  East  river  and  Flushing  bay. 

This  place  was  for  many  years  the  residence  of  Rodman 
Drake  the  poet,  and  it  was  here  that  he  wrote  his  well  known 
lines  on  the  Bronx,  on  the  neighloring  banks  of  which  he  often 
wandered. 

I  sat  me  dowTi  upon  a  green  bank  side, 

Skirting  the  sroootli  edge  of  a  gentle  river, 
Whose  waters  seemed  unwillingly  to  glide, 

Like  parting  friends,  who  linger  while  thej  sever  ; 
Enforced  to  go,  yet  seeming  still  unready. 
Backward  they  wind  their  way  in  raai»y  a  wistful  eddy. 

Gray  o'er  my  head  the  yellow- vested  willow 
Ruffled  its  hoary  top  in  the  fresh  breezes, 


:l 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  273 

Glancing  in  light,  like  spray  on  a  green  billow, 

Or  the  fine  frost  work  which  young  winter  freezes, 
When  first  his  power  in  infant  pastime  trying, 
Congeals  sad  autumn^s  tears  on  the  dead  branches  lying. 

From  rocks  around  hung  the  loose  i?y  dangling, 

And  in  the  clefts  samach  of  liveliest  green. 
Bright  ising-stars  the  little  beach  was  spangling. 

The  gold-cap  sorrel  from  his  gauzy  screeni 
Shone  like  a  fairy,  enchased  and  beaded, 
Left  on  some  morn,  when  light  flashed  in  their  eyes  unheeded. 

The  hum-bird  shook  his  sun-touched  wings  around, 

The  bluefinch  carolled  in  the  still  retreat ; 
The  antic  squirrel  capered  on  the  ground. 

Where  lichens  made  a  carpet  for  his  feet. 
Through  the  transparent  waves,  the  ruddy  minkle 
Shot  op  in  glimmering  sparks,  his  red  fins  tiny  twinkle. 

There  were  the  dark  cedars,  with  loose  mossy  tresses, 
Wliite-powder*d  dog  trees,  and  stiff*  hollies  flaunting. 

Gaudy  as  rustics  in  their  May-day  dresses. 
Blue  pellorets  from  purple  lea^  es  upslanting 

A  modest  gaze,  like  eyes  of  a  young  maiden 

Shining  beneath  droppM  lids  the  evening  of  her  wedding. 

The  breeze  fresh  springing  from  the  lips  of  morn. 
Kissing  the  leaves,  and  sighing  so  to  loose  'em. 

The  winding  of  the  merry  locust's  horn. 

The  glad  spring  gushing  from  the  rock's  bare  bosom ; 

Sweet  sighs,  sweet  sounds,  all  sights,  all  sounds  excelling, 

Oh !  'twas  a  ravishing  spot,  form'd  for  a  poet's  dwelling. 

And  I  did  leave  thy  loveliness,  to  stand 

Again  in  the  dull  world  of  earthly  blindness; 
Pain'd  with  the  pressure  of  unfriendly  hands, 

Sick  of  smooth  looks,  agued  with  icy  kindness ; 
Left  I  for  this  thy  shades,  where  none  intrude. 
To  prison  wandering  thought  and  mar  sweet  solitude. 

Yet  I  will  look  upon  thy  face  again 

My  own  romantic  Bronx,  aud  it  will  be 
A  face  more  pleasant  than  the  face  of  men. 

Thy  waves  are  old  companions,  I  shall  see 
A  well  remembered  form  in  each  old  tree, 
And  hear  a  voice  long  loved  in  thy  wild  minstrelsy. 

Vol.  IL  35 


874  HISTORY  OF  THE 

The  burial  place  of  the  Hant  family,  is  located  near  the  en- 
trance of  the  point.  The  following  inscriptions  are  copied  from 
two  of  the  monuments  in  this  yard  :  in  memory  of  Thomas  Hunt, 
who  departed  this  life,  July  4(h,  1808,  in  the  80th  year  of  his 
age.  He  possessed  the  cardinal  virtues  in  an  eminent  degree ;  he 
was  temperate,  brave,  patient  and  just : 

The  solid  rock  shall  sink  beneath 
The  iron  hand  of  time, 
But  yirtne  dwells  with 
Immortality. 

The  other  is 

Sacred 

to  the  memory 

of 
Joseph  Rodman  Drake,  M.  D. 

who  died  September  2 Ist, 

18S5. 

aged  25  years. 

Fifz  Greene  Halleck's  pathetic  lines  on  the  death  of  his  com- 
panion, will  not  be  considered  inappropriate  here,  especially  as 
the  last  two  of  the  first  stanza  are  engraved  upon  this  tomb- 
stone. 

Green  be  the  turf  aboTe  Ihee, 
Friend  of  my  better  days ! 
None  knew  thee  but  to  Ioto  thee, 
Nor  named  thee  but  to  praise. 

Tears  fell  when  then  wert  dying, 
From  eyes  unused  to  weep. 
And  long,  where  thou  art  lying, 
Will  tears  the  cold  turf  steep. 

When  hearts  whose  truth  was  proren, 
Like  thine,  are  laid  in  earth, 
There  should  a  wreath  be  woTcn 
To  tell  the  world  their  worth. 


1 


l' 


V 


To  lkc<  |W(o  STj,  *ol  u. 


Arnu. — Ai  on  a  b«nd 


1.  John  LuBMl.pfJ 


Qmlotl         JojDo 


Thom«»i  nml.=l  Mnry  It»h|hl,  ob.  Jnlui  U=      EbfDB-=  S  *    S   a    *■ 

t'.iS,  nh.       I        Otl   10,   iai5  I  ici      I  ESS"" 


f  1 1 


einiDCl—ElliialMlli  JoKpti^Elizi 


WJUUinll.c>r=,ll 


ff  S   s   gajs 


hit  il 


.III 

Louln 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  276 

And  1,  who  wake  each  morrow 
To  clasp  thy  hand  in  mine, 
Who  shared  thy  joy  and  sorrow, 
Whose  weal  and  wo  were  thine, — 

It  should  be  mine  to  braid  it 
Around  thy  faded  brow  ; 
But  Ftc  in  vain  essayed  it, 
A  nd  feel  I  cannot  now, 

While  memory  bids  me  weep  thee. 
Nor  thoughts  nor  words  are  free, 
The  grief  is  fixed  too  deeply 
That  mourns  a   man  like  thee« 

Upon  Waddington  pointy  the  south-west  projection  of  the 
Planiing  necky  is  situated  Blythe  place,  the  estate  of  Francis 
Barretto,  Esq.  The  house  is  a  handsome  edifice  of  stone.  The 
grounds  are  richly  wooded,  and  the  views  of  the  river  extensive, 
and  singularly  beautiful.  Mr.  Barretto  for  many  years  repre- 
sented this  county  in  assembly.  In  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
Blythe  place,  and  near  the  public  landing,  stands  the  residence^ 
of  the  late  Thomas  Leggett,  (now  occupied  by  his  widow)  whose 
ancestors  have  been  resident  proprietors  of  the  great  planting 
neck,  since  the  year  1690,  if  not  before. 

The  Legg;ett  family  were  formerly  seated  in  Essex  county 
England,  and  probably  descend  from  Helmingius  Legat,  high 
sheriff  of  that  county,  in  1404.  As  early  as  1661,  Gabriel  Leg- 
gett  emigrated  to  this  country,  and  in  right  of  his  wife.  Elizabeth 
Richardson,  daughter  and  co-heiress  of  John  Richardson,  (one  of 
the  joint  patentees)  became  possessed  of  a  large  portion  of  the 
neck.  By  his  last  will,  dated  16th  of  April,  1697,  Gabriel  Leg- 
gett  of  the  West  Farms,  bequeathed  '^  to  his  wife  Elizabeth,  all  his 
household  goods  &c.  &c ;  to  his  son  John,  all  his  house  and  out- 
houses, orchard,  land  and  the  meadows  in  the  Planting  neck^ 
and  the  meadow,  &c.,  also  that  messuage  and  tenement  which 
Thomas  Williams  dwells  upon,  and  was  formerly  my  father-in- 
law's,  John  Richardson,  his  now  dwelling  house,  and  orchard 


»  This  home  ooenpied  the  lito  mt  the  old  Legi^tt  homeeteMl 


276  HISTORY  OP  THE 

and  out  houses  with  the  land  and  meadow  which  I  bonght  of 
John  Ferguson,  sen.  and  Robert  Manning,  together  with  60  acres 
of  wood  land,  lyinsr  within  the  bounds  of  the  patent  of  West 
Farms,  &c.  "I  say  to  my  fou  Thomas,"  to  his  son  William 
100  acres  of  woodland,  and  five  acres  of  meadow,  lying  behind 
the  field,  within  the  bounds  of  the  patents  of  West  Farms,  together 
with  all  the  undivided  meadow,  as  also  my  house  and  house  lot, 
with  an  orchard  thereon,  lying  in  the  town  of  Westchester.  To 
his  daughter  Martha,  he  bequeathed  his  little  colored  boy,  to  his 
daughters  Mary,  Sarah,  Alice  and  bllizabeth,  twenty  pounds 
each."*  John  Leggett,  the  eldt^st  son  of  the  above  testator,  was 
the  great  grandfather  of  the  late  Thomas  Leggctt.  The  follow- 
ing incidents  are  related  of  Mr.  Leggctt,  whose  activity,  energy 
and  fearlessness  of  character  are  well  known. 

While  a  youth,  at  the  commencement  of  the  revolutionary 
war,  he  was  h'ving  with  his  father  on  the  farm  adjoining  Morris- 
ania.  All  he  possessed  at  this  time  was  a  very  fine  young  mare, 
the  gift  of  his  parent.  Prior  to  Colonel  De  Lancey^s  taking  posses- 
sion of  his  father's  house,  a  party  of  British  refugees  took,  with 
other  property,  his  favorite  animal,  whilst  he,  being  unarmed, 
could  only  bluster  and  threaten.  He  refused,  however,  to  leave 
them,  and  actually  accompanied  the  robbers  two  miles  on  their 
route  to  head-quarters.  As  the  party  were  passing  the  spot  which 
now  makes  the  southern  entrance  to  West  Farms,  two  continen- 
tal soldiers  rose  up  from  behind  a  stone  wall  and  fired.  The  man 
leading  the  mare  was  shot,  and  fell ;  the  mare  turned  round  and 
ran  homewards,  to  the  great  delight  of  the  owner,  who  immedi- 
ately followed.  Soon  after  this  event  the  family,  driven  from 
home,  were  compelled  to  seek  shelter  elsewhere.  Mr.  Leggett  and 
his  two  brothers  went  to  Saratoga ;  here  they  cleared  a  small  piece 
of  land,  erected  a  log  house,  and  prepared  to  spend  the  winter. 
But  on  the  approach  of  Burgoyne,  they  were  taken  prisoners  by 
the  Indian  allies.  His  two  brothers  were  carried  to  Fort  Ed- 
ward by  the  Indians,  whilst  he  himself  was  conveyed  to  Bur- 
goyne's  camp.    Here  he  fell  in  with  a  neighbor  named  Concklin, 


Surrogate's  Office,  N.  Y.  lib.  ii.  24. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  277 

who,  ftfter  a  fortnight's  detention,  forged  a  pass  for  both.  By  this 
means  the  sentinels  were  deceived.  Our  heroes  swam  the  North 
river,  (it  was  the  early  part  of  October,)  and  ran  all  that  night. 
The  next  day  they  concealed  themselves  in  the  woods,  and  the  fol- 
lowing night  kept  on  their  way,  avoiding  all  habitations  of  note. 
Not  knowing  the  state  of  parlies  in  the  country,  they  skulked 
from  one  place  to  another  until  they  reached  Dutchess  county, 
where  Concklin  was  known.  Here  they  rested  themselves  and 
obtained  food.  Soon  after  the  treaty  of  peace,  Mr.  Leggetl  re- 
moved to  New  York,  tie  died  October  lOih,  1843.  His  chil- 
dren were  Samuel,  Joseph,  William  H.  and  Thomas,  besides  sev- 
eral daughters. 

Opposite  the  residence  of  Edward  G.  Faile,  Esq.,  on  this  neck, 
a  rural  lane  leads  southwest  to  Morrisauia.  It  is  called  La  Fay- 
ette's Lane,  to  commemorate  the  journey  of  that  general,  who 
passed  through  it  on  his  way  to  Boston. 

On  the  west  side  of  the  Planting  Neck  lies  the  dehateahle  ter- 
ritory already  alluded  to. 

In  1740,  Lewis  Morris  and  Isabella,  his  wife,  conveyed  to 
James  Graham,  as  a  marriage  portion  with  their  daughter  Ara- 
bella, 

'*  All  that  certain  tract  of  land  being  (>art  of  the  manor  of  Morrisania,  sita- 
ate,  lying  and  being  in  the  coantj  of  Westchester,  in  the  province  of  New 
York  aforesaid,  beginning  at  the  mouth  of  a  small  brook  or  run  of  water  com- 
monly called  or  known  by  the  name  of  Wigwam  Brook,  but  by  some  falsely 
called  Sackwrahung,  it  being  the  first  brook  to  the  westward  of  an  isthmus  or 
neck  of  land  known  by  the  name  of  JeaffertTs  Neck,  and  from  the  mouth  of 
the  said  brook,  where  it  falls  into  the  salt  water,  running  as  the  said  brook 
runs  to  the  head  thereof,  which  being  measured  in  a  straight  line  north  eight 
degrees  thirty  minutes  more  easterly,  is  forty  and  three  chains  running  east, 
thirty-four  degrees  northerly  to  Bound  Brook  ;  thence  down  the  said  Hound 
Brook,  as  it  runs  to  the  mouth  thereof,  where  it  falls  in  a  salt  water  creek  that 
runs  by  the  house  of  Gabriel  Leggett ;  then  along  the  said  creek  as  it  runs 
into  the  Sound  to  the  eastward  of  the  said  Jeafferd*s  Neck ;  then  along  the 
Sound  to  the  mouth  of  a  salt  creek  that  runs  up  to  Wigwam  Brook ;  thence 
along  up  the  said  salt  creek  as  it  runs  tu  the  mouth  of  Wigwam  Brook,  whence 
it  first  began,  including  the  said  Jeafferd^s  Neck,  with  the  hammock,  meadows 
and  marshes  thereunto  adjoining  and  belonging,  being  bounded  to  the  west- 
ward by  the  said  Wigwam  Brook  and  the  salt  creek  before  mentioned  that 


STB  HISTORY  OP  THE 

ruM  up  to  it  to  the  northwaid,  partly  by  the  lands  of  MorrUania  aod  the  aalt 
ereek  that  runs  by  the  house  of  the  said  Jjegget  to  the  eastward,  partly  by  the 
said  Bound  Creek,  and  partly  the  salt  oreek  aforesaid  that  mns  by  the  honae  of 
heigeti,  and  to  the  southward  by  the  Sound  that  divides  Long  Island,  or  the 
Iriand  of  Nassau,  from  Connecticut,  Sic. :  the  grantee  paying  therefore  yearly, 
on  the  25th  of  March,  six  ears  of  Jndian  com,  &c,^ 

^  From  Austin  Graham  this  property  passed  to  the  Leggetts, 
who  have  sold  various  portions  to  Mr.  Dater,  Mr.  Etennison  and 
others. 

Rose  Bank,  the  charming  seat  of  Mr.  William  H.  L^fgett, 
Is  situated  near  the  entrance  of  Jtfferdis  Neck,  on  the  banks  of 
the  East  River,  the  waters  of  which  appear  spread  out  into  a  vast 
lake. 

The  view  in  front  of  the  house  embraces  Riker's  Island,  the  Two 
Brothers,  (called  in  the  Dutch  *'  Gesellen,^^)  the  entrance  of  the 
Gate,  and  the  distant  shores  of  New  York  city,  &c.  In  the  Gra- 
ham mansion,  which  formerly  stood  on  the  site  of  Mr.  Leggett's 
farm  house,  Major  Bearmore,  a  British  officer,  was  surprised  by 
Colonel  Armaud,*  of  the  French  cavalry.     "November  7th, 


*  The  last  whose  name  I  recollect,  (says  the  Marquis  De  Chastellaz,^  is  Colonel 
Armand — ^that  is,  M.  de  la  Rouerie,  nephew  of  M.  de  la  Belinage.  He  was  as  cele- 
brated in  France  for  his  passion  for  Mademoiselle  B ,  as  he  is  in  America  for  his 

courage  and  capacity.  His  family,  having  compelled  him  to  abandon  an  attach- 
ment, the  consequences  of  which  they  dreaded,  he  buried  himself  in  a  celebrated 
and  profound  retirement ;  (the  monastery  of  La  Trappe  ;)  but  he  soon  quitted  it  for 
America,  where  he  devoted  himself  to  a  more  glorious  abstinence,  and  to  more  me- 
ritorious mortifications.  His  character  is  gay,  his  wit  agreeable ;  and  nobody  would 
with  to  see  him  make  the  vow  of  silence.  M.  Le  Marquis  de  la  Rouerie  was  then 
very  young :  his  subsequent  conduct  has  proved  that  nature,  in  giving  him  a  sos- 
ceptible  and  impassioned  mind,  has  not  made  him  a  present  likely  to  be  always  fatal 
to  him  :  glory  and  honor  have  employed  all  its  activity ;  and  it  is  an  observation 
which  merits  to  be  consigned  in  history,  as  well  as  in  this  journal,  that  carrying 
with  him,  as  he  did  to  America,  all  the  heroic  courage  and  romantic  notions  of  chi- 
Talry  of  the  ancient  French  noblesse,  he  could  so  well  conform  to  republican  man- 
ners, that,  far  from  availing  himself  of  his  birth,  he  would  only  ni&ke  himself 
known  by  bis  Christian  name.  Hence  he  was  always  called  Colonel  Armand.  He 
commanded  a  legion  which  was  destroyed  in  Carolina,  at  the  battle  of  Camden, 
and  in  the  remainder  of  that  unfortunate  campaign.  In  1781  he  went  to  France, 
purchased  everything  necessary  for  arming  and  equipping  a  new  legion,  and  on  hia 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  J79 

1779,  (says  General  Heath,)  at  night,  Colonel  Armand  proceeded 
with  his  corps  from  near  Tarrytown  to  the  vicinity  of  Morris- 
ania,  to  the  house  of  Alderman  Leggett,  where  he  surprised  and 
took  Major  Bearmore  and  five  others  prisoners.  The  secresy^ 
precaution,  gallantry  and  discipline  exhibited  by  the  colonel  and 
his  corps  on  this  occasion  did  them  much  honor.  In  the  capture 
of  Major  Bearmore,  the  inhabitants  of  the  adjacent  country  were 
relieved  from  the  frequent  excursions  of  a  troublesome  officer."* 
The  destruction  of  the  old  house  took  place  under  the  following 
circumstances.  Col.  Fowler,  of  the  British  army,  who  had  dis- 
possessed the  Graham  family,  and  made  it  his  own  quarters,  invi- 
ted all  the  officers  and  gentry  in  the  neighborhood  to  dine  with 
him,  preparatory  to  his  change  of  quarters.  The  company  were 
assembled,  and  all  seemed  gay  and  happy.  The  more  youthful 
of  both  sexes  were  wandering  about  the  lawn,  enjoying  the 
beauty  of  the  prospect,  when  a  servant  (one  of  Mr.  Graham's 
slaves)  announced  the  important  fact,  '^Dinner  is  on  the  table.*' 
All  turned  their  faces  to  the  banqueting  room,  but  before  any  one 
entered  the  door,  there  was  a  cry  of  fire  heard.  Col.  Fowler 
seemed  to  think  the  dinner  was  more  important  than  the  build- 
ing :  he  ordered  everything  removed  from  the  table,  the  gentle- 
men assisting,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  table  and  contents  were 
removed  to  the  shade  of  a  large  willow,  where  all  seated  them- 
selves, and  appeared  to  enjoy  the  meal  and  the  burning.  The 
house  was  utterly  consumed,  with  the  contents,  before  the  com- 
pany separated.  No  effort  was  made  to  save  an  article  not  re- 
quired for  the  better  enjoyment  of  their  meal.  The  same  even- 
ing Colonel  Fowler  conducted  a  marauding  party  into  the  vicin- 
ity of  Eastchester,  where  he  was  attacked  and  fell  mortally 
wounded.  Being  brought  back  to  the  house  of  Cornelius  van 
Ranc,  overseer  of  Mr.  Graham's  farm,  he  expired  that  night. 


return  to  America  he  adyaneed  the  eoet  of  them  to  Congrese.    Before  the  peace« 
he  was  adyanced  to  the  rank  of  Brigadier-General — TruvtU  in  North  Ainerit^, 
by  Morquio  de  CkatteUux,  page  90-1. 
b  Heath's  Mem.  223. 


280  HISTORY  OF  THE 

In  1791  the  Manor  of  Morrisania  was  annexed  to  the  ancient 
borough  town  of  Westchester  by  an  act  of  the  legislature,*  and  ao 
continued  until  1846,  when  it  was  added  to  the  present  township. 
Its  name  is  derived  from  the  Morris  family,  the  first  mesne  Lords 
and  patentees  under  the  crown,  the  termination  ^^ania^^  being  in 
general  use  in  the  latter  part  of  the  seventeenth  century.    At  ti.e 
period  of  the  Dutch  discovery,  it  was  styled  by  the  aborigines 
Ranachque,  or  Raraque,  an  appellation  which  doubtless  refers  to 
some  object  peculiar  to  its  geographical  locality.    The  Indians 
appear  to  have  resided  principally  on  the  shores  of  the  East  and 
Haarlem  River.    Of  this,  the  extensive  ''shell  beds,"  which  are 
still  to  be  seen,  afford  conclusive  evidence.    Within  a  few  years 
several  Indian  tumuli  have  been  accidentally  opened  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  Governeur  Morris's  residence,  and  found  to  contain  large 
sized  skeletons  of  the  aborio^ines.    The  first  grantee  under  the 
sachemf  of  Ranachque  was  Jotias  Bronck,  in  1639,^  who  subse- 
quently obtained  a  ''  grond  brief  from  the  Dutch  authorities.    In 
1639  we  find  the  patroon  of  Broncl^s  land  leasing  a  portion  of  his 
territory  in  the  following  manner :  '^  Appeared  before  me,  Corne- 
lius van  Tienhoven,  secretary  in  New  Netherland,  in  presence  of 
the  undersigned  witnesses — Mr.  Jonas  Bronck  from  one  side,  and 
Peter  Andriessen  and  Lourent  Dayts  from  the  other,  who  agreed 
together  amicably  in  the  following  manner:  said  Mr.  Bronck 
shall  show  to  the  persons  aforesaid  a  certain  lot  of  land,  of  which 
he  is  proprietor,  and  which  is  situated  opposite  the  river  and  the 
plain  of  Manhattan  ;  in  which  lot  aforesaid  they  may  cultivate 
tobacco  and  maize,  upon  the  express  condition  that  they  shall 
clear  and  cultivate,  every  two  years,  a  fresh  spot  for  raising  their 
tobacco  and  maize,  and  then  the  spot  which  they  cultivated  be- 
fore shall  return  again  to  Mr.  Bronck  aforesaid,  to  dispose  of  ac- 
cording to  pleasure;  they  shall  be  further  obliged  to  return  the 
field  that  they  again  surrender,  that  it  is  in  proper  order  to  be 
ploughed,  and  sowed  with  grain  :  this  lot  of  ground  they  shall 


•  Entitled  an  act  to  annex  the  town  of  Morrisania  to  the  town  of  Wettcheatert 
paiaed  22d  of  February,  1791. 

k  See  Col.  Morria*t  confirmation  of  Bronck^s  porehaae. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  291 

have  (be  use  during  three  years,  for  which  Mr.  Bronck  shall 
have  no  other  claim  than  that  the  land  shall  have  been  cleared 
and  brought  in  a  proper  manner  of  culiivation  by  the  diligence 
of  Peter  Andriessen  and  Lourent  Dayts,  who  from  their  side 
shall  be  holden  to  accomplish  their  task.    21st  July,  1639. 

Maunt  Janssen,  Witness."* 

We  find  Jonas  Bronck  again  leasing  land  on  the  15th  of  Au- 
gust, 1639,  to  Cornelius  Jacobsen  Stoll  and  John  Jacobsen> 

Jonas  Bronck  must  have  died  sometime  prior  to  the  year  1643, 
for  we  find  his  widow  Antonia  Slaghboom,  at  that  date,  married 
to  Arendt  van  Curler.  His  descendants  are  said  to  be  still  nu- 
merous in  the  vicinity  of  Coxsackie,  Green  county,  and  Coey- 
tnans,  Albany  county,  N.  Y. 

By  the  marriage  of  Antonia  Slaghboom,  Bronck's  land  passed 
into  the  Van  Curler  family.  In  a  letter  to  the  patroon  Van  Rens- 
selaer, dated  "  The  Manhattans,  this  16lh  of  June,  1643,"  Van 
Curler  says,  "  I  am  at  present  betrothed  to  the  widow  of  the  late 
Mr.  Jonas  Bronck.  May  the  good  God  vouchsafe  to  bless  me  in 
my  undertaking,  and  please  to  grant  that  it  might  conduce  to  his 
honor  and  to  our  mutual  salvation.    Amen."<^ 

On  the  30th  of  October,  1644,  Van  Curler  obtained  a"  grond  brief* 
for  Broncks'  land  from  William  Kieft,  director  general.  I  cannot 
forbear  quoting  an  interesting  sketch  of  this  distinguished  indi« 
vidual  by  E.  B.  O'Callaghan,  historian  of  the  New  Netherlands. 
^'Arendt  van  Curler  was  one  of  those  characters  who  deserve 
to  live  in  history.  His  influence  among  the  Indians  was  unlim- 
ited, and  in  honor  of  his  memory  these  tribes  addressed  all  suc- 
ceeding governors  of  New  York  by  the  name  of  "  Corlear."  He 
possessed  feelings  of  the  purest  humanity  and  actively  exerted 
his  influence  in  rescuing  from  the  savages  such  Christians  as 
had  the  misfortune  to  fall  into  their  Iiands,  of  whose  danger  he 
might  receive  timely  notice.  On  his  marriage  with  Antonia 
Slaghboom,  the  widow  of  Jonas  Bronck,  he  visited  Holland,  and 
on  his  return  moved  to  the  Flatts  above  Albany  where  he  had  a 


«  Alb.  Reo.  b  Alb.  Rec. 

e  O'Callaghan't  Hiit.  N.  Y.  464. 

Vol.  11.  36 


288  HISTORY  OF  THE 

farm.  He  wps  proprietor  of  a  brewery  in  Bererwyck,  in  1661. 
Being  a  cousin  of  the  Van  Rensselaers  he  had  considerable 
influence  in  the  colony,  where  he  was  a  magistrate  to  the  time 
of  his  decease.  Ho  was  one  of  the  leaders  in  the  settlement  of 
Schenectady  in  1661-2,  iind  in  the  surrender  of  New  Nether- 
lands was  especinlly  sent  for  by  Governor  Nicoli  to  be  consulted 
on  Indian  afiairs  and  the  interests  of  the  country  generally. 

He  was  highly  respected  by  the  governors  of  Canada,  and  the 
regard  entertained  for  him  by  Monsieur  de  Tracy,  viceroy  of 
that  country,  will  be  best  judged  of  by  the  following  extract  of  a 
letter  which  that  high  personage  addressed  him,  dated  Quebec, 
30th  April,  1667. 

''  'If  you  find  it  agreeable  to  come  hither  this  summer,  as  you 
have  caused  me  to  hope,  you  will  be  most  welcome,  and  enter- 
tained  to  the  utmost  of  my  ability,  as  I  have  great  esteem  for 
you,  though  i  have  not  a  personal  acquaintance  with  you.  Believe 
this  truth,  and  that  I  am,  sir,  your  affectionate  and  assured 
servant. 

« '  Tracy.* 

"  Having  accepted  this  invitation,  Mr.  van  Curler  prepared  for 
his  journey.  Gov.  Nicoli  furnished  him  with  a  letter  to  the 
viceroy.  It  bears  date  May  20th,  1667,  and  stales  that  'Mons'r 
Curler  hath  been  importuned  by  divers  of  his  friends  at  duebec 
to  give  them  a  visit,  and  being  ambitious  to  kiss  your  hands  he 
hath  entreated  my  pass  and  liberty  to  conduct  a  young  gentle- 
man, Mr.  Fontaine,  who  unfortunately  fell  into  the  barbarous 
hands  of  his  enemies,  and  by  means  of  Mons'r  Curler  obtained 
his  liberty.'  On  the  4th  July  following,  Jeremias  van  Rensselaer 
writing  to  Holland,  announces  that '  our  cousin  Arendt  van  Cur- 
ler proceeds  overland  to  Canada,  having  obtained  leave  from  our 
general,  and  been  invited  thither  by  the  viceroy,  M.  de  Tracy. 
In  an  evil  hour  he  embarked  on  board  a  frail  canoe  to  cross  Lake 
Champlain,  and  having  been  overtaken  by  a  storm  was  drowned, 
I  believe,  near  Split  Rock.  In  his  death  this  country  experi- 
enced a  public  loss,  and  the  French  of  Canada  a  warm  and 
efficient  friend.'  '*» 


•  O'Callaghan't  Hut.  N.  N.  332,  3. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  283 

Upon  the  15th  of  January,  A.  D.  1676,  the  following  letters  of 
administration  were  granted  unto  Mr.  Wiiliam  Beeckman  of  the 
estate  of  Juffrou^  Slaghboom. 

"  Edmund  Andross,  Esq,,  ^t. 

**  Whereas  Juffrou  Antonia  Slaghboom,  the  widow  and  relict 
of  Monsieur  Aren  it  van  Curler,  late  of  Schanecktade  near  Albany, 
is  lately  dead,  and  in  her  last  will  and  testament  did  nominate 
and  appoint  William  Beeckman,  sen.,  of  this  city  to  be  her  exe- 
cutor, and  the  said  William  Beeckman  having  made  application 
unto  me  for  letters  of  administration  upon  the  estate  of  the 
deceased  f^  &c.,  &c. 

On  the  10th  of  July,  1651,  sixteen  years  prior  to  his  death, 
Arendt  van  Corlear,  transported  Broncks^  land  to  Jacob  van 
Stoll,  from  whom  it  passed  through  several  proprietors  to  Her- 
man Smeeman. 

22d  of  Oct.  1664.  "  Herman  Smeeman  of  Comoonepan  on 
the  maine,  sold  to  Samuel  Edsall  all  that  certain  tract  of  land 
situated  on  the  East  river  through  Hell-gate,  comn^only  called 
Broncks'  land,  containing  500  acres."  This  sale  was  confirmed 
to  Edsall  by  royal  pntent  the  saiie  yean 

NICOLLS'  PATENT  FOR  BRONCK'S  LAND. 

Richard  NieoHs,  Esq.,  governor  g^eneral  under  bis  royal  highness,  Jaaesy 
Duke  of  York  and  Albany,  of  all  his  territories  in  America,  To  all  to  wh(im 
these  presents  shall  come,  sendeth  greeting.  Whereas  there  was  a  patent  ojr 
ground  brief  heretofore  granted  by  the  Dutch  Gov.  Wiirm  KieA,  unto 
Areni  van  Curler  for  a  certaine  tract  or  parcel  of  land  forroerjy  in  the  te90K;e 
or  occupation  of  Jonas  Broncks,  commonly  called  by  the  Indians  by  the  name 
of  Ranachque^  and  by  the  English  Broncks  land^  lying  and  being  on  the  main« 
to  the  east  and  over  against  Harlem  town,  having  a  certain  small  creek  «r 
kill  which  runs  between  the  north-west  part  of  it  and  LiUle  Barnes  Mand^ 
near  Hell-gate,  and  so  goes  into  the  East  river  and  a  greater  creek  or  river 
which  divides  it  from  Manhattoes  Islands,  containing  about  500  acres  or  %&0 
margon  of  land,  and  including  all  the  push  thereunto  annexed  or  adjoiojng, 
which  said  patent  or  ground  brief  so  granted  as  aforesaid,  bearing  date  th« 


«  A  title  of  dtstinetion  for  a  lady  among  the  Dutch, 
b  Surrogate's  Office,  N.  Y.  2(fl. 


284  HISTORY  OP  THE 

20th  day  of  October^  1644,  was  by  the  said  Arent  van  Curler ^  upon  the  10th 
day  of  July,  1651,  transported  and  made  over  unto  Jacob  Jans  StoUt^nd  upon 
the  19th  day  of  December,  1663,  conveyed  by  Matthews  de  Vos,  as  atloniey 
of  Geertrtiyt  AndrieSy  the  widow  of  the  said  Jacob  Jansen  Sfoll,  onto  Geer^^ 
trieu  Hendricks  formerly  the  widow  of  Andries  Hoppen,  and  by  her  upon  the 
same  day,  (with  the  approbation  and  consent  of  Dirck  Girrits  Tan  Tright, 
then  her  husband,)  made  over  to  Harman  Smeeroan,  who,  upon  the  22d  day 
of  October,  1664,  sold  and  conveyed  the  same  for  a  valuable  consideration 
unto  Samuel  Edsall,  late  of  this  city,  beaver  maker,  now  for  a  confimmtioB 
unto  him,  the  said  Samuel  Edsall,  in  his  possession  and  enjoyment  of  the 
premises.  Know  ye  that  by  virtue  of  the  commission  and  authority  uoto  me 
given  by  his  royal  highness,  I  have  ratified,  confirmed,  and  granted  onto  the 
said  Samuel  Edsall,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  all  the  aforesaid  parcel  of  land 
and  premises,  with  all  the  soil,  woods,  pastures,  meadow  ground,  marshes, 
commonage,  creeks,  waters,  lakes,  fishing,  hawking,  hunting  and  fowling, 
within  the  limits  before  set  furth,  described,  and  all  other  profits,  commodities 
and  emoluments  to  the  said  parcel  or  part  of  land  belonging  or  in  anywise 
appertaining,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  said  parcel  or  part  of  land  and  premises 
unto  the  said  Samuel  Edsall, his  heirs  and  assignees,  unto  the  proper  use  and 
behoof  of  the  said  Samuel  Edsall,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  forever,  rendering 
and  paying  such  duties  and  acknowledgments  as  now  are  or  hereafter  shall 
be  constituted  and  established  by  the  laws  of  this  government,  under  the  obe- 
dience of  his  royal  highness,  his  heirs  and  successors.  Given  under  my 
band  and  seal  at  Fort  James  in  New  York,  on  the  island  of  Manhattoes,  the 
day  of  in  the  20th  year  of  bis  majestie^s  reign.  Anno  Domini  166  . 

Richard  Nicolls. 

The  next  possessor  of  Bronchus  land  was  Captain  Richard 
Morris,  who  must  have  purchased  of  Edsall,  cir.  1670.  Mr. 
Sparks  says :  **  That  there  was  a  contract,  dated  the  lOlh  of  Au- 
gust, 1670,  in  which  Richard  is  styled  a  merchant  in  New  York, 
and  Lewis,  his  brother,  a  merchant  in  Barbadoes.'^  "  It  follows," 
(remarks  Dunlap,)  "  that  Richard  was  in  Barbadoes  in  1070,  and 
contracted  to  come  on  to  New  York  to  purchase  this  grant  of 
Morrisania  for  himself  and  brother,  Lewis,  who  was  to  follow 
and  settle  on  it ;  but  that  he  did  not  come  until  the  p)eace  of 
1G74,  when  he  found  the  son  of  his  brother  an  orphan,  took  him 
under  his  protection,  and  built  at  Morrisania."^ 


•  Articles  of  ajiproement  were  entered  into  between  the  two  brothersi  that  if  either 
of  them  died  without  iMue,  the  survivor,  or  inue  of  the  survivor,  if  any,  should 
take  the  estat**. 

k»  Punlap's  Hist,  of  N.  Y.  vol  i.  272. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCilESTER.  ^    286 

The  Morris  family  are  originally  of  Welch  origin,  and  '^  lineal- 
ly descend  from  Elystan  Glodrydd,  a  powerful  British  chief- 
tain, born  in  933,  who  derived  his  name,  Elystan,  (or  Athel- 
stan,)  from  the  Saxon  king,  Athelstan,  who  was  his  godfather. 
The  appellation  of  Glodrydd,  or  the  Illustrious,  was  bestowed 
upon  him,  indicative  of  his  personal  deeds,  as  well  as  of  his  rank 
and  extensive  possessions,  which  comprised  nearly  all  the  lands 
between  the  Severn  and  the  Wye.      He  died  in  the  early  part  of 
the  eleventh  century,  leaving  by  Gwladys,  daughter  of  Rhun  ap 
Ednowain,  Prince  of  TegengI,  a  son,  Cadwgan  ap  Elystan, 
Lord  of  Builth  and  Radnor,  who  married  Margaret,  daughter  of 
Brockwel  ap  Acddan,  of  Powys.      Sixteenth  in  descent  from 
Cadwgan  was  {for  intervening  descent^  see  Barkers  History  of 
the  Landed  Gentry  q^England^  vol.  iii.  p.  233)  Morys^  ap  Mor- 
GAN.'^i^    About  the  middle  of  the  fifteenth  century,  a  branch  set- 
tled in  Monmouthshire,  and  became  possessed  of  large  estates 
there,  at  Tintern,  Denham,  Ponterry,  &c.    It  was  represented  in 
1635  by  three  brothers,  viz.  Lewis,  William  and  Richard  Morris. 
Lewis,  who  inherited  the  paternal  estate  of  Tintern,  raised  a  troop 
of  horse  in  support  of  the  Parliament,  for  which  Charles  the  First 
confiscated  his  estates  in  Monmouthshire.      In  return  for  his 
losses,  Oliver  Cromwell  subsequently  indemnified  him.     At  the 
attack  upon  Chepstow  Castle,  which  was  defended  by  Sir  Nicholas 
Kemish,  the  king's  general,  Lewis  Morris  was  the  second  in 
command.    After  an  obstinate  resistance,  the  garrison  was  reduc- 
ed by  cutting  ofi'the  supply  of  water  which  ran  through  the  es- 
tate of  Pearcefield,  then  owned  by  Col.  Morris'  son-in-law,  John 
Walters,  and  setting  fire  to  the  castle.     From  this  circumstance, 
the  family  assumed  as  their  crest  a  castle  in  flames,  with  the  fol- 
lowing motto,  <^  tandem  vincitur" — at  length  he  is  conquered. 


•  This  name,  originally  apelt  Mawr-rwyee  or  Mawr-rhys,  was  changed  into  Maa- 
rice,  Morrice  and  Morrta.  "  Man,  Mayon,  WaUie^,  '  Mawr-rwyce/  and  Angliee  ; 
'  warlike,  powerful,'  ia  a  title  applied  to  aaeh  of  the  ancient  chieaaina  aa  were  pra- 
eminent  for  yalor,  whose  nnmeroas  deecendants  account  for  the  present  freqneney 
of  the  name  in  Wales.  To  this  one  of  the  mottoes  borne  by  the  family  of  Morris 
seems  to  have  reference,  'Marie  et  mart  faventibui,* " — Burke's  History  of  tha 
Landed  Gentry. 

b  Burke's  History  of  the  Landed  Gentry,  vol.  iv.  488. 


286      •  HISTORY  OP  THE 

In  1654,  he  was  despatched  by  Cromwell  to  the  Spanish  West 
Indies,  with  orders  to  make  himself  master  of  those  seas.  In 
this  undertaking  he  was  aided  by  his  nephew,  Captaui  John  Mor- 
ris, who  had  been  long  settled  on  the  Island  of  Barbadoes. 
While  on  this  service,  Captain  Lewis  Morris  purchased  a  large 
estate  in  that  island.  When  the  Protector  sent  forces  to  attack 
Hispniola,  under  Admirals  Penn  and  Yenables,  he  forwarded  a 
vacant  rej^iment  and  a  colonePs  commission  to  him,  with  instruc- 
tions that  the  forces  were  to  land  as  directed  by  Colonel  Morris. 
The  failure  of  the  expedition  is  said  to  have  been  owing,  in  a 
great  measure,  to  a  non-compliance  with  his  directions.*  In  the 
attack  upon  the  Island  of  Jamaica,  Lewis  was  second  in  com- 
mand. On  ihe  restoration  of  King  Charles  the  Second,  Colonel 
Morris  deemed  it  prudent  not  to  return  to  England,  where  his  fa- 
mily had  played  so  bold  a  part.  In  1663,  he,  with  others,  pur- 
chased the  Island  of  St.  Lucia  of  Amiwatta  Baba,  chief  proprie- 
tor of  the  Carribee  Islands.  He  subsequently  emigrated  to  the 
province  of  New  York  in  1674. 

William  Morris,  who  had  for  his  portion  Denham,  also  joined 
the  Parliamentary  service,  and  took  an  active  part  against  the 
king,  when  (through  his  favorite,  the  Marquis  of  Worcester,)  he 
attempted  lo  enclose  Wendswood  chase,  Monmouthshire.  Upon 
the  defeat  of  the  popular  party,  William  determined  upon  a  sea 
voyage,  until  the  storm  should  have  blown  over.  He  was  lost 
at  sea.  His  son  John  received  a  captain's  commission  from  the 
Parliament  in  1651.  Like  his  father,  he  also  perished  at  sea  oft' 
Deal  Castle  in  1688.  His  body  was  found  under  the  walls  of  the 
castle,  and  buried  with  military  honors.  His  descendants  are 
still  numerous  in  the  Island  of  Barbadoes. 

Richard  Morris,  the  youngest  of  the  three,  held  a  captain's  com- 
mission in  his  brother's  regiment.  Upon  the  restoration,  he  re- 
tired to  the  Island  of  Barbadoes,  where  he  married  a  lady  of  large 
fortune,  by  the  name  of  Pole.  This  individual  was  the  first  pro- 
prietor of  Morrisania  in  1670.  The  following  letter  addressed  by 
the  secretary  of  the  colony  to  "  Colonel  Lewis  Morris,  at  the  Is- 


*  Admiral  Peon's  Journal,  in  possession  of  the  late  Thomas  PeoiL 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  287 

land  of  Barbadoes,"  establishes  the  death  of  Richard,  and  Sarah, 
his  wife. 

New  York,  29th  Oct.  1672. 
Worthy  Sir, — Since  my  reception  of  yours  by  Wm.  Shack- 
erly,  no  opportunity  of  conveyance  to  you  hath  presoiited  from 
hence  till  this  present.  Although  by  the  way  of  Boston,  I  sup- 
pose you  would  sooner  receive  the  sad  tidings  of  your  brother's 
decease,  in  whom  as  you  have  lost  an  only  brother  so  have  I  a 
dear  friend  ;  I  shall  not  insist  upon  many  particulars  relating 
thereto ;  our  general  letters  arriving  to  you  herewith  I  hope  suf- 
ficiently inform  you  ;  yet  I  cannot  but  reflect  upon  the  transitory 
condition  of  poor  mortals,  when  I  frequently  call  to  mind  in  how 
little  time  God  hath  been  pleased  to  break  a  family,  in  taking 
away  the  heads  thereof;  first,  a  virtuous  young  woman  in  the 
prime  of  life,  and  then  a  man  full  of  strength  and  vigor,  inured 
to  hardships,  of  whom  there  is  remaining  but  one  poor  blossom, 
of  whom  yet  there  may  be  great  hope  with  your  kind  friendship, 
for  it  is  a  lovely,  healthy  child,  and  was  well  at  Ha  tr"« ,  where 
it  is  at  nurse,  and  I  went  to  see  it  yesterday.  I  was  also  at  the 
plantation  on  the  other  side,  when  there  was  some  public  correc- 
tion of  two  or  three  negroes,  and  breaking  the  necks  of  a  mutiny 
among  the  white  men  by  Mr.  Gibbs,  and  through  his  vigilance  it 
is  now  in  good  order.  The  crime  of  the  negroes  is  reported  to 
be  so  natural  to  them,  which  was  both  stealing  and  receiving 
stolen  goods. 

Worthy  sir, 

Your  most  dutiful 

Humble  servant, 

Matthias  Nicoll. 
The  Governor  presents  you  his 
kind  respects  and  service. 

Col.  Lewis  Morris, 

At  the  Island  of  Barbadoes. 

"  Letters  of  administration  of  the  estate  of  Captain  Richard 
Morris,  brother  of  Colonel  Lewis  Morris,  were  granted  to  Mr. 
Matthew  Nicolls  Major,  Captain  Thomas  De  La  vail,  Mr.  Corue- 


288  HisrroRY  or  the 

lius  Steenvvyck,  Captain  John  Berry,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Gibbs, 
trustees,  in  1672."* 

"  Lewis  Morris,"  (continues  Mr.  Dunlap,)  "  tells  us  in  the  pre- 
amble to  his  will,  that  his  ^mother  died  when'  he  'was  about 
six  months  old,*  and  his  father  not  long  after,  in  New  York, 
where  he  was  left  an  orphan  entirely  in  the  hands  of  strangersi 
who  were  appointed  by  the  government  to  take  care  of  him."  He 
thus  lost  his  parents,  (who  were  prbbably  English,  avoiding  the 
restoration  of  kingly  government  in  that  country,)  when  Francis 
Lovelace  was  governor  of  New  York,  and  between  the  years  1667 
and  1673,  when  the  province  was  again  surrendered  to  the  Dutch, 
and  the  boy  '*  put  by  their  magistrates  into  the  hands  of  the  tnis- 
tees,  by  them  appointed  to  take  care  of  him,  and  of  what  effects 
their  soldiers  had  left  unplundered  ;  and  after  the  surrender  of 
New  York  to  the  English,"  by  the  peace  of  1674,  his  'Mmcle 
came  to  these  parts  of  America,  and  kindly  took  care  of  him,  un- 
til he  came  to  man's  estate."^ 

In  1676,  Lewis  Morris,  second  proprietor  of  Morrisania,  and 
brother  of  Richard,  obtained  the  following  letters  patent : 

GOVERNOR  ANDROS'S  PATENT  FOR  BRONCKS'  LAND. 

Edmund  Andros,  Esq.,  seigneor  of  Sausmarez,  lieut.  goT*r  genM  under  his 
royal  highness,  James,  Duke  of  York,  and  of  all  his  territories  io  America, 
to  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  with  greeting.  Whereas  Col. 
Lewis  Morris  of  the  island  of  Barbadoes  hath  long  enjoyed  and  by  patent 
stands  possest  of  a  certain  plantation  and  tract  of  land,  lying  and  being  upon 
the  maine,  over  against  the  town  of  Haerlem,  commonly  called  Broncks*  land^ 
the  same  containing  about  five  hundred  acres,  or  two  hundred  and  fifty  morgea 
of  land,  besides  the  meadow  thereunto  annexed  or  adjoining,  cotted  and 
bounded  as  in  the  original  Dutch  ground  brief  and  patent  of  confirmation  is 
sett  forth,  and  the  said  Col.  Morris  having  made  good  improvement  upon  the 
said  land,  and  there  lying  lands  adjacent  to  him  not  included  in  any  patent  or 
grants,  which  land  the  said  Col.  Morris  doth  desire  for  further  improTcment, 
this  said  land  and  addition  being  bounded  from  bis  own  house  over  against 
Haerlem,  running  up  Haerlem  river  to  Daniel  Turner's  land, and  so  aloag  his 
said  land  northward  to  John  Archers's  line,  and  from  thence  stretching  east 


•  Surrogate's  Office,  N.  Y.  lib.  i.  173. 
b  Dunlap't  Hilt.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  373. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTijpESTER,  289 

to  the  land  of  John  Richardson  and  Thomas  Hunt,  and  thence  alung  the  Sound 
about  southwest,  through  Bronck*s  kill,  to  the  said  Col.  Morris  his  house,  the 
additional  laud  containing  (according  to  the  survey  thereof,)  the  quantity  of 
fourteen  hundred,  and  the  whole,  one  thousand  nine  hundred  and  twenty 
acres.  Now  know  ye  that  by  virtue  of  the  commission  and  authority  unto 
me  given  by  his  royal  highness,  I  have  confirmed,  granted,  and  given,  and  do 
hereby  confirm,  give,  and  grant  unto  the  said  Col  Morris,  his  heirs  and  as- 
signees, the  afore  recited  land  before  possest  by  him,  and  the  additional  land 
herein  ezprest,  and  bounded  as  aforesaid,  together  with  the  woods  and  mea- 
dows, both  salt  and  fresh  waters  and  creeks  belonging  to  the^  said  land  and 
premises,  in  his  royal  highnesses  gift,  with  all  and  singular  the  appurtenances 
to  have  and  to  hold  these  said  lands  and  premises  unto  the  said  Col.  Lewis 
Morris,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  unto  the  proper  use  and  behoof  of  him  the 
said  Col.  Lewis  Morris,  his  heirs  and  assignees  forever.  He  continuing  in 
obedience  and  conforming  himself  according  to  the  laws  of  this  government 
and  yielding  and  paying  therefor  yearly  and  every  year  as  a  quitt  rent  to  his 
royal  highness  five  bushels  of  good  winter  wheat. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  sealed  with  the  seal  of  the  province  of  New  York, 
this  &re  and  twentieth  day  of  March  in  the  eighth  and  twentieth  year  of  his 
majesty's  reign.  Anno  Domini,  1676. 

Recorded  by  order  of  the  gov'r  the  Akdross. 

day  and  year  above  written. 

Matthias  NicollSi  Sec. 

A  confirmation  from  the  Indians  occurs  on  the  7th  of  Febru- 
ary, 1684. 

**  To  all  to  whom  this  present  writing  shall  come,  doth  witness,  that  ws 
Shahash,  Panazarah,  Wanaoapeen,  Kneed,  Taquamarke,  and  Awarasawist 
having  formerly  sold  unto  Jonas  Broncks  a  large  tract  of  land  lying  and  being 
between  ye  river  commonly  called  Broncks'  river  and  Harlem  kill,  and  more 
especially  that  tract  of  land  that  Colonel  Morris  stands  now  possest  of,  as  his 
draught  and  ground  brief  bearing  date  in  ye  year  1675,  excepting  forty  mor« 
gen«  of  land  that  we  sold  Daniel  Turner  ye  elder,  being  bounded  on  the  west 
side  with  Harlem  river,  the  aforesaid  Colonel  Morris  his  land,  being  bounded 
on  the  north  side  with  the  land  of  John  Archer,  beginning  at  Crabb  Island 
and  running  east  or  thereabouts  until  it  comes  to  ye  corner  tree  of  Richardson 
and  Hunt  and  so  down  to  ye  southward  according  to  ye  marked  line  until  it 
come  to  ye  bound  brook  between  ye  said  Colonel  Morris  and  ye  said  Richard- 
son and  Hunt,  and  from  thence  along  ye  creek  to  ye  Sound  or  East  river 
until  yon  come  to  Daniel  Turner's  land,  that's  above  mentioned,  including  the 
purchase  of  ye  said  Colonel  Morris,  that  point  of  land  called  Nauasin,  whers 


*  A  Dutch  morgen  messurt d  a  little  less  than  two  acres  English. 

Vol.  IL  37 


290  HISTORY  OF  THE 

formerly  lived  a  Frenchman  named  Marcns  Dosaisway,  all  which  ptreel  or 
tract  of  land  we  do  for  ooraelvea,  our  heirs,  execotora,  admiDiatratora,  uai 
aaaigneea,  fully  and  wholly  acquit  and  discharge  for  ever  ye  said  Ccdooel 
Morris,  his  heyres,  executors,  and  administrators,  of  all  and  every  part  aod 
parcel  of  ye  residue  of  ye  money  that  should  have  been  paid  by  ye  aforesaid 
Brancks  for  the  purchase  of  ye  said  land,  declaring  to  the  world  that  we  ae-* 
knowledge  for  oarseWes,  ocr  hejrres,  executors,  and  assignees,  to  be  folly 
paidj  satisfied,  and  contented.  In  witness  whereof  we  have  hereonto  aett  oar 
hands  and  fixed  our  seals  this  scTenth  day  of  Febmary,  1684,  in  preaenee 
of  us, 

Samuel  Edsall,  Ye  mark  X  Taquamarke. 

John  Bassetf,  Ye  mark  O  Wanacapeen. 

John  Manton, 
Signed  and  sealed    by  Awanawis,    Witnessed  by  Longe  Clasaey 
Shahash,  and   Kneed,  in   presence        a  lady  Wastowancett, 
of  us.  Ye  marke  of  X  Awanawis, 

John  Ibenny,  Ye  marke  of  I  Shahash, 

Edward  Harrall,  Ye  marke  of  {)  Kneed. 

John  Edsall. 

On  the  25ih  of  October,  1676,  Colonel  Morris  purchased  a 
large  tract  of  land  in  East  Jersey,  consisting  of  3640  acres, 
which  he  named  Tintern  and  Monmouth,  aAer  the  paternal  es- 
tate in  Monmouthshire,  Wales. 

The  last  will  and  testament  of  Colonel  Morris  bears  date  7th 
of  February,  1690.  Although  twice  married,  he  left  no  issue; 
his  nephew,  therefore,  according  to  the  agreement  of  1670,  suc- 
ceeded to  the  estates.  Upon  the  15th  of  May,  1691,  Henry 
Sloughter,  Captain  General  and  Governor-in-chief,  "  granted  let- 
ters testamentary  to  Lewis  Morris,  nephew  to  Colonel  Morris,  the 
executrix  being  dead." 

THE  LAST  WILL  OF  LEWIS  MORRIS. 

Whereaa  I  formerly  intended  to  have  made  my  nephew,  Lewia  Morria,  aon 
of  my  deceased  brother,  Richard  Morris,  my  sole  executor ;  his  many  and 
great  miscarryages  and  disobedience  towards  me  and  my  wife,  and  his  caaae- 
less  absenting  himself  from  my  house,  and  adhering  to  and  advizeing  with 
those  of  bad  life  and  conversation,  contrary  to  my  directions  and  example  onto 
him,  and  for  other  reasons  best  known  to  myselfe,  I  doe  make  and  ordaine  my 
dearly  beloved  wife,  Mary  Morris^  sole  executrix  of  this  my  last  will  and  tea- 
ment;  and 

To  the  meeting  of  Frienda  at  Shrewsbury,  in  Monmouth  co.,  five  pounds 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  291 

ourrent  money  of  New  York  per  annam  forever,  to  be  paid  out  of  his  planta- 
tion '^t  Tinton  ironworks,  to  be  paid  on  25th  March  yearly. 

To  Thomas  Webley,  of  Shrewsbury,  950  acres  on  the  westermost  part  of 
his  2000  acres,  lying  between  Swimming  River  and  Hop  River,  Monmouth 
CO.. — he  paying  quit  rent  one  half  penny  sterling  pr  acre. 

To  Lewis  Morris,  of  Shrewsbury,  one  of  his  best  mares  in  the  woods,  and 
i:20  N.  York  curr'y. 

To  his  nephew,  Lewis  Morris,  son  of  his  brother,  Richard  Morris,  as  soon 
as  he  attains  the  age  of  21,  the  rest,  residue,  and  remainder  of  his  eHe  ;  t.  e. 
his  plantation  and  iron  works  at  Tinton,  with  all  lands,  meadows,  houses, 
barns,  mills,  runs  and  ponds  of  water,  water  courses,  rivers,  woods,  trees,  or- 
chards, gardens,  all  his  negroes  on  that  plantation,  cattel,  horse,  kinde,  swine, 
and  all  other  creatures ;  all  household  goods,  utensils,  moveables,  immo*bles, 
bills,  bonds,  patents,  books  of  ac,  debts  belong'g  to  ye  place,  all  profits,  privi- 
ledges  and  appurt'ces :  also  one  flat  handled  spoon,  one  small  tankard,  one 
salt  cellar,  one  small  sugar  box  all  of  silver,  one  small  cabinet  sealed  op ; — 
wherein  is  four  pearl  necklaces,  three  or  four  jewels  set  in  gold,  and  several 
other  things  of  value ;  one  negro  woman  named  Bess, — which  forementioned 
plate,  cabinett,  and  negro  woman,  were* his  brother ^s — unto  which  he  adds  all 
the  children  of  said  woman  Bess,  except  one  that  is  otherwise  disposed  of;  1 
doz.  silver  spoons,  one  large  tankard,  one  large  tumbler,  one  small  tumbler, 
and  one  porringer,  all  of  silver ;  all  which  last  mentioned  things  he  gives  his 
nephew  in  lieu  of  some  things  that  are  lost  and  supposed  to  be  embezzled  by 
Walter  Webley  ;  also  J^20  in  silver  current  at  New  York,  and  ten  guinneys, 
the  whole  given  with  this  restriction  and  limitation,  that  he  shall  quietly  and 
peaceably  acquiess  and  submit  himself  wholly  and  absolutely  unto  every  thing 
mentioned  or  to  be  m'd  in  his  will  and  t*t,  and  shall  make  no  opposition  or  ob- 
jection against  the  same,  nor  any  part  thereof,  but  to  his  power  shall  perform 
and  fulfill  all  things  whatsoever  that  on  his  part  I  have  hereby  enjoyned  unto 
him ;  otherwise,  it  is  my  final  determination  and  result,  that  if  my  said  ne- 
phew, Lewis  Morris,  his  h^rs  or  as's,  on  any  pretence  or  right  from  his  father 
afd,  whether  by  partnerships  with  me  or  purchase,  or  any  way  else,  shall  at 
any  time  hereafler,  either  by  himself  or  any  other  person  or  persons  claiming 
from,  for,  by  or  under  him  or  them,  by  any  manner  of  way  or  means  whats'r, 
make  any  demand  or  pretend  any  right,  title  or  int*t  to  any  part  or  p'l  of  estate 
that  now  doth  or  may  hereafter  belong  unto  me,  more  than  I  have  by  these 
presents  entitled  him  unto,  than  to  what  I  have  by  these  presents  entiilsd  him 
him  unto,  then,  and  in  such  case,  I  do  hereby  revoake,  nullifie  and  make  void, 
all  and  every  part  of  what  I  have  herein  before  given  and  beq  unto  my  said 
nephV,  L.  M.    And  my  will  is,  that  in  case  of  any  disturbance  by  my  s*d  n  V 
cono*g  the  premiss  or  any  part  or  par  of  e*ts,  real  or  p'l,  hereby  oth*se  beq*d, 
and  that  my  sM  dearly  bel*d  wife  Mary  M.,  her  h*rs  or  as,  shall  thenceforth 
and  then  immediately  enter  into  possession,  have,  occupie  and  enjoy  all  and 
eo'n  part  and  parcel  of  ye  before  recited  premises,  beq*ts  and  legacys  givea 


292  HISTORT  OF  THE 

or  to  b  g,  to  my  sM  nV  L.  M.,  if  he  or  any,  under  pretence  of  him,  shall  at 
any  time  molest  my  sM  wife,  her  heirs  or  assigns,  in  her  or  their  peac'bl  en- 
joy't  of  whatsoever  est'te,  r'  or  p'l.  that  is  or  shall  be  herein  and  hereby  giveo 
and  beqM  unto  her  or  them,  any  thing  herein  conM  to  the  contrVy  notw*hst^g« 
only  giveing  unto  him ;  and  I  doe  hereby  give  and  bequeath  unto  m  sM  b  L. 
M.  the  snm  of  ten  pounds  cur*t  money  of  N.  Y.,  to  be  paid  unto  him  by  my 
8*d  ex*z,  h  h^s  and  as^s  in  foil  of  my  bequests  and  legacys  unto  him  in  case  of 
any  snch  disturbance  or  molestation  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  gi?e  and  beq  unto  my  honM  friend,  William  Penn^  my  negro  man 
Taff,  provided  the  said  Penn  shall  come  to  dwell  in  America ;  otherwise  the 
B*d  Yaff  is  to  serve  my  said  wife  equally  with  other  negroes.  Item,  I  give 
and  beq  unto  William  Bickley  one  negro  girl  named  Maria.    Item.    •     •     • 

•    to  Wm.  Richardson  one  negro  boy  named  Jack.    Item to 

SamM  Palmer  one  n.  girl  named  Buckey.  Item,  I  .  .  .  onto  my  negro 
man  Toney,  the  cooper,  the  snm  of  40  shillings  a  yeare  during  his  life,  be- 
sides his  usual  accommodation.    Item unto  my  negro  w'n  NeU 

her  ffreedom  and  liberty  to  goe  att  large  wheresV  she  shall  please  after  the 
dec*se  of  my  sM  wife.  These  two  last  beq^ts  are  with  this  restriction  and 
limitation,  that  they  yield  all  duty,  full  submis'n  and  faiihfl  obed*ce  in  all  re- 
spects as  becom^h  diligH  servHs  tow^ds  my  wife  ;  otherwise,  they  are  to  enjoy 
no  benefit  hereby,  but  their  beqHs  to  be  void,  as  if  never  written  or  moot. 
Item,  I  g  and  b  unto  John  Adams,  of  Flushing,  h  h  and  as*s,  the  sum  of  five, 
pounds,  which  ia  due  to  me  on  his  obligacon.  Item,  Moreover*  I  g  and  beq 
unto  my  said  nepV,  L.  M.,  all  my  land  and  m*ws  att  Mattinicot,  on  Long  Isl^d, 
together  with  all  the  profits  and  privires  adv^g  thereof,  to  him,  his  heirs  and 
as's  for  ever,  togV.with  one  half  of  all  my  pewter  and  the  one  half  of  all  my 
house  linen  for  bedding  and  tabling  that  is  on  my  plantation  over  against  Har- 
lem, and  all  my  printed  books,  except  such  as  my  said  wife  shall  please  to  re- 
serve unto  herselfe.  Note,  that  these  last  bequests  unto  my  sM  n'w  L.  M.  are 
given  and  beqM  under  ye  same  limitations  and  rest*ns  with  those  legacys  first 
above  mentioned,  and  not  otherwise.  Item,  I  give  and  beq^h  unto  ye  meeting^ 
of  Friends,  in  the  prov^ce  of  N.  Y.,  the  sum  of  six  pounds  per  annum,  to  be 
paid  oat  of  my  plant'n  ag*t  Harlem  af  d,  in  the  s*d  prov^ce.  by  whoms^er  shall 
enjoy  the  same,  according  to  my  devise  thereof,  as  hereafter  appears,  and  on 
every  25th  of  the  month  called  March,  yearly  and  ev'y  year  forever,  onto 
SQch  p*n  or  per  as  shall  be  thereunto  ap^d. 

Item,  All  the  rest,  residue  and  remainder  of  my  estate  and  my  plantation, 
rl  and  pM,  where  I  now  inhabitt  over  against  Harlem  afd,  I  give  and  beq*h 
onto  my  dMy  beloved  wife,  Mary  Morris,  her  heirs  and  as*s  forever,  the  lands 
thereof,  cont^g  about  2000  acres  best  m  or  1,  tog*r  with  all  houses,  barns,  miUs* 
runns  and  ponds  of  water,  water  courses,  rivers,  orchards,  gardens,  trees, 
woods,  negroes  of  all  kinds,  cattell,  swine,  sheep,  horse,  kinds,  and  all  other 
creatures  and  improves  whatsoever,  as  also  all  goods,  household  stuff  and 
utensills,  moneys,  plate,  aud  every  thing  else  moveable  and  im'ble  within  doors 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  293 

ind  wH  that  ean  be  named  or  ezpreseed,  that  now  ie,  or  hereafter  shall  be 
in  my  poa*n  or  any  ways  belon*g  unto  the  s'd  pFo,  except  what  is  here  other* 
wise  disposed  of  and  beq*d.  Item.  I  give  and  beq*h  unto  my  said  d'y  bel'd 
wife  all  that  my  houses,  land  in  N.  Y.  city  situate  over  against  the  bridge, 
unto  all  appurCces,  profitts  and  advantages  whatsoever  thereunto  belong^g, 
with  all  deeds,  patterns,  writings,  bills,  bonds,  obIig*ions,  and  all  things  else 

WhatsV,  named  and  unnamed,  belonging.    Item to  John  Bowne, 

of  Flushing,  one  negro  girl  nM  Abba ;  is  att  old  Thomas  Hunts.  Item.  .  . 
.     .  to  Miles  Foster  one  serv^ble  negro  boy,  such  as  my  s'd  d*y  belM  wife 

shall  appoint.    Item to  RicM  Jones,  M^ht,  of  N.  Y.,  one  negro 

boy  or  one  negro  girl,  such  as  m  d  b  wif  shall  appoint.     Item to 

William  Bickley  and  to  my  nV,  L.  M.,  all  my  right,  t  and  int  in  and  to  the 
ship  Friends'  Adventure,  as  also  of  all  my  part  of  her  profits  and  adages  by 

freight  or  otherwise,  to  each  of  th  eql  alike  part.     Item my  sM 

n'w,  my  gold  seale  and  my  negroman  Yeabba  ;  and  whereas,  I  have  beqM  unto 
m  s*d  nV,  L.  M.,  all  m  E  at  the  ironworks  at  T.,  with  this  expression,  viz. 
(as  soon  as  H  sM  attaine  to  the  age  of  21  yeare,)  49  as  above  written,  I  doe 
now  revoake  ye  sM  expression  as  to  time,  giving  unto  him,  my  sM  n*w,  full 
power  and  auth'y  to  enter  into  and  possess  the  s*d  e'te,  and  ev'y  part  and  p'l 
thereof,  immly  after  my  decease,  anything  before  above  w'n  to  the  contrary 
not'g,  but  under  the  same  restrictions  and  limitations  as  before  men'd,  viz.  by 
his  conformity  to  the  fulfilling  of  this  my  last  will  and  testament ;  all  the  rest 
of  my  plate  and  money,  silver  and  gold,  I  give  and  beq'th  unto  my  dearly  be* 
loved  wife.  Lastly,  I  desire,  author  and  app't  my  trusty  ffriends,  Ric'd  Jones 
and  Miles  Ffoster,  of  N.  Y.,  John  Bowne,  of  Fflushing,  Wm.  Richardson,  of 
W  CV,  Richard  Hartshorne  and  John  Hanes,  of  co  of  Monmouth,  and  Wm. 
Bickley,  of  W'r  co  aforesaid,  to  be  my  executors  in  trust,  and  overseers  to  see 
this  my  will  punctually  perf  d  and  fulfilM  ;  and  in  regM  to  the  remoteness  of 
their  abodes  from  one  another,  I  do  order  and  appoint  that  any  three  of  them 
may  act  as  they  shall  find  needfull,  provided  Wm  Rich'n,  Wm  Bickley,  er 
RichM  Hartshorne  be  of  that  number ;  and  for  want  of  a  3d  person  in  the  co 
of  Monmouth,  RM  Hartshorne  and  John  Hanes  may  act  there  as  they  Ihall 
find  cause,  or  may  choose  a  3d  person  to  act,  &c.  &c. 

And  now,  having  thus  disposed  of  that  outward  estate  and  substance  that  it 
hath  pleased  God  to  possess  me  of,  I  commit  my  soul  to  God,  &c. 
^  In  testimony  whereof,  I  the  sM  Lewis  Morris,  have  hereunto  to  this  my  last 
will  and  tH  subscribe,  signM  and  fixed  my  seal,  at  my  plant^n  over  against 
Harlem,  in  the  p*o  N.  Y.,  this  seventh  day  of  this  twelfth  month  called  Feb- 
ruary, in  the  year  1690,  in  presence  of  Johannis  Vermilje,  Jan  Tibout,  Lama- 
eert  Zoches,  Oavied  Lillies,  marks  of  Susannah  Roberts — Wm.  Bickley. 

By  the  Commander  in  Chbif. 
Whereas,  Lewis  Morris,  gent.,  adminrstrator  of  the  goods, 


294  HISTORY  OF  THE 

rights  and  credits  of  Lewis  Morris,  deceased,  is  obliged  to  make 
and  exiiibite  a  true  and  perfect  inventory  of  all  and  singular  the 
goods,  rights  and  credits  of  the  said  dece'sd,  into  the  surveyor's 
office  of  this  province.  These  are  to  authorize  and  impower  you, 
Stephanus  v.  Cortlandt,  Nicholas  Bayard,  John  Pell  and  William 
Richardson,  to  make  a  true  and  faithful!  appraisement  of  the 
goods,  rights  and  credits  aforesaid,  according  to  the  best  of  your 
knowledge  and  discretion,  and  for  so  doing,  this  shall  be  to  you 
a  sufficient  warrant.  Dated  at  Fort  William  Henry,  the  23d  of 
October,  1691. 

Richard  Itigoldsby  to  Stephanas  van  Cortlandt,  Nich  Bayard,  John  Pell  and 
William  Richardson,  Lewis  Morris,  inventory.     A  true  inventory  of  all  and 

singular  the  goods,  chattels  and  credits  of  Coll.  Lewis  Morris,  deceased, 
appraised  at  the  plantation^  the        day  of  1691,  by  Coll.  Ste- 

phanus van  Cortlandt,  Coll.  Nicholas  Bayard,  John  Pell  and  William 
Richardson,  Esq.,  by  virtue  of  a  warrant  to  them  directed,  under  the 
hand  of  the  commander-in-chief  and  seal  of  the  prerogative  office, 
bearing  date  the  day  of  October,  Anno  1691,  and  exhibited  in  the 

surveyor's  office,  being  the  prerogative  registry  of  this  province  bj 
Lewis  Morris,  administrator  of  all  the  goods,  chattels  and  credits  of  the 
•aid  Coll.  Lewis  Morris,  deceased. 

Imprimus,  16  i. 
Shop  goods. 

36  Armes  v  Airy,  (vitriol)  at  2s  6d, 

8  pieces  and  ^  strouds, 

3  tunn  of  iron  at  14Ib.  p.  tunn, 
30  yds.  and  }  of  black  silk  prunella, 
39  yds.  lutestring, 

3  pieces  of  10  yds.  bagg,  Holland,  33  yds.  in  each  piece, 
at8d. 

7  pices  white  calicoes,  at  20s. 
3001b.  white  sugar, 
16  pr.  of  women's  worsted  hose,  at 
16  pd.  yarne, 

1  case  black  hefted  knives, 
lOIb  ginger. 


*  Arms,  (aams)  on  old  Dutch  measure. 


£ 

1.  d. 

10 

14  00 

44  00  00 

42  00  00 

10 

15  00 

12  00  00 

43 

12  00 

7  Ob  00 

7 

10  00 

2 

8  00 

0 

16  00 

0 

6  00 

0 

2  00 

COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  296 


8  yds.  red  caddis, 
13  yds  Scotch  tikkin, 

6  yards  English  tick, 

1  black  leather  saddle, 

3  yds  daflells, 

45  yds  Peony  stone,  at  2s  6d, 
53  yds.  Loskoraro,  at  15d. 
16  inkhornes, 

12  mille  pins, 

5  ivory  combs, 

6  home  and  wood  ditto, 
4  raille  needles, 

5  pair  shoe  buckles, 

4  pr.  knitting  needles, 

2  doz.  fish  hooks, 

0  yds.  mock  medley, 

6  gimbletts, 

10  doz.  gimp  buttons, 

5  yds.  fustian, 

3  lb.  white  and  brown  thready 

3  oz.  silk, 

2  suites  dampeeriyed  curtains, 

13  yds  diaper  linnen, 

6  yds  ozenbriggs, 

14  yds  dampureyed  swanskin, 

9  ditto  white  bay  damnifyed, 
6  ditto  kersy,  at 

6  ditto  serge,  at 

8}  ditto  topsills, 

\\  hair  plush, 

8  pair  womens  knit  gloves, 

1  doz.  ditto  kid, 

6  pr.  mens  sheep,  ditto, 
8  pr.  damnified  bodice  and  stomacher, 

4  pr  mens  worsted  hose, 

2  mens  thread  hose, 

2  Spanish  leather  skinns, 

4  shamy  skins  full  of  holls, 
6  yds  move, 
16  yds  persian  silke, 

3  ditto  course  cambrick, 


0 

0  8 

1 

16  00 

1 

4  00 

1 

00  00 

6 

12  00 

5 

12  00 

3 

6  3 

0 

6  00 

0 

14  00 

195 

0  5 

0 

2  6 

0 

1  6 

0 

3  9 

0 

1  3 

0 

3  6 

0 

6  00 

2 

14  00 

0 

2  00 

0 

3  4 

0 

7  6 

0 

16  00 

0 

6  00 

2 

0  00 

0 

19  00 

0 

6  00 

0 

14  00 

0 

18  00 

1 

4  00 

1 

0  00 

0 

5  00 

0 

6  00 

0 

8  0 

1 

4  00 

0 

6  0 

1 

0  00 

0 

10  00 

0 

8  00 

0 

18  00 

0 

6,  00 

1 

16  00 

4 

0  00 

2 

5  00 

UISTORY  OF  THE 


19  ytnia  btir  banttioe, 
Sa  yds  Mtipt  blew, 
4  jit  Bculett,  kt  3i, 


0|  yds  hiJT  chamblett, 

i  piecei  and  remaaDi  pintsdo*, 

S  yds.  cnpe, 

S  ydi  ahkUoon, 

5  ;di.  woTtted  drugged, 
I  lb.  inonnry, 

fiO  lb.  eoidage, 
A  piroell  ladlerjr, 

4  lb.  wbJM  la&d,  It  6d, 
30  lb.  led  oker, 

SS  ealvo  skipDi, 

40  faog  skipns, 
3  pr.  ailk  hote, 

6  ;ds.  red  Iwje 

1  pail  red  Mockingi,  woaied,  noTnen, 

I  pr.  green  sUke  hose, 

Honaehold  linnen, 
19  Holland  tbeeia, 
15  pr.  other  linnsn  sheets, 

9  diaper  (abie  -cluailis, 

T  damask  table  cloalbs, 

9  Onenbriggs, 

6  damask  cupboard  cloalbs. 

&  dex.  damask  napkins, 

3  doz.  diaper  napkina, 

&  doi.  Oxenbrigg's   napkins, 

fi  towels, 

41  pillow  cases, 

Household  stufT. 
13  cane  chairs,  broken  and  oat  of  order, 
13  old  Tarkey  worke  chairs, 

5  wicker  chairs, 
8  leather  chaira, 
Scuochea, 


a  IT  00 

4  00 

000 

8» 

19     4 

6  00 

0  00 

6  00 

S  00 

0  IS  00 

B  00 

0  10  00 

9  10  00 

0  00 

5  00 

0  00 

000 

000 

90    SOO 

»    000 

4  10  00 

«    000 

0  18  00 

0  18  00 

10    0  00 

1  10  00 

fi  0  e 

0     3     0 

sua 

3  18    0 

3    000 

0    800 

I    4  00 

3    0  00 

340  1«     » 

340  10    a 

COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.    *"  8PT 


3  puna, 

0  IS  M 

4  low  chtin. 

0  18  00 

1  (uiu  UpeHry  hingingi, 

3S    000 

1  pr.  bUnkelU  d«D)  , 

0    6  00 

«  Tuibe;  coahiooi, 

0  18  00 

STutiojcHpelti, 

«    0  00 

10  »ble«. 

*    0  00 

5  ciMtb  iDd  MUgs  cupeia. 

fl    5  00 

1  clock  and  case. 

S    040 

1  mublo  monmr. 

1  19  00 

1  ligDDm  Tit«,  ditto, 

0    »  00 

.9  duesoea. 

0    600 

ilookiogilMM., 

8    0  00 

4  trunk*, 

1    4  00 

1  Mriplora, 

S    0  00 

A  pueeU  book*. 

18    0  00 

a  pieues  »pp»rreU, 

3    000 

1  Jack  and  3  spitta, 

9    000 

3  cases  ofliottlei  of  apiriU, 

4    8  00 

1  waiering  poll. 

0    000 

4  pr.  btlbwa, 

0    600 

SeheM, 

4  Jicto  diawera. 

16    0    • 

1  wetthet  giftsa. 

1  speaking  Irampel. 

1  ledd  plaah  saddle. 

1  oalUeo  qoik. 

1  hd.  and  4  salt, 

I  cwt.  while  taliow. 

Scale*  and  beam*,  and  1  ewt.  3  qt*.  16  lb.  weight, 

ft  barrel*  beefand  9  ditto  pork, 

14    0    0 

(4)  S  gall*,  spirit*. 

1  barrel!  moIa**e*, 

1  barrel  Morado  sugar, 
1  firkin  soap,  home  made, 
814  lb.  Casteel  aoap  at  7d. 

PewUr, 
ft  doc.  and  S  platn, 


Vol.  II. 


im  HISTORY  OF  THE 

8  basons, 
S  ohsese  p1ates» 
S  pye  plates, 
4  old  pewtsr  csDdl, 
1  egg  dish, 
1  ordpann, 
1  fruit  pott, 
(168)  4  quart  potts, 

4  saucers, 
18  platers. 

1  flask  and  bold  standish, 

1  laobeck  aiid  I  pewter  worm.    Id  all  364  lb.  at  lOd.  per  R>.        16    S     4 

IroQ 
Andirons,  grate  tongs,  fire  sho?els,  racks,  tramells,  iron  potts, 
trevetts,  dripping  pan,  clea?er8,  frying  panos,  fenders,  &c., 
in  all  927  lb.  at  7d.    Hooks  and  eyes, 97    0    0 

5  anchors  and  2  graplins  gt.  319,  at  6d 7  19     6 

Copper 
1  copper  kettle, 

6  potts, 

1  desertion  copper, 
1  cooler, 

1  copper  still.    Qt  in  all  416  lb.  at  18d 31    4    0 

Brass. 

2  brass  kettles, 

3  stewpans,  candlesticks,  &c.,  of  brass,  implements  cent. 

1021b.  at  15d 6    7     6 

£55S    2  10 
2  boxes  candles,  qt.  150  at  6d 3  15     0 

Steele 

40  lb.  at  12d 200 

1  whip  saw,  qt.  appraised  among  the  former  impl. 

Bedsteads  and  Bedds. 

One  bedd  and  furniture  in  the  great  room,  .  25  0  0 

One  in  the  dining  room, 18  0  0 

One  in  the  lodging  room, 15  0  0 

4  other  ditto, 36  0  0 

5  bedds  without  furniture,  20  0  0 

Plate. 

900  oz.  plate  at  Gs.  Od 303  15    0 

Cash  and  wampum, 89    9    0 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  299 

Gold. 

(169)  180  goyneys,  243    0    0 

1  double  goiaey, 2  14    0 

23jaoobu8S,                                              34  10  0 

61  ditto, 4  10  0 

4i  ditto, 1  10  0 

1  pi8to11e,    .        .        .        .                 14  0 

2  double  doubloons, 9  12  0 

5  pr  uroall  claspe, 

1  bullett, 
1  plain  piece, 
1  aingle  tootb-piek, 
1  double  ditto, 

1  case  ditto  with  small  bodkin, 

2  bodkins, 

1  mourning  ring, 

1  heart  with  lock  of  hair, 

1  mash  bead, 
eont.  in  all  4  oz.  5  pwts.  and  6  grs.  at  41.  13s.  9d.  per  ot.  19  19    0 

DebU  good  and  bad, 2194    0    0 

i:3661  13  10 
112  bottles,  foni  of  them  with  syrup,  aid  other  odd  things,  18    0 

Wheat. 

540  bushells  at  3s.  .        ,        ,        .        ,        .  .      81    0    0 

60  aeres  of  wheat  at  12s 30    0    0 

Stock,  vis. 

24  oxen, «        .  72    0  0 

17  cows, 84    0  0 

4  bolls, 800 

8  year  and  vantage,                                        ^                         •  10    0  0 

5  yearlings, 3  15  0 

2caWes,      .        .        ^        .        «        «        .        ^        .        .  0  12  0 

30  horses,  mares,  and  colts, 60    0    0 

30  head  of  swine, 9    0    0 

147  sheep, 36  15    0 

(170)  Plantation  Impl'ts. 

3  carts  and  1  pr  timber  wheels,    .        .        ^        .  .      20    0    0 

1  sloop  and  yall, 74    0    0 

1  yall  and  pinnace, 10    0    0 

12  lb.  deer  suett  at  6d. 0    6    0 

Hangings  of  the  lodging  rooms,  three  old  eabbinetts  for  all  tools  and 

Qtensib  for  th«  famii  and  family,  and  appateO  not  particularised,  20    0    0 


300 


HISTORY  OF  THE 


24  galls,  refined  molasses  at  18d. 


N.B.  Miss  addition  in  folio  4. 


1   16     0 

£UZ4    5  10 
.       15    4     0 


JC4149'    0  10 


82  man  negroes  at  20/. 
11  women  at  15/. 

6  boys  at  15/. 

2  garles  at  12/.     . 
25  children  at  5/. 


Negroes. 


440  0  0 

165  0  0 

90  0  0 

24  0  0 

125  0  0 


Je844    0    0 

3  box  irons  and  heaters, 

I  little  letter  box, 
Memorandum ;  we  finde  in  fol.  the  particulars  by  the  apppraise- 

ment  to  amount  to  the  summe  of,  .        •     195  14    5 

in  ful.  2, 39    0     4 

in  fol.  3, 107  18     3 

in  fol.  4 135    7    8 

in  fol.  5, 98  12     6 

in  fol.  6, 3023  11     0 

in  fol.  7, 472  11     0 


^64071  16     1 
.    844    0    0 


Besides  the  negroes  in  fol.  7,  more, 

Appraised  by  us  underwritten. 

More  17doz.  scissors  at  38.        2  11     0  Step.  V.  Cortlandt* 

7  cwt.  1  qr.  9  lb.  old  lead  N.  Batard, 

at  308.  per  cwt.  11     0    0  John  Pell, 

Wm.   RiCHARDSOir. 

X13  11     0 

S.  V,  CORTLANDT. 

Exhibited  the  seventeenth  day  of  February,  1691,  by  Lewis  Morris,  ad- 
ministrator, &c,  for  a  true  and  perfect  in?entory,  &c.,  but  under  protestation 
of  adding,  &c.,  if  &c. 

L.  Morris. 


Lewis  Morris,  heir  of  his  uncle  Lewis,  and  third  proprietor  of 
Morrisania,  appears  to  have  been  a  man  of  extraordinary  talents. 
Chief  Justice  William  Smith  informs  us,  that  of  all  the  members 
/)f  the  New  York  assembly  in  1710,  ''Colonel  Morris  had  the 
greatest  influence  on  our  public  affairs.    He  was  a  man  of  letters, 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  301 

and,  though  a  little  whimsical  in  his  temper,  was  grave  in  his 
manners,  and  of  penetrating  parts.  Being  excessively  fond  of 
the  society  of  men  of  sense  and  reading,  he  was  never  wearied  at 
a  sitting  till  the  spirits  of  the  whole  company  were  dissipated. 
From  his  infancy  he  has  lived  in  a  manner  best  adapted  to  teach 
him  the  nature  of  man,  and  to  fortify  his  mind  for  the  vicissitudes 
of  life.  He  very  early  lost  both  his  father  and  mother,  and  fell 
under  the  patronage  of  his  uncle,  formerly  an  officer  of  very  con- 
siderable rank  in  CromwelVs  army ;  who,  after  the  Restoration, 
disguised  himself  under  the  profession  of  Quakerism,  and  settled 
on  a  fine  farm  within  a  few  miles  of  the  city,  called,  after  his 
own  name,  Morrisania,  Being  a  boy  of  strong  passions,  the 
general  indications  of  a  fruitful  genius,  he  gave  frequent  otfence 
to  his  uncle,  and,  on  one  of  these  occasions,  through  fear  of  his 
resentment,  strolled  away  into  Virginia^  and  thence  to  Jamaica 
in  the  West  Indies,  where,  to  support  himself,  he  set  up  for  a 
scrivener.''*  "As  a  proof  of  his  boyish  propensities,  (says  Mr. 
Dunlap,)  we  are  told  that  when  a  pupil  to  Luke  Coppathwait,  a 
Quaker,  Lewis,  hid  himself  in  a  tree  by  which  his  teacher  was 
to  pass,  and  in  a  feigned  voice,  with  great  solemnity  called  upon 
Luke,  (from  above,  of  course,)  and  ordered  him  to  go  and  preach 
the  gospel  among  the  Mohawks.  Luke  considered  the  bidding 
miraculous,  and  prepared  to  obey,  when  either  by  compunction 
of  the  boy,  or  other  means,  he  was  undeceived.  After  several 
years  passed  in  the  West  Indies,  the  wanderer  returned  to  Mor- 
risania,  and  was  received  by  his  uncle  with  forgiveness  and  joy. 
To  settle  him  for  life,  the  uncle  brought  about  a  marriage  be- 
tween Lewis  and  Misfs  Graham,"**  "a  fine  lady,  (continues  Mr, 
Smith,)  with  whom  he  lived  above  fifty  years,  in  the  possession 
oi  every  enjoyment  which  good  sense  and  polite  manners  in  a 
woman  could  atford."<^ 

Upon  the  8th  of  May,  1697,  Lewis  Morris  obtained  royal  let- 
ters patent  from  King  William  the  Third,  erecting  Morrisania 
into  a  township  and  manor,  to  be  holden  of  the  king  in  free  and. 


•  SmiUi*i  H«Ury  of  N.  Y.  b  Dunlap'i  Hiat.  N.  Y.  toI.  i.  278. 

«  Smith'i  Hitt.  of  N.  Y. 


803  HISTORY  OF  THE 

common  soccage,  its  lord  yieMing  and  rendering  therefore  annu* 
ally,  on  the  Feast  Day  of  the  Annunciation  of  our  blessed  Virgin 
Mary,  the  rent  of  six  shillings. 

THE  ROYAL  CHARTER. 

William  the  Third,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  England,  Scotland,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c.,to  all  to  whom  these  presents  ahall 
come,  sendeth  greeting :  Whereas,  the  Hun^ble  Edmund  Andross,  Ee^., 
Seigneur  of  Saasmarez,  late  governor  of  oar  province  of  New  York,  Ac, 
by  a  certain  deed  or  patent,  sealed  with  the  seal  of  oar  said  province  of  New 
York,  bearing  date  the  85th  day  of  March,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  167a,  pur- 
suant to  the  commission  and  authority  then  in  him  residing,  did  confirm  unto 
Col.  Lewis  Morris,  of  the  Island  of  Barbadoes,  a  certain  plantation  or  tract  of 
land  laying  or  being  upon  the  maine  over  against  the  town  of  Haerlem,  com* 
monly  called  Bronckse^s  land,  containing  250  margin  or  800  acres  of  laiKl« 
besides  the  meadow  thereunto  annexed  or  adjoining,  butted  and  bounded  as  in 
the  original  Dutch  ground  brief  and  patent  of  confirmation  is  set  forth;  which 
said  tract  of  land  and  meadow,  having  been  by  the  said  Col.  Lewis  Morris 
long  possessed  and  enjoyed,  and  having  likewise  thereon  made  good  improve- 
ment, he,  the  suid  Eldmond  Andross,  late  governor  of  our  said  province,  did 
farther,  by  the  said  deed  or  patent,  sealed  with  the  seal  of  our  said  province, 
a«id  bearing  date  as  aforesaid,  we  grant  and  confirm  unto  the  said  Cul.  Lewis 
Morris,  for  his  further  improvement,  a  certain  quantity  of  land  adjacent  imto 
the  said  tract  of  land-^which  land,  with  the  addition,  being  bounded  from  his 
own  house  over  against  Haerlem,  running  up  Haerlem  River  to  Daniel  Tur- 
ner's land,  and  so  along  this  said  land  northward  to  John  Archer's  line,  and 
from  thence  stretching  east  to  the  land  of  John  Richardson  and  Thomas  Hunt, 
snd  thence  along  their  lands  southward  to  the  Sound,  even  so  along  the  Sound 
about  southwest  through  Bronck's  hill  to  the  said  Col.  Lewis  Morris'  house — 
the  additional  land  containing  (according  to  the  survey  thereoQ  the  quantity 
of  fourteen  hundred  and  twenty  acres,  to  h  ive  and  to  hold  the  a  fore- recited 
tract  of  land  before  possessed  by  him,  and  the  additional  land  within  the  limits 
and  bounds  aforesaid,  together  with  the  woods  and  meadows,  both  salt  and 
fresh,  waters  and  creeks,  belonging  to  the  said  lands,  unto  the  said  Col.  Lewis 
Morris,  his  heirs  and  assignees  forever,  under  the  yearly  rent  of  four  bushels 
of  good  winter  wheat,  as  by  the  said  deed  or  patent,  registered  in  our  secre- 
tary's oflSce  of  our  said  province  of  New  York,  &c., — relation  being  there- 
unto had — may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear.  And  whereas,  our  loving  sub- 
ject, Lewis  Morris,  (nephew  unto  the  said  Cul.  Morris,  lately  deceased,  his 
sole  and  only  heir,)  who  is  now,  by  right  of  descent  and  inheritance,  peacea- 
bly and  quietly  seized  and  possessed  of  all  the  aforesaid  tracts  of  land  and 
premises  within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid,  hath,  by  bis  petition,  present- 
ed unto  oar  trusty  and  well  beloved  Benj.  Fletcher,  our  Captain  General  and 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  303 

6overnor-in-chief  of  oor  said  province  of  New  York  and  territories  dependant 
thereon  in  America,  &c.,  prayed  our  grant  and  confirmation  of  all  the  afore- 
recited  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  and  premises  within  the  limits  and  bounds 
aforesaid ;  and  likewise  that  we  would  be  fi^raciously  pleased  to  erect  the  said 
tracts  and  parcels  of  land,  within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid,  into  a  lordship 
or  manor,  by  the  name  or  title  of  the  manor  or  lordship  of  Morrisania,  in  the 
county  of  Westchester ;  and  whereas,  it  is  publicly  manifest  that  the  said  Col. 
Lewis  Morris,  deceased,  in  his  lifetime,  and  our  said  loving  subject,  his  ne- 
phew and  sole  and  only  heir  since  his  decease,  have  been  at  great  charge  and 
expense  in  the  purchasing,  settling  and  improving  of  the  said  tracts  and  par- 
cels of  land,  whereon  considerable  buildings  have  likewise  been  made  ;  and 
our  said  loving  subject,  being  willing  still  to  make  further  improvements  there- 
on— which  reasonable  request,  for  his  further  encouragement,  we  being  will- 
ing to  grant;  and  know  yee,  that  we,  of  our  special  grace,  certain  knowledge, 
and  mere  motion,  we  have  given,  granted,  ratified  and  confirmed,  and  by  these 
presents  do  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  give,  grant,  ratify  and  confirm  unto 
the  said  Lewis  Morris,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  all  the  aforesaid  tracts  and  par- 
cels of  land  within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid,  containing  the  quantity  of  one 
thousand,  nine  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land,  more  or  less,  together  with 
all  and  every  the  messuages,  tenements,  buildings,  houses,  out  houses,  barDs, 
barracks,  stables,  mills,  mill  dams,  mill  howles,  orchards,  gardens,  fences,  pas- 
tures, fields,  feedings,  woods,  underwoods,  trees,  timber,  meadows,  (fresh  and 
salt,)  marshes,  swamps  and  pools,  ponds,  waters,  water  courses,  brooks,  rivulets, 
baths,  inlets,  outlets,  islands,  necks  of  land  and  meadow,  peninsulas  of  land  and 
meadow,  ferries,  passages,  fishing,  fowling,  hunting  and  hawking,  quarries, 
mines,  minerals,  (silver  and  gold  mines  excepted,)  and  all  the  rights,  liberties, 
privileges,  jurisdictions,  royalties,  hereditaments,  benefits,  profits,  advantages 
and  appurtenances  whatsoever  to  the  afore-recited  tracts,  parcels  and  necks  of 
land,  and  mill,  within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid  belonging,  adjoining,  or 
in  any  way  appertaining,  or  accepted,  reputed,  taken,  known  or  occupied,  at 
part,  parcel  or  member  thereof,  to  have  or  to  hold  all  the  aforesaid  recited 
tracts  and  parcels  of  land  within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid,  containing 
the  quantity  of  one  thousand  nine  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land,  mora  or 
less,  together  with  all  and  every  the  messuages,  tenements,  buildings,  houses, 
out  houses,  barns,  barracks,  stables,  mills,  mill  dams,  mill  houses,  orchards, 
gardens,  fences,  pastures,  fields,  feedings,  woods,  underwoods,  trees,  timber, 
meadows,  fresh  and  salt,  marshes,  swamps,  pools,  ponds,  waters,  water 
courses,  brooks,  rivers,  rivulets,  streams,  creeks,  coves,  harbors,  bridges, 
baths,  strands,  inlets,  outlets,  islands,  necks  of  land  and  meadow,  peninsulas, 
'  land  and  meadow,  ferries,  passages,  fishing,  fowling,  hunting  and  hawking, 
quarries,  mines  and  minerals,  (silver  and  gold  mines  excepted.)  and  all  the 
rights,  liberties,  privileges,  jurisdictions,  royalties,  hereditaments,  tolls,  and 
benefits,  profits,  advantages,  and  appurtenances  whatsoever,  to  the  afore  re- 
eited  tracts,  parcels  and  necks  of  Land  and  mill  within  the  limits  and  boands 


304  HISTORY  OF  THE 

aforesaid,  belonging,  adjoining,  or  in  any  appertaining  or  accepted,  repute^i 
taken,  known  onto  him,  the  said  Lewis  Morris,  his  heirs  and  assinees»  to  th« 
sole  and  only  proper  use  benefit  and  behoof  of  him  the  said  Lewis  Morris^  his 
heirs  and  assinees  fore?er,  and  moreover,  that  if  oar  farther  special  graee« 
certain  knowledge,  and  mear  motion,  we  have  brought  it  according  to  the 
reasonable  request  of  our  said  loving  subject  to  erect  all  the  aforerecited 
tracts  and  parcels  of  land  and  premises  within  the  limits  and  bonnds  afore- 
said   into  a  lordship  and    manor,  and  therefore,  by  these    presents,  we 
do,   for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  erect,  make   and    constitute  all  the 
afore-recited  tracts  and    parcels    of  land    within  the   limits    and   bonnds 
afore-mentioned,  together  with  all  and  every  the  above  granted  premises, 
with  all   and  every  of  their  appurtenances,  unto  one  lordship  or  manor, 
to    all  intents  and    purposes,  and  His  our  royal  will  and  pleasure,  that 
the  said  lordship  and  manor  shall  from  henceforth  be  called  the  lordship 
or  manor  of  Morrisania ;  and  know  yee,  that  we  reposing  especial  tmst 
and  confidence  in  the  loyalty,  wisdom,  justice,  prudence,  and  circumspection 
of  our  said  loving  subjects,  do,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  give  and 
grant  unto  the  said  Lewis  Morris,  and   to  the  heirs  and  assinees  of  him 
the  said  Lewis  Morris,  full    power    and  authority  at    all    timea  forever 
hereafter,  in  the  said  lordship   or  manor,  one  court-leet,  and  one  coart- 
barron,  to  hold  and  keep  at  such  time  and  times,  and  so  oAen  yearly  as  he  or 
they  shall  see  meet,  and  all  fines,  issues  and  amerciaments,  at  the  said  court- 
leet  and  court  barren,  to  be  holden  within  the  said  lordship  or  manor,  to  be 
set,  forfeited  or  employed,  or  payable  or  happening  at  any  time  to  be  paya- 
ble by  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  or  in  the  said  lorship  or  manor  of  Morrissa- 
nia,  or  the  limits  and  bounds  whereof,  and  also  all  and  every  of  the  power 
and  authority  therein-before  mentioned,  for  the  holding  and  keeping  the  said 
court-leet  and  court  barron  from  time  to  time,  and  to  award  and  issue  out  the 
said  accustomary  writs,  to  be  issued  and  awarded  out  of  the  said  court-leet 
and  court  barron,  to  be  kept  by  the  heirs  and  assinees  of  the  said  Lewis  Mor- 
ris, forever,  or  their  or  any  of  their  stewards  deputed  and  appointed  with  full 
and  ample  power  and  authority  to  distraine  for  the  rents,  serveses,  and  other 
sums  ofmoncy,  payable  by  virtue  of  the  premises  and  all  other  lawful  remedies 
and  means,  for  the  having,  possessing,  recovering,  levying  and  enjoying  the 
premises,  and  every  part  and  parcel  of  the  same,  and  all  waifes,  estrages, 
meeks,  deadodans,  goods  or  ftlons,  happening  and  being  forfeited  within  the 
said  lordship  or  manor   of  Morrissania,  and  all  and  every  sum  and  sums  of 
money  to  be  paid  as  a  post  fine,  upon  any  fine    or  fines  to  be  levyed,  of 
any  bounds,  tenements  or  hereditaments  within  the  said  lordship  or  manor 
of  Morrissania,  together  with  the  advowson  and  right  of  patronage,  and  all 
and  every  the  church  and  churches  erected  or  established,  or  thereafter  to  be 
erected  or  established  within  the  said  manor  of  Morrissania,  and  we  do  also 
give  and  grant  unto  the  said  Lewis  Morris,  his  heirs  and  assinees,  that  all  and 
each  of  the  tenants  of  him  the  said  Lewis  Morris,  within  the  said  manor,  may 
at  all  times  hercaAer,  meet  together  and  choose  assesors^  within  the  manor 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER. 


305 


•foretaid,  aeeording  lo  such  tuIbb,  ways  and  melhode,  ■•  are  pieacribed  Tuc 
ciliea  Iowpb  and  counties  wiihin  our  province  afurewid,  by  the  seta  of  gene- 
ral aasembEy,  foi  the  defraying  the  public  charge  of  each  respective  eilj, 
town  and  county  aforesaid,  and  all  aoch  suma  of  money  aaaeaed  or  levied,  to 
dispose  of  and  collect  for  such  uses  as  the  acis  of  the  general  assembly  shaH 
Mlablish  and  appoint,  to  have  and  lo  hold,  poasess  and  enjoy,  all  and  singalat 
th«  said  lordship  or  manor  of  Morrissania  and  premises,  with  all  their  and 
every  of  their  appurteoaneea,  onto  (he  said  Lewi*  Morris,  his  heirs  and  as- 
■inees  forever.  Id  be  holden  of  us,  our  heirs  and  succeasora.  In  free  and  con- 
Dwn  socage,  according  lo  the  tenure  of  our  manor  of  East  Greenwich,  in  oui 
eooniy  of  Kent,  within  oai  realm  of  England,  yielding,  rendering  and  paj'ing 
Uierefor,  yearly  and  eveiy  year,  on  the  feist  day  of  ihs  Annunciation  of  our 
blessed  virgin,  onto  as,  our  heirs  and  successors,  at  our  city  of  New  Yi>rk, 
the  annual  rent  of  sii  shillings,  in  lien  snd  atead  of  all  former  rents,  dues, 
•ervices  and  demands  whalsoever,  for  Ibe  said  lurdnhip  and  manor  of  Morris- 
sania,  and  premises  :  in  Uatimeny  whereof,  we.hsve  caused  the  great  aeal  of 
ths  said  province  to  be  affixed.  Witnesse  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Benja- 
Diin  Fletcher,  our  capt.  gen.  and  guv.  in-chief  of  oor  province  of  New  York, 
and  the  territories  and  tracts  of  land  depending  thereon,  in  America,  and  vice 
admiral  of  the  same,  ourlleulenBnt  commander- in -chief  of  the  militia  and  of  all 
the  forces  by  sea  and  land  wiihin  our  colony  of  Conneclicnt,  and  of  all  the  folia 
and  places  of  strength  within  the  same,  in  council  at  our  fort  in  New  York, 
the  8Lh  day  of  May,  in  the  ninth  year  of  our  reign,  Anno  Domini,  10B7.' 
By  command  of  his  eiceUencey,  BiK.  Flitchm. 

David  Jameion,  Sect'y, 


<=>.=^^^^c/^rr^ 


AuKfraph  ud  arsa  at  L.cwla  Manii. 


>  Alb.  B<K>k  of  Pat.  No.  Til  G4  and  TO. 


306  HISTORY  OF  THE 

"  The  greatest  part  of  the  life  of  Lewis  Morris,  before  the  ar- 
rival of  Governor  Hunter,  was  spent  in  New  Jersey,*  where  be 
signalized  himself  in  the  service  both  of  the  Proprietors  and  the 
Assembly.  The  latter  employed  him  to  draw  up  their  complaint 
against  my  Lord  Cornbury,  and  he  was  made  the  bearer  of  it  to 
the  Queen."  "In  1732,"  remarks  Dunlap,  "a  question  was 
raised,  whether  Van  Dam  (who  administered  the  government  un- 
til the  arrival  of  Cosby)  should  receive  the  whole  salary  allowed 
to  a  governor,  and  the  opinion  of  the  assembly  was  asked  ;  but 
they  declined  giving  an  opinion,  leaving  it  to  the  council,  who 
consented  that  the  warrants  should  be  drawn  for  the  whole. 
Cosby,  on  his  arrival  and  friendly  reception  by  the  assembl^i 
waited  until  their  adjournment,  and  then  produced  the  King's 
instrnctions  to  take  to  himself  one  half  the  salary  and  emolu- 
ments, during  Van  Dam's  administration,  leaving  him  one  half. 
Van  Dam  agrees,  provided  Cosby  accounts  for  certain  monies  re- 
ceived by  him,  and  shares  with  Van  Dam  such  monies.  Cosby 
refuses,  and  erects  a  court  of  exchequer  to  compel  Van  Dam  to 
comply  with  his  terms.  Suits  commence  on  their  part,  but  Cosby 
appoints  the  judges.  Van  Dam  denies  the  legality  of  the  pro- 
ceedings. Chief  Justice  Morris  declines  to  obey  the  Governor's 
orders  in  the  case,  as  illegal,  and  is  by  him  suspended,  after  serv- 
ing twenty  years  unimpeaoliably.    James  de  Lancey  was  ap- 


•  *'  He  was  one  of  the  Council  in  that  province,  and  a  jndge  of  the  supreme 
court  there  in  lf)92.  Upon  the  surrender  of  the  government  to  Queen  Anne,  in 
1702,  he  was  named  (o  be  governor  of  the  colony  ;  but  the  appointment  was 
changed  in  favor  of  Lord  Cornbury,  the  Queen's  cousin."  '*  Within  the  limits 
of  Shrewsbury,  (says  Mr.  Whitehead,)  Col.  Lewis  Morris  had  extensive  iron  works, 
employing  sixty  or  seventy  negroes,  in  addition  to  white  servants  and  dependants.'* 
**  The  land  (3540  acres)  was  granted  to  him,  Oct.  25, 1G76.  Full  liberty  was  given 
to  him  and  bis  associates  *'  to  dig,  delve,  and  carry  away  all  such  mines  for  iron  as 
they  shall  find  or  see  fit  to  dig  and  carry  away  to  the  iron  works,  or  that  shall  be 
found  in  that  tract  of  land  that  lies  inclosed  between  the  southeast  branch  of  the 
Raritan  River  and  the  whale  pond  on  the  sea*side,  and  is  bounded  from  thence  by 
the  sea  and  branch  of  the  river,  to  the  eastward,  to  the  Raritan  river,  he  or  they 
paying  all  such  just  damages  to  the  owners  of  the  land  where  they  shall  dig  mines 
as  shall  be  judged  is  done  by  trespass  of  cattle  or  otherwise  sustained  by  the  cart- 
ing and  carrying  of  the  said  mine  to  the  work.'* — E.  J.  Records,  B.  page  155. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  307 

pointed  id  his  place.'-^  The  following  particulars  in  relation  to 
this  affair,  are  taken  from  the  Carribeana,  a  literary  periodical 
purporting  to  be  "  written  by  several  hands  in  the  West  Indies," 
The  reader  will  see  that  the  Chief  Just  ice  performed  his  part  with 
great  boldness  and  independence. 

"  Sir  : — You  wUl  perceive,  by  the  enclosed  copy  of  a  letter,  that  the  origi- 
nal waa  addressed  to  the  present  governor  of  New  York,  on  occasion  of  a 
new  dispute  that  arose  between  his  Excellency  and  the  chief  judge  of  the  pro- 
vince concerning  the  establishment  of  a  new  Court  of  Equity.  The  judge's 
argument  upon  the  question  is  very  long,  and,  for  aught  I  know,  very  learned. 
I  shall  not  take  it  upon  me  to  say  whether  his  opinion  is  right  or  not ;  but  cer- 
tainly he  was  right  in  giving  his  opinion  upon  a  matter  of  law  that  came  in 
judgment  before  him.  The  governor,  however,  was  oflfended  at  what  was 
spoken,  and  demanded  a  copy,  which  the  judge  sent  him,  in  prints  with  the 
letter  now  mentioned. 

I  confess  Ihad  some  curiosity  to  know  the  particular  character  of  this  ex- 
traordinary personage,  who  would  seem  to  act  and  speak  like  an  inhabitant  of 
some  other  world.  They  tell  me  he  is  nothing  but  a  man,  and  a  plain  man 
too,  exactly  like  one  of  us — eats  beef  and  mutton,  drinks  madeira  wine,  and 
sometimes  rum  punch,  as  we  do.  His  education  was  narrow,  nor  does  he  pre- 
tend to  inspiration  or  any  supernatural  aid.  His  knowledge  is  derived  merely 
from  reading  and  observation,  and  his  fortitude  grounded  on  the  Christian  reli- 
gion and  the  laws  of  his  country,  which  he  fancies  are  commonly  on  the  side 
of  honesty,  and  a  good  conscience. 

I  would  not  be  thought  to  propose  this  northern  magistrate  to  the  imitatloa 
of  his  brethren  between  the  tropics.  I  hope  and  believe  they  will  never  meet 
with  such  trials  ;  and,  if  they  should,  I  am  persuaded  they  will  be  more  polite 
than  to  copy  after  so  coarse  a  pattern  !  I  only  meant  to  help  out  your  next 
paper  with  a  strange  and  wonderful  occurrence,  which  may  perhaps  amuse 
your  gentle  readers  as  effectually  as  the  accounts  they  have  sometimes  of  hard 
frosts  and  huge  whales,  though  they  never  see  such  things  in  these  parts. 

I  am  yours,  &e., 

Indus. 

To  his  Excellency.  William  Cosby,  Esq.,  Captain  General  and  Governor-in- 
chief  of  the  province  of  New  York,  New  Jersies  and  territories  thereon  de- 
pending in  America,  Vice  Admiral  of  the  same,  and  Colonel  in  his  Majes- 
ty ^s  army,  &c. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  : 
In  obedience  to  your  commands  by  F.  M.,  Esq.,  deputy  secretary,  to  send 


•  Danlap's  Hbt.  N.  Y.  70I.  i.  29^. 


308  HISTORY  OF  THE 

yoa  a  copy  of  what  I  read  in  the  Sapreme  Conrt  ooDcerniog  its  having  a  ja« 
riadiction  to  determine  causea  in  a  Court  of  Equity,  and  a  seeond  meatags 
from  him  to  gvre  it  under  my  hand,  I  send  you  not  only  what  I  read,  hot  what 
I  said  on  that  head,  as  far  as  I  can  charge  my  memory.  What  was  said,  was 
spoken  before  a  numerous  auditory,  among  which  were  the  grand  jury  for  the 
city  and  county  of  New  York,  and  se?eral  other  persons  of  distinction.  1 
chose*  this  public  method  to  prevent,  as  much  as  I  could,  any  misapprehension ; 
and  what  I  said  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

[Here  follows  the  judged  argoment  against  erecting  a  court  of  equity,  and 
then  he  concludes  with  the  remainder  of  his  letter  in  these  words,  Tia. ;] 

This,  sir,  is  a  copy  of  the  paper  I  read  in  court,  and  the  substance  of  what 
I  said  besides  on  that  head,  as  far  as  I  can  shape  my  memory.  I  have  oo  rea- 
son to  expect  that  either  this,  or  any  thing  else  I  can  say,  will  be  at  all  grate- 
ful, or  have  any  weight  with  your  Excellency,  aAer  the  answer  I  received  to  a 
message  I  did  myself  the  honor  to  send  you  concerning  an  ordinance  you 
were  about  to  make  for  establishing  a  court  of  equity  in  the  supreme  court,  as 
being,  in  my  opinion,  contrary  to  law,  and  which  I  desired  might  be  deUyed 
till  I  could  be  heard  on  that  head.  I  thought  myself  within  the  duty  of  my 
office  in  sending  this  message,  and  hope  I  do  not  flatter  myself  in  thinking  I 
shall  be  justified  in  it  by  your  superiors,  as  well  as  mine.  The  answer  your 
Excellency  was  pleased  to  send  by  Mr.  J.  W.  was,  thai  I  need  not  gtue  my^ 
self  any  trouble  about  that  affair ;  that  you  would  neither  receive  a  tfisit  or  any 
message  from  me  ;  that  you  could  neither  rely  upon  my  integrity  nor  depend 
upon  my  judgment ;  that  you  thought  me  a  person  not  at  all  fit  to  be  trusted 
with  any  concerns  relating  to  the  King ;  that  ever  since  your  coming  to  the 
government,  I  had  treated  you,  both  as  to  your  own  person  and  as  the  King*s 
representative y  with  slight,  rudeness  and  impertinence ;  that  you  did  not  desire 
to  see  or  hear  any  further  of  or  from  me,  I  am  heartily  sorry,  sir,  for  your 
own  sake,  as  well  as  that  of  ihe  public,  that  the  King^s  representative  should  be 
moved  to  so  great  a  degree  of  warmth,  as  appears  by  this  answer,  which  I 
think  would  proceed  from  no  other  reason  but  by  giving  my  opinion  in  a  court 
of  which  I  was  a  judge,  upon  a  point  of  law  that  came  before  me,  and  in  which 
I  might  be  innocently  enough  mistaken  ;  (though  I  think  I  am  not ;)  for  judges 
are  no  more  infallible  than  their  superiors  are  impeccable.  But  if  judges  are 
to  be  intimidated  so  as  not  to  dare  to  give  any  opinion  but  what  is  pleasing  to 
a  governor,  and  agreeable  to  his  private  views,  the  people  of  this  province, 
who  are  very  much  concerned  both  with  respect  to  their  lives  and  fortunes  in 
the  freedom  and  independency  of  those  wh3  are  to  judge  of  them,  may  possi- 
bly not  think  themselves  so  secure  in  either  of  them,  as  the  laws  and  his  Ma- 
jesty intend  they  should  be. 

I  never  had  the  honor  to  be  above  six  tiroes  in  your  company  in  my  life  ; — 


Printing  his  argument  and  letter. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  309 

one  of  those  times  wm  when  I  delivered  the  public  seals  of  the  province  of 
New  Jersey  to  joo  on  your  coming  to  that  government ;  another,  on  one  of 
the  pablic  days,  to  drink  the  King's  health  ;  a  third,  at  your  desire,  to  wait  on 
my  Lord  Augustus  Fitz  Roy,  with  the  body  of  the  laws,  to  tell  him  we  were 
glad  to  see  him  at  New  York  ;  and  except  the  first  time,  I  never  was  above  a 
quarter  of  an  hour  together  in  your  company  at  any  one  time  ;  and  all  the 
words  I  ever  spoke  to  you,  except  at  the  first  time,  may  be  contained  on  a 
quarto  side  of  paper.  I  might  possibly  have  been  impertinent,  for  old  men 
are  too  often  so ;  but  as  to  treating  you  with  ludeness  and  disrespect,  either 
in  your  public  or  private  capacity,  it  is  what  I  cannot  accuse  myself  of  doing 
or  intending  to  do,  at  any  of  the  times  I  was  with  you.  If  a  bow,  awkwardly 
made,  or  any  thing  of  that  kind,  or  some  defect  in  the  ceremonial  of  address- 
ing you,  has  occasioned  that  remark,  I  beg  it  may  be  attributed  to  the  want  of 
a  courtly  and  polite  education,  or  to  any  thing  else,  rather  than  the  want  of 
respect  to  his  majesty's  representative.  As  to  my  integrity,  I  have  given  yoa 
no  occasion  to  call  it  in  question.  I  have  been  in  this  office  almost  twenty 
years.  My  hands  were  never  soiled  with  a  bribe ;  nor  am  I  conscious  to  my- 
self, that  power  or  poverty  hath  been  able  to  induce  me  to  be  partial  in  the 
favor  of  either  of  them  ;  and  as  I  have  no  reason  to  expect  any  favor  from 
you,  so  I  am  neither  afraid  nor  ashamed  to  stand  the  test  of  the  strictest  in- 
quiry you  can  make  concerning  my  conduct.  I  have  served  the  public  faith- 
fully and  honestly,  according  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge,  and  I  dare,  and  dot 
appeal  to  it  for  my  justification. 

I  am,  sir, 

Your  Excellency's 

Most  humble  servant, 

Lbwis  Morris. 

A.  D.  1733,  the  Hon.  Lewis  Morris  was  elected  a  representa- 
tive for  the  county  of  Westchester,  in  opposition  to  the  aristocra- 
tic candidate.*  In  1738  he  was  appointed  the  first  governor  of 
New  Jersey,  as  a  separate  province  from  New  York.  He  appears 
also  to  have  been  an  active  member  of  the  venerable  Propagation 
Society ;  for  "  at  a  meeting  of  that  body,  held  in  London,  14th 
of  Sept.,  170],  a  memorial  was  received  from  Colonel  Morris,  in 
which  he  speaks  of  the  several  townships  of  East  Jersey  as  dis- 
tracted by  almost  every  variety  of  dissent,  but  with  little  appear- 
ance of  real  religion  among  them.  Middletown  was  settled  from 
New  York  and  New  England.     "It  is,"  says  Colonel  Morris,  "a 


•  See  vol.  i.  136. 


310  HISTORY  OF  THE 

large  township :  there  is  no  snch  thing  as  a  church  or  religion 
amongst  them.  They  are,  perhaps,  the  most  ignorant  people  ia 
the  world."  The  colonel  describes  the  settlers  of  West  Jersey  as 
"a  hotch  potch  of  all  religions,"  and  the  youth  as  being  *•  very- 
debauched  and  very  ignorant,  &c."» 

Among  the  early  benefactors  lo  Trinity  Church,  New  York, 
occurs  the  name  of  Lewis  Morris,  who  contributed  the  timber  for 
its  erection.    In  return  for  this  act  of  munificence,  the  vestry  of 
that  church  granted  the  family  a  square  pew.    The  Hon.  L^wis 
Morris  died  in  the  spring  of  1746,  aged  73.     <*  He  directed  his 
body  to  be  buried  at  Morrisania,  in  a  plain  coffin,  without  cov- 
ering or  lining  with  cloth  ;  he  prohibited  rings  and  scarfs  from 
being  given  at  his  funeral ;  he  wished  no  man  to  be  paid  for 
preaching  a  funeral  sermon   upon  him,  though   if  any  man, 
churchman  or  dissenter,  minister  or  not,  was  inclined  to  say 
any  thing  on  the  occasion,  he  should  not  object.     He  prohibited 
any  mourning  dress  to  be  worn  on  his  account,  as  he  should  die 
when  divine  Providence  should  call  him  away,  and  was  unwil- 
ling thai  his  friends  should  be  at  the  unnecessary  expanse,  which 
was  owing  only  to  the  common  folly  of  mankind."^    To  his 
eldest  son,  Lewis  Morris,  he  bequeathed  all  that  part  of  Morris- 
ania lying  to  the  eastward  of  the  mill  brook,  and  the  remainder 
westward  of  the  same  stream,  called  Old  Morrisania^  to  his  wife 
Isabella.^' 

The  following  items  are  taken  from  the  journal  of  his  son 
Lewis  Morris.  "  May  26th,  1746,  set  out  from  Trenton  with 
my  father's  corpse  for  Amboy  ferry;  got  there  that  night  about 
nine  of  the  clock.  His  corpse  was  attended  by  numbers  of  peo- 
ple and  his  pall  was  supported  by  Messrs.  Andrew  Johnston, 
James  Hide,  Peter  Kemble,  Thomas  Leonard,  Philip  French, 
Daniel  Cox,  Philip  Kearney  and  Charles  Read.  The  corpse 
was  put  on  board  of  a  large  peri-auger  which  came  from  Morri- 
sania for  that  purpose,  and  arrived  the  next  morning  at  Morrisa- 


>  Hist.  Not  Miss,  of  the  Church  of  England,  p.  20. 
b  Blake*8  Biographical  Dictionary. 

<  Surrogate's  Office  N.  Y.  Lib.  xviii.  94.    Chancery  Records,  Albany,  for  peti« 
tion  of  Isaac  Willctt 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  311 

nia,  the  wind  blowing  at  night  at  north-west  extraordinary  hard, 
and  being  cold  lay  that  night  at  the  ferry." 

"  May  29ih.  My  father  was  buried  at  Morrisaiiia  in  a  vault 
built  by  directions  in  his  will.  The  materials  and  workman- 
ship came  to  JCIO  6  7^.*  His  bearers^were  the  Chief  Justice, 
Joseph  Murray.  Robert  Wallers,  James  Alexander,  Wilh'am  Smith, 
David  Clarkson,  Abraham  Depeyster  and  Lewis  Johnston.  Dr. 
Standard  the  minister  of  the  parish  of  Westchester  attended  the 
burial  and  performed  the  service  of  the  church." 

"May  30.  Sent  back  the  chaises  to  Harlem  that  we  borrowed 
for  the  burial.  There  was  one  quarter  cask  of  wine  expended  at 
the  funeral  to  about  two  dozen  bottles,  and  about  two  gallons  of 
rum,  a  barrel  of  cider  and  two  barrels  of  beer,"  &c.  dsc 

"  Nov.  6th,  1746.  Waited  on  my  mother  with  my  wife,  and 
begged, her  blessing  and  returned  back  at  dusk."^ 

By  her  last  will  and  testament,  Isabella  Morris,  wife  of  his  late 
Excellency  Lewis  Morris,  directs  that  ''  her  body  be  decently 
interred  in  the  vault  at  Morrisania,  near  the  remains  of  her  de- 
ceased husband."  This  lady  was  the  daughter  of  James  Graham, 
Attorney  General  for  the  province  of  New  York,  and  a  near  re- 
lation of  the  Marquis  of  Montrose.  The  sons  of  the  Hon.  Lewis 
Morris  were^  Lewis,  who  inherited  the  lordship  and  manor  of 
Morrisania,  and  Robert  who  had  for  his  share  the  Jersey  es- 
tates. 

Lewis  Morris  the  eldest  son  was  judge  of  the  high  court  of 
adniiralty  and  one  of  the  judges  of  oyer  and  terminer,  he  died  iii 
1762,  aged  sixty-four  years.  By  his  last  will,  dated  Nov.  19th, 
1760,  he  devised  "all  that  part  of  Morrisania  situated  west  of  the 
Mill  brook  to  his  eldest  son  Lewis  Morris."  "To  his  wife  the 
land  whereon  his  house  stands  west  of  the  Mill  brook."  "To  his 
brother  Robert  Hunter  iVlorris  he  bequeathed  the  pictures  of  his 
father  and  mother,''  and  "that  of  myself  and  wife  to  my  daughter 


■  In  this  vault,  which  lies  near  the  residence  of  Colonel  Lewis  Morris,  the  re- 
mains of  the  Morris  family  have  since  been  interred,  with  the  single  exception  of 
Gouvemeur  Morris,  who  erected  a  new  vault  at  Morrisania. 

b  From  the  journal  of  the  Hon.  Lewis  Morris,  in  ponession  of  Gouvemeur  M* 
Wilkins,  Esq. 


312  HISTOKY  OF  THE 

Isabella."*  His  son  Governeur  was  to  have  the  best  education 
<<  ihat  is  to  be  had  in  England  or  Anfierica,"  &cJ^  His  three 
sons  by  his  first  wife,  Catharine  Staats,  were  Lewis  Morris,  a 
brigadier  general  in  the  Continental  army,<>  also  a  member  of 
Congress  and  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Indepen- 
dence. Staats  Long  Morris,  the  imimgi^  General  Staats  Long 
Morris  who  married  Catharine,  the  celebrated  Duchess  of  Gor- 
don, and  Richard  Morris,  judge  of  the  .high  court  of  admiralty  in 
1776.  By  his  second  wife,  Sarah  Governeur,  Lewis  Morris  had 
one  son  Governeur  Morris.  The  following  biograghical  sketch 
of  the  latter^gentleman  is  from  Barber's  Historical  Collections. 

'<  Governeur  Morris  was  born  at  Morrisania,  Jan.  31,  1762.  He 
graduated  at  King's  College,  New  York,  in  1768.  He  was  bred 
to  the  law  in  which  he  obtained  a  great  reputation.  In  1775|  be 
was  a  delegate  to  the  provincial  congress  in  New  York.  In 
1776,  (Dec.)  he  acted  as  one  of  the  committee  for  drafting  a  con- 
stitution for  the  state  of  New  York,  which  was  reported  in 
March,  1777,  and  adopted  in  April  of  thai  year,  after  repeated 
and  very  able  debutes.  He  was  employed  in  the  public  senrice 
in  various  capacities  during  the  revolutionary  contest,  in  all  of 
which  he  displayed  great  zeal  and  ability.*^  After  the  Revolution 
he  retired  from  public  life  and  passed  a  number  of  years  in  pri- 
vate pursuits,  excepting  being  a  very  active  member  of  the  con- 
vention which  framed  the  constitution  of  the  United  States.  In 
1792,  he  was  appointed  minister  to  France,  and  remained  there 
in  that  capucity  until  October,  1794.«  He  returned  to  America 
in  1798,  and  in  1800  w,as  chosen  a  senator  from  New  York.  In 
the  summer  of  1810,  he  examined  the  route  for  the  Erie  canal, 


■  The  above-meDtioned  pictures  are  in  the  poMession  of  Lewia  Morris,  £iq. 
Fordham. 

b  Surrogate's  officoi  N.  Y.  lib.  zziii.  426. 

c  Brigradier  General  Morris  received  orders  from  Congress  to  take  possession  (with 
his  whole  brigade;  of  such  part  of  the  Sound  and  Hudson  River  as  he  might  think 
most  exposed  to  the  enemy. 

d  Upon  the  8th  of  July,  1775,  he  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  Committee  of 
Public  Safety  for  Westchester  county. 

•  He  is  said  to  have  been  the  author  of  the  memorable  address  of  Louis  XVL  to 

■ 

the  French  people. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  313 

and  took  a  prominent  part  in  originating  and  promoting  that 
noble  work."  "  The  activity  of  his  mind,  the  richness  of  ^his 
fancy,  and  the  copiousness  of  his  eloquent  conversation,  were  the 
admiration  of  all  his  acquaintance,  and  he  was  universally  ad- 
mitted to  be  one  of  the  most  accomplished  and  prominent  men  of 
our  country ."»  "  He  died  at  Morrisania,  November  5, 1816,  aged 
64.  His  publications  were  numerous.  A  selection  from  his  pa- 
pers, with  a  sketch  of  his  life,  has  been  published  by  Jared 
Sparks,  in  3  vols.  8vo.  lS32."b 

He  married  Anne  Carey  Randolph,  daughter  of  Thomas  Ran- 
dolph of  Roanoake,  Virginia,  who  was  descended,  in  the  fifth 
generation,  from  the  celebrated  Pockohantes,c  the  daughter  of 
Wahunsonacock  or  Powhattati,  Emperor  of  Attanonghkanonck 
alias  Virginia.  His  son  is  the  present  Gouverneur  Morris  of 
Morrisania. 

The  principal  proprietors  of  the  ancient  manor,  are  William 
H.  Morris,  who  holds  one  third  part  of  Old  Morisania^  lying  on 
the  west  side  of  the  Mill  brook,  Colonel  Lewis  Morris,  his 
mother,  (who  has  a  life  estate,)  Governeur  Morris,  (whose  father 
purchased  that  portion  formerly  belonging  to  StaatsLong  Morris,) 
Gerard  Morris,  Henry  Morris,  Hannah  Morris,  Albert  J.  and 
Smith  Anderson,  William  H.  Legget,  Charles  Dennison,  Philip 
Dater,  B.  L.  Benson,  Captain  Davy,  Mr.  Humphrey,  Julia  Steb- 
bins  and  Jordan  L.  Mott. 

The  principal  settlement  in  Morrisania,  is  a  small  hamlet  bear- 
ing the  same  name,  bordering  the  Haarlem  river.  Here  is  a  neat 
hotel,  a  rail  road  depot,  the  rope  and  cord  factory  of  Mr.  John 
York,  an  extensive  iron  foundry  belonging  to  Mr.  Jordan  L. 
Mott,  and  the  nursery  gardens  of  Mr.  Joseph  Lodge.<^ 

The  Haarlem  bridge  communicates  with  the  Westchester  shore 
and  New  York  island.    Prior  to  the  erection  of  the  bridge,  there 


>  Barber^i  Hist.  Coll.  of  N.  Y. 

b  Blake*!  Biographical  Dictionary. 

•  Literally  a  run  between  two  hills.  This  name  was  given  her  under  the  sup- 
position that  the  English  could  not  bewitch  her  with  an  assumed  name. 

d  Mr.  Lodge,  who  has  had  a  long  experience  in  the  nursery  gardening  basi« 
lieM,  is  extensively  employed  in  ornamental  horticnltore. 

Vol.  IL  40 


314  HISTORY  OF  THE 

appears  to  have  been  a  fording  place  between  the  two  shores ; 
for,  upon  the  11th  of  October,  1666,  Governor  Nicolls  granted 
"  certain  saw  mills  to  Thomas  Delaval,  John  Vervelen  and  Daniel 
Turner^&c,  lying  over  against  Verchers  or  Hogg  island,  in  the 
Sonnd,  where  a  passage  hath  been  made  to  ford  over  from  this 
island  to  the  maine?**' 

Governor  Dongan's  patent  for  Haarlem,  in  1666,  recites  the  fol- 
lowing :  *•  and  whereas,  the  town  lies  very  commodious  for  a 
ferry  to  and  from  the  raaine,  which  may  redowned  to  the  par- 
ticular benefit  of  the  inhabitants  as  well  as  to  general  good.  The 
freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  said  cown  should,  in  consideration 
of  the  benefits  and  privileges  therein  granted,  as  also  for  what 
advantage  might  accrue  thereby,  be  enjoyned  and  obliged, 
at  their  proper  costs  and  charge,  to  build  and  provide  one  or 
more  boats  fit  for  the  transportation  of  men,  horse  or  cattle,  for 
which,  a  certain  allowance  was  to  be  given  by  each  particular 
person,"  &c.*» 

In  the  vicinity  of  Harlem  bridge  issituated,  the  well  known  coun- 
try residence  of  the  late  Hon.  Governeur  Morris,  which  is  highly 
spoken  of  by  travellers,  and  other  persons  of  taste.  Its  location 
is  very  tine,  just  on  the  south-west  angle  of  the  township  of 
West  Farms,  nearly  opposite  to  the  beautiful  scenery  of  Hurl- 
gate,  and  eight  miles  from  New  York.  It  commands  extensive 
views  of  the  surrounding  country  and  the  adjacent  waters.  "  Here 
he  passed  the  latter  years  of  his  life  exercising  an  elegant  and  mu- 
nificent hospitality,  reviewing  the  studies  of  his  early  days,  and 
carrying  on  a  very  interesting  correspondence  with  statesmen 
and  literati  in  Europe  and  America.''^  Among  his  principal 
guests  were  Louis  Philipe  Le  Due  d'Orleans,  (the  present  king 
of  the  French)  aud  John  Victor  Moreau,  one  of  the  most  celebra- 
ted of  modern  French  generals.  Of  the  old  mansion,  which  was 
constructed  in  the  French  chateau  style,  nothing  remains  but  the 
central  portion,  and  (his  has  been  greatly  modernized  by  tho  pre- 


•  Harlem  couveyancea 

b  Harlem  coDTeyancesi  p.  7. 

•  Barbefa  Hist.  CoU.  of  N.  Y. 


COUNTT  OF  WESTCHESTER. 


316 


sent  proprietor.  The  interior,  however,  retains  much  of  its 
former  consistence.  The  library  possesses  a  very  choice  collec- 
lion  of  books.  It  is  chiefly  remarkable  for  the  valuable  manu- 
scripts belonging  to  it,  which  are  so  ezleasively  connected  with 
the  history  of  iu  former  owner.  There  are  here,  likewTse,  seve- 
ral choice  pieces  of  French  furniture,  some  gobelin  capestry,  and 
a  good  portrait  of  the  late  Hon.  Governeur  Morris,  also  a  fine 
marble  bust  of  Mrs.  Morris. 

The  grounds  are  enriched  with  many  rare  ornamental  trees 
and  shrubs,  among  the  former  deserve  to  be  mentioned,  two  or 
three  specimens  of  tlie  deciduous  American  cypress,  (cupressua 
disticha)  said  by  Gordon  to  be  the  finest  of  the  kind  in  the  Uni- 
ted States.  Of  the  latter,  there  are  hedges  of  the  glidilsia  trican- 
thus,  and  the  gliditsia  horrida.  The  orchards  consist  principally 
of  the  bell  flower,  styre  and  pearmaiu  apple  trees. 


Sl  Adb'i  Ctrareh, 


At  a  short  distance  from  the  house,  stands  the  parish  church 
of  St.  Ann's,  a  pleasin;;  gothic  structure  of  marble.  This  edifice 
"  was  erected  by  the  present  Goremeur  Morris,  Bsq.,  in  a  field  on 
his  own  estate,  which  had  for  some  time  been  hallowed,  as  con- 
taining  the  sepulchre  of  his  parents.  In  n  vault  constructed  to 
receive  kia  remains,  as  appears  by  a  tablet  in  the  chancel,  the 
relics  of  the  Hon.  Governeur  Morris,"  were  laid  by  his  faithful 
widow.    In  the  year  of  our  Lord  1837,  she  joined  him  with  tha 


316  HISTORY  OF  THE 

dead  ;  and,  over  her  remains  has  arisen  this  beaiitiiul  sanctuaryv 
which,  in  remembrance  of  her,  and  with  respectful  regard  to 
two  other  valued  relations  of  the  name,  was  called  Sl^  Annfsy 
from  ^<  St.  Anna  of  the  Gospel,  and  consecrated  by  that  name  on 
the  28lh^of  June,  1841,"*  by  the  Right  Rev.  Benjamin  T.  On- 
derdonk,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  New  York.  The  corner  stone  had 
been  laid  with  appropriate  ceremonies  in  the  preceding  Octo- 
ber. Its  incorporation  took  place  on  the  20th  of  July,  1841 ; 
Robert  Morris  and  Lewis  Morris,  churchwardens,  Jacob  Buck- 
hout,  Daniel  Devoe,  Benjamin  Rogers,  Benjamin  M.  Brown, 
Edward  Legget,  Lewis  G.  Morris  and  Henry  W.  Morris,  vestry- 
men."** 

The  interior  of  the  church  contains  a  well  arranged  chancel 
and  the  tablet  before  mentioned,  inscribed  as  follows : 

Conjugal  affection 

consecrated  this  spot  where 

THE    BEST   OF    MEN    WaS    laid 

until  a  vault  could  be  erected 

to  receive 

his  precious  remains. 

A  beautiful  purple  altar  cloth .  adorned  with  the  sacred  mono- 
gram, surmounted  with,  the  glory,  together  with  a  silver  com- 
munion service,  consisting  of  a  flagon,  two  chalices  and  paten, 
have  been  recently  presented  to  the  church  by  the  ladies  of  the 
congregation.  There  is  also  an  additional  paten  which  bears  the 
following  inscription,  "Stae.  Annse  Altari  Voverunt  Tres,  J.  H. 
C.  Fest  Pentecost,  1842."  The  bell  is  inscribed,  "  Presented  to 
St.  Ann's  church  by  Governeur  Morris,  J.  P.  Allaire,  New  York, 
1841." 

It  appears,  that  prior  to  the  Revolution,  Morrisania  formed  one 


•  Church  Register.  "^^ 

b  The  church  with  its  adjoining  grounds,  were  munificently  conveyed  to  the  ves- 
try, as  a  donation,  by  its  founder,  Ooverneur  Morris,  Esq.,  in  a  deed  securing  tho 
holy  and  beautiful  house,  which  God  had  moved  him  to  erect  to  the  service  of  God 
the  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost,  Slc.  SlcJ"    See  Church  Register. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  317 

of  the  precincts  of  Westchester  parish,  for,  in  1707,  she  paid  for 
tlie  church  and  poor,  £3  10.  In  1720,  her  quota  was  £4  10.  Ta 
St  Ann's  church  are  attached  a  parsonage  and  burying  ground. 

LIST  OF  RECTORS. 

Instit.  or  call,  Incumbents,  Vadated  by 

1841,  Rev.  Arthur  C.  Cox,  Fresh.  resig. 

1842,  Rev.  Charles  Jones,  Presb. 

1843,  Rev.  Charles  Aldis,  Presb.  '' 

1st  Sep.,  1847,  Rev.  Abraham  Beach  Carter,  present  in- 

cumbent. 

Notitia  Parochialis. 
1847,  Communicants,  60.  Baptisms,  17. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  revolutionary  struggle.  General 
Heath's  division  of  the  American  army  was  stationed  at  Morri- 
sania.  From  his  memoirs  we  gather  the  following  particulars. 
A  picket  from  our  general's  division,  of  four  hundred  and  fifty 
men,  constantly  mounted,  by  relief,  at  Morrisania,  from  which 
a  chain  of  sentinels,  within  half  gun-shot  of  each  other,  were 
planted,  from  the  one  side  of  the  shore  to  the  other,  and  near  the 
water  passage,  between  Morrisania  and  Montresor's  island,  which 
in  some  places  is  very  narrow.  The  sentinels  on  the  American 
side  were  ordered  not  to  presume  to  fire  at  those  of  the  British, 
unless  the  latter  began :  but  the  British  were  so  fond  of  beginning, 
that  there  was  frequently  a  firing  between  them.  This  having 
been  the  case  one  day,  and  a  British  officer  walking  along  the 
bank,  on  the  Montresor's  side,  an  American  sentinel,  who  had 
been  exchanging  some  shots  with  a  British  sentinel,  seeing  the 
officer,  and  concluding  him  to  be  better  game,  gave  him  a  shot, 
and  wounded  him.  He  was  carried  up  to  the  house  on  the 
island.  An  officer  with  a  flag  soon  came  down  to  the  creek  and 
called  for  the  American  officer  of  the  picket,  and  informed  him 
that  if  the  American  sentinels  fired  any  more,  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  island  would  cannonade  Col,  Morris's  house,  in 
which  the  officers  of  the  picket  quartered,  l^he  American  officer 
immediately  sent  up  to  our  general,  to  know  what  answer  should 


318  HISTORY  OF  THE 

be  returned.  He  was  directed  to  inform  the  British  officer  th»t 
the  American  sentinels  had  always  been  instructed  not  to  fire 
on  sentinels  unless  they  were  first  fired  upon,  and  then  to  retara 
the  fire;  that  such  would  be  their  conduct;  as  to  the  cannon- 
ading of  Col.  Morris's  house,  they  might  act  their  pleafure. 
The  firing  ceased  for  some  time;  but  a  raw  Scotch  sentinel 
having  been  planted  one  day,  he  very  soon  after  discharged  his 
piece  at  an  American  sentinel  nearest  to  him,  which  was  imme- 
diately returned  ;  upon  which  a  British  officer  came  down,  and 
called  to  the  American  officers,  observing  that  he  thought  there 
was  to  be  no  firing  between  the  sentinels.  He  was  answered, 
that  their  own  began;  upon  which  he  replied,  ''he  shall  then 
pay  for  it."  The  sentinel  was  directly  after  relieved,  and  there 
was  no  firing  between  the  sentinels,  at  that  place,  any  more,  and 
they  were  so  civil  to  each  other,  on  the  posts,  that  one  day,  at  a 
part  of  the  creek  where  it  was  practicable,  the  British  sentinel 
asked  the  American,  who  was  nearly  opposite  to  him,  if  he  could 
give  him  a  chew  of  tobacco;  the  latter,  having  in  his  pocket  a 
piece  of  thick  twisted  roll,  sent  it  across  the  creek  to  the  British 
sentinet,  who,  after  taking  off  his  bite,  sent  the  remainder  back 
again."» 

"On  the  6th  of  October,  1776,  (continues  General  Heath,) 
orders  were  given  for  throwing  up  a  new  work  on  Harlem  creek 
below  the  wood  at  Morrisania."*> 

After  tiie  retreat  of  the  American  army  northwards  and  the 
settlement  of  their  lines  on  the  Croton,  the  British  refugee  corps 
were  stationed  at  Morrisania,  under  the  command  of  Col.  James 
de  Liancey,  who  held  his  head  quarters  at  Col.  Morris's  house. 
Here  the  British  appear  to  have  been  kept  in  a  constant  state  of 
alarm  by  their  vigilant  enemies.  Upon  the  5th  of  August,  1779, 
(says  Heath)  about  100  horse  of  Sheldon's,  Moyland's,  and  of 
the  militia,  and  about  forty  infantry  of  Glover's  brigade,  passed 
by  De  Lancey's  mills  to  the  neighborhood  of  Morrisania,  where 
they  took  twelve  or  fourteen  prisoners,  some  stock,  &c.  The 
enemy  collected,  a  skirmish  ensued,  in  which  the  enemy  had  a 


•  Heath*!  Mem.  p.  63.  «>  Ibid.  6& 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  319 

number  of  men  killed  and  wounded ;  our  loss,  two  Icilied  and 
two  wounded."^  The  frequency  of  these  attacks  compelled 
De  Lancey  to  shift  bis  quarters  under  the  British  guns  of  Fort 
No.  8,  in  Fordham.  The  dwellings  at  Morrisania  were  burnt 
on  the  same  day  with  the  Westchester  court  house. 

The  property  of  William  H.  Morris  is  situated  on  the  high  ridge 
west  of  the  mill  brook  vale.  The  house  built  by  James  Morris, 
Esq.,  occupies  the  site  of  one  much  older,  erected  in  1795.  It  is 
handsome,  and  well  placed,  and  the  neighborhood  is  rendered  ex- 
tremely beautiful  by  the  inequality  of  the  ground,  and  the  fine 
mixture  of  wood  and  pasture,  which  diversifies  the  appearance 
of  the  vales  and  eminences.  Within  are  some  good  paintings, 
viz.,  Jttmes  Morris,  Benjamin  Peale  ;  Hon.  Daniel  Webster, 
Frothingham  ;  and  General  Staats  Long  Morris,  artist  unknown. 
A  broad  and  fine  carriage  road,  lined  on  either  side  with  elms,^ 
is  terminated  by  a  picturesque  view  of  the  small  hamlet  of 
Morrisania.  At  no  great  distance  stands  the  residence  of  the 
late  ^Commodore  Valentine  Morris,  now  occupied  by  Mr.  John 
Ray. 

Upon  the  east  side  of  the  Mill  brook  lies  the  old  race  course^ 
which  is  said  to  have  been  established  by  General  Staats  Long 
Morris,  one  of  the  first  importers  of  blooded  horses  at  the  north. 
The  western  portion  of  Morrisania  is  watered  by  Cromwell 
creek,<^  which  discharges  into  the  Haarlem  river.  The  principal 
seats  which  embellish  this  part  of  the  town  are  those  of  Mr. 
Anderson  and  Mr.  Wells,  &c. 

The  Manor  of  Fordham,^  which  forms  the  last  division  of 
West  Farms,  was,  as  we  have  noticed,  originally  included  in  the 
township  of  Westchester.  Its  early  Indian  proprietors  appear  to 
have  been  the  sachems  Fecquemeck,  Rechgawac  and  Packana- 
riens,  who  sold  the  lands  of  Kekeshiek^  bordering  the  Haarlem 


>  Heath's  Mem.  214. 

b  One  of  theee  ireee  meuuree  fonrteen  feet  in  circumiareDce,  while  its  branches 
afibrd  a  shade  of  120  feet. 

•  On  this  stream  a  mill  was  erected  by  Lewis  Morris  in  1760,  of  which  nothing 
remains  but  the  mill  dam. 

d  A  word  of  Saxon  origin,  and  compounded  of  Ford  (ford)  ham  (mansion.) 


330  HISTORY  OF  THE 

River,  to  the  Dutch  West  India  Company,  A.  D.  1639.*  In 
1646,  we  find  the  whole  of  Fordham,  as  well  as  the  Toucker^ 
land,  in  the  possession  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck,  whose  widow 
Mary  conveyed  them  to  her  brother,  Elias  Doughty.  The  fol- 
lowing sales  appear  under  the  hands  of  the  latter  in  1666-7 : 
''Know  all  men,  by  these  presents,  that  I,  Elias  Doughty,  of 
Flushing,  do  sell  unto  Mr.  John  Archer^  of  WesiehesteTf^  his 
heirs  and  assignees,  fourscore  acres  of  land  and  thirty  acres  of 
meadow,  lying  and  being  betwixt  Brothers^  River  and  the  wa- 
tering place  at  the  end  of  the  Island  of  Manhatans ;  and  if  the 
land  be  not  fit  to  cleare  for  the  plow  or  hoe,  this  land  is  to  1]^ 
together;  and  if  there  be  not  all  such  land  together  as  there 
should,  or  if  there  should  happen  eight  or  ten  acres  of  land  that 
is  not  for  such  use,  then  the  said  Archer  is  to  have  it  with  the 
rest ;  and  he  shall  have  equal  right  privilege  in  the  commons  as 
any  other  man  shall  have  within  that  Patent  that  hath  no  more 
arable  land  ;  and  the  meadow  is  to  be  mowed  all.  As  witnesse 
my  hand  this  1st  of  March,  1666.  As  witnesse,  if  there  should 
lye  any  more  land,  that  is  to  say,  between  thirty  and  forty  acres, 
it  is  all  in  common,  and  I  am  to  give  the  said  ilrcA^a  firme  bill 
of  sale  under  my  hand  and  seal. 

"Elias  Doughty. 

''J,  Elias  Doughty,  do  own  to  have  received  full  satisfaction 
of  the  said  Archer  for  the  said  lands  and  meadow  ;  the  house  is 
yet  to  be :  and  he,  the  said  Archer,  is  to  have  his  within  the 
abovesaid  tract  of  land.     September  the  18ih,  1G67. 

"  It  is  to  be  understood  that  Mr.  John  Archer  is  to  have  the 
freshest  meadow  (boggy)  that  lyeth  in  the  north  side  of  West- 
chester path  between  the  Patent  of  Mr.  O'Neale,  within  his  se- 
cond purchase,  upon  consideration  that  the  said  John  Archer  shall 
pay  to  the  said  Doughty,  dec.  &c/;  as  witness  my  hand. 

"Elias  Doughty. 

Examined  by  John  West." 

By  these  and  other  purchases,  John  Archer,  Esq.,  eventually 

•  See  Yonken.  b  Vol.  u  179. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  321 

became  seized  in  fee  of  1263  acres.  Upon  the  13th  of  Novem- 
ber, 1671,  Francis  Lovelace  issued  the  following  letters  patent, 
under  the  great  seal  of  the  province : — 

Franeis  Lovelace,  Esq.,  one  of  the  gentlemen  of  his  Majestie's  Hon^ble 
Priry  Chaniber,  and  GoTernoi-General  under  his  Royal  Highness,  James, 
Dake  of  York  and  Albany,  and  of  all  his  territories  in  America,  to  all  to  whom 
these  presents  shall  come,  sendeth  greeting  :  Whereas,  there  is  a  certain  par- 
cel or  tract  of  land  within  this  government,  upon  the  main  continent,  silaate, 
lying  and  being  to  the  eastward  of  Harlem  River,  near  unto  ye  passage  com- 
monly  oalled  Spiting  Devils  upon  which  land  ye  new  dorp  or  village  is  erected 
known  by  the  name  o/Fordham — ye  utmost  limits  of  the  whole  tract  or  parcel 
of  land  beginning  at  the  high  wood  land  that  lyes  due  northwest  over  against 
the  "first  point  of  the  main  land  to  the  east  of  the  island  Pepiriniman — there 
where  the  hill  Moskuta  is— ^and  soe  goes  alongst  the  said  kill,  the  said  land 
striking  from  the  high  wood  land  before  mentioned  east  southeast,  till  it  comes 
to  Bronk^s,  his  kill ;  soe  westward  up  alongst  ye  main  land  to  the  place  where 
Harlem  Kill  and  Hudson  River  meet,  and  then  forth  alongst  Harlem  Kill  to 
the  first  spring  or  fountain,  keeping  to  the  south  of  Crabb  Island ;  soe  east- 
ward alongst  Daniel  Tumer^s  land,  the  high  wood  land,  and  ye  land  belonging 
to  Thomas  Hunt ;  and  then  to  Bronk's  Kill  afore -mentioned,  according  to  a 
survey  lately  made  thereof  by  the  surveyor-general — the  which  remains  upon 
record  ;  all  which  said  parcel  or  tract  of  land  before  described  being  part  of 
the  land  granted  in  the  grand  patent  to  Hugh  O^Neal,  and  Mary  hia  wife,  pur- 
chase was  made  thereof,  by  John  Archer,  from  Elyas  poughty,  who  was  in- 
vested in  their  interest  as  of  the  Indian  proprietor,  by  my  approbation,  who 
all  acknowledge  to  have  received  satisfaction  for  the  same :  and  the  said  John 
Archer  having,  at  his  own  charge,  and  with  good  success,  begun  a  township 
in  a  convenient  place  for  the  relief  of  strangers,  it  being  the  road  fur  passen- 
gers to  go  to  and  fro  from  the  main,  as  well  as  for  mutual  intercourse  with  the 
neighboring  colony,  for  all  encouragement  unto  him,  the  said  John  Archer,  in 
prosecution  of  the  said  design,  as  also  for  divers  o:her  good  causes  and  con« 
siderations :  know  yee,  that  by  virtue  of  ye  eommis-^ion  and  authority  unto  me 
given  by  his  royal  highness,  upon  whom,  by  lawful  grant  and  patent  from  his 
majestie,  the  propriety  and  government  of  that  part  of  the  main  land,  as  well 
as  Long  Island,  and  all  the  islands  adjacent,  amongst  other  things,  is  settled,! 
have  given,  granted,  ratified  and  confirmed,  and  by  these  presents  do  give, 
grant,  ratify  and  confirm  to  ye  afore  mentioned  John  Archer,  his  heirs  and 
assignees,  all  the  said  parcel  or  tract  of  land  butted  and  bounded  as  aforesaid^ 
together  with  all  the  lands,  soyles,  woods,  meadows,  pastures,  marshes,  lakes, 
waters,  creeks,  fishing,  hawking,  hunting  and  fowling,  and  all  ye  profits,  com- 
modityes,  emmoluments  aad  hereditaments  to  the  said  parcel  or  tract  of  land 
or  premises  belonging  or  in  any  wise  appertaining,  and  of  every  part  and  par- 
cel thereof;  and  I  doe  likewise  grant  unto  ye  said  John  Archer,  his  heirs  and 

Vol.  II.  41 


322  HISTORY  OF  THE 

aasignees,  that  the  house  which  he  shall  erect,  together  with  ye  Miid  ptreel  at 
tract  of  land  and  premises,  shall  be  forever  hereafter  held,  claimed,  repatedf 
and  be  an  entire  and  enfranchised  township,  manor  and  place  of  itself,  and 
shall  always,  from  time  to  time,  and  at  all  times  hereafter,  haTe,'hold  and  eo- 
joy  like  and  eqiml  privileges  and  immunities  with  any  town  enfranchised  or 
manor  within  this  government,  and  shall,  in  no  manner  of  way,  be  sabordiiiat« 
or  belonging  unto,  have  any  dependmce  upon,  or  in  any  wise  be  under  thm 
rule,  order  or  direction  of  any  riding,  township,  place  or  jurisdiction  either 
upon  the  main  or  Long  Island,  but  shall,  in  all  cases,  things  and  matters,  be 
deemed,  reputed,  taken  and  held  as  an  absolute,  entire,  enfranchised  township, 
manor  and  place  of  itself  in  this  government,  as  aforesaid,  and  shall  be  mled, 
ordered  and  directed,  in  all  matters  as  to  government,  by  ye  governor  and  his 
council,  and  ye  general  court  of  assizes,  only  always  provided  thai  the  inhab- 
itants of  the  said  town,  or  any  part  of  the  land  granted  as  aforesaid,  ahaU  be 
obliged  to  send  forward  to  ye  next  town  or  plantation  all  public  pacqnetta 
and  letters,  or  hue  and  cryes,  commiog  to  this  place  or  going  from  it  towards 
or  to  any  of  his  majestie^s  colonics ;  and  I  do. further  grant  onto  the  said  John 
Archer,  bis  heirs  and  assignees,  that  when  there  shall  be  a  sufficient  number 
of  inhabitants  in  the  town  of  Fordham  aforementioned,  and  the  other  parts  of 
ye  manor  capable  of  maintaining  a  minister,  and  to  carry  on  other  public  af* 
fairs ;  that  then  the  neighboring  inhabitants  between  the  two  kills  of  Harlem 
and  Bronk*9  be  obliged  to  contribute  towards  the  maintenance  of  their  said 
minister  and  other  necessary  public  charges  that  may  happen  to  arise,  and 
likewise  that  they  belong  to  the  said  town,  according  to  the  direction  of  the 
law,  although  their  said  farms  and  habitations  be  not  included  within  this  pa- 
tent, to  have  and  to  hold  ye  said  parcel  and  tracts  of  land,  with  all  and  singa- 
lar  the  appurtenances  and  premises,  together  with  the  privileges,  immanities, 
franchises  and  advantages  herein  given  and  granted  unto  the  said  John  Ar- 
cher, his  heirs  and  assignees,  unto  the  proper  use  and  behoof  of  him,  the  said 
John  Archer,  his  heirs  and  assignees  forever,  fully,  truly  and  clearly,  in  as 
large  and  ample  manner,  and  from  and  with  such  full  and  absolute  immunities 
and  privileges  as  is  before  expressed,  as  if  he  held  the  same  immediately  from 
his  majesty,  the  King  of  England,  and  his  successors,  as  of  the  manor  of  East 
Greenwich,  in  the  county  of  Kent,  in  free  and  common  soccage  and  by  fealty, 
only  yealding,  rendering  and  paying  yearly  and  every  year  unto  his  royal  high- 
ness, the  Duke  of  York  and  his  successors,  or  to  such  governor  and  governors 
as  from  time  to  time  shall  by  him  be  constituted  and  appointed,  as  all  aoknow- 
ledgment  and  quit  rent,  twenty  bushels  of  good  peas,  upon  the  first  day  of 
March,  when  it  shall  be  demanded.  Given  under  my  hand,  and  sealed  with 
the  seal  of  the  province  at  Fort  James,  in  New  York,  on  the  island  of  Man- 
hattan, this  thirteenth  day  of  November,  in  the  twenty-tbird  year  of  the  roign 
of  our  sovereign  lord,  Charles  the  Seccond,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  England, 
Scotland,  France  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  and  Anno  Domini, 
1671.  Francis  Lovblack. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  323 

Sometirao  prior  to  1672,  Daniel  Turner  purchased  forty  mor- 
gen  of  land  from  the  Indian  sachems  Shahash  Panazarah  and 
others,  bounded  west  by  Harlem  River,  &c.  This  sale  is  pre- 
sumed to  have  embraced  Devoe's  Point,  called  by  the  aborigines 
Nuasin,  On  the  15th  of  June,  1668,  Richard  Nicoll,  governor 
of  the  province,  confirmed  to  the  above  grantee  all  that  parcel  of 
land  "  situated  upon  the  maine,  lying  and  being  to  the  north  of 
Broncks's  land,  beginning  at  the  mouth  of  Maenneppis-kill,  (now 
known  as  Cromwell's  Creek,)  and  goes  into  the  woods  the  depth 
of  fifty  rods,  containing  80  acres,"  &c.  Sec. 

Upon  the  restoration  of  the  Dutch  in  1673,  we  find  the  inhab- 
itants-of  Fordham,  petitioning  at  a  meeting  of  the  governor-gen- 
eral, through  counsellor  Cornelius  Steenwyck,  in  the  village  of 
New  Harlem,  4lh  of  October,  1673,  "upon  which  occasion  the 
inhabitants  of  Fordham  appeared  and  complained,  in  substance, 
of  the  bad  management  of  their  lord,  (land-heer,)  John  Archer, 
soliciting  that  they  might  be  permitted  to  make  the  nomination 
of  their  own  magistrates,  &>c.  as  is  granted  to  all  -the  other  inhab- 
itants under  this  government ;  on  which^  the  aforesaid  John  Ar- 
cher, being  summoned,  this  complaint  was  communicated  to  him, 
who  voluntarily  declared  that  he  abdicated  all  authority  and  pa- 
tronage over  the  villages,  reserving  only  to  himself  the  properly  of 
the  lands  and  houses  there,  and  permitting  the  said  inhabitants 
the  nomination  of  their  own  magistrates,  which  was  confirmed  by 
the  governor  and  council.    The  following  act  was  granted  them : 

"  The  inhabitants  of  the  village  of  Fordham  are,  by  a  majo- 
rity of  votes,  to  choose  a  number  of  six  persons  of  the  best  qualified 
inhabitants,  and  only  those  of  the  Reffrmed  Christian  religion^ 
as  magistrates  of  aforesaid  village,  and  to  present  the  aforesaid 
nomination,  by  the  first  opportunity,  to  the  governor-general,  from 
which  he  shall  make  the  election.  They  are  recommended  to  take 
care  that  at  least  the  half  of  the  nominated  are  of  the  Dutch  na- 
tion.   Done  in  this  village  of  New  Harlem,  4th  of  October,  1673. 

^  From  the  nomination  of  the  inhabitants  of  Fordham,  there 
are  elected,  by  the  governor,  as  magistrates  of  said  village  for  the 
ensuing  year, 

"  Johannes  Yerveelen,  as  schepen  and  secretary, 


324  '  mSTORY  OF  THE 

"Michael  Bnstyensen, 
*•  Valenlya  Olaessen.* 
«  Done  at  Fort  William  Hendricke,  on  the  I8lh  Oct.,  1673.*^ 
The  following  year,  John  Archer,  Esq.,  laid  claim  to  a  neck  of 
land  called  Hiimock  Island,  commonly  named  Papiriniman^^ 
which  he  assorted  he  had  by  patent. 

Upon  the  25th  of  November,  1676,  John  Archer  mortgaged 
the  manor  of  Pordham  to  Cornelius  Sleinwyck,  merchant  of  New 
York. 

This  indenture,  made  the  twenty-fuurth  day  of  November,  io  the  IM  yesr 
of  the  reign  of  onr  sovereign  lord,  Charles  the  Second,  by  the  grace  of  God* 
of  England,  ScotUnd,  France  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  and 
Anno  Domini  1676,  between  John  Areher,  owner  and  proprietor  of  the  manor 
of  Fordham,  upon  the  main,  near  Spiting  Devil,  on  the  one  part,  aod^Conie- 
liu8  Steenwick,  of  the  city  of  New  York,  merchant,  on  the  other  part,  wit- 
nesseth,  that  the  said  John  Archer,  for,  and  in  consideration  of  the  smn  of 
twepty-four  thousand  guilders  seawant,  or  the  value  to  him  paid,  secured  to  be 
paid  at  or  before  the  ensealing  and  delivering  of  these  presents  by  the  laid 
Cornelius  Steenwick,  whereof  and  wherewith  be,  the  said  John  Archer,  doth 
acknowledge  jand  confess  himself  to  be  fully  satisfied,  and  thereof  doth  cletolj 
acquit  and  discharge  the  said  Cornelius  Steenwick,  his  heirs,  ezecntors,  and 
administrators,  haih  allowed,  granted,  bargained  and  sold,  and  by  these  pre- 
sents doth  fully,  clearly  and  absolutely  alien,  grant,  bargain  and  sell  nnto  the 
said  Cornelius  Steenwick,  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  all  his  right,  title  and 
interest  in  the  town  and  manor  aforesaid,  together  with  all  the  messuages,  te- 
nements, buildings  and  fences  thereupon,  and  all  the  land  improved  or  other 
ways  now  in  the  tenure  or  occupation  of  him,  the  said  John  Archer,  and  others, 
his  tenants  or  assigns,  and  also  all  and  all  manner  of  rents,  duties  and  profits 
received  or  may  be  received,  and  payable  for  and  in  respect  of  every  or  any  of 
the  said  barga.ned  premises,  and  also  all  and  singular  deeds,  patents,  eviden- 
ces and  writings,  touching  and  concerning  the  same,  and  the  privileges  therein 
contained,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  said  manor  of  Fordham,  with  the  messua- 
ges and  all  and  singular  other  the  premises  by  these  presents  granted  or  in- 
tended to  be  granted,  bargained  and  sold,  with  their  and  every  of  their  appur- 
tenances, unt<»  the  said  Cornelius  Steenwick,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  to  the  only 
proper  use  and  behoof  of  him,  the  said  Cornelius  Steenwick,  his  heirs  and  as- 
signs for  ever,  provided  always,  nevertheless,  and  upon  the  condition  that  if 
the  said  John  Archer,  his  heirs,  executors,  administrators  or  assigns,  or  any  of 


•  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  xxiii.  26  and  53.  k  See  Yonkers. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  ^  325 

tbem  at  or  in  the  new  dwelling  house  of  the  wiid  Cornelius  Steenwick,  situate 
and  being  in  the  city  of  New  York,  shall  pay  unto  the  said  Cornelius  Steen* 
wick,  his  heirs,  executors,  or  administrators  or  assigns,  that  value  of  twenty- 
four  thousand  gnilders,l>r  the  value,  within  the  time  and  terms  of  seven  years 
after  the  date  hereof;  that  is  to  say,  before  the  twenty-fourth  day  of  Novem- 
ber, which  shall  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1663,  and  also  paying  a  yearly 
interest  for  the  same  until  the  principal  be  paid,  at  the  rate  of  six  per  cent.,  as 
aUowed  by  law,  and  that  without  fraud,  or  henceforth  this  present  indenture  or 
bargain  and  sale-shall  cease,  determine,  and  be  utterly  void  and  of  none  effect 
to  all  intents,  construction  and  purpose  ;  and  that  then  also  it  shall  and  may 
be  lawful  for  the  said  John  Archer,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  to  enter  into  and 
upon  the  said  bargained  premises,  wholly  to  re-enter,  and  the  same  to  have 
again,  and  to  possess  as  his  and  their  former  estates,  any  thing  contained  in 
these  presents  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding  :  and  whereas,  the  said  John 
Archer,  at  or  before  the  ensealing  and  delivery  of  these  presents,  hath  deliv- 
ered to  the  said  Cornelius  Steenwick  certain  deeds,  patent  evidences  in  wri- 
ting, whioh  he  hath  concerning  the  eaid  bargained  premises,  he,  the  said  Cor- 
nelius Steenwick,  for  himself,  his  heirs,  executors  and  administrators,  doth  by 
these' presents  covenant  and  grant  to  and  with  the  said  John  Archeri  his  heirs 
assigns,  and  every  of  them  ;  that  if  the  said  John  Archer,  &c.  &c.     — ~- 
recorded  25th  of  November,  1676. 

On  the  20th  of  November,  1684,  Cornelius  Steenwyck  of  New 
York,  merchant,  and  Margaretta  his  wife,  made  their  last  will 
and  testament  in  the  Dutch  language.  After  the  usual  preamble 
they  express  themselves  to  the  following  effect,  viz. : 

'^  We  the  said  testators  do  declare  that  our  earnest  will  and  last  desire  is, 
that  the  general  inheritance  of  us,  the  said  testators,  and  between  our  heirs, 
shall  be  regulated  after  the  form,  manner,  custom  and  practice  of  the  Nether 
Dutch  nation,  and  according  to  the  articles  made  upon  the  surrendering  of  this 
place.  And  I,  the  said  testator,  with  the  free  consent  of  my  wife,  by  form  of 
a  legacy  have  given,  granted,  and  legacied,  as  I,  the  said  testator,  by  form  of 
legacy,  do  give  and  grant  by  these  presents,  for  and  to  the  proper  use  and 
behoof  of  the  Nether  Dutch  Reformed  congregation  within  the  city  of  New 
York,  for  the  support  and  maintainance  of  their  ministers  ordained  according 
to  the  church  orders  of  the  Netherlands,  now  at  present  here  in  being,  or 
hereafter  to  he  called,  ordained,  or  to  come,  all  the  testator's  right,  property 
title,  and  heraditaments  in  and  to  the  manor  of  Fordham,  lying  in  the  county 
of  Westchester,  together  with  all  the  lands,  meadows,  fields,  woods,  creeks, 
rivulets,  and  other  waters,  as  also  all  the  said  testator's  jurisdiction,  right, 
title,  action,  and  property,  in  and  to  the  said  manor  of  Fordharo,  with  all  the 
patents,  deeds,  schedules,  hypothets,  mortgages,  and  other  instruments  of 
writing  to  the  said  manor  of  Fordham  belonging  or  in  anywise  appertaining,  in 


326  mSTORY  OF  THE 

as  full  and  am^le  as  the  said  mauor  of  Fordham  now  already  in  property  is 
belonging,  ot  hereafter  more  amply  shall  be  confirmed  onto  the  said  tesutor 
by  deed,  conveyance,  transport,  hypothet,  mortgage,  judgement  or  otherwiae* 
from  or  by  any  manner  of  way  or  means,  of  John  Archef,  deceased,  last  ownec 
and  proprietor  of  the  said  manor  of  Fordham. 

And  1,  the  said  testator,  dp  further  order  and  declare,  as  ray  last  will  and 
testament,  the  said  manor  of  Fordham,  together  with  all  the  benefits,  profits* 
incomes,  advantages,  rents,  and  revenues)  and  all  appurtenances  thereof,  shall 
be  conveyed,  transported,  and  made  over,  in  a  free,  quiet,  and  fall  property 
and  enjoyment  by  the  testator*s  appointed  executvix  within  the  spaee  of  six 
months  after  the  testator's  decease,  or  upon  lawful  demand,  to  the  elders  and 
overseers  of  the  Nether  Dutch  congregation,  for  the  proper  use  and  behoof  oi 
the  minister  of  the  said  congregation,  as  herebefore  at  large  is  expressed  and 
set  forth,  to  be  held  in  full  propriety,  possession,  and  enjoyment,  inheritably 
and  forever,  by  the  said  elders  or  overseers  at  the  time  of  the  te8tator*s  de- 
cease in  being,  and  all  others  that  from  time  to  time  shall  succeed  in  their 
places,  to  the  end  and  use  as  aforesaid,  without  any  let  or  hindrance  or  con- 
tradiction of  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever. 

Provided  always  that  none  of  the  lands  of  said  manor  may  be  made  away 
alienated  contrary  to  the  tenor  of  these  presents,  or  otherwise  disposed  of, 
but  from  thenceforth  forever  be  and  remain  as  lands  of  inheritance  towards 
the  support  and  maintenance  of  the  minister  of  said  congregation  is 
and  recited  and  not  otherwise.  And  finally,  I,  the  said  testator,  do  hereby 
declare  that  I  have  nomioated>  appointed,  and  authorised  my  aforesaid  dear 
and  loving  wife  Margaretta  Recmur  to  be  my  only  and  lawful  ezecatrix  of 
this  my  last  will  and  testament,  giving  and  granting  by  these  presents  onto 
her  my  said  wife  as  full  and  ample  power  and  authority  as  all  other  executors 
by  law  have  and  do  enjoy,  as  in  and  by  an  English  translated  copy  thereof 
and  the  said  original  Dutch  will  in  the  hands  and  custody  of  the  said  minister, 
elders  and  deacons  fully  and  at  large  appear,'*  &c  ,  &c. 

Soon  after  the  making  of  this  will  the  said  Cornelius  Sieen- 
vjyckj  died  so  seized  and  possessed  of  the  manor  as  aforesaid. 

Subsequently  John  Archer,  the  younger  son  and  heir  of  John 
Archer,  first  grantor  of  the  manor  of  Fordham,  by  an  indenture 
bearing  date  the  16th  of  October,  1685,  for  and  in  consideration 
therein  mentioned,  did  grant,  release,  and  convey  the  said  manor 
of  Fordham,  and  his  estate,  right,  and  title  of  it  and  to  the  same, 
and  the  equity  of  redemption  thereof,  and  all  the  deeds  unto  the 
aforesaid  Margaretta  Steenwyck,  and  make  livery  seizure  there- 
of," &c.  Upon  the  10th  of  January,  1694,  Dominie  Henricus 
Selyns  and  Margaretta  his  wife,  formerly  Margaretta  Steenwyck, 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  327 

by  their  certain  deed  poll,  under  their  hands  and  seals,  did  grant 
and  convey  to  Colonel  Nicholas  Bayard,  Captain  Isaac  Vermil- 
yea,  Jacob  Bolen  Rockloyzun,  and  John  Harpendinck,  then 
elders  and  overseers  of  the  Nether  Dutch  Church  within  the 
city  of  New  York,  (fee,  and  their  lawful  successors  and  heirs 
and  posterity  the  said  manor  of  Fordham,  lying  in  the  county 
of  Westchester  above  mentioned,  with  all  the  lands  and  meadows, 
fields,  woods,  rivulets,  creeks  and  other  rivers,  together  with  all 
the  right,  title,  property,  jurisdiction,  and  interest  which  either 
the  aforesaid  Cornelius  Steenwyck  or  in  quality  as  before  in  any 
other  manner  of  way  before  that  time  had  in  the  said  manor  of 
Fordham,  and  its  appurtenances,  whether  it  be  by  right  from 
the  said  John  Archer  or  from  his  son,  John  Archer,  jr.,  to  be 
held  and  forever  enjoyed,  used,  and  possessed,  and  held  in  full 
and  absolute  property,  as  an  hereditary  estate,  by  the  said  elders 
and  overseers  of  the  aforesaid  congregation  who  were  then  in 
being,  with  all  the  profits,  incomes,  benefits,  and  revenues,  for 
the  better  support  and  raaintainauce  of  the  said  minister^  called 
pursuant  to  order  of  the  church  of  Netherlands  then  present  or 
that  should  thereafter  be  called  and  come. 

Provided,  and  with  the  aforesaid  condition  and  stipulant,  that 
the  manor  with  all  its  appurtenances,  should,  in  no  wise  be 
alienated  nor  estranged,  contrary  to  the  tenor  of  the  afore- 
mentioned will  and  bequest,  but  should  remain  to  the  use  and  be- 
hoof aforesaid,  and  not  otherwise,  releasing  therefor,  the  said 
deed  to  property,  title  and  right  that  this  said  grantors  as  well 
for  themselves  or  in  quality  as  above  heretofore  had  to  the  said 
manor  and  its  appurtenances,  could  or  ought  to  have  in  any 
manner  of  way  whatsoever  as  by  the  said  indenture  in  the  hands 
and  custody  of  the  said  Nicholas  Bayard  and  the  present  elders 
of  the  said  Dutch  church  became  seized  and  possessed  of  the 
premises  aforesaid  in  trust  to  the  use  and  purpose  a'bresaid. 

In  December,  1753,  the  lieutenant  governor  of  his  majesty's 
province  of  *New  York,  with  the  council  and  assembly,  passed 
an  act  entitled,  "An  act  to  enable  the  minister,  elders,  and  dea- 
cons of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  of  the  city  of 
New  York  to  sell  and  dispose  of  their  lands,  tenements,  and 
hereditaments  in  the  county  of  Wes^tchester,  commonly  called 


338  HISTORY  OF  THE 

and  known  by  the  name  of  the  Manor  of  Fofdham^  &c.  "  Aad 
be  it  further  enacted,  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  the  moneys 
arising  by  such  sale  or  sales  shall  not  be  disposed  of  to  any  secu* 
lar  use,  but  the  same  shall  be  expended  and  used  in  purchasing 
or  improving  lands  and  other  real  estate,  in  order  to  secure  a 
better  and  more  large  revenue  or  income  towards  supporting  and 
maintaining  of  the  said  Dutch  minister,  or  ministers,  of  the  said 
Dutch  churches  and  congregations,  as  near  as  may  be  agree- 
able to  the  will  and  intentions  of  the  said  donor,  Cornelius 
Steenwyck,"  &c.  On  the  25th  of  February,  176S,  the  above  act 
was  confirmed  by  the  king  in  council.^ 

The  principal  grantees  of  the  manor  under  the  Dutch  Re- 
formed Church  were  Charles  Doughty,  who  held  230  acres,  Joiin 
Yanholst,  138  acres,  Daniel  Secord,  108  acres,  Joseph  and  Bishop, 
156  acres,  the  Dyckmans,  &c.  The  residue,  consisting  of  forty 
acres,  was  sold  to  the  Hon.  Lewis  Morris  and  WilUiam  Kelly  in 
1760.  Upon  the  2d  of  May,  1774,  Lewis  Morris  and  William 
Kelly  conveyed  110  acres  to  Peter  Valentine,  in  whose  descen- 
dants this  portion  of  the  manor  is  still  vested. 

Through  the  liberality  of  Mrs.  Steenwyck,  300  acres  are  said 
to  have  been  exempted  from  the  sale  to  the  Dutch  Church,  upon 
which  was  situated  the  old  manorial  residence.  Be  this  as  it 
may,  however,  we  find  Benjamin  Archer,  son  of  Samuel  and 
grandson  of  John  Archer,  first  grantor  of  the  manor  of  Fordham, 
in  1780  seized  in  fee  of  a  portion  of  the  manor.  Upon  the  death 
of  Benjamin  it  passed  to  his  children,  Benjamin  Archer,  John 
Archer,  Sarah,  the  wife  of  Jacob  Alord,  and  Rachel,  the  wife  of 
James  Crawford.  In  1786  Sarah  and  Rachel  conveyed  their 
rights  and  interest  nn to  Benjamin  Archer,  their  brother,  whose 
sons,  the  present  William  and  Samuel  Archer,  are  the  only  pro- 
prietors of  the  name  that  own  a  foot  of  land  in  Fordham.  The 
family  of  Archer^  is  of  English  origin,  and  held  for  many  cen- 


•■  The  funds  ariBiuj^r  from  the  sale  of  this  property  are  now  vested  in  Chamber 
St.  New  York. 

b  The  surname  of  this  family  originated  at  the  time  of  the  crusades,  when  some 
designation  was  necessarily  affixed  to  the  Christain  name  of  those  who  enolbarked 
in  them,  for  distioctioD^s  sake ;  as  L*Archer,  signifying  the  archer  or  bow-man. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  329 

turies  large  possessions  in  the  county  of  Warwickshire.  The 
representative  of  the  senior  branch  in  1600  appears  to  have  been 
John  Archer  of  Warwickshire,  who  married  Eleanor  Frewin. 
Fulbert  L' Archer,  the  first  of  whom  anything  is  known,  came 
into  England  with  William  the  Conqueror.  At  what  period 
they  emigrated  to  this  country  is  uncertain,  but  as  early  as  1630, 
occurs  the  name  of  Samuel  Archer,  a  freeman  of  Salem,  Massa- 
chusetts, and  in  1641,  Henry  Archer,  of  Ipswich  in  that  province. 
John  Archer,  first  proprietor  of  the  manor  of  Fordham,  probably 
accompanied  the  early  settlers  from  Fairfield  to  Westchester,  cir. 
1664,  fdr  in  1657  his  name  appears  as  plaintiff  in  an  action  of 
debt  brought  against  one  Roger  Wiles.^  It  is  said  that  this  in- 
dividual expired  in  his  coach  while  journeying  to  New  York 
city,  November,  1685.i» 

In  1686,  appears  the  following  license  and  certificate  con- 
cerning his  son's  marriage : 

"By  his  Excellency  the  governor,  whereas,  I  have  received  in- 
formation of  a  mutual  intent  and  agreement  between  John  Archer 
of  the  one  part,  and  Sarah  Odell  of  the  other  part,  to  solemnize 
marriage  together,  for  which  they  have  requested  my  lycense, 
and  there  appearing  no  lawful  impediment  for  the  obstructioa 
thereof,  these  are  to  authorize  and  empower  you  to  join  the  said 
John  and  Sarah  Odell  in  the  bonds  of  matrimony,  and  them  to 
pronounce  man  and  wife,  and  to  make  record  thereof,  if  conve- 
nient  to  the  laws  in  that  behalf  provided,  for  which  this  shall  be 
your  warrant.  Given  under  my  hand  and  seal,  at  Fort  Jame?, 
in  New  York,  the  seventh  day  of  October,  1686,  under  the  2nd 
year  of  his  majesties  reign. 

Thomas  Dongan.'* 
Province  of  New  York, 

These  may  certify  all  persons  to  whom  these  presents  shall 
come,  that  John  Archer,  of  the  manor  of  Fordham,  in  the  county 
of  Westchester,  and  Sarah  Odell  of  the  same  place,  by  virtue  of 
his  Excellency  the  governor's  license,  bearing  date  the  7th  day 
of  October,  1686,  were  both  joined  together  in  matrimony  the 


•  See  Tol.  ii.  179.  ^  Hit  remaini  were  interred  on  Tetard  bill 

ToL.  II.  42 


.  # 


380  HISTORY  OF  THE 

day  of  Dec,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  God,  1686,  and  in  the 
Snd  year  of  his  majesty's  reign. 

Ita  Rogatus,  Attestator. 
John  Palmer, 

Justice  of  Quorum. 

The  children  of  John  Archer,  Jr.  and  Sarah  his  wife,  were 
John,  Samuel,  Richard  and  others,  who  have  left  numerous  de- 
scendants. . 

The  small  hamlet  of  Fordham  "  is  situated  on  the  line  of  the 
Haarlem  railroad,  where  is  a  depot,  twelve  and  a  half  miles 
north  of  the  City  Hall.*'  This  place  is  said  to  have  been  the 
site  of  the  ancient  Dutch  dorpe  or  village.  ^'  Here  are  located  a 
Dutch  Reformed  Church,  an  academy,  three  taverns,  two  stores* 
and  thirty  or  forty  dwelling  houses. 

^^  St.  John^s  College^  a  Roman  Catholic  institution,  is  situated 
near  this  place,  on  an  eminence  called  Rose  Hill ;  enjoying  all 
the  advantages  peculiar  to  the  country,  its  pure  invigorating  air, 
its  retirement  and  peaceful  quiet,  so  favorable  to  the  formation 
and  growth  of  studious  habits ;  while  at  the  same  time  its  prox- 
imity to  the  city  by  means  of  the  railroad,  is  a  great  convenience. 
This  institution,  the  only  one  of  its  kind  in  the  state,  was  first 
opened  for  the  reception  of  students  on  the  24th  of  June,  1841.'' 
It  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  legislature  passed  April  lOtb, 
1846.  The  following  is  an  extract  from  their  rules  and  regula- 
tions: "The  system  of  government  will  be  mild  and  paternal, 
yet  firm  in  enforcing  the  observance  of  established  discipline. 
The  utmost  attention  will  be  paid  not  only  to  the  intellectual, 
but  also  to  the  moral  education  of  the  pupils.  As  to  their  do- 
mestic comfort,  every  thing  which  parental  afiiection  can  desire 
will  be  found  and  supplied  in  the  assiduous  attention  and  skilful 
management  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity,  to  whom  the  charge  of 
this  important  and  highly  responsible  department  is  mainly  con- 
fided." The  college,  which  contains  the  rooms  of  the  various 
professors,  library,  &,c.,  is  a  large,  elegant,  and  commodious  edi- 
fice. The  iiall  is  adorned  with  some  valuable  engravings  from 
Raphael's  frescoes  in  the  Vatican,  presented  by  the  late  Pope 
Gregory  XVI.,  to  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Hughes.  The  oil  pic- 
tures consist  of  a  Madonna  de  la  pesce,  a  copy  from  the  original 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  331 

by  Raphael.  This  picture  is  from  the  collection  of  the  late 
Joseph  Bonaparte ;  The  Entombment  of  the  Saviour,  a  copy  by 
William  Franquinet.  The  head  of  St.  Joseph  in  this  picture  is 
finely  painted.  The  wooden  building  attached  to  the  gardens 
on  the  south  was  formerly  the  residence  of  Colonel  John  Watts 
and  his  wife,  the  celebrated  Lady  Mary  Alexander,  daughter  of 
Major  General  Lord  Stirling.  The  church  is  a  very  large  and 
handsome  structure  of  stone,  in  the  Gothic  style.  It  is  intended 
to  embattle  the  tower  and  carry  up  the  spire.  The  windows, 
which  are  filled  with  some  excellent  stained  glass,  give  the  in- 
terior a  very  pleasing  appearance.  The  apostles,  St.  Peter  and 
St.  Paul,  and  the  four  evangelists  are  depicted  in  six  windows, 
three  on  each  side.  These  figures  are  executed  in  the  best 
style  of  modern  stained  glass;  they  stand  on  floriated  Gothic 
pedestals  of  gold  surmounted  by  a  rich  canopy  of  the  same.  At 
the  foot  of  the  pedestal  a  gold  escutcheon  containing  the  name  of 
each  apostle  and  evangelist.  The  whole  were  made  to  order 
expressly  for  this  church  at  St.  Omers  in  France. 

Adjoining  the  church  on  the  west  is  the  new  divinity  school 
of  St.  Joseph  ;  the  grounds  are  extensive,  and  in  a  state  of  high 
improvement.  The  collegiate  year  commences  on  the  first  Mon- 
day of  September.    Average  number  of  students  about  130. 

Rose  hill  place  has  been  successively  the  property  of  the  families 
of  Corsar,  Watts,  and  Brevoort,  from  whom  it  passed  to  Horatio 
Shephard  Moat,  who  sold  it  in  1836  to  the  present  proprietor. 

The  farm  and  residence  of  the  late  Peter  de  Lancey,  Esq.,  is 
delightfully  situated  near  the  college. 

In  the  same  neighborhood  is  Belmont,  the  property  of  Jacob 
Lorillard,  Esq.  The  house,  which  occupies  an  elevated  position, 
commands  a  very  extensive  view  of  the  Mill  brook  vale  and  the 
country  adjacent. 

The  Dutch  Reformed  Church  stands  upon  rising  ground 
on  the  north  side  of  the  road  leading  from  Fordham  to  Kings- 
bridge.  This  edifice  was  erected  in  1801.  It  is  a  neat  wooden 
structure,  but  contains  nothing  worthy  of  particular  notice. 
The  old  church,^  which  has  long  since  been  destroyed,  stood 


•  This  building  was  ttanding  in  1724.    Mrs.  Steenwyck  and  William  Dyckman 
aro  said  to  have  bttn  libaral  banefactora  lowardi  ita  erection* 


332  HISTORY  OF  T0gk' 

on  the  farm  of  Mr.  James  Yalentiiie.  Little  is  known  con^ 
cerning  the  early  history  of  this  church,  except  that  as  early 
as  1671,  "The  inhabitants  residing  between  the  two  kills  ot 
Haarlem  and  the  Broncks  were  obliged  to  contribute  towards 
the  support  of  its  minister."  Upon  the  11th  of  May,  1696,  it 
appears  to  have  been  regularly  organized  by  the  Collegiate  D* 
R.  Church  of  New  York;  the  Rev.  John  Montague  being  at 
that  time  minister  of  the  latter  and  Henricus  Selyns,  William 
Beeckman,  Johannis  Kerbyle,  Johannis  de  Peyster,  Jacobus  Kipp^ 
Isaac  de  Forrest,  and  Isaac  de  Reyner,  elders  and  deacons.  The 
last  minister  prior  to  the  Revolution  was  the  Rev.  Dom.  Tetard. 

The  following  minutes  are  extracted  from  the  record  of  the 
New  York  Classis : 

<<At  a  classis  held  in  Flatbush  on  Tuesday,  September  2d, 
1800,  &c.  The  church  in  the  Manor  of  Fordham,  being  re- 
duced during  the  war,  and  a  prospect  now  opening  of  their  being 
restored,  Resolved,  that  this  classis  encourage  and  countenance 
them,  by  assisting  and  supplying  them.  Resolved  further,  that 
Dr.  Livingston  visit  and  preach  to  them  as  soon  as  convenient."* 

*<  In  1802  Mr.  Livingston  reported  that  he  had  fulfilled  his 
appointment,  whereupon  it  was  resolved  that  Mr.  Jackson  take 
charge  of  the  congregation  and  give  them  all  the  service  in  his 
power."^ 

**  October  19ih,  1809,  the  church  of  Fordham  having  called 
the  Rev.  John  Jackson  he  was  approved  by  the  classis,  who  also 
resolved  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gerardus  A.  Kuypers,  as  primarius, 
and  the  Rev.  Cornelius  C.  Yermilyea,  as  secundus,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  install  the  Rev.  John  Jackson."^ 

List  op  Pastors. 

Jnstal.  or  call.  Pastors.  Vacated  hy 

1779.  Rev.  Dom.  Tetard,  resignation. 

1819.  Rev.  John  Jackson,  ditto. 

184  .  Rev.  P.  I.  van  Pelt,  D.  D.  ditto. 

1846.  Rev.  William  Cahoone,  present  pastor. 


*  Rec.  of  N.  Y.  Clawls,  vol.  i.  225.  b  Ibid.  vol.  ii.  9. 

••  IhUi.  vol.  V.  23. 


COUNI^  OF  WESTCHESTER.  333 

Church  Memoranda. 

1827.    Communicants,  32.  Baptisms,  15. 

1845.  ditto.  48.  ditto      — . 

Immediately  contiguous  to  the  church  is  the  Croton  Aqueduct^ 
which,  at  no  great  distance,  crosses  the  Haarlem  river  on  a  mag- 
nificent bridge  of  stone,  1450  feet  long,  with  fifteen  arches,  eight 
of  which  are  eighty  feet  span,  and  seven  of  fifty  feet  span ;  one 
hundred  and  fourteen  feet  above  tide  water  at  the  top.  The 
estimated  cost  of  the  whole,  when  finished,  will  exceed  $900,000. 

In  the  vicinity  of  the  high  bridge  is  situated  Mount  Fordham, 
the  seat  of  Lewis  G.  Morris,  Esq.  This  place  commands  a  very 
extensive  view  of  the  Haarlem  river  and  surrounding  country, 
in  which  New  York  island  form?  a  beautiful  feature. 

The  residence  of  Mr.  Samuel  Archer,  in  this  neighborhood,  is 
distinguished  in  the  history  of  the  Revolution  as  the  head  quar- 
ters of  Colonel  James  de  Lancey  of  the  Royal  Refugee  corps. 
The  following  incidents  show  that  although  situated  directly 
under  the  guns  of  Fort  No.  8,  De  Lancey 's  position  was  a  very 
hazardous  one,  and  required  the  utmost  vigilance  to  guard 
against  a  surprise. 

In  May,  1780,  Captain  Cashing  of  the  Massachusetts  line, 
with  a  small  detachment  under  his  command,  consisting  of  one 
hundred  infantry,  made  an  excursion  to  this  place.  The  expe- 
dition appears  to  have  been  planned  by  his  guide,  Michael  Dyck- 
man,  who  had  ascertained  by  close  observation  that  the  British 
sentinels  were  not  in  the  habit  of  changing  their  countersign ; 
the  next  step  was  the  capture  of  one  of  the  refugees  themselves, 
from  whom  he  obtained  the  countersign.  By  this  means,  so 
sudden  and  complete  was  the  surprisal  of  the  enemy  on  the  oc- 
casion, that  over  forty  of  them  were  either  killed  or  made  pris- 
oners. It  was  the  intention  to  have  captured  De  Lancey,  but  he 
was  absent  from  his  quarters.  The  cantonment  had  scarcely 
been  turned,  when  a  large  party  of  Yauger  horse  collected  and 
pursued  Captain  Cashing,  but  he  efl!ected  his  retreat  with  so 
much  skill  and  gallantry,  though  charged  repeatedly  by  the  ene- 
my, that  no  injury  was  sustained.  The  enemy  were  far  ad- 
vanced up  the  Saw  Mill  valley  ere  they  relinquished  the  pursuit. 


334  HISTORY  OF  THE 

On  this  occasion  Abraham  Dyckman  arrested  Captain  Ogden  in 
Colonel  Emmerick's  quarters,  (the  house  now  occupied  by  Na- 
thaniel P.  Bailey,  Esq.,)  at  the  moment  when  a  British  sentinel 
was  pacing  the  bridge  within  musket  shot. 

"On  the  19lh  of  January,  1781,  (says  General  Heath,)  150 
men  from  the  Connecticut  line  and  200  from  the  New  Hampshire 
line  were  to  move  towards  the  lines;  these,  with  those  who 
marched  from  Hazen*s  tiie  day  before,  were  to  form  a  covering 
party  to  the  detachment  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hull,  who 
was  to  make  an  attempt  on  De  Lancey's  corps."^  The  result  of 
the  enterprise,  (which  took  place  upon  the  2Sth  of  January,  1781|) 
is  thus  related  by  Thacher.  "  A  detachment,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hull,  has  returned  from  a  successful 
expedition,  having  attacked  by  surprise  the  Royal  Refugee  corps 
under  the  command  of  the  noted  Colonel  De  Lancey,  posted  at 
Morrisania.  Colonel  Hull  has  for  several  months  past  sustained 
the  command  of  a  detachment  of  our  troops  posted  in  advance  of 
our  army,  a  situation  requiring  the  most  active  vigilance  and 
precaution,  to  guard  against  surprise  and  stratagem.  In  this 
station,  as  in  many  others,  this  officer  has  evinced  his  military 
skill  and  judgment.  He  has  executed  an  enterprize  with  such 
address  and  gallantry  as  to  merit  for  himself  and  his  detachment 
the  highest  honor.  He  bravely  forced  a  narrow  passage  to  the 
enemy,  and  besides  a  number  being  killed,  he  took  upwards  of 
fifty  prisoners,  cut  away  the  bridge,^  burnt  their  huts  and  a  con- 
siderable quantity  of  forage,  and  brought  off  a  number  of  horses 
and  cattle.  Colonel  Hull  possesses  in  a  high  degree  the  confi- 
dence of  the  commander-in-chief;  and  for  his  judicious  arrange- 
ments in  the  plan,  and  intrepidity  and  valor  in  the  execution  of 
the  enterprize,  he  received  the  thanks  of  his  Excellency,  and  after- 
wards of  congress.  The  enemy  pursued  our  troops,  and  fell  in 
with  a  covering  party,  under  command  of  Colonel  Hazen,  and 
in  a  skirmish  which  ensued,  they  suffered  an  additional  loss  of 
about  thirty-five.  Of  Colonel  Hull's  detachment,  one  ensign,  and 
twenty-five  rank  and  file  were  killed  and  wounded.    This  suc- 


*  Heath's  Mem.  271.  h  Tlie  pontoon  bridge  acron  Haarlem  rirer. 


COU^TY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  335 

cessful  exploit  is  calculated  to  raise  the  spirits  of  our  troops,  and 
to  divest  their  minds  from  the  unhappy  occurrence,  which  has 
recently  taken  pface  in  camp,  and  at  the  same  time  it  may  con- 
vince the  enemy  that  the  affiiirs  of  our  army  are  not  altogether 
desperate."* 

''4th  of  March,  1782,  Captain  Hunnewell  with  a  body  of  vol* 
unteer  horse,  backed  by  the  infantry  under  the  command  of 
Major  Woodbridge  made  an  excursion  to  Morrisania.  The  horse 
proceeded  down  between  the  British  fort,  No.  8,  and  the  canton- 
ment of  De  Lancey's  corps,  and  having  turned  the  cantonments 
between  day-break  and  sun-rise,  they  entered  pell  mell.  The 
enemy  were  completely  surprised,  and  fled  in  every  direction ; 
some  were  cut  down  on  the  spot,  others  so  badly  wounded  as 
not  to  be  able  to  be  removed.  Some  of  the  enemy  availed  them- 
selves of  positions  where  the  horse  could  not  assail  them,  from 
whence  they  b'agan  to  fire  on  the  house.  This  occcasioned  the 
firing  of  the  alarm  guns  at  No.  8.  The  horse  having  nearly 
accomplished  their  design^  moved  off,  taking  the  Eastchester  road, 
in  which  Major  Woodbridge  had  posted  the  infantry  in  ambus- 
cade. Captain  Hunnewell  had  brought  off  one  subaltern  and 
twenty  men  prisoners  and  20  horses.  The  enemy  in  the  vicinity 
collected  a  number  of  horse,  backed  by  light  infantry,  and  pur- 
sued Captain  Hunnewell  until  he  came  to  Major  Woodbridge. 
The  enemy  were  drawn  into  the  ambuscade,  who  made  one  or 
two  discharges  on  them,  on  which  they  broke  and  retired,  but 
soon  returned  to  the  charge  ;  skirmishing  ensued,  and  continued 
to  a  considerable  distance.  Of  the  Americans,  two  privates  were 
killed,  Mr.  Abraham  Dyckman,^  one  of  the  guides,  a  brave  and 
active  man,  mortally  wounded,  and  three  privates  slightly 
wounded."c 

'^  On  the  26th  of  March,  (says  General  Heath,)  Mr.  Dyckman^^ 
one  of  our  guides  on  the  lines,  with  thirteen  volunteer  horsemen 


»  Thaclier*s  Journal,  245. 

b  Mr.  Dyckman  fell  at  Purdy't  corner  near  Uie  interiection  of  the  Eaatcheitcr 
and  New  York  roads. 

•  Heath's  Mem.  330. 

*  Michacli  brother  of  Abraham  Djekman. 


336  HISTORY  OF  THE 

made  an  excursion  to  Morrisania,  took  five  prisoners  of  De  Lan- 
cey's  corps  and  five  horses ;  on  their  return  they  were  pursued 
by  a  party  of  the  enemy's  horse,  who  coming  rather  too  near,  the 
brave  volunteers  faced  about,  charged  vigorously,  took  one  man 
prisoner  with  his  horse,  and  put  the  rest  to  flight.  The  enemy 
again  appeared,"  on  the  Eastchester  road  near  Jonathan  Ward's 
house,  *'  in  some  force,  at  a  distance,  but  dared  not  renew  the 
attack."* 

The  following  is  General  Heath's  account  of  the  burning  of 
Colonel  Hatfield's  quarters,  which  stood  directly  opposite  Archer^ 
entrance.  "  About  this  time  (January,  1780,)  a  detachment  from 
Colonel  Mead's  regiment  of  levies  at  Horseneck,  and  a  number  of 
volunteers  from  Greenwich,  the  former  under  the  command  of 
Captain  Keeler,  the  latter  under  the  command  of  Captain  Lock- 
wood,  the  wlole  about  eighty,  marched  to  Morrisania;  and  about 
one  o'clock  in  the  morning  made  an  attack  on  Colonel  Hatfield. 
They  first  attacked  the  picket,  killed  three,  and  drove  the  rest 
into  the  colonel's  quarters.  The  colonel  and  his  men  took  to 
the  chambers,  and  fired  out  at  the  windows,  and  down  stairs,  at 
those  who  had  entered  the  house ;  it  appeared  difficult,  if  possible, 
to  dislodge  them ;  the  house  was  instantly  set  on  fire,  by  putting 
a  straw  bed  into  a  closet,  which  compelled  the  enemy  to  jump 
out  at  the  chamber  windows,  to  avoid  the  flames.  Colonel  Hat- 
field, one  captain,  one  lieutenant,  one  quarter- master,  and  eleven 
privates  were  taken  prisoners  and  brought  ofi*.  This  was  a  pretty 
affair,  but  was  a  litte  tarnished  on  the  return  by  some  of  the 
militia,  who  were  fatigued,  loitering  on  the  road,  where  they 
supposed  there  was  no  danger ;  but  a  party  of  horse  pursuing, 
overtook,  killed  and  captured  several  of  ihem."^ 

Many  other  occurrences  of  the  same  kind  might  be  related  to 
show  that  this  vicinity  was  constantly  harassed  by  small  parties 
of  American  volunteers,  who  made  every  effort  to  dislodge  their 
wary  antagonists. 

Upon  a  lofty  eminence  to  the  norlh-wesi  of  the  Archer  house, 
stand  the  remains  of  Fort  No.  8.    **  The  enemy  (observes  Heath) 

«  llfttiri  Mf>m.  339.  b  Ibid.  228. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  337 

had  a  redoubt  called  No.  8  on  the  east  side  of  Haarlem  creek, 
nearly  opposite  to  the  fort  on  Laurel  hill,  and  under  the  fire  of 
its  cannon,  for  the  security  of  their  advanced  troops  on  the  Mor- 
risania  side."*^  When  the  British  made  the  bold  and  successful 
attack  upon  Fort  Washington  in  1776,  the  guns  of  No.  8,  which 
lay  directly  opposite,  covered  the  advance  of  the  Hessians  and 
Lord  Percy.  "  On  the  20th  of  October,  1782,  the  enemy  were 
demolishing  their  works  at  No.  8,  Morrisania.''^ 

Fort  Independence^  the  ruins  of  which  are  still  visible  on 
Te(ard?s  hilly  was  not  dismantled  until  1833.  Prince  Charleses 
redoubt^  and  the  Negro  fort^  both  well  known  fortifications,  in 
the  annals  of  the  Revolution,  lie  on  the  south  side  of  Valentine^s 
hill.  From  the  former,  which  commands  a  splendid  view  of  the 
surrounding  country,  the  morning  and  evening  gun  of  the  British 
was  fired. 

Williams*  Bridge^  in  the  north-east  corner  of  West  Farms, 
is  situated  on  the  line  of  the  Haarlem  and  Westchester  railroad, 
where  is  a  depot,  thirteen  and  a  half  miles  north  of  the  City  Hall ; 
here  are  two  taverns  and  a  store. 

The  Haarlem  river  (Muscoota,)  which  forms  the  western 
boundary  of  the  town,  is  one  of  the  sweetest  streams  that  ever 
gave  a  charm  to  landscape.  On  the  Westchester  shore  high 
woods  cover  the  sides  of  undulating  hills,  while  here  and  there 
rich  meadows  form  a  gradual  and  beautiful  descent  to  the  water's 
edge.  The  opposite  banks  are  abruptly  terminated  with  rocky 
declivities,  and  present  by  their  greater  boldness  a  fine  contrast. 
These  waters  afford  an  agreeable  haunt  to  the  king  fisher,  <*  the 
most  celebrated  and  besung  of  all  other  birds  says  Aldrovand,'' 
likewise  to  the  heron  and  fish  hawk. 


•  Heath's  Mem,  223.  b  HeaUi's  Mem.  357. 


Vol.  II.  43 


UISTORT  OF  THE 


h,  While  ntloi. 


WHITE  PLAINS. 

The  tialf-shire  towD 
of  the  county  is  sJtii' 
ated  Iwetiljr-eiirhl  miles 
from  New  York,  one 
hundred  and  thirly-one 
fiouih  of  A'baiiy,  six  i 
miles  ea?t  of  the  Hud- 
son, and  fourteen  sonih 
of  Bedford,  Ihe  other 
half-shire  town;  bound' 
ed  northerly  by  North  Castle,  eastward!  y  by  Harrison,  southerly 
by  Scnrsdaie,  and  west  by  Greenburgh.  The  river  Bronx  roos 
south  along  the  west  line,  and  the  Mamaroneck  river  along  the 
cast,  forming  the  boundary  towards  Harrison  township.  The 
whole  area  of  (his  town  may  be  eight  and  a  half  square  miles.* 

White  Plains  originally  formed  a  portion  of  the  town  of  Rye, 
and  derived  its  name  from  ihe  White  Balsam,  (Gnaphaliomh 
Polycephalum  of  Linnfetis,)  which  still  grows  in  great  ebon- 
dance  in  and  around  the  plains. 

ll  was  called  Quaroppas  by  the  Indians,  under  whom  these 
lands  must  have  fonoed  a  portion  of  the  ancient  domains  of  Weck- 
quaskeck,  as  we  find  Shapham,  or  Thapliam,  one  of  the  sachems 
of  that  place,  conjointly  selling  lands  here  to  ihe  inhabitants  of 
the  town  of  Rye  in  1683. 

"It  is  BO  long  since  the  Indians  quitted  these  grounds,  that 
their  monunienis  are  almost  effaced.  Once  in  a  while  a  point  of 
au  arrow,  or  a  stone  axe  is  found,  which  bears  the  mark  of  In- 


■  Spaflard's  GtuUer  of  N.  Y. 
k  FtoiD  tlie  Grtek  Gnaphalon,  < 


ll  agaifyin^  »rt  down  oi  wool. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  339 

dian  labor  and  dexterity;  and  there  is  still  to  be  distinguished 
the  spot  on  which  they  had  their  wigwams,  and  the  cemetry* 
where  they  buried  their  dead."  The  former  is  situated  on  the 
lands  of  Mr.  Gilbert  Oakley,  the  latter  on  the  property  of  Mr. 
Elisha  Crawford.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  H^age  is  a  small  exca- 
vation cut  out  of  a  granite  rock,  denominated  the  Indians^  seat. 
Upon  the  22d  day  of  November,  16S3,  the  inhabitants  of  Rye 
obtained  the  following  grant  from  the  aboriginal  proprietors* 

"To  all  ChritUaa  people  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  greeting: 
Know  ye,  that  we,  Thapham,  Cockinseko,  Orawapum,  Kewetoham,  Koawa- 
nohpaatch,  Shipharrash,  Korehwewous,  Panawok,  Memishote,  Pewekanoh, 
Oromahqah,  Pathanck,  Hohoreis,  Debeoga  Wonauahing,  Owhorawas,  and 
Onoshand,  have  for  a  valaable  sum  of  money  to  as  in  hand,  bargained,  cove- 
nanted, alienated  and  sold  unto  the  inhabitants  of  the  above  said  town  of  Rye« 
a  certain  tract  of  land  lying  within  the  town  bounds  of  12ye,  bounded  as  fol- 
loweth,  on  the  north-east  with  Marrineck  river,  and  on  the  south-east  with  a 
branch  of  the  said  river  and  marked  trees  till  it  comes  to  Broncks's  river,  and 
then  to  ran  by  Broncks's  river  till  it  comes  to  the  head  of  the  White  Plaines^ 
so  called,  and  by  marked*  trees  from  thence  till  it  comes  to  the  uppermost 
branch  of  Marrineck  river,  which  tract  of  land  is  commonly  called  by  tbe 
English  the  White  Plaines,  and  called  by  the  Indians  Quaroppas,  which  said 
tract  of  land  wee,  the  abovesaid  Thapham,  Cockinseko,  Orawapam,  Kewe- 
toham, Koawanoh,  Moahatice«  and  the  rest  of  the  abovesaid  Indians  have  sold 
as  abovesaid  unto  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of  Rye,  them,  their  heirs, 
executors,  administrators,  or  assignees,  for  ever,  and  do  hereby  bind  ourselves^ 
our  heirs,  executors,  administrators,  and  assignees,  unto  the  inhabitants  of 
the  abovesaid  town  of  Rye,  them,  their  heirs,  executors,  administrators,  or 
assignees,  that  they  may  at  all  times  from  and  afW  the  date  hereof  appear^ 
peaceably  and  quietly  possess*  occupy,  and  enjoy  the  abovesaid  tract  of  land 
free  from  all  former  bargains,  sales,  mortgages,  or  other  incumbrances  what- 
soever, and  also  to  warrant  and  make  good  the  abovesaid  sale  against  any 
person  or  persons  whatsoever  that  shall  or  will  make  or  lay  any  claim  or 
olaimes  thereunto,  and  in  testimony  thereof  we  have  caused  this  bill  of  sale 
to  be  made,  and  hereunto  have  sett  our  hands  and  seals  this  two  and  twentieth 
of  November^  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  eighty-three.  Sealed,  signed^ 
and  delivered  in  the  presence  of  us. 


•  On  the  30th  of  April,  1803,  Eliiha  Brewster  and  wife  sold  to  Isaac  Valentine 
*'  all  that  land  bounded  as  follows :  at  a  mulberry  stump  by  the  road  that  leads  to 
New  York,  thence  runiuag  southerly  by  and  with  said  road  to  a  black  stump,  ftom 
thence  by  and  with  said  road  to  the  Indian  gravۤ"  dte. 


340  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Cornelias  Sbapbsm  C 

his  X  marke.  Cockioseka  Z 

Joshua  Knap,  Orawapam  d 

The  w  marke  of  Kewetoham  E 

Motepeattehow.  Koawanoh  '^ 

John  Odcll '  Moahpoatch  T 

his  0  marke.  Pathnnck  Ci 

Hohorises  P 
Totojnge  1 
Oherowass  X 
Oraronptah  <-« 
This  bin  of  sale  is  acknowledged  by 
the  said  grantors  to  be  their  act  and 
deed,  before  me  in  Rye,  the  day  and 
year  above  written. 

Joseph  Horton,  Commissioner.^ 

<<  12th  of  April,  1694,  Hachaliab  Brown  and  Thomas  MerriCC 
were  appointed  to  go  with  the  Indians  and  renew  the  marks  of 
the  White  Plains  purchasej  agreeing  with  the  Indians  as  rea- 
sonably as  they  can."b  "The  same  year  Thomas  Merrittand 
Joseph  Galpin  were  chosen  to  lay  out  the  land  at  the  White 
Plains  granted  to  Jonathan  Horton  by  the  town."*:  The  next 
notice  of  this  town  occurs  on  the  9th  of  February,  1719,  when, 
at  a  public  meeting  held  by  the  proprietors  of  the  White  Plains^ 
it  was  voted  and  agreed  by  the  said  proprietors  that  Captaia 
Joseph  Budd,  John  Hoyt,  sen.,  John  Horton,  Caleb  Hiatt,  Samuel 
Purdy  and  George  Lane,  jr.,  layers  out  of  the  said  purchase 
chosen  by  the  said  proprietors,  for  laying  out  all  the  above  said 
land,  as  may  appear  by  record  bearing  date  February  11th,  17|f , 
that  the  said  layers  out  shall  have  for  their  trouble  and  industry 
for  laying  out  the  whole  purchase  and  returning  the  bounds  at  or 
between  the  thirteenth  day  of  April,  which  will  be  in  the  year 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  twenty,  one  hundred  and  tea 
acres  of  land  lying  between  the  lower  end,  the  ridges  and  Mama- 
Toneck  river.  At  the  above  said  meeting  tis  voted  and  agreed 
that  David  Ogden  and  Hachaliah  Brown  are  to  survey  and  lay  out 


«  Bye  Rec.  lib.  A.  b  Rje  Rec. 

Ubid. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  341 

the  above  said  one  hundred  acres  and  ten  of  land  as  above  men-^ 
tioned."* 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  proprietors,  and  the  number  of 
acres  held  by  them  under  the  survey  .^ 

Joseph  Horton,  18  Joseph  Budd,  26 

Isaac  Denham,  I  Philip  Galpin,  9 

Francis  Purdy,  2  Richard  Lounsberry,  33 

Deliverance  Brown,  30  John  Galpin,  5 

George  Lane,  23  John  Horton,  15 

Thomas  Brown,  3  Joseph  Horton,  17 

John  Frost,  20  Henry  Disbrow,  8 

Peter  Brown,  32  Garrett  Travis,  13 

Peter  Disbrow,  22  John  Stockham,  7 

John  Merritt,  39  Jonathan  Fowler,  19 

Caleb  Hiatt,  11  Richard  Walter,  35 

Samuel  Hoyt,  42  Andrew  Cox,  43 

Timothy  Knap,  16  Thomas  Jeffrey,  21 

Jacob  Pease,  37  Isaac  Sherwood,  38 

George  Kniffen,  12  Joseph  Sherwood,  34 

Joseph  Purdy,  25  Francis  Brown,  40 

Benjamin  Horton,  29  William  Odell,  6 

Isaac  Odell,  31  Jonas  Sherwood,  28 

Joseph  Galpin,  10  Thomas  Lyon,  14 

John  Hoyt,  36  John  Brondig,  4 
«                                           Hachaliah  Brown,  27 

"In  1721,  William  Burneti  governor  of  New  York,  set  out  ia 
order  for  patent,  to  Samuel  Hunt,  ^'  a  certain  tract  or  parcel  of 
land  lying  and  being  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  being  part  of 
a  large  tract  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  the  White  Plains^ 
beginning  at  three  large  white  oak  trees  standing  near  together 
on  the  west  side  of  Mamaroneck  river,  and  runs  thence  south 
thirty-nine  degrees  west,  thirty-one  chains,  &c.,  &c.,  containing 
two  hundred  and  sixty  acres  after  five  acres  deducted  for  every 
hundred  acres  for  highways."© 

Upon  the  13th  of  March,  1721,  his  Excellency,  William  Qurnet 
granted  letters  patent  to  Daniel  Brundage  for  that  tract  of  land 
in  Whiie  PlaUis^  beginning  at  a  small  white  ash  stake  standing 


*  Rye  Rec.  lih.  A.  b  Sometime*  called  the  second  draught* 

e  Alb.  Book  of  Pat.  No.  viU.  442. 


342  BISTORT  OF  THR 

on  the  east  side  of  the  Long  Meadow  brook,  and  runs  thenca 
south  fifty-three  degrees,  west  forty-three  chains,  to  a  heap  of 
stones  near  the  street,  containing  one  hundred  and  ninety-five 
acres,  the  patentee  yielding  therefor  on  the  festival  of  the  Annun- 
ciation, the  annual  rent  of  twenty  shillings  and  sixpence  for 
every  hundred  acres.* 

King  George  the  Second  the  same  year  issued  the  following 
royal  letters  patent  to  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hoit,  and  others. 

CHARTER  OF  WHITE  PLAINS. 

George,  by  the  gr&ce  of  God  of  Great  Britaio,  France,  and  Ireland,  King, 
Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c..  To  all  to  whom  this  present  shall  come,  greeting : 
Whereas  oar  loving  subjects  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hoit,  Caleb  Hoit,  Humphrey 
Underhill,  Joseph  Purdy,  George  Lane,  Daniel  Lane,  Moses  Klnap,  John 
Horton,  David  Horton,  Jonathan  Lynch,  Peter  Hatfield,  James  Travis,  Isaac 
Covert,  Benjamin  Brown,  John  Turner,  David  Ogden,  and  William  Teomans, 
by  their  humble  petition  presented  to  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  William 
Burnet,  Esq.,  captain- general  and  governor-in-chief  of  our  provioee  of  New 
York,  in  council,  the  twenty- first  day  of  December  last,  did  humbly  pray  that 
his  said  Excellency  would  be  favourably  pleased  to  grant  to  them,  their  heint, 
and  assignees,  his  true  letters  patent  for  their  claims  and  purchase,  lying 
within  this  province,  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  known  by  the  name  of  the 
White  Plains,  in  such  manner  and  under  such  quit  rent,  provisions,  and  re- 
strictions as  is  and  are  directed  in  our  royal  commission  and  instruotions  to 
O'jr  said  governor  where  petition  was  then  and  there  received  and  considered 
of  by  our  council  of  our  said  province,  untill  the  first  day  of  this  insL,  they 
did  humbly  advise  our  said  governor,  and  consent  that  the  prayer  of  the  said 
petition  be  granted.  In  order  to  the  granting  whereof  in  pursuance  of  and  in 
obedience  to  our  royal  instructions  to  his  said  Excellency,  given  at  St.  James 
the  third  day  of  June,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  twenty,  in  the  sixth 
year  of  our  reign,  our  said  governor,  together  with  George  Clarke,  Esq.,  sec- 
retary, and  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esq.,  surveyor  general  of  our  said  province, 
three  of  the  commissioners  appointed  by  our  said  instructions  for  setting  oot 
all  lands  to  be  granted  within  our  said  province  of  New  York,  did  set  out  for 
the  said  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hoit,  Caleb  Hoit,  Humphrey  Underhill,  Joseph 
Purdy,  George  Lane,  Daniel  Lane,  Moses  Knap,  John  Horton,  David  Horton, 
Jonathan  Lynch,  Peter  Hatfield,  James  Travis,  Isaac  Covert,  Benjamin 
Brown,  John  Turner,  David  Ogden,  and  William  Yeomaos,  that  tract  or  par- 
cel of  land  situate,  lying  and  being  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  and  is  com* 

•  Alb.  Book  of  Pat  No.  viii.  442. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  343 

monly  known  by  the  name  of  the  While  Plains.  Beginning  at  a  large  white 
oak  tree  marked  with  seferal  letters,  where  two  brooks  fall  into  the  wes^ 
branch  of  Mamaroneck  river,  and  runs  thence  by  markt  trees  to  Brunxes 
river  near  the  place  where  a  small  brook  falls  into  the  said  river  by  a  bonch  of 
elders,  some  of  which  are  marked,  thence  up  the  stream  of  Brunxes  river  to 
an  ash  tree  about  seventeen  chains  above  Anthony  Miller's  fulling  mill,  thenoe 
by  marked  trees  to  a  white  oak  tree  marked,  near  Lang  Meadow  brook,  then 
down  the  stream  of  the  said  brook  to  the  lands  laid  out  for  Daniel  Brundage 
then  along  his  land  to  the  said  Long  Meadow  brook,  then  down  the  stream  of 
the  said  brook  to  the  place  where  it  falls  into  Mamaroneck  river,  and  down 
the  stream  of  the  said  river  to  the  land  granted  to  Christopher  Bridge,  then 
along  his  line  and  to  the  lines  of  the  land  laid  out  for  Samuel  Hunt  to  Mamar- 
oneck river,  then  down  the  stream  of  the  said  river  to  the  place  where  the 
west  branch  falls  into  the  said  river,  and  then  op  the  stream  of  the  said  west 
branch  to  the  place  where  it  begins,  containing  four  thousand  five  hundred  and 
thirty-five  acres,  with  allowance  for  highways,  and  in  the  seting  out  of  the 
said  tract  of  land  had  regard  to  the  profitable  and  unprofitable  acres,  and  had 
taken  care  that  the  length  of  the  said  tract  do  not  extend  along  the  banks  of 
any  river,  conformable  to  our  said  royal  instructions,  as  by  a  certificate  under 
their  hands  bearing  date  the  tenth  day  of  March  last,  entered  of  record  in  our 
secretary's  ofiice  more  fully  and  at  large  appears,  which  tract  of  land  set  out 
as  aforesaid,  according  to  our  said  royal  instructions,  and  being  willing  to 
grant  to  the  said  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hoit,  Caleb  Hoit,  Humphrey  Underhill, 
Joseph  Purdy,  George  I^ane,  Daniel  Lane,  Moses  Knap,  John  Horton,  David 
Horton,  Jonathan  Lynch,  Peter  Hatfield,  James  Travis,  Isaac  Covert,  Ben- 
jamin Brown,  John  Turner,  David  Ogden,  and  William  Yeomans,  their  heirs 
and  assignees,  according  to  the  prayer  of  their  petition. 

Know  ye,  that  of  our  especial  grace,  certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion, 
we  have  given,  granted,  ratified  and  confirmed,  and  do  by  these  presents,  for 
us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  give,  grant,  ratify  and  confirm,  unto  the  said  Jo» 
seph  Bodd,  John  Hoit,  Caleb  Hoit,  Humphrey  Underbill,  Joseph  Purdy, 
George  Lane,  Daniel  Lane,  Moees  Knap,  John  Horton,  David  Horton,  Jona- 
than Lynch,  Peter  Hatfield,  James  Travis,  Isaac  Covert,  Benjamin  Brown, 
John  Turner,  David  Ogden  and  W^illiam  Yeomans,  their  heirs  and  assignees, 
all  that,  the  said  certain  tract  or  parcel  of  land,  situate,  lying  and  being  in  the 
county  of  Westchester,  which  is  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  the  White 
Plains,  beginning  at  a  large  white  oak  tree  marked  with  several  letters,  where 
two  brooks  fall  into  the  west  branch  of  Mamaroneck  river,  and  runs  thenea 
by  marked  trees  to  Bronx's  river,  near  the  place  where  a  small  brook  falls  in- 
to the  said  river  by  a  bonch  of  elders,  some  of  which  are  marked,  thence  np 
the  stream  of  Bronx's  river  to  an  ash  tree,  about  17  chains  above  Anthony 
Miller's  fulling  mill,  thence  by  marked  trees  to  a  white  oak  tree  marked,  near 
Long  Meadow  brook,  then  down  the  stream  of  the  said  brook  to  the  lands  laid 
out  for  Daniel  Brondage,  then  along  his  land  to  the  said  Long  Meadow  brook, 


344  HISTORY  OF  THE 

then  down  the  stream  of  the  said  brook  to  the  place  where  it  &Ila  ibio  Urn 
Mamaroneck  river,  and  down  the  stream  of  the  said  rirer  to  the  land  fnuited 
to  Christopher  Bridge,  then  along  his  line  to  the  lines  of  the  land  laid  oot  for 
Samuel  Hunt,  to  Mamaroneck  river,  then  down  the  stream,  np  the  said  river 
to  the  place  where  the  west  branch  falls  into  the  sai^  river,  aad  then  ttp  the 
stream  of  the  said  west  branch  to  the  place  where  it  begun,  containing  four  thoe- 
sand  four  hundred  and  thirty-five  acres,  with  allowance  for  highways,  together 
with  all  and  singular  woods,  underwoods,  trees,  timber,  feeding,  pastaree, 
meadows,  marshes,  swamps,  ponds,  pools,  waters,  water  coarsesy  rivers,  rivii- 
lets,  runs  and  streams  of  water,  fishing,  fowling,  hunting  and  hawking,  minee* 
minerals,  standing,  being,  growing,  lying,  or  to  be  had,  used  and  enjoyed 
within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid,  and  all  other  proffits^  benefits,  libertiea» 
privileges,  hereditaments  and  appurtenances  to  the  same  belonging,  or  in  any 
wise  appertaining,  and  all  that  oor  estate,  right,  title,  interest,  benefit,  claim 
and  demand  whatsoever,  of,  in,  or  to  the  same,  and  the  reversion  and  reTer- 
sions,  remainder  and  remainders  and  the  yearly  rents  and  profits  of  the  same, 
excepting,  and  always  reserving  oat  of  this  our  present  grant,  nnto  us,  oar 
heirs  and  successors  forever,  all  trees  of  the  diameter  of  twenty-four  inchea 
and  upwards    at    twelve  inches  from  the  ground,  for  masts  for  oar  royal 
navy,  and  also  all  such  other  trees  as  may  be  fit  to  make  planks,  knees  and 
other  things  necessary  fur  the  use  of  our  said  navy,  which  now  are  standing, 
growing  or  being,  or  which  forever  hereafter  shall  be  standing,  growing  or 
being  in  and  upon  any  of  the  said  land,  with  free  liberty  and  lycense  for  any 
person  or  persons  whatsoever,  by  us,  our  hejrs  and  successors,  or  any  of 
them,  to  be  thereunto  appointed  under  our  or  their  sign  manuel,  with  work- 
men, horses,  waggons,  carts  and  carriages,  and  without,  to  enter  and  come 
into  and  upon  the  said  said  lands  and  any  part  thereof,  and  there  to  fell,  cut 
down,  root  up,  hew,  saw  and  rive,  have,  take,  cart  and  carry  away  the  same 
for  the  uses  aforesaid,  (excepting  also  and  reserving  all  the  silver  and  gold 
mines)  to  have  and  to  hold  all  and  singular  the  same  certain  tracts  of  land 
and  premises,  with  its  hereditaments  and  appurtenances  (excepting  as  before 
is  excepted  and  reserved)  unto  the  said  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hoit,  Caleb  Hoit, 
Humphrey  Underhill,  Joseph   Purdy,  George  Lane,  Daniel   Lane,  Moeea 
Knap,  John  Horton,  David  Horton,  Jonathan  Lynch,  Peter  Hatfield,  Jamea 
Travis,  Isaac  Covert,  Benjamin  Brown,  John  Turner,  David  Ogden  and  Wil. 
Ham  Yeomans,  their  heirs  and  assignees  forever,  to  be  holden  of  us,  oar  heirs 
and  successors,  in  free  and  common  soccage,  as  of  our  manor  of  East  Green- 
wich, in  the  county  of  Kent,  within  our  kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  yeilding, 
rendering  and  paying  therefor  yearly,  and  every  year,  forever,  unto  us,  our 
heirs  and  successors,  at  our  custom  house  in  the  city  of  New  York,  unto  oar 
or  their  collector  or  receiver  general,  for  the  time  being,  on  the  feast  day  of 
the  Annunciation  of  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary,  commonly  called  lady  day, 
the  annual  rent  of  two  shillings  and  six  pence  for  every  hundred  acres  thereof 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  315 

in  Ilea  and  stead  of  all  other  rents,  services,  dues,  dutyes  and  demands 
whatsoever,  for  the  same  four  thousand  four  hundred  and  thirty-fire  acres 
of  land  so  panted  as  aforesaid,  provided,  always,  and  these  presents  are 
upon  this   condition,  that  the  said  Joseph  Budd,  John   Hoit,  Caleb  Hoit, 
Humphrey   Underhill,  Joseph  Purdy,  George  Lane,  Daniel  Lane,  Moses 
Knap,  John  Horton,  David  Horton,  Jonathan  L3  nch,  Peter  Hatfield,  James 
Travis,  Isaac  Covert,  Benjamin  Brown,  John  Turner,  David  Ogden  and 
William  Yeomans,  their  heirs  and  assignees^  some  or  one  of  them  shall  and 
doe  within  the  term  and  space  of  three  years  now  next  ensuing  the  date  here* 
of,  plant,  settle,  and  effectually  cultivate,  at  least  three  acres  of  land  for 
every  fifly  acres  of  the  land  granted  as  aforesaid  on  default  thereof,  and  if 
the  said  Joseph  Budd,  John  Hoit,  Caleb  Hoit,  Humphrey  Underhill,  Joseph 
Purdy,  George  Lane,  Daniel  Lane,  Moses  Knap,  John  Horton,  David  Hor- 
ton, Jonathan  Lynch,  Peter  Hatfield,  James  Travis,  Isaac  Covert,  Benjamin 
Brown,  John  Turner,  David  Ogden  and  William  Yeomans,  their  heirs  and 
assignees,  or  any  other  person  or  persons,  by  their  privity  consent  or  pro- 
curement,  shall  set  on  fire  or  burn  the  woods  on  the  said  lands  or  any  part 
thereof,  to  clear  the  same  so  as  to  destroy,  impair  or  hinder  the  growth  of  any 
of  the  trees  that  are  or  may  be  fit  for  masts,  planks,  knees  or  other  timber 
for  onif  royal  navy,  hereby  reserved  unto  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  that 
■then  and  in  either. of  these  cases,  this  our  grant,  and  every  article  and  olansa 
therein  or  thereof,  shall  cease,  determine  and  be  void,  everything  therein 
contained   to  the  contrary  thereof,  in  any  wise  notwithstanding,    and  we 
do    further  of  our  especial   grace,  certain    knowledge    and  mere  motion, 
consent  and  agree,  that  these  presents  being  entered  upon  record,  as  is  here- 
tofore appointed,  shall  be  good,  effectual  in  law  to  all  intents  and  purposiM, 
against  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  notwithstanding  the  not  well  reciting  or 
our  writing  of  the  premises  or  any  part  thereof.     In  testimony  whereof,  we 
have  caused  these  our  letters  to  be  made  patent,  and  the  great  seal  of  oor 
said  province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  to  the  same,  to  be  entered  of  record  in  onr 
secretary's  office,  in  one  of  the  books  of  patents  there  remaining.    Witness 
our  trusty  and  well  beloved  William  Burnet,  Esq.,  captain  general  and  gov- 
ernor-in-chief of  our  province  of  New  York,  of  oor  province  of  New  Jersey, 
and  of  all  the  territories  and  tracts  of  land  thereon  depending,  in  America, 
and  vice-admiral  of  the  same  at  Fort  George,  in  New  York,  the  thirteenth 
day  of  March,  in  the  eighth  year  of  our  reign,  Anno  Domini,  seventeen 
hundred  and  twenty-one. 

W.  Robin,  D.  Secr'y. 

The  descendants  of  the  ancient  proprietors  and  patentees,  (le- 
sident  in  White  Plains)  are  still  very  namerbus,  viz. :  the  Hor- 
tons,  Purdys,  Browns,  Merritis,  Odells,  Sherwoods,  d&c.  ice 

The  village  of  White  Plains  is  pleasantly  situated  on  a  fine 

Vol.  XL  44 


346  HISTORY  OF  TniS 

plain,  Ihree  quarters  of  a  mile  east  of  the  river  Bronx,  and  eon- 
taJDs  about  700  inhabitants,  150  dvelliog  houses,  a  conrt  boase^ 
jail,  county  clerk's  atid  surrogate's  offices,  an  Episcopal,  a  Pres- 
byterian, and  two  Methodist  churches,  a  bank,  two  boys'  semina- 
ries  which  are  in  a  Nourishing  condition,  and  a  femald  boarding 
school,  four  taverns,  four  stores,  and  a  woollen  factory,  dec. 
The  surface  of  the  surronnding  country  is  broken  by  a  range  of 
hills  from  the  south,  which  diversify  with  a  pleasing  variety, 
both  the  soil  and  position  of  land  thus  distributed  into  portions 
for  meadow,  pasture  and  tillage.'  The  whole  town  ia  also 
richly  wooded  and  watered  by  the  Bronx,  Sheldrake  and  Mamo- 
roneck  rirera.  These  streams  form  romantic  valleyf ,  and  supply 
nnmerous  mill  seats.  Since  the  first  settlement  of  this  place, 
which  commenced  soon  after  its  purchase  from  the  Indiaos,  ia 
1683,  it  has  continued  steadily  to  progress, and  is  now  hardly  lo 
be  excelled  by  any  other  inland  villoge  in  the  county.  White 
Plains  being  a  half  shire  town  with  Bedford,  (which  is  sixteen 
miles  north)  the  courts  are  held  alternately  at  both  places.  The 
court  house  stands  near  the  centre  of  the  village,  and  occupies  the 
site  of  the  old  building  erected  in  1759,  upon  the  removal  of  the 
courts  from  Westohestcr.  The  first  Court  of  Common  Pleas  as- 
sembled here,  the  27th  of  May,  1760. 


Omrt  Boom,  WUu 


*  Spafibrd'i  Ganttrar  of  N.  Y. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  347 

There  are  events  connected  with  this  spot,  which  will  long 
live  in  the  pages  of  American  history.  It  was  here  that  the 
Whigs  of  Westchester  county  appointed  to  meet  the  committees 
of  the  several  towns  to  elect  deputies  to  the  continental  congressi 
who  were  to  assemble  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  first  day  of  Sep- 
tember. 1774.  The  proceedings  of  the  various  meetings  held 
here  would  afford  matter  for  a  good  sized  volume,  we  shall  there- 
fore present  our  readers  *•  with  a  small  part  only  of  the  impor- 
tant productions  of  those  eventful  times."  The  following  reso- 
lutions were  adopted  by  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  Rye 
and  Westchester. 

"  On  the  10th  day  of  August,  1774,  the  freeholders  and  inhabi- 
tants of  the  township  of  Rye^  made  choice  of  John  Thomas  jr. 
Esquire,  Robert  Bloomer,  Zeno  Carpenter  and  Ebenezer  Havi- 
land,  for  a  committee  to  consult  and  determine  with  the  commit- 
tees of  the  other  towns  and  districts  in  the  county  of  Westches- 
ter, upon  the  expediency  of  sending  one  or  more  delegates  to  con- 
gress to  be  held  in  Philadelphia,  on  the  first  day  of  September, 
next.  The  committee,  after  making  choice  of  Ebenezer  Havi- 
land  as  chairman,  expressed  their  sentiments  and  resolutions  in 
the  following  manner,  which  were  unanimously  approved : 

*'  This  meeting  being  greatly  alarmed  at  the  late  proceedings  of  the  British 
Parliament,  in  order  to  raise  a  revenue  in  America,  and  considering  their  lata 
roost  cruel,  unjust  and  unwarrantable  act  for  blocking  up  the  port  of  BostoOt 
having  a  direct  tendency  to  deprive  a  free  people  of  their  most  Taluable  rights 
and  privileges,  an  introduction  to  subjugate  the  inhabitants  of  the  Englith 
colonies,  and  render  them  vassals  to  the  British  House  of  Commons,  resolvedi 
1st,  that  they  think  it  their  greatest  happiness  to  live  under  the  illnatrious 
house  of  Hanover,  and  that  they  will  stedfastly  and  uniformly  bear  true  and 
faithful  allegiance  to  his  majesty  King  George  the  Third,  under  the  enjoy- 
ment of  those  constitutional  rights  and  privileges,  as  fellow  subjects,  with  those 
in  England.  Sndly  ;  but  we  conceive  it  a  fundamental  part  of  the  British 
constitution,  that  no  man  shall  be  taxed,  but  *oj  his  own  consent,  or  that  of  hit 
Representatives  in  Parliament. 

And  as  we  are  by  no  means  represented,  we  eonsider  all  acts  of  Parliameot 
imposing  taxes  on  the  Colonies  an  undue  exertion  of  power,  and  subversiTe  of 
one  of  the  most  valuable  privileges  of  the  English  constitution. 

3d.  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  meeting,  that  the  act  of  Parliament  for 
shutting  up  the  port  of  Boston,  and  divesting  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  pri- 


348  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Tate  property,  is  a  most  unparalled,  rigorona  aod  unjuat  piece  of  enidlj  mud 
detpotiam. 

4th.  That  anaaimity  and  firmness  of  meaaores  in  the  Coloniea,  ve  the  most 
effectaal  means  to  secure  the  invaded  rights  and  priTileges  of  Ameritm,  and 
to  avoid  the  impending  ruin  which  now  threatens  this  once  happy  eoontrj. 
*  5th.  That  the  most  effectaal  mode  of  redressing  oor  grieTances,  will  be  by  ft 
General  Congress,  of  delegates  from  the  difi*ereot  colonies,  and  that  we  are 
willing  to  abide  by  sach  measures  as  they  in  their  wisdmn  shall  oooaider  ne« 
oeasary  to  be  adopted  on  that  important  occasion. 

By  order  of  the  committee, 

Ebenezer  Haviland,  Chairmftn. 

The  committee  for  the  town  of  Rye  will  meet  the  committees  of  the  other 
towns  and  districts  in  the  co.  of  Westchester,  on  Monday  the  92d  day  of  thia 
instant,  at  the  court  house  in  the  White  Plains^  to  return  an  answer  to  a  let- 
ter from  Mr.  Isaac  Low,  chairmaio  of  the  committee  of  eorrespondenoe  io 
New  York.* 

The  Westchester  resolutions  were  as  follows : 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  Borough  Town  of 
Westchester,  in  New  York,  the  SOth  of  August,  1774,  James  Ferris,  Elaq.t 
Col.  Lewis  Morris,  and  Capt.  Thomas  Hunt,  were  chosen  a  committee  to 
meet  a  committee  of  the  different  towns  and  precincts  within  this  county,  at 
the  White  Plains,  on  Monday  the  22nd  inst.,  to  consult  on  the  expediency  of 
appointing  one  or  more  delegates  to  represent  this  county  at  the  General  Con- 
gress, &c.,  and  James  Ferris  Esq.  being  unanimously  chosen  chairman ; 
the  committee  after  considering  the  very  alarming  situation  of  their  suffering 
brethren  at  Boston,  occasioned  by  the  late  unconstitutional,  arbitrary  and  op- 
pressive act  of  the  British  Parliament,  for  blocking  up  their  port,  as  well  aa 
the  several  acts  imposing  taxes  on  the  Colonies  in  order  to  raise  a  revenue  in 
America,  thought  proper  to  adopt  the  following  resolutions,  which  were 
unanimously  agreed  to:  '*  resolved,  l8t.,tbat  we  do  and  will  bear  true  alle- 
giance to  his  majesty  George  the  third,  King  of  Great  Britain,  and  according 
to  the  British  constitution. 

2ndly,  that  we  coincide  in  opinion  with  our  friends  in  New  York  and  every 
other  Colony,  that  all  acts  of  the  British  Parliament  imposing  taxes  on  the 
Colonies  without  their  consent  or  by  their  representatives,  are  arbitrary  and 
oppressive,  and  should  meet  the  abhorrence  and  detestation  of  all  good  men, 
that  they  are  replete  with  the  purpose  of  creating  animosities  and  dissensions 
between  the  mother  country  and  the  colonies,  or  thereby  tend  to  destroy  that 


«  American  Archives,  fourth  series,  vol.  i. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  349 

hannony  and  matoal  agreement  which  is  so  much  the  interest  of  both  to 
cherish  and  maintain. 

3rd.  That  we  esteem  it  our  duty,  and  think  it  incumbent  on  all  the  Colonies 
in  America,  to  contribute  towards  the  relief  of  the  poor  and  distressed  people 
of  Boston ;  and  that  a  person  of  this  Borough  be  appointed  to  collect  such 
charitable  donations,  within  the  same,  as  may  be  oflered  for  their  support. 

4th.  That  as  a  diriaion  in  the  Colonies  would  be  a  sure  means  to  counteract 
the  present  intention  of  the  Americans  in  their  endeavors  to  preserye  their 
rights  and  liberties  from  the  invasion  that  is  threatened,  we  do  most  heartily 
recommend  a  steadiness  and  unanimity  in  their  measures,  as  they  will  have 
the  happy  effects  of  averting  the  calamity  that  the  late  tyrannical  act  of  the 
British  Parliament  would  otherwise  most  assuredly  involve  us  in. 

5th.  That  to  obtain  a  redress  of  our  grievances  it  has  been  thought  most 
advisable  in  the  Colonies  to  appoint  a  General  Congress ;  we  will  take  shelter 
under  the  wisdom  of  those  gentlemen  who  may  be  chosen  to  represent  us,  and 
cheerfully  acquiesce  in  any  measures  they  may  judge  shall  be  proper  in  this 
very  alarming  and  critical  occasion.* 

James  Ferris,  Cfuiirman. 

Upon  the  6ih  of  April,  1775,  appeared  the  following  public 
notice,  addressed  to  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  county 
of  Westchester. 

*'  You  are  earnestly  desired  to  attend  a  general  meeting  of  the  county  to  be 
held  at  Whi(e  Plains,  on  Tuesday  next,  the  ilth  inst.,  to  give  your  votes 
upon  the  questions : — Whether  you  are  inclined  to  choose  deputies  to  meet  at 
the  city  of  New  York,  in  a  Provincial  Convention  t  or,  whether  you  are  deter- 
mined to  abide  by  the  loyal  and  judicious  measures  already  taken  by  your  own 
worthy  Representatives  in  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Province,  for  a  redress 
of  American  grievances  1  The  consequences  that  may  arise  from  neglecting 
to  attend  at  White  Plains  on  Tuesday  next,  to  declare  your  sentiments  rela- 
tive to  the  appointment  of  deputies  to  meet  in  Provincial  Congress,  may  be 
very  fatal  to  this  county.  The  friends  of  government  and  our  happy  consti- 
tution are  therefore  earnestly  invited  in  person,  to  oppose  a  measure  so  replete 
with  ruin  and  misery.  Remember  the  extravagant  price  we  are  now  obliged 
to  pay  for  goods  purchased  from  merchants  in  consequence  of  the  new  impor- 
tation agreement ;  and  when  the  new  exportation  agreement  takes  place,  we 
shall  be  in  the  situation  of  those  who  are  obliged  to  make  bricks  without 
straw."b 

White  Plains,  in  the  Co.  of  W.  C.  April  llM,  1775. 
On  the  28th  of  March  last,  the  following  gentlemen  having  received  letters 
from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New  York, 


•  American  Archives,  fourth  series,  voL  i.  7:26. 
k  American  Archives,  fourth  seriet,  vd.  ii.  282. 


350  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Utive  to  the  appoiotment  of  Depaties  for  this  county,  met  at  thb  plmee  for  thm 
purpose  of  devising  roeaos  for  taking  the  sense  of  the  county  upon  the  aolilaety 
▼is.,  Theodosias  Bartow,  Esq.,  William  Sutton,  Esq.,  Captain  Joseph  Drake, 
James  Willis,  Benjamin  Drake,  Moses  Drake,  Colonel  Lewis  Morris,  Thomas 
Hunt,  Abraham  Leggett,  James  Horton,  jr.,  Esq.,  Stephen  Ward,  and  Abra- 
ham Goion,  Esq.,  who,  having  taken  the  same  into  consideration,  agreed  to 
tend  the  following  notification  to  the  principal  freeholders  in  the  different 
towns  and  districts  in  the  county,  viz. : 

March  S8/^  1775. 

Sir  : — A  number  of  persons  from  different  districts  in  the  County  of  West- 
chester having  this  day  met  at  the  White  Plains  to  consider  of  the  moat  pro- 
per method  of  taking  the  sense  of  the  freeholders  of  the  said  County  apon  the 
expediency  of  choosing  deputies  to  meet  the  deputies  of  the  other  counties  for 
the  purpose  of  electing  delegates  to  represent  this  colony  in  the  Greneral  Con- 
gress to  be  held  in  Philadelphia,  on  the  10th  day  of  May  next,  are  of  opinion 
that  the  best  way  of  proceeding  for  that  purpose  will  be  to  have  a  general 
meeting  of  the  freeholders  of  said  county.  As  this  county  is  Tory  extensive 
we  take  the  liberty  of  recommending  the  meeting  to  be  held  at  the  Wkiie 
Plainst  on  Tuesday,  the  i  llh  day  of  April  next,  at  10  o'clock  in  the  forenoon, 
at  the  Court  House^  and  therefore  do  desire  you  to  give  notice  of  the  same 
to  all  the  freeholders  in  your  district,  without  exception,  as  those  who  do  not 
appear  and  vote  on  that  day  will  be  presumed  to  acquiesce  in  the  sentiments 
of  the  majority  of  those  who  vote.    We  are,  &c.,  &c. 

The  above  notice  having  been  generally  given  and  distributed,  a  Tery  nu- 
merous body  of  freeholders  of  the  county  assembled  at  the  Court  Hooae, 
White  Plains,  on  the  day  appointed  and  chose  Colonel  Lewis  Morris  for  their 
chairman.    An  inconsiderable  number  of  persons,  (among  whom  wero  many 
tenants  not  entitled  to  vole,)  with  Isaac  Wilkins  and  Colonel  Philips  at  their 
head,  then  appeared  ;  and  Mr.  Wilkins,  in  their  behalf,  (as  he  said,)  declared 
that  they  would  not  join  in  the  business  of  the  day,  or  have  any  thing  to  do 
with  the  Deputies  or  Congresses  ;  but  that  they  came  there  for  the  sole  pur- 
pose of  protesting  against  such  illegal  and  unconstitutional  proceedings ;  afler 
which  they  departed.     The  following  question  was  then  put  to  the  people  by 
the  chairman,  viz.,  whether  they  would  appoint  Deputies  for  this  County  to 
meet  the  Deputies  of  the  other  Counties  at  the  city  of  New  York,  on  the  30th 
of  April  inst.,  for  the  purpose  of  electing  delegates  to  represent  this  Colony  in 
the  General  Congress,  to  be  held  at  Philadelphia  on  the  lOih  day  of  May  next  1 
To  whicli  question  they  unanimously  answered  that  they  would.     They  then 
appointed  the  following  eight  persons,  or  a  majority  of  them,  to  be  the  Depu- 
ties of  this  County  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  viz..  Colonel  Lewis  Morris,  Ste- 
phen Ward,  Daniel  Drake,  Esq.,  Colonel  James  Holmes,  John  Thomas,  jr., 
Esq.,  Jonathan  Piatt,  Esq.,  Robert  Graham,  and  Major  Philip  van  Cortlandt. 
The  two  following  resolves  were  then  unanimously  entered  into,  viz. :  Re- 
solved, that  the  thanks  of  this  body  be  given  to  the  virtuous  minority  of  the 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  351 

General  Assembly  of  this  Province^  and  particularly  to  John  Thomas  and  Pierre 
Tan  Cortlandt,  Esq.,  two  of  out  Representatives,  for  their  attachment  to,  and 
zeal  on  a  late  occasion,  for  the  preservation  of  the  nnion  of  the  Colonies,  and 
rights  and  liberties  of  America;  and  that  this  resolve  be  communicated  by  the 
chairman  to  every  gentleman  of  whom  that  minority  consisted. 

Resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  this  county  are  due  to  the  Delegates  who  com- 
posed the  late  Congress,  for  the  essential  services  'they  have  rendered  to 
America  in  general ;  and  that  this  resolve  be  forthwith  published. 

After  the  business  of  the  day  was  thus  concluded,  the  people  gave  three 
huzzas  for  our  gracious  sovereign,  and  dispersed  quietly  without  the  least 
disorder.* 

Lewis  Morris,  Chairman^ 

Protest  of  the  inhabitants  and  freeholders  of  Westchester 
county,  New  York. 

County  of  Westchester ,  April  13/ A,  1775. 

Mr.  RnriNOTON  : — Be  pleased  to  insert  the  following,  and  you  will  oblige  a 
number  of  your  friends  and  subscribers. 

On  Thursday  the  11th  inst.,  a  very  respectable  number  of  freeholders  and 
inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Westchester  assembled  at  the  White  Plains  in 
the  said  county,  agreeable  to  the  notice  given,  that  their  sentiments  might  be 
known  concerning  the  choice  of  a  committee  to  meet  other  committees  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  for  the  purpose  of  choosing  delegates  to  represent  this 
Colony  in  the  next  Continental  Congress.  The  friends  of  order  and  govern- 
ment met  at  the  house  of  Captain  Hatfield ;  more  who  were  for  a  committee 
put  up  at  another  public  house  in  the  town.  About  12  o^clock,  word  was 
brought  to  the  gentlemen  at  Captain  Hatfield^s  that  the  opposite  party  had 
already  entered  upon  the  business  of  the  day  ;  upon  which  they  immediately 
walked  down  to  the  court  house,  although  not  half  of  their  friends,  who  were 
expected  had  yet  appeared,  where  they  found  the  other  company  collected  in 
a  body.  The  numbers  on  each  side  seemed  to  be  nearly  equal,  and  both  to- 
gether might  amount  to  two  hundred,  or,  at  most,  two  hundred  and  fifty. 
The  friends  to  government  then  declared,  that  as  they  had  been  unlawfully 
called  together,  and  for  an  unlawful  purpose,  they  did  not  intend  to  contest 
the  matter  with  them  by  a  poll,  which  would  be  tacitly  acknowledging  the 
authority  that  had  summoned  them  thither ;  but  that  they  came  only  with  a 
design  to  protest  against  all  such  disorderly  proceedings,  and  to  show  their 
detestation  of  all  unlawful  Committees  and  Congresses ;  they  then  declared 
their  determination  and  resolution  to  continue  steadfast  in  their  allegiance  to 
their  gracious  and  merciful  sovereign,  King  George  the  Third,  to  submit  to 
lawful  authority,  and  to  abide  by  and  support  the  only  true  representatives  of 


*  American  Archives,  fourth  series,  vol  il  314. 


352  HISTORY  OF  THE 

the  poople  of  this  Colony,  the  General  Aseemhly ;  than  giving  three  ]iDnss» 
they  returned  to  Captain  Hatfields,  tinging^fpi  they  went,  with  lofs]  eBtho- 
siasm,  the  good  and  animating  song  6f  '*  Gd^  save  great  George  oar  King," 
"  Long  lire  our  noble  King,^'  &c.,  &c.  At  their  return,  finding  that  niMiy  of 
their  friends  had  arrived  during  their  absence,  and  that  many  still  kept  eoming 
in,  they  proceeded  to  draw  up  and  sign  the  following  declaration,  whieh  they 
seemed  to  do  with  as  mdch  patriotic  zeal  as  ever  warmed  the  hearts  of  tme 
and  faithful  subjects,  and  aAerwards  dispersed  to  their  different  habitations. 

'*  We  the  subscribers,  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  coanty  of  Waat- 
Chester,  having  assembled  at  the  White  Plains  in  consequence  of  certain  ad« 
vertisements,  do  now  declare,  that  we  met  here  to  declare  our  honest  abhor- 
rence of  all  unlawful  Congresses  and  Committees,  and  that  we  are  determined 
at  the  hazard  of  our  lives  and  properties,  to  support  the  king  and  constitation, 
and  that  we  acknowledge  no  Representatives  but  the  General  Assembly,  to 
whose  wisdom  and  integrity  we  submit  the  guardianship  of  our  rights  aed 
privileges. 


Frederick  Philips, 
Isaac  Wilkins, 
Samuel  Seabury, 
Luke  Babcock, 
Isaac  Fowler  Judge, 
Caleb  Fowler  Judge, 
J.  P.  HoTton,  Esq., 
William  Sutton,  Esq., 
Daniel  Oakley,  Esq., 
Benjamin  Fowler,  E»q  , 
William  Davids,  Esq., 
Wm.  Anderson,  Esq., 


Roger  Purdy, 
Gilbert  Pugsley, 
Abraham  Leader, 
Benjamin  Brown, 
Isaac  Keed, 
Aaron  Buis, 
Moses  Weyman, 
Urael  Underbill, 
John  Baisly, 
David  Oakley,  jr., 
Isaac  Smith, 
John  Hyatt, 
Hezekiah  Cudney, 


Capt.  Abra^m  Hatfield, 

Nathi  Underbill,  May'r,    Abraham  Odell, 

George  Cromwell,  Esq.,   Thos.  Lawrence, 


Philip  Pell,  Esq., 
Joshua  Pell, 
James  Pell, 
Edward  Pell, 
John  Hunt, 
Gilbert  Hortoo, 
Adrian  Leforge, 
Joshua  Gidney, 
Joseph  Bude, 
James  Wetmore, 
Moses  Williams, 
John  Haight, 
Isaac  Brown, 


John  Seysion, 
Jeremiah  Travis, 
Griffen  Carey, 
Isaac  Foshee, 
Gabriel  Requeau, 
Samuel  Webb, 
Benjamin  Downing, 
Gabriel  Archer, 
Elias  Secord, 
Thomas  Veal, 
James  Pierce, 
Edward  Higbee, 
David  Haight, 


Jonathan  Bndd, 
John  Wetmore, 
WUliam  Underbill, 
Thomas  Brown, 
Lieut.  Isaac  Gidney, 
Nehemiah  Tompkins, 
Henry  Leforge, 
Robert  Brown, 
Benj.  Beyea, 
Bartholomew  Gidney, 
John  Loce, 
Einathan  Appleby, 
John  Baker, 
Jonathan  Underbill, 
James  McChain, 
Benj.  Seacord, 
Joshua  Hunt, 
Betts  Chatterdon, 
William  Landrine, 
Enoch  Hunt, 
Peter  Corme, 
Dennis  Kennedy, 
James  Hains, 
Andrew  Bainton, 
Hezekiah  Simmons, 
Nathaniel  Tompkins, 
Caleb  Archer, 
Benj.  Bogbee, 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER. 


803 


Philip  KeUy, 
James  Hains, 
Joseph  Haines,  jr.y 
James  Haioesyjr.^ 
Matthew  Hains, 
Bartholomew  Hains, 
Gilbert  Hains, 
John  Hains, 
Elijah  Hains, 
Lieut.  Solomon  Fowler, 
Isaac  Williams, 
John  McCollumt 
Joseph  Clark, 
Joseph  Oakley, 
Caleb  Ferris, 
Capt.  Benj.  Griffin, 
Capt.  Joshua  Purdy, 
James  Mott^ 
Lieut.  Will.  Loonsberry, 
Lieut.  SamM  Purdy, 
John  Ruster, 
Nafban  Osborn, 
Philemon  Halstead, 
Daniel  Purdy, 
John  Crab, 
Izrahiah  Wetmore, 
Capt.  Absalom  Gidney, 
Da?id  Haight, 
John  Brown, 
Jasper  Stivers, 
Peter  McFarthing, 
Joshua  Purdy,  jr., 
Hachaliah  Purdy,  jr., 
James  Tompkins, 
Michael  Ckatteilon, 


Sylvanias  Lyon, 
Dtaiel  Haight, 
John  Williams, 
Joseph  Purdy, 
Ezekiel  Halsted, 
John  Hunt,  jr.f 
Isaac  Purdy, 
Elijah  Purdy, 
Abrkbam  Looses, 
Isaac  Tompkins, 
William  Gray, 
Nathaniel  Merrit, 
Joseph  Paulding, 
Hendrieus  Storm, 
Francis  Secord, 
John  Parker, 
Gilbert  Hatfield, 
Gabriel  Purdy, 
Alexander  Hains, 
Benj.  Ogden, 
Thos.  Merritt, 
Gilbert  Bates, 
John  Gidney, 
Stephen  Arnode, 
Israel  Secord, 
John  Arnode, 
David  Purdy, 
David  Belcher, 
Jordan  Downing, 
Levi  Devoe, 
Abraham  Acker, 
Cornelius  van  Tassel, 
Elisha  Merritt, 
Jacob  Schurman, 
Joseph  Appleby, 


Francis  Purdy, 
William' Odelli 
Israel  Hunt, 
Thos.  Tompkins, 
Frederick.  Underhiitf 
Peter  Post, 
Benj.  McCord, 
John  Williams, 
John  Aekerman, 
Peter  Husting, 
Thos.  Barker, 
Jeremiah  Honter,« 
Abraham  Storm, 
Peter  Jansing, 
Isaac  Merritt, 
Edward  Merritt, 
John  Gale, 
John  Smith, 
Roger  Purdy, 
James  Hart,  jr., 
Jona.  Purdy,  jr., 
Monmouth  Hart,  Jr., 
Christopher  Purdy, 
Gilbert  Purdy, 
Edward  Metritt,  jr., 
Elijah  Miller, 
Henry  Disborough, 
Benj.  Hunt, 
Elnathan  Hunt, 
William  van  Wart, 
Abraham  Slorm, 
Thomas  Berry, 
Lancaster  Underbill, 
Charles  Merritt, 
Benjamin  Underbill, 


^**  North  Castle,  May  Qtk,  1775.  Ma.  Rivinoton: — In  your  paper  lately  I 
saw  ray  name  to  a  protest.  I  never  signed  it.  bat  went  into  Capi.  Hatfield's  bonsa 
and  was  asked  whether  I  was  a  Whig  or  a  Tory  ?  I  made  answer^  that  I  dM  not 
understand  the  meaning  of  those  words,  bat  was  for  liberty  and  peace.  Upon  which 
I  immediately  pat  down  my  name.  Now,  sir,  I  ^ssirs  yoa  will  print  this  to  show 
the  world  that  I  have  not  deserved  to  be  held  up  in  the  light  ef  a  protestor. 

"jBaawaM  HmfTtt." 

Vol.  IL  45 


354 


HISTORY  OF  THE 


ElDathiB  Taylor, 
GUbert  Tbesl, 
William  SexoD, 
Thoroat  Champoneers, 
John  Charoponeeray 
WUliam  Griffin, 
Isaac  Gidney, 
John  Bates, 
Joseph  Ha?iland, 
Eleazer  Hart, 
Timothy  Wetmore, 
James  Hani, 
Joseph  Parkirt 
Joshaa  Barn,  ' 
Joseph  Pardy, 
John  Park, 
Samue)  Pordyr 
Gilbert  Purdy, 
James  Chatterton, 
John  Dewsenhurgb, 
Thomas  Cromwell, 
Solomon  Horton, 
Peter  Bossing,^ 
Thomas  Valentine, 
Peter  Bussing,  jr , 
James  Kniflen, 
NathanU  Underbill,  jr., 
Philip  Fowler, 
John  McFarthing, 
John  Tompkins, 
Joseph  Hart, 
Jacob  Post, 
Joseph  Gidney, 
James  Baxter, 
John  Hunt, 
Cornelius  Loosee, 
Jesse  Park, 


John  Tompkins,  jr., . 
Job  Hadden,  jr., 
Patrick  Carey, 
James  Hart, 
Gilbert  Ward, 
Joseph  Hart, 
Monmouth  Hart, 
William  Danlap, 
Joshua  Ferris, 
Timothy  Purdy, 
James  Macgaire, 
James  Requan, 
Daniel  Shadin, 
Samuel  Purdy, 
Sylvanus  Purdy, 
William  Balton, 
David  Davids, 
Elijah  Purdy,  jr. 
Elijah  Tompkins, 
Daniel  Jerow, 
Charles  Lawrence, 
Joseph  Purdy,  jr., 
James  Snifien,  jr  , 
Gilbert  Valentine, 
Andrew  Guion, 
Gilbert  Hunter, 
Lt.  Peter  Bennett, 
Samuel  Sneeden, 
Peter  Fashee, 
Jesse  Lawrence, 
William  Sneeden, 
Dr.  Daniel  Knap, 
Solomon  Dean, 
Charles  Vincent,  sen., 
Lieut.  Thos.  Hyatt, 
James  Gidney, 
William  Woodward. 


BenjamUi  GrflBs,  Jr.y 
Jeremiah  Cowiak . 

JobaHalW 
James  Angeviiie, 
Jacob  Cooiie« 
Jeremiah  AoderMio,  Jr.f 
Gilbert  WiUiams, 
William  BulMr,  Jn, 
Gideon  Ardeb, 
WiUtam  Fidd, 
Joseph  Pardy» 
George  Stom« 
Jacob  Vermileftt 
Samuel  Heaeted, 
Barthol'aiew  VadeiluD, 
Lieut  John  Warner^ 
Nathi  Purdy, 
Isaac  BenneC, 
Samuel  Baker,^ 
John  Cromwell, 
John  Storm,  ;, 
Andrew  FowlMr« 
Joshua  Seaeordy 
Abraham  Rich, 
George  Freneh* 
John  Underhill, 
Caleb  Gidney, 
William  UnderhiU,  jr., 
James  Hill, 
William  WatkiBi, 
John  Rustio, 
Richard  Baker, 
Will.  Aaciwgls, 
Bishop  Heostice, 
James  Miller, 
Phineas  Hunt, 


•  That  oar  names  were  net  subscribed  to  the  protest  of  Westchester,  eitkar  by 
ourseWes,  or  ear  orders  or  pemissioo,  directly  or  indirectly,  is  certified  by  «,  eash 
for  hiroselC    May  4, 1775.    Paraa  BuisiNa.    John  Bowung. 

b  Ma.  RiviifOTON : — ^I  did  sign  a  protest  which  was  printed  in  yonr  papei^  Imi  I 
did  so  because  I  was  toU  that  the  iatent  of  sigDiog  it  was  to  show  that  I  wae  ioc 
the  liberties  of  the  country.    Sawjel  Bakcs. 


COUNTT  OF  WESTCHESTER*  355 

The  fbnowing  persons,  not  being  able  to  attend  at  the  Plains,  requested  hy 
their  friends  that  their  names  might  be  added  to  the  list  of  protestors*  Tis. : 
John  Hant,  Esq.,  Philip  Palmer,  Esq  ,         John  Hitchcooki 

Jeremiah  Hitchooek,        William  Bond,  Joseph  Bond. 

The  foregoing  account  is  strictly  trae,  as  can  be  proTcn  by  the  testimony 
(or,  if  necessary,  by  the  affidavits,)  of  a  number  of  persons  of  the  most  un- 
questionable character  in  this  county.  What  then  must  we  think  oCsuch  per- 
sons as  have  propagated  a  report  that  the  friends  of  gOTemment  were,  upon 
this  occasion,  outnumbered  &7e  to  one,  and  that  many  of  the  persons  whose 
names  were  subscribed  to  the  foregoing  declaration  were  not  on  that  day  pre- 
sent at  the  White  Plains  1  They  must  be  conscious  to  themselves  that  they 
have  spread  abroad  a  falsehood,  and  they  are  hereby  called  upon,  if  they 
dare,  to  set  their  names  to  those  assertions.  In  what  manner  those  gentlemen 
who  chose  the  committee  at  the  Plains  proceeded,  we  cannot  positively  say ; 
but  this  we  can  declare  with  truth,  that  we  do  not  believe  they  can  produce 
to  the  public  the  names  of  a  hundred  and  fifty  persons  who  voted  for  a  commit- 
tee that  day,  and  we  are  surely  persuaded  that  they  did  their  utmost  to  make 
their  party  as  numerous  as  possible.  How  then  can  they  Justify  their  choice 
of  a  committee  ?  or  how  can  they  presume  to  impose  upon  the  world,  and  to 
insult  the  Loyal  County  of  Westchester  in  so  barefaced  a  manner  ?  It  4s  weH 
known  here  that  two-thirds,  at  least,  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  eounty  are 
friends  to  order  and  government,  and  opposed  to  committees  and  all  unlawful 
combinations ;  and  it  will  be  made  apparent  to  the  world  that  they  are  so,  as 
soon  as  certain  resolves,  now  signing  freely  by  the  people,  shall  be  ready  for 
publication.  And  one  principal  reason  why  the  friends  to  government  did  not 
assemble  in  greater  numbers  than  they  did,  on  Tuesday  list,  was  that  many  of 
them  had  already,  by  signing  those  resolves,  testified  their  loyalty  to  the  king, 
their  attachment  to  the  constitution,  their  enmity  to  the  committees,  and 
their  acquiescence  in  the  prudent  measures  taken  by  the  Assembly  in  the  late 
session,  for  accommodating  the  unhappy  differences  between  the  mother  cona« 
try  and  the  colonies,  and  consequently  thought  they  had  done  their  duty. 
The  committe  that  was  chosen  may  with  some  kind  of  propriety,  be  said  to 
represent  those  particular  persons  who  chose  them ;  but  how  they  can  be  de- 
nominated the  Representatives  of  the  County  of  Westchester,  who,  in  general, 
abhor  committees  and  committee  men,  and  are  determined  to  take  no  steps 
that  may  lead  them  inio  rebellion,  we  cannot  conceive  ;  certainly  the  friends 
to  government  who  were  collected  at  Captain  Hatfield^s  had  a  better  right 
from  their  number  to  determine  that  there  should  be  no  committee  than  the  op- 
posite party  had  to  appoint  one,  and  might  with  much  greater  propriety  be  said 
to  show  the  sense  of  the  County  than  the  few  who  acted  without  authority  and 
in  direct  opposition  to  government,  and  to  the  determinattoos  of  our  worthy  * 
Assembly ;  and  we  doubt  not  but  the  impartial  pnbliek  will  consider  the  matter 
in  this  light,  and  not  esteem  the  act  of  a  few  individnals,  unlawfully  sssemMed, 


856  HISTORY  OF  THE 

S8  the  aet  (which  most  asaaredly  is  not,)  of  the  veiy  respeetabley  popiiIdta«» 
and  Loyal  County  of  Westchester.* 

In  answer  to  the  above  protest,  occurs  the  following  letter  from 
Lewis  Morris,  addressed  "  to  the  publick."    , 

Morrisanla,  May  7th«  1775. 

"  A  very  extraordinary  paper  called  a  protest  against  the  proeeedtngs  of 
the  freeholders  of  the  County  of  Westchester,  relative  to  the  eleetion  of  De* 
puties  for  the  late  Convention,  and  said  to  have  been  sabecribed  bj  the  aeve* 
ral  persons  whose  names  are  printed  with  it,  was  published  in  Bfr.  RiTiogton 
and  Gainers  Gazette,  a  few  weeks  ago. 

By  whom  this  performance  was  given  to  the  publick  is  uncertain  ;  and,  be- 
ing as  little  distinguished  by  decency  as  by  truth,  there  is  reason  to  seapect 
the  author's  name  will  remain  a  secret.  The  falsities  contained  in  thia  repre- 
sentation, are  too  flagrant  to  impose  upon  any  person  in  this  coloiiy  ;  and, 
nothing  but  the  apprehension  of  its  gaining  credit  in  other  parts  of  the  wozld 
would  have  induced  me  to  have  made  it  the  subject  of  animadversion. 

I  shall  pass  over  the  many  little  embellishments  with  which  the  aathor*s 
fancy  has  endeavored  to  decorate  his  narrative ;  nor.  is  it  necessary  to  call 
in  question  the  reality  of  that  loyal  enthusiasm,  by  wiiich  it  was  said  these 
good  people  were  influenced,  and  I  really  wish  that  had  been  the  fact,  beoaoae 
when  inconsistencies  and  fooleries  result  from  inebriety  or  enthusiasm,  they 
merit  our  pity,  and  escape  indignation  and  resentment. 

Much  pains  I  confess,  were  on  that  day  taken  to  make  temporary  enthoai- 
asts,  and  with  other  more  exhilirating  spirit  than  the  spirit  of  loyalty. 

To  give  the  appearance  of  dignity  to  these  curious  and  very  orderly  protea- 
ters,  the  author  has  heeu  very  mindful  to  annex  every  man^s  addition  to  bis 
name,  upon  a  presumption,  perhaps,  that  it  would  derive  weight  from  the  ti- 
tle of  mayor,  esquire,  captain,  lieutenant,  Judge,  &c. 

But  it  is  not  easy  to  conceive  why  the  publick  should  be  less  civil  to  the 
clergy  than  to  the  gentry  and  commonalty.  Samuel  Seabury  and  Luke  Bab- 
cock,  certainly  ought  not  to  have  been  sent  into  the  world  floating  on  a 
newspaper  in  that  plain  way  :  the  one  is  the  **  Reverend  Mr.  Samuel  Sea- 
bury,  Rector  uf  the  united  Parishes  of  East  and  Westchester,  and  one  of  the 
missionaries  for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  (and  not  politicks)  in  foreign 
parts,^^  &c.  &o.,  the  other  is  "  the  Rev.  Mr.  Luke  Babcock,  who  preaches 
and  prays  for  Mr.  Philipse  and  his  tenants  at  Philipsburgh." 

In  this  formidable  catalogue  of  300  and  1*2  sober  and  loyal  protesters,  thera 
are  not  less  than  one  hundred  and  seventy  who  after  a  most  diligent  inquiry, 
J  cannot  find  have  the  least  pretensions  to  a  vote,  and  indeed  many  of  them 
are  also  under  age.    Their  names  are  as  follows  ; 

•  American  Archives,  4tb  series,  vol.  ii.  331. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER. 


357 


Sarooal  Seabary, 
Luke  Babcoek, 
fienjamin  Fowler^  Esq., 
Joshua  Pell, 
Edward  Pell, 
John  Hoot, 
Gilbert  Hortoo, 
Adrian  Leforge, 
Moses  Williams, 
PbOip  KeUey, 
James  Haines, 
Bartholomew  Haines, 
John  Haines, 
Elijah  Haines, 
Joseph  Clark, 
Joseph  Oakley, 
James  Mott, 
Daniel  Pnrdy, 
John  Crab, 
Izrahiah  Whetmore, 
Absalom  Gidney, 
John  Brown, 
Jasper  Stevens, 
Peter  McFarthing, 
Joshoa  Purdy,  jr., 
Hachaliah  Purdy,  jr., 
James  Tompkins, 
Gilbert  Theal, 
William  Sexon, 
Thomas  Champoneors, 
John  Champoneers, 
Eteazer  Hart, 
James  Hunt, 
Joseph  Parker, 
Joshoa  Barns, 
John  Park, 
Isaac  Smith, 
John  Hyatt, 
Abraham  Odell, 
Thomas  Lawrence, 
John  Seyson, 
Isaac  Forshea, 


Elias  Seacord, 
James  Pierce, 
Edward  Bugbe, 
Daniel  Haight, 
John  Hont,  jr., 
Abraham  Losee, 
Isaac  Tompkins, 
Joseph  Paulding, 
Henricus  Storm, 
Francis  Seeord, 
John  Parker, 
Gilbert  Bates, 
David  Purdy, 
David  Bleeker, 
Jordan  Downing, 
Corn,  van  Tassell, 
Joseph  Appleby, 
Patrick  Cary, 
GUbert  Ward, 
William  Dunlap, 
Joshua  Ferris, 
Timothy  Purdy, 
James  McGuire, 
James  Requan, 
Samuel  Purdy, 
Sylvanus  Purdy, 
William  Dalton, 
Elijah  Tompkins, 
Joshua  Hunt, 
Bates  Chatterton, 
William  Landrin, 
Dennis  Kennedy, 
James  Haines, 
Andrew  Banton, 
Nathaniel  Tompkins, 
Caleb  Archer, 
Benjamin  Bugbe, 
Francis  Purdy, 
William  Odell, 
Israel  Hunt, 
Thomas  Tompkins, 
Fred.  Underbill, 


John  Williams, 
John  Ackemar, 
Peter  Bussing, 
Jeremiah  Hunter, 
Abraham  Storm, 
Peter  Jenning, 
John  Gale, 
John  Smith, 
James  Hart,  jr., 
Jonathan  Purdy,  jr. 
Monmouth  Hart,  jr. 
Christopher  Purdy, 
Gabriel  Purdy, 
Edward  Merritt,  jr., 
Henry  Desborough, 
William  van  Wart, 
Abraham  Storm, 
Thomas  Berry, 
Charles  Merritt, 
Bejamin  Griffin, 
Samuel  Purdy, 
Gilbert  Purdy, 
James  Chatterton, 
Thomas  Cromwell, 
Solomon  HoUon, 
Nathaniel  Ilndorhill,  jr. 
Philip  Fowler, 
John  McFarthing, 
Jacob  Post, 
James  Baxter, 
John  Hart, 
Cornelius  Loosee, 
Josse  Park, 
Roger  Purdy,  jr., 
Gilbert  Pugsly, 
Abraham  Leaden, 
Benjamin  Brown, 
Aaron  Buis, 
John  Bursfey, 
David  Oakley,  jr., 
Charles  Lawrence, 
Joseph  Purdy,  jr. 


358 


HISTORY  OF  THB 


Gabriel  Reqneao, 
Gabriel  Archer, 
Peter  Fashee, 
Isaac  Lawrence, 
Will.  Snider, 
Solomon  Dean, 
Thomas  Hyatt, 
William  Woodward, 
John  Wbitmore, 
Will.  Underbill. 
Nehemiah  Tompkins, 
Henry  le  Forge, 
Evert  Brown, 
Benj.  Beyea, 
Charles  Merritt, 


Peter  Post,      " 
BenJ.  McCord, 
John  Loce, 
Elnathan  Appleby, 
John  Baker, 
Jonathan  Underhill, 
James  MeChain, 


James  Aogevine, 

Jeremiah  Anderson,  jr.    James  Ilill, 

Will.  Barker,  jr.  WUIiam 

Gideon  Arden,  jr. 

Joseph  Pardy, 

George  Storm, 

Jacob  Vermiller, 


James  Saiflta,  jr., 
Peter  Bomwlt* 
Samoel  Hoeated, 
John  Warner, 
John  Storm, 
Joshua  Seoord, 
John  Underhill, 
WUIiam  UoderbiU,  Jr., 


Richard  Baker, 
Bishop  Haestica, 
Jeremiah  Hitoheoek, 
William  Bond, 


Samael  Snider, 

or  the  others  who  are  freeholders,  many  also  hold  land  at  will  of  CoL 
Philipse,  so  that  the  truth  really  is,  that  rery  few  Independent  fraeholdecs 
objeded  to  the  appointment  of  deputies.''* 

Lewis  Mouus. 

Upon  the  29ih  of  April,  1775,  appeared  the  following  docu- 
ment addressed  to  the  publick. 

**  We  the  sabscribers  do  hereby  make  this  public  declaration,  that  whereas, 
we  and  seferal  others  in  Westchester  coanty,  having  signed  a  certain 
number  of  resoWes,  which  at  the  time  of  our  said  signing  were  deemed  eon- 
stitutional,  and  as  having  a  tendency  to  promote  the  interest  of  our  eoaotrj ; 
but,  since  upon  mature  deliberation  ind  more  full  knowledge  of  the  matter 
find  not  only  injurious  to  our  present  caus^,  but  likewise  offensive  to  oor  fel* 
low  colonists,  we  do  therefore  thus  publickly  testify  oor  abhorrence  of  the 
same,  and  declare  ourselves  true  friends  to  the  colonies,  and  ever  ready  cheer- 
fully to  exert  ourselves  in  the  defence  and  preservation  of  the  same.**^ 

Jonathan  Fowlbb,  Esq. 

George  Cromwell,  £Isq. 

"At  a  meeting  of  freeholders  of  Westchester  county,  New 
York,  at  the  White  Plains^  on  Monday,  the  8th  day  of  May, 
1775.  Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  van  Cortlandt, 
Stephen  Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  van  Corllandt,  James 
Holmes,  David  Dayton,  John  Holmes,  jr.,  Robert  Graham,  and 


*  American  archives,  fourth  series,  vol.  ii. 
h  Ibid.  446. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  369 

William  Paulding,  were  chosen  to  be  the  deputies  from  this 
County  to  the  Provincial  Convention  of  the  Province  of  Nev 
York.''* 

"On  the  30th  of  June,  1776,  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this 
State  adjourned  from  the  city  of  New  York  to  the  court-house  in 
White  Plains^  where  they  met  on  the  9th  of  July  following,  and 
there  continued  in  session  until  the  29ih  of  that  month."^ 

In  Provincial  Congress  New  York,  30th  June,  1776. 

Sunday  afternoon. 

It  was  resolvjed, ''  that  the  treasurer  and  secretary  of  ihis  Con- 
gress be  and  they  hereby  are  directed  forthwith  to  repair,  with 
all  and  singular  the  public  papers  and  money  now  in  their  cus- 
tody or  possession,  unto  the  White  Plains^  in  the  county  of 
Westchester,  and  that  this  Congress  be  and  it  hereby  is  adjourned 
unto  the  court-house  in  the  White  Plains  aforesaid,  there  Xo 
meet  on  Tuesday  the  2d  of  July  next,  and  proceed  upon  busi- 
ness ;  and  that  the  next  Congress  of  this  county  do  meet  at  the 
same  place  on  Monday  the  8th  day  of  July  aforesaid,  unless 
otherwise  ordered  by  the  Congress."  It  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative. 

For  the  question,  20,  against  ditto,  6. 

And  it  was  further  ordered  that  all  the  lead,  powder  and  other 
military  stores  belonging  to  this  State  be  forthwith  removed  to 
the  White  Plains.*'© 

The  journey  between  New  York  and  the  Plains  was  performed 
by  the  members  on  horseback,  Pierre  van  Cortland  t,  the  presi- 
dent, riding  at  their  head.  As  expresses  overtook  them  from 
General  Washington  the  bouse  was  called  to  order  on  horseback^ 
and  several  resolutions  passed. 

"  It  was  at  White  Plains  on  the  9th  of  July,  the  Provincid 
Congress  received  the  Declaration  of  Independence ;  there  it  was 
read,  in  front  of  the  court  house,*^*^  and  there  they  solemnly  ia 
convention  promised  at  the  risk  of  their  lives  and  fortunes  to 


•  American  ArohiTM,  fonrUk  teriMi  toI.  ii.  539. 

b  Extract  fh>ro  addrMi  of  J.  W.  Tompkin*.  E«h  1845. 

•  Joarnal  of  N.  Y.  Provineial  Congnm$  w6L  i.  519. 

4  Th«  declaration  was  read  by  John  Thomaa,  Em^,  and  aacaaded  by  MUaal 


360  HISTORY  OF  THE 

join  with  the  other  colonies  in  supporting  iu  The  letter  of  John 
Hancpck,  enclosing  to  then),  that  d^laralion,  after  acknowledff- 
ing  their  dependence  for  success  upon  the  Rider  of  the  uoiversei 
with  almost  a  prophet's  vision  announced  the  important  conse- 
quences which  would  flow  from  that  declaration.'^*  The .  old 
court  house,  honored  by  this  fearless  step  in  the  cause  of  inde- 
pendence, "  and  so  intimately  associated  with  the  wisdom  apd  vir- 
tue of  such  men  as  Jay,  Morris^  Clinton^  WoodhuU^  Hobat% 
Van  Corilandij  Livingston^  and  RutgerSj  was  burnt  on  the 
night  of  the  6th  of  November^  by  a  New  England  major,  without 
orders,  together  with  every  dwelling  at  White  Plains.''^ 

"  About  12  o'clock,  this  night,  (Nov.  6th,  1776,  says  General 
Healh,)  a  party  of  Americans  wantonly  set  fire  to  the  court-house, 
and  several  other  private  houses,. which  stood  between  the  two 
armies.  This  gave  great  disgust  to  the  whole  American  anny, 
and  drew  from  the  commander-in-chief  the  following  paragraph, 
in  bis  orders  of  the  6th :  ^  It  is  with  the  utmost  asionishmeut  and 
abhorrence,  the  general  is  informed,  that  some  base  and  cowardly 
wretches  have,  last  night,  set  fire  to  the  court-house  and  other 
buildings  which  the  enemy  left.  The  army  may  rely  upon  it, 
that  they  shall  be  brought  to  justice,  and  meet  with  the  punish- 
ment they  deserve.^c 

Pierre  van  Cortlundt,  vice  president  of  the  committee  of  public 
safety,  under  date  of  28th  November,  thus  feelingly  alludes  to 
the  event. 

"  Unhappy  am  I  to  add  that  amidst  all  our  sufferings  the  army  employed  for 
the  protection  of  America  have  not  refrained  from  embittering  the  calamitiea 
of  war,  at  a  time  when  the  utmost  resources  of  this  state  were  laid  open  to 
their  wants,  and  the  members  uf  Convention  personally  submitted  to  the 
labour  and  fatigue  which  were  necessary  on  a  sudden  emergency,  and  after 
frequent  losses  of  provisions  and  barracks,  to  supply  two  numerous  armies, 
augmented  by  the  militia,  with  every  article  which  they  required,  the  coml- 
house  and  the  remains  of  the  village  at  the  White  Plains,  which  had  been 
spared  on  the  retreat  of  our  forces,  were,  even  after  the  enemy  had  in  their 

Varian  and  Samuel  Crawford,  two  promineut  Wliigs  of  Scarsdale.    The  latter  met 
a  sad  and  early  fate  by  the  hands  of  British  refugees. 

*  Extract  from  address  of  J.  W.  Tompkins,  Esq. 
klUd. 

•  HeatbV  Mem.  83. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  361 

tarn  retired,  wantonly  destroyed,  without  the  orders  and  to  the  infinite  regpret 
of  our  worthy  general,  besides  in  spite  of  all  his  Excellency's  efforts,  wherever 
our  troops  have  marched  or  been  stationed  they  have  done  infinite  damage  to 
the  property  of  the  people. 

I  am  directed,  sir,  to  submit  it  to  the  Hon^ble  Congress,  whether  some 
effectual  remedy  ought  not  to  be  provided  against  such  disorderly  and  dis- 
graceful proceedings.  The  soldier  who  plunders  the  country  he  is  employed 
to  protect  is  no  better  than  a  robber,  and  ought  to  be  treated  accordingly,  and 
a  severe  example,  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  ought  to  be  made  of  the 
oflicer  who,  without  any  necessity,  or  his  general's  permission,  set  fire  to  the 
court-house  and  other  buildings  at  the  White  Plains.  He  is  guilty  of  the 
crime  of  arson,  and  if  he  cannot  be  punished  by  the  articles  of  war,  ought  to 
be  given  up  to  the  laws  of  the  land.  If  so  glaring  a  violation  of  every  senti* 
ment  of  humanity  should  be  passed  over  in  silence,  if  the  army  is  not  reason- 
ably restrained  from  such  acts  of  barbarity,  the  consequence  must  be  fatal  to 
the  cause  of  a  people  whose  exalted  glory  it  is  to  be  advocates  for  the  rights 
of  mankind,  against  the  tyranny  and  oppression  of  lawless  power.  The  reso- 
lutions which  the  committee  of  safety  have  passed  upon  the  subject  are  here- 
with transmitted. 

'*  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your  most  obedient  and 
very  humble  servant, 

"  By  order 

"  PiiRRC  YAK  CoRTLANDT,  Vice  President,'*^ 

"  To  the  Honorable  John  Hancock,  President  of  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States."' 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  safety  held  Monday  morning, 
2d  December,  1776.  It  was  resolved,  "  that  the  laws  of  the 
country  are  not  superseded  by  the  military  code  in  the  presence 
of  the  army,'*  "  and  that  a  letter  be  written  to  General  Washing- 
ton, requesting  that  theoflScer  directing  the  burning  of  the  court- 
house and  dwelling  houses  at  the  White  Plains  be  delivered  to 
this  committee  or  the  Convention  of  the  state,  in  order  to  his 
being  tried  by  the  laws  of  this  state,  and,  if  guilty,  punished 
thereby."** 

Tiie  Episcopal  Church  is  very  pleasantly  situated,  a  little  east 
of  the  court-house,  and  being  elevated  above  the  road,  commanda 
a  fine  view  of  the  valley  and  hills  to  the  north-east.    It  is  built  of 


'  Joamal  of  N.  Y.  Pfot.  Congress,  toL  L  723. 
b  Journal  of  N.  Y.  Prov.  Con.  toI  I  729. 

Vol.  II.  46 


362  HISTORY  OF  THE 

wood,  with  a  handsome  tower  and  vestry  room  in  the  rear. 
The  former  contains  a  bell  weighing  1136  pounds.  This  parish 
was  first  organized  by  the  exertions  of  the  Rev.  Lewis  P.  Baynidf 
in  1824,  who  occasionally  performed  services  here.  Upon  the 
22d  of  March,  lb24,  the  church  was  incorporated  by  the  title  of 
**  Grace  (Protestant  Episcopal)  Church,  White  Plains,"  in  re- 
membrance of  Grace  C  hurch,  Rye,  whose  ministers  had  officiated 
here  at  intervals  from  1762  to  1816,^  Richard  Jarvis  and  Alan 
McDonald,  wardens  )^  William  Purdy,  John  Horton,  Gilbert  Hat- 
field, James  Dick,  Alexander  Fowler,  Joshua  Horton,  William 
Bulkley,  and  James  Merritt,  vestrymen.''  The  present  church 
edifice  was  consecrated  on  the  26th  of  June,  1826,  by  the  Right 
Rev.  J.  H.  Hobart.  In  1833  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  appro- 
priated to  this  parish  the  sum  of  $760. 

LIST    OF    RECTORS    AND   MINISTERS. 
Intt.  or  call,  Ineumbentt.  Vacated  hf 

1824.    William  C.  Mead,  Presb.  resignation. 

1826.    Alexander  H.  Crosby,  A.  M.,  Presb.  ditto. 

1829.    Rev.  John  W.  Curtis,  Presb.  ditto. 

1831.    Rev.  Robert  W.  Harris,  A.  M.,  Presb.  pres't  incumb. 
Present  number  of  communicants,  cir.  50. 
The  church-yard  contains  memorials  to  the  families  of  Du  Bois, 
Thomas,  Pojiham,  and  others. 

Adjoining  the  church  is  the  residence  of  Samuel  K  Lyon, 
Esq.,  a  beautiful  specimen  of  the  rural  Gothic  style  ;  the  grounds 
surrounding  it  nre  in  harmonious  keeping  with  the  scenery. 

In  the  immediate  vicinity  lies  the  parsonage  and  glebe,  at  pre- 
sent occupied  by  the  Rev.  R.  W.  Harris,  rector  of  the  parish,  who 
has  for  fourteen  years  past  conducted  a  select  boy's  school,  for 
English,  classical,  and  religious  education  ;  his  chief  object  being 
to  serve  the  church,  by  training  a  few  of  its  youth  in  the  old  paths 
of  filial  obedience,  patient  industry,  and  Christian  devotion. 


•  Ai  early  as  1760,  White  Plains  constituted  one  of  the  precincts  of  Rye  pariah, 
and  paid  a  small  sum  annually  towards  the  support  of  the  Rector  and  poor.  Her 
connection  with  Rye  was  dissolved  in  1816. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER,  368 

The  spacious  mansion  of  Minott  Mitchell,  Esq.,  occupies  a 
commanding  position  on  the  west  side  of  the  village.  This  gen- 
tleman is  the  son  of  the  Rev.  Justus  Mitchell,  who  graduated  at 
Yale  College  in  1776,  and  married  Martha  Sherman,  daughter  of 
the  Rev.  Josiah  Sherman^  and  Martha  Minott. i> 

The  residence  of  J.  W.  Tompkins,  Esq.,  nephew  of  the  late 
Hon.  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  forms  a  prominent  object  on  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  village. 

In  the  main  street  are  situated  the  female  seminary  of  Mrs^ 
Searles,  and  the  White  Plains  Academy^  of  which  Mr.  J.  M.  SwiU'^ 
burn  is  principal 

The  Presbyterian  Churchy  surrounded  by  locust  trees,  pre- 
sents a  pretty  appearance  upon  entering  White  Plains  from  the 
north.  It  is  a  plain  edifice  of  wood,  with  a  tower  of  the  same 
material,  erected  A.  D.  1824. 

The  first  notice  of  this  church  occurs  in  a  deed  from  Moses 
Owen  to  Caleb  Hyatt,  John  Turner,  and  Peter  Hatfield,^  bearing 
date  the  I5th  of  Jnne,  1761 :  "  For  one  acre  and  three  roods  of 
land,  with  Presbyterian  Church  thereon,  for  the  sum  of  ten 
pounds.  The  land  is  the  north-east  corner  of  land  formerly  be- 
longing to  Abraham  Smith,  now  in  possession  of  Moses  Owen, 
and  bounded  on  the  northerly  side  by  the  road  leading  to  Bronx 
river,^'  ice.  The  title  is  in  fee  simple,  and  without  any  conditions^ 
Signed  before  Jacob  Grifien  and  Caleb  Grifien,  and  acknowledged 
before  Samuel  Purdy,  January  9lh,  1752.<i 

There  is  also  a  release  (supposed  to  be  much  older  than  the 
preceding,)  from  the  proprietors  of  an  undivided  piece  of  land,  to 
be  annexed  to  the  burying  ground,  as  follows: 

"  The  ondersigners,  being  such  as  have  proprietors^  rights  ia  the  WhU§ 
Plains,  in  the  township  of  Rye,  cj-c.  whereas  there  is  a  small  piece  of  utidif  ided 
land  lying  on  the  north  side  of  burying  yard  near  the  Presbyterian  meeting 


'  Mr.  Sherman  was  a  graduate  of  Yale  College  in  1765,  and  brother  of  the  disr 
tinguished  Roger  Sherman. 

b  Daughter  of  the  Hon.  James  Minott  by  his  aecoi^d  wife  Elizabeth  Memckf 
For  account  of  the  Minott  family  see  Lemuel  Shatmck's  Hist,  of  Concord,  379. 

«  These  persons  appear  to  have  been  trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  church. 

d  From  the  original  in  the  possession  of  th^  trustees,  communicated  by  the  Rev. 
Elias  S.  Schenck. 


364  HISTORY  OF  THE 

koustf  being  willmg  that  the  eaid  pieee  of  andiTided  lend,  fto.,  we  urm  wfBimg 
that  the  same  thoald  be  feneed  in  to  with  the  borying  yard,  to  be  approj»rMle4 
for  the  Qse  of  a  burying  yard,  to  be  under  the  entire  gOTemment  and  toMomg^ 
ment  of  the  aaid  congregation. 

Fefore  Jonathan  G.  Tompkins,  Jonathan  Pubot, 

Datid  HoBTOHv 

GAiatKL  LraoHy    - 
Caleb  Htatt, 
Samubl  Uuxt.** 

From  these  documents  it  would  appear  that  there  was  a  Pres- 
byterian church  standing  here  sometime  prior  to  1761.  The 
pastor  at  this  period  was  the  Rev.  John  S.nith,  D.D.,  whosenred 
the  Presbyterian  churches  of  Rye  and  White  Plains^  and  died 
in  the  year  1776,  leaving  flourishing  congregations  and  cooiino- 
dious  houses  of  worship  in  both  places.  His  remains  repose  in 
the  burying  ground,  near  those  of  his  wife  and  daughter,  in  the 
rear  of  the  church.  A  plain  head-stone  marks  the  spot,  and 
bears  the  following  inscription  under  a  rudely  carved  similitude 
of  a  cherub. 

Here  lie  the  remains  of  the  Rev. 

John  Smith,  the  first  ordained  minister* 

of  the  Presbyterian  persuasion  in  Rye 

and  the  White  Plains,  who  was  born  in 

England,  May  5,  1702,  wore  out  with 

various  labours,  and  fell  asleep  in  Jesus. 

Deceased  Feb'y  26,  1771,  aged  68  years,  9 

mouths,  and  22  days. 

By  faith  he  lived,  in  faith  he  died,  and  faith 

foresees  a  rising  day  when  Jesus  comes,  while 

hope  assumes  and  boasts  his  joy  among  the 

tombs.    Oh  death  !  Oh  grave !  where  is  thy  victory. 

•*  Thanks  bo  to  God  that  giveth  us  the 

victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

His  brother  was  the  Hon.  William  Smith.    Lorenzo  Sabine, 

•  Mr.  Smith*!  name  appeara  in  the  record  of  the  Synod  in  1753  as  minister  of 
Rye. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  365 

Esq.,  in  his  very  valuable  work  on  American  loyalists,  says  of 
this  individual,  *'  That  he  was  chief  justice  and  a  member  oftha 
council  of  the  colony,  and  considered  to  be  in  office  in  1782. 
His  father,  the  Honorable  William  Smith,  an  eminent  lawyer 
and  judge  of  the  supreme  court,  died  in  1769.  William  Smith, 
the  subject  of  this  notice,  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1745.  It 
appears,  that  he  was  at  a  loss  as  to  the  side  which  he  should 
espouse  in  the  controversy  which  preceded  the  Revolution,  and 
that  he  made  no  choice  until  late  in  the  war.  It  seems,  also, 
that  a  number  of  other  gentlemen  of  wealth  and  influence,  who 
had  wavered  like  himself,  joined  the  royal  cause  about  the  same 
time,  in  1778.  It  is  believed  that,  at  first,  he  opposed  the  claims 
of  the  ministry.  However  this  may  be,  his  final  decision  excited 
the  remark  of  both  the  Whigs  and  the  Loyalists.  The  former 
indulging  their  wit  in  verse,  and  calling  him  the  '  weathercock,' 
that  < could  hardly  tell  which  way  to  turn;'  and  the  latter  no- 
ticing his  adhesion  in  their  correspondence.  He  settled  in  Can- 
ada, after  the  war,  and  was  chief  justice  of  that  colony.  He 
published  a  history  of  New  York,  which  was  continued  by  his 
son  William."* 
In  1776,  the  Rev.  Ichabod  Lewis,  twin  brother  of  the  venera- 


•  *'  This  eloqaeot  man,"  alluding  to  Jadgre  Smith,  **  having  been  an  adherent  to 
the  royal  cauae  in  the  Revolution,  left  the  city  of  New  York  in  1783,  with  the 
Britiah  troope,  and  waa  aAerwards  rewarded  by  his  sovereign  with  a  high  judiciary 
office  at  Quebec.  Judge  Smith,  although  thus  removed  from  the  place  of  his  ori- 
gin, always  contemplated  the  politics  of  his  native  country  with  peculiar  solicitude. 
One  evening,  in  the  year  1789,  when  Dr.  Mitchell  was  in  Quebec,  and  passing  the 
evening  at  the  chief  justice's  house,  the  leading  subject  of  conversation  was  the 
new  Federal  constitution,  then  under  the  consideration  of  the  states,  on  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  Convention  which  sat  at  Philadelphia,  in  1787.  Mr.  Smith,  who 
had  been  somewhat  indisposed  for  several  days,  retired  to  his  chamber  with  Mr. 
Grant,  one  of  the  members  of  the  legislative  council,  at  an  early  hour.  In  a 
short  time  Mr.  Grant  invited  Dr.  Mitchell,  in  Mr.  Smith's  name,  to  walk  from 
the  parlor  into  Mr.  Smith's  study,  and  sit  with  them.  Mr.  Mitchell  was  con- 
ducted to  a  sofa,  and  seated  beside  the  chief  justice,  before  whom  on  a  tabie« 
was  a  large  bundle  of  papers.  Mr.  Smith  resumed  the  subject  of  Amerieaa 
politics,  and  noticed  his  papers.  After  searching  among  them  awhile,  he  un- 
folded a  certain  one,  which  he  said  was  written  about  the  time  the  colonial  com- 
motions grew  violent,  in  1775,  and  contained  a  plan,  or  system  of  government, 
sketched  out  by  himself  then,  and  which  nearly  reaembled  the  constitution  afUr- 


366  mSTORT  OF  THE 

Ue  Isaac  Liwis,  of  HDrseneck,  was  ordaioed  pastor  of  the  nnited 
churches  of  White  Plains  aod  Ne v  Rochelle,  by  the  Piesbytviy 
of  Datchess  county.  About  12  o'clock  at  night,  oo  the  6th 
of  November,  1776,  the  Presbyterian  Church,  together  with 
a  quantity  of  timber  designed  for  its  enlargement,  besides  a 
number  of  other  buildings,  were  set  on  fire  by  Major  Osbomey  of 
the  Blassachusetts  line,  (under  General  Glower,)  for  the  purpose 
of  presenting  ihem  from  being  used  by  the  British  troops,  then 
in  th's  neighb'^rbood,  durin^  the  ensuing  winter.  These  facts 
are  fully  proved  by  affidavits  of  witnesses  now  in  possession  of 
the  trustees.  After  the  burning  of  the  church,  the  congrc^tion 
gradually  declined ;  for  the  members,  being  mostly  staunch 
Whigs,  were  obliged  to  retire  north  to  avoid  the  depredations  and 
assaults  of  Briti^  troops  from  New  York.  The  Rev.  Ichabod 
Lewis  removed  to  Bedford,  but  similar  circumstances  constrained 
him  to  leave  that  place  also  for  Salem,  where  he  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  his  days,  and  lies  interred.  He  left  a  legacy  to  the 
church  at  South  Salem  of  one  thousand  dollars,  the  interest  of 
which  at  present  assists  in  supporting  the  pastor  of  that  church.i^ 
From  1784  to  1821,  the  congregntion  enjoyed  the  privilege  of 
occasional  preaching.  Upon  the  13ih  of  February,  1788,  the 
church  was  incorporated  under  the  title  of  the  ^'Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  White  Plains/'  Jonathan  G.  Tompkins,  Richard 
Hatfield,  Daniel  Horton,  Jacob  Purdy,  Nicholas  Fisher  and  Rob- 
ert Hart,  trustees.** 

During  the  years  1821  and   1822,  the  church  was  regularly 
supplied  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Smith,  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 


wardi  proposed  by  the  Federal  Convention  of  the  United  States.  He  then  read 
the  contents.  The  piece  was  long  and  elaborate,  and  written  with  much  beauty 
and  spirit.  '  This,  sir/  added  he,  after  finishing  it, '  is  a  copy  of  a  letter,  which  I 
sent  to  a  member  of  Congress  in  1775,  who  was  an  intimate  friend  of  General 
Washington.  You  may  trace  to  this  source  the  sentiments  in  favor  of  a  more  ener- 
getic government  for  your  country,  contained  In  the  commander-in-chief's  circular 
letters,  and  from  this,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  that  the  citizens  of  all  the  states  de- 
rive their  leading  traits  for  your  new  form  of  government.'  ** — Lorenzo  Sahin€*M 
Biographical  Sketcheo  of  American  LoyaliMtM. 

•  Communicated  to  the  author  by  the  Rev.  S.  Schenck,  since  the  completion  of 
Liewisborough  or  South  Salem.    See  vol.  i.  268. 

k  Co.  Rec.  Religious  Soc.  Lib.  A.  15. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  367 

congregations  of  Tanrytown  and  Unionville,  every  second  or 
third  Sunday,  for  which  he  received  a  small  pecuniary  compen- 
sation. In  the  spring  of  1823,  the  Rev.  Marcusr%iarrison  per- 
formed services,  for  a  short  period,  as  a  domestic  missionary,  and 
was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ely,  who  officiated  here  and  at 
Lower  Greenburgh  (Dobb's  Ferry)  about  four  months,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Domestic  Missionary  Society  of  the  city  of  New 
York.  For  the  successors  of  Mr.  Ely,  see  the  subjoined  list  of 
pastors. 

On  the  25th  of  April,  1824,  the  church  was  re-organized,  and 
consisted  of  six  communicants,  viz.  Isaac  Hunt,  David  Palmer, 
Isaiah  P.  Palmer,  Samuel  Dixon,  Mary  Hart,  (wife  of  Monmouth 
Hart,)  and  Elizabeth  Mead,  wife  of  Cyrus  MM|1.  Isaac  Hunt 
and  David  Palmer  were  o/dained  ruling  elders. 

The  present  house  of  worship  was  dedicated  to  the  worship  of 
God  in  June,  1825,  on  which  occasion  the  dedication  sermon  was 
preached  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rowan,  of  New  York. 

A   LtST    OF   PASTORS    AND    SUPPLIES    OF    THE     PRESBYTERIAN 

CHURCH   OF   WHITE    PLAINS. 

Install,  or  Call.  Pastors,  Vacated  by. 

A.  D.  1753,  Rev.  John  Smith,  D.  D.,  death. 

"    177t5,  •*    Ichabod  Lewis,  resig. 

."     1821,  "    Thomas  G.  Smith,  supply,  do. 

<<    1823,  <'     Marcus  Harrison,      do.  do. 

**     1823,  «    Mr.  Ely,                    do.  do. 

Oct'r,  1823,  "    Samuel  Robertson,  pastor,  do. 

A.  D.  1825,  «    Chester  Long,            do.  do. 

'•    1834.  "     John  White,              do.  do. 

«     1835,  Edward  Wright,  do.  ^        do. 

J'ne  9, 1844,  Elias  S.  Schenck,  present  pastor. 

Church  Memoranda. 

1825,  Communicants  6 

1836,  do.  34 

1847,  do.  35 

This  church  is  in  connection  with  the  Bedford  Presbytery. 

The  following  inscriptions  are  taken  from  monuments  in  the 

graveyard  :  "  Here  lie  the  remains  of  Caleb  Horton,  who  died 


368  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Aug.  24,  1770,  oged  72  years."  "  Mary,  wife  of  Michael  Chad- 
derion,  born  June  25, 1706,  mar.  1727,  and  lived  in  that  state  46 
years;  ob.  1772."  There  are  also  numerous  memorials  to  the 
families  of  Miller,  Fisher,  Yarian,  Purdy  and  Tompkins^  and  the 
vault  of  William  and  Isabella  Pirnie.  The  remains  of  a  Britjrii 
officer,  who  fell  at  the  battle  of  White  Plains,  were  interred  in 
the  southwest  corner  of  this  yard. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  church  occupies  a  beautiful  position 
at  the  north  end  of  the  village.  This  society  was  first  incor- 
porated upon  the  12th  of  August,  1795, — '*  Elijah  Crawford, 
John  Lynch,  Nicholas  Fisher,  Abraham  Miller,  Azariah  Horton 
and  Abraham  Davids,  trustees.''^ 

West  Whit^  Plains^  immediately  contiguous  to  the  village,  is 
situated  on  the  line  of  the  Westchester  and  Haarlem  Railroad. 
It  contains  a  depot,  a  store,  and  a  few  dwellings. 

The  Orawapum  hotels  adjoining  the  depot,  is  a  handsome 
Elizabethian  structure,  under  the  superintendence  of  Mr.  Isaac 
Smith,  who  has  admirable  accommodations,  and  provides  excel- 
lent entertainments  at  fifteen  minutes  notice.  Strangers  visiting 
the  town  may  enjoy  every  comfort  here,  and  fishing  parties  to 
Rye  pond,  will  find  it  their  most  convenient  stopping  place. 
Gentlemen  fond  of  the  amusement  of  angling,  can  also  wet  their 
lines  in  the  Bronx,  hard  by,  where  good  trout  are  frequently 
taken.  Directly  in  front  of  the  hotel,  rises  "  Old  Chatierton/^ 
the  battle  field  of  1776. 

The  following  account  of  themilitary  quarters  in  this  town  and 
its  vicinity,  in  October,  1776,  is  from  the  address  of  J.  W.  Tomp- 
kins, Esq.,  delivered  at  White  Plains  on  the  28th  of  Oct.,  1846. 

"  The  county  of  WeBtchester,  at  the  commencement  of  the  Revolation, 
contained  a  multitude  of  hardy  yeomen  inured  to  toil,  whose  ancestry  had  fled 
from  oppression  abroad,  and  in  the  enjoyment  of  greater  freedom  in  the  colony, 
had  imbibed  an  ardent  ]ove  of  liberty.  When  the  star  of  Independence  arose 
in  the  east,  they  were  ready  to  follow  its  lead  ;  and  when  New  York,  ia 
1776,  was  threatened  with  invasion,  they  flocked  with  alacrity  to  its  defence. 
When  the  battle  of  Long  Island  turned  the  tide  of  war  against  us,  ibey 
still  adhered    to  the  American  army,  contending  every  inch  of  ground 

•  Co.  Rec.  Religious  8oe  Lib.  A.  50.    See  Lib.  B.  23,  25, 26,  53. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER-  369 

to  Harlem,  thence  to  King's  bridge,  and  through  the  Boothem  part  of  West* 
cheater  to  White  Plains,  where  Gen.  Washington  again  determined  to  en- 
trench  himseif  and  make  another  stand  against  an  overwhelming  force  of  the 
choicest  British  troops,  flushed  with  victory  and  confident  of  success.  A 
brief  account  of  the  movements  of  the  two  armies  to  this  pUce,  and  of  their 
operations  here,  it  is  my  purpose  to  give." 

**  The  city  of  New  York  was  selected  by  the  English  as  the  centre  of  their 
military  operations,  with  the  view  of  commanding  the  North  river  and  acting 
in  conjunction  with  a  force  from  Canada,  descending  through  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  thus  securing  the  Colonies.  Their  march  into  Westchester  county  waa 
designed  to  obtain  command  of  the  two  principal  routes  leading  to  New  En* 
gland,  one  through  Kye  and  the  other  by  the  way  of  Bedford,  and  thereby  cut  off 
the  American  army  from  its  supplies,  principally  derived  from  the  East,  and 
obtain  the  rear  of  General  Washington's  army,  and  furce  him  to  a  general 
battle,  or  to  a  precipitate  retreat.  But  Washington  penetrated  their  inten- 
tions, and  conducted  his  forces  northward  from  King's  bridge  with  great  skill, 
moving  in  a  line  parallel  with  the  British,  a  little  in  advance  of  them,  facing 
them  constantly,  with  the  Bronx  iu  his  front,  which  was  fortified  at  every 
assailable  point. 

On  the  12ih  of  October,  ^76,  a  portion  of  the  British  army,  consisting  of 
the  Guard,  Light  Infantry  reserve,  and  Count  Dunop's  Corps  landed  at  Throg's 
Neck,  and  on  the  night  of  that  day,  Col.  William  Smith  (then  a  Lieutenant) 
with  a  CorporaPs  guard,  broke  down  the  bridge  connecting  the  neck  with 
Westchester  town,  and  left  Sir  William  Howe  upon  an  Island.  On  the  16th 
and  17th  of  October,  the  English  forces  at  Throg's  Neck  were  augmented  by 
the  Ist,  2nd  and  6ih  Brigades  crossing  from  Long  Island,  and  by  the  3d  Hes- 
sian battalion  from  New  York.  On  the  18th,  the  whole  British  army  crossed 
to  Pelham  Point,  and  marching  northerly,  encamped  the  same  night  on  the 
high  ground  between  Hutchinson's  river  and  New  Rochelle  village,  where  it 
remained  till  the  21st.  On  the  21st,  the  British  removed  and  encamped  on  New 
Rochelle  heights,  north  of  the  Village,  and  on  both  sides  of  the  road  leading  to 
Scarsdale.  This  camp  was  broken  up  on  the  25th,  and  the  Army  moved  forward 
to  a  position  upon  the  high  grounds  in  Scarsdale,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  late 
John  Bennetrs  farm,  and  there  remained  till  the  morning  of  the  28th  of  Oc- 
tober. 

General  Washington  during  that  time  had  not  remained  inactive — as  early 
as  the  Uth  of  Ocvober,  apart  of  his  army  crossed  from  Harlem  heights, 
reached  White  Plains  on  the  12th,  and  commenced  erecting  fortifications, 
and  on  the  22d  General  Washington,  leaving  his  head-quarters  at  Fort  Wash- 
ington, established  them  at  Valentine's  hill,  whence  they  were  removed  to 
White  Plains  on  the  23d. 

"  The  entrenchments  at  White  Plains  were  erected  under  the  directions  of 
a  French  engineer,  and  consisted  of  a  square  fort  of  sods  in  the  main  street 
with  breastworks  on  each  side  running  westerly  over  the  south  side  of  Purdy's 

Vol.  n.  47 


3?0  HISTORY  OF  THE 

hill  to  the  Bronx,  and  easterly  across  the  hills  to  Horton's  pond.  When  lb* 
En^ilish  attacked  Chattertun^s  hill  on  the  28th,  they  were  unfinished,  but  dor- 
ing  the  riight  of  the  26th  and  2tith  of  October  they  were  raised  and  atreBgtlH 
ened,  being  only  intended  fur  teonporary  use  until  the  poaition  above  Abraham 
Miller^s  in  Northcastle  could  be  fortified,  which  was  done,  and  to  whieh  the 
American  army  afterwards  retired. 

'*  General  Howe  comn)itted  a  great  mistake  in  not  attacking  General  Waah- 
ington*s  fortifications  in  White  Plains  on  the  28th  instead  of  Chatterton'a  hilL 
He  gained  nothing  in  taking  that  hill.  After  the  workaat  White  Plaina  were 
completed,  great  loss  to  Howe^s  army  must  have  attended  their  capture,  and 
Washington's  new  position  (above  Mr.  Miller's)  appears  to  have  been  regarded 
as  impregnable.  Washinj^tun's  policy  at  this  time  was,  as  he  expressed  it* 
'  to  enirerich  and  fight  with  the  spade  and  mattock.^  The  experience  at  Bun- 
ker's hill  had  made  the  English  cautious  in  attacking  Americans  behind  en- 
trenchments.^ 

**  During  the  march  of  the  two  armies  to  White  Plains  frequent  skinniahea 
occurred.  On  the  18th,  the  vanguard  of  the  British  army  were  attacked  bj 
a  detachment  under  General  Sullivan,  and  the  fight  which  ensued  (near  the 
road  reaching  from  New  Rochelle)  has  been  always  repreaented  as  Tery  ere- 
ditablc  to  the  Americans." 

"On  the  21st,  Colonel  Rogers,  a  celebrated  partisan  officer  in  the  French 
war,  had  accepted  a  command  in  the  English  service,  and  lay  at  Maroaroneck. 
An  attack  upon  him  was  planned  by  Lord  Sterling,  and  executed  by  a  foroe 
under  the  command  of  Col.  Haslet  of  the  Delaware  regiment.  Rogers  was 
completely  surprised ;  seventy  or  eighty  of  his  men  were  killed  or  made  pris- 
oners, and  a  considerable  quantity  of  arms,  ammunition  and  clothing  taken  by 
the  Americans.  On  the  23d  of  October,  a  spirited  skirmieh  took  place  be- 
tween Hand's  Pennsylvania  riflemen  and  a  detachment  of  Hessisn  chaaseurs, 
about  240  strong,  in  which  the  Hessians  were  routed.  These  haraasing  en- 
counters of  the  Americans  (attended  invariably  with  success)  tended  to  delay 
the  advance  of  the  Britibh  and  to  make  them  cautious,  while  it  cheered  the 
despondmg  courage  of  the  American  soldiers,  and  above  all,  gave  General 
Wachington  time  to  remove  his  stores  and  entrench  himself  where  no  army 
dare  assail  him. 

**  On  the  morning  of  the  28th  of  October,  the  British  army  marched  from 
their  camp  in  two  columns — the  right  commanded  by  General  Clinton^  the 
lefi  by  De  Heister^  and  came  in  sight  of  the  American  forces  about  10  o'clock. 


■  *'  General  George  Clinton,  in  a  postscript  to  a  friend,  writing  from  Wasbiog- 
ton's  entrenchment  on  the  night  of  the  20th  October,  says:  *Love  to  Mrs.  Clin- 
ton— tell  her  I  write  from  an  entrenchment.  The  British  forces  are  in  sight,  and 
we  shall  probably  have  battle  to-morrow — tell  her  to  entertain  no  fears  for  my 
»bfety.'  " — Mr.  Totnpkin9*»  Addrttt. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  371 

Od  the  27th  of  October,  two  roiliiia  regiments  had  been  sent  over  to  throw  np 
entrenchments  on  Chatterton  hill,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  28th,  General 
Washington  ordered  Cul.  Haslet  to  take  command  of  the  hill,  having  under 
hie  command  his  own  <the  Delaware)  Regiment,  the  Militia,  and  part  of  the 
Maryland  troops.  General  McDoagal  soon  followed  him  and  took  the  com- 
mand. Col.  Haslet  says  the  enemy  in  the  first  place  moved  towards  the  for- 
tifications in  the  Tillage-— they  then  halted — the  general  officers  had  a  coancil 
of  war  OD  horseback  in  the  wheat-fields,  and  the  result  was  that  their  forces 
inclined  towards  the  Bronx.  Fideen  or  twenty  pieces  of  artillery  were  placed 
upon  the  high  ground  opposite  the  hill,  and  commenced  a  farioas  caanonade 
upon  McDoogars  forces,  under  cover  of  which  fire  the  British  buik  a  bridge 
over  the  Bronx  and  prepared  to  cross. 

'*  Gen.  MoDoogal  placed  two  field  pieces  upon  a  ledge  of  tahle-rock,  whidi 
did  great  execution  among  the  British  artificers  and  soldiers.  So  soon  as  the 
bridge  would  admit  their  croeeiog,  they  rushed  forward  and  attempted  to  take 
the  two  pieces  by  a  charge  up  the  hill — ^these  two  cannon  were  in  charge  of 
the  late  Alexander  Hamilton*  (then  a  captain  of  artillery,)  and  never  did  offi- 
cers or  men  do  belter  executioa.  When  upon  the  spot  in  after  years,  describ- 
ing it  to  a  youthfiJ  friend,  he  was  heard  to  say, '  For  three  successive  dis- 
charges the  advancing  column  of  British  troops  was  swept  from  hill-top  to 
river.'  The  British  finding  this  table  rock  inaccessible,  inclined  to  the  left 
down  the  river,  and  joined  the  troops  under  General  Raid,  which  had  crossed 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  below. 

**  They  now  attacked  McDougal  and  attempted  to  turn  his  right  flank.  He 
retreaied,  but  contested  the  ground  all  the  way  up  to  the  summit  of  the  hill, 
making  a  stand  at  every  favorable  point.  At  length  the  British  cavalry  gainedl 
the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  charging,  cut  to  pieces  the  militia  on  McDougaPs 
right.  The  last  stand  was  made  by  the  Americans  behind  a  fence  at  the  top 
ef  the  hill,  where  tfie  Delaware  regiment  and  part  of  McDougal's  brigade, 
twice  repulsed  the  British  Light  Infantry  and  Cavalry.  At  length  compelled  to 
retreat,  it  was  done  in  good  order  over  the  bridge  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  under 
cover  of  some  regiments  detached  by  Washington  from  his  main  army.  The 
mMttia  and  a  few  of  the  regulsrs  were  dispersed  among  the  hills  of  Greenburgh, 
but  soon  returned  to  Head  Quarters.  The  British  forces  engaged  in  that  at- 
tack were  the  flower  of  the  army,  consisting  of  the  second  brigade  of  British, 
the  28th,  5th  and  49th  regiments,  RahPs  battalion,  the  Hessian  Grenadiers 
under  Dunop,  and  a  party  of  Light  Dragoons,  all  commanded  by  Geneni 
Leslie. 

"  That  Genera]  Washington  did  make  a  successful  stand  ai  this  place  baa 
ever  excited  the  wonder  of  military  men.  His  troops  were  greatly  inferior  ia 
numbers  and  discipline,  and  composed  in  part  of  militia  and  raw  recruits. 
After  the  battle  the  enemy  for  several  days  attempted  to  gain  Washington's 
rear,  tried  to  alarm  him  and  induce  him  to  retreat  or  fight  by  threatening  hia 
flanks.    At  several  times  they  formed  a  semi-circle  about  him«    On  the  night 


872  HISTORY  OF  THE 

of  the  3l8t  of  October,  WaBhington  eTaeaated  his  eamp  at  White  Plmint*  aad 
establiahed  his  new  posiiion  in  the  hills  of  Northeastle,  about  one  mile  in  the 
rear  of  his  focmer  encampment,  when  the  British  appear  to  hare  relioqoisbed 
an  further  offensive  operations.  At  the  advance  of  the  British  army  to  Wbit* 
Plains  the  Whig  families  were  seen  hurrying  unprotected  before  them  with 
thin  clothing  and  a  scanty  supply  of  provisions  tu  seek  shelter  for  the  coming 
winter,  they  knew  not  where.  Desolation  and  famine  marked  that  fair  region 
over  which  the  two  armies  passed.  The  English  army  finding  all  attempts  to 
circumvent  General  Washington  hopeless,  broke  op  their  camp  at  Whitn 
Plains  on  the  5ih  of  November  and  retired  to  Dobb*s  Ferry,  and  from  tbenee 
to  King's  Bridge,  uhere  they  encamped  on  the  ]3lh  of  that  month." 

**Thus  ended  in  Westchester  for  the  year  ^76  the  movements  of  the  Britisii 
army ;  but  soon  the  inhabitants  of  the  North  were  overrun  by  loyalists  from 
Morrisania,  and  for  a  long  time  without  protection  were  exposed  to  OTory 
danger  and  suffering.  In  short,  till  the  peace  of  1782,  Westchester  was  the 
battle-ground  of  the  disaffected,  and  the  prey  of  both  friend  and  foe.  Scenes  of 
cruelty  and  bloodshed  unknown  in  civilized  warfare,  marked  their  partisan  en- 
gagements, and  in  the  defence  of  their  homes  her  valiant  sons  exhibited  frequent 
instances  of  personal  bravery  unexcelled  in  ancient  or  modern  times.  Among 
the  most  daring  were  the  guides — such  men  as  Abraham  Dyckman^  Cornelius 
Oakley  and  John  OdelL  In  the  darkness  of  night  they  have  often  surprised 
and  carried  off  captains,  officers  and  men,  under  the  guns  of  the  British  forts 
at  Morrisania,  or  in  small  parties  amused  themselves  by  beating  op  De  Lnn* 
cey^s  quarters.  Frequent  alarms  had  made  them  watchful  of  surprise  and 
success  rendered  them  reckless  of  danger,  till  they  became  the  chosen  leaden 
of  each  dangerous  enterprise  against  the  enemy." 

The  following  additional  particulars  respecting  the  engage- 
ment on  Chalterton's  hill  are  contained  in  Getieral  Heath's 
Memoirs. 

27th  of  October,  "  In  the  forenoon,  a  heavy  cannonade  was  heard  towards 
Fort  Washington.  Thirteen  Hessians  and  two  or  three  British  soldiers  were 
sent  in  on  this  day.  From  the  American  camp  to  the  west,  south-west,  there 
appeared  to  be  a  very  commanding  height,  worthy  of  attention.  The  Com- 
mander-in-Chief ordered  the  general  officers  who  were  off  duty,  to  attend 
him  to  reconnoitre  this  ground,  on  this  morning.  When  arrived  at  the  ground, 
although  very  commanding,  it  did  not  appear  so  much  so,  as  other  grounds  to 


••  At  the  east  end  of  the  village  is  still  to  be  seen  the  remains  of  Washington's 
encampment.  Of  this  nothing  is  left  but  a  small  portion  uf  the  embankment  that 
runs  partly  across  the  street,  on  the  surface  of  which  rests  a  mutilated  howitaer. 
This  relic  of  the  past  was  disinterred  near  the  spot  it  occupies. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  373 

the  Dorth,  and  almost  parallel  with  the  left  of  the  army,  as  it  was  then  formed. 

'*  Yonder,"  says  Major  Gen.  Lee,  pointing  to  the  grounds  just  mentioned,  "  is 

the  ground  we  ought  to  occupy.*'    "  Let  us  then  go  and  Tiew  it,"  replied  the 

Commander-in-Chief.     When  on  the  way,  a  light  horseman  came  up  on  full 

gallop,  his  horse  almost  out  of  breath,  and  addressed  Gen.  Washington — 

"  The  British  are  in  the  camp,  sir."    The  General  ohserved,  "  Gentlemen, 

we  have  now  other  business  than  reconnoitring,"  putting  his  horse  in  full 

gallop  for  the  camp,  and  followed  by  the  other  officers.     When  arrived  at 

head-quarters,  the  Adjutant-General,  (Read,)  who  had  remained  at  camp, 

informed  the  Commander-in-Chief,  that  the  guards  had  been  all  beat  in,  and 

the  whole  American  army  were  now  at  their  respective  posts,  in  order  of 

battle.     The  Commander-in-Chief  turned  round  to  the  officers,  and  only  said, 

**  Gentlemen,  you  will  repair  to  your  respective  posts,  and  do  the  best  you 

can."    *'  Our  general,"  (Heath,)  "  on  arriving  at  his  own  division,  found  them 

all  in  the  lines ;  and,  from  the  height  of  his  post,  found  that  the  first  attack 

was  directed  against  the  Americans  on  Chatterton's  hill.     The  little  river 

Bronx,  which  ran  between  the  American  right  and  this  hill,  after  running 

round  its  north  side,  turned  and  ran  down  on  the  east  and  south-east.     The 

British  advanced  in  two  columns.  At  this  instant,  the  cannonade  was  brisk  on 

both  sides  ;  directed  by  the  British  across  the  hollow  and  Bronx,  against  the 

Americans  on  the  hill,  and  by  them  returned.     Almost  at  the  same  instant, 

the  right  column,  composed  of  British  troops,  preceded  by  about  twenty  light 

horse  in  full  gallop,  and  brandishing  their  swords,  appeared  on  the  road 

leading  Ao  the  court-house,  and  now  directly  in  the  front  of  our  General** 

division.    The  light-horse  leaped  the  fence  of  a  wheat  field,  at  the  foot  of  the 

hill,  on  which  Col.  Malcolm's  regiment  was  posted,  of  which  the  light-horse 

were  not  aware  until  a  shot  from  Lieut.  Fenno's  field-piece  gave  them  notice 

by  striking  in  the  midst  of  them,  and  a  horseman  pitching  from  his  horse.  They 

then  wheeled  short  about,  galloped  out  of  the  field  as  fast  as  they  came  in, 

rode  behind  a  little  hill  on  the  road,  and  faced  about ;  the  tops  of  their  caps 

only  being  visible  to  our  General,  where  he  stood.     The  column  came  no 

further  up  the  road,  but  wheeled  to  the  left  by  platoons,  as  they  came  up ;  and, 

passing  through  a  bar,  or  gateway,  ilirectcd  their  head  towards  the  troops  on 

Chatterton's  hill,  now  engaged.     When  the  head  of  the  column  had  got  nearly 

across  the  lot,  their  front  got  out  of  sight ;  nor  could  the  extent  of  their  rear 

be  now  discovered.     The  sun  shone  bright,  their  arms  glittered,  and  perhaps 

troops  never  were  shown  to  more  advantage,  than  these  now  appeared.     The 

whole  now  halted  ;  and  for  a  few  minutes,  the  men  all  sat  down  in  the  same 

order  in  which  they  stood,  no  one  appearing  to  move  out  of  his  place.    The 

cannonade  continued  brisk  across  the  Bronx.    A  part  of  the  left  columq, 

composed  of  British  and  Hcssisns,  forded  the  river,  and  marched  along  under 

the  cover  of  the  hill,  until  they  bad  gained  sufficient  ground  to  the  left  of  the 

Americans  ;  when,  by  facing  to  the  left,  their  column  became  a  line,  parralkl 


374  HISTORY  OP  THE 

with  the  Americans.  When  they  briskly  ucended  the  hill,*  the  find  eolmmi 
'resomed  a  quick  march.  As  the  troops,  which  wereadvanciog  to  the  attaek« 
ascended  the  hill,  the  cannonade  on  the  side  of  the  British  ceased ;  as  their 
own  men  became  exposed  to  their  fire,  if  continued.  The  fire  of  small  anna 
was  now  Tory  heavy,  and  without  any  distinction  of  sounds.  This  led  aooM 
American  officers,  who  were  looking  on,  to  obserTO  that  the  British  were 
worsted,  as  their  cannon  had  ceased  firing ;  but  a  few  minates  evinced  that 
the  Americans  were  giving  way.  They  moved  oflf  the  hill  in  a  great  body, 
neither  running,  nor  observing  the  best  order.  The  British  ascended  the  hill 
Tory  slowly,  and  when  arrived  at  its  summit,  formed  and  dressed  their  lioe, 
without  the  least  attempt  to  pursue  the  Americans.  The  loss  on  the  aide  of 
the  Americans  was  inconsiderable.  That  of  the  British  was  not  then  knowo. 
The  British  army  having  got  possession  of  this  hill,  it  gave  them  a  Taat  ad- 
vantage of  the  American  lines,  almost  down  to  the  centre.*'^ 

Botta,  ill  his  history  of  the  American  Revolution,  says  :  ''The 
loss  of  men  in  this  action  was  great  on  the  one  part  as  well  as 
on  the  other."° 

Among  the  principal  actors  in  this  scene,  upon  tlie  American 
side,  may  be  enumerated,  Generals  Washington,  Clinton,  Mc- 
Dougal,  Lee,  Heath,  Sterling,  and  Read,  Colonels  Haslet,  Small- 
wood,  Malcolm  and  Glover ;  Majors  Hand,  Lee  and  Lieut. 
Fenno  ;  and  the  gallant  Hamilton,  captain  of  artillery.  Sec,  d&c. 
On  the  British  side.  Brigadier  Generals  Leslie,  Knypbausen, 
Rahl,  De  Heister,  and  Matthews ;  Lord  Percy,  Count  Dunop, 
Colonel  Ralle,  Colonel  Rifzema,  and  Major  Rogers,  &c.,  &c. 

The  following  letter  of  General  George  Clinton,  dated  Camp, 
at  the  old  Place  near  White  Plains,  Nov.  2d,  1776,  to  a  friend,  is 
copied  from  the  journal  of  the  Provincial  Congress : 

My  Dear  Sir  : — Your  favoars  of  the  30th  and  Slat  altimo,  were  left  at 
my  tent  a  few  minutes  since.     Since  my  last  to  you,  dated  the  day  before 


^  While  the  British  were  thus  advancing  up  the  hill,  a  shot  struck  one  of  the 
standard  bearers  dead.  Warren  de  Lancey,  (then  a  boy  15  years  of  age,)  iustanUj 
seized  the  colors,  and  rushing  forward,  was  one  of  the  first  to  gain  the  summit, 
where  he  planted  ihem  in  the  ground.  For  this  act  of  bravery  he  afterwards  re- 
ceived  a  cornet's  commission  from  General  Howe. — Auihor* 

b  Heath's  Mem.  76. 

•  The  remains  of  those  slain  in  the  conflict,  were  interred  in  a  hollow  on  the 
south-west  side  of  Chatterton  hill,  near  a  hickory  tree. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  375 

yesterday,  the  centre  and  right  wiog  of  oor  army,  having  possessed  them* 
selves  of  the  heights  in  their  rear,  north-east  of  the  road  leading  to  Young*s ; 
yesterday  morning  evacuated  that  part  of  our  lines  which  passed  through  the 

town,  and  south-east  of  N ,  and  fell  back  on  those  heights ;  firing  all  the 

barns,  hay  and  corn  stacks  in  front.  This  induced  the  enemy  to  believe  we 
had  sgain  retreated,  and  determined  to  take  the  advantage  of  our  apparent 
flight,  their  army  instantly  moved  forward  into  the  part  of  our  lines  which 
were  evacuated.  This  brought  on  a  pretty  brisk  cannonade,  though  at  too 
great  a  distance  to  do  much  execution.  I  lost  one  roan,  and  had  two  wounded. 
I  have  heard  of  no  other  injury  done  us.  We  are  by  the  late  movements 
now  far  advanced — in  front  of  course  most  exposed.  The  enemy  retired  to 
their  former  encampment  in  the  evening,  leaving  strong  advanced  pickets, 
and  working  patties  who  are  busily  employed  in  erecting  banks  on  the  heights 
in  and  near  the  town.  Deserters,  (especially  from  the  Queen's  light,dragoons,) 
come  daily  over  to  us ;  and  now  and  then  our  Rangers  send  in  a  straggling 
prisoner.  Captain  van  Wick  of  my  brigade,  who,  at  his  earnest  desire,  wfit 
appointed  to  a  company  of  rangers,  was  the  day  before  yesterday  unfortu- 
nately killed.  lie  went  out  in  the  morning  with  about  30  men,  and  fell  in  with 
about  100  of  the  enemy  in  a  house  not  far  distant  from  their  lines — charged 
them  with  spirit,  gave  them  a  brisk  fire,  but  unfortunately,  when  loading  his 
piece  the  second  time,  was  shot  in  the  head,  and  fell  dead.  His  lieutenant 
shot  down  the  man  who  killed  his  captain.  The  enemy  fled  ;  our  party 
brought  off  their  captain,  and  yesterday  evening  I. had  him  interred  with  tha 
honors  of  war.  He  was  a  good  man,  and  a  valiant  officer.  Pray  communi- 
cate this  sad  news  to  his  widow,  (to  whom  I  would  write,  had  I  leisure,)  in  % 
manner  that  will  least  aflfect  her. 

I  know  of  no  other  news  worth  communicating  yon.  Though  in  the  campt 
I  am  not  acquainted  with  the  disposition  of  our  army.  Some  brigades  to  the 
north-east  of  us,  in  my  humble  opinion,  are  wliere  they  can  do  no  good ; 
perhaps  I  am  mistaken  :  I  am  not  well  acquainted  with  the  conntry.  I  must 
beg  an  answer  to  my  letter  wherein  I  desired  you  to  ask  a  favor  of  the  Con- 
vention : 

And  am,  with  the  utmost  esteem, 

Yours  afiectionately, 

George  Clinton. 

P.  S.  I  need  not  askjfon  to  forward  the  enclosed.  I  know  you  will  do  it. 
Though  I  determined  never  to  meddle  with  the  disposition  of  officers,!  cannoi 
help  recommending  Colonel  Duboys  and  his  officers,  who  served  in  our  army 
to  the  northward  last  year,  to  the  Convention.  Should  they  quit  the  army  by 
any  neglect,  it  will  be  a  public  loss.  They  are  brave  men  and  good  officers, 
at  least  snch  of  them  as  have  joined  our  brigade.'*^ 


«  Journal  of  N  Y.  Frov.  Coagrefs,  vol  ii.  317. 


376  HISTORY  OF  THE 

The  head-quarters  of  Washington,  while  stationed  here,  were  at 
a  small  farm  house  to  the  north  of  the  village,  situated  amid  a 
deep  solitude  of  woods,  surrounded  by  hills  and  wild  romantic 
scenery.  The  following  account  of  a  visit  paid  to  this  spot,  is 
taken  from  a  newspaper  printed  at  New  York  in  1846. 

**  When  we  entered  the  little  room  of  Mr.  Miller's*  farm  hoaee,  where  that 
great  and  good  roan  bad  resided,  and  where  he  resolved  to  try  the  haxajrd  of  a 
battle  with  a  flashed  and  saccessful  foe,  we  could  not  repress  the  enthasisMn, 
which  the  place  and  the  rooment  and  the  memory  inspired.  We  looked 
around  with  eagerness  at  each  portion  of  the  room  on  which  his  eye  mast  have 
rested,  we  gazed  through  the  small  window  panes  through  which  he  mast 
have  so  often  and  so  anxiously  looked  towards  tho  enemy,  and  at  the  old- 
fashioned  buffets  where  his  table  service  was  deposited  for  his  accommodation. 
But  little  change  has  taken  place  in  the  building,  and  its  amiable  and  patriotio 
inmates  have  shown  their  respect  for  the  hero  by  placing  on  the  walls  hia 
portrait  and  several  representations  of  his  last  moments  at  Mount  Vernoo.** 

In  the  northeast  angle  of  this  town  lies^Villett's  pond,  a  lai^ 
and  beautiful  sheet  of  water,  which  falls  into  the  Mamaroneck 
river.  Its  banks  on  the  north-west  side  are  very  steep  and  the 
views  from  the  summits  of  the  surrounding  hills  are  extremely 
fine.  At  the  outlet  of  the  pond  is  situated  the  grist  mill  and 
clothier  works  of  Mr.  Henry  Willett. 

The  general  surface  of  White  Ploins,  "is  somewhat  hilly,  but 
mostly  arable  ;  soil,  principally  loam,  well  adapted  to  grass,  nod 
much  of  it  highly  cultivaled."*»  The  higher  lands  abound  with 
good  timber,  which  consists  chiefly  of  oak,  chestnut  and  hickory. 
There  is  perhaps  no  town  in  the  counly  better  watered  by  riYers, 
brooks,  and  springs. 


*  Mr.  Elijah  Miller  (who  is  since  deceased;  wsp  a  eoldier  of  the  Revolution, 
b  DitturnellV  Gazetteer,  N.  Y. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  377 


YORKTOWN. 

YoR^TowN  is  situated  sixteen  miles  north  of  the  village  of 
White  Plains,  distant  forty-two  miles  from  New  York,  and  one 
hundred  and  seventeen  from  Albany,  *'  bounded  north  by  Put- 
nam county,  east  by  Somers  and  New  Castle,  south  by  New 
Castle,  and  west  by  Cortlandt.  Its  length,  north  and  south,  ten 
miles,  and  it  is  nearly  four  miles  wide. 

Prior  to  1788,  Yorktown  and  Somers  constituted  the  old  town- 
ship of  HanoveTj  within  Cortlandt's  manor.«  A  portion  of  the 
former  early  acquired  the  name  of  Gertrude^ s  borough^  in  honor 
of  Gertrude  Beeckman,  wife  of  Colonel  Henry  Beeckman,  and 
one  of  the  daughters  and  devisees  of  Stephanus  van  Cortlandt. 

The  Mohegan  term  Appamaghpogh  appears  to  have  been  ap- 
plied to  the  whole  Indian  territory  within  the  manor,  west  of 
Cortlandtown.  The  eastern  section  of  Yorktown  still  bears  the 
name  of  Amawalk^  probably  an  abbreviation  and  conruption  of 
the  former  term,  thus  Appamaghpogh^  Atnaghpoghi  or  Ama- 
walk.  The  lands  of  Appamaghpogh  were  originally  granted  to 
Stephamus  van  Cortlandt  in  1683,  by  the  Indian  sachems  Pewe- 
mind,  Oskewans,  and  others,  as  mentioned  in  our  description  of 
Somers,  ice. 

The  principal  aboriginal  settlement  in  this  part  of  Appam- 
aghpogh occupied  the  summit  of  Indian  hill,  a  vast  height, 
which  rises  to  an  elevation  of  nearly  six  hundred  feet  above  the 
northern  margin  of  Lake  Magrigaries^  (Hollow  Lake)  situated 
in  Jefferson  valley.  On  the  southern  side  of  the  hill  lies  the 
Indian  burying-ground.  The  remains  of  several  Indians  have 
been  lately  disinterred  near  the  residence  of  Dr.  Fountain,  whose 
property  borders  on  the  lake.  Indian  hill  is  also  memorable  as 
the  last  spot  inhabited  by  a  band  of  aborigines  in  Westchester 


>  The  pretent  townihip  was  erected  7th  March,  1786.    Rev.  Statoteij  486. 

Vol.  1L  48 


378  HISTORY  OF  THB 

county.    On  the  eastern  border  of  the  town  is  situated  the  Indian 
cemetery  of  Amawalk. 

Upon  the  partition  of  the  manor  of  Cortlandt  among  the  heirs 
of  Stephanas  van  Cortlandi  in  the  year  1734^  the  following  al- 
lotments were  made  in  this  town. 

North  lot  No.  2,  Andrew  Miller;  ditto  No.  3,  Gertrude  Beeck- 
man  ;  ditto  No.  4,  Cornelia  Schuyler  and  her  busband|  Col.  John 
Schuyler.  This  gentleman  was  the  father  of  the  illustrious  Gen. 
Philip  Schuyler.  Middle  lot  No.  2  and  3,  Gertrude  Yerplanck; 
ditto  No.  4,  Elizabeth  Skinner ;  south  lot  No.  1,  bordering  the  Cro- 
ton  river,  John  Watts;  ditto  Nos.  4,  6,  6,  7,  Philip  Yerplank  ; 
ditto  No.  8,  Gertrude  Beeckman ;  ditto  No.  9,  Susannah  Warren. 
Subsequently  the  devisees  and  their  heirs  made  other  divisions, 

A.  U.  1784,  Andrew  Miller,  sold  to  John  Strang  a  farm  in 
west  range  of  north  lot  No.  2,  consisting  of  200  acres  which  he 
purchased  of  John  Walts. 

Gertrude  Beeckman  bequeathed  lot  No.  8,  south  of  the  Croton 
to  her  two  nephews  Philip  and  William  Ricketts  van  Ck>rtlandt| 
as  tenants  in  common  in  fee  tail. 

Stephen  van  Cortlandt  with  his  wife  Catalina  Staats,  in  1791 
gave  a  release  to  El  van  Purdy,  with  the  fee  of  a  certain  lot  No. 
3,  heretofore  called  Gertrudt^s  borough^  being  by  division 
amongst  the  heirs  of  Stephen  van  Cortlandt,  deceased,  allotted  to 
Gertrude,  one  of  his  daughters,  late  wife  of  Henry  Beeckmani 
containing  15G  acres. 

The  following  receipts  for  rent  prove  the  Purdys  to  have  been 
tenants  in  common  long  prior  to  the  above  release.  They  also 
establish  the  early  names  of  the  town. 

"Rec'd,  Hanover^  May  yc  lOlh,  1760,  by  ye  hand  of  Abraham 
Purdy,  three  pound  in  part  for  his  farm  rent  and  for  the  use  of 
Col.  Ilenry  Beeckman,  Esq.,  per  me. 

£3  0  0  "John  Bryan." 

"  Received  at  Crompond,  16th  Nov'r,  1786,  per  Mr.  Elvan 
Purdy,  one  pound  13^.  in  part  of  rent. 

"Stephen  van  Cortlandt." 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  379 

"  Received  at  Yorktown,  Nor.  7ih,  1789,  of  Mr.  Elvan  Purdy, 
two  pounds  19^.  9d.  in  full  of  rent  due. 

"  Stephen  vak  CoaTLAKDT." 

Crompond,  the  principal  Tillage  in  this  towuship,  is  situated 
on  the  high  road  leading  from  Somers  to  Peekskill ;  it  contains 
a  Presbyterian  and  a  Congregalional  church,  a  post  office,  a  store, 
and  several  dwellings.  The  name  is  undoubtedly  derived  from 
the  large  pond  that  lies  north-west  of  the  village,  which,  from  its 
pccnliar  shape,  is  sometimes  called  the  crooked  pond,  crom  de- 
noting in  the  Dutch  language,  crooked.  This  b«iutirul  sheet  of 
water  covers  an  area  of  2O0  acres. 


Pm-TlRlan  Ctanrcli,  Crompand. 

The  Presbyterian  Church  is  handsomely  located  on  the  high- 
est ground  of  the  village,  commanding  a  fine  view  of  the  sur- 
rounding country  ;  it  was  built  in  1T99,  on  the  site  of  au  older 
edifice  erected  cir.  1738,  and  destroyed  by  fire  in  July,  1779.  At 
the  time  of  its  destruction  the  old  church  appears  to  have  been 
used  as  a  store  house  by  the  Continental  troops;  for,  during  the 
year  1339,  a  select  committee  appointed  by  Congress  to  iiiveati- 
gate  Revolutionary  claims,  reported  "That  Congress  pay  the 
Yorktown  congregation  the  sum  ^of  three  thousand  five  hun- 
dred dollars  out  of  the  first  unappropriated  funds,  the  govern- 
ment having  occupied  the  church  and  parsonage  as  barracks  and 


380  HISTORY  OF  THB 

store  hou3e8  during  the  Re^orutionary  war."  This  appropria- 
tion, however,  was  never  made  by  Congress. 

The  present  edifice^  is  constructed  of  wood,  presenting  in 
front  a  lofty  colonnade,  above  which  rises  a  neat  tower,  finished 
with  a  rich  cornice  and  pinnacles,  in  which  is  a  large  bell  weigh- 
ing over  6001bs.,  inscribed  as  follows :  "  Cast  by  J.  H.  Thomp- 
son, New  York,  1833." 

The  Presbyterian  church  in  this  town,  appears  to  have  been 
first  organiz^  under  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Sackett, 
about  1740.  Upon  the  2nd  of  January,  1739,  we  find  a  deed  for 
three  acres  of  land  given  by  Joseph  Lane,  Henry  Beeckoum 
and  Gertrude  his  wife,  unto  John  Hyatt,  John  Haight  and  David 
Travis,  trustees  for  the  first  Presbyterian  church,  on  which  land 
the  meeting  house  was  erected  (said  three  acres  being  part  of 
two  hundred  and  twenty  acres  leased  to  Joseph  Lane  for  three 
lives,  25th  March,  1737,)  dated  2iid  of  January,  1739,  according 
to  the  act  of  1784  and  the  act  of  ISOL^b 

On  the  26th  of  May,  178 1,  it  was  incorporated  under  the  name 
and  title  of  the  ''  First  Presbyterian  Society,  upon  the  plan  of 
the  Church  of  Scotland."  Aaron  Furman,  Gilbert  Travis,  Ebe* 
nezer  White,  Elijah  L^,  Henry  Strang  and  Gabriel  Carman, 
trustees,  elected  3d  of  May,  1784.  A  re-incorporation  of  the 
same  occurs  on  the  4tli  of  March,  1806.^ 

LIST  OF  PASTORS  AND  SUPPLIES. 

Instal  or  call.  Pastors.  Vacated  by 

Cir.  1740,  Rev.  Samuel  Sackett,  death. 

1785,  Rev.  Silas  Constant,  resignation. 

1807,  Rev.  Alexander  Thompson,  ditto. 

1814,  Rev.  Asael  Bronson,  ditto. 

Rev.  Richard  Wyncup,  ditto. 

Rev.  Thomas  G.  Thompson,  ditto. 


>  Occemun  the  celebrated  Indian  preacher  once  addressed  a  crowded  andienca 
from  the  pulpit  of  this  church. 

b  Co.  Roc.  Religious  Soc.  Lib.  A.  83. 

•  Co.  Rec.  Religious  Soc.  Lib.  A.  77,  79,  81,  83,  147. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  381 

Rev.  Peter  Lockwood,     supply. 

Rev.  William  Marshal),       do. 

Rev.  John  Iieggett,  do. 

Rev.  D.  M.  Halliday,  do. 

Rev.  Robert  Thompson,  pastor,       resig. 

1S47,  Rev.  Matthew  T.  Adams,  present  pastor. 

Church  Memoranda. 

1826,  Communicants,  54,  Baptisms,  19. 

1836,  ditto,  33,  ditto,       1. 

1816,  ditto,  65,  ditto,       0. 

This  society  is  in  communion  with  the  Bedford  Presbytery. 
In  the  grave  yard  adjoining  the  church,  are  buried  the  remains 
of  the 

Rev.  Samuel  Sackett, 

who  died  June  6lh,  1784. 

He  was  a  judicious,  faithful, 

laborious  and  successful  minister  of  Clirist. 

Thrice  blest  departed  spirit  thou  art  free 
From  the  toils  of  mortality. 

The  monument  of  his  son  is  inscribed  as  follows :  "  Here  lyes 
the  body  of  Joseph  Sacketf,  born  April  18th,  1735,  and  departed 
this  life,  December,  1757." 

"  Behold  all  ye  that  now  pass  by,*' 

As  you  are  now,  so  once  was  I, 

As  I  am  now,  so  you  must  be, 

Prepare  for  death  and  follow  me. 
There  are  also  monuments  to  Captain  Samuel  Sackett,  Deacon 
Knapp  and  others.  In  the  south-east  corner  of  the  yard,  lie  the 
mortal  remains  of  Colonel  Green,  the  hero  of  the  Red  bank^  and 
Major  Flagg  his  brave  componion  in  arms,  both  of  whom  fell  by 
the  hands  of  cruel  treachery,  on  the  morning  of  the  14th  of  May, 
1781.  But  where  shall  we  look  for  a  monument  or  even  a  stone 
to  mark  the  spot  where  these  brave  patriots  lie  pillowed  in  the 
dust  ?  When  will  justice  be  rendered  to  the  memory  of  the 
brave  and  illustrious  dead  who  fell  in  the  noble  cause  of  free- 
dom? 


388  HISTORY  OP  THE 

The  parsonage  is  situated  at  a  short  distance  from  the  church 
and  stands  on  the  site  of  the  old  building  which  was  occupM 
for  sorae  time,  during  the  Revolution,  by  the  Yorktowo  Com- 
mittee of  Public  Safety.  Here  that  tribunal  transacted  business, 
disarmed  the  disaSected,^  and  punished  the  incorrigible.  Here 
also  a  Convention  of  Congress  assembled  for  the  purpose  of  distri- 
buting commissions  to  those  officers  who  were  empowered  to 
raise  the  militia. 

For  the  destruction  of  this  obnoxious  post,  Colonel  Robertson 
obtained  of  the  English  governor,  a  special  order  and  the  com- 
mand of  a  regiment.  From  New  York,  he  appears  to  have  pro- 
ceeded by  water  to  Peekskill,  where  he  landed,  swearing  he 
would  burn  up  the  d — d  committee  house,  and  guided  by  a  spy, 
named  Caleb  Morgan,  marched  to  Crompond,  where  he  burnt 
the  p-^rsonage,  then  used  as  a  store  house  and  arsenal. 

Upon  the  departure  of  the  British  troops,  the  continental  guard 
took  possession  of  the  church. 

Episcopal  services  appear  to  have  been  occasionally  performed 
in  this  village,  as  we  find  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dibble  in  company  with 
Mr.  St.  George  Talbot,  officiating  here  in  1762.  The  following 
year  Mr.  Dibble  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Punderson  of 
Rye. 

The  Congregational  society  in  this  town,  was  first  formed 
during  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Silas  Constant.  The  church 
which  had  before  been  Presbyterian,  gradually  assumed  the  Con- 
gregational form  of  government. 

In  1787,  Dr.  Elias  Cornelius  and  Mr.  Benjamin  Haight,  were 
chosen  deacons.  In  1790,  a  part  of  the  members  withdrew  by 
mutual  consent,  and  formed  a  new  church  at  Red  Mills.  About 
the  year  1806,  a  division  occurred  in  the  church,  when  more 
than  two  thirds  of  her  members  adhered  to  Mr.  Constant,  and 
maintained  the  Congregational  mode  of  worship,  the  remainder 
resumed  the  Presbyterian  form. 


•  The  Loyalists  of  Cortlandt's  manor  were  disarmed  by  Zephaoiah  Piatt  aod  oth- 
ers, aided  by  600  Connecticut  troops,  during  the  winter  of  1776. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  363 

In  1816,  a  number  of  members  harmoniously  left  this  society 
mm  formed  a  church  at  Peekskill. 

From  the  time  of  Mr.  Constant's  death,  to  1832,  this  church 
received  stated  supplies  from  the  Rev.  Daniel  Jones  and  the  late 
Rev.Griffeth  H.  Griffeth  ;  subsequently  the  Rev.  William  Albert 
Hyde  was  ordained  pastor.  The  present  minister  is  the  Rev.  J.  B 
Loring.  The  Congregational  church  was  incorporated  by  the 
name  of  "  the  First  Congregational  Church  and  Society  at  York- 
town."  It  is  at  present  in  connection  with  the  Connecticut  as- 
sociation, and  numbers  70  communicants.  Among  other  monu- 
ments in  the  grave  yard,  is  the  following  : 

In 

memory  of 

tlie  Rev. 

Silas  Constant, 

who  departed  this  life 

March  22,  1826, 

aged  75  years,  2  mo. 

and  7  days. 

The  Friends  meeting  house  is  situated  at  a  short  distance  from 
the  village  of  Crompond,  and  stands  on  land  jointly  given  by 
John  Clapp  and  Joseph  Waters,  in  1774. 

The  following  is  a  brief  abstract  of  the  conveyance : 

"  John  Clapp  of  Greenwich,  and  Joseph  Waters  of  Cortlandt  manor,  of 
the  first  part,  convey  to  John  Griffin,  John  Cromwell,  John  Cornell,  Uriah 
Field  and  Thomas  Clapp,  of  the  second  part,  all  that  tract  of  land  being  ia 
Amawalk,  in  Cortlandt  manor,  consisting  of  3  acres  lying  and  being  in  the 
north-east  corner  of  great  lot  No.  4.     Dated  12  day  of  October,  1774. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  society  of  Yorktown,  was  first  in- 
corporated upon  the  13th  of  August,  1792,  Timothy  Oakley,  John 
Oakley,  Solomon  Fowler,  James  Haden,  Thomas  Kirkham  and 


384  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Jacob  Badeau,  trustees.^  A  Baptist  society  was  incorporated 
on  the  27th  of  April,  1793,  Reuben  Garrison,  John  Tompktts 
and  Amos  Lane,  trustees.^  ^      ^. 

Directly  opposite  the  Presbyterian  church  atCimnpon^i  stands 
the  residence  of  the  late  Alvan  Purdy,  Esq^  who,  daring  Uie 
revolutionary  war,  held  a  Lieutenancy  in  Capt.  Heddy's  Company 
of  Militia,  belonging  to  the  regiment  of  Col.  Samuel  Drake. 
Alvan  Purdy,  was  the  son  of  Abraham  Purdy,  Esq.,  for  many 
years  a  Lieutenant  of  Militia  for  the  Manor  of  Cortlandt.  This 
individual  erected  the  present  mansion,  A.  D.  1775.  The  Fur- 
dy's  have  long  been  possessed  of  estates  in  this  town,  and  are 
lineally  descended  from  the  Purdys  of  Rye  and  White  Plains. 
Of  this  family  was  Joseph  Purdy,  one  of  the  proprietors  of 
the  White  Plains  and  the  Lame  Will's  purchase  in  Rye,  A.  D., 
1678.  The  surviving  sons  of  the  late  Lieut.  Alvan  Purdy,  are 
Abraham,  of  Goshen  county,  James,  po^t  master  of  Yorktown, 
and  Alvan,  proprietor  of  the  homestead. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Crompond  and  bordering  on  King  street  is 
the  residence  of  the  Hon.  Henry  White  one  of  the  judges  of  the 
late  Court  of  Common  Pleas  in  this  county.  Judge  White  is 
the  son  of  Ebenezer  White,  M.  D.,  by  his  wife  Helena  Bartow, 
and  grandson  of  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  White  of  Southampton  Long 
Island.  Dr.  White  of  Yorktown  through  the  whole  course  of 
the  Revolution  sustained  the  character  of  a  patriot,  with  that  de- 
votion and  firmness  which  characterised  the  many  at  that  event- 
ful period  of  our  history.  It  appears  that  the  enemy  made  seve- 
ral unsuccessful  attempts  to  capture  this  distinguished  individual. 
On  one  occasion  they  were  desirous  of  exchanging  the  doctor  for 
a  British  surgeon  then  in  the  hands  of  the  Americans.  To  eflecl 
his  surprisal  a  large  party  of  Light  Horse  were  despatched  to 
Crompond,  with  strict  orders  to  surround  his  dwelling  and  make 
him  prisoner.  Some  kind  friend  however,  gave  the  doctor  time- 
ly warning  which  enabled  him  to  escape. 


•  Co.  Rec.  ReligiouB  Soc.  Lib.  A.  34.    For  re-iQCorporation,  see  pasrew  163» 
175,  &c. 
b  Ibid.  Lib.  A.  40.    For  re-in'^orporation,  see  i»ttr^  o^. 


384  HISTORY  OF  THfi 

Jacob  Badeau,  trustees.^  A  Baptist  society  was  incorporated 
on  the  27th  of  April,  1793,  Reuben  Garriaoni  John  Tompkifts 
and  Amos  Lane,  trustees.^  ^.      ^. 

Directly  opposite  the  Presbyterian  church  at  Cimnpon^i  stands 
the  residence  of  the  late  Alvan  Purdy,  Esq^  who,  daring  the 
revolutionary  war,  held  a  Lieutenancy  in  Capt.  Heddy's  Company 
of  Militia,  belonging  to  the  regiment  of  Col.  Samuel  Drake. 
Alvan  Purdy,  was  the  son  of  Abraham  Purdy,  Esq.,  for  many 
years  a  Lieutenant  of  Militia  for  the  Manor  of  Cortlandt.  This 
individual  erected  the  present  mansion,  A.  D.  1775.  The  Fur- 
dy's  have  long  been  possessed  of  estates  in  this  town,  and  are 
lineally  descended  from  the  Purdys  of  Rye  and  White  Plains. 
Of  this  family  was  Joseph  Purdy,  one  of  the  proprietors  of 
the  White  Plains  and  the  Lame  Will's  purchase  in  Rye,  A.  D., 
1678.  The  surviving  sons  of  the  late  Lieut.  Alvan  Purdy,  are 
Abraham,  of  Goshen  county,  James,  po^t  master  of  Yorktown, 
and  Alvan,  proprietor  of  the  homestead. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Crompond  and  bordering  on  King  street  is 
the  residence  of  the  Hon.  Henry  White  one  of  the  judges  of  the 
late  Court  of  Common  Pleas  in  this  county.  Judge  White  is 
the  son  of  Ebenezer  White,  M.  D.,  by  his  wife  Helena  Bartow, 
and  grandson  of  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  White  of  Southampton  Long 
Island.  Dr.  White  of  Yorktown  through  the  whole  course  of 
the  Revolution  sustained  the  character  of  a  patriot,  with  that  de- 
votion and  firmness  which  characterised  the  many  at  that  event- 
ful period  of  our  history.  It  appears  that  the  enemy  made  seve- 
ral unsuccessful  attempts  to  capture  this  distinguished  individual. 
On  one  occasion  they  were  desirous  of  exchanging  the  doctor  for 
a  British  surgeon  then  in  the  hands  of  the  Americans.  To  eflecl 
his  surprisal  a  large  party  of  Light  Horse  were  despatched  to 
Crompond,  with  strict  orders  to  surround  his  dwelling  and  make 
him  prisoner.  Some  kind  friend  however,  gave  the  doctor  time- 
ly warning  which  enabled  him  to  escape. 


•  Co.  Rec.  ReligiouB  Soc.  Lib.  A.  34.    For  re-iQCorporation,  see  paflre<«  163, 
175,  Slc. 
b  Ibid.  Lib.  A.  40.    For  re -in  corporation ,  see  fmtr^  'i^. 


Toi)ucpiift38S,vol.  11. 


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COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER. 

As  a  substitute  they  seized  upon  Dr.  James  Brewer,  who  resid- 
ed in  ttiii  immediate  neighborhood,  and  were  proceeding  home 
with  their  prisoner,  when  passing  through  Sloney  street  they 
were  fired  upon  by  a  party  of  Americans,  who  lay  concealed  be- 
hind the  fences.  Dr.  Brewer  received  a  mortal  wound  and  ex- 
pired the  next  morning,  Nov.  20, 1780,  In  the  arms  of  Dr.  White 
who  had  thus  narrowly  escaped  the  melancholy  fate  of  his  friend. 
It  deserves  to  be  mentioned  that  he  was  the  only  one  wounded 
of  the  party.  Dr.  Brewer  who  thus  perished  at  the  early  age  of 
thirty-nine,  was  a  native  of  Massachusetts  and  left  by  his  wife 
Hannah  Brewer  four  sons  and  three  daughters.  His  grandson  is 
the  present  Dr.  James  Brewer  of  Peekskill. 

Ebenezer  White  M.  D.,  died  8th  day  of  March,  1825,  leaving 
issue  beside  Henry  above  mentioned,  Bartow,  Dr.  Ebenezer  of 
Somerstown  (for  many  years  surrogate  of  the  county,  and  a  mem- 
ber of  assembly)  Lewis  of  Peoria,  James,  Theodosius  of  SomerSi 
and  a  daughter  Catharine. 

In  King  street  is  also  situated  the  residence  of  Major  Thomas 
Strang  asoldier  of  the  Revolution.  Major  Strang  is  theson  of  Capt. 
Henry  Strang  who  was  the  grandson  of  the  worthy  Huguenot 
Daniel  L'Estrange  and  Charlotte  his  wife.  From  the  genealogical 
table  in  possession  of  the  Strangs  of  Putnam,  it  appeals  that  Dan- 
iel L'Estrange  and  Charlotte  his  wife,  (daughter  of  Francis  Hur- 
bert,)  being  protestants,  fled  from  the  city  of  Paris  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  16bi5,  during  the  iiersecutions  under  Louis  the  XIY., 
and  came  to  the  city  of  London.  He  obtained  a  lieutenancy 
in  the  guards  of  James  the  2d,  King  of  Great  Britain,  and  con- 
tinued there  until  the  year  1688,  when  with  his  wife  he  embark- 
ed for  America  in  company  with  a  number  of  French  Protestants 
and  arrived  at  the  city  of  New  York.  From  thence  he  went  to 
New  Rochelle,  and  subsequently  removed  to  Rye.^    Daniel  L'Es- 


•  The  following  tradition  hu  been  banded  down  in  the  family,  that  the  aboTe 
Charlotte  L'Estrange  wishing  to  accompany  her  husband  in  his  escape  from  France 
left  her  infant  as  a  hostage  in  Paris,  her  enemies  hoping  by  this  artifice  to  insure 
her  retnm,  but  taking  ship  the  first  opportunity  she  croawd  the  channel  into  Eng • 
land.  During  the  bitter  perMCUtion  that  preceded  their  flight  the  fkmWj  Bible  WM 
concealed  beneath  the  hearth  stone. 

ToL.  II.  49 


386  HISTORY  OP  THE 


■m 


trnnge  who  was  born  in  the  city  of  Paris  A.  D.  1656,  died  at  Rye 
in  this  count/  A.  D.  1703.  His  wiU  bears  date  the  satae  year. 
The  Inie  ftlojor  Joseph  Strang,  uncle  of  the  prcspnt  proprietor, 
greatly  distinguished  himself  in  the  batteaux  service  during  the 
old  French  war. 

In  the  same  street  formerly  resided  Susannah  de  Lancey,* 
daughter  of  Eiienne  de  Ltmcey  Esq.,  and  Anne  Yan  Cortlandc  his 
wife.  Her  house  during  the  Revolution  afforded  an  asylum  for 
the  persecuted,  who  found  here  a  safe  protection  from  their  ene- 
mies. 

Near  the  main  road  leadrng  from  Crompond  to  Somers  is  situ- 
ated the  estate  and  residence  of  Robert  Lee  Esq.,  for  many  years 
one  of  the  leading  members  of  the  bar  in  this  county.  Mr.  Lee 
is  the  youngest  son  of  John  Lee  of  Yorklown,  whose  grandfather 
William  Lee  emigrated  to  this  country  in  1675,  from  Nottingham, 
England. 

The  village  of  Crompond  and  its  immediate  neighborhood  ap* 
pears  to  have  been  greatly  harrassed  during  the  revolutionary  trou- 
bles by  frequent  forays  of  the  enemy.  Before  the  morning  of  the 
21ih  of  June,  1779,  (says  General  Heath,)  about  200  of  the  ene- 
my's light  horse  came  up  as  far  as  Crompond,  surprised  two 
militia  pickets,  killed  and  took  prisoners  nearly  30  men.  About 
130  light  infimtry  of  the  enemy  at  the  same  time,  came  out  from 
Verplank's  Point,  made  an  excursion  round  and  then  returned.^ 
Upon  another  occasion  the  Continental  troops  having  stacked 
their  arms  in  the  church,  then  used  as  an  Arsenal,  were  engaged 
at  breakfast  when  the  enemy  made  a  sudden  and  furious  onset, 
capturing  and  killing  some  and  compelling  others  to  seek  safety 
in  flight.  Among  the  latter  was  Bot  Lent  who  fled  down  King 
street  closely  pursued  by  two  of  ths  British  light  horse.  After  fol- 
lowing the  road  some  distance  Lent  took  lo  the  woods,  whea 
his  enemies  gave  up  the  pursuit.     They  had  scarcely,  however, 


•  The  remains  of  this  lady  repose  in  the  Presbyterian  grave  yard,  adjoining  thos^ 
of  Mrs.  Deborah  Peck.     Communicated  to  the  Editor  by  Major  Thomas  StraDg. 
k  Heath's  Mem.  200. 


-•  COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  387 

turned  their  bncks,  than  he  raised  his  rifle  and  fired  at  the  near- 
est. The  shot  must  have  taken  eflect  for  his  comrade  was  after- 
wards seen  dragging  him  down  the  road  covered  with  blood. 
Major  Strang,  who  happened  to  be  miserably  mounted,  was  also 
pursued  down  the  same  street  and  narrowly  escaped  by  jumping 
from  his  horse. 

It  seems  from  the  following  letter  that  timely  notice  was  oc- 
casionally given  of  the  enemy's  approach. 

Hanover^  Saturday  Morning,  one  (Pclotk. 

Sir. — Captain  Buckhout  and  Mr.  Hunt  are  sent  by  Colonel 
Putnam  to  inform  you  that  the  light  horse  are  to  be  in  this  place 
about  day  light.  He  is  at  Solomon  Hunt's  with  his  detachment ; 
any  of  the  inhabitants  who  shall  join  him,  will  be  gratefully  re- 
ceived. 

I  am  yours, 

Joseph  Strang. 

N.  B.  I  am  desired  to  let  you  know  that  it  i«  expected  you 
will  acquaint  your  neighbors  up  the  street  and  Mr.  Carmans. 

The  subjoined  account  of  this  place  is  given  by  Thacher  in 
his  Military  Journal. 

'*  The  advanced  guard  of  our  army,  consisting  of  about  two  hundred  meR« 
U  posted  at  Crcmpondf  about  twenty  miles  beluw  West  Ptiint,  and  is  relieved 
every  two  or  three  weeks.  A  surgeon  constantly  attends,  and  I  am  now 
ordered  to  repair  to  that  post,  to  relieve  Dr.  Thomas.*^ 

*'  Crompond,  March^^'*  1781.  **  I  have  taken  my  quarters  at  Crompond,  ia 
a  house  with  Major  Trescott,  who  commands  at  this  post.  This  vicinity  m 
constantly  harassed  by  small  parties  of  volunteers  on  our  side,  and  parties  of 
royalists  and  tories  on  the  other,  who  are  making  every  effort  to  effect  mutual 
destruction ;  seeking  every  opportunity  to  beat  up  rach  others  quarters,  and 
to  kill  or  capture  all  who  are  found  in  arms.  This  is  to  be  considered  a  very 
hazardous  situation  ;  it  requires  the  utmost  vigilance  to  guard  against  a  sur- 
prise. Major  Trescott  is  an  e.xcellent  disciplinarian,  an  active  vigilant  officer, 
and  well  acquainted  with  his  duty.  A  party  of  vc^unteers  collected  here  oa 
horseback,  for  a  secret  expedition,  and  by  their  earnest  request,  Major  Trcs^ 
eott  marched  in  the  night  with  a  party  to  cover  their  retreat,  and  to  take  any 
advantage  which  might  offer.  Tho  party  returned  the  nest  day  with  six 
tory  prisoners,  three  of  whom  were  wounded  by  the  broad  sword.  One  of  our 
volunteers,  named  Hunt,  received  a  dangerous  wound  through  his  shoulder 
and  lungs ;  the  air  escaped  from  the  wound  at  every  breath.  Dr.  Eustia 
came  to  the  lines,  and  dilated  the  wound  in  the  breast,  and  as  the  patient  ia 


388    .  HISTORY  OF  THE 

athletic  and  had  not  saetained  a  Terj  copioas  loes  of  blood,  he  reoommandad 
repeated  and  liberal  blood  letting,  obserTing  that  in  order  to  cure  a  wmmd 
through  the  longs,  you  muat  bleed  your  patient  to  death.  He  eventaaUy  re- 
coTered,  which  is  to  be  ascribed  principally  to  the  free  use  of  the  laooet,  and 
soAh  abstemious  living,  as  to  reduce  him  to  the  greatest  eztremitj.  A  ooo- 
•iderable  number  of  wounded  prisoners  receive  my  daily  attention. 

**  A  gentleman  volunteer,  by  name  Requaw,  received  a  dangeroas  woand 
and  was  carried  into  the  British  lines ;  I  was  requested  by  his  brother  to  Tiait 
him,  under  the  sanction  of  a  flag  of  truce,  in  company  with  Dr.  Whita,  who 
resides  in  this  vicinity.    This  invitation  I  cheei fully  accepted,  and  Mr.  Re- 
quaw having  obtained  a  flag  from  the  proper  authority  and  procured  horses,  we 
set  off  in  the  morning,  arrived  at  Westchester  before  evening,  and  dressed 
the  wounded  man.     We  passed  the  night  at  Mrs.  Bartow*s,  mother-in-law  of 
Dr.  W.    She  has  remained  at  her  farm  between  the  lines  during  the  war,  and 
being  friendly  to  our  interest,  has  received  much  abusive  treatment  from  the 
royalists.    We  were  treated  in  the  most  friendly  manner,  and  her  daaghter, 
an  amiable  well  educated  girl,  entertained  us  in  conversation  till  one  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  relating  numerous  occurrences  and  incidents  of  an  interesting 
nature,  respecting  the  royal  party.    The  next  day  we  visited  our  patient 
again,  paid  the  necessary  attention  and  repaired  to  a  tavern,  where  1  was  gra- 
fied  with  an  interview  with  the  much  famed  Colonel  De  Lancey,  who  com- 
mands the  Refugee  Corps.     He  conducted  with  much  civility,  and  haring  a 
public  dinner  prepared  at  the  tavern,  be  invited  us  to  dine  with  him  and  his 
officers.     Adez  dinner,  Colonel  De  Lancey  furnished  us  with  a  permit  to  re- 
turn with  our  flag ;  we  rode  ten  miles,  and  took  lodgings  in  a  private  hoose. 
Here  we  were  informed  that  six  of  our  men,  having  taken  from  the  refugees 
thirty  head  of  cattle,  were  overtaken  by  forty  of  De  Lancey^s  corps  and  were 
all  killed  but  onci  and  the  cattle  retaken.     In  the  morning  breakfasted  with  a 
friendly  Quaker  family,  in  whose  house  was  one  of  our  men  who  had  been 
wounded,  when  four  others  were  killed ;  we  dressed  his  wounds,  which  were 
numerous  and  dangerous.    In  another  house,  we  saw  four  dead  bodies,  man- 
gled in  a  most  inhuman  manner  by  the  refugees,  and  among  them,  one  groan- 
ing under  five  wounds  on  his  head,  two  of  them  quite  through  the  skull  bone 
with  a  broadsword.     This  man  was  capable  of  giving  us  an  account  of  the 
murder  of  his  four  companions.     They  surrendered  and  begged  for  life,  but 
their  entreaties  were  disregarded,  and  the  swords  of  their  cruel  foes  were 
plunged  into  their  bodies  so  long  as  signs  of  life  remained.     We  found  manj 
friends  to  our  cause,  who  reside  on  their  farms  between  the  lines  of  the  two 
armies,  whose  situation  is  truly  deplorable,  being  continually  exposed  to  the 
ravages  of  the  tories,  horse  thieves,  and  cow  boys,  who  rob  and  plunder  them 
without  mercy,  and  the  personal  abuse  and  punishments  which  they  inflict  is 
almost  incredible.^'* 


•  Thacher's  Mil.  Journal.  248,  9. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  389 

Shrub  Oak  is  a  small  village,  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
town,  containing  a  Methodist  church,  a  post-office,  and  about 
fifteen  dwellings.  The  Methodist  society  of  this  place  was  first 
incorporated  upon  the  22d  of  September,  1840;  Newman  Louns- 
berry,  Benjamin  Curry,  Solomon  Requa,  Thomas  Curry,  jr.,  and 
Jonathan  Danow,  trustees."*  The  church,  which  was  erected 
in  1839,  is  a  very  neat  wooden  structure.  In  the  immediate 
neighborhood,  lies  Lake  Magrigaries,  (Hollow  Lake,  already 
alluded  to,)  which  is  a  beautiful  sheet  of  water,  well  stocked 
with  fish. 

A  rich  and  picturesque  vale  extends  south  from  Crompond, 
backed  by  rolling  hills.  Upon  one  of  the  principal  heights  in 
this  vicinity,  called  French  hillj  the  French  forces  were  en- 
camped in  1781-2,  under  Comte  de  Rochambeau.  <'  The  French 
army,  at  the  time  the  Marquis  speaks  of,  (Nov.  178'<^,  says  the 
translator  of  Chastellux,)  had  been  for  some  time  encamped  at 
Crompont,  near  Cortlandt's  manor,  a  few  miles  from  that  of 
General  Washington's,  and  between  which  there  was  a  daily  in- 
tercourse. The  translator  dined,  in  October,  1782,  in  General 
Washington's  tent,  with  the  Marquis  de  Laval,  the  Baron  de  Yio* 
menil,  and  several  French  officers,  within  hearing  of  the  British 
guns,  which  were  at  that  period  happily  become  a  brutum  ful-^ 
meny^  On  the  north-west  side  of  French  hill,  are  the  two 
ponds  styled  by  the  Indians  Keakatis.  The  largest  of  these, 
sometimes  known  by  the  name  of  the  Great  Pond,  covers  an 
area  of  200  acres,  and  discharges  its  redundant  waters  into  the 
smaller  one  of  100  acres.  Both  are  supplied  by  numerous  springs, 
and  have  their  outlet  it  Muscoota  river.  The  site  of  an  Indian 
village  is  still  pointed  out,  on  the  borders  of  the  Great  Pond, 
north  of  cedar  swamp,  likewise  the  remains  of  a  cemetery  on 
Cedar  Point.^ 

Several  roads  intersect  the  town,  running  principally  north 

•  Co.  Rec.  Relijjrious  Soc.  lib.  B.  65. 

b  Travels  in  North  America  id  the  years  1780,  81,  89,  bj  the  Marquis  Chastel- 
lux. One  of  the  principal  Tisitora  at  the  French  camp  in  1782  was  the  Baron  de 
Talleyrand. 

•  Upon  Cedar  Point  an  eccentric  character  known  as  Nancy  Lane  the  hermit- 
eis,  residftd  for  many  years. 


300  HISTORY  OF  THE 

and  south,  from  the  Mahopack  turnpike  to  the  great  post-road, 
formerly  called  the  King's  road.  These  consist  of  Stoneji 
King's,  Gorm6,  Amawalk,  Tomahawk  and  Lovett  streets. 

Tlie  Pine's  bridge  rond  leading  south  from  Crompond,  affords 
in')gni&cent  views  of  the  rich  and  fertile  country  bordering  the 
Croton  River,  together  with  the  village  of  Yorktown,  and  the 
Turkey  and  C/ollabergh  mountains.  Upon  this  road  are  situated 
the  farms  and  residences  of  General  Bernardus  Montross,*  Mr. 
Seth  Whitney,  Mr.  James  Underbill,  Mr.  Richard  M.  Underbill 
and  George  McKeel,  &c>  Directly  opposite  the  mansion  of  the 
latter,  stands  the  orthodox  Friends  meeting  house,  erected  in  18^. 

A  road  diverging  to  the  south-west,  near  the  meeting  house, 
leads  to  the  Turkey  mountain^  a  vast  tract  of  woodland  covering 
800  acres,  from  the  summit  of  which,  the  spectator  has  a  noble 
prospect  of  the  surrounding  country.  At  the  foot  of  the  moun- 
tain is  situated  the  residence  of  Mr.  Edward  Burrough  Underbill, 
son  of  the  late  Abraham  I.  Underbill,  "a  worthy  and  prominent 
member  of  the  society  of  Friends,  who  sustained  throughout  a 
useful  and  protracted  life,  an  unsullied  reputation."  Abraham 
I.  Underbill,  who  died  on  the  5ih  of  May,  1841,  aged  78  years, 
was  the  second  son  of  Isaac  Underbill,  fourth  in  descent  from 
John  Underbill  of  (>ys*er  Bay,  L.  I.  In  the  old  family  mansioa 
which  stands  one  mile  south  of  this  spot,  (on  the  Pine's  bridge 
road)  is  shown  the  room  where  Major  Andre  and  Joshua  H. 
Smith,  breakfasted  on  the  23J  of  September,  1780.  At  this  pe- 
riod, the  house  was  occupied  by  Isaac  Underbill  and  Sarah  his 
wife,<:  who  appears  to  have  been  a  woman  of  good  resolution  and 


*  In  a  back  room  of  this  bouse,  fell  the  notorious  freebooter,  Joseph  liueton,  by 
the  hand  of  Seth  Whitney,  (father  of  the  above  mentioned  gentleman)  former  pro- 
prietor of  the  estate.  Hucson  was  a  perfect  scourge  and  terror  to  this  part  of  the 
country  dutiug  the  Uevolution,  for  he  devoted  himself  to  the  most  cruel  pillage  and 
robbery  among  the  defenceless  inhabitants.  Whilst  in  the  act  of  entering  the  hoase 
for  plunder,  Whitney  plnnged  a  bayonet  into  his  body.  Upon  heariug  their  leade< 
excUim  "  the  rascal  has  killed  me !"  a  band  of  ruffians  forced  an  entrance 
seized  Whitney,  and  inflicted  on  him  the  most  savage  cruelties. 

b  Upon  the  9th  of  .N'ov.,  1832,  George  McKeel  conveyed  te  Isaac  McKet 
Daniel  Smith,  Aaron  Underbill  and  Edward  Borrough  Underbill,  1  acre  of  Ian 
3  miles  north  of  Pine's  bridge." 

•  This  lady  was  the  daughter  of  Robert  Field,  whose  nephew  John  was  a  r 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  391 

conrage,  whilst  engaged  in  entertaining  Andre  and  his  companion, 
she  took  pnriicuinr  notice  of  the  former,  and  imagined  she  rend 
in  his  confusion,  a  person  embarrassed  in  some  great  underta- 
king>  A  few  days  previous  to  this  event,  Mrs.  Underhill  had 
visited  head-quarters  to  recover  some  cattle  carried  off  by  a  band 
of  marauders. 

About  a  mile  below  the  r^idence  of  Mr.  William  Smith,  on 
the  Pine's  bridge  road,  a  narrow  lane  diverges  south-west  to 
Davenport's  or  Panforth's  house,  the  scene  of  Colonel  Green's  sur- 
prisal  by  the  British  Refugees,  upon  the  13th  of  May,  1781.  The 
following  account  of  this  incursion,  is  given  by  General  Heath  : 

4 

"  The  next  day  intelligence  wa8  received,  that  on  the  13th,  Colonel  Green 
of  the  Rhode  Island  regiment,  who  was  doing  duty  on  the  lines  of  the  Ameri- 
can army,  was  sarprised  by  a  body  of  the  enemy's  horse,  supposed  to  be  aboot 
150  dragoons,  and  that  the  Colonel,  Major  Flagg,  two  subalterns  and  27 
men  were  killed,  and  several  wounded.  Col.  Green  was  a  brave  and  intre- 
pid officer,  and  his  loss  was  much  regretted.  The  colonel  had  taken  post 
above  and  near  to  Croton  river,  at  a  place  where  the  river  was  fordable,  to 
prevent  the  enemy  passing  up  by  this  ford  1 1  ravage  the  country.  He  had 
practiced  the  greatest  vigilance  in  guarding  this  ford  in  the  night  time,  taking 
off  the  guards  after  sunrise,  apprehendmg  that  the  enemy  would  never  presume 
to  cross  the  river  in  the  day  time  ;  but  the  enemy,  having  learnt  his  mode  of 
doing  duty,  on  the  morning  of  the  13th  effected  bis  overthrow,  by  crossing  the 
ford  soon  afler  the  guards  had  come  off,  and  surrounding  their  quarters  before 
they  had  an  idea  of  any  enemy  being  near  them.  In  this  situation,  the  ut- 
most exertion  could  not  then  avail  them.**b 

A  person  named  Gilbert  Totten,  is  said  to  have  betrayed  his 
countrynaen  to  Colonel  de  Lancey  on  this  fatal  occasion,  in  re- 
taliation for  an  act  of  discipline  administered  by  his  commanding 

sideut  of  Yorktown.  The  following  notice  of  the  death  of  Moses  Field,  (son  of 
John)  occurs  in  the  New  York  American  of  Oct  S5,  1833 :  *<  Died  at  Feekskill» 
on  the  18th  ioat,  Moses  Field  of  this  city,  aged  53  years.  The  poor  cnold  not 
have  sustained  a  greater  loss  in  an  individaaL  ^o  man  had  more  enlarged  and 
persevering  bei^evolence  in  feeding  the  hungry,  clothing  the  naked  and  providing 
for  the  sick.  His  greatest  happiness  appeared  to  be,  to  mitigate  the  suffering  and 
relieve  the  wants  of  the  virtuous  poor.** 

•  See  vol.  i.  210. 

b  Heath*8  Mem.,  9^8-9. 


392  HISTORY  OF  THE 

officer.    De  Lancey  anxious  for  an  opportunity  to  return  the 
recent  attack  made   upon  bis  quarters  by  Captain   Gushing,* 
instantly  fitted  out  a  force  of  about  150  dragoons,  as  described 
by  Heath.    The  route  selected  by  their  experienced  cooimandei^ 
was  the  road  leading  to  Wiiite  Plains,  by  which  means  the  party 
escaped  through  the  only  opening  in  the  long  line  of  sentinds 
stretched  across  the  country.    Near  Chappequa,  they  halted  for 
a  short  time  at  the  house  of  Daniel  Underbill,  and  then  pro- 
ceeded by  the  west  road,  which  is  an  intersection  of  the  present 
Sing  Sing  turnpike,  till  they  arrived  at  the  residence  of  Mr. 
Lyon  ;  here  they  anxiously  awaited  the  withdrawal  of  the  Amm- 
can  guard  at  Oblenus's  ford,  which  is  nearly  one  mile  west  of 
Pine's  bridge.    Up  to  this  moment  no  one  of  the  party,  save 
their  commander  and  his  guide,  knew  the  object  for  which  they 
had  been  detailed.    According  to  ^General  Heath's  account,  the 
American  officers  appear  to  have  had  no  idea  that  the  enemy 
would  dare  to  cross  the  ford  after  sunrise,  and  therefore  had 
taken  no  precautions  to  prevent  it.    By  this  means,  Davenport's 
house  was  surrounded    by   the  enemy,  and  all  possibility  of 
escape  cut  off  before  the  danger  was  discovered.    De  Lancey 
remained  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  probably  with  a  view  to 
cover  the  retreat  of  his  party,  if  it  should  prove  necessary.     * 

To  General  Heath's  account  of  the  surprisal,  we  must  be  per- 
mitted to  add  the  following  extract  from  Colonel  H.  Lee's  history 
of  the  Southern  war : — 

"  In  the  spring  of  1781,  when  General  Washington  began  to  expert  the 
promised  naval  aid  from  our  best  friend,  the  ill-fated  Louis  XVL,  he  oecm- 
aionally  approached  the  enemy's  lines  on  the  side  of  York  island.  In  one  of 
these  movements,  Col.  Green,  with  a  suitable  force,  was  posted  on  the  Cro- 
ton  River,  in  advance  of  the  army.  On  the  other  side  of  this  river  lay  a  corps 
of  refugees,  (American  citizens  who  had  joined  the  British  army,)  under  the 
command  of  Col.  Delancy.  These  half  citizens,  half  soldiers,  were  notorious 
for  rapine  and  murder,  and  to  their  vindictive  conduct  may  Justly  be  ascribed 
most  of  the  cruelties  which  stained  the  progress  of  our  war,  and  which  at 
length  compelled  Washington  to  order  Captain  Asgill,  of  the  tb'itish  army,  to 
be  brought  to  head -quarters,  for  the  purpose  of  retaliating,  by  his  executiont 


•  See  page  333. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  393 

lor  the  murder  of  CapC.  Haddy,  of  New  Jersey,  perpetrated  by  a  Capt.  Lip- 
L  '  piocoart,  of  the  refngees.  The  commandant  of  these  refugees,  (Delancy  was 
not  present,)  haring  ascertained  the  position  of  Greeners  corps,  which  the 
colonel  had  cantoned  in  adjacent  farm  houses — probably  with  a  view  to  the 
procurement  of  subsistence — took  the  resolution  to  strike  it.  This  was  ac- 
cordingly done,  by  a  nocturnal  movement,  on  the  13th  of  May.  The  enemy 
crossed  the  Croton  before  daylight,  and  hastening  his  advance,  reached  our 
station  with  the  dawn  of  day,  unperceiTcd.  As  he  approached  the  farm  house 
in  which  the  Lieutenant-Colonel  was  quartered,  the  noise  of  troops  marching 
was  heard,  which  was  the  first  intimation  of  the  fatal  design.  Greene  and 
Major  Flagg  immediately  prepared  themseUes  for  defence,  but  they  were  too 
late,  so  expeditious  was  the  progress  of  the  enemy.  Flagg  discharged  his  pis  * 
tols,  and  instantly  afterwards  fell  mortally  wounded,  when  the  ruffians  (unwor- 
thy the  appellation  of  soldiers)  burst  open  the  door  of  Greeners  apartment. 
Here  the  gallant  veteran  singly  received  them  with  his  drawn  sword.  Several 
fell  beneath  the  arm  accustomed  to  conquer,  till  at  length,  overpowered  by  num- 
bers, and  faint  from  the  loss  of  Uood  streaming  from  his  wounds,  barbarity 
triumphed  over  valor.  *  His  right  arm  was  almost  cut  off  in  two  places,  the 
left  in  one,  a  severe  cut  on  the  left  shoulder,  a  sword  thrust  through  the  abdo- 
men, a  bayonet  in  the  right  side,  and  another  through  the  abdomee,  several 
sword  cuts  on  the  head,  and  many  in  different  parts  of  the  body.' 

*'  Thus  cruelly  mangled,  fell  the  generous  conqueror  of  Count  Donop,  whosa 
wounds,  as  well  as  those  of  his  unfortunate  associates,  had  been  tenderly 
dressed  as  soon  as  the  battle  terminated,  and  whose  pains  and  sorrows  had 
been  as  tenderly  assuaged.  How  different  was  the  relentless  fury  here  dis- 
played ! 

*'  The  commander-in-chief  heard  with  anguish  and  indignation  the  tragieal 
fate  of  his  loved,  his  faithful  friend  and  soldier,  in  whose  feelings  the  army 
sincerely  participated.  On  the  subsequent  day,  the  corpse  was  brought  to 
head-quarters,  and  his  funeral  was  solemnized  with  military  honors  and  uni- 
Tcrsal  grief. • 

liieutenant  Colonel  Greene  was  murdered  in  the  meridian  of  life,  being  only 
forty -four  years  old.  He  married  in  1758,  Miss  Anne  Lippitt,  a  daughter  of 
Mr.  J.  Lippitt,  Esq.,  of  Warwick,  whom^he  left  a  widow  with  three  sons  and 
four  daughters.  He  was  stout  and  strong  in  person,  about  five  feet  ten  in- 
ches high,  with  a  broad  round  chest ;  his  aspect  manly  and  demeanor  plea- 
sing, enjoying  always  a  high  state  of  health,  its  bloom  irradiated  a  oonnten- 


•  At  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  war  Col.  De  Lancey  politely  forwarded  to 
General  Tbomlb  of  Harrison  the  bkK>d  stained  pocket  books  of  Col.  Green  and 
Major  Flagg.  These  intereiting  relics  we  regret  to  say  (sines  the  General's  de- 
cease) have  been  destroyed. 

Vol.  IL  50 


394  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Moe  whieh  signifieantly  ezpreated  the  fortitude  and  miMneM  invariably  die* 
played  throughoat  hie  life/'^ 

The  following  additional  particulars  concerning  this  melan- 
choly  aflbir,  are  contained  in  a  letter  from  the  pay-master  Thomas 
Hughes  to  a  friend  dated 

Rhode  Island  Vmage.May  14,  1781. 

Dear  Sir. — It  is  with  pain  I  write  you  on  a  sabject  that  is  so  nearly  and 
elosely  connected  to  yoo  as  a  parent ;  I  most  my  dear  friend  iafbnn  yon  of  the 
unhappy  fate  that  befel  your  son. 

This  morning  the  enemy  made  an  ^tack  upon  the  lines,  which  was  a  eom- 
plete  sorprise,  and  he  fell  a  sacrifice  to  the  cmel  hand  of  tyranny  in  defend- 
ing himself  against  the  strokes  struck  by  the  light  horsemen.  He  had  his  wrist 
almost  out  off  in  two  places,  ■  a  severe  cut  in  the  left  shoulder,  a  sword 
run  through  his  body,  a  bayonet  into  his  right  side,  and  another  throogh  hie 
body,  his  head  but  to  pieces  in  sererat  places,  his  back  and  body  ent  and 
hacked  in  such  a  manner  as  gives  me  pain  to  inform  you,  he  was  carried 
about  three  quarters  of  a  mile  from  his  quarters  where  they  left  him  to  die  or 
rather  through  loss  of  blood  and  strength  to  go  forward,  finished  his  days  in 
the  woods.  And  as  they  went  by  the  houses  informed  the  inhabitants  should 
there  be  any  enquiry  after  the  Colonel  they  left  him  dead  in  the  edge  of  the 
woods. b  This  cruel  and  barbarous  treatment  was  perpetrated  by  De  Lsneey's 
corps,  De  Lancey  himself  at  the  head.*  Major  Flagg,  as  he  arose  from  his 
bed  received  a  ball  in  his  head,  and  when  they  entered  the  house  they 
stabbed  and  cut  him  in  a  cruel  manner,  and  he  expired  immediately.  A  doc- 
tor of  the  New  Hampshire  line  and  a  Lieutenant  of  the  Massachusetts  line  were 
wounded  in  the  house  and  carried  off.  Lieut.  Macomb  being  in  bed  was  made 
a  prisoner,  Ensign  Greene  who  commanded  a  guard  at  the  bridge,  with  him- 
self and  all  his  men  were  taken  or  killed. 

J  went  in  the  lines  the  evening  before,  to  pay  off  the  troops  and  retnmed 
with  Greene.  My  horse  being  hitched  at  the  door  and  when  the  alarm  was 
given,  I  saddled  him  and  just  made  my  escape.  My  flight  was  so  rapid  I  left 
my  receipts  behind.  The  woman  of  the  house  was  so  kind  as  to  hide  them  in 
the  bushes,  so  I  received  them  again.  The  loss  of  my  dear  friend  roost  fall 
heavy  on  the  family,  but  as  life  is  uncertain  we  roust  surrender  it  when  the 
great  Jehovah  calls.    To  morrow  we  shall  bestow  on  each  of  them  the  honors 


•  See  Updike's  hiitory  of  the  Narragansett  Church,  for  a  full  account  of  himself 
and  family. 

b  Green  expired  near  the  residence  of  Mr.  Sutton,  where  he  was  found  the  fol- 
lowiuf;  morning  by  Major  Strang  and  bia  brother. 

«  The  writer  must  have  been  mistaken,  for  De  Laiiccy  was  act  present  accord- 
lug  to  other  acconnts. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  395 

that  are  dae  to  men,  who  so  nobly  suffered  the  pains  of  death  in  thesenrice  of 
their  country.  It  is  uncertain  how  many  we  had  killed  and  taken  ;  but  I  be* 
lioTe  about  40  taken,  killed  and  wounded.  John  is  wounded,  and  Prince 
Wolland  I  fear  will  die  ;  please  make  my  respects  to  Maria  and  sister,  and 
belie?e  me  to  be  with  esteem. 

Your  humble  servant, 

Thomas  Hughee. 

Mr.  Joshua  Carpenter,*  the  present  occupant  of  the  house, 
still  points  out  the  spot  where  the  bed  of  Colonel  Green  stood, 
and  the  window  from  which  Major  Flagg  fired  his  pistols,  while 
the  old  fashioned  wainscoting  and  doors  are  pierced  with  nu« 
merous  bullet  holes.  A  large  addition  has  been  since  added  to 
the  house,  on  the  east.  The  wonderfully  extensive  views  which 
this  elevated  spot  commands,  will  amply  repay  the  visitor,  besides 
the  interest  attached  to  the  above  associations. 

In  the  southeast  comer  of  Torktown,  is  situated  the  great 
dam  of  the  Croton  Acqueduct,  one  of  the  most  important  and  ex- 
tensive works  ever  undertaken  in  this  country.  ''The  dam 
across  the  Croton,  is  placed  where  the  river  enters  between  the 
hills,  after  having  passed  for  several  miles  through  a  more  level 
country.  The  hill  on  the  south  side  is  composed  of  solid 
rock."^  The  dam  itself  "  is  not  of  great  length,  but  is  one  of 
the  most  ingenious  works  of  substantial  masonry  any  where  to  be 
found.  The  highest  point  of  the  stnicture  is  rather  more  than 
fifty  feet  above  the  natural  bed  of  the  Croton.  By  this  elevation, 
the  water  is  thrown  back  more  than  six  miles,  forming  a  beautiful 
lake  of  several  hundred  acres,  containing  about  100,000,000 
gallons  for  each  foot  in  depth  for  the  surface.  The  water  is 
drawn  into  the  acqueduct  by  means  of  a  tunnel  cut  into  the  rock, 
which  constitutes  the  hill  on  the  south  sideu  At  distances  of 
one  mile,  a  circular  hollow  tower  is  erected  over  the  acqueduct, 
for  the  purpose  of  ventilation,  these  being  composed  of  white 
marble,  produce  a  very  pretty  effect    Every  three  miles  is  an 


•  Mr.  Carpenter  is  a  grandson  of  Richard  DaTenport,  who  held  the  piopertj  hi 
1780. 
k  Dtrtumeirs  Gazetteer  of  N.  Y. 


396  HISTORY  OF  THE 

apparatus  for  drawing  off  the  water  in  case  any  internal  repairs 
should  be  necessary/'  &c.* 

''  The  whole  quantify  of  land  which  the  water  commissioDers 
have  been  compelled  to  buy  on  the  forty  miles  of  the  works, 
amount  to  nine  hundred  acres,  and  the  average  price  has  been 
nearly  five  hundred  dollars  per  acre."*» 

The  great  bend  of  the  Croton,  west  of  Pine's  bridge,  was  de- 
nominated by  the  aborigines  Keweghlegnack.  Croton  lake  bor- 
dered by  meadows  and  high  hills  presents  a  lovely  and  interest- 
ing scene  to  the  eye  of  the  beholder.  The  following  lines  sug- 
gested by  a  visit  to  the  lake,  are  from  the  Hudson  River  Chroni- 
cle. 

TO  CROTON  LAKE. 

How  mildly  beams  the  moon*8  pale  light» 

As  o^er  thy  breast  we  gaily  glide ; 
Her  silfery  lostre  eharms  the  night, 

As  swid  we  float  along  the  tide. 
Unraffled  calm  thy  bosom  lies, 

Save  where  the  oars  the  stillness  break  ; 
Nor  do  the  breezes  dare  to  rise, 

To  mar  thy  beauty,  Croton  Lake. 

The  purest  joys  that  friendship  yields, 

We  here  in  rich  profusion  taste, 
While  busy  thought  roams  oVr  the  fields 

Of  memory,  brightening  from  the  past ; 
Sweet  recollections  crowd  the  mind, 

With  former  scenes  of  purest  bliss  ; 
While  now,  a  sweet  delight  we  find 

In  musing  o^er  past  happiness. 

Now  is  the  hour  of  tranquil  peace. 

While  gliding  o'er  thy  fair  expanse  ; 
All  fierce,  tumultuous  passions  cease, 

And  heavenly  joys  the  soul  entrance  ; 
The  hallowed  fellowship  of  friends 

We  here  with  rich  delight  partake. 
Nor  e'er,  till  this  existence  ends. 

Shall  we  its  memory  dear  forsake. 

■ ___^ -  III  -  __  

•  Diilurneire  Gazetteer,  N.  Y.  *  Ibid. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  397 

But  li8t !  the  hour  souDds  to  depart, 

And  thy  bright  shores  we  lea^e  with  pain ; 
Thoa  e^er  shalt  be  near  ray  heart, 

While  life  or  thought  or  hope  remain  ; 
The  friends  I  here  ha?e  found,  shall  be 

Dear  to  my  heart  till  life  forsake  ; 
And  often  shall  I  think  of  thee, 

Thou  mildly  beauteous  Crotoo  Lake. 

"  The  supplies  of  the  Croton  are  derived  exclusively  from  the 
elevated  region  of  the  Highlands,  in  Westchester  county  and 
Putnam,  being  furnished  by  the  pure  springs  which  so  remarka- 
bly characterize  the  granitic  formation  of  this  region.  Many 
of  the  ponds  and  lakes  from  which  it  is  maintained,  are, 
three  or  four  hundred  acres  in  extent,  and  as  large  as  1000 
acres :  all  these  ponds  are  surrounded  by  clear  upland  shores, 
which  furnish  soft  and  clear  water.  Half  a  gallon  of  water 
taken  from  the  Croton  at  Wood's  bridge,  yielded  by  evaporation, 
2,333  grains  residuum,  in  the  following  proiiortions : 

Vegetable  matter, 133 

Carbonates  of  lime  and  magnesia,  .  1,200  - 

Muriate  of  magnesia,  .        .         .  1,000 


grains,*  2,333 
Prior  to  the  erection  of  the  dam,  shad  fish  annually  ascended 
the  river  some  miles  above  the  present  lake.  The  fishing  is 
now  entirely  confined  to  trout,  perch,  and  other  fresh  water  fish. 
In  1800  it  was  proposed  to  render  the  Croton  river  navigable, 
from  its  mouth  to  Pine's  bridge.  The  following  report  of  the  en- 
gineers is  entitled : 

**  Estimate  of  expense  to  make  the  Croton  xiret  na?igable  for  boats  of  two 
tons." 

The  falls  at  Croton  rirer  with  a  lock,  jC350 

The  falls  below  the  Old  bridge,  S50 

Small  rapid,  10 

Rapid  and  stony,  15 

2  small  falls,  15 


•  See  Corporat.  Doc.  of  N.  Y.,  No.  x«?i.  409. 


308  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Rocky  falls  and  stony  water,  £  60 

Fall  both  above  and  below  Fowler's  mill,  100 

Rapids  and  rocks,  80 

Long  rapid  water,  2  stony  falls,  950 

do.        do.  150 

Fall  at  Carpenter's  mills  and  lock,  1 10 

A  short  rapid,  30 
This  brings  us  to  Pine's  bridge.     Here  we  find  18  obttmctions, 
such  as  small  rapids,  fish  wares,  stony,  &c.  &c. 

The  cost  of  n  hich  is  estimated  at  830 

X1050 

Pine's  Bridge  crosses  the  lake  about  one  mile  above  the  dam. 
On  the  south  side  of  the  Croton  is  a  small  settlement  bearing 
the  name  of  Crotonville,  which  contains  a  Methodist  church,  a 
Friends'  meeting  house,  two  stores,  a  tavern,  a  post  office,  and 
several  scattered  dwellings.  The  old  bridge  was  situated  west 
of  the  present  structure,  and  served,  during  the  Revolution,  as 
the  principal  communication  between  the  lines.  Here  the  Ame- 
ricans generally  kept  a  strong  guard  for  the  purpose  of  affording 
timely  notice  of  an  enemy's  approach.  It  was  also  a  place  of 
rendezvous,  as  appears  from  the  following  orders : 

"  Manor  of  Corilandt,  12th  Nov.,  1781. 
*<  Lieutenant  Purdy,  you  are  commanded  to  march  24  of  your 
men,  well  armed  and  eqnipt  with  six  days  provision,  to  Pintfs 
Bridge,  by  to-morrow  morning  at  8  o'clock,  with  all  the  teams 
in  your  company. 

"Samuel  Drake,  Ck)lonel.'' 

"  DanforiKs^  8  o'clock  in  the  evening. 
"  Sir— I  have  this  moment  received  intelligence  that  the  ene- 
my are  out  as  far  as  Young's.     I  shall  be  at  the  Bridge,  ready- 
to  march,  at  2  o'clock,  and  wish  to  have  all  the  militia  in  Crom- 
pond  mustered  and  at  the  Bridge  by  that  time. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

"William  Hull,  Lieut.  Colonel. 
"  P.  S. — I  beg  you  to  send  to  Major  Strang's  and  Captain 
Drakes." 

«  On  the  morning  of  the  26th  of  June,  1779,  the  British  light 
horse,  and  about  1000  infantry,  were  at  Pine's  Bridge,^^  Gen- 
eral Heath  "ordered  200  light  infantry,  under  the  command  of 


County  of  westchester.  399 

Lt.  Col.  Grosvenor,to  march  to  Robinson's  stores,  near  Marpoach 
Pond,  to  cover  that  quarter."* 

21st  of  October,  1780,  "  intelligence  was  received  that  the  en- 
emy were  meditating  an  excursion  as  far  up  as  Crompond  and 
its  vicinity,  to  sweep  off  the  cattle."  General  Heath  "  immedi- 
ately ordered  Colonel  Hazen,  with  a  detachment  of  600  men,  to 
move  to  Pin€?s  Bridge^  and  Lieut.  Col.  Jameson,  with  the  2d 
light  dragoons,  to  move  from  Bedford  towards  Col.  Hazen.  The 
detachment  arrived  at  Pine^s  Bridge  about  10  o'clock  the  same 
evening,  and  Colonel  Jameson  with  the  dragoons  at  about  ,2 
o'clock  the  next  morning.  The  evening  of  the  23d,  Col.  Hazen 
returned  with  the  detachment ;  the  enemy  did  not  come  out."b 
It  was  in  the  vicinity  of  Pine's  Bridge  that  Enoch  Crosby,  the 
Westchester  spy,  first  commenced  his  career  of  secret  service. 

By  way  of  a  general  geographical  description  of  Yorktown,  it 
may  be  observed,  "  that  the  north  is  broken  by  the  hills  of  the 
southern  border  of  the  Highlands,  and  the  general  surface  is  hilly, 
though  its  hills  are  of  a  moderate  height  in  the  south.''^:  The 
numerous  streams  supply  abundance  of  mill  seats.  <<  The  soil 
is  generally  productive,  and  well  distributed  into  arable,  pasture 
and  meadow  lands.  Much  of  it  is  stony ;  and  previous  to  the 
late  introduction  of  gypsum  as  a  manure,  many  farms  were  nearly 
exhausted  by  constant  tillage."**  The  timbt^r  is  very  thrifty  and 
tall,  consisting  for  the  most  part  of  oak,  chesnut,  hickory  and 
walnut,  &c.  The  low  grounds  yield  maple,  black  birch,  ash  and 
hemlock,  &a. 

The  first  entry  relating  to  town  officers  occurs  in  the  manor 
book,  entitled,  "  Record  for  the  manor  of  Cortlandt  and  York- 
town."  <*  At  a  town  meeting  held  for  ye  manor  of  Cortlandt,  on 
the  first  Tuesday,  in  April,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1760,  to  choose 
town  officers  for  ye  said  manor  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  the  re- 
spective names  and  offices  of  those  chosen." 
Pierre  van  Cortlandt,  Supervisor, 
Moses  Travis,  Clerk, 


•  Heath's  Mem.  206.  d  Ibid. 

b  Ibid.  260. 

<  Spafford*8  Gazetteer  of  New  York. 


400  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Joseph  Sherwood,  Treasurer, 
'  Daniel  Strang,  ) 
Joseph  Tidd,    {Assessors. 

Joseph  Travis,  for  the  Water  Collector  at  Peekskill, 

John  Travis,  Pounder, 

Jeremiah  Drake,  Constable  for  the  west  part, 

John  Teomans,  for  ye  middle  part, 

John  Purdy,  for  ye  east  part,  d&c.* 


»  See  Rec.  of  Yorktown.    The  names  of  some  twenty  freebolden  ai«  •lao 
attached  to  the  Hit 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.        '  401 


YONKERS. 

YoNKERs  is  situated  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Hudson,  immedi- 
ately above  New  York  island,  seventeen  miles  north  of  New 
York,  one  hundred  and  thirty  south  of  Albany,  and  ten  south- 
west of  White  Plains  ;  bounded  north  by  Greenburgh,  east  by 
Eastchester  and  a  small  angle  of  Westchester,  or  by  Bronx's 
River ;  south  by  West  Farms  and  New  York  county,  and  west 
by  the  Hudson  River.  It  extends  near  eight  miles  along  the 
Hudson,  and  has  a  medial  width  of  near  three  miles. 

The  name  of  this  town,  at  different  periods  written  Younkers, 
Younckers,  Jonkers  and  Yonkers,  is  derived  from  the  Dutch 
**  Jonker"  or  "  Jonkheer,"  meaning  in  that  language  the  ^^  young 
gentleman,^^  a  common  appellation  for  the  heir  of  a  Dutch  fam- 
ily.» 

Yonkers  and  the  Mile  Square  constituted  a  township  withia 
the  great  manor  of  Philipsburgh,  until  the  year  1779,  when  the 
manor  was  confiscated  and  conveyed  to  the  people  of  this  state. 
A.  D.  1788,  the  present  township  was  independently  organi- 
zed.»» 

Thirty  years  after  the  Dutch  discovery  of  the  New  Nether- 
lands, A.  D.  1639,  we  find  the  Dutch  West  India  Company  pur- 
chasing lands  in  this  town  of  the  native  Indian  sachems. 

"  Appeared  before  me,  Cornelis  van  Tienhoven,  secretary  of  the 
New  Netherlands,  Fecquemeck,  Rechgawac,  Packanniens,  own- 
ers of  Kekeshickj  which  they  did  freely  convey,  cede,  <fcc.  &c. 
to  the  behoof  of  the  General  Incorporated  West  India  Company, 
which  lies  over  against  the  flats  of  the  Island  cf  Manhates,  mostly 
east  and  west,  beginning  at  the  source  of  the  said  Kill  till  over 
against  the  high  hill  of  the  flat  lands — to  wit,  by  the  great  Kill, 
together  with  all  the  rights,  estate  and  title  to  them,  the  grantees, 


«  Benson*!  Mem.  of  N.  Y. 

k  Act  pawed  7th  March,  1788.    Re?.  Stat.  vol.  iii.  286. 

Vol.  II.  51 


402  HISTORY  OF  THE 

&c.  &c.  Tn  testimony  of  the  truth  of  which,  this  is  subscribed 
by  witnesses.  Done  3d  of  August,  1639,  at  Fort  Amsterdam,  in 
New  Netherlaud-» 

Cornelius  van  der  Hoyken,  J  ^,  witnesses. 

Davidt  Piettersen  de  Tries,  i 
Id  presence  of  me  Cornells  van  TienhoveOi  Sec^j/* 

How  long  the  Dutch  West  India  Company  held  the  lands  of 
Kekeshick,  does  not  appear  }  but  about  the  year  A.  D.  1646|  we 
find  the  Indian  sachem  Taekarew^  granting  lands  in  this  town 
to  Adriaen  van  der  Donck.^  In  this  sale  the  town  is  called  Nep-' 
perhaenif^  an  Indian  name  frequently  applied  to  the  village. 
Eighty  years  Inter  we  find  it  varied  to  NeppercAf^'ihe.  proper 
Indian  orthography  of  which  is  evidently  Nap-pe-cha-makf  ren- 
dered literally  the  ^^  rapid  water  seillementJ^  Thus  graphically 
expressing  the  situation  of  the  Mohegan  village,  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Neperah,  or  rapid  waters.^  In  the  deep  seclusion  of  the  an- 
cient forests  that  once  bordered  this  beautiful  stream,  were  loca- 
ted  other  Indian  villages,  some  of  the  sites  of  which  tradition  has 
preserved  to  us  ;  one  of  these  occupied  the  eastern  edge  of  Boar 
Hill.  A  Mohegan  castle  ornamented  the  steep  side  ot  Berriau^s 
Neck,  styled  in  the  Indian  tongue  Nipnichsen.  It  was  carefully 
protected,  by  a  strong  stockade,  from  the  attacks  of  the  warlike 
Sank-hi-cnu-ni,  (fire  workers,)  inhabiting  the  Jersey  shores,  and 
commanded  the  romantic  scenery  of  the  Spuyten  Duyvel  Creek 
and  Hudson  River.  Tiie  junction  of  the  two  streams  was  calledj 
in  the  Indian,  Shorackappock.  The  lost  settlement  of  the  Nap- 
peckamak  Indians  remembered  in  this  town  stood  near  the  present 
residence  of  Abraham  Fowler,  on  a  rising  bank  of  the  Neperah 
(Saw  Mill.)  The  crystal  waters  of  this  sweet  stream  (which  runs 
principally  north  and  south)  arise  from  two  perennial  springs  in 


•  Alb.  Rcc.  C.  C.  62. 

b  Sometimes  called  the  Youngrer  Vau  Dunkc.    Araize  Rec.  Alb.  47. 

•  Alb.  Kec.  viii.  79,  60 ;  IIcl.  Doc.  vi.  118 ;  Book  of  Pat.  i.  5G;  O'Calla^han*! 
Hist.  N.  N.  282. 

d  Valentine  receipts  for  rent. 

•  Nipi,  in  the  old  Algonkin,  sif^niftct  water;  Niep»  in  the  Montauk.     Trniu. 
Amer.  Antiq  Soc.  iu 


COUNXr  OF  WESTCHESTER.  403 

rti«  bosom  of  the  Chappeqiia  hills."  To  this  nymph  of  ihe  val- 
ley the  Indians  (as  their  custom  was)  offered  sacrifice,  the  perpe- 
tuity of  her  motion  typyfying  to  them  the  eternity  of  God. 


In  the  north  irest  comer  of  this  town,  west  of  the  Saw  Mill, 
(Neperah)  is  situated  the  rock  Mcghkeckassia,  Amackasain,  otr 
the  great  alone,  soineiimes  called  Meshkeckassin,  and  Maca- 
kassin,  a  name  probably  derived  from  two  Delaware  words, 
"  Mekhkakhsin"  signifying  copper^  " akkain,"  slone.*'  This 
word  appears  to  denote  not  a  common  stone,  but  the  cwlored 
copper  stone  bound  under  some  spell  of  Indian  necromancy. 
"  To  these  stones  they  paid  all  outward  signs  of  worship  and  de- 
votion, not  as  to  God,  but  as  they  are  hieroglyphinks  of  the  per- 
manency and  immutability  of  the  Deity;  because  these,  both  for 
figure  and  subslaiice,  are,  of  all  sublunary  bodies,  the  least  sub- 
ject to  decay  or  change.""  This  stone  lies  in  an  obscure  nook 
on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  Hudson,  at  the  foot  of  a  steep  bank 
whose  sides  are  shaded  with  masses  of  wild  cedar  and  laurel, 
the  beautiful  take  like  appearance  of  the  river  giving  additional 
interest  and  magical  illusion  to  the  scene.    At  ebb  tide  the  huge 


>  TImm  hill*  ara  (ituKted  in  Ihe  town  of  Niwcaitl*. 
k  Trmu.  Amer.  Auliq.  Sue.  tol.  ii.  336. 
'  Biverly'a  Hiit.  Virgini». 


404  HISTORY  OP  THE 

boulder  must  have  reminded  them  of  a  monstrous  Neebanawbaijif, 
(or  water  spirit)  afloat  on  the  waves.  To  the  superstitious  In- 
dian its  peculiar  position  mast  have  been  a  subject  of  deep  inte- 
rest. The  name  of  this  stone  is  sometimes  applied  to  a  brook 
that  flows  in  the  vicinity.  The  term  Sigghes,  which  also  oc- 
curs in  some  of  the  deeds,  doubtless  belongs  to  the  Indian  rock, 
situated  still  higher  up,  west  of  the  post  road  on  the  land  of  J. 
O.  Dyckman.  The  two  rocks  or  stones  and  rivulet  here  referred 
to,  still  form  a  portion  of  the  northern  boundary  of  Yonkers,  run- 
ning east  to  Bronx's  river.  In  this  town  are  also  two  Indian 
burying  grounds.  The  principal  one  lies  two  miles  north  of 
the  village,  on  Blackwell's  hill.  Within  the  recollection  of  many 
persons  still  living,  the  graves  were  distinctly  indicated  by  rude 
mounds  of  earth,  but,  alas !  the  plough  has  long  since  removed 
these  memorials  of  the  ancient  dead,  and  perhaps  the  mouldering 
relics  themselves. 

That  remnant  of  a  martial  brow, 

Those  ribs  that  held  the  mighty  heart. 
That  strong  arm — ah  !  'tis  strengthless  now. — Bryant, 

and  well  might  the  poet  add. 

Spare  them !  each  mouldering  fragment  spare, 

Of  God's  own  image — let  them  rest, 
Till  not  a  trace  shall  speak  of  where 

The  awful  likeness  was  impressed  !^ 

The  second  and  last  place  of  sepulture  used  by  the  Indians  in 
this  town,  is  now  nearly  covered  by  the  barn  and  out  buildings 
of  Benjamin  Fowler,  Esq.  The  sile  was  well  chosen  on  rising 
ground  at  the  entrance  of  the  Sprain  valley. 

Besides  the  Tawasenlhas,  (or  places  of  many  dead,)  numerous 
skeletons  have  been  discovered  in  different  parts  of  the  town, 
showing  it  to  have  been  once  numerously  populated  by  the  In- 
dian tribes.  One  of  these  was  recently  disinterred  in  making 
some  improvements  on  the  Kingsbridge  road  nearly  opposite  the 
Van  Corllandt  residence  j  it  proved  to  be  on  examination  the  full 


*  Ilurper'n  Indian  Traits,  introd.  i.  19. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  405 

sized  skeleton  of  an  Indian  in  a  sitting  posture  holding  the  re- 
mains of  a  small  child  between  its  knees.  Others  have  been 
discovered  lying  near  the  surface  of  the  ground  on  Berrian's 
Neck ;  the  back  part  of  the  skull  of  one  of  these  was  found  per- 
forated hy  a  musket  ball,  which  still  remains  in  the  cavity  of  the 
brain.*  Of  course  this  Indian  perished  by  fire  arms.  It  may 
not  be  inappropriate  to  mention  that  Hendrick  Hudson  had  an 
engagement  with  the  Indians,  1609,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Spuyten 
Dyvil  creek. 

The  descendants  of  the  last  named  chief,  Tackarew jConiinned 
to  reside  in  Yonkers  for  more  than  half  a  century  after  the  sale 
to  Van  der  Donck.  A.  D.  1646,  as  wc  find  Claas  do  Wilt,  Neme- 
rau,  and  a  squaw,  Karocapacomont,  confirming  the  Hon.  Jacobus 
van  Cortland t  in  possession  of  the  old  Younckers,  A.  D.  1701.^ 
1692,  we  find  an  Indian  chief  at  Bedford  called  Wappowham.* 
The  last  remnant  of  his  tribe  in  this  place  was  a  noble  Indian 
by  the  name  of  Shucktaman,  who  occasionally  visited  the  village, 
but  was  oftener  to  be  seen  in  his  canoe  cruising  along  the  various 
fishing  grounds  of  the  Hudson. 

We  have  shown  that  the  next  grantee  in  Younckers,  under  the 
Indians,  was  the  renowned  Dutch  De  Heer  Adriaen  van  der 
Donck.<^  <<Tlus  illustrious  personage  was  a  free  citizen  of  Breda 
in  Dutch  Brabant,  part  owner  of  the  famous  turf  sloop  in  which  a 
party  of  Dutch  troops  were  clandestinely  introduced,  in  1590,  into 
the  castle  commanding  that  city,  then  in  the  hands  of  the  Spanish, 
by  which  stratagem  that  stronghold  fell  into  the  hands  of  their 
high  mightinesses  the  States  General.''^  ''  Van  der  Donck  en- 
joys the  distinction  of  having  been  the  first  lawyer  in  the  Colony 
of  New  Netherlands.  He  received  his  education  at  the  University 
of  Leyden  in  Holland,  where  he  attained  the  degree  of  Juris 
utriusque  Doctor;  he  subsequently  obtained  permission  to  prac- 
tice as  an  advocate  in  the  Supreme  Court  of  Holland.  In  the 
autumn  of  1642  he  embarked  on  board  a  vessel  belonging  to  the 


■  lu  postession  of  H.  S.  Gates,  M.  D.,  of  Yonken  rilla^ 

b  See  Van  Cortlandt*8  coofirmation. 

c  See  Bedford. 

4  Douck  if  a  ▼illaje  in  Soath  HoUaDd,  three  and  a  half  leagues  fVom  Gorcnm. 

•  0*Callaghan*s  Hitt.  N.  N.  337. 


406  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Patroon  Killian  van  Rensselaer,  for  the  New  Netherlands.    On 
his  arrival  he  was  created  sheriff t)f  Rensselaerwyck."* 

After  remaining  here  for  two  or  three  years,  and  finding  him- 
self disappointed  in  his  efibrts  to  plant  a  colony  in  that  neighbor- 
hood. *'  he  obtained,  in  consideration  of  the  assistance  he  afforded 
in  negotiating  the  treaty  between  the  Director  Grencral  and  the 
Mohawks,  and  in  return  for  the  advances  he  then  made  to  enable 
the  government  to  purchase  presents  for  the  Indians,  Ihe  tracl  of 
land  called  Nepperh'aem.    This  valuable  property  was  situated 
on  the  east  side  of  Hudson's  river,  about,  sixteen  miles  above 
New  Amsterdam.    It  was  bounded  on  the  north  by  a  stream 
which  the  Indians  called  Maccakassin  and  ran  south  to  Neper- 
haem ;  thence  to  the  Shorakapkock  kill^  and  to  Papirinimen 
creekj  called  by  the  Dutch  '  Spuyten  duyvel,'  whence  it  stretched 
eastward  to  the  river  Bronx.  The  title  of  thiscolonie  was  *Coien 
Donckf^  Donck's  colony,  and  the  proprietor  thereof  was  invested 
with  all  the  rights  and  privileges  contained  in  the  charter  of 
1629."b    If  Van  der  Donck  obtained  these  lands  in  marriage 
with  his  wife  Mary,  as  her  brother  affirmed,  he  certainly  had  the 
sanction  of  the  Lords  Directors  of  the  Dutch  West  India  Com- 
pany, as  Earls  of  the  province  of  New  Holland,  as  well  as  a 
charter  afterwards,  and  a  deed  of  confirmation  from  the  ancient 
loi^ds  of  the  soil.    The  Indian  grantors  were  Tackarew,  Claee^ 
and  seven  others.    This  fact  is  proved  by  the  testimony  taken 
before  his  Excellency,  Richard  Nicolls,  the  first  English  Gover- 
nor of  New  York,  A.  D.  16G4,  when  it  was  distinctly  declared, 
<*That  the  Indian  proprietor's  name,  who  was  chief  of  them,  was 
TackareWf  living  at  the  Navisans,  (the  highlands  of  the  Nevi- 
sink,  N.  J.)  who  acknowledged  ye  purchase  as  before  described, 
and  that  he  had  recived  satisfaction  for  it.    Claes  ye  Indian 
having  interest  in  a  part,  acknowledged  to  have  sold  and  re- 
ceived satisfaction  of  Van  der  Donck.    All  the  rest  of  ye  Indians, 
being  seven  or  eight,  acknowledged  to  have  received  full  satis- 
faction® likewise. 

The  Jonge  Heer  being  now  a  member  of  the  privileged  order 


•  N.  Y.  HtBt.  Soc.  CoU  iu  tec.  i.  37.  »  0*CallaghaQ*t  Hiit.  N.  N.  389. 

«  Alb.  Rec.  Courts  of  Auize,  u 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  407 

of  PatfooDs,^  enjoyed  all  the  feudal  appendages  attached  thereto, 
such  as  power  to  erect  achurch  or  churches ;  to  administer  juris- 
diction, to  decide  civil  suits,  to  impose  fines,  to  pronounce  the  first 
sentence,  finally  to  exercise  all  rights  belonging  to  the  jurisdic' 
tion  of  Colen  Donck  together  with  the  right  of  hunting,  fowling, 
fishing  and  trading  according  to  imrouniiies  granted  in  the  same. 
Soon  after  the  settlement  of  our  Patroon  at  Colen  Donck,  there 
arose  a  controversy  between  the  government  of  the  Colony  of 
New  Netherlands  and  several  of  the  colonists  ;  among  the  most 
forward  of  the  latter  was  Adriaen  van  der  Donck.  who  with  others 
united  in  a  strong  remonstrance  to  the  States  General  of  Holland, 
complaining  of  the  power  exercised  by  the  Dutch  West  India 
Co.  especially  during  the  administrations  of  Kieft  and  Stuy- 
vesant.  This  remonstrance  was  afterwards  printed  at  the  Hague 
A.  D.  1650,  and  formed  a  small  vol.  (quarto)  of  fifty  pages  enti- 
tled "Yertoogh^  van  Nieuw  Nederlaudt,  weghens  de  Ghelegeu- 
hetyd,  Vruchtbaerheydt,  en  soberen  Staet  desselfs.  In  s' Graven 
Hage  1650,  (An  Exposition  of  the  New  Netherlands,  in  respect  to 
the  situation,  fertility,  and  wretched  condition  of  the  country.  At 
the  Hague,  1650.)  This  attempt  to  shake  the  authority  of  the 
Dutch  West  India  Company,  proved  abortive,  and  only  served 
to  re-act  unfavorably  upon  the  disafiected ;  19  March,  1650,  oc- 
curs a  contract  between  the  Dutch  West  India  Co.,  Van  der  Donck 
and  others,  for  the  transportation  of  200  persons  to  New  Nether- 
lands.e  November  29,  1660,  Cornelis  Van  Tienhoven  secretary 
of  the  New  Netherlands,  delivered  to  the  States  General  a  short 
statement  or  answer  upon  certain  points  contained  in  the  memo- 
rial of  Van  der  Donck  and  others  to  their  High  Mightinesses.*^ 

Van  der  Donck,  also  appears  to  have  been  one  of  the  commis* 
sioners  who  repaired  to  Holland  for  a  redress  of  grievances  for 
May,  13, 1652,  occurs  the  memorial  of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck  to 


•  A  title  derived  from  the  Latin  Patronmi  like  the  French  Seignior, 
b  Vertoogh  tometimeB  meaua  remonstrance, 
e  Holland  Doc.  xvi.  191. 
d  HoU.  Doc.  No.  Ivil  360. 


408  HISTORY  OF  THR 

the  commiUec  of  ilie  States  General,  stating  his  intended  return 
to  the  New  Netherlands.* 

Again,  May  30, 1652,  a  second  memorial  from  Adriaen  van 
der  Donck  to  the  same  body,  ^'  respecting  various  matters  con- 
nected with  his  visit  to  Holland  on  behalf  of  Gemeente  at  New 
Netherlands.^ 

During  the  Patroon's  stay  in  Holland,  he  had  shipped  for 
Colen  Donck  seven  persons,  four  of  whom  had  cruelly  deserted 
and  betrayed  him.  Upon  this  we  find  him  again  petitioning  the 
Directors  of  the  Dutch  We.H  India  Company's  department.  Am- 
sterdam. 

Remonstrates  reverently,  Adriaen  Van  der  Donck,  residing  in  New  Nether- 
lands that  to  tbe  supplteant  was  granted  by  the  Director  General  and  Com- 
pany in  New  Netherlands,  the  Saw  Kill  with  the  adjacent  lands  to  erect  there 
saw  and  grist  mills,  and  clear  the  land  for  a  plantation  and  farms  as  far  as  his 
property  would  permit  it,  which  grant  was  chiefly  obtained  beeaose  tin  sop- 
plicant  bad  contributed  a  vast  deal  by  bis  services  as  mediator,  to  negotiate 
and  conclude  a  peace  between  the  director  Kief\  from  the  one  side  aad  the 
Indians  from  the  other  side,  not  without  great  sacrifice  from  his  aide,  aa  it 
was  the  first  part  of  the  year  when  his  presence  was  wanted  at  hoaie,  and  all 
this  at  his  own  expcnce  so  that  he  might  assert  without  boasting  that  he  con- 
tributed at  least  as  much  to  its  consolidation  than  any  other  person  whatevert 
80  that  at  length  peace  was  concluded  when  the  supplicant  advanced  the  prin- 
cipal part  of  the  money,  as  the  Director  General  was  at  that  period  not  well 
provided  witli  it  to  procure  seawant,*  which  was  wanted  for  presents  in  con- 
firmation of  the  peace  which  God  be  praised,  remains  yet  uninterrupted.    After 
I  attained  this  grant  in  the  year  1616, 1  resolved  to  reside  here,  erected  a  saw 
mill  and  laid  out  a  farm  and  plantation,  and  was  actually  resolved  to  contiooe 
on  this  spot,  when  I  further  with  consent  of  the  Director  General,  parchaaed 
a  part  of  said  land  from  the  Indians  the  original  proprietors,  who  reclaimed 
it  as  belonging  to  them,  but  the  suppliant'  observing  that  near  the  saw  kill 
were  valleys  used  as  commons  which  by  enclosure  might  be  properly  adapted 
for  hay  lands,  so  was  he  permitted  by  the  Director  General  to  purchase  thesa 
valleys  from  the  Indians,  on  the  best  possible  terms.     This  induced  the  sup- 
plicant to  follow  his  plan,  having  obtained  as  I  already  mentioned  the  consent 
and  approbation  of  the  Director  General  and  Council,  and  included  said  ral- 


•■  Holl.  Doc.  xxxii.  130,  iv. 
b  Holl  Doc.  xxxvii.  141. 
>  ludi&n  aam«  f'»r  nholl  money. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  409 

leys  in  his  purchase,  as  he  did  not  possess  other  low  lands*  This  valley  con- 
tained about  30  or  40  morgen/  with  another  handsome  vale  bordering  on  said, 
on  the  back  part  of  the  Island  of  Manhattans,  and  stretching  as  far  as  Paprin* 
emin  called  by  our  people,  in  spite  of  the  dyvel,  where  the  supplicant  was  de« 
termined  to  fix  his  residence  as  soon  as  he  should  have  finished  all  his  con- 
cerns at  the  saw  kill ;  and  which  yet  remains  his  firm  determination  as  soon 
as  he  shall  have  returned  in  safety  to  that  country,  as  he  made  every  prepa* 
ration  to  execute  his  purpose,  by  commencing  to  build  on  that  spot  and  culti- 
rate  the  soil ;  so  because  he  is  delighted  with  that  situation,  as  because  it 
shall  enable  him  to  reap  all  the  advantages  of  the  aforesaid  valleys,  without 
which  all  his  great  expenses  which  he  made  at  the  saw  kill,  would  be  in  vain 
and  his  prospects  in  future  profits  would  be  obscured,  while  all  his  toils  and  la- 
bors would  have  been  rendered  useless  with  respect  at  least  to  himself,  and 
whereas  the  supplicant  is  informed  that  some  greedy  land  speculators 
arrived  in  1653,  to  obtain  a  grant  of  these  lands  in  a  clandestine  manner  ;  so 
it  is  that  the  supplicant  now  addresses  himself  to  your  honors,  with  great  re- 
spect that  it  may  please  them  to  resolve  that  the  supplicant  shall  not  be  dis- 
possessed of  these  lands  and  valleys,  by  any  individual  under  any  pretext  what- 
soever, by  which  doing  &c.  &c.b 

26  May,  1652,  occurs  an  octroy,  granting  to  Adriaen  van  der 
Donck,  Patroon  of  the  Colony  of  Colendonck,  power  to  bequeath 
his  said  &ef  of  Colendonck. 

'*  The  states  general  of  the  United  Netherlands,  to  all  who  shall  see  or 
hear  these  presents,  send  health,  fie  it  known,  that  we,  at  the  humble  re- 
quest of  Adriaen  van  der  Donck  of  Breda,  Patroon  of  the  colony  of  Nepper- 
haem,  called  by  him  Colendonck,  situated  in  New  Netherlands,  within  the  limits 
of  the  privileged  West  India  company,  and  having  taken  into  consideration  the 
6th  article  of  the  freedom  granted  by  the  assembly  of  the  nineteen  of  the  aaid 
company,  to  all  those  who  shall  plant  in  New  Netherlands  aforesaid,  have 
granted,  consented  and  privileged,  grant,  consent  and  privilege,  out  of  our 
sovereign  will  by  these  our  letters,  that  he  may  dispose,  bequeath  and  order 
the  aforesaid,  his  fief  named  Colendonck,  either  by  codicil  by  form  of  testa- 
ment, or  last  will  before  a  notary  and  witnesses,  superintendence  within  the 
property  situated  in  the  same,  as  or  otherwise  as  it  shall  please  him,  to  th« 
profit  of  his  children,  if  he  have  any,  or  other,  strangers,  &o.,  &e.« 


*  A  Dutch  morgen  contained  a  little  over  3  acres  English,  7  morgen  containing 
15  acres. 

k  Alb.  Rsc.  vol.  viii.  79. 

•  Holland  Doc.  No.  zxv.  118. 

Vol.  II.  52 


410  HISTORY  OF  THE 

About  this  period,  the  Patroon  commenced  the  compilation  of 
his  celebrated  book,  entitled  '*  Beschyvinge  van  Nieuw  Neder- 
land,"  or  a  description  of  New  NeUierlandj  the  copyright  of 
which  bears  date,  17th  May,  1653.^ 

The  work  is  dedicated  "  To  the  DlQetrioas,  Most  Wise  sod  Pradent  Lords,  the 
HoDorable  Ruling  Bargomasters  of  the  far-famed  commercial  City  of  Am- 
sterdam. 

Why  mourn  about  Brazil,  full  of  base  Portuguese  t 
When  Van  der  Donck  shows  so  far  much  better  fiare; 
Where  wheat  fills  golden  ears,  and  grapes  abound  in  trees ; 
Where  fruit  and  kine  are  good  with  little  care  ; 
Men  may  mourn  a  loss,  when  vain  would  be  their  Toiee, 
But  when  their  loss  brings  gain,  they  also  may  rejoice. 

Then,  reader,  if  you  will,  go  freely  there  to  liTe, 
We  name  it  Netherlands  though  this  excels  it  far  ; 
If  you  dislike  the  Toyage,  pray  due  attention  giTO, 
To  Van  der  Donck,  his  book,  which,  as  a  leading  star. 
Directs  toward  the  land  where  many  people  are. 
Where  lowland  Love  and  Laws  all  may  freely  share. 

[Evert  Nieuwenk&f.^ 

24th  of  July  of  the  same  year,  we  find  him  petitioning  the  Di- 
rectors of  the  West  India  company,  for  permission  to  search  the 
records  of  the  colony,  and  also  for  leave  to  pursue  the  practice  of 
his  profession. 

The  following  appears  in  answer  to  it : 

As  Mr.  Adriaen  Tan  der  Donck  has  petitioned  our  college,  [stating]  first, 
that  he  has  received  his  degree  at  law  in  the  university  of  Leyden,  and  been 
admitted  to  practice  it  before  the  supreme  court  of  Holland,  he  may  be  per- 
mitted to  follow  his  profession  as  advocate  in  New  Netherlands.  Sndly, 
That  he  may  examine  all  the  records  and  documents  in  the  secretary's 
office  to  accomplish  his  history  of  New  Netherlands,  which  he  did  undertake 
to  write,  so  is  our  resolution  upon  these  points,  we  consent  and  permit  hion, 
that,  in  conformity  with  the  rules  and  customs  of  this  country  ^he  may  foUow 
his  profession  as  advocate  in  New  Netherlands,  to  give  his  advice  to  all  who 


•  HoII.  Doc.  No.  zli.  4,  No.  ziii.  42,  No.  ziv.  43,  No.  zv.  p.  44,  No.  xvi.  45,  "So. 
zvii.  47.  This  book  has  been  recently  translated  from  the  original  Dutch,  by  the 
Hon.  Jeremiah  Johnson.    See  1  vol.  new  series  N.  Y'  His.  Soc. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  411,- 

may  desire  to  obtain  it ;  but,  as  regards  his  pleading  before  the  ooDrts*  we 
cannot  see  that  it  can  be  admitted  yet,  with  any  adrantage  to  the  Direoter 
and  Council  in  New  Netherlands,  besides  that  we  are  ignorant  of  there  being 
any  of  that  stamp  in  your  city  (who  nevertheless  before  they  can  be  admitted, 
must  apply  to  your  honor,  or  directly  to  our  department)  who  can  act  and 
plead  against  Van  der  Donck,  in  behalf  of  the  other  side.  We  trust,  that  in 
this,  you  will  consult  the  interests  of  your  goreroment  and  the  welfare  of 
the  inhabitants. 

Si  July,  1653.» 

Adriaen  van  der  Donck  married  Mary,  daughter  of  the  Rev. 
Francis  Doughty.  Patentee  of  Mespath,  Long  Island.  In  con- 
sequence of  the  absence  of  all  family  records,  we  have  no  meant 
whereby  we  can  determine  the  exact  date  of  the  Patroon's  death, 
but  it  is  reasonable  to  conclude  from  the  following  document, 
that  it  took  place  circa,  1654,  as  in  it  we  find  his  lands  settled 
and  divided  among  his  children.  This  was  previous  to  tba 
general  massacre  by  the  Indians,  A.  D.  1655. 

This  letter  was  despatched  by  the  Director  General,  Peter 
Stuyvesant  and  council,  to  Holland,  in  a  vessel  called  the  FoXf 
coomianded  by  the  skipper^  Jacob  Jansen  Hayes^ 

Honorable,  prudent,  wise  and  right  respectful  gents. 

AlthoQgh  since  our  last  letter*  no  act  of  hostility  has  been  eonimitted^  yet 
those  of  Hartford  continue  tjieir  threatenings,  anticipates,  and  encroachments, 
and  purchased  from  the  savages  all  the  land  between  Westchester  and  the 
lliTorth  ri7er,b  including  different  lots  of  land,  which  were  as  well  under  the 
administration  of  the  Honorable  Got.  Kieft  as  ours,  in  the  usual  manner  granted 
by  letters  patent,  and  in  virtue  of  these  possessed  by  those  of  our  nation,  as 
so  among  others  the  land  of  Jonas  Bronek,  the  lands  of  the  old  Verdonck 
divided  and  settled  by  his  children  and  associates  in  rarious  plantations  and 
farms,  but  who  in  the  massacre*  were  absconded  with  many  others,  all 
which  are  situated  here  and  bordering  on  our  island,  only  divided  by  a  small 
creek,  which  in  some  places  by  low  water  is  passable,  so  as  they  to  us  the 


•  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  iv.  3. 

k  Thos.  Pell,  proprietor  of  the  manor  of  Pelham,  was  authorized  by  the  anembly  of 
Conn.,  to  porchtse  all  the  lands  from  Westchester  town  to  the  North  river,  of  the 
Indians,  1664.     Trumbuirs  Conn.,  373,  Webster's  Letters,  305. 

•  The  maisacre  here  alluded  to,  took  place  Sept.  1655,  during  the  absence  of 
Stuyvesant,  when  the  warriors  of  the  Algonquin  tribes,  mads  a  furioos  onset  upog 
the  colony.    See  Bancroft's  His.  U.  S„  vol.  ii,  399. 


412  HISTORY  OF  THE 

MTftges  declared  and  solicited  them  to  parchaae  ot!ier  lands  to  tbe  emst  aai 

west  of  the  North  river,  dat.  20  Jane,  1064.* 

On  the  12th  of  March,  1664,  the  Dutch  possessions  in  America 
were  patented  to  his  Royal  Highness  James  Duke  of  York  and  Al- 
bany, by  his  brother  King  Charles  11.  This  grant  was  immediately 
followed  by  a  military  and  naval  armament  under  the  command 
of  Colonel  Richard  Nicolls,  which  reduced  the  New  Netherlands 
to  the  subjection  of  the  English  Crown,  27th  August,  1664. 

One  of  the  articles  of  capitulation  drawn  up  by  the  commission- 
ers at  the  surrender,  declared  that  '^all  people  shall  qontinne 
free  denizens,  and  shall  enjoy  their  lands,  houses  and  goodi| 
whersoever  they  are  within  this  country,  and  dispose  of  theni  as 
they  please.** 

Sept.  21,  1666,  Mary  Doughty,  widow  of  the  late  Adriaen 
van  der  Donck,  and  wife  of  Hugh  O'Neale,®  in  right  of  her  former 
husband,  claimed  "all  that  land  upon  the  maine  not  far  from 
Westchester,  called  the  Younckers  land,  and  brought  forward 
several  Indians  to  prove  the  purchase."<> 

8th  October,  1666,  18th  King  Charles  IT.  Governor  Nicolls 
granted  the  following  patent  to  Mr.  Hugh  O'Neale  and  Mnry  his 
wife. 

PATENT  FOR  NEPPERHAEM. 

Richard  Nicolls,  Esq  ,  governor  under  his  Royal  Highness,  ye  Dake  of 
York,  of  all  his  territoryes  in  America,  to  all  to  whom  this  present  writing 
shall  come,  sendeth  greeting  :  Whereas  there  is  a  certain  tract  of  land  within 
this  government,  upon  the  main,  bounded  to  the  northwards  by  a  rivulet  called 
by  the  Indians,  Macakassin,  so  running  southward  to  Nepperhaem,  from  thence 
to  the  kill  Shorakkapoch,  and  then  to  Paprinimen,  which  is  the  southermoet 
bounds,  then  to  go  across  the  country  to  the  eastward  by  that  which  is  com- 
monly  known  by  the  name  of  Bronck^^s  his  river  and  land,  which  said  tract 
hath  heretofore  been  purchased  of  the  Indian  proprietors  by  Adriaen  ran  der 
Donck,  deceased,  whose  relict,  Mary,  the  wife  of  Hugh  O^Neale,  one  of  the 
patentees  is,  and  due  satisfaction  was  also  given  for  the  same,  as  hath  by 


•  Alb.  Rec.  vol.  xviii.  257. 

h  Smith's  Hist,  of  N.  Y.,  p.  19. 

<  Hugh  O'Neale,  formerly  of  Newtown,  Long  Island.     Assize  Rec.  p.  47. 

iL  See  Confirm,  of  Van  der  Donck*H  purchasje. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  413 

some  of  the  said  Indians  been  acknowledged  before  me  :  now  for  a  further 
oonfirmatioR  unto  them,  the  said  Hugh  O'Neale  and  Mary  his  wife,  relict  of 
the  aforesaid  Adriaen  Tan  der  Donck,  in  their  possession  and  enjoyment  of  the 
premises. 

Know  ye,  that  by  the  virtue  of  this  our  commission  and  authority  given 
unto  me  by  his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  York,  I  have  thought  fit  to  give, 
ratify,  confirm,  and  grant,  and  by  these  presents  do  givtf,  ratify,  confirm,  and 
grant,  unto  the  said  Hugh  O^Neale  and  Mary  his  wife,  their  heirs  and  assigns, 
all  the  aforementioned  tract  or  parcel  of  lands  called  Neperhaero,  together 
with  all  woods,  marshes,  meadows,  pastures,  waters,  lakes,  creeks,  rivuletts, 
fishing,  hunting,  and  fowling,  and  all  other  profits,  commodities  and  emolu* 
ments  to  the  said  tract  of  land  belonging,  with  their  and  every  of  their  apurte- 
nances,  and  of  every  part  and  parcel  thereof,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  said 
tract  of  land  and  premises,  with  all  and  singular  their  appurtenances,  unto  the 
said  Hugh  O^Neale  and  Mary  his  wife,  their  heirs  and  assignee,  to  the  proper 
use  and  behoofe  of  the  said  Hugh  O'Neale  and  Mary  his  wife,  their  heirs  and 
assigns  forever,  he,  she,  or  they,  or  any  of  them,  rendering  and  paying  such 
acknowledgment,  duties,  as  are  or  shall  be  constituted  and  ordayned  by  his 
Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  York  and  his  heirs,  or  such  governor  or  governors 
as  shall  from  time  to  time  be  appointed  and  set  over  them  within  this  province. 
That,  if  at  any  time  hereaAer  his  Royal  Highness,  his  heirs,  successors,  or  as- 
signes,  shall  think  fit  to  make  use  of  any  timber  for  shipping,  or  for  erecting  or 
Impairing  of  forts  within  this  government,  liberty  is  reserved  for  such  uses 
and  purposes  to  cut  any  sort  of  timber  upon  any  unplanted  grounds  on  the 
said  tract  of  land,  to  make  docks,  harbours,  wharfes,  houses,  or  any  other 
conveniences  relating  thereunto,and  also  to  make  use  of  any  rivers  or  rivuletts 
and  inlets  of  water  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  as  fully  and  free  as  if  no  such 
patent  had  been  granted. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  aieal  at  Fort  James,  New  York,  on  the  island  of 

Manhattan,  the  eighth  day  of  October,  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  the  reign  of 

our  frovereign  Lord,  Charles  the  Second,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  England, 

Scotland,  France,  and  Ireland  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  4^c.,  &c.,  in  the 

year  of  our  Lord  God,  1606.^ 

Richard  "Skowlb. 

I  have  been  unable  to  trace  the  Patroon's  descendants.  That 
he  left  children  has  been  clearly  shown  in  the  letter  dispatched 
by  the  Fox,  A.  D.  1664.  On  the  26th  August,  1666,  Governor 
Stuyvesant  grants  a  piece  of  land  lying  on  the  north  side  of 
Manhattans  called  Muscoota,^  to  one  Cornelis  van  der  Donck 

«  Book  of  Pat  Alb. 

b  Moscoota,  a  meadow  or  plain  of  natural  gnm.  The  tame  worjl  is  applied  to 
the  Haarlom  riFer. 


414  HISTORY  OF  THE 

This  purchase  lay  directljr  opposite  to  Tonckers.*  A.  D.  1663^ 
Gysbert  van  der  Donck  occurs,  a  defendant  in  a  sait  brought  by 
Gulyan  Jansen,  a  carpenter,  for  the  recovery  of  damages  on  the 
loss  of  clothes  sustained  by  plaintiff,  <*  which  through  the  fault  of 
defendant's  father,  then  his  master,  had  been  stolen  by  the  In- 
dians."^ 1653,  Madame  Anna  van  der  Donck  occurs  as  defen- 
dant in  a  suit,  (her  son  Huybert  van  der  Donck.)® 

Upon  the  30th  of  October,  1666,  Ellas  Doughty  purchased 
lands  in  this  town  of  Hugh  O'Neal  and  Mary  his  wife.  The 
father  of  Eiias  was  the  Rev.  Franciscus  Doughty.  ^'This  min- 
ister, Franciscus  Doughty,  (says  his  son-in-law,  Tan  der  Donck,) 
in  the  time  of  the  first  troubles  in  England,  came  over  in  order 
to  escape  from  them  to  New  England,  and  found  himself  (to  use 
a  homely  phrase,)  out  of  the  frying-pan  in  the  fire.  In  order  to 
be  able  to  enjoy  freedom  of  conscience  accordiug  to  the  Dutch 
reformation,  which  he  certainly  missed  in  New  England,  he 
betook  himself  under  the  protection  of  the  Dutch,  and  an  ab- 
solute patent  with  privileges  for  a  colony  was  granted  and  con- 
ferred on  him  by  the  Director  General."  This  patent  consisted  of 
thirteen  thousand  three  hundred  and  thirty-two  acres  of  the  lands 
called  Mispath,  (the  present  Newtown  on  L.  I.)  It  was.conferred 
upon  him  and  his  associates,  28th  March,  1642."<i  He  had  re- 
inforced himself  now  in  one  year  with  some  families,  but  in  con- 
sequence of  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  they  were  all  driven 
from  their  lands  with  loss  of  some  people,  and  the  destruction  of 
much  cattle,  losing  for  the  most  part  all  their  houses  and  what- 
ever they  possessed.  After  they  had  remained  awhile,  and  con- 
sumed more  than  they  could  collect,  they  came  to  the  Manhat- 
tans, where  all  the  refugees  resorted  at  the  time,  and  Master 
Doughty  was  minister  there.®  The  Rev.  Franciscus  Doughty 
was  a  member  of  the  ancient  and  honorable  family  of  the 
Doughtys  or  Douteys  of  Easher  Surrey,  and  Boston,  Lincoln- 


•  Alb.  Rec.  ZZ7. 

b  Dutch  Rtc.  City  Clerk's  Office,  N.  Y.  160. 

«  Ibid.  279. 

d  O'Callaghan*!  Hiit  N.  N.  Appendix,  436. 

•  Van  der  Donck'e  Vertooghe  Tftn  N.  N. 


N/ 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  41S 

shire,  England,  descended  from  an  English  Saxon  house  of 
Dohteg,  before  the  conquest,  A.  D.  1066.* 

15th  May,  1677,  Ellas  Doughty,  (son  of  the  above)  proprietor 
of  the  land  heretofore  belonging  to  the  Younckers  van  der 
Doncky  near  Eastchester,  was  invested  in  the  sole  ownership  by 
Hugh  O'Neale  and  Mary  his  wife. 

The  descendants  of  Elias  Doughty  are  still  numerous  in  the 
county  of  Westchester.  Of  this  family  was  Francis  Doughty  of 
Rye,  in  1766,  father  of  John  Doughty,  Esq.,  and  grandfather  of 
the  Hon.  John  Doughty.  The  son  of  the  latter  is  the  present 
General  George  S.  Doughty  of  West  Farms.  From  Elias 
Doughty,  the  old  or  lower  Yonkers  passed  to  William  Bohz  or 
Betts,  George  Tippetts,^  and  Joseph  Hadley.  '<The  name  of 
the  Jonckers,  (says  the  Hon.  Egbert  Benson,)  the  proprietor  of 
the  creek,  now  Saw  Mill  creek,  van  der  Eee  ;  and  it  is  still  to  be 
collected  from  the  documents,  as  not  being  improbable  that  the 
lauds  granted  to  Tan  der  Donck  and  perhaps  including  the  island 
of  the  Indian  name  of  Papuriminon^  the  southern  shore  at 
Kingsbridge  were  the  neighborhood  called  the  Lower  Yonck* 
ERs,  as  to  be  distinguished  from  the  other  Yonckers,  the  lands 
of  Yan  der  Kee  on  the  Saw  Mill  creek.®  This  distinction  be- 
tween (he  lower  Yonckers  and  the  vpper^  or  as  it  was  sometimes 
called  the  little  and  the  old  Yonckers  clearly  points  to  two  dif- 
ferent proprietors.  The  first  may  have  been  Yan  der  Kee,  as 
Mr.  Benson  suggests,  (although  there  is  nothing  in  the  shape  of 
evidence  to  support  it,)  and  the  second  Adriaen  van  der  Donck, 
the  Jonkheer  or  ''  young  gentleman.'^ 

22nd  of  February,  1670,  Joseph  Hadley  sold  fifty  acres  called 
Georges  Point  to  Matthias  Buckhout,  who  subsequently  con- 
veyed the  same,  22d  January,  1694,  to  Frederick  Philipse. 

'*Upon  the  10th  of  October,  in  the  eleventh  year  of  the  reign 

*  GaiIIam*8  Display  of  Heraldry. 

b  A.  D.  1664,  one  Georjre  Tippett  being  aeciued  and  foand  guilty  of  hogg  steal- 
i  ng,  the  coart  doUi  adjudge  the  delinquent  shall  pay  as  a  fine  to  his  majeetie's  asa 
the  sum  of  j6]4,  or  receive  ye  corporal  punishment  of  thirty  one  stripee,  at  the 
common  whipping  post,  before  ye  state  hoiiM  of  this  city,  upon  ye  braaking  up  of 
this  court,  Slc    Assize  Rec.  Alb.  311. 

•  Benson's  Mem.  of  N.  Y.  56. 


416  HISTORY  OF  THE 

of  our  Sovereign  Lord,  William  the  Third,  by  the  grace  of  Qod 
of  England,  Scotland,  Phince  and  Ireland  King,  Defender  of  the 
Faith,  d&c,  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ,  1699,  occurs  the 
following  indenture : 


Between  Frederick  Felipse  of  the  city  of  New  York,  merchant,  of  the 
part,  &c.,  and  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt  of  the  same  city,  merchant,  of  the  other 
part,  witneaseth  that  the  said  Frederick  Felipae,  aa  well  for  and  in  conajdeim- 
tion  of  a  certain  aom  of  good  and  lawful  money  to  him  in  hand  paid,  beibra 
the  ensealing  and  delivery  of  these  preaents,  by  the  said  Jaeobns  ran  Cort- 
landt, dec,  dec,  hath  given,  granted,  bargained,  and  sold.  eonToyedi  &c., 
unto  the  said  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt,  hia  heira  and  assignees  for  OTor,  all  that 
fifty  acres  of  land  with  the  appurtenances  lying  within  the  limits  and  bounds 
of  the  Yonckers  plantation  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  known  by  the  name 
of  Georges  Point,  butted  and  bounded,  &c.,  &c.    Also  one  acre  and  a  half  of 
meadow  with  the  appurtenances,  &c,  together  with  tweniy-five  aeres  more 
of  upland,  with  their  appurtenances,  and  the  reversion  and  reversions  and  all 
the  estate,  right,  title,  claim  and  demand  whatsoever,  of  him  the  said  Frede- 
rick Felipse,  of,  in,  or  into  the  said  premises,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  several 
parcels  of  land  and  meadow  to  the  said  Jacobua  van  Cortlandt,  &o.,  his  heirs 
and  assignees  forever.     In  testimony  whereof  the  parties  to  these  presents 
have  set  their  hands  and  seals  the  day  and  year  first  above  written. 

This  property  is  still  vested  in  a  descendant  of  Jacobus  van 
Cortlandt. 

13th  August,  1701,  we  find  the  Indiaqs  confirming  the  Van 
Cortlandts  in  their  purchase. 

'*  To  all  Christian  people  and  others  to  whom  these  presents  shall  comey 
Clause  Dewilt,  Karacapacomont  and  her  son  Nemerau  sendeth  greeting: 
Know  yee,  that  wee,  the  said  Clause  Dewilt,  Karacapacomont,  and  Nemeran, 
native  Indians  and  former  proprietors  of  a  certain  tract  of  land  lying  in  the 
county  of  Westchester  in  the  province  of  New  York  in  America,  commonly 
called  and  known  by  the  name  of  the  old  Younckers,  now  in  possession  of 
Jacobus  van  Cortlandt  of  the  city  of  New  York,  merchant,  and  the  heirs  of 
the  Belts  and  Tippetts,  for  and  in  consideration  of  two  fathom*  of  doflils  and 
one  pound  two  shillings  and  sixpence  current  money  of  New  York  in  hand 
paid  unto  us  by  the  said  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt,  have  remised,  released,  and 
forever  quit  claimed  unto  the  said  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt,  and  to  the  heirs  of 
the  Belts  and  Tippets,  and  to  their  heirs  and  aasigns  forever,  all  our  right, 
title,  and  interest,  which  we  ever  had,  now  have,  or  hereafter  may  have  or 


*  A  Dutch  fathom  contained  six  feet  English. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  IVT 

chiro  to  the  said  tract  of  land  called  I  he  old  Younckers,  and  to  CTery  part 
and  parcel  thereof,  and  du  hereby  acknowledge  the  above  consideration  to  be 
in  full  of  all  dues  and  demands  whatsoever,  for  the  said  tract  of  land  and  pre- 
mises, lo  have  and  to  hold  the  said  tract  of  land  called  the  old  Younckers,  to 
the  said  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt  and  the  heirs  of  the  Detts  and  Tippetts,  their 
heires  and  assignees  forever,  witness  our  hands  and  seals  the  13th  of  August, 
1701.' 

Sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  Claass  Dewilf, 

of  Gualter  du  iiois,  Karacapacomont, 

William  Sharpes,  Nemerau. 

The  Liille  Yonkers  in  conlradislinction  from  the  Old,  nborc 
mentioned,  nppenra  to  have  been  included  in  the  sale  to  Elias 
Doughty  of  Flushing,  30  October,  1666,  who  granted  it  29lh 
November,  1672,  to  Thomas  Delaval,  Frederick  Phihpse  and 
Thomcis  Lewis,  mariner.  Thomas  Del»vai,*>  by  a  codicil  of  his 
hist  will,  bearing  date  June  lOih,  1682,  did  devise  unto  John,  his 
only  son,  all  his  interest  in  a  full  third  part. 

Feb.  19,  16S4-5,  Tliomas  Dongan,  governor  of  New  York,  by 
a  patent  did  ratify  and  confirm  unto  John  Uelavul,  Frederick 
Pliilipsc  and  Geerije  Lewis,  relict  of  Thomas  Lewis,  the  afore- 
said tract. 

27  August,  16S5,  John  Delaval  sold  his  third  part  in  the  sam6 
to  Frederick  Philipse,  as  also  Gcertje,  wife  of  Thomas  LewiSy 
Lodowick  Lewis,  Barent  Lewis,  Leonard  Lewis,  Katherine  Lewis 
and  Tfiomas  Lewis,  by  deed  conveyed  each  their  interest  ia 
third  part  to  Frederick  Philipse,  12th  June,  16^6.^ 

On  the  17th  day  of  April,  1685,  occurs  the  following  agree- 
ment between  Frederick  Philipse,  Dierchant,  of  New  York,  and 
John  Pell,  Esq.,  of  Annhoock-s  neck,  in  the  county  of  Westches- 
ter. <<  It  was  mutually  agreed  and  consented  unto  by  us  under- 
written, Frederick  Philipse,  merchant  of  the  city  of  New  York, 
and  John  Pell,  Esq.,  of  Annhoock's  neck,^ihat  the  Bronx's  river 
shall  be  the  division  between  both  their  lands,  and  that,  if  either 
the  said  Frederick  Philippe  or  the  said  John  Pell,  shall  at  any 


>  Van  Cortlnndt  papers. 

k  This  individual  was  for  many  years  alderman,  and  mmyor  of  New  York  city  in 
1678. 
•  See  Royal  Charter  of  Philipaborocgli. 

YoL.  II.  53 


41§  HISTORY  OF  THE 

tkae  see  cause  to  make  any  small  dam  across  the  said  riFer,  it 
shall  be  lawful  for  either  party  to  fix  the  end  of  their  dam  of 
each  other  side,  without  leU  or  molestation."* 

Frederick  Philipse. 

John  Pell^ 
Frederick  Phil  ipse  being  now  vested  in  the  fee  simple,  the 
whole  territory  was  by  royal  charter,  erected  into  the  lordship 
and  manor  of  Philipsborougb,  to  be  holden  of  the  king,  in  free  and 
common  soccnge,  its  lord  yielding,  rendering,  and  paying  therefory 
yearly  and  every  year,  on  the  feast  day  of  the  Annunciation  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  at  the  fort  in  New  York,  the  auDual 
rent  of  £4  12^. 

THE  ROYAL  CHARTER. 

William  and  Mary,  by  the  grace  of  Gud,  &c.,  king  and  queen  of  England* 
Scotland,  France  and  Ireland,  defenders  of  the  faith,  &c.,  to  all  to  whom 
these  presents  shall  come,  greeting  :  whereas,  the  Honorable  Riebard  XieoDs, 
Esq.,  late  governor  of  our  Province  of  New  York,  &c.,  by  a  certain  deed 
or  patent,  sealed  with  the  seal  of  our  said  Province,  bearing  date  the  8tb  daj  of 
Oct.,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  16G6,  pursuant  to  the  authority  in  him  residing* 
did  giTO  and  grant  unto  Hugh  O^Neale  and  Mary  his  wife,  their  heirs  andaa* 
signs,  all  that  tract  of  land  upon  the  main,  bounded  to  the  north  by  a  rifulet 
called  by  the  Indians,  Meccackassin,  so  running  southward  to  NepperhaUy 
from  thence  to  the  kill  Shorackkapock  and  tu  Paparinnomo,  which  ia  the 
southermost  bounds,  then  to  go  across  the  country,  eastward  by  that  which 
is  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  Bronx's  river,  together  with  all  the 
woods,  marshes,  meadows,  pastures,  waters,  lakes,  creeks,  rivolets,  fishing* 
hunting  and  fowling,  and  all  other  profits,  commodities  and  emoluments  to 
said  tract  of  land  belonging,  with  their  and  every  of  their  appurtenance,  to 
have  and  to  hold  unto  the  said  Hugh  O'Neale  and  Mary  his  wife,  their  heiis 
and  assigns  forever,  as  by  the  said  deed  or  patent,  relation  being  thereonto 
had,  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear,  and  whereas,  the  said  Hugh  O^Neal 
and  Mary  his  wife,  by  their  certain  deed  or  writ,  dated  30th  day  of  Oe(.,  in 
said  year  of  our  Lord,  16db,  did  sell,  alien,  assign  and  set  over  all  and  sin* 
gular  their  right  and  title  and  interest  of  in  and  to  the  aforenamed  tract  of 
land  and  premises,  unto  Elias  Doughty  of  Flushing,  in  the  Co.  of  York,  on 
Long  Island,  unto  the  said  Elias  Doughty,  his  heirs  and  assigns  forcTcr,  as  by 
the  said  deed  or  writing,  relation  being  thereunto  had,  as  may  more  folly  and 
at  large  appear,  and  whereas,  the  said  Elias  Doughty  by  his  certain  deed  or 


•  Co.  Rer.  Uh.  A.  69. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  419 

writingf,  bearing  date  SO  day  of  Nor.,  in  the  year  of  oor  Lord  1679,  for  tlM 
consideration  therein  expressed  and  mentioned,  did  assign  and  set  over,  all 
and  singalar  his  right  and  title  and  interest,  of,  in  and  to  the  aforementioned 
tract  of  land  and  premises  unto  Thomas  DeleTsI,  Esq.,  Frederick  Philips 
and  Thomas  Lewis,  mariner,  to  hold  to  them,  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever, 
as  by  the  said  deed  or  writing  relation  being  thereunto  had,  may  more  fully 
and  at  large  appear ;  and  whereas,  the  said  Thomas  Deleval,  in  and  by  a 
certain  codicil  annexed  unto  his  last  will  and  testament  in  writing,  bearing 
date  the  10  day  of  June,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1693,  amongst  other  things 
did  devise  unto  John  Deleval  his  only  son,  all  that  his  interest  in  the  afore- 
mentioned land  and  premises,  his  one  full,  equal  and  certain  third  thereof, 
as  by  the  said  codicil  in  writing,  relation  being  thereunto  had,  may  more  fully 
and  at  large  appear :  and,  whereas,  the  Hon.  Col.  Thomas  Dongan,  late  gov. 
of  our  said  province  &c.,  and  as  by  a  certain  deed  or  patent,  sealed  with  the  seal 
of  oor  said  province,  &c.,  and  bearing  date  the  19th  of  Feb.,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord,  1684-5,  pursuant  to  the  authority  in  him  then  residing,  for  the 
consideration  therein  expressed,  did  further  grant,  ratify  and  confirm,  nnto  the 
said  Thomas  Deleval,  Frederick  Philips,  Geertje  Lewis,  relict  of  the  said 
Thomas  Lewis,  due  their  heirs  and  assigns,  all  the  aforesaid  tract  and  parcel 
of  land  beginning  at  a  small  rivulet  known  and  called  by  the  Indians,  Mak- 
akassin,  from  thence  into  the  woods  due  east  by  a  great  rock  stone  and  a 
lyne  of  marked  trees,  to  Bronx's  river,  and  thence  by  said  river,  four  miles 
and  something  more,  to  a  marked  white  oak  tree  upon  the  middle  of  a  great 
ledge  of  rocks,  whieh  is  the  north-east  corner  of  the  land  of  Francis  French 
&  Co.,  in  the  mile  square  formerly  sold  out  of  the  aforesaid  patent,  then  by 
the  said  land,  west,  85  deg.  northerly,  1  mile  or  80  chains  from  thence  east 
35  deg.  southerly  to  Bronx's  river  to  a  marked  tree,  which  is  the  south-east 
comer  of  the  mile  square,  excepted  out  of  the  said  patent,  from  thence  by 
Bronx's,  his  river,  89  chains  to  a  marked  tree,  which  is  the  north-east  corner 
of  Wm.  Betts  and  George  Tippets,  and  then  by  a  certain  lyne  of  marked  trees 
doe  west  SO  chains  to  the  marked  tree  or  south-east  corner  of  the  purchase  of 
John  Heddy,  then  due  N.  34  chains,  from  thence  due  west  by  their  purchase,  00 
chains  to  the  north-west  corner  of  the  300  acres,  then  due  south  16  chains  to 
the  north-west  corner  of  the  30  acres  purchased  of  John  Heddy,  thence  and 
by  the  said  land  west  13  chains  to  the  north-west  corner,  then  by  the  side 
of  the  kill,  south  18  chains  to  the  land  of  Wm.  Betts  and  George  Tippetts, 
from  thence  by  a  lyne  of  marked  trees  due  west  70  chains,  to  a  while  oak  Irea 
standing  on  the  bank  of  Hudson's  river,  to  the  south  of  Dog-wood  biDok 
10  ehainsand  i  and  then  northerly  by  the  Hudson's  river  to  Nepperha,  which  is 
near  the  Yonkers  mills,  and  so  continue  by  Hudson's  river  to  the  first  men- 
tioned small  rivulet,  Maccakassin,  the  whole  being  bounded  to  the  north 
with  a  lyne  of  marked  trees  and  a  great  rock  stone,  to  the  east  by  Bronx's 
river  and  Che  land  of  Francis  French  and  Co..  to  the  south  by  the  land  of 
Wm.  Betu,  George  Tippets  and  Thomas  Heddy,  to  the  west  by  Hndson*s 


UISTORT  OF  THIS 

river,  containing  in  all,  7,703  aerest  together  with  all  and  aingalar  the  inefl* 
suaget,  tenements,  buildings,  barns,  stables,  orchards,  gardensv   paatoresy 
meadows,  mills,  inilUdams,  runs,  streams,  ponds,  livers,  brooks,  woods,  onder- 
woods,  trees,  timber,  fencing,  fishing,  fowling,  hunting,  hawking,  liberties,  pri* 
Tileges,  hereditaments  and  improvements  whatsoever,  belonging  or  in  any 
way  appertaining,  to  have  and  to  hold  all  the  aforememioned  tract  and  paicel 
of  land,  with  sll  and  singular  the  albrementiuned  premises,  unto  the  said  John 
Dtfleval,  Frederick  Philips,  Geertje  Lewis,  their  heirs  aiid  assigns  foreTer,  ss 
by  the  said  deed  or  patent  registered  in  our  secretary's  office  of  our  provines 
of  New  York  aforesaid,  relation  beinjr  thereunto  had,  may  more  fully  sod  at 
large  appear ;  and,  whereas  the  said  Thomas  IXeleval,  by  a  certain  deed  of 
indenture,  sealed  with  the  seal,  and  bearing  date  the  37ih  day  of  August,  ia 
the  year  of  our  Lord,  1685,  did,  for  the  consideration  therein  meoiioned,  granU 
bargain  and  sell,  all  that  one  full  third  part  of  all  atid  singular  the  said  traet 
of  land,  afore  recited,  described  and   bounded  within  the  limits  aforesaid 
unto  him  the  said  Frederick  Philips  one  of  the  parties  aforesaid,  tugeiher 
with  all  that  one  full  and  equal  third  part  of  all  and  singular  the  houses 
cut-houses,   barns,   stables,   mills,   mill-dams,    buildings,   fences    and    edi- 
fices thereon  erected  and  built,  and  likewise  one  full  third  part  of  sU  and 
singulir    the  waters,  water-courses,  streams,  woods, ^underwuod4,  fishing, 
fuwhn?,  hawking,  hunting,  hereditaments  and  appurtenances  to  the  same  be- 
longing, or  in  any  way  appertaining,  to  have  and  U>  hold  unto  the  said  Fred- 
erick Philipse,  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  as  by  the  said  deed  or  indenture, 
relation  being  thereunto  had,  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear ;  and  where- 
as, the   said  Geertje  Lewis,  executrix   of  the  last  will  and    lestameut  of 
Thomas  Lewis,  late   of  New  York,  mariner,  her  late  husband,  deceased, 
and  Lodivick  Lewis,  Barrent  Levvid,  Leonard   Lewis,  Katharine  Lewis  and 
Thomas    Lewis  the   children   and    co-heirs  of   said  Thomas   Lewis    and 
Geerije    his  wife,  by   a  certain  deed  of  indenture,  sealed  with  the   seal 
bearing  date    the  12  day    of   June,  in    the   year  of  our  Lord   1686,  did, 
for  the  consideration  therein  mentioned,  grant,  bargain  and   sell,  all   that 
the  full    one- third   part  of  all   and  singular  the  said  tract  of  land  afure- 
recited,  described  and  bounded  with  the  liiiiiis  aforesaid,  unto  him,  the  said 
Frederick  Philips,  one  of  the  parties  aforesaid,  together  with  all  that  one 
full  and  equal  third  part  of  all  and  singular  the  houses,  out-houses,  barns, 
stables,  mills,  mill-dams,  buildings,  fences  and  edifices  thereon  erected  and 
built,  and  likewise  one  full  third  part  of  all  and  singular  the  water,  waier-courses, 
streams,  woods,  underwoods,  fishing,  fiiwling,  hunting,  hawking,  hereditaments 
and  appurtenances  to  the  same  belonging  or  in  any  wise  appertaining,  to  haTe 
and  to  hold  unto  the  said  Frederick  Philips,  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  as 
bv  the  said  deed  or  indenture,  relation  being  thereunto  had,  may  more  fully 
and  at  large  appear,  and  whereas,  the  Hon.  Sir  Edmund  Andntss,  late  go- 
vernor of  our  said  province  of  New  York,  &c.,  by  a  certain  writing  or  pat» 
ent,  sealed  with  the  seal  of  our  said  province,  bearing  date  the  first  day  of 
April,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1680,  pursuant  to  the  authority  in  him  then 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHE8TER.  421 

residing,  did  give  and  grant  unto  the  eaid  Frederick  Philips,  a  certain  traet 
or  parcel  of  land,  beginning  at  a  creek  or  river  called  by  the  Indians,  Pocan- 
teco  or  Wackaiideco,  wiili  iiuw«:r  thereon  to  set  a  mill  ur  mills,  with  a  due 
portioo  of  land  on  each  aide,  adjoining  unto  the  said  river,  lying  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Indians  land  at  Wickers  creek,  on  the  east  side  of  ihe  Hud- 
son riverr  which  said  Indian  land,  was  by  the  said  Frederick  Philips  par- 
chased  from  the  said  native  Indian  proprietors  thereof,  by  the  licence  and  ap- 
probation of  the  said  Sir  Kdmund  Andross  and  the  said  Indian  proprietors  did, 
in  the  presence  of  Sir  Edmund  Andross  aforesaid,  acknowledge  to  hive  re- 
ceived foil  satisfaction  of  him  the  said  Frederick  Philips  fur  the  said  land  ad- 
joining, to  each  syde  of  the  creek  or  river  aforesaid,  which  said  land  issitnate, 
lying  and  being  on  each  side  of  the  said  creek  or  river,  north  and  south  1600 
Ireads  or  steps  which  at  Id  ft  to  the  rod,  makes  400  rod  and  runs  up  into  the 
country  so  far  as  the  said  creek  or  river  goeth,  with  this  proviso  or  restriction 
that  if  the  creek  or  river  called  by  the  Indians,  Nippiorha,  and  by  the  charters 
Yonkers  creek  or  kill  shall  come  within  the  space  of  land  of  400  rods  on  the 
tooth  side  of  the  aforenamed  creek  or  riv^r,  that  shall  extend  no  farther  than  the 
said  creek  or  river  of  Nippiroha,  but  the  rest  to  be  so  far  up  into  the  country 
on  each  side  of  the  said  creek  or  river  called  Pocanteco  as  it  runs,  being  about 
oorth-east,  to  have  and  to  hold  all  the  aforesaid  recited  tract  or  parcel  of  land 
onto  him  the  said  Frederick  Philips,  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  as  by  the 
said  grant  or  patent  registered  in  our  secretary's  office  of  our  province  of 
New  York,  &c.,  aforesaid,  relation  being  thereunto  had  may  more  fully  and 
at  large  appear,  and  whereas  the  Honorable  Thomas  Dongun  late  gov.  of  oor 
province  of  New  York,  &c.,  aforesaid,  by  virtue  of  the  pt>wer  in  him  then 
residing  hath,  by  another  grant  or  patent  sealed  with  the  seal  of  our  said  pro- 
v*flee  of  New  York,  and  registered  in  our  secretary's  office  of  our  province 
aforesaid,  bearing  date  ;23d  of  September,  m  the  year  of  our  Lord  1084,  given 
granted,  ratified,  and  confirmed,  unto  said  Frederick  Philips,  his  heirs  tnd 
assigns,  several  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  with  the  limits  nnd  bounds  hereafter 
mentioned,  that  were  according  to  the  usage,  custom,  and  laws  of  oor  said 
province  purchased  by  the  said  Frederick  Philips  from  the  native  Indians  and 
proprietors,  in  manner  and  form  following,  (that  is  to  say,)  all  those  certain 
parcels  and  pieces  of  land  lying  about  the  Wigquaskeek  thst  was  on  the  24tb 
day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1680,  purchased  by  the  said  Freder- 
ick Philips  of  the  Indian  Goharins,  brother  (»f  Weskora,  sachem  of  Wigquas- 
keek, for  himself  and  by  the  full  order  of  Goharios,  which  certain  parcel  or 
parcels  of  land  are  lying  about  Wigquaskeek  to  the  north  syde  and  tending 
from  the  land  of  the  aforesaid  Frederick  Philips  running  along  the  North  river 
to  the  north  of  the  small  ereek  called  by  ihe  Indians  Sepackena  creek,  as  far 
as  it  goeth  into  the  woods,  and  ooming  to  the  end  of  the  aforesaid  creek,  then 
shall  the  aforesaid  pieces  or  parcels  of  land  havo  their  lyne  north-east,  or  if 
the  creek  Pocanteco  Wackandeeo  upon  which  at  present  stands  the  mills  of 
the  said  Frederick  Philips,  shall  run  npon  a  north-east  lyne,  then  the  said 
land  shall  run  along  the  said  ereek  Pocanteco,  or  Weghkandeco,  into  the 


422  HISTORY  OF  THE 

woods  as  the  said  creek  or  kill  shall  go,  mod  there  shall  be  the  end  or 
bounds  of  the  said  certain  pieces  of  ]and,  as  by  the  said  writing  or  Indian  deed, 
relation  being  thereunto  had  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appemr,  as  likewise 
another  tract  or  parcel  of  land  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson^s  river  that  was  by 
said  Frederick  Philips  purchased  of  the  Indians  Gobarius,  Gobus,  and  Tog- 
quanduck,  on  the  33d  day  of  April,  in  the  year  of  oor  Lord,  1681,  which  tract 
or  parcel  of  land  being  situate  on  the  east  side  of  the  North  or  Hudson**  rirer, 
beginning  at  the  south  side  of  a  creek  called  Bissigktick,  and  so  ranging  along 
the  said  river  northerly  to  the  aforesaid  land  of  the  aforesaid  Frederick  PhiU 
ips,  and  then  alonget  the  said  land  north»east  and  by  east  nntill  it  comes  to  and 
meets  with  the  creek  called  Nippiorha,  if  the  said  creek  shall  fall  within  that 
lyne,  otherwise  to  extend  no  further  than  the  head  of  the  ereek  or  kill  called 
Potanteco,  or  Puegkanteko,  and  southerly  alongst  the  said  river  Neppioriia 
if  the  same  shall  fall  within  the  said  line  as  aforesaid,  or  else  in  a  direct  lyne 
from  the  head  of  the  said  creek  or  kill  called  Pocanteco  Puegkandieo,  antOl 
it  comes  opposite  to  the  said  first  mentioned  creek  called  Bissightiek,  and 
from  thence  westwardly  to  the  head  of  the  said  creek  and  alongst  the  same  to 
the  North  or  Hudson^s  river,  being  the  first  station,  as  by  the  said  vnritiog  os 
deed,  relation  beipg  thereunto  had,  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear,  as 
also  another  certain  tract  or  parcel  of  land  on  the  east  syde  of  the  said  Hod- 
son^s  river  that  was  by  the  said  Frederick  Philips  purchased  of  the  native 
Indians  Armaghqueer,  Seapham  alias  Thapham,  on  the  8th  day  of  April,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1682,  which  certain  tract  or  parcel  of  land  is  sttnate, 
lying,  and  being  on  the  east  side  of  the  North  or  Hudson^s  river  to  the  snnih 
of  the  land  formerly  bought  by  the  said  Frederick  Philips  of  the  said  Indians, 
beginning  at  the  south  side  of  a  creek  called  Bissightiok,  and  so  ranging  along 
t\ie  said  river  southerly  to  a  creek  or  fall  called  by  the  Indians  Weghqoegeik, 
and  by  the  Christians  Lawrences'fl  plantation,  and  from  the  mouth  of  the  said 
creek  or  fall  upon  a  due  east  course  to  a  creek  called  by  the  Indians  Nippiorha, 
and  by  the  Christians  the  Yonkers  kill,  and  from  thence  alongst  the  west  side 
of  the  said  creek  or  kill  as  the  same  runs  to  the  before  mentioned  land,  for- 
merly bought  by  the  said  Frederick  Philips  of  the  sayd  Indians,  and  so  along 
that  land  to  the  first  station,  as  by  the  said  writing  or  Indian  deed,  relation 
being  thereunto  had,  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear,  as  also  another 
tract  or  parcel  of  land  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson's  river  that  was  by  the  said 
Frederick  Philips  purchased  of  the  native  Indians  Warramanhack,  Espara* 
mogh,  Anhock,  &c.,  on  the  6th  day  of  September,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord, 
1682,  which  certain  tract  or  parcel  of  land  is  situated,  lying,  and  being  oo  the 
west  side  of  the  North  or  Hudson's  river,  beginning  at  the  north  side  of  the 
land  belonging  to  the  Yonkers  kill,  Nipperha,  at  a  great  rock  called  by  the 
Indians  Meghkeckassin,or  the  great  stone,  (as  called  by  the  Christians,)  from 
thence  ranging  into  the  woods  eastwardly  to  a  creek  called  by  the  Indians 
Nipperha  aforesaid,  and  from  thence  along  said  creek  northerly  till  you  come 
to  the  eastward  of  the  head  of  a  creek  called  by  the  Indians  Wegqoiskeekj 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  422 

being  the  utmoet  bounds  of  the  said  Frederick  Philips's  land,  formerlj  bought 
of  the  Indians,  tnd  from  thence  westwardly  along  the  said  creek  Wegqueskeek 
to  Hudson's  river  aforesaid,  as  by  the  said  Indian  deed,  relation  being  there- 
unto had,  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear,  and  also  another  tract  or  parcel 
of  land  that  was  by  the  said  Frederick  Philips  purchased  of  the  native  Indians 
Sapharo,  Ghoharius,  Kakingsigo,  on  the  7th  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord,  1684,  which  tract  or  parcel  of  land  is  situate,  lying,  and  being  to  the 
eastward  of  the  land  of  the  said  Frederick  Philips  between  tho  creek  called 
Nippiorha,  or  the  Yonkers  kill,  and  Bronk's  river,  beginning  on  the  south 
side  at  the  northerly  bounds  of  the  Yonkers  land,  and  from  thence  along  the 
aforesaid  creek,  Nippiorha,  however  it  runs,  till  you  come  to  the  most  north- 
erly bounds  of  the  said  Frederick  Philips's  lands,  and  from  thence  north-east 
into  the  woods  unto  Bronk's  river,  as  it  runs  southerly  to  the  eastward  of  the 
Yonkers  land  aforesaid,  and  from  thence  with  a  Westerly  lyne  to  the  afore 
named  Yonkers  kill,  or  Nippiorha,  as  by  the  said  Indian  deed,  relation  being 
thereunto  had,  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear,  all  which  several  tracts 
and  parcels  of  land  within  the  several  respective  limits  and  bounds  aforemen- 
tioned, and  purchased  by  the  said  Frederick  Philips  of  all  and  every  the  re- 
spective native  Indians  aforesaid,  in  manner  aforesaid,  were  by  the  said 
Thomas  Dongan,  late  gov.  of  our  province,  under  the  seal  of  our  said  pro« 
Tince,  bearing  date  as  aforesaid,  given,  granted,  ratified,  and  confirmed  unto 
him,  said  Frederick  Philips,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  together  with  all  and  sin- 
gular the  houses,  buildings,  messuages,  tenements,  and  hereditaments,  mills, 
mill-dams,  rivers,  runns,  streams,  ponds,  with  liberty  to  erect  other  mills  or 
dams,  or  places  convenient,  woods,  underwoods,  quarries,  fishing,  hawking, 
hunting,  and  fowling,  with  all  liberties,  privilcdges,  and  improvements  whatso- 
ever to  the  said  land  and  premises  belonging  or  in  anywise  appertaining,  to  have 
and  to  hold  all  the  aforesaid  tract  and  tracts,  parcel  and  parcels  of  land  and  pre- 
mises with  their  and  every  of  their  appurtenances  unto  said  Frederick  Phillips 
his  heirs  and  assignees  forever,  as  by  the  said  grant  or  patent  sealed  with  the 
seal  of  our  said  province,  and  registered  in  our  secretary's  office  of  our  said 
province  bearing  date  23d  day  of  December  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1684  re- 
lation being  thereunto  had,  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear,  and  whereas 
the  aforesaid  Thomas  Dongan  late  Gov.  of  our  said  province,  by  virtue  of  the 
said  power  and  authority  in  him  residing  hath  moreover  by  another  grant  or 
patent  sealed  with  the  seal  of  our  said  province  and  registered  in  oar  secre- 
tary's office  aforesaid  bearing  date  the  lllk  day  of  November,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  1686  given,  granted,  ratified,  and  confirmed  unto  Philip  Phillips  eld- 
est son,  of  him  the  said  Frederick  Philips  all  that  tract  or  parcel  ef  land  eom- 
monly  called  by  the  Indians  Sinck  Sinck,  and  situate,  (ying,  and  being  on  the 
east  side  of  Hudson's  river  by  the  northerraost  part  of  the  land  parebssed  by 
the  said  Frederick  Philips,  and  so  running  alongst  Hudson's  river  to  a  certaia 
creek  or  river  called  Kichtawan,  and  from  thence  mnning  alongst  the  said 
creek  two  English  miles,  and  from  thence  mnning  up  the  country  apon  a  diM 


424  HISTORY  OF  THE 

east  ]yn(!  ant  ill  it  comes  unto  a  create  called  Nippiorha,  by  the  Chrittii 
Ycinkerd  creek,  and  so  runuing  alongat  the  aaid  creek  untill  it  comes  ofiio  tira 
nortl»cr\y  bounds  of  the  said  land  of  Frederick  Philips  aforesaid,  and  fniia 
thence  alongst  the  said  land  untill  it  comes  to  Hudson's  river,  together  with 
all  manner  of  rivers,  rivulets,  runns,  streams,  feedings,  pastures,  wcKxla,  aa* 
derwoods,  trees,  limbers,  waters,  water  courses,  poods,  'pools,  pits«  swampe* 
moors,  marshes,  meadows,  easements,  proffits  and  commoditiea.  fidlaing*  fowl* 
ing,  hunting,  hawking,  mines,  luinerals,  quarries,  (royal- mioes  only  exeepted) 
and  all  royalties,  profits,  commodities,  hereditaments  and  sppuitenaoces  what* 
soever  to  the  said  tract  or  parcel  of  land  within  the  bounds  and  limits  aforesaid, 
belonging  or  in  any  ways  appertaining,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  aaid  tract  or 
parcel  of  land  and  all  and  singular  other  the  premises  with  their  and- every  of 
their  appurtenances,  unto  the  said  Philip  Philips,  his  heirs  and  asaigoa  forevert 
as  by  the  said  grant  or  patent,  relation  being  thereunto  had,  may  more  fully 
and  at  large  appear,  and  whereas  the  said  Philip  Philips  did  by  mean  asaoraoce 
in  the  law,  sell,  alienate,  enfeoff,  and  confirm  unto  his  said  father  Frederick 
Philips  all  iho  afore  recited  tract  or  parcel  of  land  within  the  limits  and  b<niiMla 
above  mentioned  and  expressed,  together  with  all  and  singular  the  premises 
with  their  and  every  of  their  appcrtinences,  to  have  and  to  hold  unto  him  tiie 
said  Frederi<-k  Philips,  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  as  by  bis  deed  of  con- 
veyance under  his  hand  and  seal  bearing  date  the  day  of 
iji  the  year  of  our  Lord  168  ,  relation  being  thereunto  had  more  folly  and  at 
large  appear ;  and  whereas  the  aforesaid  Thomas  Dongan,  late  gov.  of  oar 
said  province,  by  virtue  of  the  said  power  and  authority  in  him  residing  hath, 
by  another  gram  or  patent  sealed  with  the  seal  of  our  said  province  and  re* 
gistered  in  our  secretary's  office  aforesaid,  bearing  date  the  27th  day  of  June, 
in  the  year  of  our  I^ord,  16S7,  given,  granted,  ratified,  released  and  confirmed 
unto  the  said  Frederick  Philips  all  that  the  muiety  or  one  equal  half  part  of  a 
certain  entire  parcel  of  meadow  ground,  situate,  lying,  and  being  at  a  certain 
place  called  Tappan  near  Hudson's  river,  bounded  to  the  north  by  a  certain 
creek  called  or  known  by  iho  name  of  Tappan  creek,  to  the  east  by  Hudson's 
river  aforesaid,  to  the  west  by  a  certain  |>arce]  of  upland  now  in  possession  of 
George  LockSari,  and  to  the  south  by  Hudson's  river  aforesaid,  the  aaid 
moiety  or  eqtial  half  part  of  the  said  meadows  to  be  laid  out  along  the  side  of 
Hudson'^  river  aforesaid  throughout  the  whole  length  of  its  bounds  upon  aaid 
river  from  Tappan  creek  aforesaid,  and  to  be  bounded  to  the  north  by  Tappan 
creek,  to  ilie  cast  by  Hudson's  river,  to  the  west  by  the  other  moiety  or  half 
part  of  the  said  meadows,  still  running  to  the  said  George  LockhartV,  and  so 
to  run  southerly  to  the  end  of  the  said  meadows,  nothing  excepted  or  reserved 
thereof,  to  the  said  George  Lockhart,  his  heirs  or  assigns,  but  one  cart  or 
waine  way  through  the  said  moiety  or  half  part  of  the  meadow  aforesaid^ 
which  moiety  or  equal  half  part  of  the  meadow  aforesaid  was  by  mean  assa* 
ranee  in  the  law  conveyed  to  the  said  George  Lockhart  and  Janet  his  wiOs 
unto  the  said  Frederick  Philips,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  to  have  and  to  bold  the 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  48B 

•aid  moiety  or  equal  half  part  of  the  said  meadows  and  premises  with  the  ap- 
pertinences  unto  the  said  Frederick  Philips,  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  as 
hy  the  said  grant  or  patent,  sealed  with  the  seal  of  our  said  province  and  re- 
gistered in  our  secretary's  office  aforesaid,  bearing  date  the  said  37th  day  of 
June,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1687,  and  as  by  the  said  deed  of  conveyaDce, 
under  the  hands  aud  seals  of  the  said  George  Lockhart  and  Janet  his  wife, 
bearing  date  30ih  day  of  February,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1685,  relation 
being  thereunto  had  respectively  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear ;  and 
whereas  Augustine  Grayhara  our  surveyor  general  for  our  said  province  of 
New  York,  &c.,  hath  by  warrant  bearing  date  the  1 1th  of  February,  in  the 
fourth  year  of  our  reign,  surveyed  and  laid  out  for  the  said  Frederick  Philips, 
a  certain  small  parcel  of  salt  meadows  situate  and  being  on  the  north  side  of 
Tappan  creek  in  the  county  of  Orange,  beginning  at  a  certain  stake  set  on  the 
east  side  of  the  said  creek,  and  from  thence  run  east  37^  40  min.  northerly  to 
Hudson's  river  six  chains  and  ninety  links,  thence  along  the  said  river  twelve 
chains  and  ninety  links,  south  one  degree,  westerly  to  the  mouth  of  the  afore- 
said creek,  and  from  thence  along  the  said  creek  west  five  degrees  thirty-five 
minutes,  northerly  eleven  chains,  thence  north  twelve  degrees,  eastwardly  twq 
chains  and  forty  links,  thence  east  forty  degrees,  southerly  three  chains. fort j« 
five  links  along  the  said  creek,  thence  east  eleven  degrees  thirty  mioutsst 
southerly  two  chains  twenty  links,  thence  north  six  degrees  twenty-five  mio** 
utes,  seven  chains  and  seventy  links,  to  the  stake  where  the  line  first  begaut 
being  bounded  on  the  north-west  by  a  certain  parcel  of  meadow  said  to  belong 
to  Cornelius  Claater,  on  the  east  by  Hudson's  river  on  the  south  and  west  by 
the  said  creek,  containing  in  all  six  acres  three  roods  and  eight  perches,  as  by 
the  return  of  the  survey,  bearing  date  the  19th  day  of  April,  in  the  said  fourth 
year  of  our  reign,  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1692,  relation  being  thereunto 
had  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear,  all  which  several  tracts  or  parcels  of 
land  lying  together,  and  bounded  and  limited  in  manner  hereafter  expressed 
and  mentioned,  (that  is  to  say)  all  the  said  tract  and  parcels  of  land  that  are 
on  the  east  side  uf  Hudson*s  river  are  bounded  to  the  northward  by  a  creek  or 
river  commonly  called  by  the  Indians  Kightowank  and  by  the  English  Kno- 
trus  river,  and  now  belonging  to  Stevanus  van  Corilandt,  Esq.,  and  so  east- 
ward into  the  woods  along  the  said  creek  or  river  two  English  miles,  and  from 
thence  upon  a  direct  east  line  to  Bronses  river,  and  so  running  southward 
along  the  said  Bronxes  river  as  it  runs  until  a  direct  west  line  cutteth  the 
south  side  of  a  neck  or  island  of  land  at  a  creek  or  kill  called  Papparinemo 
which  divides  York  i»land  from  the  main,  and  so  along  the  said  creek  or  kill 
as  it  runs  to  Hudson's  river,  which  part  of  the  said  creek  is  called  by  the  In- 
dians Shorackhappok,  and  continues  dividing  the  said  York  island  from  the 
main,  and  so  from  thence  (o  the  northward  alongst  Hudson's  river  nntill  i( 
comes  into  the  aforesaid  creek  or  river  called  by  the  Indians  Kightswank  and 
by  the  English  Knotrus  river  and  the  salt  meadow  ground  on  the  west  side  of 
Hudson's  river,  are  bounded  and  limited  as  here  before  is  plainly  meniiooed 

Vol.  II.  54 


436  HISTORY  OF  THE 

mod  expretaed.  And  whereas  oor  loving  sobjeot  the  said  Fredariek  Phil- 
ipa,  one  of  the  members  of  our  coupcil  of  our  said  profince  of  New  York, 
and  the  territories  depending  thereon  in  America,  hath  by  hia  pelition  pre- 
sented to  Benjamin  Fletcher,  oar  captain- general  and  governor-in-chief  of  our 
eaid  province  of  New  York,  &c  ,  prayed  onr  grant  and  confirmation  of  all  and 
eveiy  the  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  within  the  limits  and  boande  albresaidy 
and  that  we  would  likewise  erect  all  the  said  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  within 
the  limits  aforesaid  into  a  lordship  or  manor  of  Philipsborough,  and  that  we 
would  farther  grant  unto  our  said  loving  subject  a  certain  neck  or  ialand  of 
land  called  Paparinemo  adjoining  to  the  land  aforesaid,  with  the  ealt  meadowe 
thereunto  belonging,  together  with  power  and  authority  to  erect  a  bridge  over 
the  water  or  river  commonly  called  Spiten  devil  ferry,  or  Paparinemo,  and 
so  receive  toll  from  all  passengers  and  droves  of  cattle  that  ahall  pass  thereon 
according  to  rates  hereinafter  mentioned  ;  and  whereas  it  is  manifest  that  oor 
saM  loving  subject  hath  been  at  great  charge  and  expense  in  the  purehasiof 
and  settling  of  the  aforerecited  tracts  of  land,  whereupon  considerable  im- 
provements have  been  made,  and  that  he  is  likewise  willing  at  his  own  proper 
cost  and  charge  to  build  a  bridge  at  the  ferry  aforesaid  for  the  benefit  and  ae- 
commodation  of  travellers,  which  reasonable  request  for  his  future  encourage- 
ment we  being  willing  to  grant.  Know  ye,  that  of  our  special  giace«  certain 
knowledge,  and  mere  motion,  we  have  given,  granted,  ratified,  and  confirmed, 
and  by  these  presents  do,  for  us,  onr  heirs  and  successors,  give,  grant,  ratify, 
snd  confirm  unto  said  Frederick  Philips,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  all  and  every 
the  aforerecited  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  and  meadow  ground  within  the 
limits  and  bounds  before  mentioned  and  expressed,  and  likewise  the  aforesaid 
neck  or  island  of  land  called  Paparinemo,  and  the  meadow  thereunto  belong- 
ing, with  power,  authority,  and  privilege  to  erect  and  build  a  dam  bridge  upon 
the  aforesaid  ferry  of  Spitendevil  or  Paparinemo,  and  to  receive  rates  and 
tolls  of  all  passengers  and  fur  droves  of  cattle  according  to  the  rates  hereafter 
mentioned,  (that  is  to  say,)  three  pence  current  money  of  New  York  for  each 
man  and  horse  that  shall  pass  the  said  bridge  in  the  day  time,  and  three  penee 
current  money  aforesaid  for  each  head  of  neat  cattle  that  shall  pass  the  same, 
and  twelve  pence  current  money  aforesaid  for  each  score  of  hogs,  calvea,  and 
sheep  that  shall  pass  the  same,  and  nine  pence  current  money  aforesaid  for 
every  boat,  vessel,  or  canoe  that  shall  pass  the  said  bridge  and  cause  the 
same  to  be  drawn  up,  and  for  each  coach,  cart,  or  sledge,  or  waggon  that  ahall 
pass  the  same  the  sum  of  ninepence  current  money  aforesaid ;  and  after  eon- 
set  each  passenger  that  shall  pass  said  bridge  ehall  pay  two  pence  current 
money  aforesaid,  each  man  and  horse  six  pence,  each  head  of  neat  cattle  six 
pence,  each  score  of  hogs,  calves,  and  sheep  two  shillings,  for  each  boat  or 
vessel  or  canoe  one  shilling  and  sixpence,  for  each  coach,  cart,  waggon  or 
sledge  one  shilling  and  six  pence  current  money  aforesaid,  togather  with  all 
the  messuages,  tenements,  buildings,  bams,  houses,  out-houses,  mills,  mill- 
dams,  fences,  orchards,  gardens,  pastures,  meadows,  marshes,  swamps,  moora, 


'  COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  4387 

poob,  woods,  under- woods,  trees,  timber,  qaarries,  rirers,  runs,  ri?iilets, 
brooks,  ponds,  lakes,  streams,  creeks,  harbours,  beaches,  ferrys,  fishing,  fowl- 
ing, hunting,  hawking,  mines,  minerals,  (siher  and  gold  only  excepted,)  and 
all  the  other  rights,  members,  liberties,  priviledges,  jurisdictions,  royalties, 
hereditaments,  profits,  tolls,  benefits,  advantages  and  appurtinances  whatso- 
ever  to  the  aforesaid  tracts  and  neck  or  island  of  land  and  meadows,  ferry, 
bridge,  and  mills  belonging  or  in  any  ways  appertaining,  or  accepted,  reputed, 
taken,  known,  or  occupied  as  part,  parcel,  or  member  thereof;  and  moreofer, 
inaw  ye,  that  of  our  further  special  grace,  certain  knowledge,  and  mere  mo- 
tion, we  have  thought  fit,  according  to  the  request  of  our  said  loving  subject, 
to  erect  all  the  aforesaid  recited  tracts  and  parcels  of  lands  and  meadows  with 
the  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid,  into  a  lordship  or  manor,  and,  therefore,  by 
these  presents  we  do  erect,  make,  and  constitute  all  the  aforesaid  recited 
tracts  and  parcels  of  land  and  meadows,  within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforesaid 
mentioned,  together  with  all  and  every  the  afore  granted  premises  with  sU 
and  every  of  the  apperti nances  into  a  lordship  or  manor,  to  all  intents  and  par- 
poses;  and  it  is  our  royal  will  and  pleasure  that  the  said  lordship  and  manor 
shall  from  henceforth  be  called  the  lordship  or  manor  of  Philipsborough,  aad 
the  aforesaid  bridge  to  be  from  henceforth  called  Kingsbridge  in  the  manor  of 
Philipsborough  aforesaid.    And  know  ye,  that  we,  reposing  special  trust  and 
confidence  in  the  loyalty,  wisdom,  justice,  prudence,  and  circumspection  of  oar 
loving  subject,  do,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  give  and  grant  nnto  the 
said  Frederick  Philips,  and  to  the  heirs  and  assignees  of  him  the  said  Fred- 
erick Philips,  full  power  and  authority  at  all  times  forever  hereafter  in  the 
said  lordship  or  manor,  one  court  leet  and  one  court  baron  to  hold  and  to  keep 
at  such  times,  and  so  often,  yearly  and  every  year,  as  he  ok  they  shall  see 
meet ;  and  all  fines,  issues,  and  amercements  as  the  said  Court  Leet  or  Court 
Baron  to  be  holden  within  said  lordship  or  manor  to  be  sett,  forfeited,  or  em* 
ployed,  or  payable,  or  happening  at  any  time  to  be  payable  by  any  of  the  in- 
habitants of  or  within  the  said  lordship  or  manor  of  Philipsboroagb,  in  the 
limits  and  bounds  thereof,  as  also  all  and  every  of  the  power  and  authority 
herein  before  mentioned,  for  the  holding  and  keeping  the  said  ]>et  and  Coort 
Baron  from  time  to  time,  and  to  award  and  issue  out  the  customary  writs 
to  be  issued  and  awarded  out  of  the  said  Court  Leet  and  Court  Baron  to 
be  kept  by  the  heirs  and  assignees  of  the  sard  Frederick  Philips  forever,  in 
their  or  every  of  their  stewards  deputed  and  appointed,  with  full  and  ample 
power  and  authority  to  distrain  for  the  rents,  levies,  or  other  sums  of  money 
payable  by  virtue  of  the  premises,  and  all  other  lawful  remedies  and  meane 
for  the  having  possession,  receiving,  levying,  and  enjoying  the  premises  and 
every  part  and  parcel  of  the  same,  and  all  waifes,  estrays,  wrecks,  deodans^ 
and  of  the  fellons  happening  and  being  furnished  within  the  said  lordship  and 
manor  of  Philipsborough,  and  all  and  every  sum  and  sums  of  money  to  be  paid 
as  a  parte  fine  upon  any  fine  or  fines  to  be  levied  of  any  lands,  tenements  or 
hereditaments  within  the  said  lordship  or  manor  of  Philipsbnrgh,  togather 


428  HISTORY  OF  THE 

with  the  advowsoti  aud  right  of  patronage  of  all  and  every  the  eborelrar 
ehurches  erected  or  to  bo  erected  or  eetabliehed  or  hereafter  to  be  erected  or 
ettabliahed  within  the  said  manor  of  Philipsboroogh  ;  and  we  do  also  farther 
give  and  grant  onto  the  said  Frederick  Philips,  his  heirs  and  aseigneeSf  that 
all  and  singular  the  tenants  of  the  said  Frederick  Philips,  within  the  said  maoor 
•hall  and  maj  at  atl  times  hereafter  meet  together  and  choose  asaessora  within 
the  manor  aforesaid,  according  to  such  rules,  ways,  and  methods  as  are  pre- 
aoribed  for  the  cities,  towns,  and  counties  within  oor  proYince  aforesaid  by  the 
acts  of  General  Assembly,  for  the  defraying  the  publick  charge  of  each  re- 
spective city,  town,  and  county  aforesaid,  and  such  sums  of  money  so  assessed 
or  levied  to  collect  and  dispose  of  for  such  uses  as  the  acts  of  General  Assem- 
bly shall  establish  and  appoint,  to  have  and  to  hold,  possess,  collecty  aod  enjoy 
all  and  singular  the  said  lordship  or  manor  of  Philipsboroogh,  togather  with 
the  aforessid  halls  and  premises,  with  all  their  and  evory  of  their  appertinances, 
unto  the  said  Frederick  Philips,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  to  the  only  proper 
use,  benefit,  and  behoof  of  him,  the  said  Frederick  Philips,  his  heirs  aod  as- 
signees forever,  reserving  unto  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  free  egress  and 
ingress  of  all  our  and  their  forces,  horse  or  foot,  of  oor  and  their  coaches, 
waggons,  stores  of  war,  ammunition,  and  expresses,  that  shall  from  time  to 
time  pass  the  said  bridge  fur  our  or  their  service,  or  any  thing  contained  to  the 
contrary  herein  in  any  ways  notwithstanding,  to  be  holden  of  ns,  our  heirs  aod 
successors,  in  free  and  common  soccage  according  to  the  tenure  of  our  manor 
of  East  Greenwich  within  our  county  of  Kent  in  our  realm  of  England,  yeald- 
ing,  rendering,  and  paying  therefor,  yearly  and  every  year,  on  the  feaat  day 
of  the  Annunciation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  at  our  fort  at  New  York  unto 
us,  oor  heirs  and  successors,  the  annual  rent  of  JC4  Ids.  current  money  of  onr 
said  province  in  lieu  and  stead  of  all  former  rents,  services,  dues,  duties,  and 
demands  for  the  said  lordship  or  manor  of  Philipsboroogh  and  premises.     In 
testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  seal  of  oor  province  of  New  York  to 
be  hereunto  affixed.     Witness  Benjamin  Fletcher  our  captain-general  and 
governor-in-chief  of  our  province  of  New  York  aforesaid,  province  of  Penn- 
sylvania and  county  of  New  Castlp,  and  the  territory  aod  tracts  of  land  de- 
pending thereon  in  America,  at  Fort  William  Henry,  the  12th  day  of  June,  in 
the  fifth  year  of  our  reign,  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1693. 

Frederick  Philipse  Esq.,  by  his  last  will  bearing  date  9th  of 
December,  1702,  devised  his  lands  in  this  town  and  part  of  Green- 
burgh  to  Frederick  Philipse  his  grandson,  born  in  Barbadoes  ye 
only  son  of  Philip,  his  eldest  son,  viz. 

**  The  Island  of  Papirinemin  with  the  meadows  ye  toll  and  all  ye  lands  and 
meadows  called  the  Yonkers  plantation,  with  all  houses,  mills,  mill  dams  d:c.f 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER. 


429 


as  also  a  piece  of  land  in  the  mile  square  by  me  late  bought  of  Michael  Havr- 
don  and  all  that  tract  or  parcel  of  land  extending  from  the  Yonkers  patent  or 
plantation  to  a  creek  called  by  the  Indians  Wysquaqua  and  by  the  Christians 
William  Portugues  creeks  and  thence  according  to  ye  coarse  of  that  creek  in* 
to  ye  woods  to  ye  head  of  ye  same  from  thence  on  a  last  line  to  the  creek 
called  the  Yonkers  creek,  and  thence  to  continue  on  the  same  coarse  to 
Broncks's  river,  also  the  boat  Yoncker,  with  her  furniture  apparel  and  appur- 
tenances, &c.^  Upon  the  death  of  the  Hon.  Fredrick  Philipse,  the  above  de- 
visee of  his  grandfather  Frederick  in  1751,  Colonel  Frederick  Phillipse  his 
son  became  devisee  in  tail  male  of  the  whole  manor  of  Philipsborough. 

These  lands  continued  in  the  possession  of  Colonel  Frederick 
Philipse,  till  the  year  1779.  When  having  broken  his  military 
parole  by  not  returning  to  Yonkers,  they  became  confiscated  to 
the  people  of  this  state,  and  sold  and  conveyed  by  Isaac  Stouten- 
burgh  and  Philip  van  Cortiandt  Commissioners  of  Forfeitures 
appointed  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State 
passed  12  May,  1781,  to  the  following  persons. 


Mary  Hunt 

120 

Jacob  van  Tassel 

0 

Abraham  Archer 

120 

Peter  Acker 

186 

Pierre  van  Cortiandt 

160  ' 

Abraham  Acker 

239 

ditto. 

120 

William  Dalcber 

215 

His  own 

164 

John  Jewell 

285 

John  Bishop 

83 

Jonathan  Odell 

463 

Moses  Ward 

167 

Daniel  Willsie 

329 

Elijah  Honter 

196 

Jacob  Storms 

279 

Peter  Davids 

200 

Richard  Delawley 

220 

Samael  Drake 

115 

Greor^  Daterach 

282 

Arnold  Hunt 

283 

Philip  Livingston 

233 

Richard  Garrisden 

123 

James  D.  Clark 

286 

Abraham  Orser 

123 

Peter  Post 

226 

Thomas  Bishop 

159 

Jacobus  Dyekman 

300 

Job  Sherwood 

365 

George  Forster 

300 

Gerard  G.  Beeckman 

750 

Garrett  Brown 

312 

Cornelia  Jones 

200 

Peter  Forshee 

171 

Gerard  G.  Beeckman 

0 

Cornelius  Darqoa 

29 

Micliael  McKeel 

327 

Andrew  Bostwick 

279 

John  van  Tassel 

160 

John  Lawrence 

175 

^  Surroflrntes  offi.  N.  Y.  vii.  101. 


HISTORY  OF  THB 


David  StornM 

S5 

John  Lamb 

Mi 

Jtmet  Hammond 

0 

Robert  JohoaoB 

190 

and 

Comeliot  P.  Lowe 

i 

SflO 

George  Cuombs 

16S 

mills   at    Yonckers 

mmV 

James  van  Wart 

0 

Sarah  Areher 

18 

William  van  Wart 

0 

John  Williams 

0 

William  Hunt 

870 

Dennis  Post 

165 

John  van  Wart 

830 

Thomas  Valentine 

8S8 

Reformed  Dateh  Charoh 

0 

Joseph  Oakley 

164 

Glode  Reqaa 

806 

Elnathan  Taylor 

100 

Frederick  van  Cortlandt 

105 

John  Dead 

136 

On  the  east  side  of  this  town,  bordering  the  Bronx^s  rivets  ii 
situated  a  tract  of  land  called  the  Mile  SquarSj  Ijring  priocipally 
in  a  beautiful  vale  watered  by  the  river  and  sheltered  by  picto- 
rcsque  hillfi.  This  tract  was  exempted  out  of  the  great  manorial 
patent  of  1693,  and  appears  originally  to  have  formed  a  part  of 
the  possessions  of  the  Doughtys  of  Flushing,  as  we  find  John 
Doughty  of  (hat  place  in  1685  selling  sixty-four  acres  of  land 
here,  in  one  square  mile,  to  Francis  French,  Ebenezer  Jones  and 
John  Wascot.*  "  22d  May,  1674,  John  Winter  of  Westchester 
sold  to  Josepli  Jeames  of  Fairfield,  Connecticut,  a  parcel  of  land 
containing  120  acres,  which  is  one  quarter  part  of  ye  tract  of  land 
Francis  French  and  Ebenezer  Jones  bought  of  Elias  Doughty. 
This  land  lay  west  northerly  from  Bastchester,  on  the  other  side 
of  Brunckses  river." — Fairfield  Records.  1685,  John  Hiatt  of 
Bronx's  river  deeds  sixty  acres  of  upland  to  Hopestill  Betts  of  the 
Yonckers,  this  sale  being  a  part  of  the  whole  tract  of  land  called 
by  the  name  of  the  Mile  Square.  Tradition  says  that  this  place 
was  ^iven  by  Frederick  Philipse  as  a  dower  portion  when  his 
daughter  Annetje  married  Philip  French.  From  the  French  and 
Jones  family  it  passed  by  sale  to  the  Oakleys,  Bertines,  Curwells, 
Sherwoods  and  Riches.  The  latter  family  have  been  long  resi- 
dents here,  and  are  still  possessed  of  a  large  estate,  which  has  been 
successively  occupied  for  several  generations.  By  marriage  they 
are  connected  with  the  ancient  family  of  the  Valentines.  The 
Rich  family  originally  came  from  Germany,  and  are  descended  of 


•■  Liber  B.  Co.  Rec.  p.  53. 


COUNTV  OF  WESTCHESTER.  431 

the  Ulrich  of  Flaack,  whose  son,  Balthassar  Rych^,  emigrated  to 
this  country  at  an  early  period  of  its  settlement.  The  following 
ancient  document  is  still  preserved  in  the  family ;  it  is  written 
in  the  German  language,  and  was  brought  from  Germany  by 
Balthassar  Rych& 

I,  Johann  Conradt  Heidegger,  sen^r,  of  the  corporation  fur  Guild,  and  by 
the  cooDcil  of  the  honorable  city  of  Zurich,  duly  appointed  sheriff  of  the  county 
of  Kyborgh,  certify  and  make  known  that  on  the  dale  mentioned  below,  the 
bearer  of  this,  Balthaaaar  Rycb6,  son  of  the  late  Ulrich  of  Flaack,  situated  in 
my  Jurisdiction,  appeared  before  me,  stating,  that  whereas  having  been  many 
years  and  days  absent  from  this  conntry,  and  in  consequence  of  a  purchase 
made  by  him,  intending  to  reside  in  future  with  his  wife  and  children  at  Sand- 
bussen  in  the  electoral  palatinate  as  his  permanent  residence,  he  therefore 
humbly  requested  an  authentic  certificate  showing  his  honest  birth,  pedigree, 
and  name,  and  likewise  that  he  leaves  this  country  with  a  good  name  and 
character,  in  order  that  he  may  produce  such  testimony  when  and  where  it 
might  be  requisite.  Wherefore  I,  having  beard  the  said  Rych6*s  petitiony 
conceive  it  to  be  no  more  than  right  and  just  to  grant  him  his  request.  After 
having  made  diligent  enquiries  respecting  his  character,  and  also  obtained 
from  the  regularly  ordained  minister  here  a  written  acknowledgment  that  his 
parents  were  lawfully  married  and  he  thus  legitimately  conceived  and  born/ 
and  subsequently  baptixed  in  a  Christian  like  manner  on  the  first  day  of  June, 
in  the  year  1669,  in  the  presence  of  sponsors.  It  also  appears  that  from  his  in- 
fancy and  during  the  time  he  resided  here  be  conducted  himself  uprightly  and 
without  reproach  ;  and  that  when  he  left  this  place  he  carried  with  him  an 
honest  reputation.  In  testimony  whereof  and  in  compliance  with  his  humble 
and  dutiful  request,  I  have  caused  this  written  certificate  to  be  prepared  for 
the  said  Rychi  and  have  caused  the  seal  of  office  to  be  affixed  thereto. 

Done  and  passed  on  the  sixteenth  day  of  January,  1699,  counting  from  the 
birth  of  Christ  our  Saviour. 

Signed 
The  County  Clerk  (Schiegk)  at  Kybargh. 

Mile  Square  during  the  war  of  the  Revolution  appears  to  have 
been  a  favorite  camp  ground  with-  both  armies,  on  account  of  its 
sheltered  situation  and  vicinity  to  the  water.  Here  were  quar- 
tered Colonel  Emmerick's  British  light  horse.  The  British 
Hussars  were  billeted  here  for  several  summers.  The  Ryche's 
mansion  being  occupied  as  head  quarters,  it  was  the  custom  of 
the  troopers  to  tie  up  their  horses  to  long  cords  stretched  from 
the  apple  trees  in  the  orchard,  many  of  which  are  sUll  standing. 


433  HISTORY  OF  THE 

For  security  the  roads  were  patrolled  and  videttes  stretched  along 
the  neighboring  heights.  The  remains  of  bastions  are  still  Tisible 
on  their  summits. 

1776,  the  American  Rifle  Corps  were  stationed  here,  and  from 
this  place  crossed  the  Bronx  to  attack  and  harrass  the  British 
flank,  as  they  moved  towards  White  Plains,  after  landing  on 
Throgmorton's  neck.  Subsequent  to  the  memorable  battle  of 
White  Plains  the  British  returned  to  Mile  Square,  reconstructed 
Hunt's  bridge,  and  occupied  the  hill  forts. 

1778,  the  British  light  infantry  and  Highland  companies  under 
General  Simcoe,  formed  an  ambuscade  in  an  orchard,  at  the 
place  where  the  roads  fork  to  Hunt's  bridge  and  Yalentiue's  hill, 
in  the  hope  of  surprising  a  large  and  strong  body  of  the  Ameri- 
can army  moving  on  the  o])posite  side  of  the  Bronx. 

It  appears  from  the  British  accoant  as  related  by  Simeoe,  **  tbmt  Hoot^s 
bridge  was  commanded  by  the  heights  on  the  side  of  Kingebridge,  which 
the  enemy  had  fortified  in  1776.     In  the  British  re&r  was  a  wood  ;  it  bad 
been  designed  to  conceal  the  Queen^s  Rangers  under  General  Simcoat  and 
while  the  Yagers  and  cavalry  should  have  engaged  with  aoy  corps  who  might 
patrole  to  Valentine*s  hill,  it  was  thought  probable  that  the  etnemy  oo  tho 
opposite  side  of  the  Bronx  would  pass  over  to  their  assistance,  when  the  in- 
fantry and  Highlandprs  would  rush  from  the  wood,  and,  occupying  the  fences 
do  severe  and  cool  execution  upon  them  as  they  were  on  the  bridge  and  oceo- 
pied  in  the  deep  hollow.     An  advanced  party  of  the  enemy,  notwithstand- 
ing the  circumstances  which  made  the  troops  quit  Valentine's  hill,  had  already 
passed  the  Bronx,  the  Yager  cavalry  were  ordered  to  proceed  towards  Kings- 
bridge,  slowly  and  in  full  sight  of  the  enemy  who  were  on  Hunt's  hill. 
There  was  still  hopes  by  forming  the  ambuscade  to  do  some  service,  when,  to 
Lieutenant  Col.  Simcoe's  great  surprise,  the  enemy's  cannon  were  fired  at 
the  infantry,  whom  he  expected  to  have  been  hidden  from  their  sight,  by  the 
intervention  of  the  woods ;  but  it  appeared  that  while  Captain  Ross  was  with 
the  advanced  companies  some  officers  imprudently  had  got  upon  a  fence,  out 
of  curiosity,  and  discovered  themselves  to  the  enemy.    Lieutenant  Colonel 
Simcoe  immediately  withdrew  his  men  out  of  the  reach  of  any  chance  shot, 
and  made  U6e  of  the  low  ground  (the  crossing  of  which  would  have  led  him 
into  the  ambuscade,)  to  march  his  infantry  under  its  cover,  out  of  their  sight,  or 
the  reach  of  their  cannon ;  he  sent  orders  to  Capt.  Ross  to  withdraw,  and 
again  ambuscaded  the  cavalry  in  a  position  to  take  advantage  of  the  ene- 
my if  any  party  of  them  should  pursue  him,  or  from  Valentine's  hill  should 
endeavor  to  incommode  his  retreat.    Observing  the  movement  of  the  Yager 
cavalry,  the  enemy  marched  a  party  to  watch  their  movements,  on  the 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  433 

oppositQ  bank,  while  their  main  body  formed  the  line.  Captain  Rom  thoagbt 
proper  to  wait  for  the  party  that  had  crossed  the  Bronx.  He  permitted  them 
to  come  close  to  him,^hen  his  fire  threw  them  into  confusion,  he  then  re- 
treated, making  a  small  circuit  to  avoid  some  riflemen  who  had  occupied  the 
wood,  and  the  corps  returned  to  the  camp."« 

A  day  or  two  preceding  the  battle  of  White  Plains  a  large 
body  of  British  horse  advanced  upon  the  road  leading  through 
this  place  for  the  purpose  of  reconnoitering. 

September,  1778,  Sir  Archibald  Campbell  advanced  with  the 
7l8tregimentof  theScotchHighlanderstoMilesquare.  They  were 
soon  after  joined  by  General  Grant  with  another  force  of  High- 
landers who  occupied  the  ground  from  the  Bronx  at  Hunt's 
bridge  to  the  North  River.  During  the  whole  course  of  the  war 
Colonel  Jaoies  de  Lancey  kept  a  recruiting  officer  constantly 
stationed  at  Jones's  house,  in  the  Mile  square,  as  he  always  con- 
sidered Mile  square  itself  within  the  British  lines. 

On  the  road  leading  from  the  Mile  square  to  the  village 
of  Yonkers,  are  still  visible,  the  remains  of  an  old  hostel, 
the  keeper  of  which  was  one  Gainos,  a  Frenchman.  This 
individual,  during  the  occupancy  of  Mile  square  by  the  Ameri* 
can  forces,  supplied  the  army  with  liquor  and  provisions. 
On  the  approach  of  the  enemy  from  New  York  he  chose  to  re- 
tire with  General  Washington  to  White  Plains,  shortly  after  the 
evacuation  of  the  premises  by  Gainos,  his  tenants  left  in  charge 
were  alarmed  by  the  midnight  attack  of  a  gang  of  British  Cow- 
boys, a  scuffle  ensued,  during  which  one  of  the  assailants  was 
killed. 

In  the  retreat  of  the  robbers,  they  pitched  the  headless  body  of 
their  slain  comrade,  into  the  adjoining  well.  This  tragical  event 
has  given  rise  to  strange  stories ;  and  has  thrown  over  this  spot  a 
veil  of  horror;  which  is  heightened  by  the  loneliness  of  its  situ- 
ation. Some  benighted  countryman  has  construed  the  gnarled 
and  fantastic  cedars,  (which  surround  this  spot,)  into  the  head- 
less form  of  the  cowboy  seated  on  the  well,  and  the  sweeping 
blast,  or  gurgling  brook,  into  his  doleful  groans.    The  common 


^  Simco«*8  Milit  Junrnil,  p.  77. 

Vol.  If.  B6 


431  HISTOHT  OF  THE 

people  still  regard  this  place  with  superstitious  dread,  no  one 
daring  to  approach  it  after  dusk. 

Valentine^s  hill,  is  a  high  ridge  borderin^he  Mile  square  on 
the  west ;  its  summit  affords  one  of  the  finest  views  in  lYest 
Chester  County.  To  the  east  the  eye  ranges  over  an  extensive 
country  of  hills,  woods  and  vales,  stretching  towards  the  Long 
Island  Sound,  the  distant  horizon  skirted  by  light  blue  bills. 
To  the  north  lie  the  Tnckahoc  hills,  while  westward  tlie  view 
is  bounded  by  the  Yonkers  ridge  surmounted  with  lofty  wood?, 
with  here  and  there  a  glimpse  to  be  obtained  of  the  dark  pali- 
sades peeping  through  some  opening  of  the  trees ;  below  lies  a 
beautiful  vale  through  which  Meanders  Tippets  brook.  At  the 
base  of  the  hill  winds  the  Croton  Acqueduct. 

Valentine's  hill  and  adjoining  property  has  been  occupied  by 
the  ancient  and  numerous  family  of  the  Valentines  for  nearly 
one  hundred  and  twenty  years.  The  ancestor  of  the  family 
Matthias  Valentine,  having  been  one  of  the  first  tenants  under 
the  Philipses;  on  his  settlement  here  the  whole  surrounding 
country  was  one  vast  forest,  the  lonely  domain  of  the  deer.  The 
verges  of  these  forests  also  abounded  with  another  noble  species 
of  game  long  since  extinct,  and  that  was  the  wild  turkey.  It  is 
said  that  flocks  of  them  used  to  fiy  from  the  Yonkers  ridge  on 
the  west  side  of  Tippets  brook  to  this  hill  at  certain  seasons  of 
the  year  for  the  purpose  of  feeding  on  the  acorn  and  beech  nut. 
The  flight  was  always  commenced  by  a  large  black  cock  of  the 
woods.  Sunset  being  the  signal  for  departure,  the  leader  gave 
the  well  known  note  and  they  were  instantly  on  the  wing  for  the 
opposite  hills.  There  yet  remains  a  fine  specimen  of  the  ancient 
denizens  of  the  forests  on  the  western  edge  of  this  hill,  by  the 
road  side  letiding  to  the  village.  This  venerable  chesnut  tree 
ill  the  fall  of  the  year  appears  to  be  the  favorite  gathering 
place  of  thousands  of  swallows  just  before,  they  commence  their 
migrations. 

In  possession  of  the  Valentine  family  are  numerous  receipts 
given  for  rent ;  formerly  due  \he  Lords  of  Phiiipsborough.  As  a 
specimen  occurs  the  following: 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER-  436 

Op  Nippera  Des  20  Mars  No.  1727. 

den  20  Mars  hefvTheis  Valentin  en  syn  Moeder  hier  gebracht 
13^  boschel  tar  we  vor  de  hner  von  land  vor  ye  Tahr  Ao  1725. 

Yonckers,  January  ye  28  day  1734-6. 

Then  received  of  Mr.  Matihiase  Valleniine  7^  bushels  of  Rent 
wheat  on  behalf  of  Mr.  Philipse.    I  said  received  by  me 

William  Peck. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  revolutionarv  war  this  hill  was 
rented  by  two  grandsons  of  the  first  proprietor  Thomas  and  Gil- 
bert Valentine  who  occupied  it  through  the  whole  course  of  the 
war.  In  the  summer  of  1775,  the  American  army  threw  up  en- 
trenchments on  its  summit  the  remains  of  which  are  still  visible. 
When  his  Excellency  General  Washington  layencamped  on  Valen- 
tine's hill  in  the  fall  of  1776,  it  was  supposed  to  be  the  design  of 
the  enemy  to  attack  his  position.  On  this  occasion  Thomas  Valen- 
tine wasengaged  with  the  General  in  conversation,  leaning  upon  the 
pommel  of  his  saddle  when  the  heads  of  the  British  columns  were 
seen  approaching  at  a  distance  of  three  or  four  miles  on  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  Bronx,  as  if  taking  the  direction  of  the  hill.  Un- 
der this  supposition  Washington  ordered  out  several  companies 
to  attack  the  flanking  parties  of  the  enemy,  who  it  was  discovered 
were  taking  the  high  road  to  the  White  Plaii  s.  It  was  after- 
wards asserted  by  a  British  officer  that  through  the  aid  of  their 
glasses  they  had  seen  Thomas  Valentine  and  the  General 
in  conversation. 

Washington  having  ascertained  the  intention  of  the  enemy 
pushed  on  his  left  wing  to  the  White  Plains,  while  his  right  oc- 
cupied the  hill. 

From  the  12th  to  the  27th  of  October,  1776,  the  American 
army  lay  entrenched  in  detached  camps  from  this  hill  to  the  White 
Plains.*  On  the  27th,  as  the  enemy  continued  to  advance  upon 
the  White  Plains,  General  Washington  suddenly  called  in  all  his 
detachments,  and  abandoning  the  positions  he  had  occupied 
along  the  Bronx,  assembled  all  his  forces  in  a  strong  camp  upon 
Chatterton  Heights.  Upon  the  28ih  of  October,  the  day  of  the 
battle,  it  was  asserted  by  the  residents  on  the  hill,  that  not  only 


•  Stedmaa'f  Hift  of  th«  American  War. 


436  HISTORY  OP  THE 

was  the  cannonade  distinctly  heard,  but  also  the  singing  of  the 
Hessians  as  they  advanced  to  attack  the  American  position.  Af- 
ter the  battle  of  the  28th,  the  British  infantry  were  stationed  here. 

The  old  Valentine  house,  which  stood  northwest  of  the  pre- 
sent residence,  was  used  for  some  time  by  General  Washington 
as  head-quarters. 

It  would  appear  from  the  following  letter,  in  possession  of  the 
family,  that  Thomas  Valentine  had  aided  the  advance  of  Wash- 
ington's left  wing  towards  the  White  Plains  : — 

Valentine't  HiU,  Jan*y  97tb,  1777. 
Thete  may  certify,  that  on  or  about  the  S5th  day  of  October  last,  I  ordered 
Thomaa  Valentine^a  one  yoke  of  oxen  and  cart,  to  be  uken  for  the  poUic  ser- 
vice. They  carried  a  load  to  ye  White  Plains.  There  I  discharged  them. 
I  am  informed  they  were  further  taken  on  their  return,  and  that  Mr.  Valen- 
tine hath  not  received  them.  B.-  Lincoln. 

On  the  6th  of  June,  1778,  Sir  William  Erskine  fell  back  to- 
wards Valentine's  Hill.  The  Queen's  Rangers  encamping  oa 
OdelPs  Hill,  soon  after,  these  corps  formed  part  of  an  escort 
which  accompanied  the  English  commander-in-chief  to  the  White 
Plains, »  1778.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Tarleton  was  ordered,  with 
the  whole  of  the  English  cavalry,  to  this  hill,  for  the  purpose  of 
covering  the  right,  when  they  endeavored  to  surprise  General 
Gist  in  the  parsonage.  The  same  year,  upon  the  retiring  of 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Simcoe,  the  continental  forces  again  took 
possession  of  the  hill. 

On  the  16th  September,  1782,  (says  General  Heath,)  the  ene- 
my made  a  grand  forage  near  Valentine's  Hill ;  Sir  Guy  Carle- 
ton  was  out  in  person,  as  was  the  young  Prince  (William 
Henry,  Duke  of  Clarence,  afterwards  King  William  the  Fourth.) 
The  covering  party,  it  was  said,  consisted  of  five  or  six  thousand 
men.*> 

During  the  absence  of  the  armies,  Valentine's  Hill  was  much 
exposed  to  the  depredations  of  gangs  of  outlaws  called  Cowboys 
and  Skinners,  who  roamed  the  country  in  search  of  plunder.  On 
one  occasion,  a  party  of  the  former  forced  their  entrance  into  the 

•  Sinicoe*e  Mil.  Journal.  b  Heath's  Mem.  353. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  437 

Valentine  House ;  seizing  the  proprietor,  Thomas  Valentine,  they 
demanded  his  life  or  money ;  whereupon,  disbelieving  or  affect- 
ing to  disbelieve  him,  they  threatened^  on  his  again  refusing,  to 
hang  him  instantly.  Obtaining  no  satisfactory  answer,  they  car- 
ried him  to  the  foot  of  a  cherry  tree,  still  standing,  near  the  cor- 
ner of  the  old  garden,  and  had  placed  the  cord  around  his  neck, 
when  he  suddenly  threw  it  off,  exclaiming,  "  Don't  be  such 

d d  fools  as  to  hang  a  man  when  he  hasn't  any  money .'^ 

The  coolness  and  apparent  sincerity  of  his  language  served  effec- 
tually to  disarm  the  robbers,  for  they  not  only  desisted  from  their 
purpose,  but  released  him.  Instances  had  occurred  in  the  neigh- 
borhood in  which  they  had  actually  carried  their  threats  into 
execution. 

One  or  two  instances  of  heroic  courage  in  a  female  of  this 
family  (Susan  Valentine,  now  Mrs.  Vredenburgh,  still  living, 
1847,  aged  93)  is  deserving  of  record.  These  marauders,  like 
all  other  villains,  frequently  proved  themselves  great  cowards. 
Miss  Susan  Valentine,  when  a  young  woman,  prevented  a  large 
party  from  entering  the  house  by  threatening  them,  single  hand- 
ed, with  a  large  oven  shovel,  solemnly  protesting  she  would  split 
the  head  of  the  first  man  that  dared  to  cross  the  threshhold.  Her 
courage  and  determination  alone  served  to  protect  the  house 
from  plunder.  On  another  occasion,  an  intimate  friend,  Mr. 
Sneden,  had  entrusted  her  with  the  care  of  £3U  in  gold  and 
silver,  not  daring  to  carry  this  amount  about  his  person,  as  be  was 
going  a  long  journey  into  the  interior. 

On  receiving  her  charge,  Miss  Valentine,  for  greater  security 
concealed  it  in  her  dress,  designing  to  keep  it  there  until  the  own- 
er's safe  return. 

The  same  evening  of  Mr.  Sneden's  departure,  a  party  of  Skin- 
ners forced  their  way  into  her  bed-room,  dragged  her  from  the 
bed,  and  demanded  her  money.  This  she  either  denied  possess- 
ing, or  refused  to  deliver ;  whereupon,  becoming  violent,  she 
called  to  her  brother.  During  the  scuffle  that  followed  her  bro- 
ther's entrance,  she  contrived  to  crawl  out  at  the  foot  of  the  bed. 
hoping,  in  this  way,  to  escape  unobserved.  In  this  she  was  dis- 
appointed ;  the  villains  observed  and  again  seized  her.  In  the 
violent  attempt  made  to  extricate  herself  the  second  time,  the 


438  HISTORY  OF  THE 

• 

noone^  fell  on  the  floor,  or,  as  she  herself  described  it,  ^  was 
fairly  shook  out  of  her."  The  freebooters  greedily  seized  it,  and 
marched  off,  delighted  with  the  saccess  of  their  enterprise. 

In  this  town  is  situated  Berrian^s  Neck^  the  ancient  Nipnick- 
sen  of  the  Mohegans.    The  Dutch  conferred  apon  it  the  name 
of  Konstabelsche  hoekj  or  Point,  from  its  owner,  William  Con- 
stable.   This  neck  forms  the  northern  bank,  at  the  mouth,  of 
the  noted  Spf/t  den  Dyvel  Kil,  or  channel.    At  an  early  period  it 
belonged  to  Samuel  Edsall.    From  the  Edsalls  it  passed  to  the 
TippettSy  who,  during  the  revolutionary  struggle,  adhered  to  the 
side  of  the  Crown.    In  consequence  their  property  was  confis- 
cated to  the  State,  (the  Tippetts  having  fled  to  Nova  Scotia,)  and 
sold  to  Samuel  Berrian,  who  married  a  daughter  of  Tippett,  for- 
mer proprietor.    A  second  daughter  became  the  wife  of  the  eel* 
ebrated  Col.  James  de  Lancey,  one  of  the  boldest  foragers  of  the 
Neutral  Ground.    In  1796,  Samuel  Berrian^  sold  the  whole  estate 
of  Tippett's  Neck,  consisting  of  200  acres,  to  his  nephew,  Abra- 
ham Berrian. 

The  neck  remains  yet  undivided.    The  heirs  are  Abraham 
Berrian,  John  Hoogland,  and  Mr.  Bleecker. 

There  are  remains  of  three  distinct  forts  on  Tippett  or  Berri- 
en's Neck,  which  once  formed  a  part  of  the  chain  of  hill  batte- 
ries reaching  from  the  North  to  the  East  Rivers.  January  the 
19th,  1777,  (says  Gen.  Heath,)  it  was  determined  to  make  an  at- 
tempt to  cut  off  the  British  battalion  within  King's  Bridge,  early 
the  next  morning,  by  passing  a  strong  detachment  over  Spitten  De- 
vil Creek  on  the  ice,  which,  however,  was  not  very  strong,  but  the 
weather  was  cold.  One  thousand  were  detached  for  this  pur- 
pose ;  but  the  weather  having  grown  warm  in  the  night,  the  ice 
was  judged,  by  the  unanimous  opinion  of  all  the  general  offi- 
cers on  the  ground,  to  bo  too  hazardous,  on  the  morning  of  the 
20th^  to  venture  the  attempt.  On  this  day  there  was  a  cannon- 
ade on  both  sides,  and  the  enemy  on  the  island  side  were  thrown 
into  much  confusion.  Our  General  observing  that  when  the  ene- 
my within  the  island  were  cannonaded  acrors  Haarlem  Creek,  they 


»  The  ion  of  Samuel  wai  Richard  Berrian,  father  of  the  Rer.  William  Berrian, 
D.  D.,  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  N.  Y. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  439 

shellered  themselves  behind  the  little  hill  near  the  bridge,  next  to 
Spitten  Devil  Creek.  On  this  afternoon  he  rode  ronnd  on  to  Tip- 
pett's  Hill,  which  was  in  its  rear,  and  found  that  a  field-piece, 
drawn  up  on  that  side,  would  leave  the  enemy  no  hiding  place. 
On  the  21sl,.a  cannonade  commeuced  again  on  both  sides.  In 
the  afternoon  a  field-piece  was  hauled  up  to  Tippett's  Hill,  and 
the  enemy  being  cannonaded  both  in  front  and  rear,  they  were 
thrown  into  the  utmost  confusion  :  some  secured  themselves  in 
their  redoubt,  others  under  the  banks ;  some  lay  flat  on  the  ground, 
and  some  betook  themselves  to  the  cellars ;  so  that  in  a  short 
time  there  was  no  object  for  the  gunners."^ 

The  principal  fort  now  standing  on  the  neck  is  situated  a  little 
south  of  the  residence  of  Mr.  Whiting,  on  the  property  of  Mr. 
John  Ewings.  It  is  in  the  form  of  a  hollow  square,  with  banks 
fifteen  or  twenty  feet  high.  Nothing  can  exceed  the  boldness  of 
the  scenery  as  viewed  from  this  elevated  spot ;  below,  the  steep 
sides  of  the  neck  are  bordered  with  beautiful  woodland  that 
skirts  the  shores  of  the  majestic  Hudson ;  while  beyond,  the  pali- 
sades are  seen  abruptly  rising  in  all  their  grandeur  from  the 
opposite  margin  of  the  river.  South-east  are  the  distant  heights 
of  Fordham  and  Westchester,  and  north  the  Hudson  reaching 
into  the  Tappaan  Zee. 

l*he  remains  of  "  Indian  shell  heds^  are  still  visible  imtredi- 
ately  in  the  rear  of  the  fort.  Foot  paths  lead  through  the  woods 
that  skirt  the  river  to  the  extreme  point  of  the  neck.  The  Berrian 
residence,  a  fitie  structure  of  stone,  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Tucker, 
is  situated  on  rising  ground  near  the  extreme  point ;  its  beautiful 
situation  claims  notice.  The  Hudson  here  expands  its  waters, 
and,  united  with  those  of  the  Haarlem  river  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Spuyten  duyvel,  gives  a  beautiful  lake  like  appearance  to  the 
whole ;  the  winding  creek,  the  heights  of  Fordham  and  wooded 
hills  of  New  York  island,  serve  to  unite  and  blend  a  landscape 
which  might  have  inspired  the  pen  of  a  Thomson  or  the  pencil 
of  a  Claude.  The  old  Tippett  mansion  is  located  on  the  eastern 
side  of  this  neck,  embosomed  in  the  bank  and  shaded  with  tall 
poplars.    It  possesses  a  desolate  and  antiquated  appearance,  in 


•  Heath*!  Mem.  110. 


440  HISTORY  OF  THE 

perfect  keeping  with  the  strange  stories  that  are  told  of  its  still 
being  haunted  by  the  ghosts  of  the  old  tories.  Deer  are  said  to 
have  frequented  the  woods  bordering  on  this  neck  as  late  as  1782. 

The  mouth  of  the  Spuyt  deu  duyvel  kil  and  Berrian's  neck 
will  ever  be  memorable  as  the  scene  of  the  fight  between  Hen- 
drick  Hudson  and  the  Indians,  A.  D.  1609. 

At  day-break  on  the  22d  of  October,  the  Halve  Maen  (Crescent) 
sailed  from  Teller's  Point  on  her  passage  down  the  river,  with  a 
fair  wind,  twenty-one  miles,  till  the  tide  set  too  strong  against 
her,  when  she  came  to  anchor  near  the  upper  end  of  Manhattan 
island.  *'  The  two  captive  Indians  who  had  escaped  at  West 
Poiftt  had,  it  appears,  made  their  way  on  the  east  side  of  the 
river,  rousing  on  their  return  the  spirits  of  Sleepy  Hollow^^  or 
the  more  ferocious  Manhatta,^  and  here  '  in  the  inlet  of  Haarlem 
river,  they  had  concentrated  a  force  that  impatiently  awaited  the 
arrival  of  the  rich  booty,  which  they  flattered  themselves  they 
should  obtain.' 

*'They  had  not  waited  long  ere  the  Halve  Maen  appeared, 
and  immediately  hove  to  near  their  place  of  ambush.  One  of 
the  Indians  who  had  escaped  from  Hudson's  vessel  now  came 
out  with  many  others  armed  with  bows  and  arrows  expecting  to 
betray  them."c  But,  says  Juet  the  mate  of  Hudson's  vessel, "  we 
perceived  their  intent,  and  suffered  none  of  them  to  enter  our 
ship,  whereupon  two  canoes  full  of  men  with  bows  and  arrows 
shot  at  us  after  our  stern,  in  recompense  whereof  we  discharged 
six  muskets  and  killed  two  or  three  of  them,  then  above  one 
hundred  of  them  came  to  a  point  of  land  to  shoot  at  us,  then,  I 
shot  a  falcon  at  them  and  killed  two  of  them ;  whereupon  the 
rest  fled  into  the  woods.  Yet  they  manned  off  another  canoe 
with  nine  or  ten  men,  which  came  to  meet  us,  so  I  shot  at  it  also 
a  falcon,  and  shot  it  through  and  killed  one  of  them,  then  our 
men  with  muskets  killed  three  or  four  more  of  them,  so  they 
went  their  way."d 
■I  ^■^~— ■—  "~"^~^  ^~~^~"^~^"~"^» 

•>  OS  the  Mahicanni  nation,  who  lived,  aaye  Moolton,  a  little  north- weet  of  Whit« 
rrains. — Irving'a  Sketch  Book. 

k  Who  probably  extended  to  Tappan  bay.-  Moulion. 
«  Monlton*8  Hiit  N.  Y.  part  i.  27J,  2 
<  Iludion*!  Joarnal. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  441 

It  was  here  too,  that  during  the  absence  of  the  illustrious  Peter 
Stuyvesant,  who  was  then  occupied  in  reducing  the  Swedish 
fortresses  on  the  Delaware,  a  body  of  nine  hundred  Indians 
having  crossed  the  river,  came  and  landed  at  Spiteing  devil  creek. 
Here  they  posted  themselves,  and  remained  until  they  were  ap* 
prised  of  his  return.* 

The  waters  of  the  kil  or  channel  derive  their  name  from  a 
daring  Dutch  burgher  of  the  Manhattans,  who,  bent  upon  per- 
forming some  deed  of  knight  errantry,  determined  upon  crossing 
this  stream  in  a  violent  storm,  in  opposition  to  the  remonstrances 
of  his  friends;  swearing  he  would  swim  across  en  spyt  den 
duyvel,  (in  spite  of  the  devil.)  but  scarcely  had  he  reached  the 
middle  of  the  channel  when  he  was  overwhelmed  by  the  stormy 
billows  and  sank  to  rise  no  more. 

This  incident  has  been  well  described  in  the  Sketch  Book,  by 
Washington  Irving,  although  he  has  fixed  a  much  later  date  for 
the  origin  of  the  name  than  we  fiiid  it  recorded  in  the  Colonial 
annals.  It  is  entitled,  "  The  Doleful  Disaster  of  Anthony  the 
Trumpeter." 

"  Stayresant  resolutely  bent  opoa  defending  hit  belored  city  (New  Amster- 
dam)  in  despite  of  itself,  colled  not^him  his  trusty  Van  Corlear,  who  was  his 
right  hand  man  in  all  times  of  emergency.  Him  did  he  adjure  to  take  his  war 
denouncing  trumpet,  and  mounting  his  horse,  to  beat  up  the  country,  night  and 
day,  sounding  the  alarm  along  the  pastoral  borders  of  the  Bronx,  startling  the 
wild  solitudes  of  Croton,  arousing  the  rugged  yeomanry  of  Weehawk  and  Ho- 
boken,  the  mighty  men  of  battle  of  Tappan  bay,  and  the  brave  boys  of  Tarry- 
town  and  Sleepy  Hollow,  together  with  all  the  other  warriors  of  the  country 
round  about ;  charging  them  one  and  all,  to  sling  their  powder  horns,  shoulder 
their  fowling  pieces,  and  march  merrily  down  to  the  Manhattans.  Now  there 
was  nothing  in  all  the  world,  the  divine  sex  excepted,  that  Anthohy  van  Corlear 
loved  better  than  errands  of  this  kind.  So  just  stopping  to  take  a  lusty  dinner, 
and  bracing  to  his  side  his  junk  bottle,  well  charged  with  heart  inspiring  Hol- 
lands, he  issued  jollily  from  the  city  gate  that  looked  out  upon  what  is  at  present 
called  Broadway ;  sounding  as  usual  a  farewell  strain,  that  rung  in  sprightly 
echoes  through  the  winding  streets  of  New  Amsterdam.  Alas !  never  more 
were  they  to  be  gladdened  by  the  melody  of  their  favorite  trumpeter !  It  was 
a  dark  and  stormy  night  when  the  good  Anthony  arrived  at  the  famous  ereek 
(sagely  denominated  Harlem  river)  which  separates  the  island  of  Manoa-hata 

•  Rgbert  Benson's  Mem  N.  Y.  94. 
YOL.  II.  56 


A42  mSTORT  OF  THE 


from  the  maiii  land.  Tbe  wind  wm  higha  the  deaieBU  were  ie  aui  a|iraw, 
and  oo  CbaroB  coold  be  foacd  lo  ferry  the  adTentarooe  aooeder  of  bxaw  acioii 
the  water. 

*'  For  a  short  time  he  Tapoored  like  ao  impatient  ghoaC  opoo  the  hriak,  aad 
then,  beihinkiog  himself  of  the  orgency  of  his  errmad,  took  a  heaitj  eaibnce 
of  his  stooe  bottle,  swore  most  Yalorooslj.  thai  he  voald  evim  ac in— ,  ea  wfifl 
den  dajvel,  (in  spite  of  the  devil !)  and  daringly  plooged  iolo  llie  eireaa. 
Luckless  Anthony  I  scarce  had  he  baffeted  half  way  oTer,  when  be  was  oh- 
served  to  struggle  fioleotly,  as  if  battling  with  the  spirit  of  the  wmters — in- 
stiociiTely  he  put  his  trumpet  to  his  mouth,  and  giving  a  Tehement  Mast,  sank 
forever  to  the  bottom  I 

'*  The  potent  clang oor  of  his  tnimpet,  like  the  ivory  bom  of  tbe  Teaowned 
Paladin  Orlando,  when  expiring  in  the  glorions  field  of  Roncesvallea,  mag  hi 
and  wide  through  the  country,  alarming  the  ncighbonrs  roondy  m  ho  honied  in 
amazement  to  the  spot.  Here  an  old  Dutch  borgher,  famed  for  hia  veracity, 
and  who  had  been  a  witness  of  the  fact,  related  to  them  the  melancholy  afiair, 
with  the  fearful  addition,  (to  which  I  am  slow  of  giving  belief,)  that  he  nw 
the  duyvel,  in  the  shape  of  a  huge  moss-bonker,  seize  the  stordy  Anthony  by 
the  leg,  and  drag  him  beneath  the  waves.  Certain  it  is,  the  place  with  the 
adjoining  promontory  which  projects  into  the  Hodson,  has  been  called  spjt 
den  duyvel,  or  spiking  duyvel,  ever  since.  The  restless  ghoal  of  the  onforta- 
nate  Anthony  still  haunts  the  surrounding  solitudes,  aud  hia  trampet  baa  often 
been  heard  by  the  neighbors,  of  a  stormy  night,  mingling  with  tbe  bowling  of 
the  blast.  Nobody  ever  attempts  to  swim  over  the  creek  after  dark ;  oa  the 
contrary,  a  bridge  has  been  built  to  guard  against  soch  melancboly  aceideals 
in  future."* 

This  creek  and  neighbouring  waters  are  also  celebrated  for  their 
shad  fishery.  The  season  for  fishing  commences  in  March  aiid 
continues  throughout  April  and  May.  It  is  entirely  governed 
by  the  influx  and  reflux  of  the  tide,  or  the  last  of  the  jQood  and 
ebb.  The  fishermen  make  four  lifts  every  twenty-four  hours. 
Tlie  aggregate  value  of  this  fish,  (the  Alosa  Sapidissitna^  RaP-O 
taken  in  the  Hudson  river  and  neighbouring  waters  south  of  the 
Highlands,  amounts  to  $100,000  annually. 

Tlie  small  settlement  of  Kivgsbridge  bordering  on  the  Haarlem 
river,  took  its  name  from  a  ferry  and  bridge  established  here  at  a 
very  early  period  of  the  Colonial  administration.  The  Westches- 
ter side  of  the  bridge  (where  stands  the  Macomb's  mansion^) 
was  formerly  an  island  called  by  the  Indians  Papcrinemen,  as 


'  Beautiei  of  Washington  Irving,  p.  198. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  443 

we  find  the  Director  General,  William  Kieft,  granting  unto  Matys 
(Matthew)  Jansen  the  isle  of  Paperinemen,  I8th  August,  1646.* 
1674,  John  Archer,  lord  of  the  manor  of  Fordham,  laid  claim  to 
a  neck  of  land  called  Humock  Island,  commonly  called  by  the 
Indians  Puperinemen,  which  he  asserted  he  had  by  patent.  But 
it  would  appear  that  Governor  Lovelace  had  already  settled  an 
individual  by  the  name  of  Vervelen  upon  the  island  to  keep  a 
ferry  for  the  accommodation  of  paflsengers  between  the  island 
and  the  Westchester  shore.  To  satisfy  Archer's  claim,  however, 
the  secretary  of  the  colony,  Matthias  Nicolls,  agreed  to  pay  a 
yearly  rent  for  the  same. 

1692,  His  Excellency  the  Governor  ''  out  of  great  favour  and 
good  to  the  city  of  New  York  proposed  the  building  of  a  bridga 
over  the  spiken  devil  ferry ^^ 

The  same  year  at  a  n^eeting  of  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  As  - 
sistants,  we  find  them  petitioning  the  Governor, 

That  at  Frederick  Phillipse  will  QDdertake  to  build  the  bridge  at  the  said 
place,  for  the  convenieocy  Kit  all  traTellers  and  dro?e8  of  caule  at  a  moderate 
and  reasonable  toll ;  they  do  therefore  humbly  pray,  that  if  the  said  Phillipse 
will  undertake  in  one  years  time  to  build  a  good  and  convenient  draw  bridge 
for  the  passage  of  all  travellers,  droves  of  cattle  and  passage  of  carts  and 
waggons,  for  the  toll  of  one  penny  for  every  neat  cattle,  and  two  pence  for 
each  man  and  horse,  and  12  pence  for  each  score  of  hogs  and  sheep,  and  six 
pence  for  each  cart  and  waggon  that  shall  pass  thereon,  that  he  may  have  the 
preference  of  their  majesties  grant  for  the  same  by  having  a  bridge  built  there.* 

The  following  year,  1693,  the  5th  of  King  William  the  third  and  Queen 
Mary,  the  farrj.  Island  and.  meadow  were  confirmed  to  Frederick  Philipse, 
I/ord  of  the  manor  of  Philipsburgh,  by  royal  charter  and  power  given  him  to 
erect  thereon  a  bridge  and  to  receive  a  certain  toll  therein  specified,  and 
furthermore  the  said  bridge  to  be  henceforth  called  Kings  hridgeA 

Madam  Knight  on  her  journey  from  New  York  to  New  Haven 
in  the  year  1704,  speaks  thus  of  this  place : "  about  5  o'clock  came 


•  Dutch  Trans.  Rec.  G.G.  p  360. 

b  Minutes  of  Common  Council  N.  Y.  Vol.  ii   70. 

•  Minutes  of  Common  Council,  Vol.  ii.  70. 
d  Charter  of  Philipsburgh. 


4U  HISTORY  OF  THE 

to  Spiting  DeTii,  else  Kings  Bridge,  where  they  pay  three  pence 
for  passing  over  with  a  horse,  which  the  man  that  keeps  the  gate 
set  up  at  the  end  of  the  bridge  receives."* 

During  the  war  of  the  revolution.  Kings  Bridge  constituted 
the  ^^bahrien^  of  the  British  line,  when  they  occupied  New  York 
Island,  while  as  far  north  as  the  Croton  extended,  the  *'  Neutral 
Ground"  Like  the  pass  of  ancient  Thermopylae,  Kings  bridge 
can  boast  of  her  faithful  bands  of  Sprtans,  who  fought  for  ^  liberty 
or  death."    As  early  as  May  25,  1775,  Congress  ordered, 

"  That  a  post  be  immediately  taken  and  fortified,  at  or  near  Kings  bridge, 
and  that  the  ground  be  chosen  with  a  particular  view  to  prevent  the  comma* 
nication  between  the  city  of  New  York  and  the  country  from  being  intemipced 
by  land.** 

On  the  abandonment  of  Manhattan  Island  in  1776,  by  the 
American  Army,  Kingsbridge  was  occupied  by  the  American 
General  as  head  quarters. 

This  bridge  was  the  scene  of  a  bloody  conflict  between  a  por- 
tion of  the  Continental  army  under  the  command  of  Major  Gen- 
eral Heath,  and  a  large  body  of  Hessians  under  Knyphausen. 

January  17,  1777,  a  detachment  *'  says  Heath  with  two  field  pieces,  waa  or- 
dered to  move  to  the  south  of  the  fort,  (in  which  was  a  garrison  of  Heatians  who 
had  refused  to  surrender,)  to  a  hill  abo?e  Harlem  creek,  not  far  from  the  New 
Bridge.^  When  the  detachment  arrived  at  this  place,  a  battalion  of  Hessians  ap- 
peared drawn  up  on  the  side  of  the  hill  just  within  Kings  bridge,  and  back  of  Hy- 
att's tavern.  Our  general  (Heath)  ordered  the  artillery  to  cannonade  them  im- 
mediately. The  first  shot  just  cleared  the  right  of  the  battalion,  nearly  a  platoon 
settling  down  as  the  shot  passed  them,  which  entered  the  bank  close  behind  them. 
The  second  shot  passed  about  the  centre  of  the  battalion,  when  to  the  amoant 
of  a  grand  division  settled  down,  which  was  an  evidence  that  they  would  not 
stand  much  longer.  One  of  the  pieces  was  ordered  to  be  drawn  lower  down 
the  hill ;  on  which  the  battalion  quitted  their  ground  and  marched  off  as  fast 
as  they  could,  without  running  to  get  behind  the  redoubt  and  hill  at  the  bridge 
receiving  one  shot  more  as  they  were  turning  round  the  point.  It  was  not 
suspected  that  the  enemy  had  any  cannon  in  the  redoubt  within  the  bridge,  bat 
they  now  began  to  cannonade  the  artillery  men  who  had  descended  the  hill. 


•■  Journal  of  Madnm  Knight,  56. 

b  The  new  bridge  was  erected  by  Jacob  Dykeman  and  Johannes  Vermilyea, 
previous  to  the  war,  for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  the  toll  of  the  old  bridge. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  445 

who  bad  lo  draw  up  their  piaoet  aafaai  aa  poaaible,^  which  they  efieeted 
without  any  lose  bat  received  three  or  four  ahot  qaite  among  them,  before 
they  could  reach  the  top  of  the  hill."«  The  attack  on  the  19tb  and  2l8t  baa 
been  already  detailed  in  the  account  of  Tippetts  hill. 

July,  1778,  Lord  Cathcart  held  the  command  of  the  British 
force  at  Kings  bridge. 

"The  late  skirmish,  (says  Heath,)  writing  in  1781,  near  King's 
Bridge,  was  occasioned  by  the  American  army's  moving  down, 
in  order  to  give  the  French  officers  a  view  of  the  British  out-posts 
near  the  bridge.  A  number  of  Americans  were  killed  and 
wounded  by  long  shot  from  the  yaugers  of  the  enemy,  who  kept 
up  a  popping  fire  whenever  they  could  reach  our  troops.^^ 

The  vestiges  of  the  military  camp  pits  can  still  be  traced  on 
the  hills  around  the  bridge,  while  within  a  few  feet  of  it  the  re- 
mains of  a  British  officer  was  recently  disinterred,  and,  incredible 
as  it  may  seem,  in  his  full  uniform ;  the  brass  buttons  as  perfect 
as  the  day  they  were  moulded,  containing  the  number  of  his 
regiment 

King's  Bridcro  was  also  the  rendezvous  of  a  corps  of  freeboot- 
ers called  "  Cow  Boys,^^  whose  bands  ravaged  the  surrounding 
hills  and  vallies.  '-On  the  part  of  the  British,"  remarks  the  au- 
thor of  The  Spy,  *'  the  stimulus  of  loyalty  was  by  no  means 
suffered  to  sleep  where  so  fruitful  a  field  ofifered  on  which  it 
might  be  expended.  But  their  freebooters  were  enrolled,  and 
their  efforts  more  systematized.  Lon^  experience  had  taught 
their  leaders  the  efficacy  of  concentrated  force ;  and  unless  tradi- 
tion does  great  injustice  to  their  exploits,  the  result  did  do  little 
credit  to  their  foresight.  The  corps — we  presume  from  their 
well  known  affection  to  that  useful  animal — had  received  the 
significant  appellation  of  *  Cow  Boys.'  "«  The  morality  of  these 
heroes  of  the  Neutral  Ground  was  of  a  singular  kind  :  the  rapine 
by  which  they  subsisted  they  accounted  lawful  and  honorable. 

King's  Bridge  lies  prettily  situated  in  a  beautiful  vale  near  the 
confluence  of  the  Hudson  and  Haarlem  Rivers.    It  is  almost 


•  HeaUi*f  Mem.  109.  «  Spy,  i.  24. 

t  Heath's  Mem.  294. 


446  HISTORY  OF  THE 

surrounded  by  high  rolling  hills  whose  tops  are  crowned  by  hill 
forts  and  fine  spreading  woods.  This  spot  was  first  chosen  as 
the  site  of  the  city  of  New  Amsterdam,  on  account  of  its  secure 
and  inland  position. 

Immediately  west  of  the  bridge  flows  Tippetfs  Brook^  the 
Mosholu  of  the  Indians,  and  here  it  unites  with  the  Haarlem 
River.  This  latter  stream,  formerly  called  the  Muscoota,^  has 
been  long  known  as  a  favorite  resort  to  the  angler.  The  beau- 
tiful striped  bass  (Labrax  Lineatus,  Cuvier,)  abounds  in  these 
waters.  The  fishing  season  usually  commences  in  May,  and 
reaches  perfection  in  the  months  of  September  and  October. 
The  baits  preferred  (although  they  vary  according  to  location) 
are  the  soft  crab,  shrimp  and  squid,  or  common  cuttle  fish.  The 
bass  is  well  known  to  bean  anadromous,  living  in  the  salt  water, 
but  generally  spawning  in  the  fresh.  These  fish  sometimes  attain 
to  a  large  size. 

The  favorite  station  of  the  angler  is  the  New  Bridge.  The 
present  tavern  at  King's  Bridge  occupies  the  site  of  the  old  Dyck- 
man  Hotel,  in  which  its  landlords  were  wont  to  entertain  the  an- 
cient aldermen  of  the  Manhattans. 

The  residence  of  the  late  Robert  Macomb,  Esq.,  now  occupied 
by  his  widow,  lies  beautifully  embosomed  in  shrubbery,  com- 
manding fine  views  of  the  bridge,  creek,  New  York  island,  and 
neighbouring  hills.  Among  the  latter  stands  prominent  TeiartTs 
Heighty  with  its  powder  house,  and  Fort  Independence,  From 
this  hill  the  continental  army  retreated,  on  the  approach  of  Gen- 
eral Knyphausen,  in  1776.  The  pleasure  grounds  around  the 
Macomb  mansion,  are  tastily  laid  out  in  shrubberies  and  walks, 
while  the  beautiful  waters  of  the  "  Muscoola"  add  variety  to  the 
scenery. 

In  one  of  the  rooms  we  noticed  a  beautiful  painting,  by  Waldo, 
of  Major  Gen.  Alexander  Macomb.  This  family  is  descended 
from  the  MacCombie's  of  Ireland,  an  ancient  and  honorable  stock 
who  removed  to  that  country  from  Scotland.    The  grandfather 


■  This  uaine  frequently  applies  to  the  Haarlem  River  iii  the  Albany  aod  County 
Records. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  447 

of  the  Gencrul  was  John  Macomb,  who  emJj^ated  from  Ireland 
to  this  country  1742,  and  held  an  official  place  under  the  Colo- 
nial government.  He  established  himself  in  New  York,  where 
bis  son  Alexander  Macomb,  father  of  Major  Gen.  Alexander,  was 
educated.  The  father  was  a  representative  in  the  State  Legisla- 
ture, from  the  city  of  New  York,  in  1787-8,  and  during  the  late 
war  with  Great  Britain  he  furnished  five  sons  for  the  service  of 
his  country  in  the  militia  and  regular  army.  He  afterwards  re- 
moved to  Detroit,  where  he  amassed  a  large  fortune  in  the  fur 
trade.  Here  he  married  Catharine  Navarre,  a  lady  of  noble 
French  extraction.  Major  General  Alexander  Mucomb  was  born 
3d  April,  1782. 

Leaving  the  Bridge,  the  approach  to  the  village  of  Yonkers 
from  the  south  possesses  many  points  of  interest.  Along  the 
edge  of  the  valley  are  scattered  beautiful  knolls  and  high  ranges 
of  hills,  either  cultivated  or  covered  with  woods;  to  the  left, 
seated  on  a  fine  wooded  hill,  is  a  large  stone  mansion,  erected  by 
Augustus  van  Cortlandt,  Esq.,  A.  D.  1822,  upon  the  site  of  a 
much  older  building,  which  was  destroyed  by  fire  A.  D.  1822. 
The  ascent  to  the  house  is  through  the  romantic  woods  of  Cort- 
landt's  ridge.  l*hc  road  passes  over  a  deep  ravine,  watered  by  a 
picturesque  brook,  and  through  high  masses  of  frowning  rock. 
The  lawn  in  front  commands  a  view  of  the  vale  of  Yonkers, 
while  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  runs  Tippetl's  Brook. 

The  farm  house  situated  on  this  property  was  built  by  Frede- 
rick van  Cortlandt  A.  D.  1766.  Still  flourishing  upon  the  lawn, 
in  the  rear  of  the  mansion,  is  an  aged  apple  tree  marked  with 
the  name  of  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt— <late  illegible. 

This  property,  which  lies  directly  north  of  Berrian's  Neck, 
passed,  upon  the  death  of  Frederick  van  Cortlandt,  to  his  brother 
Augustus  van  Cortlandt.  The  latter,  by  will,  bequeathed  the 
same  to  his  grandson  Augustus  Morris,  "provided  he  assumed 
the  name  of  Yan  Cortlandt."  Augustus  van  Cortlandt  subse- 
quently  sold  the  property  to  Samuel  B.  Thompson,  John  Ewing, 
William  C.  Wetmore,  and  James  R.  Whiting.  The  latter  gen- 
tleman has  recently  erected  a  beautiful  stone  residence  on  the 
western  side  of  the  ntck,  which  commands  extensive  prospects 


448  IRSTOUT  OF  THE 

of  the  Hudson  and  palisades;  the  entrance  is  by  a  beautifulnroad 
that  winds  through  a  thick  wood  to  the  house.  The  Van  Cort- 
landt  mansion  and  surrounding  property  belongs  to  Samuel  B. 
Thompson,  Esq.,  and  is  now  occupied  by  the  McFariane  family. 
The  western  side  of  Cortlandt's  ridge  embraces  fine  views  of  the 
Hudson  River,  palisades  and  hills  stretching  northwards.  Upon 
the  property  of  W.  0.  Wetmore,  Esq.,  there  is  a  celebrated  while 
oak,  which  stands  in  the  midst  of  a  pretty  glade  called  the  '^  Ccw 
Boy  Oak"  from  the  fact  that  these  lawless  desperadoes  were 
often  suspended  from  its  branches. 

'*  Short  was  their  shrift,  and  sure  the  cord.** 

[Rokehy. 

Cortlandt  house,  the  ancient  residence  of  the  Van  Cortlandt 
family,  stands  in  the  vale  below,  about  one  mile  north  from  Kings 
bridge,  on  the  road  leading  to  the  village  of  Yonkers.  Prior  to 
the  purchase  of  the  Philipses  this  estate  (as  before  shown,)  formed 
a  portion  of  the  fief  of  Colen-donck,  and  was  styled  the  <'  Old 
YonckersJ"  From  the  Patroon  Adriaen  van  der  Donck  it  passed 
through  the  hands  of  various  proprietors  to  the  Hon  Frederick 
Philipse  who  sold  it  to  his  son-in-law  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt  A. 
D.  1699.  Since  then,  it  has  been  considerably  enlarged  by  other 
purchases.  The  whole  eight  hundred  nnd  fifty  acres  is  now  vest- 
ed in  his  descendant  Augustus  van  Cortlandt  Esq. 

Jacobus  van  Cortlandt,  the  first  of  the  name  who  enjoyed  this 
estate  was  the  second  son  of  the  Right  Hon.  Oloff  Stevenson  van 
Cortlandt,  a  native  of  Cortlandt  in  Holland,  who  came  out  to  this 
country  in  the  military  service  of  the  Dutch  West  India  Com- 
pany, and  grandson  of  the  Right  Hon.  Steven  van  Cortlandt  a 
lineal  descendant  of  the  ancient  Dukes  of  Cortlandt  or  Courland.>^ 
.lacobus  married  Eva  Philipse  daughter  of  the  Hon.  Frederick 
Philipse  of  the  manor  of  Philipsburgh.  Besides  the  Yonkers  es* 
tate.  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt  was  a  large  landed  proprietor  in  the 
town  of  Bedford,  in  this  county.    This  individual  was  one  of  the 


*  See  Cortlandt-towD,  vol.  i.  50. 


9afKcp*C<l18,vol  1^ 


Amu. — Arg,  ihs  ving*  or  anitt  oCm  wind-nill  atltier 


Klf  M  flon.  euOmK 
rinlt.D*t.7UiMa) 
■■MDrorUwOntili 
BiaBcli-*ld«  r««i 


Inick  Tin  CoRlandi 


Juotia*  vin  Cortludt,  AB|Baiu  *u  g.=l.  Hla  Cijriir. 

Diit.MliUnb,  i;sg,  ULSitAiw.    =■■  Cubahm  Bu- 

•klM  April,  ITU  i:9S,<*.lca3   I    cliif,  oreaiia 


lib,  lalApill,  ITtil. '      Jui-IIISS.    I   nik.  JibIIM,     I 


e  tPH^  =  s"  «  ^  S  ?  &  e  r  ^ 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  449 

five  members  returned  by  the  High  Sheriflf  to  represent  the  city 
and  county  of  New  York  in  the  Colonial  Assembly  A.  D.  1691. 

By  his  will  dated  12th  of  May,  1739,  he  devised,  and  bequeath- 
ed unto  his  son  Frederick  van  Oortlandt, 

All  that  my  farm  situate  lyin^  and  being  in  a  Alace  commonly  called  and 
known  by  the  name  of  the  Little  or  Lower  Yonckers  &o.,  and  all  other  the 
land,  meadows  and  real  estate,  I  am  seized  of  or  have  a  right  to  in  the  Manor 
of  Philipsbargh  &c.  for  his  natural  life,  and  from  and  after  his  decease  to  the 
heirs  male  lawfully  begotten,  &c.  To  his  eldest  daughter,  Margaret,  wife  of 
Abraham  de  Peyster,'  property  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  the  same  to'  bis 
remaining  daughters,  Anne,  wife  of  John  Chambers,  and  Mary,  wife  of  Peter 
Jay.* 

Frederick  van  Corilandt  only  son  of  the  above  testator,  married 
Frances  Jay,  daughter  of  the  Hugueuot,  Augustus  Jay,  by  his 
wife  Anna  Maria  Bayard. 

Upon  the  death  of  Frederick  vatr  Cortlandt,  I2th  Feb.,  1749,»» 
the  estate  devolved  by  the  will  of  Jacobus,  senr.  to  Jacobus  van 
Cortlandt  jun.,  eldest  son  and  heir  at  law  of  Frederick.  This 
individual,  better  known  as  Col.  James  van  Cortlandt,  nobly 
used  his  influence  (while  residing  here  during  the  war,)  in  ame- 
liorating the  condition  of  his  suffering  countrymen.  It  not  un- 
frequently  happened  that  a  poor  neighbour  was  robbed  of  every 
thing  he  possessed ;  upon  application  to  Col.  van  Cortlandt  he 
would  assume  his  red  watch  coat,  and  mounting  his  horse  ride 
down  to  the  city,  to  intercede  in  their  behalf.  He  seldom  applied 
in  vain,  such  was  the  universal  respect  for  his  charactor.  Pre- 
vious to  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  compelled  to  leave  his 
country  residence  at  Yonkers  on  account  of  ill  health.  He  died 
shortly  afterwards  in  the  city  of  New  York,  1st  of  April,  1781. 
His  remains  were  interred  in  the  family  tomb,  Vault  Hill.  On 
the  death  of  Col.  James  van  Cortlandt,  the  property  passed  to 
his  brother  Augustus  van  Cortlandt  the  next  heir  of  the  entail. 


•  Surrogate's  office,  N.  Y.  fol.  xiii.  425. 

b  The  will  of  Frederick  van  C.  bearg  date  3d  Oct  1749.  To  his  wife  Franeea  he 
bequeathe!  two  negro  girls  and  a  four  wheeled  chaise.  His  children  were  Jamais 
Augustus,  Frederick,  Anna  Maria  and  Eva.   Surrogate's  office,  N.  Y.  fol.  xrlii.  69L 

Vol.  II.  67 


450  HISTORY  OF  THE 

This  gentleman  held  the  office  of  Clerk  of  the  Common  Conn- 
cil  in  N.  Y.  on  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution ;  this  appears 
from  the  following  letter  addressed  by  him  to  the  New  Tork 
committee  of  safety — Dated  Sept.  5,  1775. 

Gbmts. — Being  requested  by  the  FioTineial  Congress  to  enqaire  for  some 
place  of  safety  to  deposite  flie  public  records  in,  and  to  inform  the  cominittee 
of  safety  thereof,  agreeable  to  which,  Mr.  Cortlaodt  informs  the  commilteo 
of  safety,  that  pre?ious  to  the  abore  request,  he  caused  the  public  records  to 
be-  pot  into  chests,  and  secured  them  in  a  cellar  in  his  garden,  made  for 
that  purpose,  of  stone  and  brick,  well  arcbed  and  exceedingly  dry.  Thin 
precaution  was  taken  against  accidents  kappening  by  fire ;  should  the  city  be 
invaded  by  an  army  from  Great  Britain,  or  British  troops,  he  in  such  case 
intended  to  reroo?e  them  to  his  brother^s  at  Yonkers,  in  the  county  of  West- 
chester. If  the  committee  of  safety  shall  judge  any  other  place  more  secure, 
Mr.  Van  Cortlandt  will  be  glad  to  be  informed  thereof,  that  he  may  commaui- 
cate  the  same  to  the  corporation  of  this  city  for  their  approbation.* 
He  remains  their  most  obedient 

humble  servant, 

AueUSTUS  TAM  CORTLAHDT. 

By  the  will  of  the  above  Augustus  Tan  Cortlandt,  dated  20th 
of  December,  1823|  he  bequeathes  his  property  after  the  follow- 
ing manner: 

**  Whereas  the  greatest  part  of  the  lands  and  real  estate  which  I  oecnpj 
and  hoki  in  the  town  of  Yonkers,  was  deri?ed  to  me  by  inheritance  from  my 
ancestors ;  and,  whereas  I  hare  lately  purchased  several  tracts  and  pieces  ol 
land  also  lying  in  ye  said  town  of  Yonkers,  which  I  at  present  occupy  and 
possess,  &c.  Item,  it  is  my  desire  that  the  same  remain  entire,  and  pass 
from  time  to  time  to  one  of  my  surname  and  family  ;  whereupon  I  do  here- 
by give  and  devise  all  my  lands  and  real  estate,  and  all  dwelling  houses, 
mills  and  other  buildings  thereon  in  the  town  of  Yonkers,  &c.,  unto  my 
affectionate  relations,  John  Jay  and  Peter  Augustus  Jay,  and  to  their  heirs  for 
ever,  except  a  certain  dwelling  house  and  farm  in  the  said  town  of  Yonkers, 
&c.,  and  a  lot  of  ground  near  my  mill-pond,  &c.,  which  belonged  to  my  late 
brother,  Frederick  van  Cortlandt,  to  bold  the  same  in  trust  fur  the  foUowiog^ 
uses:  viz.,  Ist,  to  hold  the  same  for  my  son-in-law,  Henry  White,  late  the 
husband  of  my  deceased  daughter,  Anna  White,  for  and  during  the  time  of 
his  natural  life.     2nd,  for  and  after  the  decease  of  my  son-in-law  Henry 


'  American  Archives,  4th  series,  vsl.  iil  €45w 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  451 

White,  tnd  in  ctse  Aagastos,  the  son  of  the  said  Henry  White  and  my  said 
deceased- daughter  shall  sormo  Che  aaid  Henry  White,  then  to  hold  the 
eame  for  the  use  of  the  said  Aagostus,  and  his  heirs  and  assignees,  on  condi- 
tion that  from  and  after  my  decease,  he  do  take  and  constantly  and  excla- 
sively  use  the  name  of  Van  Cortlandt,  &c.,  &c.» 

Augustus  van  Cortlandt,  the  above  devisee,  subsequently  took 
possession  of  the  estate  under  the  will  of  his  grandfather,  the 
above  testator.  The  Revised  Statutes  of  1826,  having  abolished 
the  entail,  Augustus  became  possessed  of  the  estate  in  fee  sim- 
ple. Upon  the  18th  of  Feb.,  1827,  Augustus  van  Cortlandt  be- 
queathed the  Yonkers  to  his  brother  Henry,  fc^  life,  and  to  his 
brother's  eldest  son  forever,  provided  they  take  and  constantly 
use  the  name  of  '<  Van  Cortlandt  f  and  upon  the  failure  of  male 
heirs,  to  Henry,  the  testator  provided  that  the  property  should 
pass  to  his  nephew,  Augustus  van  Cortlandt  Bibby,  son  of  his 
sister  Augusta." 

Henry,  the  above  devisee,  took  possession  of  the  estate  6n  his 
brother's  death,  in  1839,  and  assumed  the  name  of  Van  Cort- 
landt. Henry  van  Cortlandt  died  Oct,  1839,  and  was  succeeded 
by  his  nephew,  the  present  proprietor,  Augustus  van  Cortlandt, 
Esq. 

The  present  mansion  house,  a  large  edifice  of  stone,  was 
erected  by  Frederick  van  Cortlandt,  A.  D.  1748  \^  it  forms  a  noble 
object  when  viewed  from  the  lawn.  The  situation  commands 
nearly  the  whole  length  of  the  vale  of  Yonkers ;  stretching 
south,  the  view  is  terminated  only  by  the  high  hills  of  New 
York  island,  and  heights  of  Fordham.  The  pleasure  grounds 
in  front,  appear  to  have  been  laid  out  in  the  ancient  Dutch 
style,  with  high  artificial  banks,  adorned  with  rows  of  state- 


•  Surrojrale'fl  office,  N.  Y. 

b  The  foliowiagr  item  occun  in  Uie  will  of  Frederick  van  Cortlandt,  dated  3nd  of 
Oct  1749  :  **  whereas,  I  am  now  about  finifhiiig^  a  large  ttone  dwelling  houn  on 
the  plantation  in  which  I  now  Htc,  which,  with  the  said,  plantation,  will,  by  Yirtoo 
of  my  deceaied  father's  will,  devolve  after  my  deceaae,  upon  my  eldeit  son  Jamof, 
&c.    Surrogate's  office  N.  Y.,  fol.  zviii.  63. 


4S2  UlSTOKY  OP  THE 

]y  box,  venerable  for  their  height  and  autiquity ;  while  be- 
neath are  still  visible  the  remains  of  old  Ash  ponds  and  jets 
d'eau.  Above  the  old  foahioued  windows,  grim  visages  in  the 
ahape  of  corbels  seem  lo  frown  upon  the  beholder.  We  sap- 
pose  (hum  to  be  a  kind  of  "genii  loci.** 


if  AniuMu  TU  ConUDit,  Ciq. 


Two  eagles  surmount  the  posts  of  the  old  gateway  facing  the 
stables.  'These  were  part  of  the  spoils  taken  from  a  Spanish  pri- 
valeerduring  the  war;  and  presented  to  Augustus  vnn  Cortlandt, 
by  Rear  Admiral  Robert  Digby  of  the  British  navy.  To  the 
east  of  the  house,  the  Mosholii  [Tippetts  brook)  pent  up  by  the 
mill  dam,  forms  an  extensive  sheet  of  water;  which  is  greatly  en> 
riched  by  the  vicinity  of  green  meadows,  orchards  and  neighbor- 
ing hills.  iSouth  of  the  pond  is  situated  the  old  mill.  Amid  (he 
grove  of  locusts  on  George's  point,  a  little  north  of  the  mill,  stood 
the  original  residence  of  the  Van  Cortlandts. 

The  interior  of  the  present  house  is  neatly  fitted  up  and  fur- 
nished, its  drawing  room  and  library  windows  look  out  on  beau- 
tiful prospects,  in  the  latter  apartment  are  some  fine  family  por- 
traits: Henry  White,  jr.,  by  Jarvis;  Vice  Admiral  Sir  John 
White,  in  full  nniform,  «  copy  by  Chapman  from  the  original  of 
Jarvis;    Augustus   van  Cortlandt,  by  Jarvis;  Thomas  Bibby, 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  453 

liy  Chapman;  Mr.  Babcock,  by  Stewart;  and  Henry  White 
sen.,  by  Copley. 

The  old  family  Bible  of  the  Van  Cortlandts,  printed  at  Am- 
sterdam, A.  D.  1714,  contains  some  curious  memoranda  of  the  Jay 
family.  The  first  entry  occurs  New  York  den  19th  Jan'ry,  1723  4. 

During  the  early  period  of  the  Revolutionary  war  this  house 
was  garrisoned  by  a  piquet  guard  of  the  Green  Yagers,  whose 
officers  held  their  head  quarters  here. 

His  Excellency,  General  Washington,  and  aids,  dined  in  one 
of  the  apartments  on  the  memorable  July  of  1781,  when  the 
British  piquets  were  driven  within  the  lines  upon  New  York 
island.  In  another  room  the  unfortunate  Captain  Rowe  expired 
in  the  arms  of  his  bride  elect 

To  the  north  of  the  mansion  is  seen  rising  Vault  Hill,  so 
called  from  the  family  sepulchre,  which  is  seated  upon  its  sum* 
mit.  From  this  spot,  hallowed  by  the  remains  of  the  illustrious 
dead,  the  view  is  exceedingly  beautiful ;  Tippett's  vale,  the  mill 
pond,  orchards,  and  neighbouring  hills.  The  vault  itself  is  a 
small  square  edifice  of  stone  surmounted  with  a  pointed  roof,  the 
whole  enclosed  by  a  solid  stone  wall.  Within  an  adjoining  vault 
in  the  same  yard  repose  the  remains  of 

Charlotte  Amelia  Baylev,* 

relict  of  Doctor  Richard  Bayley, 

who  died  the  1st  day  of  Sept.  1805. 

It  was  upon  this  hill  that  Gen.  Washington  stationed  his  troops 
and  lighted  camp  fires  for  the  purpose  of  deceiving  the  enemy, 
whilst  he  secretly  withdrew  to  join  La  Fayette  before  Yorktown 
in  Virginia,  A.  D.  1781. 

There  are  still  the  remains  of  a  considerable  fort  on  the  north 
end  of  this  ridge.  During  the  Revolutionary  struggle  the  valley 
south  from  Vault  hill  to  Kingsbridge,  appears  to  have  been  the 
constant  scene  of  skirmishing  between  the  two  armies. 

3d  July,  1781,  General  Washington  planned  an  expedition  to 
cut  off  Colonel  James  de  Lancey,  stationed  in  the  vale^  and  Major 


*  This  lady  was  sister-in-law  of  Augustus  Tan  Cortlandt,  sen. 


464  HISTORY  OF  TEE 

Pruschanck,  another  British  officer  occupying  Cortlandt  ridge,  m 
.command  of  the  Yager  horse. 

It  had  been  so  arranged  that  the  Duke  of  Laazun  should 
inarch  to  Williams's  bridge  and  there  make  his  rendezvous  till 
daylight  the  following  morning.     General  Lincoln  was  to  be 
piloted  down  from  Tappan  and  landed  below  Yonkers,  while 
Washington  himself  should  take  post  on  Valentine's  hill.   Lauzun 
accordingly  conducted  his  cavalry  to  Williams's  bridge,  where  be 
halted.    In  the  mean  time  General  Lincoln  bad  been  landed  half 
a  mile  below  the  village,  on  the  property  now  owned  by  Thomas 
W.  Ludlow,  Esq.,  then  occupied  by  Isaac  Post.  After  landing. 
Lincoln,  guided  by  Major  Lawrence,  passed  along  shore  soutbi 
missing  C/ol.  Emmerick  with  his  corps  marching  north  to  Boar 
hill ;  then  crossing  over  the  hills  east,  Lincoln  followed  the  course 
of  Tippett's  brook,  for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  Pruschank's  corps, 
stationed  upon  Cortlandt's  ridge.    Passing  the  Van  Cortlandt 
residence,  he  kept  close  to  the  edge  of  Gun  and  Locust  hills,  and 
had  arrived  in  the  vicinity  of  General  Montgomery's  house, 
(then  occupied  by  his  widow,)  unobserved  by  the  sentinels  on 
the  opposite  side,  when  the  enemy's  patrol  fired.    De  Lancey, 
instantly  on  the  alert,  commenced  his  retreat  in  face  of  General 
Lincoln's  advancing  columns.    Totten,  De  Lancey's  lieutenant, 
seemed  determined  to  make  a  stand,  but  soon  received  positive 
orders  from  De  Lancey  to  retire,  which  he  did,  just  in  time  to 
avoid  the  surprisal. 

Colonel  Armand,  the  celebrated  French  cavalry  oflScer,  made 
a  daring  and  successful  attempt  to  surprise  a  large  piquet  of 
Green  Yagers,  stationed  at  Warner's  store,  under  the  command 
of  De  Wurmb.  For  this  purpose  Armand  left  his  quarters  above 
the  Croton  and  proceeded  down  the  main  post  road  to  the  village 
of  Yonkers  ;  after  passing  the  village,  and  when  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  the  enemy's  encampment,  he  started  his  whole  corps  on 
a  full  gallop.  The  Yagers  had  taken  the  precaution  to  post  a 
sentinel  at  Hadley's  spring,  but  the  poor  fellow  became  so  per- 
fectly alarmed  and  powerless  on  seeing  the  furious  onset  of 
Armand's  horse,  that  he  could  give  no  alarm,  and  was  instantly 
dispatched.  The  consequence  was,  the  whole  corps  were  either 
killed  or  made  prisoners.    Colonel  Armand  then  made  g3od  his 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  456 

retreat,  passing  in  front  of  the  Van  Cortlandt  residence,  and  re- 
turning by  the  way  of  Tippett's  valley.  In  the  mean  time  the 
British  bugle  sounded  to  horse,  and  his  enemies  were  in  full 
pursuit.  On  arriving  at  the  Van  Cortlandt  house  a  vigorous 
search  was  made  for  Armand,  who  was  by  this  time  far  advanced 
on  his  retreat  to  the  Croton. 

On  the  Van  Cortlandt  estate  is  situated  Indian  bridge  and 
field  ;  the  former  crosses  Tippet's  brook,  the  latter  forms  a  portion 
of  the  Cortlandt  woods,  an  extensive  range  of  woodland  to  the 
north-east  of  the  mansion.  Both  these  places  are  memorable  as 
the  scene  of  a  severe  engagement  between  the  British  troops  and 
Stockbridge  Indians,  31st  August,  1778. 

The  action  is  thus  related  in  Simcoe's  Military  Journal : 

"  Lt.  Col.  Simcoe,  returning  from  head  qnartera,  the  20th  of  August,  heard 
a  firing  in  front,  and  being  informed  that  Lt.  Col.  Emmerick  had  patrolled,  he 
immediately  marched  to  his  assistance.  Ue  soon  Axei  him  retreating;  and 
Lt.  Col.  Emmerick  being  of  opinion  the  rebels  were  in  such  force,  that  it 
would  be  advisable  to  return,  he  did  so.  Lt.  Col.  Simcoe  understood  that 
Nimham,  an  Indian  chief,  and  some  of  his  tribe,  were  with  the  enemy  ;  and 
by  his  spies,  who  were  excellent,  he  was  informed  that  they  were  highly 
elated  at  the  retreat  of  Emmerick's  corps,  and  applied  it  to  the  whole  of  the 
light  troops  at  Kingsbridge.  Lt.  Col.  Simcoe  took  measures  to  increase  their 
belief;  and,  ordering  a  day's  provision  to  be  cooked,  marched  the  next  morn- 
ing, the  Slst  of  August,  a  small  distance  in  front  of  the  post,  and  determined 
to  wait  there  the  whole  day,  in  hopes  of  betraying  the  enemy  into  an  ambus- 
cade ;  the  country  was  mobt  favorable  to  it.  His  idea  was,  as  the  enemy 
moved  upon  the  road  whi<^h  is  delineated  in  the  plan  as  intersecting  the 
country,  to  advance  from  his  flanks ;  this  movement  would  be  perfectly  con- 
cealed by  the  fall  of  the  ground  upon  his  right,  and  by  the  woods  upon  the 
left ;  and  he  meant  to  gain  the  heights  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  attacking 
whomsoever  should  be  within  by  his  cavalry  and  such  infantry  as  might  be 
necessary.  In  pursuance  of  these  intentions,  Lt.  Col.  Emmerick  with  his 
corps,  was  detached  from  the  Queen's  Rangers  and  Legion,  as  Lt.  Col.  Sim- 
coe thought,  fully  instructed  in  the  plan ;  however,  he  most  unfortunately  mis- 
took the  nearer  house  for  one  at  a  greater  distance,  the  names  being  the  same, 
and  there  he  posted  himself,  and  soon  after  sent  from  thenoe  a  patrol  forward 
upon  the  road,  before  Lt.  Col.  Simcoe,  could  have  time  to  stop  it.  This  pa- 
trol had  no  eflect,  not  meeting  with  any  enemy  ;  had  a  single  man  of  it  de- 
serted, or  been  taken,  the  whole  attempt  had,  probably,  been  abortive.  Lt. 
Col.  Simcoe,  who  was  half  way  up  a  tree,  on  the  top  of  which  was  a  drummer 
boy,  saw  a  flanking  party  of  the  enemy  approach.    The  troops  had  scarcely 


466  HISTORY  OF  THE 

falleD  into  their  ranks,  when  a  smart  firing  waa  heard  from  the  Indimns,  wb# 
had  lined  the  fences  of  the  road,  and  were  exchanging  shot  with  Lc.  CoL 
Eramerick,  whom  they  had  discovered.    The  Qjieen^s  Rangers  moved  impidlf 
to  gain  the  heights,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Tarleton  immediately  advanced  with  the 
Hussars  and  the  Legion  cavalry  ;  not  being  able  to  pass  the  fences  in  his 
front,  he  made  a  circuit  to  return  further  upon  their  right ;  which  being  re- 
ported to  Lieut.  Col  Simcoe,  he  broke  from  the  column  of  the  Ran^rSy  with 
the  grenadier  company,  and,  directing  Major  Ross  to  conduct  the  corps  to  the 
heights,  advanced  to  the  road,  and  arrived,  without  being  pehseived,  within 
ten  yards  of  the  Indians.    They  had  been  intent  upon  the  attack  of  Emmer- 
iok^s  corps  and  the  Legion  ;  they  now  gave  a  yell,  and  fired  upon  the  grena- 
dier company,  wounding  four  of  them,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Simcoe.     They  were 
driven  from  the  fences ;  and  Lieut.  Col.  Tarleton,  with  the  earalry,  got 
among  them,  and  pursued  them  rapidly  down  Cortlandt*s  ridge.    That  active 
officer  had  a  narrow  escape ;  in  striking  at  one  of  the  fugitives,  he  lost  his 
balance  and  fell  from  his  horse ;  luckily,  the  Indian  had  no  bayonet,  and  his 
musket  had  been  discharged.    Lieut.  Col.  Simcoe  joined  the  battalion,  and 
seized  the  heights.    A  captain  of  the  rebel  light  infantry,  and  a  few  of  his 
men,  were  taken  ;  but  a  body  of  them,  under  Major  Stewart,  who  afterwards 
was  distinguished  at  Stony  Point,  left  the  Indians  and  fled. 

"  Though  this  ambuscade,  its  greater  part,  failed,  it  was  of  consequence. 
Near  forty  of  the  Indians  were  killed,  or  desperately  wounded ;  among  others, 
Nimham,  a  chieAain,  who  had  been  in  England,  and  his  son ;  and  it  was  re- 
ported to  have  stopped  a  larger  number  of  them,  who  were  excellent  marks- 
men, from-joining  General  Washington's  army.  The  Indian  doctor  was  taken ; 
and  he  said,  that  when  Nimham  saw  the  grenadiers  close  in  his  rear,  he  called 
out  to  his  people  to  fly,  Mhat  he  himself  was  old,  and  would  die  there  ;'  he 
wounded  Lieut.  Col.  Simcoe,  and  was  killed  by  Wright,  his  orderly  Hussar. 
The  Indians  fought  most  gallantly ;  they  pulled  more  than  one  of  the  cavalry 
from  their  horses  ;  French,  an  active  youth,  bugle-horn  to  the  Hussars,  struck 
at  an  Indian,  but  missed  his  blow  ;  the  man  dragged  him  from  his  horse,  and 
was  searching  for  his  knife  to  stab  him,  when,  loosening  Frenches  hand,  he 
luckily  drew  out  a  pocket  pistol,  and  shot  the  Indian  through  the  head,  in 
which  situation  he  was  found.  One  man  of  the  Legion  cavalry  was  killed, 
and  one  uf  them,  and  two  of  the  hussars,  wounded."* 

The  scene  of  this  conflict  lies  on  the  land  of  the  late  Freder- 
ick Brown,  now  occupied  by  his  widow.  The  struggle  com- 
menced in  the  2d  field  west  of  Brown's  house,  and  close  by  the 


•  See  Simcoe's  Military  Journal,  published  by  Bartlett  Sl  Welford,  N.  Y.,  to 
which  work  we  refer  our  readers  for  an  engraved  plan  of  the  above  mentiooad 
action. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  4S7 

present  road  leading  to  Devaux's.    The  opening  in  the  Cort- 
landt  woods  still  goes  by  the  name  of  Indian  field.    Here  the 
dead  were  buried.    The  Indians  according  to  the  British  account 
led  down  the  ridge  across  the  present  acqueduct,  to  what  is 
called  Indian  bridge  ;  which  then,  as  now,  crossed  Tippetts  brook. 
On  gaining  the  western  bank,  they  secreted  tliemselves  amid  the 
rocks  and  bushes;  here  the  cavalry  pursued  them ;  but  being  un- 
able to  scale  the  rocks,  called  upon  the  fugitives  to  surrender ; 
promising  them  as  a  condition  for  so  doing,  life  and  protection. 
Upon  this,  three  ventured  to  throw  themselves  upon  the  mercy  of 
the  British  soldier,  and  were  immediately  drawn  out  by  the 
bridge  and  cut  to  pieces.    Notwithstanding  the  strictest  search 
tliat  could  be  made  for  the  remainder,  four  managed  to  escape  to 
the  American  linos  beyond  the  Croton.    One  of  these  survivors  by 
the  name  of  Job,  lived  to  a  good  old  age ;  gaining  his  livelihood 
by  fishing  on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson ;  but  whenever  he  could 
be  tempted  to  relate  the  horrors  of  that  day,  the  big  tears  would 
start  in  his  eyes  and  he  would  sob  like  a  child.    Nimham  the 
Indian  chief  fell  as  related  by  the  hand  of  Wright,  Simcoe's  or- 
derly huzzar,  in  the  swamp  between  Jesse  Halstead's  house  and 
John  and  Frederick  Devaux's,  now  the  Mankiu  property.  .There 
it  was  left  a  prey  to  the  dogs  and  crows  to  be  devoured  at  their 
leisure.    All  trace  of  the  bones  are  now  gone.    Eighteen  Indians 
were  buried  in  one  pit  in  Indian  field  ;  it  is  still  a  current  tradi- 
tion, that  the  old  Sachem  haunts  the  scene  of  conflict. 

Does  fancy's  mimic  dread  pourtray 
Amid  the  boaghs  a  spectre  gray, 
Or  is  it,  the  boding  vision  seen 
Where  murders  bloody  work  has  been  t 

[Yamofden, 

It  is  not  a  little  singular  that  a  few  months  preceding  this 
battle,  the  two  British  Generals  Simcoe  and  Tarleton,  bad  a 
narrow  escape  of  their  lives  from  these  very  Indians.  These 
officers  it  appears  were  making  observations  on  the  country, 
and  petroling  with  a  few  huzzars.  '*  The  Stockbridge  Indians 
about  sixty  in  number,  excellent  marksmen,  had  just  joined  Gen. 

Vol.  II.  68 


458  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Washington'^  array.  Lieut.  Colonel  Simcoe  was  describing  m 
private  road  to  Lieut.  Colonel  Tarleton :  Wrigbt,  his  orderly 
dragoon,  alighted  and  took  down  a  fsnce  of  Devanx's  farm  yard 
for  them  to  pass  through ;  around  this  farm  the  Indians  were 
lying  in  ambuscade  ;  Wright  had  scarce  mounted  his  horsci  when 
these  officers,  for  some  trivial  reason  altered  their  intentions,  and, 
spurring  their  horses,  soon^rode  out  of  sight,  and  out  of  reach 
of  the  Indians. 

In  a  few  days  after,  they  had  certain  information  of  the  am- 
buscade, whicli  they  so  fortunately  had  escaped :  in  all  probabi- 
lity they  owed  their  lives  to  the  Indians'  expectation  of  surround- 
ing and  taking  them  prisoners."^ 

Bordering  the  road  north  west  of  the  Van  Cortlandt's,  is  the 
old  Hadley  property,  now  owned  by  Major  Joseph  Deiafield. 

The  stone  residence  of  the  Hadley^s  is  still  standing  on  the 
edge  of  the  ancient  turnpike. 

The  shore  of  the  Hudson  in  this  region  is  studded  with  beauti- 
ful villas  ;  the  most  prominent  of  which  are  those  of  Mr.  W.  Mor- 
ris, Mr.  William  Ackerman,  Mr.  Abraham  Schemerhom,  Mr. 
J.  E.  Betner  and  Mr.  Lispenard  Stewart,  &c. 

Tn  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  latter  is  situated  Font  Hill, 
the  seat  of  Mr.  Edwin  Forrest.  The  edifice  which  is  of  stone, 
after  the  designs  of  Mr.  Thos.  C.  Smith,  presents  a  fine  specimen 
of  the  English  castellated  style.  The  building  has  six  towers, 
aflording  extended  views  of  the  Hudson  River ;  the  highest  of 
these  called  the  flag  or  stair  tower,  is  seventy-pne  feet  from  the 
surface  of  the  ground. 

The gothic  residenceof  Mr.  Thomas  W.  Ludlow  occupies  a  very 
pleasant  spot  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  a  short  distance  south  of 
the  village;  it  is  almost  surrounded  by  high  hills.  From  this 
place  the  noble  Hudson  appears  in  all  its  glory.  The  edifice  is 
built  of  brick  in  the  Eliziibethian  style.  The  exterior  presents 
quite  the  beau  ideal  of  an  old  English  country  residence.  A  pretty 
lodge  in  the  rural  gothic  order  adorns  the  entrance  of  the  grounds. 
Mr  Thomas  W.  Ludlow  is  the  youngest  son  of  Thomas  Ludlow, 


■  Simcoe's  Mil.  Jonroal,  p.  80. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER,  460 

Esq.,  who  was  Marshal  of  the  Court  of  Admiraky  in  1780.  •  The 
family  of  Ludlow  derives  its  surname  from  the  ancient  town  so 
denominated,  in  the  county  of  Salop,  England.  They  afterwards 
removed  to  High  Deverell  in  Wiltshire,  about  the  middle  of  the 
14th  century ;  at  which  time  lived  William  Ludlow  Esq.,  of 
High  Deverell,  from  whom  lineally  descended  Sir  Henry  Lud^ 
low,  Knt.  of  Maiden  Bradley,  in  the  county  of  Wilts,  M.  P.  for 
that  shire,  father  of  Edmund  Ludlow,  the  celebrated  republican 
general  during  the  civil  wars,  who  died  in  exile,  at  Vevay,  in 
Switzerland,  in  1693,  where  a  monument  is  erected  to  his  mem- 
ory. The  half  brother  of  Sir  Henry  Ludlow,  was  Edmund  Lud- 
low, Esq.,  ancestor  of  the  American  branch.  Of  this  family  is 
Henry  Ludlow,  Esq.  of  Clason's  neck* 

Near  the  village  of  Yonkers,  is  situated  the  farm  and  residence 
of  the  late  Elijah  Rich,  recently  occupied  by  John  P.  Groshoa 
now  owned  by  his  grand-daughter,  Mrs.  Herriot.  Directly  op- 
posite the  house  a  commanding  eminence  of  rocks  rises  very  ab- 
ruptly. Up  the  side  of  this  steep  precipice,  General  Washington 
pursued  by  the  enemy^s  patrol,  was  compelled  to  fly  to  escape 
capture.  From  the  high  grounds  in  the  rear,  are  fine  views  of 
the  river.  Here,  in  1777,  a  memorable  engagement  took  place 
between  the  two  British  frigates  the  Rose,  and  the  Phcenix, 
which  lay  off  at  anchor,  and  the  gun  boats  of  the  patriots  which 
sallied  out  of  the  harbor  of  Yonkers,  having  in  tow  a  large  tender 
filled  with  combustibles,  intending  to  run  it  along  side  of  the 
frigates.  The  crews  however,  kept  it  ofl*  by  means  of  spars,  and 
a  heavy  fire  of  grape  and  cannister  compelled  the  gun  boats  and 
their  brave  crews  to  seek  shelter  in  the  mouth  of  the  Saw  Mill. 

The  year  previous,  General  Heath  had  been  requested  by  the 
person  in  command  of  the  fire  ships,  to  be  a  spectator  of  the 
burning  of  these  vessels. 

16  Aagost,  1776,  General  Heath  accompanied  by  General  Clinton  and  seve- 
ral other  officers,  took  a  proper  position  on  the  bank  of  the  Hudson.  '*  TIbe 
night,  says  Heath  himself,  was  pretty  dark  ;  we  soon  found  that  the  gallies 


•>  His  staff  of  office  is  still  presenred  at  Tonl^srs  in  ^he  shape  of  a  silver  oar,  in- 
scribed <*  Court  of  Vice  Admiralty,  New  York.** 


460  HISTORY  OP  THE 

and  fire  ▼easels  were  silently  moving:  ap  with  the  tide.  After  some  timet 
and  almost  immediately  after  the  sentinels  on  hoard  the  British  abipe.  bid 
passed  the  word  '*  all  is  well,**  two  of  the  fire  vessels  flashed  into  a  Uaxe  ; 
the  one  close  on  the  side  of  the  Phceniz,  the  other  grappling  one  of  the  ten- 
ders. To  appearance,  the  flames  were  against  the  side  of  the  Phcenix  ;  and 
there  was  much  confusion  on  board.  A  number  of  cannon  were  discharged 
into  the  fire  Teasel  in  order  to  sink  her.  A  number  of  seamen  ascended  and 
got  out  on  the  yard  arm,  supposed  to  elear  away  some  grapplinga.  The 
fire  vessel  was  along  side  as  was  Jud^^ed  near  ten  minutes,  when  the  Pbcniix 
either  cut  or  slipt  her  cable,  let  hH  her  fore  topsaU,  wore  round  and  atood  ap 
the  river,  being  immediately  veiled  from  the  spectators  by  the  darkness  of 
the  night.  The  Rose  and  tlie  other  two  tenders  remained  at  their  moor- 
ings.***   Cannon  balls  are  still  dug  out  of  the  banks  in  great  numbera. 

A  little  south,  upon  the  east  shore,  lies  tho  Vi9cher^9  rack  or 
Fishers  point*  The  Groshoa  place  was  frequently  visited  da- 
ring the  war  by  prowling  bands  of  "  Cow  boys ;"  who  not  only 
levied  exactions  of  stock  and  money,  but  compelled  its  inmates 
to  find  other  shelter  out  of  doors,  while  they  filled  the  rooms 
with  straw  and  quartered  themselves  thereon  for  the  night.  A 
cow  and  horse  belonging  to  the  family  were  concealed  for  some 
lime  in  one  of  the  bed  rooms;  while  the  fkmily  silver  was  stowed 
away  between  the  wainscoat. 

Contiguous  to  the  village  of  Yonkers,  and  immediately  above 
it,  is  situated  on  a  commanding  eminence,  the  hotel  of  De  Witt 
C.  Kellinger,  called  the  Mansion  house.  This  well  known  spot 
affords  excellent  accommodation  to  parties  and  strangers  visiting 
the  town. 

The  village  itself,  is  pleasantly  situated  in  a  picturesque  hol- 
low on  the  banks  of  the  Saw  mill  river,  which  here  discharges 
its  waters  into  the  lordly  Hudson.  The  dams  of  the  various  grist, 
saw  mills  and  woollen  manufactories,  form  a  beautiful  series  of 
cascades ;  while  the  wooded  banks  and  surrounding  hills  add  in- 
creased loveliness  to  the  scene. 

This  place  was  called  by  its  aboriginal  possessors,  Nap-pe- 
cka-makj  a  name  derived  as  before  stated  from  its  situation  at 


•  Heath  Mem.  54. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER,  461 

the  mouth  of  ihe  Ncperah ;  or  in  other  words  it  was  the  Rapid 
water  settlement. 

The  Dutch  afterwards  conferred  upon  it  the  name  of  the 
Little  Jonkers  Plantation.  This  word  was  sometimes  pro- 
nounced Yonkers,  which  gives  us  the  present  name  of  the  vil- 
lage. During  the  occupancy  of  the  Philip^'s,  it  was  called 
Philipsboroughj  after  the  Manor. 

The  Dutch  termed  the  Saw  Mill,  the  Saeg  kil  (stream.)  After 
the  Patroon's  settlement,  it  was  named  in  compliment  to  him,  the 
Jonkers  or  Yonkers  kill  and  Oolendoncks  kill.  "Several  fine 
creeks  enter  into  the  north  river,  says  Van  der  Donck,  such  as 
the  Colendonck's  kil  or  Saw  kil.''* 

Yonkers  is  now  one  of  the  most  opulent  villages  in  the 
county  of  Westchester.  From  its  desirable  situation  on  the 
Saw  Mill  and  close  vicinity  to  the  Hudson,  it  has  greatly  im- 
proved in  trade,  of  late  years:  many  beautiful  houses  have 
been  built,  streets  laid  out,  and  a  number  of  thriving  manufac- 
tories erected  and  in  full  operation  ;  among  these,  are  the  two  large 
sawing  mills  of  Messrs  Paddock,  two  mahogany  mills  of  T.  Cop- 
cutt,  Norton  and  Moore,  a  large  facfory  for  the  extraction  of  dye 
woods,  Embjssing  factory  of  Dykes  and  Co.,  Carpet  factory  of 
Mitchell  and  Co.,  Hat  body  manufactory  of  Waring  &  Baldwin, 
and  the  glove  skin  dressing  manufactory  of  T.  Glasser,  &c. 

A  beautiful  road  lends  to  the  village  landing,  tastefully  orna- 
mented with  the  fine  horse  chesnut  (^sculus.)  This  avenue 
affords  a  beautiful  sight  in  the  month  of  May  when  these 
trees  put  forth  their  gay  clusters  of  white  flowers.^  But  the 
beauty  of  the  coup  d'oeil,  is  the  scene  from  the  landing.  In 
front  flows  the  Hudson  like  a  broad  silvery  mirror ;  while  oppo- 
site, tower  in  majesty  the  basaltic  rocks  of  the  Palisades. <»  North- 
ward, the  view  is  terminated  by  the  highlands  of  Tappaan  und 


•>  Vander  Donck't  N.  N.,  N.  Y.  HisL  Soe.  p.  Ser.  i.  143. 

b  The  Hone  CbetDUt  if  extennvely  used  in  Europe  for  aTenues.  At  Gheot, 
one  borders  the  Broges  canal  of  a  mile  and  a  half  in  length. 

•  The  Indian  name  for  the  palisades  is  supposed  to  bave  been  that  of  the  present 
town  of  Wehawken,  the  term  awk,  to  indicate  a  stracture  of  rocks  resembling  trees. 
Schoolcraft. 


462  HISTORY  OF  THE 

the  distant  hills  of  Westchester^  which  bouDd  the  eastern  shore 
of  the  Tappaan  Zee.    The  prominent  cliff  at  the  south-west  cor- 
ner of  Rockland  Co.,  presents  a  noble  object  viewed  from  this 
spot.    It  boldly  projects  at  the  entrance  of  the  2jee,  and  in  a  bright 
summer's  day  may  be  seen  casting  its  shade  upon  the  waters.** 
A  very  deep  interest  attaches  itself  to  this  spot,  when  we  recol- 
lect, that  on  the  afternoon  of  the  13th  Sep.,  1609,  Hendrick  Hud- 
son "taking  advantage  of  a  light  wind  and  flood  tide,  anchored 
the  ''  Halve  Maen"^  near  where  the  village  pier  projects  into  the 
Hudson.    The  old  Dutch  Patroon  of  this  town,  Adriaen  van  der 
Donck,  in  his  N.  Neth.  Tertoogh,  (a  rare  old  book  printed  just 
41  years  after  the  discovery  of  Hudson)  tells  us  what  our  native 
tribes  thought  when  they  for  the  first  time  saw  this  wondrous 
vessel." 

'*  They  did  not  know  there  were  any  more  people  in  the  world  than  of  the 
same  with  themselves :  much  less  people  who  differ  so  widely  from  each 
other  as  our  nation  and  theirs ;  so  that,  when  they  first  discoTored  oar  ship, 
they  did  not  know  what  to  make  of  it.  They  were  in  great  femr,  and  knew 
not  whether  it  might  not  be  an  apparition ;  bat  whether  from  HeaTen  or 
Hell  they  could  not  diTine.  Others  supposed  it  to  be  a  great  sea  inoD8ter» 
and  that  those  in  it  had  more  the  appearance  of  deyils  than  haman  bein|{s, 
at  least  a  strange  report  circulated  through  the  conntry  and  caused  a  greal 
consternation  among  them.* 

What  must  have  been  the  wonder  then,  of  the  Nap-pe-cka- 
mak  settlement,  when  they  beheld  the  apparition  anchor  off  the 
mouth  of  the  Saw  mill,  especially  when  we  conjure  up  old  Mas- 
ter Hendrick  Hudson  standing  upon  the  poop  of  his  round  built 
yatch,  and  Master  Robert  Juet  and* brother  officers  in  their  tall 
shovelled  brim  hats  and  doublets.  This  arrival  must  have 
created  quite  a  talk  among  the  Mohegan  squaws  of  Nappecka- 


•  Mr.  H.  Schoolcraft  suggests,  that  the  term  **  Tabanxee,"  which  means  in 
the  Algonquin,  a  short  crouching  person,  may  originally  have  heen  applied  to  this 
noble  cli£  Proceed,  of  N.  Y.  Hist  Soc.,  1844.  It  is  549  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  Hudson. 

b  MouUou*s  Hist,  of  N.  Y.,  p.  238, 

<  Moullon  Hist.,  p.  256. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  463 

mak.  In  coonection  with  the  Palisades  and  the  river,  the  ro- 
mantic legend  of  the  "  storm  ship*'  must  not  be  forgotten.  To 
the  great  terror  of  the  early  colonists,  she  would  appear  gliding 
by  the  Palisades  bearing  her  Dutch  colors,  the  evening  sun 
gilding  her  canvass  as  she  came  riding  over  the  billows  on  her 
voyage  down  the  river  like  Moore's  spectre  ship,  bound  to 
"  Dead  man's  isle.** 

Occasionally  the  village  and  landing  appear  to  have  been  en- 
livened by  the  march  and  embarkation  of  troops.  The  follow- 
ing extract  occurs  in  the  journal  of  Lewis  Morris,  Judge  of  the 
Admiralty :  June  4th,  1746,  returned  home,  dined  at  Westchester, 
when  the  detachments  from  dueens  county  and  Westchester 
marched  to' Colonel  Philipse's,  in  order  to  embark  for  Albany,  on 
board  of  Captain  Conradts  Derrike's  sloop,  wTio  lay  there  for  that 
purpose."*  This  was  on  occasion  of  the  war  with  France,  when 
the  Colony  of  New  York  was  making  formidable  preparations 
for  the  reductioh  of  Canada. 

Directly  opposite  the  dock  on  the  Jersey  shore,  is  situated 
CI  OS ter  landing,  from  which  a  road  gradually  ascends  to  the  sum- 
mit of  the  Palisades,  a  height  of  517  feet  above  the  river.  Here 
Lord^  Crey,  after  coming  up  the  Hudson  in  barges,  disembarked 
his  troops  for  the  purpose  of  cutting  off  Baylor's  light  dragoons 
then  stationed  at  Tappaan.^ 

The  River  Hotel  kept  by  John  Bashford,  affords  a  favorite  re- 
sort for  the  citizens  of  New  York,  being  within  seventeen  miles 


*>  Journal  of  Lewb  Morris.    . 

b  October,  1778,  (says  Tbacher)the  regiment  of  cavalry  commanded  by  Col. 
Baylor  beings  posted  on  our  lines  near  Tappan,  their  situation  was  betrayed  by  some 
tories,  and  a  party  of  the  enemy  surprised  them  whQe  in  a  barn,  in  the  nig^ht,  and 
massacred  a  part  of  them  under  circumstances  of  savage  cruelty.  The  comman- 
der of  the  party  who  disgraced  themselves  by  this  foul  deed,  was  the  English  Gene- 
ral Grey.  Col.  Baylor*s  detachment  eonsisted  of  one  hundred  and  four  horsemen. 
The  attack  was  so  sudden,  that  they  were  entirely  defenceless,  and  the  enemy 
immediately  commenced  the  horrid  work  of  slaughter ;  their  entreaties  and  erieg 
for  mercy  were  totally  disregarded  by  their  savage  foes.  It  has  been  well  ascer- 
tained that  the  British  soldiers  were  ordered  by  their  inhuman  officers  to  bayonet 
every  man  they  could  find,  and  to  give  no  quarter."  Thacher*s  Blllitary  Journal* 
147. 


464  inSTORY  OF  THE 

of  the  city.  Throughout  the  day,  the  bells  of  yarious  steam 
boats  bound  to  Tarrytown,  Sing  Sing,  Peekskill  or  the  High- 
lands, are  heard  ringing  out  their  call  of  warning  as  they  come 
majestically  sliding  along  the  wharf.  We  would  recommend  to 
the  lovers  of  nature,  a  day's  excursion  to  this  favored  place ; 
we  can  assure  them  it  will  more  than  repay.  Besides  the  trade 
in  the  shape  of  steam,  a  great  business  is  carried  on  with  the  city 
in  sloops. 

During  the  winter  of  1780,  the  river  was  frozen  so  hard,  that 
sleighs  were  driven  from  this  place  to  the  city  on  the  ice.  At  a 
short  distance  above  the  village  landing,  facing  the  post  road,  is 
the  old  Manor  halL  The  present  front  was  erected  cir.  1745j 
the  rear  at  a  much  earlier  period,  which  is  reported  to  have  becQ 
built  soon  after  the  f^hilipse  family  purchased  herei  A.  D.  1682. 
Although  the  favorite  residence  at  first,  appears  to  have  beea 
Castle  Phil  ipse,  in  Sleepy  Hollow. 

The  front  of  the  Manor  hall  presents  quite  a  handsome  ele- 
vation for  a  country  residence  of  the  olden  time. 

It  is  built  in  the  Dutch  style,  so  fashionable  at  that  period  ;  its 
roof  is  surmounted  by  a  heavy  line  of  balustrade  formiog  a  ter- 
race, that  commands  extensive  views  of  the  river. 

The  principal  entrance  is  through  the  eastern  porch,  orna- 
mented with  light  columns  and  corresponding  pilasters.  There 
are  likewise  two  porches  on  the  eastern  /ront^  looking  upon  Ibe 
lawn.  The  interior  is  fitted  up  with  wainscoated  walls,  ceilings 
highly  ornamented  in  arbesque  work,  and  carved  AifMrble  mantels. 
The  view  from  the  south,  commands  the  old  stone  milli  village 
spires,  and  the  wooded  banks  of  Philips's  point.  On  the- west, 
beautiful  prospects  of  the  dock  and  river ;  on  the  east,  a  i^fdant 
lawn  skirted  by  garden  terraces,  horse  chesnuts  and  the  main 
road,  above  which  rises  Locust  hill. 

The  hall  is  capacious,  and  its  wide  staircase  with  antique 
balustrades  and  banister,  has  a  fine  efiect.  The  bedrooms  are 
large  panelled  apartments  with  old  fashioned  fire-places  faced  in 
Dutch  tile,  representing  thereon,  Scripture  stories  with  appropri- 
ate references. 

The  walks  around  are  laid  out  in  the  shape  of  noble  terraces, 
some  of  which  lead  between  tall  avenues  of  box.    The  garden 


4  COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  46S 

is  extensive,  and  enrfehed  by  valuable  fruit  trees  and  shrubs. 
The  splendid  orange  and  myrtle  trees  that  once  adorned  the 
green  house,  were  formerly  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Macomb  of 
Kings-bridge.  The  green  sward  sloping  gradually  to  the  Hudson, 
is  here  and  there  dotted  with  fine  specimens  of  ornamental  trees ; 
this,  during  the  occupancy  of  the  Philipse's,  was  emparked  and 
stocked  with  deer.  Among  other  exotics  (which  seem  to  thrive 
here,)  we  noticed  on  the  edge  of  the- river  the  English  yew;  judg- 
ing from  its  appearance  and  the  exposed  situation  which  it  oc- 
cupies, we  should  say  it  was  quite  hardy  enough  to  endure  our 
coldest  winters.  We  should  be  glad  to  see  this  beautiful  tree, 
whose  dark  verdure  never  fails,  naturalized  in  the  gardens  of 
Westchester. 

In  this  Mansion  the  lords  of  the  manor  on  the  great  rent  days, 
feasted  their  tenantry.  Some  idea  may  be  fornied  of  this  establish- 
ment which  maintained  thirty  white  and  twenty  colored  servants. 
There  appears  to  have  been  two  rent  days  yearly  for  the  manor  of 
Philipsborough.  One  in  January,  held  at  Yonkers  for  the  con- 
venience of  the  lower  tenantry  ;  another  a  few  days  subsequent 
at  Sleepy  hollow,  for  the  upper. 

In  lieu  of  rent  was  frequently  received  a  couple  of  fat  hens,  a 
day's  work,  or  a  trifling  sum  amounting  to  three  or  four  pounds. 
The  farmers  bordering  the  river  having  greater  privileges,  paid 
higtfer  rents.  The  Courts  Leet  and  Baron  were  held  yearly  at 
the  house  of  John  Cockles,  the  site  of  the  present  Nap-pe-cka-mak 
tavern.  This  court  took  cognizance  of  all  criminal  matters,  and 
sometimes  inflicted  punishments  that  were  eVen  capital.  In  the 
administration  of  justice  the  baronial  lord  presided,  either  in 
his  own  person  or  that  of  his  steward. 

In  the  Manor  Hall,  July  3d,  1730,  was  bom  Mary  Philipse, 
daughter  of  the  Hon.  Frederick  Philipse,  speaker  of  the  House 
of  Assembly  and  lord  of  the  manor  of  Philipsborough.  "  From 
this  lady's  character  Feniniore  Cooper  formed  the  heroine 
of  the  Spy,  under  the  name  of  Frances,  (see  the  interesting  ac- 
count of  her  in  that  work.)  It  is  said  that  she  refused  the  hand 
of  Washington,  who  was  greatly  attached  to  her;  she  subse- 
quently married  Col.  Roger  Morris,  15th  January,  1758.  This 
individual  greatly  distinguished  himself  during  the  first  American 
Vol.  II.  69 


466  BISTORT  OF  THB 

war,  and  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Minongahela  river ;  on 
which  occasion  General  Braddock  was  killed  with  most  of  bis 
officers.  In  that  engagement  George  Washington,  Robert  Orme^ 
and  Roger  Morris,  Esqrs.,  were  aids  to  Braddock."*  *'Attba 
commencement  of  the  Revolution  he  was  a  member  of  the  Coun- 
cil of  the  Colony,  and  continued  in  office  until  the  peace,  aUhoagh 
the  Whigs  organized  a  government  as  early  as  1777,  under  a 
written  and  well  framed  constitution." 

*'  A  part  of  the  Philips  estate,  (cibserves  Mr.  Sabine,)  wis  io  possession  of 
Colonel  Morris  in  right  of  his  wife,  and  was  confiscated ;  and  thai  the  whole 
interest  should  pass  ander  the  act,  Mrs.  Morris  was  included  in  the  attainder. 
It  is  believed  that  this  lady,  her  sisters,  Mrs.  Robinson,  and  Mrs.  Inglisy  were 
the  only  females  who  were  attainted  of  treason  during  the  struggle.  Bot  il 
appeared  in  due  time,  that  the  confiscation  act  did  not  aflfect  the  rights  of  Mn. 
Morrises  children.  The  fee  simple  of  the  estate  was  valued  by  the  British 
government  at  jC20,000  ;  and  by  the  rules  of  determining  the  worth  of  life 
interests,  the  life  interest  of  Col.  Morris  and  his  wife  were  fixed  at  ^^18,605, 
for  which  sum  they  received  a  certificate  of  compensation. 

"  In  1787,  the  attorney  general  of  England  examined  the  ease,  and  gmre 
the  opinion,  that  the  reversionary  interest  (or  property  of  the  children  at  the 
decease  of  the  parents,)  was  not  included  in  their  attainder,  and  was  recorer- 
able  under  the  principles  of  law  and  of  right.  In  the  year  1800,  their  eon, 
Captain  Henry  Uage  Morris  of  the  royal  navy,  in  behalf  of  himself  and  his 
two  sisters,  accordingly  sold  this  reversionary  interest  to  John  Jacob  AstOTf 
Esquire,  of  New  York,  for  the  sum  of  i:20,000  sterling.  In  1828  Mr^  Astor 
made  a  compromise  with  the  State  of  New  York,  by  which  he  received  for  the 
rights  thus  purchased  by  him  (with  or  without  associates,)  the  large  amount  of 
five  hundred  thousand  dollars.  The  terms  of  the  arrangement  required,  that 
within  a  specified  time  he  should  execute  a  deed  of  conveyance  in  fee  simple, 
with  warrantee  against  the  claims  of  the  Morrises — husband  and  wife — their 
heirs,  and  all  persons  claiming  under  them ;  and  that  he  should  also  obtain 
the  judgment  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  tho  United  States  affirming  the  Taliditj 
and  perfectibility  of  his  title.  These  conditions  were  complied  with,  and  the 
respectable  body  of  farmers  who  held  the  confiscated  lands  under  titles  de« 
rived  from  the  sales  of  the  commissioners  of  forfeitures,  were  thus  quieted  in 
their  possessions. 

**  Colonel  Morris  died  in  England  in  1794,  aged  sixty-soven,  and  Mary  his 
widow  died  in  1825,  at  the  age  of  ninety-six.  Their  rsroains  were  deposited 
near  Savior-gate  Church,  York.    Their  son,  above  mentioned,  erected  a 


•  Burke*s  Hist,  of  the  Landed  Gentry  of  England,  vol.  iv.  490. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  46T 

monument  to  their  memory.  It  ia  anderstood  thmt  the  British  goTernment 
made  them  a  second  compensation  for  their  losses,  and  that  the  whole  snm 
receiTed  was  jC  17,000  sterling.  Their  children  were  as  follows :  Henry 
Gage,  a  captain  in  the  royal  navy ;  Amherst,  who  was  named  for  his  god- 
father Lord  Amherst,  who  was  also  a  captain  in  the  royal  navy,  and  who  died 
unmarried  in  1803 ;  Johanna,  who  married  Captain  Thomas  Cowpor  Hincks 
of  the  British  dragoons,  and  who  died  in  1819 ;  and  another  daughter  whose 
name  and  fate  have  not  been  ascertained.  To  the  memory  of  Captain  Am^ 
herst  Morris,  there  is  a  monument  at  Baildon,  England.  Of  Captain  Henry 
Gage  Morris,  honorable  mention  is  made  in  the  British  naval  history.  Of 
Mrs.  Morrises  early  life,  there  is  a  most  interesting  incident.  That  Wash- 
ington had  some  desire  to  become  her  suitor,  is  a  fact  which  rests  on  the 
highest  authority. 

'*  In  Mr.  Sparks*  life  of  the  illustrious  commander-in-chief,  there  is  the 
following  passage :  *  While  in  New  York  in  1750,  Washington  was  lodged 
and  kindly  entertained  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Beverley  Robinson,  between  whom 
and  himself  an  intimacy  of  friendship  subsisted,  which  indeed  continued  with- 
out change,  till  severed  by  their  opposite  fortunes  twenty  years  afterwards  in 
the  Revolution.  It  happened  that  Miss  Mary  Philips,  a  sister  of  Mrs.  Robin- 
son, and  a  young  lady  of  rare  accomplishments,  was  an  inmate  in  the  family. 
The  ebarms  of  this  lady  made  a  deep  impression  upon  the  heart  of  the  Vir- 
ginia Colonel.  He  went  to  Boston,  returned,  and  was  again  welcomed  to  the 
hospitality  of  Mr.  Robinson.  He  lingered  there  till  duty  called  him  away ; 
but  he  was  careful  to  entrust  his  secret  to  a  confidential  friend,  whose  letters 
kept  him  informed  of  erery  important  event.  In  a  few  months  intelligence 
came  that  a  rival  was  in  the  field,  and  that  the  consequences  could  not  be  an- 
swered for  if  he  delayed  to  renew  his  visits  to  New  York.  Whether  time, 
the  bustle  of  the  camp,  or  the  scenes  of  war,  had  moderated  his  admiration, 
or  whether  he  despaired  of  success,  is  not  known.  He  never  saw  the  lady 
again  till  she  was  married  to  that  same  rival.  Captain  Morris,  his  former  as- 
sociate in  arms,  and  one  of  Braddock's  aids-de-camp. 

'*  In  an  English  work,  shown  to  me  by  Mrs.  Morrises  relatives  in  New 
Brunswick,  it  is  stated  that  she  refused  Washington.  But  this  is  very  doubt- 
ful ;  and  the  passage  just  cited,  which  is  founded  upon  Washington's  papers, 
seems  to  utterly  disprove  the  assertion.  Imagination  dwells  upon  the  out- 
lawry of  a  lady  whose  beauty  and  virtues  won  the  admiration  of  the  great 
Whig  Chief.  Humanity  is  shocked  that  a  woman  was  attainted  df  treason,  for 
DO  crime  but  that  of  clinging  to  the  fortunes  of  her  husband  whom  she  had 
TOwed  on  the  altar  of  religion  never  to  desert.^*' 


«  The  Ameiican  Loyalists,  by  Lorsnso  Sabine.  See  also  Historical  view  of  the 
oommiMion  for  inquiry  into  the  losses  and  claims  of  the  American  Loyalists,  bf 
John  Eardley  Wilmot,  Esq.,  London,  1815. 


468  HISTORY  OF  THE 

There  is  a  beautiful  portrait  of  Mary  Philipse  still  presenred 
at  Philipstown  in  the  Highlands,  which  represents  the  youthful 
heroine  in  all  her  native  loveliness.  It  is  in  the  possession  of 
her  namesake  and  grand  niece,  Mary  Philipse,  widow  of  the  late 
Samuel  Gouverneur,  Esq.  In  Rivington's  Royal  Gazette  of 
May  18,  1773,  occurs  the  following  notice  of  the  commencemeot 
at  King's  College,  (now  Columbia, College)  N.  York-  "Tues- 
day being  the  day  appointed  for  the  annual  commencement  of 
the  graduates  of  King's  College  in  this  city,  a  very  numerous 
and  splendid  audience  assembled  at  Trinity  church.  After 
prayers  and  a  Latin  speech  by  the  President,  an  elegant  salutft- 
tory  oration  was  delivered  with  great  propriety  of  pronunciation 
and  gracefulness  of  action  by  Mr.  Frederick  Philipse.  The  au- 
dience was  then  entertained  with  a  discourse  on  the  happiness 
of  connubial  life,  by  Mr.  Beverly  Robinson,  whose  just -obser- 
vations on  the  subject  did  him  much  honor.  Degrees  were  after 
this,  conferred  on  the  following  gentlemen  :  Beverly  Robinson, 
Frederick  Philipse,  Nathaniel  Philipse,  B.  A.,  Philip  Pell,  Rev. 
Harry  Munro  M.  A."  Upon  the  arrival  of  the  British  forces  in 
New  York,  Colonel  Frederick  was  arrested  on  some  suspicions 
in  the  Manor  Hall,  Yonkers,  and  removed  to  Hartford,  Connecti- 
cut, by  the  American  authorities.  On  this  occasion,  his  faithful 
colored  valet,  George  Angevine,  attended  him  until  his  return  to 
Philipsborough,  which  took  place  shortly  afterwards.  Here  Colo- 
nel Philipse  was  residing  when  the  battle  of  White  Plains  was 
fought. 

After  the  departure  of  the  family  from  Yonkers,  in  1777,  John 
Williams,  steward  of  the  manor,  took  charge  of  the  property  till 
the  confiscation  A.  D.  1779.  As  before  mentioned,  at  the  close 
of  the  war,  the  whole  manor  became  forfeited. 

Feb.  1,  1781,  the  following  individuals  were  appointed  Com- 
missioners for  the  southern  district  of  N.  York  ;  Stephen  Ward, 
Mr.  Lawrence  and  Isaac  Sloutenbergh.  Sept.  1785,  those 
gentlemen  conveyed  the  homestead  and  mills  situated  in  Yonk- 
ers, amounting  to  320  acres,  to  Cornelius  P.  Lowe ;  bounded 
west  by  the  Hudson  river,  on  the  north  by  R.  Johnson,  &c. 
&c.  May  12,  1786,  Cornelius  P.  Lowe  conveyed  part  to  Wil- 
liam Constable.    April  29,  1796,  Wm.  Constable  and  wife  sold 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  469 

# 

to  Jacob  Stout.  April  t,  1803,  Jacob  Stout  conveyed  it  to  Joseph 
Howland.  It  was  finally  bought  under  a  decree  of  Chancery 
by  Lemuel  Wells,  Esq.,  at  whose  death  in  1842,  the  Mansion 
House  with  300  acres,  passed  to  his  heirs  at  law,  he  dying  intes- 
tate. The  present  proprietor  of  the  Manor  House  is  his  nephew, 
Lemuel  Wells,  Esq.  The  Wells  family  are  originally  from 
Cambridgeshire,  England,  and  descend  from  Richard  Wells, 
who  held  the  manor  of  Wells  at  a  very  early  period.  In  the 
possession  of  the  present  Lemuel  Wells,  Esq.,  is  a  coat  of 
arms  beautifully  embroidered  in  silk  needlework.  These  arms 
were  granted  to  the  Cambridge  Wells's,  A.  D.  16l4.»  The  pre- 
sent family  are  more  immediately  descended  from  Samuel  Wells 
of  Wethersfield,  Conn.,  who  remoyed  A.  D.  1639,  with  his  three 
sons,  John,  Thomas  and  Samuel,  to  Milford,  Conn.^  This  family 
gave  a  Governor  to  that  State. 

The  last  lord  of  the  manor.  Colonel  Frederick  Philipse,  re- 
turned to  Chester,  in  England,  where  he  died,  A.D.  1785,  after 
a  short  illness,  and  has  a  monument  there  erected  to  his  mem- 
ory.<^    His  faithful  colored    valet,  Angevinc,  who  had^ccom- 


«  Benyf  Eneyclopedis  of  Armf . 

k  Tramboir*  Conn.,  105. 

•  <*  Frederick  Pbilipee  (says  Mr.  Sabine)  oeenpied  an  eloTated  poeition  in  Colo- 
nial society,  bat  be  doei  not  appear  to  bare  been  a  prominent  actor  in  poblie 
affaire. 

He  waf ,  howoTer,  a  member  of  tbe  Honae  of  Aeeembly,  and  bold  tbe  oommit* 
mon  of  colonel  in  tbe  militia.  Nor  doef  it  eeem  tbat,  tbougb  a  friend  of  ezictinf 
institutions,  and  an  opposer  of  tbe  wbigs,  be  was  an  active  partisan.  In  April, 
1775,  be  went  to  tbe  groand  appointed  by  tbe  wbigs  of  Westcbester  county,  to 
elect  deputies  to  tbe  Congress  ;  and  declared  tbat  be  would  not  join  in  tbe  business 
of  tbe  day,  and  tbat  tbe  sole  purpose  in  going  tbere  was,  to  protest  against  tbeit 
illegal  and  unconstitutional  proceedings.  On  some  otber  occasions,  be  pnnraed  a 
similar  line  of  conduct ;  but,  bis  name  is  seldom  met  witb  in  tbe  documents  of  tba 
time.  Soon  after  1771,  Colonel  David  Humphreys,  wbo  subssquentfy  became  an 
aid  to  Washington,  and,  under  the  Federal  gorernment,  minister  to  Portugal 
and  Spain,  and  wbo  bad  just  completed  bb  studies  at  Yale  College,  beeama  a 
resident  in  bis  family  tben  living  on  Pbilipee  manor.  The  late  President  Dwight 
was  well  acquainted  with  him  at  this  time,  and  qieaks  of  him  as  **  a  worthy  and 
respectable  man,  not  often  excelled  in  personal  and  domestio  amiableneas,  and  of 
Mrs.    Pbilipee,  be    remarks,  that  she  "was   an    excellent  woman.*'      In   tbe 


470  HISTORY  OF  THE 

panied  his  master  in  all  bis  changes  of  fortaoe  survived  bim  but 
one  year.    They  are  both  interred  in  the  same  church  yard. 

Charley  Philips,  son  of  Angevine,  still  lives  on  the  banks  of 
the  Hudson,  and  was  under  a  succession  of  dynasties,  45  years 
sexton  of  St:  John^s  church,  Yonkers. 

There  is  still  living  in  this  village  and  near  the  landing,  Capt. 
Joel  Cook,  a  hero  of  1776,  who  belonged  to  Colonel  Meigs'  regi- 
ment. The  day  Andre  was  captured.  Gen.  Washington  ordered 
the  brigade  then  stationed  at  Peekskill  to  march  to  West  Point. 

This  gentleman  during  the  war.  escorted  1600  men  from  Tel- 
ler's point  to  the  neighborhood  of  Kings-bridge. 

In  compliment  to  the  services  of  the  old  veteran,  the  citixens 
of  Yonkers  presented  him  with  a  gold  medal  bearing  the  follow- 
ing inscription: 

Pesented  to  Capt.  Joel  Cook 

by  the  citizens  of  Yonkers, 

in  honor  ot  his  patriotic  services  in  defence  of 


progress  of  events,  Colonel  Phillipse  abandoned  his  home  and  took  refag«  in 
the  city  of  New  York,  and  finally  embarked  for  England.  In  person,  he  waa 
extremely  large,  and  on  account  of  his  bulk,  his  wife  seldom  rode  in  the  same 
carriage  with  him.  Colonel  Fhillipse  had  one  brother  and  two  sisters,  who  in- 
herited the  Manor  of  Fredericksburgh  in  equal  portions.  His  brother  whose 
name  was  Philip,  died  before  the  Revolution,  and  his  children  were  too  young  to 
take  a  part  in  the  war.  Their  share  was  saved,  and  \b  still  in  the  family.  For 
an  account  of  Susannah  and  Mary,  the  sisters,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  notice 
of  their  husbands, — the  senior  Colonel  Beverly  Robinson  and  Colonel  Roger  Mor- 
ris. 

The  Manor  of  Fhilipsbnrgh  was  the  property  of  Colonel  Phillipse,  and  like  his 
sisters'  share  of  the  other  estate,  was  confiscated.  He  applied  to  the  Britbh  gov- 
ernment fo(  compensation,  and  was  allowed  jC62,075  sterling,  or  about  |f 300,000. 
In  1809,  in  an  English  work,  the  value  of  the  two  Manors,  or  the  whole  of  the  ori- 
ginal Phillipse  property  was  estimated  at  six  or  seven  hundred  thousand  pounds. 
Nor  was  the  smaller  sum  extravagant.  But  it  is  to  be  remembered,  that  lands  in 
1783,  hardly  had  a  fixed  value  ;  while,  in  1809,  the  impulse  which  the  Revolution 
had  given  to  settlements,  to  increase  of  population,  dtc,  had  already  eflTected  vast 
changes  in  the  marketable  prices  of  real  property.  Colonel  Phillipse*s  son  Frederick, 
is  also  named  in  the  New  York  confiscation  act.  This  gentleman  married  a  niece 
of  Sir  Alured  Clarice,  Governor  of  the  Colony  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope." 

[  The  American  Loyaliete,  by  Lorenxo  Sabine, 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  471 

LIBERTY, 

July  4,  1845, 

at  the 

battles  of 

Lexington^  Danbury,  White  Plains,  Trenton  and  Stony  Point, 

Springfield  and 
Tippecanoe. 

The  inhabitants  of  this  town  appear  to  have  taken  an  active 
part  during  the  struggle  for  Independence. 

11th  April|  1775,  Colonel  Frederick  Philipse  appeared  at  the 
head  of  a  large  body  of  his  tenantry,  when  the  deputies  from 
the  several  towns  of  Westchester  met  at  White  Plains,  for  the 
purpose  of  electing  delegates  to  represent  this  colony  in  the  gene- 
ral Congress  to  be  held  in  Philadelphia.* 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  for  this  County  held  at  White 
Plains,  on  Thursday  and  Friday,  the  17th  and  18th  days  of 
August,  inst.,  the  committee  divided  the  County  into  districts 
or  beats,  agreeable  to  the  directions  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 
for  forming  militia  and  minute  companies. 

Yonkers  formed  one  of  the  districts  of  the  southern  battalion. 
The  officers  chosen,  were  John  Cock,  Capt.,  William  Belts,  first 
lieutenant,  John  Warner,  second  lieutenant,  and  Jacob  Post, 
ensign.** 

The  following  petition  from  the  inhabitants  of  Lower  Yonkers, 
occurs  in  1775. 

Lower  Yonlers,  Sept.  15,  1775. 
To  the  Hon.  the  Pro?incial  Confess  for  the  Province  of  New  York, 
convened  in  their  reccM,  to  the  Hon.  Committee  of  safety.  The  humble 
petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  precincts  of  Lower  Yonkers,  in  the  county 
of  Westchester,  humbly  showeth,  that  your  Hon.  House  had  made  a  resolve, 
and  published  the  same,  recommending  to  the  inhabitants  of  every  town,  ma- 
nor, precinct  and  district  within  the  province  aforesaid,  to  meet,  nominate  and 
appoint  a  captain  and  other  officers,  to  form  themselves  as  compsnies  of  militia ; 
and,  whereas  the  inhabitants  of  this  precinct  did  meet  agreeable  to  your  said 
resolve,  on  the  34ih  day  of  August  last,  under  the  inspection  of  the  committee 
of  that  district,  and  by  a  very  great  majority,  as  by  the  list  will  appear,  did 

•'  See  page  350. 

k  American  Archives,  p.  691. 


472 


HISTORY  OF  THE 


nominate  and  appoint  Mr.  John  Coek  of  the  said  precinct,  for  his  knowo  skill 
and  ability  in  military  discipline,  and  for  other  good  causes,  captain  of  the 
company  for  the  district  aforesaid ;  and,  whereas,  we  are  informed  that  a 
complaint  hath  been  made  to  the  committee  by  a  few  of  the  iohabitants 
against  the  said  Mr.  John  Cock,  out  of  spite  and  malice,  and  as  we  conceive 
what  has  been  alledged  against  him  was  before  signing  the  associatioo,  we 
are  well  assured  that  since  his  signing  the  association,  no  person  can  aceose 
him  of  breaking  the  same  by  any  ways  or  means  whatsoever ;  therefore,  we 
the  petitioners  and  subscribers,  do  humbly  beg  the  indulgence  of  this  Hon.  House 
to  grant  Mr.  John  Cock  the  commission  of  captain  for  the  company  aforesaid, 
as  we  are  convinced  he  was  chosen  agreeable  to  yonr  said  resolve,  and  yonr 
petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray. 


Anthony  Archer, 

BasU 

Thos.  Oakley, 
Jonathan  Fowler, 
Abraham  Hick, 
Matthias  Archer, 
Ezekiel  Brown, 
Abraham  Aster, 
Robert  Farrington, 
John  Odell, 
Abraham  Odell, 
Abraham  Post, 
Dennis  Post, 
William  Post, 
Robert  Brown, 
Daniel  Dean, 
Stephen  Bastine, 
Henry  Norris, 
John  Gresinall, 


John  Devoe, 
Jacob  Post, 
Israel  Post, 
Lewis  Post, 
John  Warner, 
Efnathan  Taylor, 
Jacob  Taylor, 
James  Crawford, 
Elnathan  Taylor, 
David  Oakley,  jr., 
Joseph  Oakley,  jr., 
George  Crawford, 
Moses  Oakley, 
Francis  Smith, 
Jordan  Norris, 
Frederick  Yermilyea, 
John  Cartright, 
Edward  Cartright, 
Henry  Taylor, 
Fred.  Brown. 


Charles  Tyler. 
Martin  P<iet, 
James  Monro, 
Anthony  Allaire, 
Edward  Ryer, 
Benj.  Farriogton, 
Wm.  Rose, 
Henry  Preaher, 
Thomas  Farringtoa, 
Isaac  Post, 
James  Rich, 
Gilbert  Brown, 
Thomas  Tippet, 
Samuel  Lawrence, 
Thomas  Merrit, 
Samuel  Williams, 
Israel  Underbill, 
Henry  Brown, 
Benjamin  Archer, 


The  commanding  eminence  rising  above  the  village  directly 
ea^t  of  the  Philipse  Mansion,  is  called  Locust  Hill.  Here  the 
Ainerican  army  were  encamped  during  a  part  of  (he  war,  while 
the  enemy  lay  in  the  lower  grounds. 

October  12,  1776,  the  American  army  marched  from  King's 
bridge,  along  the  heights  above  Yonkers  towards  Dobb's  Ferry. 

St.  John's  church,  Yonkers,  together  with  its  gothic  parsonage, 
stands  pleasantly  situated  on  the  south  bank  of  the  Saw  mill. 
This  church  is  one  of  the  neatest  in  the  county,  having  been 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  473 

completely  repaired  and  beautified  within  a  few  years.  It  owes 
its  early  foundation  to  the  Philipses's,  who,  as  lords  of  the  Manor 
at  that  time  enjoyed  the  advowson  or  right  of  patronage  to  all 
and  every  church  erected  therein.  Its  first  founder  and  patron 
was  the  Honorable  Frederick  Philipse,  for  some  years  speaker  of 
the  house  of  Assembly  in  the  province  of  New  York,  1721-8. 

There  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  this  distinguished  indi. 
vidual  took  some  steps  towards  the  erection  of  the  church  previous 
to  his  death,  which  happened  in  1761 :  (he  died  of  consumption  at 
the  age  of  63.)  In  his  will,  which  is  dated  the  6(h  of  June,  of 
the  same  year,  he  directs, 

^'  That  out  of  the  rents  that  were,  or  should  thereafter  be  due  t# 
him,  from  the  manor  of  Philipsborough,  the  sum  of  £400  be  by 
his  executrix  laid  out  in  erecting  a  building  or  finishing  a  church 
of  England  as  by  law  established,  on  the  farm  near  and  to  the 
northward  of  the  house  then  in  the  tenure  of  William  Jones,  sen., 
unless  he  should  build  the  said  church  in  his  lifetime ;  and  he  de- 
vised all  the  said  farm  with  all  the  buildings  thereon,  unto  all 
bis  children,  and  their  heirs,  in  trust,  for  the  use  of  such  minis- 
ters of  the  church  of  England  as  by  law  established,  as  should 
be  from  time  to  time  admitted  or  instituted  in  the  said  church ; 
and  so  for  ever  to  remain  for  a  glebe  to  the  said  church."*' 
That  the  building  was  commenced  in  1752,  there  is  no  doubt, 
for  among  the  family  papers,  occurs  an  account  of  the  expenses 
on  the  church  at  Philipsborough  to  the  estate  of  Frederick  Pbilipse, 
debtor,"  commencing  Nov.  1752,  closing  December,  1763,  whole 
amount,  £623  6s.  9d.  This  sum  shows  that  bis  executrix 
had  exceeded  the  original  bequest  in  the  will,  £223.  The 
curious  reader  will  not  be  displeased  with  one  or  two  more  of 
these  accounts,  showing  the  expenses  attendant  on  building  a 
church  at  that  early  period : 

<' Benjamin  Fowler's  account  in  full  for  ye  chufch:  Blay 
11th,  1753,  dito  6^  days  works  at  gating  timber  for  the  dors 
and  the  winder  frams  for  the  church,  at  6  shillings  per  day, 
£1  12  6.    September  the  20th|  to  working  and  going  to  ask 


•  Sarrogate's  oflke.  N.  Y.  No.  XTra.3. 
V^r    IT  60 


474 


HISTORY  OF  THE 


Ihe  peple  to  come  to  work  at  the  church,  8  days,  dcc^  dee. 
John  Uoderhiira  receipt  for  supplying  the  woikmeo  at  ihs 
church  with  beef,  commencing  August  Slsl.  Madame  I^ilipse 
dito,  69  pouud  of  beof  at  2s  3(J  per  pound,  £1S  10  3. 

Received  of  Beverly  Robinson 
(he  above  amount  in  full. 
JoiiN  Undekhill.*' 


Nothing  remaina  of  Ibe  originnl  structure,  except  the  vails  and 
tower,  the  roof  and  wood  work  having  been  destroyed  by  an 
accidental  fire,  May,  1791.  When  the  ruins  of  (he  church 
came  to  be  examined  afier  this  melancholy  accident,  the  skeleton 
of  a  full  sized  man  was  discovered  behind  the  remains  of  tbe 
pulpit.  In  1792,  it  was  again  repaired,  and  on  the  21st  August 
of  that  year,  consecraled  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God,  under 
the  name  and  title  of  St.  John's  Church,  Philipsborough,  by  the 
Right  Rev.  Samuel  ProvoosI,  first  Bishop  of  ihe  Siata  of  New 
York.  The  present  edifice  consists  of  a  square  lower  snr- 
uiotinted  wiih  a  wooden  cupola  and  spire,  body  and  vestry  it>om 
in  Ihe  rear. 


El.  Jolin'i  Cburcb,  Yonkcn. 

The  principal  entrance  is  by  a  circular  headed  door  on  the 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  475 

south  side.    There  are  two  monumental  tablets  in  this  church  : 
the  first  placed  against  the  south  wall  is  inscribed  ; 

To  perpetaate  the  memory  of 

the  Rev.  Elias  Cooper, 

37  years  Rector  of  this  charch, 

who  departed  this  life,  Jan.  16,  1816, 

aged  58  years  and  1 1  days. 

He  laboured  industriovsly  to  promote  the  happiness 

of  MAEIKIND 

by  advancing  the  inJdueBce  of  the  Christian  religion. 
Picas  without  snperstiUon,  and  xealous  without 

BIGOTRY  ; 

a  friend  to  the  poor  and  an  ornament  to  the  church, 
exemplary  in  the  discharge  of  every  relation 

and  professional  doty, 

respected  and  honored  through  life  by  those 

who  knew  his  virtues, 

and  in  his  death  universally  lamented. 

This  humble  monument  (not  of  his  praise) 

is  erected  by  his  faithful  flock, 

who  koew  him,  loved^him,  and  lament  their  loss, 

and  are  desirous  of  recording  in 

this  inscription 
their  esteem,  affection  and  regret. 

The  second  on  the  chancel  wall  is  erected 

TO  THE   MEMORY   OF 

THE  Ret.  Alczamder  H.  Crosby,  A.  M., 

10  years  Rector  of  this  church, 

who  died  at  the  Island  of  St.  Croix, 

January  4,  1889,  aged  35  years. 
In  the  General  Theological  Seminary, 

THE  PIETY,  YIRTUES  AND  TALEHTS, 

were  nurtured,  which  fitted  him  for  the 

CHRlSTIAir   MINISTRY, 

sincerity  of  character,  kindness  of  heart. 


4f^  HI8TDIIT  or  THE 

ua  pnilr  of  life,  OHlad  with  «Md7  bmI. 
Mtnatynwtiilm,  patiMt  tabm  ud  tna 

dcToladneM  W  God,  edifled  the  ehmohi 

won  fgr  Urn  Iba  hemita  of  hii  flock, 
■nd  wen  bonorad  by  bU  DifiBa  mmaiar, 

vith  *lMDdftol  Iniu. 

In  kII  thing*  bo  wu  ma  esample  and  « 

puiora  for  the  paople  to  follow  ;  and  whb 

thi*  Uatimonj  ha  ha«  entered  into  b»  laet. 

,  A  aCLOTiD  BaoTBXR 

and  bUhfiil  miaiaMt  in  the  Lord. 

Thailoek 

foe  wboaa  nk«a  ha  gladly  apent  himaalf, 

bav ■  oraeted  ibia  tablet  to  aiteat  tbek  aenae 

of  hia  excellenne, 

and  their  giieffarhit  loaa. 

The  bell'  was  presented  to  the  eharch,  hj  the  Iat«  Joseph 
Howlaad,  Esq.,  and  contains  the  folloviag  inscription:  "B. 
Hanks,  MansGeld,  Con.,  1616." 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted,  that  (he  old  commanion  service  of 
this  church  was  carried  off  during  the  war  of  the  Bevolutioa 
for  safs  keeping,  to  th«  city  of  New  York.  Some  yean  after  the 
close  of  the  war,  the  altar  cloth  was  discovered  in  an  old  dusty 
box,  where  it  had  lain  through  the  whole  period  of  the  Revola- 
tion :  (his  is  now  in  use  at  St.  John's  chapel,  Tuckahoe.  Tho 
silver  now  used  at  the  administration  of  the  holy  sacrament, 
consists  of  one  large  silver  flagon,  2  silver  chalices,  a  silver  ba- 
son or  font ;  the  latter  presented  by  a  member  of  the  Van  Cort- 
land! family;  and  a  silver  plate  bearing  the  following  in- 
Bcription : 

'<  Presented  to  the  Episcopal  Church  of  the  towo  of  Yonkera 
1795." 


>  Ball*  wan  naad  by  the  aneiant  Ronuaa  to  lifBiiy  the  tima  of  batU 
nalanUy  appUad  by  Uw  aaily  CbcfaUana  ts  daaota  Uia  houi  of  daToliea. 


x^yjuL^ki  ut  w  K8TCHE8TER.  477 

During  the  troubles  of  the  Revdution,  an  American  soldier 
killed  in  this  neighbourhood  is  known  to  have  been  interred  be- 
neath the  floor  of  this  church,  but  there  is  no  tradition  of  the 
cause  o(  so  uoosual  a  place  of  sepulture  being  chosen. 

^  Hsrs  the  wavrisr  retts  is  petee. 
And  holy  ebaroh  his  tomb  doUi  frace." 

The  church-yard  has  been  long  since  abandoned  on  account  of 
its  rocky  situation.  The  one  now  used  is  located  on  the  old 
parsonage  property,  and  formed  once  a  portion  of  the  glebe.  It 
is  beautifully  situated  on  a  rising  knoll  in  the  valley  of  the  Saw 
Mill.  The  first  interment  on  record  occurs  1783,  Richard  Ar- 
cher.   Among  other  memorials  in  this  yard  are  those  of 

Lemuel  Wells,  Esa.  Miss  Susannah  Howland 
bora  in  the  city  of  Hartford,  boni  in  Bostoo,  1763, 

mar.  Eliza  H.  died  ia  Greenborgh,  18S3, 

died  Feb.  11, 1849,  aged  73  years, 

aged  83. 

The  first  mention  of  the  parish  of  Yonkers  occurs  ia  an  act  passed 
during  the  first  session  of  the  third  Assembly,  6th  of  King  Wil- 
liam and  Queen  Mary,  September,  1693,  entitled  an  act  for  sett* 
ling  a  ministry  and  raising  a  maintenance  for  them  in  the  city 
of  New  York,  counties  of  Richmond,  Westchester  and  Queens ; 
'<  Wherein  it  was  enacted  by  General  Assembly,  and  by  the 
authority  of  the  same,  that  in  each  county  there  shall  be  called 
and  inducted  two  clergymen  for  the  county  of  Westchester,  one 
to  have  the  cure  of  Westchester,  Eastchester,  Yonkers  and  the 
manor  of  Pelbam ;  the  other  to  have  the  cure  of  Rye,  Mamaro- 
neck  and  Bedford ;  and  allowed  £100  each,  to  each  £60  to  be 
paid  in  country  produce.  In  raising  the  respective  maintenances 
for  the  ministers,  the  respective  justices  of  every  city  and 
county  aforesaid,  or  any  two  of  them  are  required  to  issue  out 
warrants  to  the  constables  to  summon  the  freeholders  of  erery 
city,  town  and  precinct,  for  the  chosing  two^Testrymen  and  two 


478  mSTORY  OF  THE 

wardens.^    Confirmed  the  llth  of  May,  1697.    This  act  was 
further  explained  3rd  daeen  Anne> 

A.  D.  1698.  Lford  Cornbury,  Governor  of  the  Province,  issaed 
orders  to  the  magistrates  of  the  several  towns  in  Westchester 
County  to  build  churches ;  by  virtue  of  this,  several  towns  were 
enabled  to  build  public  houses  (or  the  worship  of  Almighty  Grod. 
St.  Peter's  Church,  Westchester  was  thus  built  and  became  the 
parish  church,  inclusive  of  the  precincts  of  Eastchester,  Manor 
o(  PelheLtn  and  Yonkers. 

The  quota  contributed  by  the  precinct  of  Yonkers  towards  the 
support  of  the  Rector  and  poor  of  the  parish  in  1702,  was  £7  6^ 
in  1709,  JC8. 

The  first  vestryman  elected  by  the  freeholders  of  this  precinct 
was  Mr.  John  Archer ;  seven  years  later  John  Archer  and  Noah 
Barton,  were  vestrymen. 

A.  D.  1702,  King  William  III.  by  Royal  Charter  incorporated 
the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts. 
The  principal  object  of  this  society  was  to  send  clergymen  to  the 
colonies ;  "  and  the  society  to  earnestly  request  and  beseech  all 
persons  concerned  that  they  recommend  no  man  out  of  favor  or 
affection  or  any  other  worldly  consideration  ;  but  with  a  sincere 
regard  to  the  honor  of  Almighty  God  and  our  blessed  Saviour, 
as  they  tender  the  interest  of  the  Christian  religion  and  the  gtxxl 
of  men's  souls.® 

The  first  Rector  of  the  parish  of  Westchester  and  precinct  of 
Yonkers  was  the  Rev.  John  Bartow,  who  received  his  license 
from  the  Bishop  of  London  in  1702.  The  same  year  upon  his 
arrival  here,  he  was  inducted  by  the  commission  of  his  Excel- 
lency Governor  Cornbury. 

In  1703  Rev.  John  Bartow  commenced  his  services  within 
this  precinct.  September  5,  1708,  he  writes  to  the  society  that 
he  occasionally  preached  at  Yonkers,  where  the  population  was 
then  250  8ouls.<^ 


•  Acts  of  Anembly  paned  in  the  province  of  N.  Y.  from  169]  to  1785,  p.  23. 
b  Ibid 

•  From  a  oollection  of  papers  printed  by  order  of  the  Society,  9. 

<  From  the  Westchester  Records  we  take  the  following  extract,  "John  Archer» 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  479 

In  1713,  the  Propagation  Society  founded  a  charity  school  for 
the  education  of  children  in  this  town.  The  same  year  £6  per 
annum  is  granted  to  a  schoolmaster  at  Yonkers,  where  there  is 
a  large  congregation  of  Dutch  and  English,  for  instructing  the 
younger  sort  in  the  catechism  and  liturgy,  provided  he  can  pro- 
duce a  certificate  of  his  teaching  thirty  children.  A.  D.  1719, 
Mr.  Jones  was  allowed  fifty  shillings  for  teaching  children  to 
read  at  Mile  Square. 

In  1761,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Milner,  Rector  of  the  parish,  informs  the 
Propagation  Society  that  one  of  the  edifices  he  preaches  in  at 
Yonkers  was  a  new  one,  raised  by  the  generosity  of  Colonel 
Frederick  Philipse  of  Philipsborough,  who  has  given  to  its  service 
a  fine  farm  as  a  glebe,  consisting  of  (wo  hundred  acres,  upon 
which  he  purposes  to  build  a  good  house  for  a  minister.  In  1764 
the  society  report  that  they  have  received  a  letter  from  Colonel 
Frederick  Philipse  of  Philipsborough  within  the  Province  of  New 
York,  dated  October  23,  1764,  representing 

"  That  at  the  expense  of  himself  and  family  there  is  now  erected  oo  the 
Manor  of  Phi]i[>8borough  a  handsome  stone  church  completely  finished,  and 
every  thing  necessary  for  the  decent  performance  of  divine  service  prepared, 
that  abont  three  quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  church  he  has  laid  out  and  appro- 
priated two  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  excellent  arable  and  wood  land  for  a 
glebe  for  the  minister  for  ever,  and  that  he  fully  intends  as  soon  as  they  are 
happy  to  have  a  worthy  clergyman  of  the  Church  of  England  settled  among 
them,  Ut  build  him  a  genteel  and  handsome  house  upon  said  glebe,  the  ma- 
terials for  which  are  now  providing,  and  which  will  cost  at  least  jC400.  He 
therefore  earnestly  requests  the  society  to  send  them  a  missionary,  that  he 
and  his  tenants,  nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  families,  may  be  no  longer  des- 
titute of  the  worship  of  the  Church  of  England.** 

The  board  taking  this  letter  into  consideration  have  appointed 
the  Rev.  Harry  Munro,*  a  gentleman  recommended  to  them  by 
all  the  clergy  of  New  Jersey  and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Charlton  and 
Auchmuty  at  Perth  Amboy,  September  2Uth,  1764,  nnd  by  other 


coDstable  of  the  Yonken  appears,  with  a  receipt  from  Mr.  Bartow,  beariog  date  ye 
21  May,  1714-15  since  the  year  1709,  as  the  minister's  rate  with  the  collection 
allowed,  &c. 
•  Vol.  I  315. 


480  BISTORT  OF  THB 

Tery  ample  testimoDials  to  be  the  society's  missionary  at  Fhilqss- 
borough,  with  a  salary  of  £30  per  aonum. 

Jane  8th,  1765,  Mr.  Munro  himself,  writes,  **  that  on  his  ar« 
rival  at  his  mission,  he  found  everything  promising  and  agreea- 
ble, a  neat  church  (always  kept  in  good  repair  by  Col.  Ffaderkk 
Philipse  and  family)  and  a  decent  congregation,  materials  al- 
ready for  a  parsonage,  the  glebe  well  fenced,  ploity  of  wood, 
and  a  sufficient  quantity  of  arable  land. 

In  1771,  the  Rev.  Luke  Babcockwas  recommended  by  the 
clergy  of  New  York,  '^  being  lately  ordained  by  the  bishop  of 
London,  as  a  proper  person  for  a  missionary.  And  Colonel 
Philipse  having  requested  that  the  mission  of  Philipsbcmnigli 
formerly  filled  by  the  Rev.  Harry  Munro,  should  be  renewed ; 
and  the  Colonel  having  made  a  proper  provision  for  the  mainten- 
ance of  a  minister,  with  the  assistance  of  the  society,  they 
have  accordingly  appointed  the  Rev.  Luke  Babcoek  to  the  misp 
sion  with  a  salary  of  £30. 

The  youngest  son  of  Doctor  Joshua  Babcoek,  of  Westerly 
Narragansett  (observes  Mr.  Updike)  was  the  Rev.  Luke,  <*an 
Episcopal  clergyman  at  Philips's  Manor,  on  the  Hudson,  where 
he  died,  leaving  a  wife  and  several  children.  Hawkins,  in  his 
historical  notices  of  the  missions  of  the  Church  of  Englandi 
says:  '' another  victim  of  ill  treatment  already  mentioned,  was 
the  Rev.  Luke  Babcoek,  missionary  at  Philipsborough.  He  was 
seized  by  the  insurgents,  his  papers  were  examined,  and  because 
he  answered  affirmatively  to  the  question,  whether  he  considered 
himself  bound  by  bis  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  king,  he  was 
deemed  an  enemy  to  the  liberties  of  America,  and  ordered  to  be 
kept  in  custody.*  After  four  month's  confinement,  his  health 
gave  way,  and  he  was  then  dismissed  with  a  written  order  to 
remove  within  the  lines  of  the  king's  army.  "  He  got  home, 
(says  Mr.  Seabury.)  "  with  difficulty,  in  a  raging  fever  and  deli* 
rious,  and  there  died,  extremely  regretted.^*    Indeed,  1  know  not 


»  Ho  was  wised  and  carried  off  a  priaoner  to  Hartibrd,  Coon.    Hore  1m  wmi 
detained  in  cnetody,  from  October,  1776,  to  February  of  1777.'-*JB^»l0r. 

k  His  remains  were  deposited  in  the  family  Taalt  of  the  Van  CortlandiV— JS^»#'m>. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTEIt  481 

a  more  excellent  man,  and  I  fear  his  loss,  especially  in  that  mis- 
sion, will  scarcely  be  made  up."* 

His  wife  was  Grace  Isaacs,  a  cousin  of  Judge  Isaacs  of  New 
Haven.  His  children  were  Cortlandt,  Frederick,  (he  father  of 
Mrs.  W.  L.  Morris,  of  Ware  Hill,  Yonkers,  and  Henrietta,  who 
married  a  Mr.  Richard  Saltonstal  of  New  York. 

This  parish  suffered  greatly  during  the  war  of  the  Revolution. 
The  church  was  used  at  intervals  by  both  armies  as  an  hospital ; 
audits  pulpit  occupied  by  ministers  of  different  denominations, 
who  made  some  strong  efforts  to  retain  possession. 

At  the  close  of  the  war.  May  1,  the  State  of  New  York  passed 
an  act  vesting  the  chnrch  two  acres  of  land,  and  the  glebe  in 
the  corporation  of  the  Episcopal  church,  Yonkers. 

This  was  confirmed  by  another  act  of  the  Legislature,  passed 
April  3,  1793,  wherein  it  is  specified  :  "  that  all  the  estate,  righti 
title,  interest,  claim  and  demand  of  the  people  of  the  State  oi 
New  York,  in  and  to  the  said  church,  and  two  acres  of  land,  and 
in  and  to  the  said  parsonage  or  glebe,  shall  be,  and  hereby  are 
granted  to,  and  vested  in  the  corporation  of  the  Episcopal  church 
in  the  town  of  Yonkers,  in  the  County  of  Westchester  and  State 
of  New  York,  and  their  successors  forever,  for  the  use  of  the  said 
corporation." 

This  church  had  been  previously  incorporated  under  the  act  of 
1784.  Sept.  15,  1787,  Augustus  van  Cortlandt  and  John  War- 
ner, trustees. 

In  accordance  with  the  act  passed  for  the  relief  of  the  Episco- 
pal church,  passed  March  17,  1795,  it  was  again  incorporatedi 
Sept.  7, 1795.  Augustus  van  Cortlandt  and  William  Constablei 
wardens,  John  Warner,  Thomas  Valentine,  Isaac  Verrailyea, 
Frederick  Underbill,  Shadrach  Taylor,  Isaac  Lawrence,  Stephen 
Oakley  and  Jacob  Post,  vestrymen.  In  the  first  Convention  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  diocese  of  New  York, 
held  in  the  city  of  New  York,  June  22d,  1785,  this  church  does 
not  appear  to  have  been  represented. 


«  Updike's  Hbt.  of  the  Narraganiett  Church,  3]0. 

Vol.  U.  61 


188  HISTORY  OF  THE 

To  the  Coa ventioQ  of  1787,  she  sent  her  first  delegateii  AogUf- 
tus  van  Cortlandt  and  Israel  Honeywell,  Esqrs.       ^ 

The  principal  benefactors  to  this  parish,  have  been,  the  Hob* 
Frederick  Philipse,  Mark  Noble,  Esq.,  Augustus  van  Cortlaii4l; 
Esq.,*  and  the  wardens  and  vestry  of  Tiinity  Church,  Mew 
York.b 

In  1845,  owing  to  the  large  increase  of  families  within  this 
parish,  and  the  numerous  calls  made  upon  its  officiating  deigyi 
it  was  deemed  advisable,  after  mature  deliberation,  to  erect  a  par- 
sonage within  the  village  of  Yonkers.  For  this  pnrposei  an  ox- 
der  was  obtained  the  same  year  from  the  Court  of  Chancery,  to 
dispose  of  the  old  parsonage  and  glebe.  These  were  finally  sold 
for  $6,500.  With  part  of  these  funds,  the  present  Rectory  was 
built  The  corporation  reserving  to  themselves  the  burying 
ground  in  the  Saw  Mill  valley. 

A  part  of  Philipse's  point  in  the  rear  of  the  present  rectoryi 
appears  to  have  been  U8«d  as  a  grave  yard  for  strangers. 

The  following  table  extracted  from  the  reports  of  the  veueni- 
ble  Propagation  Society  and  the  Church  records^  deduce  the 
catalogue  of  incumbents  to  the  present  time. 

LIST    OF   MINISTERS    AND    RECTORS. 

Institoted  or  called.  lucambeDts.  Vaoated  by. 

Sep.  20,  1764,  Rev.  Harry  Munro,  A.  M.  Clericus,  per  lesig. 

1770,  Rev.  Luke  Babcock,  Clericus,  per  death 

1777,  Rev.  George  Panton,  Clericus,  per  resig 

1786,  Rev.  Andrew  Fowler,  Presb.  do. 

Sep.   10,  1788,  Rev.  Elias  Cooper,  Presb.  per  death 

Mar.  14, 1816,  Rev.  William  Powell,  Presb.  per  resig. 

Mar.  20,  1820,  Rev.  John  Grigg,  Presb.  do. 

Oct.  17, 1823,  Rev.  John  West,  Presb.  .     da 


•  This  indiyidiial,  by  his  will  dated  Dec.  30,  1833,  beqaeaihed  "  Uie  sum  of 
(500  to  the  Rector,  wardoLs  and  vestry  of  St.  John's  church,  at  Yonkeis,  beiof  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  church  of  that  town,  to  be  put  and  kept  oat  at  interest  hj 
them,  upon  good  real  security,  within  the  County  of  Westchester.*' 

b  In  18 — ,  Trinity  Chorch  contrUrated  9 ^  •  pareonage  at  Tooken,  to 

which  was  added  in  18 ,  the  sum  of  $ 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  481 

loatitoted  or  called.      .  IneambenU.  Vacated  by. 

Dec.  16, 18S8,    Rev.  Alex.  U.  Crosby,  A.  M.  Presb.     per  death 
May  4,    1839,    Rev.  Smith  Pyne,  A.  M.  Presb.  per  resig. 

Mar.  20, 1841,    Rev.  Henry  L.  Storrs,  Presb.  present  incumbent* 

Notiiia  Parochialis. 

In  1703  there  appear  to  have  been  250  families  attached  to  this 
precinct. 

A.  D.  1761,  —  communicants.  47  baptisms. 

1775,  —        do.  15      do. 

1806,  —        do.  16      do. 

1818,—        do.  17      do. 

1844,94        do.  31      do. 

There  is  also  a  Reformed  Dutch  Church  standing  directly 
south  of  St.  John's,  situated  upon  rising  ground.  This  church 
was  erected  on  a  portion  of  the  estate  of  the  late  Lemuel  Wellsi 
Esq.,  which  was  given  by  his  heirs  in  1844  The  building  is  a 
neat  edifice  of  brick.  The  interior  arrangements  and  fittings  up 
are  peculiarly  appropriate,  being  neat  and  simple.  A  chaste  pul- 
pit and  communion  table  occupy  the  west  end,  while  a  gallery 
extends  across  the  eastern. 

This  church  was  incorporated  under  the  act  of  1813, dated  Ju- 
ly 13, 1844.  Lemuel  W.  Wells  and  Ducan  McFariand,  elders ; 
Frederick  Nodine  and  Ralph  Shipman,  deacons.  The  first  in- 
stalled pastor  was  the  Rev.  Y.  M.  Hurlbert,  present  minister. 

There  appears  to  have  been  a  Dutch  Reformed  congregation 
in  this  town  as  early  as  1781,  '' called  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  at  the  Lower  Mil  Is,  in  the  Manor  ofPhi]ipsborough,"  incor- 
porated under  the  act  of  1764,  dated  September  8, 1786 ;  William 
Warner,  Abraham  Odell,  Isaac  Yermiiyea,  James  McChain,  Ja- 
cobus Dyckman,  trustees. 

Minutes  from  the  records  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 
Yonkers,  1845. 

No.  of  Commun  icants.  Bapt  isms. 

45.  10. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  is  located  on  the  edge  of 


481  HISTORY  OF  THE 

Locust  Hill,»  north  of  the  village,  from  its  eleyated  position  over- 
looking the  splendid  scenery  of  the  Hudson.  The  present  edifice 
is  a  neat  structure  of  wood.  Adjoining  it  on  the  east  is  a  small 
parsonage.  The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was  organixed 
March  1,  1828,  under  the  name  and  title  of  Christ  Church  ;  first 
trustees  Joseph  Oakley,  Frederick  Shonnard,  Thomas  GriffeOi 
and  David  Oakley. 

In  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  village  are  located  two  well- 
known  seminaries,  viz.  the  Oak  Grove  Female  Seminary,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Foote,  principals ;  and  a  large  boarding  school  for  boys, 
G.  W.  Francis,  principal.  Both  of  these  institutions  are  delight- 
fully situated  upon  high  ground,  overlooking  the  magnificent 
scenery  of  the  river.  A  new  building  for  the  district  school  has 
recently  been  erected  at  an  expense  of  nearly  $3000«  It  is  of 
brick  32  feet  by  42,  and  one  of  the  best  arranged  in  the  county. 

North-west  of  the  village  is  Wild  Boar  Hill,^  so  called  from 
the  animal  that  once  frequented  the  solitudes  of  its  ancient  for- 
ess.  So  troublesome  and  numerous  had  this  animal  become  at 
one  period  that  the  Provincial  Government  was  compelled  to 
pass  laws  for  its  destruction. 

Up  to  a  late  era,  Indians  occupied  this  hill  in  great  numbers. 
From  here  they  are  all  said  to  have  taken  their  departure  in  one 
night.  The  scarcity  of  the  wild  game,  together  with  the  en- 
croachments of  the  white  man,  may  in  some  measure  account 
for  this  sudden  removal. 

During  one  period  of  the  Revolution  it  was  the  site  of  the 
American  encampment.  Its  summit  commands  fine  views  of 
the  surrounding  country  and  the  noble  Hudson,  stretching  in  one 
long  reach  to  Jersey  City. 

Somewhere  near  this  spot  there  formerly  stood  a  peculiar 
shaped  tree,  as  if  adapted  by  nature  to  receive  the  body  of  a  man. 
In  this  rustic  couch  the  ilhistrious  Washington,  wearied  with  his 
toils,  slept  for  two  hours ;  his  trusty  guide  Martin  Post  watching^ 


•  Upon  land  the  gift  of  Mr.  Frederick  Shonnard. 

t>  This  hill  is  laid  down  in  General  Washington's  surveyed  map  of  the  county 
Boar  hill. 
»  Post  was  at  this  lime  altac'ied  to  Col.  Schammers  regiment. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  486 

by  his  side.    Augustus  Gregier,  a  nephew  of  the  guide  now 
living  in  the  town,  relates  the  incident. 

In  the  summer  of  1780,  the  famous  spy  Huddlestone  was  dis- 
covered concealed  in  the  woods  upon  this  hill,  and  was  after- 
wards hung  at  Poughkeepsie.  For  a  long  time  it  was  freqirent- 
ed  by  the  American  water  guards^  whose  business  it  was  to  in- 
tercept all  traders  passing  to  the  British  lines. 

On  the  south  side  of  this  hill  fell  the  brave  Captain  Rowe  of 
Pruschank's  yagers.  This  individual  appears  to  have  been  in 
the  habit  of  ranking  a  daily  tour  from  Kingsbridge,  round  by 
Mile  Square,  for  the  purpose  of  reconnoitering.  On  the  morning 
of  the  melancholy  accident  which  terminated  his  career,  he  was 
on  his  last  tour  of  military  duty,  having  already  resigned  his 
commission  for  the  purpose  of  marrying  the  accomplished  Eli- 
zabeth Fowler  of  Haarlem ;  when  pasring  with  a  company  of 
light  dragoons  he  was  suddenly  fired  upon  by  three  Americans 
of  the  water  guard  of  Captain  Pray's  company,  who  had  am- 
buscaded themselves  in  the  cedars  near  the  site  of  the  present 
residence  of  Mr.  Bangalore.  Their  shot  took  deadly  effect,  for 
the  Captain  fell  from  his  horse  mortally  wounded.  The  yagers 
instantly  made  prisoners  of  the  undisciplined  water  guards,  and 
a  messenger  was  immediately  dispatched  to  Mrs.  Babcock,  then 
living  below  in  the  parsonage,  for  a  vehicle  to  remove  the 
wounded  officer.  The  use  of  her  gig  and  horse  was  soon  ob- 
tained, and  a  neighbour,  Anthony  Archer,  pressed  to  drive.  la 
this  they  conveyed  the  dying  man  to  Col.  Van  Cortlandt's. 
They  appear  to  have  taken  the  route  of  Tippett's  valley,  as  the 
party  stopped  at  Mr.  Frederick  Post's  to  obtain  a  drink  of  water. 
In  the  mean  time  an  express  had  been  forwarded  to  Miss  Fowler, 
his  affianced  bride,  to  hasten  without  delay  to  the  side  of  her 
dying  lover.  On  her  arrival,  accompanied  by  her  mother,  the 
expiring  soldier  had  just  strength  enoufi^h  left  to  articulate  a  few 
words,  when  he  stmk  exhausted  with  the  effort. 

As  late  as  1780  a  thick  forest  extended  from  the  village  north 
to  Mr.  William  Bolmer's,  bounded  by  the  Hudson  and  Saw-Mill 
riveps.  The  site  of  these  woods  on  the  Hudson  shore  is  now  oc- 
cupied by  a  number  of  country  residences,  among  which  are 
those  of  Sampson  Simpson,  Esq.    This  gentleman's  father,  in 


486  .  HISTOBY  OF  THB 

cocnpaDy  with  Ool.  James  bad  charge  of  the  silver  mine!  at 
Sing  previous  to  the  RevolutioD.  Also  Pamona  Hall,  the  re- 
sidence of  Philip  Rhinelander  Roberts,  Esq.  In  this  house  the 
aspiring  politician  Ck>loiiel  Burr  found  a  safe  asylum  to  shelter 
himself  from  the  storm  of  iodignaliou  which  followed  the  death 
of  the  illustrious- Hamilton  ;  and  from  hence  he  departed  <'a  vol- 
untary exile  from  his  native  country  to  implore,  like  an  abjecl 
slave,  allegiance  from  that  power  against  whose  rule  he  had  so 
successfully  fought."» 

The  eastern  edge  of  Boar  hill  is  still  covered  with  beautiful 
woods,  sloping  gradually  to  tiie  bank  of  the  Saw  Hill  river. 
This  lovely  stream  rises  among  the  picturesque  hills  of  Chap- 
pequa ;  its  source  is  formed  from  two  springs,  one  on  the  land  of 
Job  Collins,  the  other  on  the  property  of  Willett  Kipps.  Its 
descent  from  the  springs  lies  nearly  in  a  south  course  of  sixteen 
miles  through  the  rich  bottoms  of  a  valley  bordered  with  high 
woodlands;  and  not  unfrequently  its  waters  become  lost  in  some 
rocky  dell  or  amongst  dark  foliage.  At  times  it  is  seen  steal- 
ing through  some  green  meadow  with  a  babbling  sound,  or  oc- 
casionally becoming  impetuous  it  rushes  over  rocks  and  stones 
in  its  headlong  course,  but  more  frequently 

"  Clear  are  the  depths  where  its  eddies  play, 
And  dimples  deepen  and  whirl  away/* — Bryant, 

At  the  foot  of  Boar  hill  a  bridge  crosses  the  stream  nearl7  op- 
posite the  Parsonage.  It  was  here  that  Eden  Hunt,  brother  of 
Major  David  Hunt,  was  waylaid  and  attacked  by  two  soldiers 
belonging  to  the  British  Refugee  Corps.  It  would  appear  that 
the  unfortunate  man  being  better  mounted  than  the  rest  of  his 
companions,  who  were  all  retreating  before  Col.  De  Lancey,  rode 
considerably  in  advance ;  and  on  coming  to  the  cross  roads  near 
the  Methodist  church,  he  mistook  his  way,  and  was  following 
the  course  of  the  Saw  Mill  road  when  thus  mortally  wounded. 
The  rest  of  the  party  made  good  their  retreat  by  the  Albany 
turnpike. 


*■  Life  of  Hamilton  by  the  Harpers,  p.  336. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  487 

r 

The  old  Parsonage,  formerly  called  Babcock's  house,  appears 
to  have  been  frequently  garrisoned  by  the  troops  of  both  armies. 
It  was  here  tliat  Lord  Howe  fixed  his  head  quarters,  and  here 
the  American  Col.  Gist  was  visiting  in  1778,  when  the  enemy 
determined  upon  his  surprisal.  At  this  period  the  house  was 
occupied  by  the  handsome  and  accomplished  widow  of  the  Rev. 
Luke  Babcock  and  Miss  Sarah  Williams,  a  sister  of  Mrs.  Fred- 
erick Philipse.  To  the  former  lady  Col.  Gist  was  devotedly 
attached,  consequently  when  an  opportunity  afforded  he  gladly 
moved  his  command  into  that  vicinity.  On  the  night  preceding 
the  attack,  be  had  stationed  bis  camp  at  the  foot  of  Boar  hill| 
directly  opposite  the  parsonage,  for  the  better  purpose  of  paying 
a  special  visit  to  this  lady.  It  is  said  that  whilst  engaged  in 
urging  his  suit  the  enemy  were  quietly  surrounding  his  quarters ; 
he  had  barely  received  his  final  dismissal  from  Mrs.  Babcock 
when  he  was  startled  with  the  firing  of  musketry.  The  follow- 
ing account  of  the  attack  is  thus  given  by  the  British  commander, 
Lieut.  Col.  Simcoe. 

"  Colonel  Gist,  who  commanded  a  light  corps  of  the  rebels,  was  posted  near 
Babcock^s  house,  from  whence  he  made  frequent  patroles.  Lieut.  Col.  Simcoe 
had  determined  to  attack  him ;  when,  a  deserter  coming  in,  at  night,  who 
gave  an  accurate  account  of  bis  position,  the  following  morning  was  fiied  upoa 
for  the  attempt.  General  Knipbausen,  who  eommanded  at  Kingsbridge,  ap» 
proved  of  the  enterprise,  and  ordered  a  detachment  of  the  Yagers  to  co-operate 
in  it ;  Lieut.  Col.  Emmerick  undertook  to  lead  the  march,  having  in  his 
corps  people  who  were  well  acquainted  with  the  country. 

'*  The  following  disposition  was  made.  Emmerick^s  infantry,  followed  by 
the  Qoeen^s  Rangers,  were  to  march  through  the  meadows  on  the  side  of 
Valentine^s  hill,  opposite  CorUand^s  ridge,  and  pass  between  the  rebel  sen* 
tries  to  Babcock's  house,  when  they  would  be  in  the  rear  of  Gist*s  encamp* 
ment,  which  they  were  immediately  to  attack.  Lieut.  Col.  Tarleton,  with 
the  whole  of  the  cavalry,  was  to  proceed  to  corer  tbe  right,  and  arrive  at 
Valentine's  hill  by  daylight ;  a  detachment  of  Yagers,  under  Capt.  Wreden, 
were  to  march  on  Cortland's  ridge,  and  to  hah  opposite  to  Gist's  encampment ; 
and  a  larger  detachment  of  Yagers,  under  Major  Pruscbank,  were,  at  the  same 
time,  to  be  ready  to  force  Philipse's  bridge,  then  to  proceed  to  the  bridge  op- 
posite Babcock's  house,  and  to  cut  off  the  enemy's  retreat  by  that  road.  Tbe 
signal  for  these  divisions  moving  on  was  to  be  noise  of  storming  Gist's  an- 
caropment.  Lieut.  Col.  Emmerick  eondoeted  the  march  in  so  able  a  manner 
and  the  whole  corps  followed  with  so  maeh  ailenee,  that  the  enemy's  sentinels 


488  HISTORY  OF  TUX 

were  passed  withoat  alsrm,  and  this  di? ision  gained  the  heights  in  the  rear, 
and  coald  see  the  whole  chais  of  sentinels  walking  below  them.     Major  Ross 
wss  detached  to  possess  himself  of  Pott's  house,  to  preser? e  a  eomnionicatioa 
with  Lieut.  Cd.  Tarleton  on  Valentine's  hill ;  the  remainder  of  the  Rangers 
inclined  to  the  right,  towards  Gist's  camp,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Emmerick  was 
directed  to  secure  the  Saw  Mill  road.    Firing  soon  began;  and  it  was  appa- 
rent from  Lieut.  Col.  Emmerick's  quarter,  whom  the  enemy  had  diaeovezed. 
Lieut  Col.  Simeoe  immediately  moved  rapidly  into  the  road,  and  direetly  op 
the  steeps  to  the  enemy's  camp,  as  a  nearer  way  than  through  tha  thickets ; 
he  attained  it,  and,  to  his  great  surprise,  found  that  Major  Praschank  had  not 
forced  Philips'  bridge,  as  had  been  intended,  but  had  creased  and  joined  CapC 
Wreden  on  Cortlandt's  ridge,  and  that  Col.  Gist  had  escaped  through  the 
passage  which  had  been  so  unaccountably  led  open.    Lieut.  CaI.  Tarletoa 
fell  in  with  a  patrole  of  cavalry,  and  diapersed  it ;  and  the  Qaaen's  Rangers, 
as  soon  ss  they  got  possession  of  Gist's  camp,  ha?  ing  amboseaded  themseWes 
took  a  patrole  which  came  forward  on  hearing  the  firing.    The  troops  aet  fire 
to  Gist's  huts  and  returned  to  their  camp.* 

From  tlie  American  accounts,  it  appears  that  all  the  roads  and 
bridges  had  been  well  guarded  by  the  enemy,  except  the  one 
now  called  Warner's  bridge,  and  that  Capt.  John  Odell  upon  the 
first  alarm  led  oflf  his  troops  through  the  woods  on  the  west  side 
of  the  Saw  Mill ;  hejre  Colonel  Gist  joined  them.  In  the  mean- 
time Mrs.  Babcock  having  stationed  herself  in  one  of  the  dormant 
windows  of  the  Parsonage,  aided  their  escape  whenever  they  ap- 
peared,  by  the  waving  of  a  white  handkerchief. 

During  the  winter  of  1780  a  gang  of  six  or  eight  "cow  boys" 
broke  open  the  Parsonage  and  robbed  the  defenceless  ladies  o[ 
everything  valuable.  To  escape  detection  they  had  blackened 
their  faces  and  disguised  their  persons.  Upon  the  departure  of 
this  gang  their  leader,  after  making  a  profound  bow,  thus  ad- 
dressed Mrs.  Babcock : 

'*  Fare  you  well  and  fare  you  better, 
And  when  I  die,  V\\  send  you  a  letter/* 

Fortunately,  Mrs.  Babcock,  through  the  intervention  of  Col. 
James  van  Cortlandt,  obtained  restitution  of  every  thing.  With- 
in a  few  years  trees  have  been  cut  down  near  the  site  of  Gist's 
camp  and  found  to  contain  balls  buried  six  inches  in  the  wood. 


•  Simcoe*8  Mil.  Jonmal,  p.  66. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  489 

North  of  the  Parsonage^  on  the  Saw  Mill  river  road,  is  situated 
the  residence  and  property  of  the  late  Mr.  Robert  Reed.  This 
patriotic  individual  having  obtained  certain  information  from 
Kingsbridge,  that  the  enemy  were  fitting  out  an  expedition  against 
Col.  Thompson,  then  stationed  at  the  Four  Corners ;  and  were  on 
the  eve  of  marching,  he  instantly  mounted  his  horse  and  rode  up 
to  the  American  quarters,  a  du^tance  of  thirteen  or  fourteen  miles, 
thus  giving  Thompson  timely  warning  of  the  enemy's  approach. 
The  horse  upon  which  he  rode  died  a  few  minutes  after  his 
arrival.  This  property  is  now  owned  by  his  son,  Mr.  Oliver- 
Reed. 

In  the  Saw  Mill  valley,  is  also  situated,  the  residence  of  the 
late  General  Jacob  Odell,  a  descendant  of  the  ancient  and  hono- 
rable family  of  the  Odils.    "  The  river  Ouse,"  says  Camden, 
"  runs  under  Odil  or  Woodhill,  formerly  Wayhull,  which  also 
had  its  Barons  of  Wayhull,  eminent  for  their  ancient  nobility, 
where  was  a  castle."    '^  Walter  de  Flanders,  (says  Burke,)  came 
into  England  with  the  Conqueror,  and  held  as  feudal  lord  at 
the  time  of  the  general  survey,  WahuU,  (Woodbull,  Odhull,) 
and  his  son  was  Walter  de  WahuU."    The  first  ancestor  of  the 
family  in  this  country,  was  William  Odell,  of  Concord,  who  r^ 
moved  to  Fairfield,  Connecticut,  in  1644.    His  son  William  was 
one  of  the  principal  proprietors  of  Rye,  in  1661-2.* 
.  General  Jacob  Odell,  at  the  early  age  of  21  years,  embraced  the 
military  profession,  and  in  the  year  1776,  took  up  arms  in  defence 
of  his  country.    He  used  to  recount  with  pleasure,  the  time  and  the 
very  spot,  where  himself  and  three  other  cousins  of  the  name,  vol- 
unteered their  services  to  the  Continental  Congress.    It  was  be- 
neath the  white-wood  tree  where  the  Westchester  farmers  stopped 
Major  Andre,  and  found  the  papers  that  revealed  the  treason  of 
Arnold.    After  enlisting,  he  served  in  Captain  Samuel  Drake's 
regiment,  belonging  to  the  brigade  of  General  Scott.    On  the 
memorable  retreat  after  the  battle  of  Long  Island,  he  was  on 
piquet  guard.    At  the  close  of  the  war,  and  as  soon  as  the  mili* 


•  See  Pedigree  of  Odell  Family. 

YoL.  II.  62 


■a. 


49a  HISTORY  OF  THE 

tia  was  formed,  he  received  his  commiisioh  from  Major  Gene- 
ral Morris. 

Like  the  rest  of  the  ^^ Neutral  Chround^^  this  part  of  Tonkers  was 
infested  with  marauding  parties  of  Cow  Boys  and  SkinoeiSi  the 
former  of  whom  claimed  the  title  o(  Loyalists,  the  latter  under 
the  mask  of  patriotism,  called  themselves  Whigs. 

Daring  the  war  when  General  Odeli's  father  and  family 
were  living  in  the  homestead,  a  party  of  these  lawless  ruffians, 
with  blackened  faces,  armed  with  muskets,  entered  the  house. 
Their  first  act  appears  to  have  been,  to  secure  the  females  in 
the  cellar;  having  effected  this,  they  proceeded  to  interrogate  the 
general's  father,  and  demanded  his  money.  On  refusing  to  sat- 
isfy their  demands,  they  immediately  hung  him  by  his  neck  to  an 
adjoining  tree  ;  and  when  life  was  well  nigh  extinct,  they  cut  him 
down,  and  again  repeated  their  threats,  but  to  no  better  purpose. 
Whereupon,  they  once  more  suspended  and  lowered  him,  leav- 
ing him  for  dead.  During  these  proceedings,  the  females  had 
escaped  from  the  cellar,  and  Mrs.  Odell,  the  generaPs  mother,  a 
woman  of  great  intrepidity,  boldly  assaulted  them,  upon  which, 
these  cowardly  villains  attacked  her  with  the  butt  ends  of  their 
muskets.  She  managed  however,  to  escape  with  a  few  broksa 
ribs.  On  this  occasion,  the  general  was  too  young  to  take  aa 
active  part  in  the  affray,  and  narrowly  escaped  by  lowering  him- 
self with  a  cord  from  the  garret  window.  His  son  Jacob  Odell,  Esq. 
now  owns  the  property.  The  adjoining  estate,  north,  belongs  to 
his  son-inlaw,  Cornelius  Odeli,  Esqr. 

The  roads  leading  east  of  the  Saw  Mill  valley,  intersect  with 
the  Sprcin  valley  road,  which  runs  nearly  north  and  south. 

The  Sprain  river,  called  by  the  Indians,  Armenperal^  risc^  in 
two  springs  north  of  Tliirty  Deer  Ridge  ;  the  west  branch  in  Wolf 
Swamp. <^  The  other  called  the  Grassy  Sprain,  on  the  lands  of 
widow  Underbill.  These  Xno  springs  flowing  south,  intersect 
a  little  east  of  Benj.  Fowler's.  They  again  divide  at  the  north- 
ern extremity  of  Thirty  Deer  Ridge,  and  running  through  two  dif- 
ferent vales  again  meet  nearly  opposite  the  Cat  rocks,  so  called 
from  the  abundance  of  wild  cat  that  once  frequented  the  hill. 

•  A  wolf  WM  killed  here  ae  late  as  1806, 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  491 

These  animals  Van  der  Donck  assures  us,  had  skins  resembling 
that  of  a  lioness,  and  not  unlike  them  in  form,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  short  tails  like  a  rabbit  or  hare. 

After  uniting  here,  the  Sprain  pursues  a  south-east  course 
until  it  discharges  into  the  Bronx,  on  the  lands  of  Nathaniel 
Valentine.  The  waters  of  the  Sprain  were  pronounced  hy 
the  commissioners  in  1842,  to  be  the  purest  in  Westchester 
county. 

This  beautiful  stream  has  been  long  celebrated  for  its  trout. 
Well  may  the  lover  of  the  sport  exclaim  with  Cotton, 

None  80  bright, 

So  pleasant  to  the  taste,  none  to  the  sight : 

None  yield  the  angler  eueh  delight. 

This  fish  begins  to  bite  in  March  or  April.  Very  large  sized 
trout  have  been  caught  here  about  the  middle  of  March,  and 
they  continue  till  the  months  of  July  and  August.  They  lie 
generally  under  the  shelter  of  stumps,  bridges  and  stones. 

The  bait  generally  used  in  catching  this  fish,  is  the  common 
earth  worm.    By  connoisseurs,  the  artificial  fl/  is  preferred. 

The  north-eastern  part  of  this  township  is  occupied  by  a  high 
ridge  of  hills,  called  the  Tuckahoe  Hills.  This  portion  of  the 
town,  originally  formed  a  part  of  that  large  tract  of  land  between 
the  Saw  Mill  and  the  Bronx  rivers,  which  was  ceded  by  the 
Indian  chiefs,  Sepham  and  others,  to  Frederick  Philipse,  June  6, 
1684.  Tradition  says,  that  anciently,  an  Indian  Sachem  of 
that  name,  had  his  residence  on  one  of  these  hills,  and  exercised 
his  authority  among  the  tribes  of  the  neighbouring  valleys. 

The  name  Tuckahoe,  means  in  the  Algonquin,  <'  The  Bread," 
literally,  Tuckah,  (bread)  the  o,  oe,  or  ongi  being  merely  an  ob- 
jective sign  relating  to  the  plant  itself* 

The  celebrated  Captain  Smith,  in  his  travels  and  adventure3, 
tells  us,  '^  that  the  chief  root  the  Indians  of  Virginia  have  for  food, 
is  called  Tockawhoughe.  It  groweth  like  flogge  in  marshes. 
In  one  day  a  salvage  will  gather  sufficient  for  a  weeke.  These 
roots  are  much  of  the  greatness  and  taste  of  potatoes.  They 
are  toasted  a  great  many  of  them,  with  oke  leaves  and  ferns, 


492  HISTORY  OF  THE 

and  then  cover  all  with  earth  in  the  manner  of  a  tola  pit ; 
over  it  on  each  side,  they  continue  a  great  fire  t wenty-fonr  hoars 
before  they  dare  eat  it.  Raw  it  is  no  better  than  poyaon,  and  beio; 
roasted,  iexcept  it  be  tender,  and  the  heat  abated,  or  sliced  and 
dryed  in  the  snnne  mixed  with  sorrel  and  green?,  or  such  like^ 
it  will  prickle  and  torment  the  throat,  extraordinaryi  and  yet 
in  summer,  they  use  this  commonly  for  bread.''^ 

R.  Beverly,  in  his  History  of  Virginia,  pablished  A.  D.  172^ 
calls  it  Tuekahi>e> 

Respecting  the  frequent  diet  of  the  Indians  ia  genera),  (sayi 
John  F.  Watson,)  we  may  say  that  besides  their  usual  planta- 
tions of  com,  they  often  used  wild  roots ;  of  ihese  they  had 
tawho,  (arum  virginicum,)  and  tawkee,  (orantium  aquaticom.) 
These  roots  grew  in  low  damp  grounds,  were  a  kind  of  potatoes 
to  them,  and  were  divested  of  their  poisonous  or  injurious  quality 
by  roasting.^     The  Mohegan  term  for  bread  is  Tauquah.^ 

These  names  evidently  point  to  one  and  the  same  plant|  which 
still  flourishes  along  the  moist  mai^ins  of  the  Tuckahoe  creek. 
This  stream  rises  on  the  lands  of  John  Tompkins,  and  waters  the 
western  side  of  the  ridge.  Pursuing  a  south  course  it  discharges 
into  the  Armenperal  near  where  the  latter  forms  a  junction 
with  the  Bronx. 

Upon  the  highest  ground  of  the  ridge  stands  the  Episcopal 
chapel,  from  which  the  eye  can  command  a  fine  prospect  em- 
bracing almost  every  variety  of  scenery.  This  chapel  was 
erected  A.  D.  1798,  during  the  Rectorship  of  the  Rev.  Elias 
Cooper,  upon  land  the  gift  of  the  late  John  Bowne,  Esq.  Mr. 
Bowne  was  the  son  of  Thomas  Bowne  and  grandson  of  John 
Bowne,  formerly  of  Flushing,  L.  I.,  a  descendant  of  the  celebra- 
ted John  Bowne  of  that  place,  who  was  born  at  Matlock,  Derby- 
shire, England,  March  9th,  1627.  The  adjoining  estate  is  oc- 
cupied by  the  sons  of  the  late  John  Bowne,  Esq. 


•  Tra?elt  and  Adventaresof  Capt  John  Smith,  p.  121-7. 
b  Beverly's  Hist,  of  Virginia,  p.  153. 

•  John  T.  Wat«)n,  Hist.  Tales,  also  Address  of  Do  Witt  ClintOD,  &.c.,  &c 
d  Trans,  of  Amer.  Autiq.  Soc. 


COUNTY  OP  WESTCHESTER.  493 

Since  its  erection,  it  has  formed  an  appendage  or  chapel 
of  ease  to  the  parish  church  of  St.  Johns,  Yonkers.  The 
building  has  lately  undergone  considerable  repairs  and  a  com- 
modious vestry  room  has  been  added  to  the  chapel.  On  June 
29th,  1847,  it  was  consecrated  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God 
by  the  name  of  St.  John's  chapel,  Tuckahoe. 

There  are  many  interesting  historical  recollections  connected 
with  this  hill  and  vicinity.  During  the  eventful  week  that  pre- 
ceded the  battle  of  White  Plains,  General  Washington's  advance 
corps  lay  upon  the  Tuckahoe  heights,  under  the  command  of 
General  Scott,  whose  whole  corps  numbered  2000  men.  Direct- 
ly south  of  the  church,  bordering  the  Eastchester  road,  is  the 
property  of  Mr.  Valentine  Odell.  Here  a  party  of  nine  pat- 
riots were  overtaken  by  a  large  company  of  De  Lancey's  horse, 
commanded  by  Colonel  Oliver  Hatfield.  The  whole  party  were 
barbarously  killed  or  mortally  wounded. 

A  touching  incident  deserves  to  be  recorded  in  connection 
with  this  melancholy  afiair.  A  dog  belonging  to  one  of  the 
Americans  that  fell  upon  this  occasion,  took  up  his  quarters  at 
Mr.  Caleb  Smith's  who  lived  a  mile  below.  The  ladies  of  Mr. 
Smith's  family  were  frequently  in  the  habit  of  visiting  their 
neighbor  Mr.  Odell,  when  the  dog  would  go  with  them  half  way 
and  return.  It  appears  nothing  could  ever  tempt  him  to  pass  the 
fatal  spot. 

On  the  farm  of  Isaac  Lent  west  of  the  hill,  (he  American  of- 
ficer (Major  Leavenworth  of  the  Massachusetts  line)  ambuscaded 
a  large  detachment  in  1778,  for  the  purpose  of  cutting  ofi*  Capt. 
Joshua  Barnes  of  De  Lancey's  corps  ;  who,  he  ascertained,  had 
gone  up  in  the  neighborhood  of  Hart's  Corners  for  the  object  of 
plundering.  The  better  to  draw  Barnes  into  his  ambuscade, 
Shotwell  posted  a  party  of  his  command  upon  the  hill  a  little  be- 
low the  church.  Upon  the  return  of  Barnes  he  immediately 
descried  the  detachment  on  the  hill,  to  avoid  which  he  lead  his 
men  ofi'by  the  opposite  side,  thus  walking  directly  into  the  trap 
laid  by  his  wary  foe.  They  received  one  heavy  fire  and  sur- 
rendered, consisting  of  one  full  company,  sixty-four  men. 

In  the  house  of  Isaac  Lent  then  occupied  by  Jacob  Vermilyea, 
a  small  party  of  American  volunteers  under  the  command  of 


494  HISTORY  OP  THE 

Captain  Honeywell  had  stopped  to  take  some  refreshmenty  har- 
ing  just  relarned  from  an  incursion  into  Morrisania,  when  tbef 
were  suddenly  surrounded  by  the  enemy  under  Caplain  Totten, 
who  fired  upon  the  house,  killing  one  of  the  patriots  and  making 
prisoners  of  nine.  These  however  finally  rose  upon  the  guard 
and  escaped. 

Near  the  vicinity  of  the  school-house,  Benjamin  Hunt  of  the 
continental  army,  captured  thirty  of  the  enemy  by  stratagem, 
with  a  force  of  half  that  number.  Availing  himself  of  the  dark- 
ness of  the  night,  he  called  out  as  if  in  command  of  a  large  de- 
tachment, Lieutenant  Such-a-one  to  the  right,  Captain to 

the  left ;  in  this  manner  he  deceived  his  enemy  who  laid  down 
their  arms  and  surrendered  at  discretion. 

On  the  east  side  of  the  Tuckahoe  hill  is  the  property  of 
Charles  Dusenberry,  Esq.,  one  of  the  most  active  members  of 
the  Croton  water  commissioners.  The  house  occupies  an  ele- 
vated position  overlooking  a  picturesque  vale  to  the  south-east 

The  Methodist  church  is  prettily  situated  at  the  foot  of  the  bill 
surrounded  by  a  fine  locust  grove,  and  near  the  margin  of  a 
small  stream  that  washes  the  eastern  side  of  the  hills.  The  edi- 
fice is  a  neat  structure  of  wood.  This  society  was  first  orga- 
nized in  1797,  and  called  "  the  first  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
of  the  town  of  Yonkers." 

The  small  settlement  of  Tuckahoe  is  situated  upon  the  wes- 
tern margin  of  the  Bronx.  Here  is  a  convenient  depot  of  the  West- 
chester railroad,  post  office,  store  and  cotton  manufactory.  The 
latter  was  for  some  time  called  the  Eastchester  Manufacturing 
Company.  The  present  building  having  been  erected,  A.  D. 
1814,  and  incorporated  soon  afterwards,  for  $100,000.  Shares 
were  sold  at  one  time  for  $2500.  The  property  is  now  vested 
in  the  heirs  of  John  Tait. 

In  1824,  Canvas  White,  Esq.,  engineer  employed  by  the  cor- 
poration of  New  York,  reported  that  he  proposes  taking  the  wa- 
ters of  the  Bronx  from  the  Eastchester  cotton  factory  pond.  He 
thinks  that  the  natural  fiowof  the  river  in  the  driest  season  will 
furnish  3,000,000  s:alIons  per  day,  and  by  raising  a  dam  of  six 
feet  to  the  upper  Rye  pond  and  lowering  the  outlet  two  feet, 
3,000,000  gallons  per  day  may  be  obtained,  and  that  a  daily  sup- 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  495 

ply  of  6,600,000  gallons  may  be  brought  to  ihe  city  every 
twenty-four  hours.  The  cost  of  bringing  the  water  to  a  reser- 
voir near  the  park  is  estimated  at  $I,949,542.<^ 

The  Tuckahoe  bridge  which  crosses  the  Bronx  at  this  place, 
appears  to  have  been  erected  at  a  very  early  period,  as  we  find  it 
recorded  by  that  name,  A.  D.  1728.^ 

During  the  encampment  of  the  American  army  upon  the  hills 
to  the  west,  the  British  horse  stationed  above  at  Wood's  house 
(now  Marble  Hall)  were  in  the  constant  habit  of  coming  down 
to  water  their  horses  at  the  foot  of  this  bridge.  On  one  occasion 
a  small  party  of  Continentals  concealed  themselves  in  am- 
bush on  the  margin  of  the  river,  and  lay  waiting  for  the  usual 
approach  of  the  horse.  A  long  interval  elapsed,  but  at  last  the 
well-known  tramp  declared  the  enemy  near  at  hand.  Every 
gun  was  cocked,  and  a  death-like  stillness  prevailed  ;  but  whether 
the  enerby  suspected  their  designs  or  obtained  information,  was 
never  ascertained  ;  for  at  this  time  they  came  with  nearly  their 
whole  force.  To  have  fired  upon  them  would  have  been 
but  the  prelude  to  a  massacre ;  the  patriots  therefore  lay  snugly 
concealed  until  their  departure. 

The  following  extracts  from  the  town  records,  relate  to  the 
first  election  of  town  officers,  in  1756,  and  immediately  sub- 
sequent to  the  Revolution. 

"  At  a  public  town  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants 
of  the  Yonkors  and  Mile  square,  at  the  house  of  Edward  Ste- 
venson in  said  Yonkers,  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  April,  in  1756, 
being  the  day  appointed  by  act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  this 
Province  of  New  York,  for  choosing  town  officers,  and  likewise 
to  make  regulation  of  creatures  and  fences.  The  under  written 
officers  and  orders  of  creatures  and  orders  of  fences,  were  made 
by  majority  of  votes. 

James  Gorton,  Supervisor  and  Pounder,  Benjamin  Fowler, 
Town  Glerk,  Thomas  Sherwood,  Gonstable  and  Collector. 

David  Oakley,      )  . 
William  Warner,  \  ^^^sessors. 


•  See  Corporation  Doc  p.  36  to  375. 
k  Recordi  of  Roadi,  Co.  Recorcb. 


496 


HISTORY  OF  THE 


Highway  Hasten. 


Fence  and  Damage  Yiewers. 


Edward  Weeks, 
William  Crawford, 
Daniel  Devoe, 
\    John  Rider, 
Isaac  Odell, 
Hendrick  Post. 

Andrew  Modin, 
Charles  Warner, 
Moses  Tailor, 
Isaac  Odell, 

At  a  town  meeting  held  for  the  Yonkers,  in  the  Manor  of 
Philipsborough,  at  the  house  of  David  Hant,  on  the  28th  day  of 
Dec,  17S3,  under  the  superintendence  of  Israel  Honey  well,  Esq^ 
William  Hadley  and  Thomas  Sherwood,  in  pursuance  of  an  or- 
dinance for  holding  elections  in  the  southern  district,  by  the  coun- 
cil appointed.  The  act  entitled  an  act  to  provide  for  the  temporary 
government  of  the  southern  part  of  this  State,  until  th%  enemy 
shall  abandon  or  be  dispossessed  of  the  same,  and  until  the  Le- 
gislature can  be  convened  &c.    Passed  the  23d  of  Oct^  1779 
The  following  town  officers  were  chosen  : 

Israel  Honeywell,  Esq.,  Supervisor. 

David  Hunt,  Clerk. 

Thomas  Sherwood,  Constable  and  Collector. 

Israel  Honeywell,  Esq.,  jun.,  Security. 

William  Belts,       >  ^^gessors 
Jacob  Vermilyea,  l  -Assessors. 

Frederick  Vermilyea,  Overseer  of  roads  on  the  east  side  of 
Tippett's  Brook.  William  Crawford,  for  the  upper  part.  Will. 
Warner,  do.  for  the  middle  part. 

Benjamin  Odell, . 

John  Archer,  do.  Tuckahoe. 

Jacob  Lent,  from  Lent's  house  to  the  mill. 

Stephen  Beriine,  the  cross  road,  from  Mile  Square  to  the  bridge. 
William  Hadley,     ") 


Joseph  Crook, 
Isaac  Vermilyea, 
Stephen  Sherwood, 
John  Garus, 
William  Crawford,. 


►  Damage  Viewers. 


COUNTY  OF  WESTCHESTER.  497 

Abraham  Odell,        ) 

Will.  Hadley,  >  Commissioners  of  Roads. 

Thomas  Sherwood,  ; 

The  general  surface  of  the  town  is  uneven  and  broken  ;  soil, 
clay,  and  sandy  loam,  mostly  well  cultivated.  The  natural 
growth  of  wood  is  very  extensive.  We  have  already  shown 
that  it  is  well  drained  by  numerous  streams,  upon  which  are 
several  mill  seats. 


Vol.  II.  63 


APPENDIX. 


PEDIGREES  OF  THE  FAMILIES 


OF   THE 


COUNTY    OF    WESTCHESTER. 


N.  B.    In  the  following  pages  b.  stands  for  born,  m.  or  mar.  for  married,  d.  for 
died,  da.  for  daughter,  and  »t.  for  aged. 


Amblkr  or  BEoroRD.    Two  brothers  of  this  oame  were  among  the  early 

aettlers  of  Bedford.     Benjamin  Ambler,  mar. Dibble,  and  left  three 

sons,  Joseph,  Joshua  and  Benjamin,  and  a  da.,  Rachel,  who  mar.  — — ^ 
Miller.  Benjamin,  the  youngest,  mar.  Mary  Wilson,  and  left  Henry  and 
William  H.  of  Bedford. 

Anoeyiub.    The  name  of  Zacharie  Angevinet  occurs  as  a  freeholder  of 

.New  Rochelle,  in  1708.     Pierre,  probably  son  of  Zacharie,  left  1,  Louis,  8, 

Pierre,  3,  Marie.     Louis,  mar.  Esther  Sicard,  and  had  Louis,  b.  19th  August, 

17712.  Pierre,  b.  30  August,  1734.   Marie,  Esther  and  Anne,  the  latter  b.  1731. 

Pierre,  second  son  of  first  Pierre,  mar.  Margaret — ,  and  left  a  da. 

Esther,  b.  4  Deo.  1729.  John,  a  member  of  this  family,  left  John  and  Daniel. 
Mary,  da.  of  John,  d.  January,  1841,  et.  105.  Daniel  mar.  Catharine  Ge* 
raud,  and  left  Daniel,  who  was  lost  at  sea.  Eli  Angevine  of  Scared  ale,  had 
nine  children ;  1st,  Jonathan  of  Poughkeepsie,  Snd,  Caleb  of  Poughkeepsie, 

mar. Ostrander,  3d,  Phoebe  mar.  Stephen  Lockwood,  4th,  Charity 

mar.  Israel  Sheerly,  6th,  Susan  mar.  Isaac  Pnrdy,  6th,  Mary  mar.  Budd 
Purdy,  7th,  Patience  mar.  Jacob  Burnett,  8th,  Peggy  mar.  Joshua  Underhill, 
9th,  Elizabeth  mar.  Richard  Cornell.  Jonathan  of  Poughkeepsie,  mar.  Susan 
Ferris,  and  has  Eli  and  Caleb. 

Archer  of  Fordham.  The  ancestor  of  this  family  is  supposed  to  hare 
been  Humphrey  Archer  who  was  born  1527,  and  died  October  34th,  1569, 
eldest  son  and  heir  of  Richard  Archer,  twelfth  in  descent  from  Fulbert  L* 
Archer,  one  of  the  compaDiona  of  William  the  Conqueror.    Humphrey  mar. 


600  APPENDIX. 

Elis&beth  Townsend,  and  left  1.  Hanphrey,  9.  Artbnr,  3.  Andre w,  who  mir. 
Margiret  Raleigh,  4.  John,  who  mar.  Eleanor  Frewio,  5.  Bridget,  who  mar. 
John  Bancroft,  6.  Marjory,  who  mar.  John  CoUia,  7.  Elixmbelh,  who  mar. 
John  Hereford.    Andrew,  third  aoa  of  Humphrey,  died  d  Ajirfl,  1699,  laaT- 
ing  issue  by  his  wife  Margaret  two  sons,  Simon,  bom  September  91,  1624, 
who  mar.  Anne  Ferris ;  and  Lieut.  Col.  Thomas,  an  officer  in  the  Pariiameat 
serfice,  who  fled  beyond  seas ;  Humphrey,  Elisabeth  and  Penelope.    Richard 
second  son  of  Andrew  by  his  wife  Mary  Bull,  left  one  ton  Rowland.     Joha 
Archer,  fourth  son  of  first  Humphrey  by  Eleanor  Frewin,  left  one  son  Joha 
the  father  of  John  Archer  first  Lord  of  the  Manor  of  Fordkam^  Westchester 
county.    John,  first  Lord  of  the  Manor,  mar.  Sarah  Odell,  da.  of  William, 
and  had  one  son  John  and  three  daughters,  tIs.  Mary,  Catharine  and  Saiah. 
John,  second  Lord  of  the  Manor,  had  three  sons,  1.  Samuel,  9.  Riehard  who 

mar.  Sarah  Valentine,  and  died  1783,  3.  John  who  mar.  Elizabeth ,  will 

dat.  1708,  no.  xxi.  60.  Samuel  Archer,  first  son  of  John,  left  one  eon  Ben- 
jamin of  Fordham  who  had  first,  Benjamin  owner  in  fee  of  part  of  the  Maoor, 
mar.  Rachel  de  Yaux ;  second  John  ;  fourth  Mary  who  mar.  John  Pogaley ; 
fifth  Sarah  who  mar.  Jacob  Alord,  and  sixth  Rachel  who  mar.  James  Craw- 
ford. Benjamin  first  son  of  Benjamin,  had  1.  William  of  Fordham,  9.  Samuel 
of  ditto,  whose  sons  are  George,  Charles,  Benjamin,  Lewis,  William  and 
Henry,  3.  Catharine  who  mar.  Charles  Valentine  and  4.  Rachel  who  msr. 
Richard  Archer.  Richard  Archer,  second  son  of  John,  second  proprietor  of 
the  Manor  by  his  wife  Sarah  Valentine  left  two  sons,  1.  Anthony,  bom  1746, 
died  1838,  mar.  Margaret  Mapes  and  had  Elijah,  Benjamin  of  N.  Y.  Richardy 
Charles,  Anthony  of  Yonkers,  Sarah,  Mary,  Margaret,  Eliia  and  Sally ;  9. 
Matthias  who  had  Matthias,  who  mar.  Sarah  Odell,  da.  of  Hendrieky  and  left 
Charles  and  Odell  of  Yonkers.     John  A.rcher,  third  son  of  John  seeond  im>- 

prietor,  had  1.  Abraham  of  Eastchester,  in  1764,  mar.  Mary ,  9.  Jacob,. 

3.  John  of  Winterhill,  Eastchester,  mar.  Mary  Leggett,  4 .  Jonathan  of  East- 
chester, will  dat.  1764,  no.  xxi7.  279,  whose  children  were  Sarah  who  mar. 
Joseph  Fowler,  John,  Ezekiel,  and  Abigail  who  mar.  Joshua  Pell.     John  of 

Winterhill  and  Mary  Leggett  had  1.  James  who  mar.  Phoebe ,  their 

children  are  Mary,  Phoebe,  Anne  and  Esther;  9.  Gabriel  who  mar.  Susan 
Hunt  and  left  John  of  N.  Y.  James,  Daniel,  Benjamin  of  New  Castle,  Elisa- 
beth who  mar.  Clark  Guion,  Sally  wife  of  Stephen  Hunt,  Phcebe  wife  of  Ro- 
bert Sarles,  Mary  wife  of  Isaac  Carpenter,  Hetty  wife  of  Nehemiah  Pnrdy, 
and  Susan  the  wife  of  Elisha  Tompkins  ;  3.  John  mar.  Susan  Wheeler ;  4. 
Catharine  mar.  John  Bashford  ;  5.  Mary  mar.  John  Brown ;  6.  Bridget  mar. 
Samuel  Hitchcock ;  7.  Martha  mar.  William  Green  ;  8.  Sarah  mar.  Jacob 
;  0.  Hannah  mar.  Archer  Reed. 

Bailey  of  Somers.    Levi  Bailey  \W\fig  in  1795,  mar.  Gilchrist. 

He  had  De  Vaux  of  Putnam  co.,  James  of  Somers,  Gilbert,  Thomas,  William 
of  Nota  Scotia,  Le?i  of  Canada,  Stephen,  Daniel,  Sarah  who  mar.  Daniel 
Carpenter,   Esther  who  mar.  John  Steren  and  Sarah  who  imr.  Nalhan 


APPENDIX.  601 

Brown.  Da  Vaax  mar.  Elizabeth  Smith  and  left  1.  Samoel,  3.  Stephen,  3.  Ben- 
jamin, 4.  William,  5.  Le?i,  6.  Horace,  7.  Daniel,  8.  Ira,  9.  Isaac,  10.  Thomas, 
11.  Esther.  James  of  Somers  mar.  Ann  Brown  and  had  1.  Stephen,  2.  Ha- 
ohaliah  of  Somers  d.  1645,  3.  Mary,  4.  Ann,  5.  Jane,  6.  Susan,  7.  Elizabeth, 
8.  Theodore.  Gilbert  mar.  Sarah  Field  and  left  1.  William,  d.  Joseph,  3. 
Le?i,  4.  Solomon,  5.  Simon,  6.  Clande,  7.  Jane,  8.  Elizabeth.    Thomas  mar. 

Sarah ,  and  had  Jacob  and  Deborah.    William  of  Nora  Scotia  left  Le?i 

and  Esther.  Levi  of  Canada  had  John  and  Chloe.  David  left  l)aniel  and 
Deborah. 

Barker  of  Scarsdale.    Barker^  left  three  sons,  I.  William  of 

Scarsdale  mar. Fowler  of  Eastchester,  and  had  1.  Thomas  of  Green- 
burgh,  mar.  Anne  Horton  whose  sons  are  Peter,  Caleb  and  Samnel.  2.  John 
mar.  Mary  granda.  of  the  Rev.  John  Smith,  their  son  is  William  Barker  of 

White  Plains.    3,  William  of  Mamaroneck  mar. Fowler  of  Eastchester, 

and  left  one  son  Samnel,  4.  Samuel  of  Scarsdale.  5.  A  da.  mar. Bennett 

of  Philipse's  Manor.  II.  Daniel  the  father  of  Daniel.  III.  Thomas  of  Dut- 
chess county. 

Bayards  of  Westchester.  Stephen  Bayard  had  two  sons  Col.  Samuel 
Vetch  Bayard  of  Throckmorton^s  neck,  Westchester ;  and  William  of  New 
York.  Col.  Samuel  mar.  34  of  April,  1778,  Catharine  van  Home  and  left, 
1.  William  b.  at  Halifax,  N.  S.  Feb.  14,  1779.  2.  Elizabeth  b.  at  N.  Y.  Dee. 

1,  1780.  3.  Catharine  nat.  13  Oct.  1782.  4.  Stephen  b.  at  Cornwallis,  N.  S., 
Oct.  26,  1785,  mar.  Elizabeth  Anne  de  Lancey  and  left  Eliza  Anne  mar.  Ja- 
cob Lorillard,  Stephen,  and  William,  M.  D.  of  West  Farms.  5.  Robert  b.  at 
Wilmot,  N.  S.,  March  1, 1788.  6.  Samuel  b.  at  Wilmot,  N.  S.,  March  1, 1790. 
7.  Frances  b.  25  July,  1793.  8.  Ethelinda.  9.  Eliza  mar.  George  L.  Cooper. 
10.  Louisa.  11.  Sarah.  William  of  New  York  secoml  son  of  Stephen,  mar. 
Harriett  Cornell  and  had  1.  Harriett  mar.  Stephen  van  Rensselaer.  2.  Justina 
mar.  Joseph  Blackwell.  3.  Susan  mar.  Duncan  P.  Campbell.  4.  Maria.  5. 
Robert  of  FishkUl.    6.  WilUam  of  New  York. 

Bkkkdict  or  Lkwisborouoh.  Amos  Benedict  removed  at  an  early  period 
from  Norwalk  to  South  Salem  ;  killed  by  the  fall  of  a  tiee.  His  children 
were,  1st,  Solomon^  who  mar.  Hannah  Benediot  and  left  one  son,  Solomon. 

2.  l8€ULCi  mar.  Elizabeth  Burchitt,  and  had  Isaac,  Ady,  Elizabeth,  mar.  Sam- 
nel Townsend,  Huldy,  Anne,  and  Esther.  3.  Amos,  mar.  Elizabeth  Brown. 
4.  Jacob.  5.  Jonah,  mar.  Mary  Rusky,  and  left  Peter,  the  present  occupant  of 
the  Homestead,  near  Long  pond. 

Berrian  or  Yorkkrs.  The  family  of  Berrian  was  among  the  French 
Huguenots  that  fled  from  France  to  Holland,  on  the  Revocation  of  the  ediet 
of  Nantes.    Nicholas  Berrian^  the  first  of  the  family  who  emigrated  to  this 


603  APPENDIX. 

coantry,  had  fife  sons;  1.  Nicholas,  9.  Coraelias,  3.  Hich&r^,  4.  Samuel,  5. 
Peter.  Cornelias,  the  second  son,  mar.  Sarah  Warner.  Richard,  who  was 
b.  in  Holland,  resided  for  some  time  upon  Long  Island.  He  mar.  Grace,  or 
Gesh^,  Ryker  of  Ryker^s  Island,  and  left,  1.  Abraham,  second  proprietor  of 
Berrian^s  neck,  who  mar.  1st,  Mary  Moore,  2nd,  Mary  Williams  ;  their  chil- 
dren were  Col.  Abraham,  Nathaniel  of  Berrian^s  neck,  b.  Jane  24,  1781,  d. 
1845,  Richard,  Phcebe,  Mary,  Gesh^,  and  Charity;  3.  Sarah,  mar.  Samuel 
LcTerich.  3.  Gesh6,  mar.  Jesse  Le?erich.   Samuel,  4lh  eon  of  first  Nicholas, 

mar. Tippet,  and  left  two  sons,  1st,  Samuel,  2nd,  Richard ;  whose 

son  is  the  Re7.  William  Berrian,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  Trinity  Cborch,  New 
York. 

BcRTuns  or  Niw  Rochklls.  The  ancestors  of  the  Berlines^  or  Berteins 
(as  the  name  was  originally  spelt,)  were  Protestants,  inhabitants  of  RocheDe, 
in  France.  On  the  Revocation  of  the  edict  of  Nantes,  Pierre  Bertine  fled 
from  France  to  England,  and  soon  after  came  thence  to  America.  Two  bro- 
thers by  the  name  of  Peter  and  James  were  living  at  New  Rochelle  in  1742. 
Peter  left  three  sons,  James,  Peter,  and  Isaac,  and  a  daughter  Elisabeth. 
James  mar.  Deborah  Cozine,  and  had  James,  Thomas,  Hannah,  who  mar.  Wil- 
liam H.  Pinckney  of  Eastchester,  Sarah,  mar.  Henry  Remsen,  Eliza,  mar. 
Gilbert  Hatfield,  and  Julia  who  mar.  Gershom  Smith. 

Birds  ALL  ob  Peekskill.     Daniel  BirdsaU  of  Peekskill,  b.  17th  January, 

1734-5,  d.  Oct.  29ih,  1800,  mar.  Hannah ,  she  was  b.  7th  No?.  1737. 

Their  children  were,  1.  Daniel,  jr.,  of  Peekskill,  who  mar.  1st,  Phcebe  Brown, 
and  secondly  Letitia  Lewis,  and  left  William  B.  of  Peekskill,  James,  of  New 
York,  Samuel  of  Cincinnati  Ohio,  Daniel,  Mary,  who  mar.  Medad  Raymond, 
Anne  Eliza  and  Hannah,  2.  Samuel,  left  William,  who  mar.  1st,  Nancy  Haws, 

2nd, Spook,  and  had  Samuel  of  Peekskill.   3.  Sarah,  b.  Nov.  6,  1758. 

4.  Mary  Hannah,  b  Sept.  1760.    5.  Elizabeth,  b.  8th  July,  1765.    6.  Martha. 

Bleecker.  Jan  Jansen  Bleecker^  a  native  of  Meppel  in  the  Province  of 
Overyssel,  Holland,  came  to  New  Amsterdam  from  Holland  in  1658,  and 
Bubsequenily  removed  to  Albany.  He  was  one  of  the  first  aldermen  named  in 
the  charter  of  Albany,  A.  D.  1686 ;  and  mayor  of  that  city  in  1695,  mar.  Mar- 
garet da.  of  Rutger  Jacobsen,  A.  D.  1667.  He  d.  st.  91.  They  had  eight 
children;  I.John,  Mayor  of  Albany  in  1701,  d.  Sept.  *1738,  st.  70,  mar. 
Anna  Coster,  Oct.  1693  ;  2.  Rutger,  Recorder  and  Mayor  of  Albany,  1725,  6, 
7,  8,  d.  Aug.  1756,  st.  82,  mar.  Catalina  Schuyler,  da.  of  David  S.  ;  3.  Nico- 
las ;  4.  Henry ;  5.  Catharine,  roar.  Abraham  Cuyler ;  '6.  Jane,  mar.  John 
Glen ;  7.  Margaret,  mar.  Henry  Ten  Eyck  ;  8.  Rachel.  John,  the  eldest,  left 
five  sons,  John,  Henry,  Nicolas,  Jacob,  and  Anthony.  John,  eldest  son  of  John, 

mar.  Ut, Ten  Eyck,  2d, — -  Brees,  their  children  were,  1.  Jacob.    2.  John, 

d.  Sept.  1747,  mar.  Gerritje  van  Schaick,and  left  John,  mar. V^'an  Allen, 


APPENDIX.  603 

Sybrant  and  Jacob ;  3.  Gertrade,  mar.  Abraham  Wendell ;  4.  Anne ;  6.  Cath* 
arine.  Henry,  Sd  son  of  John  and  Anna  Coster,  d.  in  the  country  of  the  Sene- 
cas.  Nicolas,  3d  son,  mar.  Margaret  Rooseboom,  and  left  three  sons,  Henry* 
John,  and  Nicolas.  Henry,  the  eldest,  mar.  Catharina  Cayler,  tl^jsir  children 
are  Nicolas  of  Albany,  mar.  Nettje  Staats,  Henry  of  Albany,  mar.  Elizabeth 
Metcalfe,  Margaret,  mar.  Hermanns  Ten  Eyck,  and  Catharine,  mar.  James 
van  Ingen.  John,  second  son  of  Nicolas,  d.  1825,  et.  87,  mar  Margaret  ran 
Deosen,  and  left,  1.  Henry  S.,  of  Albany  ;  3.  Nicolas,  of  Albany ;  3.  Jacob  ; 
4.  Eliza,  mar.  Jacob  Brodhead  ;  5.  Harriett,  mar.  John  Romeyn ;  6.  Margaret* 
mar.  John  van  Schaick.    Jacob,  fourth  son  of  John  and  Anna  Coster,  mar. 

Margaret  Ten  Eyck,  and  left  one  son,  Hermanns,  who  mar. Wendell, 

their  sons  are  Jacob  J.  and  Hermanns  of  Albany.  Anthony,  fifth  son  of  John 
and  Anna  Coster,  d.  without  issue  at  Otsego.  Rutger,  second  son  of  Jan 
Jansen,  d.  1756,  leafing  two  sons,  John  Rutger  and  James,,  of  New  Rochello, 
also  a  da.  Margaret.  John  Rutger  d.  A.  D.  1800,  set.  88,  mar.  Elizabetk 
Staats  da.  of  Barent  S.,  and  left,  1.  Barent,  of  Albany,  mar.  Sarah  Lansing ; 
3.  John,  mar.  Ist,  Jane  Gilliland,  3nd,  Elizabeth  Tan  Rensselaer,  widow  ot 
John  Schuyler.  Their  children  were,  1.  Eliza,  mar.  Grant  Powell.  3.  Char- 
lotte, mar.  Vinal  Luce.    3.  Sarah.    4.  Stephen,  d.  1836.    5.  John,  d.  1833. 

6.  Catharine,  mar.  G.  van  Rensselaer ;  3.  Rutger,  mar.  Catharine  Elmtfn- 
dorf,  and  left  John  R.,  Elizabeth,  Peter  Brinckerhoof,  Maria  and  Blandina. 
James  of  New  Rochelle,  second  son  of  first  Rutger,  mar.  Abigail  R.  Lispen- 
ard  of  New  Rochelle,  and  left,  1st,  Anthony  L.,  mar.  Mary  Noel.  3.  Rutger. 
3.  David.     4.  Andrew.     5.  James.    6.  John,  mar.  Anne  Eliza  Schuyler. 

7.  Leonard,  mar.  1st,  da.  of  James  Abeel.  3d,  Grace  Moore  Berrien.  8. 
Elizabeth  Grace,  mar.  William  Le  Hart.  Arms^  az.  two  ^battled  chevrons 
or,  empaling)  arg.  a  rose  branch  ppr.     Crest^  a  pheon  or. 

Brewer  of  Pkkkskill.  The  ancestor  of  this  family  was  Danul  Brewer 
oi  Massachusetts,  who  d.  A.  D.,  1770.  He  mar*  Phoebe  Locke  and  left  is- 
sue ;  1,  Samuel  d.  A.  D.  1810;  3,  James,  M.  D.  b,  1741,  d.  Nov.  30th, 
1780,  mar.  Hannah  Lee,  da.  of  Joseph  Lee,  of  Yorktown,  she  died  Sept.  4th 

1810 ;   3,   Daniel,  d,   1777  ;  4,  Phsebe  mar.   Jones,  of  Ashbury, 

Mass. ;  5,  Lucy  mar. Darbe  of  Hanwick,  N.  H.  ;  6,  Mary  mar, 

Williams  of  Randolph,  Vermont ;  7,  Sarah  mar. Willard  of  Maine ; 

8.  Mette  mar.  Solomon  Saflford,  of  Bennington,  Vermont.  James,  M.  D.,  and 
Hannah  Lee,  left,  1,  Sarah  mar.  Elias  Cornelius,  M.  D.,  of  Philipstown  ;  3, 
Mary  d.  Oct.  10,  1779,  aet.  33,  mar.  Stephen  Brown  of  Peekskill ;  3,  Joseph 
d.  May,  31,  1803,  et.  34 ;  4,  Daniel  d.  Sept.  6,  1804,  et.  33,  mar.  Phoebe 
Howell,  left  one  son,  James,  who  d.  young ;  5th,  James  d.  Oet.  34,  1810 
et.  37  years,  mar.  Anne  Brotherson,  and  left  James,  M.  D.,  of  Peekskill,  and 
Sarah  Ann,  who  mar.  Cofiln  S.  Brown,  of  Peekskill ;  6;  Phoebe  d.  July  7, 
1816,  et.  38,  mar.  Daniel  W.  Birdsall ;  7,  Samuel  d.  March,  1,  1815,  et.  35, 


604  APPENDIX. 

mar.  Elizabeth,  da.  of  John  Titns  of  FloaliiDg,  L.  I.,  and  left  two  da.,  Uaiy 
and  Eliiabethi  who  mar.  Tharatoa  Huntington. 

Bolton.  The  samame  of  Bolton  is  one  of  considerable  antiquitj,  and  is 
(lerifed  from  the  place  of  that  name  in  Yorkshire,  England. 

"  Bodelton  or  Bothelton,  the  ancient  orthography  of  all  the  towna  whieli 
bear  this  name,  (says  Whitaker)  is  evidently  from  Boel,  manaio,  implying 
probably,  that  it  was  the  principal  residence  of  some  Saxon  thane.  Tha 
spelling,  with  a  slight  Tariation,  was  continued  a  centnry  or  more  after 
the  conquest ;  for,  in  the  time  of  Stephen,  Abbot  of  Sallay,  (probably  in 
Henry  the  second^s  reign,)  Elias  de  Bothilton  held  lands  in  thia  place/  de 
Feodo  de  la  Leya."^ 

In  the  reign  of  Henry  the  third,  Richard  de  Bonhilton  ia  named  of  the 
village  of  Bonhilton,  in  Yorkshire.  The  Testa  Villarum  of  the  time  of  Heniy 
the  third,  and  Edward  the  first,  contain  the  name  of  Robert  de  Bolma,  as 
holding  six  acres  of  land  at  Bolmn,  in  Yorkshire.  John  de  Bolton,  bow 
bearer  of  Bolton  forest,  in  1313,  was  the  lineal  representatiTo  according  to 
Dogdale,  of  the  Saxon  earls  of  Mercia.  From  Whitaker'a  History  of  Craven 
it  appears  that  Edwin,  Earl  of  Mercia,  was  seized  of  the  Manor  of  Bodel- 
tone*  before  the  conquest,  and  held  it  five  years  after.  This  nobleman  was  son 
of  Leofwine,  and  brother  of  Leopie,  earls  of  Mercia.  In  the  year  1330,  John 
de  Bolton  was  rector  of  the  church  at  Bolton,  in  Yorkshire,  and  John  de  Bol- 
ton, patron  of  the  same.  Henry  Bolton  is  the  next  ancestor  of  whom  we  have 
any  account.  He  appears  to  have  been  living  at  Bolton  in  Lancashire, 
about  133*2.     He  left  Robert  the  father  of  William,  who  had  a  son  Robert. 

Robert  Bolton,  the  more  immediate  ancestor  of  the  family,  waa  residing  at 
Blackburn,  Lancashire,  in  1569.  His  sons  were  John  and  Robert.  Of 
the  youngest,  Fuller  in  his  Worthies  of  England,  thus  speaks  :  "  Robert  Bol- 
ton was  born  at  Blackburne,  in  Lancashire,  on  Whitsunday,  1572,  a  year  as 
infamous  for  the  massacre  of  many  Protestants  in  France,  an  for  the  birth  of 
some  eminent  in  England.  His  parents  having  a  narrow  estate,  struggled 
with  their  necessities  to  give  him  a  liberal  education ;  he  was  bred  first,  in  Lin- 
coln, then  in  Brazen-nose  college,  in  Oxford.     He  had  Isocrates'  six  marks 


»  Parish  of  Bolton,  juxta  Bowland. 

b  Wbitaker's  Hint,  of  the  Deanery  of  Craven. 

c  The  Mauor  of  Midhope,  one  of  the  moet  extensive  and  valuable  grazing  fianns 
in  Craven,  was  parcel  of  the  great  possessions  of  the  Boltona,  and  passed  into  the 
Lister  family,  by  marriage  with  a  co- heiress  of  that  most  ancient  name,  in  the 
time  of  Edward  the  Second."  Whitaker's  Hist,  of  Craven.  Bolton  was,  though 
the  style  hath  been  altered,  (says  Segar)  an  ancient  barony  by  tenure  in  Henry  the 
Second's  time,  and  the  Scroopes  of  Upsall  and  Masham  are  in  a  direct  line  des- 
cended from  the  Barons  Bolton  of  Bolton.'* 


APPENDIX.  505 

or  properties  of  a  good  scholar.  His  want  of  means  proTed  an  adTancemant 
unto  him ;  for,  not  having  whence  to  boy  books,  he  borrowed  the  best  au- 
thors of  his  tutor,  read  orer,  abridged  into  note  books,  and  returned  them. 
He  was  as  able  to  express  himself  in  Latin  or  Greek,  as  English ;  and  that, 
stylo  imperatorio.  He  was  chosen  one  of  the  disputants  before  King  Jamesi 
at  his  first  coming  to  the  uniTcrsity,  and  performed  it  with  great  applause. 

Thus  far  I  have  followed  my  author  mentioned  in  the  margin ;  but  wa 
must  depart  from  him  a  little  in  one  particular.  Though  Mr.  Bolton's  parents 
were  not  overflowing  with  wealth,  they  had  a  competent  estate,  (as  I  am  in- 
formed by  credible  intelligence)  wherein  their  family  had  comfortably  continued 
long  time  in  good  repute. 

Sir  Augustine  Nicolls  presented  him  to  the  rectory  of  Broughton,  in 
Northamptonshire :  sending  him  his  presentation  unexpectedly,  from  his 
chamber  in  Sergeant's  Inn,  where  Dr.  Kinj^,  Bishop  of  London,  being  acci- 
dentally present,  thanked  the  judge  for  his  good  choice  :  but  told  him  withal, 
that  he  had  deprived  the  university  of  a  singular  ornament.  Besides  his  ooq« 
stant  preaching,  he  hath  left  behind  him,  many  useful  books,  the  witnesses  of 
his  piety  and  learning ;  and  died,  in  the  59th  year  of  his  age,  December  17, 
1631. 

The  following  epitaph  is  engii^veo  on  his  monument  in  Broughton  church 
Northamptonshire  : 

ROBKRTUS  JACET   QIC   BOLTOITUS. 

CJETBRA  ROTITy 

OCCUBITUS  DXFI.EN8  AlfOLU    TOTA 

DIXM, 

PRIMUS   ET  0PTIAIU8  QUJUS,  «0 

CL1SIJ6   PRJBOO 

DOCnSSIMK  PIUS  QUI    17,  DIB 

D£C£MB., 

Amro  Dm,  1631,  placidb  oboob 

MIVIT  IK  DOMINO.** 

Rev.  Robert  Bolton  mar.  Anne  Boyce  of  Kent,  and  left  one  son,  Samuel 
and  four  daughters.  John  Bolton,  eldest  brother  of  the  above  Robert,  inheri- 
ted his  ftither's  property  at  Blackburn,  and  was  living  in  1633.  Among 
the  names  of  his  children,  all  of  which  are  not  preserved,  we  find  Robert 
who  was  baptized  at  Blackburn  in  1609,  father  to  John  baptized  at  tba 
same  place,  in  1633.  John  died  about  1700,  at  Sheffield,  Yorkshire,  he 
mar.  Anne,  and  left  Robert,  b.  at  Blackburn,  86  July,  1688 ;  and  a  da.  Anne, 
who  mar.  Thombs  Richmond.  Robert  emigrated  from  Sheffield  to  Philadel- 
phia, Penn.,  in  1720,  and  mar.  Anne  Curtis,  widow  of  Robert  Clay,  on  the 
19th  Feb.,  1731.    He  was  for  many  years  warden  of  Christ  Church,  Phila- 

Vol.  it.  64 


S06  APPENDIX. 

ddphia.  He  d.  June  25ih,  174S ;  she  d.  May  7tli,  1747.  Their  ehildiea 
were  ;  1,  Robert,  b.  January  let,  1723  ;  8,  Anne  ;  3,  Mary,  mar.  I74I9  Hob. 
James  Habersham  of  Satannah,  Georgia ;  4,  Rebecca  d.  Dee.  2S,  1739 ; 
5,  Joseph,  d.  May  1,  1725;  6,  John,  b.  1725,  d.  May  30,  1730;  7,  John, 
b.  1726 ;  Joseph  and  Hannah,  b.  20  Jane,  1727.  Joseph,  d.  Juoe  13,  1739, 
Hannah,  d.  25  April,  1728.  Robert  the  eldest,  removed  to  SaTanaab,  Ga.,  where 
he  married  Susannah  Man?6,  a  native  of  Vifay,  Switzerland.  He  left  Robert 
of  SaTannah,  b.  in  1757,  Hannah,  m.  Mr.  Moore,  Sarah,  m.  WiU.  ETans, 
Anne,  m.  Nathl.  Adams,  and  Rebecca,  m.  Thomas  Newell. 

Robert  of  Savannah  mar.  Sarah  McClean,  and  had,  1st,  Robert,  b.  at  Sa- 
vannah, Sept.  10,  1788,  baptized  by  his  grandfather,  Robert.  2nd,  Sarah 
mar.  her  second  cousin,  John  Bolton.  3d,  Anne  mar.  her  aecoad  eoeain, 
Curtis  Bolton.  4th,  James  mar.  1,  Miss  Clay  of  Philadelphia  ;  9,  Hooorah 
Richardson  d.  Feb.  10th,  1824,  left  three  sons,  James,  Edward  and  William ; 
5th,  Frances  mar.  Richard  Richardson  of  New  Orleans.  6th,  Rebecca. 
Robert,  the  eldest,  mar.  Anne  Jay,  da.  of  the  Rev.  William  Jay  of  Bath, 
England,  and  has,  1st,  Robert  Bolton,  b.  at  Bath,  April  17,  1814,  mar.  Elisa- 
beth R.  Brenton,  da.  of  James  B.,  2nd,  Anne,  3d,  William  Jay,  4th,  John, 
5th,  Cornelius  Winter,  6th,  Mary  Statira,  7th,  Arabella,  8th,  James,  9th 
Rboda,  lOih,  Abby,  11th,  Meta,  12th,  Adele  and  Adelaide,  13th,  Frances  Geor- 
gian na. 

John  Bolton,  of  Cheatertown,  Md.,  fourth  son  of  Robert  and  Anne  Curtis, 
roar.  Sarah  Doggethty,  and  left,  1st,  John,  who  mar.  his  aecond  coosin,  Sa- 
rah ;  2nd,  Curtis,  who  mar.  his  second  cousin  Anne ;  3d,  Eklwio,  m.  Mary 
Douglass ;  4th,  Anne,  ro.  1st,  John  Maut^  Moore,  2nd,  George  Booth.  Arms, 
sa.  a  falcon,  arg.  beaked  jessed,  merobered  and  belled,  or,  charged  00  the 
breast  with  a  trefoil,  slipped,  ppr.  This  coat  was  con6rmed  by  William  Cam- 
den Clarencieux,  by  patent,  dated  August  the  26th,  1615,  to  Thomas  Bolton 
of  Woodbridge,  Suffolk,  Esq.,  descended,  of  the  Boltoos  of  Bolton,  in  Laoca- 
shire. 

BoNNETT  OF  New  Rochelle.  The  ancestors  of  the  Bennetts  were 
Protestants,  inhabitants  of  Rochelle,  in  France.  On  the  Revocation  of  the  Edict 
of  Nantes,  Daniel  Bennett  fled  from  France  to  England.  He  subsequently 
emigrated  to  America.  Daniel  left,  1,  Pierre,  b.  in  England;  2,  Jacqnes; 
3,  Daniel.  Jacques  had  Peter,  who  mar.  Mary  Parcot,  and  James,  who 
left  one  son,  Peter,  of  New  York.  Peter  the  eldest  son  of  Jacques,  d.  in 
1823,  and  had  Salmon  of  Upper  New  Rochelle,  and  a  da.  Elizabeth,  who 
mar.  Bartholomew  Ward. 

Brondio  of  Rye.  John  Brondish  or  Brondig,  was  one  of  the  first  and 
principal  proprietors  of  Manusing  Island  and  Poniogoe  Neck,  in  1663.  He 
left  four  sons,  John,  Joseph,  Daniel  and  Joshua,  ancestors  of  the  numeroos 
and  respectable  families  which  bear  the  name  in  Westchester  County. 

Buowif  OF  Rye.    This  family  was  a  younger  branch  of  the  Browns  of 


APPfiKDDC.  607 

Beechworth,  in  the  County  of  Kent,  England,  founded  by  Sir  Anthony  Brown,* 
who  wu  created  a  Knight  of  the  Bath,  at  the  coronation  of  Richard  II.  He 
left  issue  two  sons.  Sir  Richard  his  heir,  and  Sir  Stephen,  Lord  Mayor  of 
London  in  1439.  Sir  Robert  Brown,  living  temp,  Henry  V.  was  father  of 
Sir  Thomas  Browne,  treasurer  of  the  household  to  Henry  VI.,  and  Sheriff  of 
Kent,  in  144rand  1460.  Thomas  Brown,  Esq.,  of  Rye,  County  of  Sussex, 
England,  emigrated  to  Concord,  Massachusetts,  cir.  1632,  from  whence  he 
remored  to  Cambridge,  where  he  lived  some  time.b  His  sons  were  Thomas  of 
Rye,  who  d.  A.  D.  1694,  and  Hachaliah  of  Rye.  The  latter  left  issue  ;  I,  Ben- 
jamin, d.  in  1755,  and  had  1,  Benjamin,  2  Joseph,  3,  Daniel,  4.  William  :  II, 

Peter,  d.  1731-2,  mar.  Martha ,  he  left,  let,  Ebenezer,  2nd,  Caleb, 

3rd,  Peter,  d.  1739  ;  he  had  Rebecca,  mar.  John  Purdy,  and  Sarah,  mar. 
Thomas  Sutton,  4th,  Hon.  Nathaniel,  5th,  Hon.  Nehemiah,  6th,  Hannah,  7th, 
Sarah,  8th,  Rebecca,  9th,  Elizabeth.  II  f,  Thomas  d.  1762 ;  IV,  Hachaliah  d. 
1784,  mar.  Ann  Kniffen,  he  left,  1st,  Hachaliah  of  Somers,  b.  August  20, 
1727,  d.  May  22,  1813,  mar.  Abby  Halsted.  She  was  b.  1734,  d.  August, 
1807.  The  children  of  Hachaliah  and  Abby  Halsted,  were  Nathan^  b.  Aug. 
24,  1756,  d.  March,  1814;  Stephen,  b.  July  10,1766;  Lewis.h.  May  12, 
1776,  d.  March  3,  1830,  mar.  Clarissa  Clift  of  Somers;  Ann,  b.  28  Oct., 
1754,  d.  July,  1804,  mar.  James  Bailey ;  Mary,  b.  22  June,  1758,  d.  26 
Aug.,et.  52,  mar.  Hon.  Elijah  Lee;  Aner,  b.  16  Feb.   1760,  d.   7  April, 

1807,  mar.  Crane,  M.  D. ;  Abigail,  b.   15ih  Jan,  1762,  d. 

20  April,  1828,  mar.  Colonel  John  Odell,  of  Greenburgh  ;  Susannah,  b.  16 
Dec.,  1768,  mar.  John  Titus  ;  Esther,  b.  8  April,  1768,  d.  16  April,  1798; 
and  Sarah,  b.  1  June,  1772,  mar.  Jonathan  Ward.  2ad,  Christopher  of 
Somers,  second  son  of  Hachaliah,  had  Isaac,  Aaron,  Frederick  and  Phoebe. 
3d,  David  d.  1773,  mar.  Esther  Wetmore,  da.  of  Rer.  James  Wetmore. 
4,  Nathan  d,  1764,  mar.  Elizabeth  Kniffen,  he  left  Gilbert,  d.  Dec.  27, 1820, 
«t.«61.  Elizabeth  d.  June,  1831,  «t.  71.  Margaret  d.  Feb.  1,  1820,  et. 
50 ;  and  Lavinia ;  5th,  Thomas,  d.  April  6,  1825,  et.  86,  mar.  Jane 
Seaman,  she  d.  April  8,  1813,  nt.  71.  Their  children  were,  David,  d.  Feb. 
6,  1847,  et.  85.  Thomas  d.  S^pt.  20,  1830,  «t.  58.  Nathan,  Hachaliah^ 
Letitia,  d.  Sept.  20,  1830,  et.  30,  mar.  Hon.  Elijah  Lee ;  Anne,  mar.  Da?id 
Stebbins.  Jane,  d.  Sept.  24, 1830,  «t.53.  Abigail  d.  1813,  mar.  Thonaa 
Strang,  and  Catharine  mar.  Rot.  Elias  Cooper,  Rector  of  St.  John's  church, 
Yonkers.  6tb,  Josiah  d.  Aug.  30,  1789,  et.  47,  mar.  Deborah  Brown,  da. 
of  Jonathan  ;  she  d.  January  18,  1830,  et.  76.  Their  children  were,  Hacha* 
liah,  Nancy  mar.  John  Watson,  Elizabeth  and  Clarissa ;  7ih,  Isaac ;  8tb, 
Gilbert  d.  young :  and  9th,  Gilbert  who  also  d.  young.  V,  Deli?erance  had 
three  sons ;  1st,  Delirerance ;  2nd,  Zebadiah  and  Jonathan.  VI,  Anne  mar. 
Daniel  Purdy.  VII,  Mary  mar.  Absalom  Brondige.    Of  this  family,  was  Jona- 


ft  The  name  of  Brown  Is  frequently  written  in  ancient  records  with  the  addition 
of  the  e,  and  sereral  families  hsTC  even  retained  this  orthography, 
k  See  Fanner's  Register. 


608  APPfiNDHT. 

than  Brown,  wboM  son  Jonathan  left  issoe ;  Itt,  Jottadna  aitr.  £nilier  Ar* 
eels,  be  bad,  Eliaabeth  mar.  James  Batterworth,  and  Clarissa  who  mar. 
■  Perkins  $  8nd,  Obadiah,  he  left  Isaac  and  Aime ;  Sd,  Chailes  nsar. 

• —  Wyrgans ;  4th,  Clarissa  mar.  Niebolaa  Hasbraeck ;  Sth,  Deborah 

mar.  Josiah  Brown.  Arms,  sa,  three  lions,  passant,  in  bend,  belw*  two 
double  ootteses,  arg.  Crest,  an  eagle  displayed  rert.  AooChor  crai^  a 
stag,  ppr.,  altered  and  daeaHj  gorged  and  lined  or. 


Brown  of  Pebxskill.    SoTcral  indifidoals  of  the  name  ol'Brosm, 
among  the  early  settlers  of  Massachusetts.     Wiiiiam  Brawn  was  bom  ia 
Connectioat    His  son  Samoel  was  a  freeholder  of  North  Castle,  ia  this 
Coanty,  and  left,  I,  Nathaniel  of  Nine  Partners,  Dotebess  Co.,  who  had  a  soa 
James  C.  of  Saratoga,  N.  Y.,  and  a  da.  Mary,  mar.  Jonathan  Griffia.     II, 
Mordeeai  of  Coxsackie,  who  had  Samuel,  living  near  Lake  ChamplaiBt  aad 
James  of  FishkiU.    Ill,  Thomas,  formerly  of  Nine  Partners,  snbeeqaonUj  a 
resident  at  Peekskill,  where  he  d.,  cir.  1800,  mU  90,  mar.  Susannah  Bogbee. 
IV,  William  of  Queensbnry,  Saratoga  Co.,  left  Wdliam  of  Queensbarj.     V, 
Benedict  of  Queensbury,  who  had  sons,  Justus,  Silas,  Hongill  and  Timothy; 
Thomas,  third  son  of  Samuel,  left,  Ist,  Nathaniel,  b.  May  16,  1744,  d.  Maj 
80, 1811,  mar.  Mary  Hall,  da.  of  Caleb  Hall  and  Jane  DaggeU  bin  wife,  she 
was  b.  Not.  83,  1745,  date  of  mar.  May  16, 1766,  d.  Jan.  34, 1836 ;  Bod, 
Gilbert  b.  1746,  mar.  Lefina  Wolley,  and  had  David  of  New  York,  Isaac  of 
New  York,  Cinthia,  Fanny  mar.  Moses  Ward,  of  Newarki  N.  J.,  and  two 
other  da. ;  3d,  Nathan  of  Peekskill  mar.  Peace  and  left  Gideon,  Susan  and 
Eliaabeth ;  4th,  Alran,  whose  descendants  are  liting  in  N.  Y. ;  6th,  Pheshe 
mar.  1st,  —    — —  Walters ;  3nd,  James  Tucker.    Nathaniel,  eldest  son  of 
Thomas,  by  Mary  Hall,  left :  I,  Stephen  of  Peekskill,  b.  Feb.  23,  1767,  d. 
at  Purchase,  May  3,  1831,  while  attending  quarterly  meeting  at  that  place  ; 
mar;  Sept.  3d,  1791,  Mary  Brewer,  da.  of  James.     She  was  b.  Sept., 3d, 
1766,  and  d.  Oct.  19,  1799.     Their  children  were,  1.  Phoebe,  b.  Sept.  30, 
1793,  d..  April  33, 1805.    8.  James,  of  Peekskill,  b.  Oct.  33,*  1794.    3.  Han- 
nah, b.  Aug.  9,  1797,  mar.  Abner  Brundage,  of  Peekskill.      Stephen,  mar. 
secondly,  Jemima  Strang,  da.  of  Major  Joseph  Strang,  and  had,  1.  Ann,  b. 
May,  1801.     3.  Egbert,  b.  Jan'y  7,  1803,  d.  Feb.  14,  1815.     3.  Mary,  b. 
January  33, 180.'>,  mar.  Sandford  Knapp,  M.  D.    4.  Sarah.     6.  Jane,  d.  1819. 
IL  Nathaniel,  b.  Feb.  17,  1769,  mar.  Charity  Cox,  and  had  Jacob,  Samoel, 
of  New  York,  Stephen  C,  and  Esther.     III.  Mary,  b.  Sept.  8, 1770,  d.  1785. 
IV.  Sarah,  b.  Aug.  13,  1771,  mar.  Jacob  Bedle.     V.  Cornelius,  b.  May,  34, 
1773,  d.  Dec.  1831 ;  mar.  Ist,  Elizabeth  Osborne,  3nd,  Lea  Jones,  and  left 
by  first  wife,  Martha,  mar.  Abel  Smith,  by  second,  Nathaniel,  Smith,  Thomas, 

Edgar,  and  Anne  Eliza,  who  mar. Veeley.    VI.  Thomas,  b,  Sept. 

13,  1775|  d.  1839,  mar.  1st,  Nancy  Concklin,  3d,  Martha  Birdsall.  YIL 
Mary,  b.  Oct.  4, 1778,  mar.  Sopher  Jones.  VIII.  Susannah,  b.  June  8, 1780, 
d.  1781.  IX.  Caleb,  b.  May  33, 1783,  mar.  Phoebe  Weeks,  and  left  Hannah, 
who  mar.  John  Merrit  of  N.  Y.,  Thomas,  Joshua,  Dorothy,  Mary,  and  Na- 


APPENDIX.  509 

ttianiel.     X.  Gilbert,  b.  Sept.  94, 1784,  d.  May  6tb)  1837,  mar.  HaDnah  Os- 
borne,  and  had  two  da.,  Elisabeth  and  Naney. 

BuDD.    John  Buddf  of  Sonthold,  L.  I.,  mar.  Catharine ,  and  had 

John  Budd  of  Sonthold,  first  proprietor  of  Apawquammie  or  Bodd*8  neck, 
1661 ;  will  dated  13ih  Oct.  1669  ;  mar.  and  left  issue  two  sons,  1.  John 
Bodd,  to  whom  his  father  bequeathed  all  his  portion  of  the  mills  on  Blind 
brook,  1671.  3.  Joseph,  first  patentee  of  Bodd's  neck  under  the  crown,  20th 
Feb.  1695,  will  dated  1722 ;  Surrogate's  Office  N.  Y.,  viii.  311.  Jo- 
seph, mar.  Sarah ,  and  had,  1.  John,  who  mar.  Mary  Strang,  by  whom 

he  had  Gilbert,  M.  D.,  John,  who  left  a  son  John,  and  Mary  who  mar.  Gilbert 
Theal.  2.  Joseph,  who  married  Ann ,  leaving  Joseph,  Nicholas,  Un- 
derbill, Anne,  and  Sarah,  the  wife  of  John  Que  of  Dutchess.  The  will  of 
Joseph,  sen.,  is  dat.  1763.  3.  Elisha,  b.  1705,  d.  1765,  will  dat.  1765,  No. 
XXY.  252 ;  mar.  Ann  Lyon,  who  d.  Dec.  6,  1760,  ct.  60.  Their  children 
were,  Jonathan,  James,  Merriam,  who  mar.  Jonah  Maynard,  Sarah,  who 
mar. Purdy,  Anne,  who  mar. Brown,  and  Phcebe.  4.  Under- 
bill, proprietor  of  Budd's  neck,  b.  April  29,  baptized  30th  May,  1708,  will  dat. 
1755,  lib.  xix.  280 ;  mar.  Sarah  Fowler,  b.  Jane  17th,  1710,  mar.  Sept.  17, 
1730,  d.  August  10,  1798.  Their  children  were  Colonel  Gilbert,  who  d. 
7th  Sept.  1813,  and  left  twin  daughters,  Ophelia  and  Sarah,  b.  July  22, 
1782;  Sarah,  b.  July  21,  1731,  Mary,  b.  Deo.  30,  1746,  d.  1786,  Tamar, 
mar.  Ebenezer  Hayiland,  M.  D.,  and  Hetty,  mar.  William  Colman.  5.  Gil- 
bert, who  d.  Oct.  14,  1805.    6.  Hannah,  who  mar. Palmer.    7.  Sarah. 

jB.  Anne.    0.  Tamar.     10.  Mary. 

Bush  of  Rte.    Justus  Bush  was   one  of  the  eighteen  proprietors  of 

Poningoe  Neck,  in  1737.     He  mar.  Anne who  d.  Aug.  5,  1745.     His 

three  sons  were  Bernardus,  Henry,  and  Abraham.  Abraham  mar.  Ruth,  da. 
of  Gilbert  Lyon,  and  had  1.  Abraham,  who  left  William  of  King  Street,  Rye, 
the  father  of  William  S.,  Andrew,  L.  Hobart,  and  Newberry,  2.  Gilbert,  3. 
Anne,  mar.  Jonathan  Fichers,  4.  Sarah,  mar.  Thomas  Theal,  5.  Elizabeth, 
mar.  Ezrahiah  Wetmore,  6.  Rebecca  mar.  Daniel  Merritt. 

Clapp  of  North  Castle.  Two  brothers  of  this  name  were  among  the 
earliest  settlers  of  West  Farms.  John  remo?ed  to  North  Castle  about  120 
years  ago.  His  sons  were  I.  John,  proprietor  of  the  Homestead,  who  left 
Thomas,  Dorcas,  mar.  1.  William  Sutton,  2.- Francis  Nash,  Mary  mar.  Jo- 
seph Carpenter,  II.  Silas  of  Rhode  Island,  III.  Elias  who  had  John  and 
Benjamin,  IV.  Gibson. 

Clark  of  Bedford.    The  names  of  William  and  Nathan  Clark,  occur  in 

a  list  of  freeholders  of  Bedford,  in  1713-14.    William,  mar.  Hannah 

and  had  John,  William,  Ebenezer,  Da?id,  and  Jab^sh.  Nathan  left  I.  Ste- 
phen, father  of  Cornelius,  II.  Nathan  who  had  Daniel  of  Vermont,  the  &ther 
of  Stephen  of  Bedford,  III.  Reuben,  IV.  Martha,  V.  Sarah,  VI.  Joseph,  pro- 
prietor of  the  homestead,  mar.  Sarah  Smith,  he  left  1.  James,  2.  Joseph, 


610  APPENDIX. 

mar.  Hannah  Clock,  their  children  were  Ibrael,  Sjdoej  Delawmre,  Lewie, 
John  of  Bedford,  Joseph  of  Salem,  Isaac  of  Orange  Co.,  Bethia,  Taldmh  Can- 
field,  Clara,  mar.  Caleb,  K.  Hobby,  Phoebe,  mar.  John  Bossing,  Hannah  mar. 
Abel  B.  Raymond,  and  Anne,  who  mar.  James  Howe  of  Bedford.  3.  Na- 
than of  Bedford,  mar.  Lydia  Holmes,  and  had  Albert,  d.  et.  23,  Jerecnialr  of 
Bedford,  Deborah,  mar.  James  Ferris,  Sarah,  mar.  Jesse  Hojrt,  Catharine 
and  Abigail. 

Close  of  North  Salem.  This  family  was  formerly  seated  at  Langlej, 
near  Macclesfield,  England,  A.  D.  1486.  Clooghes,  Clowes,  or  Close,  in  a 
Saxon  word  signifying  a  cliff  or  cleft  in  a  valley  between  high  hills.  TkomoM 
Closet  removed  from  England  to  Greenwich,  Connecticut,  in  1665,  d.  Jolj 
S6,  1683.  His  sons  were  I.  Thomas,  II.  Joseph,  III.  Benjamin,  who  left  a 
son  Benjamin,  IV.  John.  Joseph,  the  second  son  of  Thomas,  b.  1674,  re- 
moved from  Greenwich  to  North  Salem,  in  1749,  and  d.  in  1760,  set.  86.  He 
mar.  Rebecca  Tompkins,  she  d.  A.  D.  1761.  Their  children  were  1.  Joseph, 
S.  Elixabetb,  3.  Solomon,  4.  Sarah,  5.  Rachel,  6.  Thomas,  7.  Benjamin,  and 
8.  Rebecca.  Solomon,  second  son  of  Joseph,  was  b.  Jane  23,  1706,  d.  A. 
D.  1788,  et.  83,  roar.  Deborah  Bmsh.     He  had  ten  children,  I.  Solomon  of 

North  Salem,  who  left ,  mar.  a  Paddock,  Phoebe,  mar.  Epenetos  Wallace, 

M.  D.  of  North  Salem.  II.  Nathaniel  of  North  Salem,  b.  1739,  d.  1773. 
He  had  1.  Nathaniel  of  North  Salem,  d.  A.  D.  1837,  ttt.  77,  mar.  Mary 
Wood,  and  left  1st.  Ebenezer,  2d,  Amzi  of  North  Salem,  who  had  Isaac, 
Daniel  H.,  Ebenezer  L.,  Jeromiah,  Bfargaret  A.,  Amy  K.,  Charles  H.,  and 
Mary  R. ;  3d.  Nathaniel,  4th.  Rachel,  5th.  John  of  North  Salem.  2.  Jesse 
of  North  Salem,  d.  set.  86,  3.  Isaac,  4.  Deborah,  mar.  Thomas  Chapman,  5. 
Rachel,  mar.  Joseph  Crosby,  6.  Sarah,  7.  Matilda.  III.  Deborah,  IV.  Han- 
nah, V.  Rev.  John  of  North  Salem,  a  graduate  of  Princeton,  N.  J.,  minister 
at  New  Windsor,  in  1792,  b.  1737,  d.  1813,  at  Waterford,  N.  York,  mar. 
Miss  Weeks  of  L.  I.,  and  left  two  da.  who  reside  at  Waterford.  VI.  Sa- 
rah. VI 1.  Jesse,  in  the  military  service  of  the  Colony,  d.  at  Half  Moon  Point, 
Jaly  29th,  1758,  et.  17.  VIII.  Rev.  David,  a  Presbyterian  minister  at  Pat- 
terson, N.  J.  This  individual  was  a  great  friend  to  his  country,  and  doring^ 
the  Revolution,  suffered  much  at  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  He  graduated  at 
Yale  College,  and  d.  at  Patterson,  in  Putnam  Co.,  in  1783,  et.  41.  IX.  Rev. 
Tompkins,  a  Presbyterian  minister,  d.  at  Fishkill,  Sept.  26,  1770,  et.  97,  X. 
Mind  well,  d.  Oct.  22, 1762,  mar.  Elizabeth . 

CoE  OF  Rye.  Two  brothers  of  this  name,  from  Norfolk  Co.,  England, 
were  settled  in  Massachusetts,  as  early  as  1655.  Robert  removed  to  Durham, 
where  his  posterity  still  reside.  He  was  b.  1629,  mar.  1657,  and  d.  161^9. 
He  left  John,  b.  May  10,  1658,  mar.  Mary  Hawley.  John  Coe,  supposed 
brother  of  Robert,  removed  to  Newtown,  L.  I.,  thence  to  Westchester,  and 
settled  at  Rye.    He  was  one  of  the  principal  proprietors  of  Poningoe  Neck, 


APPENDIX.  611 

1662.  His  80D8  were  John  and  Jonathan.  John  left  a  son  Andrew,  who  waa 
living  at  Rye,  in  1744.  Jonathan  left  John,  the  father  of  Jonathan,  M.  D., 
of  Portchester.    The  latter  d.  Not.  28,  1809,  mar.  Esther  Green,  she  d.  Dec. 

1,  1805.     Their  children  were  1.  John  of  Saratoga,  mar. Farman,  9. 

Reuben,  d.  2l8t  March,  1822,  et.  67,  mar.  Phcebe  Jordan,  she  d.  Aug.  27th, 
1842,  et.  80,  and  6  mo.  He  left  Charles,  who.  d.  Oct.  10,  1800,  John,  who 
d.  Feb.  15,  1824,  and  La?inia,  who  mar.  Willett  Moseman,  3.  Edward  d.  at 
Marlborough,  4.  Mary,  mar.  John  Mead,  of  Greenwich,  Connecticut. 

Cooper  of  Throckmorton^s  neck.  The  ancestors  of  the  Coopers  emigra- 
ted from  England  to  Massachusetts,  at  a  very  early  period.     The  name  of 
John  occurs  as  freeman  of  Cambridge,  in  1636.     This  individual  was  one  ot 
the  grantees  named  in  the  Indian  deed  of  Southhampton,  L.  I.  A.  D.  1640. 
Mr.  Cooper  of  Suffolk  Co.,  L.  I.,  a  descendant  of  the  above,  had  two  sons 
and  a  da.,  the  latter  mar.  and  emigrated  with  her  husband,  to  the  western 
part  of  Pennsylvania.     His  sons  he  brought  up  as  physicians.    The  youngest, 
Jeremiah,  settled  at  Fishkill,  in  Dutchess  Co.    The  eldest,  Ananias,  settled 
at  Rhinebeck,  in  the  same  county,  and  was  an  active  whig  during  the  Revolu- 
tionary war.     He  had  ten  sons  and  three  da.    One  son  and  one  da.  d.  young. 
I.  Thomas,  the  eldest,  graduated  at  Princeton  College,  and  became  an  emi- 
nent lawyer  in  the  city  of  New  York,  he  mar.  Catharine  Colden,  grand-da.  of 
the  Hon.  David  Colden,  Lt.  Gov.  of  the  Province  of  New  York.     He  left  1. 
Colden,  a  lieutenant  in  the  Provincial  army,  and  aid  de  camp  to  General  Izard, 
S.    Edward,  d.   young,  3.   Alice  Ann,  II.   John,  d.   young.  III.   Henry, 
lY.  Charles  Dekay  Cooper,  M.  D.,  fourth  son  of  Ananias,  resided  at  Albany, 
here  he  mar.  Margaret  Yerner.     He  left  three  sons  and  two  da.,  1  Major  Gen- 
eral John  T.  Cooper,  of  Albany,  mar.  Miss  Henry,  da.  of  John  Y.  Henry,  9. 
William  mar.  a  da.  of  the  late  Judge  Yanderpool,  3.  Rev.  Charles  Dekay 
Cooper,  of  Rochester,  mar.  a  da.  of  Judge  Sutherland,  formerly  Chief  Justice 
of  the  state  of  New  York,  4.  Margaret,  5  Elizabeth.    Y.  William,  d.  young, 
YI.  George  D.  Cooper^  mar.  Eliza  Bayard,  da.  of  Col.  Samuel  Yetch  Bayard, 
and  left  a  largo  family.     1.  Catharine,  d.,  2.  Thomas,  d.,  3.  William  B.,  d., 
4.  Edward  of  Throckmorton^s  Neck,  mar.  Miss  Gamage,  and  had  four  da.,  5, 
Eliza,  d.,  6.  Mary,  7.  Elizabeth  ^{fotinaVYhlr.  Isaac  He^gsey,  M.  D.,  8.  Har- 
riette  Bayard,  mar.  Rev.  Samuel  Jf .  Evans,  9.  Francis  Bayard,   10.  Oeorgi-       ^ 
anna  Dekay,  mar.  Edward  P.  Clark,  11.  George  Duncan,  jr.,  12.  Matilda  / 
Watu,  mar.  Henry  Whitehoi^,  Principal  of  St.   Thomas's  Hall,  Holly  y.f^i/ 
Springs,  Mississippi,  13.  Alice  Ann  Swartwout.  Yll.  Mary,  d.,  unmar.,  YIII. 
Francis,  ditto,  IX.  Eliza  Ann  Swartwout,  ditto,  X.  Joseph  C,  mar.  Dorathea 
Staples,  and  left  Thomas  Colden,  and  Charles  Staples.  XI.  Ga^>/ of  Albany , 
d.,  unmar.  XII.  Fayette,l/L.  D.,  of  New  York,  XIII.  Margaret,  mar.  Charles  ( 
McEvers,and  had  three  da.,  XIY.  Christina  mar.  William  Bachle,  and  left  \.  0^ 
Eliza,  2.  Ann,  3.  Helen,  4.  Theophylact,  5.  William. 


/ 


612  APPENDIX. 

CooTiNTs  OP  New  Rocrbllk.  The  (ainily  of  CoateDt  wbs  among  tba 
French  HogoenoU  that  fled  from  Franoe  to  America  on  the  ReToeatioe  of 
the  Edict  of  Nantes.  Jsaac  Cautong^  or  Coutant^  was  amoog  the  first  aetikn 
of  New  Ro<^heUe.  He  d.  1747,  mar.  Catharine  Bonnefois,  and  left,  I.  Jacob, 
proprietor  of  the  Senross  and  Carpenter  farma«  New  Rochelle,  mar.  Jine 
Renand,  his  children  were,  1.  Jacob.  2.  David,  who  bad  Jacob,  Isaac,  Ma- 
ria, who  mar.  Charles  Dasenberry  of  New  Rochelle,  and  Lewis  P.  The  latter 
had  John,  who  d.  April  1848,  and  James.  3.  Esther,  mar.  Henry  Pincknej. 
11.  Isaac,  mar.  Frances  Badeau,  da.  of  John,  and  lefl,  1.  Isaac,  b.  1754,  pro- 
prietor of  the  Homestead,  New  Rochelle.     2.  John,  d.     3.  James,  mar. 

Geraud,  and  had  three  sons,  Andrew,  (Major)  Elijah,  and  Rot.  George, 

all  of  New  Rochelle.  111.  John,  d.  s.  p.  mar.  Catharine .  lY.  Cath- 
arine,   y.  Esther.    VI.  Sosan.    VII.  Miriam. 

Cromwell  of  Harrison.  "  The  family  of  the  Psotkctob,  which  arose 
in  Wales,  and  was  deemed  illustrious  by  the  genealogists  of  the  principality, 
bore  the  surname  of  Cromwell,  by  assumption  only,  its  patrooimio,  Wiluahi, 
ha?ing  been  abandoned  at  the  special  desire  of  King  Henry  VIII.  "That 
monarch,'*  saith  Noble,  '*  strongly  recommended  to  the  Welsh,  (whom  he  in- 
corporated with  the  English,)  to  adopt  the  mode  of  moat  civilized  nations,  in 
taking  family  names,  instead  of  their  manner  of  jadding  their  father  V  end  per- 
haps grandfather's  name,  to  their  own  Christian  one,  nap,  or  op,  between  the 
Christian  and  surname,  as  Morgan  ap  Williams,  or  Richard  ap  Morgan  ap  Wil- 
liams, that  is,  Richard  the  son  of  Morgan,  the  son  of  Williams  ;  and  the  King 
was  the  more  anxious  as  it  was  found  so  inoonTonient  in  identifying  persons 
in  judicial  matters.  Richard's  father  seems  to  haye  taken  the  name  of  Wil- 
liams for  his  family  name ;  but  as  the  surname  of  Williams  was  of  so  late  a 
standing,  his  Majesty  recoromended  it  to  Sir  Richard  to  use  that  of  Cromwell 
in  honor  of  his  relation,  the  Earl  of  Essex,  whose  present  greatness  en- 
tirely obliterated  his  former  meanness.''*  The  several  branches  of  the  Crom- 
well family  in  America  claim  descent  from  the  same  parent  stock  as  that  of 
the  Protector  Oliver  Cromwell.  It  is  presumed  that  the  ancestor  of 
the  American  line  was  Col.  John  Cromwell,  third  son  of  Sir  Oliver,  and  a 
brother  of  the  Protector.  John,  a  colonel  in  the  royal  army,  mar.  Abigail 
■  .  ■  .  He  had  a  da.  Joan  and  a  son  John,  who  emigrated  from  Holland  to 
the  New  Netherlands.  John,  son  of  Col.  John,  resided  at  Long  Neck,  West- 
chester.    He  mar.  Mary ,  and  led  two  sons,  John,  from  whom  the 

present  Oliver  Cromwell  and  Jeremiah  of  West  Farms  are  descended,  and 
James.  The  latter  was  b.  1696,  and  d.  1780  ;  he  mar.  Esther  Godfrey,  and 
loft,  I.  John,  of  Harrison,  b.  5th  December,  17*27,  d.  1805,  mar.  Anna  Hop- 
kins of  L.  I.  she  was  b.  January  12,  1730.    II. Cromwell.    III.  James, 

who  Ua  Oliver.    IV.  William  of  Poughkeepsie,  who  had  William  of  New 


>  3arKe*0  llist  of  the  Landed  Gentry  of  England,  vol.  i.  429. 


APPENDIX.  613 

York,  and  Robert  of  Canada.  John,  eldest  son  of  James  and  Esther  Godfrey, 
had,  I.  James,  b.  Nov.  6,  1752,  d.  23d  Dec.  1828,  mar.  l«ih  of  May,  1782, 
Charlotte  Hunt,  da.  of  Aaron ;  she  was  b.  18lh  Not.  1762,  and  d.  Jan*y, 
1839.  Their  children  were,  1.  Daniel,  who  mar.  Elizabeth  Towosend,  and 
had  Henry,  Edward,  Daniel,  and  Charlotte,  all  of  New  York.  2.  James, 
who  mar.  Anne  Abbott.  3.  Oli?er,  mar.  Sarah  Titos,  and  \e(i  Joshua  of  Mon- 
roe Co.,  Thomas  of  New  York,  James,  John  of  St.  Louis,  and  William  of 
New  York.  4.  David,  mar.  Rebecca  Bowman,  and  has  William  D.  of  Maiden 
Lane  N.  Y. ;  Henry,  James,  Frederic^  Anna,  Sarah,  Charlotte,  Maria,  Re- 
becca, and  Emily.  5.  Aaron.  6.  William,  mar.  Caroline  Underbill,  da.  of 
Joshua,  and  has  James  W.  and  Caroline.  7.  William  and  Mary,  twins,  d.  »t. 
nine  months.  8.  John  of  Orange  Co.,  mar.  Laetitia  Haviland,and  has  Walter 
of  Orange  Co.,  James,  David,  and  Oliver.  0.  Hannah,  mar.  David  Griflin. 
10.  Rebecca,  mar.  George  Fritts.  11.  Anne,  mar.  John  Haviland.  H. 
Daniel,  b.  17th  July,  1755,  left  John  and  Sarah,  who  mar.  William  Waring. 

John  mar.  Rachel ,  and  has,  1.  James  T.,  M.  D.,  of  Indiana.     2.  Daniel 

S.  3.  Charles  S.  of  New  York,  who  mar.  Henrietta  Brooks,  da.  of  Benjamin 
Brooks,  Esq.,  of  Bridgeport,  Conn.  This  lady  is  a  lineal  descendant  of  Col- 
onel John  Jones,  one  of  the  judges  whose  signature  appears  to  the  warrant  for 
the  execution  of  King  Charles  ].,  by  his  wife  Henrietta  Cromwell^  eldest 
sister  of  the  Protector.  The  children  of  Charles  T.  and  Henrietta  are 
Charles  B.,  Henrietta,  and  Oliver  Eaton  Cromwell.     4.  Leonard  T.  of  New 

York.    111.  Naomi,  b.  4th  May,  1757,  mar.  Rev. Halstead.   IV.  Esther, 

b.  1st  Jan'y,  1760,  mar. Griffin.    V.  Hannah,  b.  20th  May,  1762,  mar. 

Field.     VI.  John,  b.  18th  Aug.  1767.     VII.  Joseph,  b.  3d  March,  177a 

d.  A.  D.  1843,  mar.  Mary  Clapp  of  Greenwich  ;  he  left  William  of  Harrison, 
who  mar.  Sarah  Griffin.  VIII.  William  of  Canada,  b.  20th  of  April,  1773,  d. 
left  William  of  Cedar  street,  N.  Y.  Arms,  Sa.  a  lion  rampant  arg.  Crest, 
A  demi  lion  rampant  arg.,  in  his  dexter  gamb  a  gem  ring  or. 

CuRRET  or  CoRTLANDT.  Richard  Currey  of  Northcastle  left  three  sons 
and  six  das.  I.  Joshua.  II.  Stephen,  mar.  Frances  Moore.  III.  Richard, 
mar.  Sarah  Ferris.  IV.  Jemima,  mar.  Elijah  Horton.  V.  Phcebe,  mar. 
John  Sherwood  of  Cortlandt.  VI.  Sarah,  mar.  John  Jones.  VII.  Rachel, 
mar.  William  Lane.  VIII.  Mary,  mar.  John  Smith.  IX.  Elizabeth,  mar. 
Joseph  Lee. 

Davenport  of  Davenport's  Neck,  New  Rochelle.  This  family  de- 
rive their  name  from  the  town  of  Davenport  or  Danport  in  the  county  of 
Cheshire,  England.  Camden  calls  them  "  the  famous  family  of  Davenport.** 
The  first  of  the  name  on  record  was  Ormns  de  Davenport  who  lived  at  the 
time  of  the  conquest.     William  Davenport  emigrated  from  England  aboat 

1670,  and  settled  at  Westchester,  he  mar  Mary ,  and  left  1.  William 

of  Perth  Amb  jy,  in  1723  proprietor  of  lands  in  West  Farms,  mar.  Bridget 

Vol.  11.  65 


614    '  APPENDIX. 

2.  Francis,  b.  l»t  March,  1685,  d.  8lh  May,  1720,  mar.  Martha 


Newberry ;  she  was  b.  Not.  7ih,  1688.  Their  children  were,  1.  Fraocis,  b. 
31st  May,  1715,  d.  2d  Aug.  1797,  mar.  Mary  Hewlett,  da.  of  Lewis ;  ahe  was 
b.  5ih  No?.  1713,  d.  23d  June,  1781.  3.  Walter,  b.  2(Hh  March,  1716.  S. 
i$amael,  b.  22d  Aog.  1718.  4.  Anne,  b.  20th  July,  1713.  Francia,  eldest 
son  of  Francis,  left,  I.  Lewis,  b.  4th  April,  1745.  II.  Newberry^  b.  5th  June, 
1746,  d.  4th  Jan'y,  1829,  first  proprietor  of  Da?enport's  Neck  io  1786,  mar. 
Elizabeth  Hewlett,  da.  of  Joseph ;  she  was  b.  19th  Jan*y,  1759,  mar.  20th 
Feb.  1774.  They  had,  1.  Joseph.  ^.  James.  3.  Hewlett.  4.  Lawrence 
of  Davenport's  Neck.  5.  Newberry  of  Davenport's  Neck.  6.  Deborah.  7. 
Mary  mar.  Samoel  Davis.  8.  Elizabeth,  mar.  Mr.  William  Buah  of  Rye. 
HI.  Samael,  b.  Oct.  5,  1753.     IV.  Martha,  b.  2d  June,  1748. 

Delatan   of  North  Salem.     Timothy  Delavan  left  nine  sons  rim. : 
I.  Timothy,  who  had  Timothy.     II.  Nathaniel,  who  has  several  chOdren. 

III.  Samuel.     IV.  John,  mar.  1st, Hastead,  and  has  Chauncej,  Jane, 

Catharine,  and  Elizabeth ;  he  mar.  2d  Patty  Keeler,  and  has  John,  Frederick, 
Deborah,  and  Nancy.  V.  Cornelias,  d.  s.  p.  VI.  Daniel.  VII.  Abraham 
the  father  of  Gilbert  and  Jesse.  VIII.  Stephen,  who  has  Daniel  and  Fred- 
erick.    IX.  Nathan,  the  father  of  Charles  and  Elizabeth. 

Dbake  of  Eastchesteb.  *^  John  Drakes  of  the  conncil  of  Plymootli, 
one  of  the  original  company  established  by  King  James  in  1606,  for  settling 
New  England,  was  a  branch  of  the  family  of  Drake  of  Ashe,  several  of  whose 
sons  came  to  this  coantry.  John^  who  came  to  Boston  in  1630,  with  two  or 
more  sons,  and  who  finaUy  settled  in  Windsor.*'  Samael  Drake,  sod  of  John, 
last  mentioned,  removed  to  Fairfield  about  1650,  and  from  thence  to  Eaat- 

chester  in  1663.     He  mar.  Anne ,  and  left  Joseph  of  Eastchester, 

Samuel t  heir  of  his  father's  lands  at  Fairfield,  John  of  Eastchester,  Sarah  and 
Mary,  who  mar.  Joseph  Joannes.  Joseph,  the  eldest,  roar.  Mary  Shate,  and 
had  issue,  I.  John,  who  settled  at  Peekskill  Hollow.  II.  Samael,  of  Fox 
Meadow,  Scarsdale,  d.  A.  D.  1774,  et.  75.  He  had,  1.  Gilbert,  d.  1803,  set. 
90.  2.  Samuel,  M.  D.,  late  of  Troy,  N.  Y.,  d.  1793,  et.  63  ;  he  left  Joshua^ 
d.  1790,  Jasper,  d.  1829,  Elijah^  et.  74,  Francis^  d.  1814,  Sarah,  mar.  John 
ManHeville,  Ann,  d.  unmar.,  Mary,  mar.  Joseph  Lockwood,  d.  1820,  Rebecca, 
roar.  G.  Millegrew,  and  Samuel,  M.  D.     HI.  Benjamin  of  Eastchester  left, 

1.  Benjamin,  who  mar.  1st,  Susan  Pell,  2d,  Martha  Seaman,  3d,  Phoebe , 

4th,  Charity  Archer.  The  children  of  Benjamin,  jr.,  were  Thomas,  who 
mar.  Sasannah  Morgan,  and  left  Charles,  M.  D.,  of  New  York,  b.  1789,  d. 
April,  1832,  a  distinguished  physician,  Sarah,  mar.  Jonathan  Coddington, 
Sosan,  still  living,  and  Anne,  who  mar.  John  Seaman.  Benjamin,  b.  2l9t 
Feb.  1763,  d.  17ih  June,  1822,  mar.  Mary  Parcot,  she  d.  1820.  Their  chil- 
dren were  Daniel  of  New  Rochelle,  b.  14th  April,  1786,  mar.  Abigail  Soulico, 
'    Susannah,  b.  Jan^y  8,  1788,  mar   Isasc  Bennett,  and  Nsncy.    James,  mar. 


APPENDIX.  516 

Sarah  Dodge,  and  led  James,  Susan,  mar.  Joseph  Drake,  Sarah,  mar.  Rich- 
ard Lawrence,  and  Marj,  mar.  Rev.  —  Lismekeese.  John,  fourth  son  of 
Benjamin,  jr.,  b.  1773i  mar.  Magdalene  Guion,  b.  1774,  and  had  Joseph,  b. 
1796,  Susan,  Elias  Guion,  b.  7th  Dec.  1799,  Benjamin,  b.  1801,  John  Erskine, 
b.  18th  Sept.  1802,  Jacob,  b.  1813,  Caroline,  b.  24lh  July,  1807,  mar.  John 
R.  Townsend,  Angeline  E.,  mar.  Samuel  J.  Skidmore,  and  Martha  Mag- 
dalene, b.  18ih  Oct.  1778,  d.  Jacobs  fifth  son  of  Benjamin,  jr.,  mar.  lst« 
Mary  Williams,  and  had  Jonas  W.,  b.  1799,  mar.  Mary  Betts,  Jacob, 
mar.  2d,  Susan  Ackerly,  and  left  William  Henry,  Mary  Anne,  and  others. 
Moses,  sixth  son  of  Benjamin,  jr.,  b.  1776,  mar.  Susan  Morgan.     Samuelt 

seventh  son  of  Benjamin,  jr.,  b.  1778,  d.  set.  22,  mar. Morgan.     Mary^ 

first  da.  of  Benjamin,  jr.,  mar.  Henry  Vervalen.  PAce^«,  second  da.,  mar. 
Thomas  Luvell.  Amy  d.  unmar.,  and  Martha  d.  et.  10.  2.  Col.  Joseph,  of 
New  Rochelle,  second  son  of  Benjamin,  sen.,  b.  12lh  July,  1737,  O.  S.,  d. 
llth  Sept.  1836,  et.  99,  mar.  Ist,  Phcebe  Hunt,  2d.  Lydia  Miller,  and  left 
Joseph,  b.  2d  Dec.  1766,  d.  16th  of  July,  1794.  3  Moses  of  Dutchess  Co., 
d.  during  early  part  of  Revolutionary  war,  left  issue  three  sons,  viz.,  Jonathan, 
Richard  and  Stephen.  Jonathan  had  one  son,  Joseph  Rodman  Drake,  the 
Poet,  b.  1795,  d.  Sept.  1820,  mar.  Sarah  Eckford.  Janet,  only  child  of  the 
Poet,  mar.  Col.  George  Dekay  of  L.  I.    Jonathan  had  also  three  das.    4. 

Abigail.     5.  Mary,  mar.  Caleb  Ward.     6.  Sarah,  mar. Hunt.     7.  Re- 

beca,  mar.  Caleb  Morgan.  IV.  Jasper,  who  lived  in  New  York,  bad  a  soa 
Francis  who  d.  at  sea,  and  several  da.    Y.  Rebeeca^    YL  Sarah.    Yll.  Anna, 

mar. Fowler.     Arms,  arg.  a  wivern  with  wings  displayed  gn.   Crests^ 

1st,  an  eagle  displayed,  2nd,  a  naked  dexter  arm  and  hand  erect,  holding  a 
battle  axe  sa.  headed  arg. 

Dtckman  of  Pbilipsborough.  All  of  this  name  in  America  are  supposed 
to  have  originated  from  WUiiam  Dyckman,  (a  native  of  Holland,)  who  was 
among  the  early  settlers  of  New  Amsterdam.  This  individual  was  a  liberal 
benefactor  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  of  Fordam  Manor.     His  gnmdsoa 

Jacobus  mar. Kesor.    The  children  of  Jacobus  were,  I.  Jaeoh,  mar. 

Tryntje  Benson  of  Haarlem,  and  had  1.  Jacob,  the  father  of  Jacob  and  John. 
8.  Sampson,  mar.  Rebecca  Odell,  da.  of  Isaac,  and  had  1st,  Hannah  ;  2d,  Cath- 
arine, mar.  Matthias  Yalentine.  3.  Btnjamm,  mar.  Martha  Lent,  da.  of 
Jacob,  and  left  William,  John,  Sampson,  and  Jane.  4.  Jacob,  mar.  Margaret 
Post,  da.  of  Martin,  and  had  Martin,  Sampson,  Benson,  Staats  Morris,  Cath- 
arine, mar.  Pell  C.  Yought,  Martha  Maria,  mar.  Isaac  Mandeville,  and  Elmira, 
mar.  Louis  Levines.  6.  John,  mar.  Letta  Goetchios,  and  left  issue  Sampson 
and  Rachel  Goetchius.  6.  Garett,  mar.  Joanna,  da.  of  Jonathan  Odell,  and 
had  William  N.  and  Jacob  G.  7.  WiUiam  N.  mar.  Rebecea  Odell,  da.  of 
Jonathan.  Their  children  were  Sampson,  Jonathan,  William,  Cathalioe, 
Maria  and  Rebecca.  8.  Maria,  mar.  John  Clark.  9.  Jane,  mar.  John  van 
Yredenborgh.     10.  Caihalme,  mar.  Daniel  Hale.     Staaui  Morria,  soa  of 


616  APPENDIX. 

Jacob,  mar.  Elixa  Canada,  grand  da.  of  Peter  Corny,  and  leA  Peter  C.  and 

Susan  Matilda,  who  mar.  Mr.  Wheaton.     Elixabeth,  da.  of  Peter  C,  mar. 

Col.  John  P.  Crager.     II.  'William  Dyckman,  second  eon  o{  JacobaSy  b.  Aug. 

23d,  1725,  d.  Aug.  10,  1767,  roar.  Mary  Turner ;  she  was  b.  Feb.  4,  1728,  d. 

Feb.  14,  1802.    Their  children  were,  1.  ^Jacohxis^  b.  Sept.  18lb,  1748,  who 

left  William,  Frederick,  mar.  E?a  Myers,  John,  Abraham,  mar.  Marga^ 

Honeywell,  Jacob,  James,  Isaac,  Michael,  Hannah,  mar.  Caleb  Smith,  and 

Maria.     2.  Abraham,  b.  Aug.  25, 1754,  one  of  the  Westchester  guides  during 

the  Revolution.    3.  Michael,  b.  August  9, 1756,  d.  Jan^t  1808,  a  Westchester 

guide,  mar.  Sarah  Oakley,  and  had  two  das.  Sarah  and  Maria.     4.  Wdliam^ 

b.  9th  Dec.  1762,  also  a  Westchester  guide,  he  left  William  and  Evert,  both 

residing  at  the  West.     5.  John,  b.  28ih  July,  1764,  d.  15th  April,  1774.    6. 

Mary,  b.  Juno  2,  1752,  d.  23d  Feb.  1826,  mar.  Jacob  Vermilyea.     7.  Jane, 

b.  26ih  June,  1759,  d.  24th  March,  1772.     8.  Jemima,  b.  25th  Feb.  1765. 

mar.  Evert  Brown.     9.  Charity^  b.  18th  May,  1770,  mar.  Benjamia  Lent. 

Field.  The  name  of  Field  is  of  frequent  occurrence  in  Doomsday  book, 
and  is  there  often  interchanged  with  Lea,  a  word  having  the  same  signi- 
fication. John  Field  of  Ardsley,  County  of  York,  England,  was  a  distin- 
guished mathematician  and  astronomer.  He  is  said  to  have  been  the 
first  person  who  introduced  into  England,  by  his  writings,  the  discov« 
eries  of  Copernicus.  His  Ephemerides  was  published  in  that  country  in 
1556.  His  will  bears  date  Dec.  28th,  1586,  in  which  he  directs  his  body  to 
be  interred  in  the  church  porch  at  Ardsley.  H^  mar.  Jane  Amyas  of  Kent, 
who  d.  A.  D.  IC09.  His  children  were  I.  Richard,  b.  1562,  who  left  a  da. 
Mary;  H.  Christopher;  III.  John;  IV.  Matthew  of  Ardsley,  b.  1615;  V. 
Thomas;  VI.  James;  VII.  Martin;  VIII.  William,  who  mar.  tho  widow  of 
George  Burdett,  da.  of  John  Totwell,  and  had  Judith,  the  wife  of  John  Mun- 
dy.  Matthew,  fourth  son  of  John,  had  two  sons,  James  and  Robert.  James 
had  Robert,  James,  Anne,  and  Judith.  Robert  removed  to  America,  and  set- 
tled at  Flushing,  L.  I.,  in  1645.     He  left  Anthony,  Benjamin,  and    Robert. 

Anthony,  the  eldest,  mar.  Susannah ,  and  had  first,  John,  who  removed 

to  New  Jersey.  He  was  the  father  of  Jeremiah  and  others  ;  secondly,  Ben- 
jamin, who  mar.  Hannah  Bowne,  she  was  b.  in  1665,  and  d.  A.  D.  1707.  The 
children  of  Benjamin  and  Hannah,  were  I.  Robert,  b.  1707,  the  father  of  Uri- 
ah. Uriah  left  1.  Aaron,  who  had  first  Charles,  the  father  of  seven  children, 
viz.;  Edward,  Rit  hird,  Charles  M.,  Aaron,  Phoebe,  Jane,  and  Louisa  M., 
2nd.  Richard,  4th.  Sarah  C,  5th  Anne,  6th  Eliza,  and  7th.  Hannah  ;  2.  Rob- 
ert, second  son  of  Uriah,  3.  Josiah,  ibid.,  4.  James,  ibid.,  5.  Abigail,  6.  Elis- 
abeth, 7.  Hannah,  8.  Sarah,  9.  Mary,  10.  Anna.  The  two  da.  of  Robert,  son 
of  Benjamin,  were  Jerusha  and  Sarah.  II.  Benjamin,  b.  1692  ;  III.  John,  b. 
1694 ;  IV.  Samuel,  b.  1696,  left  three  sons,  William,  Stephen,  and  John. 
William  had  William  and  Samuel ;  V.  Anthony  of  Harrison,  Westchester  Co., 
b.  1698,  mar.  Hannah  Burling,  and  had  1.  John  of  Yorktowo,  who  mar.  Lydia 


APPENDIX.  617 

Hazard  of  Rhode  Island,  3.  Thomas,  3.  Moses,  4.  Samael,  roar.  Abigail 
Haight,  5.  Benjamin,  b.  1733,  d.  1818,  roar.  Jerusha  Sutton,  6.  William,  mar. 
Mary  Hatfield,  7.  Sarah,  mar.  Joseph  Waters,  8.  Mary.  John,  eldest  son  of 
Anthony  and  Hannah,  led  nine  sons  and  four  da.,  1.  Hazard,  mar.,  1.  Frances 
Wright,  2.  Mary  Bailey,  and  had  two  sons,  Benjamin  and  Joseph.  Benjamin 
mar.  Catharine  Depeyster,  and  has  one  son,  Cortlandt.  The  four  da.  of  Haz- 
ard are  Phoebe,  Hannah,  Jerusha,  and  Abigail.  2.  John  mar.  Frances  Perry, 
3.  Daniel  mar.  Elizabeth  Field,  and  lef^  one  son  James,  and  two  da.  James 
had  Edward,  James,  and  Adele.  4.  James ;  5.  Joseph  ;  6.  Moses  of  Peeks^ 
kill,  d.  Oct.  18,  1833,  mar.  Susan  K.  Osgood,  and  le(\.  Maunsell,  Osgood, 
Franklin  C,  Moses  A.,  William  Hazard,  Susan  K.,  and  Caroline  M.  7. 
William,  mar.  Sarah  Fairchild,  had  a  son  William,  who  mar.  Margaretta 
Day.  The  latter  lefl  two  children,  viz.,  William  and  Helen.  8.  Hickson, 
mar.  Eleanor  K.  De  Forest,  and  had  a  son  Hickson,  who  mar.  Mary  Brad- 
burst,  and  a  da.  Eleanor,  who  mar.  John  Jay.  0.  Seaman,  youngest  son  of 
John,  mar.  Eliza  Debourg,  and  has  De  Forest,  Eliza,  mar.  J.  T.  Blanchard, 
Odell,  and  Clemence.  10.  Abigail,  mar.  Leonard  Van  Hoosen.  11.  Phcebe, 
mar.  Henry  Fowler.  13.  Jerusha.  13.  Josiah.  14.  Sarah,  mar.  Caleb 
Horton.  15.  Abigail,  d.  young.  VI.  Joseph,  b.  1703,  left  Gilbert,  Nehe- 
raiah,  Solomon,  and  Comfort.  VII.  Hannah,  b.  1700.  VIII.  Sarah,  young- 
est da.  of  Benjamin  and  Hannah  Bowne,  was  b.  A.  D.  1704.  Arrfts,  sa, 
a  chey.  betw.  3  garbs,  arg.  Crests  a  dexter  arm,  issuing  out  of  the  clouds, 
fesse  ways,  ppr.,  habited  gu.,  holding  in  the  hand  ppr.,  a  spear,  or. 

Falconer.  Peter  Falconer^  one  of  the  first  patentees  of  North  Castle, 
lefi  two  sons.  I.  William,  who  had  1.  Josiah,  3.  Ruth,  3.  Catharine,  4.  Han- 
nah. II.  John  of  Eastchester,  b.  Dec.  18,  1747,  d.  June  34,  1831,  ait.  88, 
mar.  Elizabeth  Purdy,  she  was  b.  May  31,  1749,  d.  Dec.  33,  1799.  Their 
children  were  1.  David  of  N.  Y.,  b.  Dec.  10, 1773.  S.  Jonathan  of  Miltown,  N. 
v.,  b.  Feb.  14,  1774,  3.  Roger  of  N.  J.,  b.  Aug.  30,  1775,  4.  Josiah  of  N.  Y. 
b.  May  1,  1780,  5.  William  of  N.  Y.  b.  May  1, 1780,  6.  Anne,  b.  Dec.  9, 1779, 
mar.  Matthew  Fogel,  7.  Elizabeth,  b.  July,  1781,  mar.  William  Baldwin,  8. 
Catharine,  b.  January  8,  1783,  man  John  Fisher,  of  White  Plains. 

Ferris  of  Westchester.  The  family  of  Ferris  came,  according  to  the 
earliest  accounts,  from  Normandy.  Henry  de  Feriers,  the  son  of  Gnal- 
chelme  de  Feriers,  a  Norman,  obtained  from  William  the  Conqueror,  large 
grants  of  land  in  the  counties  of  Staffordshire,  Derbyshire,  and  Leicestershire. 
John  Ferris,  a  native  of  Leicestershire,  England,  emigrated  to  Fairfield,  Con- 
necticut, from  whence  he  removed  to  Westchester  about  1654.  He  was  one 
of  the  first  patentees  of  the  town  of  Westchester,  A.  D.  1667.  He  mar. 
Mary ,  and  left  five  sons  and  four  da.  I.  Samuel,  one  of  the  first  assis- 
tants, and  common  council  of  the  borough  town  of  Westchester,  mar.  1699, 
Sarah,  da.  of  John  Pinckney.    II.  John.     III.  James  of  Throckmorton^a 


618  APPENDIX. 

neck,  d.  174A,  mar,  Anne  Sands.  IV.  Jonathan  of  Cortlairdts  manor,  d.  1753, 
had  isaoe,  two  sons,*!.  Jonathan,  who  left  Honorable  Jonathan,  and  F.  Heniy, 
9.  Da?id,  who  left  David  and  Caleb.     V.  Peter.     VI.  Mary,  mar.  —  Bur- 

ling.    VII.  Hannah,  mar. Mott.    VIII.  Martha,  mar. Clark.    IX. 

Sarah,  mar.  Solomon  Palmer.  James,  third  son  of  John,  left,  lat.  John,  pro- 
prietor of  the  Grove  Farm,  Throckmorton^s  neck,  b.  Jane,  1733,  d.  Janoarj, 
1814,  mar.  Mianna  Hunt,  da.  of  Thomas  Hant,  and  had  two  sons  and  fonr  da. 
I.  Elijah,  b.  84th  Jan.  1768,  d.  May,  1842,  mar.  Amelia  Livingston,  da.  of 
Philip  Livingston,  and  left  Lindley,  John  H.,  William  Livingston,  and  Charl- 
ton. II.  Jonathan  of  New  York,  mar.  Ursula  Catplin,  and  had  John,  Alexan- 
der, Lynd,  M.  D.,  Charles,  Mortimer,  Edwin,  Valentine,  Helen,  mar.  Dr. 
Brayton,  Martha,  and  Almira.  III.  Hannah,  mar.  Valentine  Seaman,  M.  D. 
IV.  Elizabeth,  mar.  Thomas  Cock,  M.  D.  V.  Elvina.  VI.  Mary.  8d. 
James,  heir  of  his  father  James,  taken  prisoner  by  the  Qaeen^s  Rangers,  du- 
ring the  Revolutionary  war,  mar.  Charity  Thomas,  da.  of  the  Hon.  John 
Thomas,  she  was  b.  July  3,  17^4.  The  issue  of  James  and  Charity  were  I. 
Thomas,  clerk ^Ahe  County  of  Westchester,  mar.  Mary  Ann  Banks,  and  left 

1.  Samuel  of  Northcastle,  mar.  Hetty  Guion,  2.  Harriet,  3.  Margaret,  mar. 

John  Harris,  4.  Anne,  mar.  Cliff,  5.  Deborah,  6.  Catharine,  Upar.  Joha 

Guion,  7.  Maria.  II.  James  of  New  York,  mar.  Sarah  Oakley,  and  had  1. 
Floyd,  M.  D.,  2.  James  of  Throckmorton  Neck,  alderman  of  the  Sixth  Ward, 
N.  Y.,  3.  Henry,  d.  s.  p.,  4.  Clayborn,  clerk  of  the  ward  courts  of  N.  Y.,  5. 
Capt.  Watson,  commander  of  the  St.  George,  patsket  ship,  6.  Warren,  7. 
Richard,  8.  Ann,  mair.  Alexander  Hamilton,  9.  Elizabeth,  10.  Charity,  mar. 
Capt.  Woodhouse,  11.  Sarah,  mar.  —  Hicks.  III.  Edward,  d.  Jan.  8, 
1820,  ttt.  52,  mar.  Elizabeth  Godsby,  da.  of  I'homas  Godsby,  of  England. 
She  d.  Feb.  3,  1825,  et.  54.  The  children  of  Edward  are  1.  Hon.  Charles 
G.,  member  of  the  23d  and  27th  Congresses,  and  alderman  of  the  4th  Ward, 
in  1832-3,  2.  Caroline,  mar.  John  Richardson.  IV.  David  of  Westchester, 
mar.  Ann  Ferris,  da.  of  Benjamin,  and  had  1.  Cornell  of  Westchester,  d. 
1845,  2.  Edward,  3.  George,  4.  John  T.,  5.  Clinton.  V.  George,  youngest 
son  of  James  and  Charity,  d.  March  11,  1841,  aet.  66,  roar.  Miss  Post,  and 
lefl    1.   Thomas,  heir  of  the   Thomas  ^tate,  Harrison,  Westchester   Co. 

2.  Oscar,  proprietor  of  the  homestead  un  Throckmorton^s  Neck,  3.  Catharine, 

mar.  McCIay.     VI.  Mary,  VII.   Pepgy,  VIII.  Ann,  mar.  Philip  Pell, 

Judge  Advocate  of  the  American  army.  IX.  Abigail,  youngest  da.  of  James 
and  Charity,  mar.  Capt.  David  Harrison.  ArmSf  az,  on  a  chev,  sa,  between 
three  cinquefoils  gu,  as  many  horse  shoes  of  the  field.  Cresty  out  of  a  ducal 
coronet,  a  sinister  hand  between  two  wings,  ppr. 

Fountain  or  Bedford Fountain,  Esq.,  descended  from  the 

Fountains  of  Stockingham,  Devonshire,  England,  was  a  merchant  of  opulence, 
and  emigrated  to  America  about  1050.  He  d.  let.  100,  leaving  Moses,  and  a 
younger  son  who  d.  s.  p.  et.  104.     Moses,  the  eldest,  had  also  two  sons,  via. 


APPENDIX.  619 

Moses  and  Matthew.  The  latter  was  a  military  officer  of  some  distinction. 
Previous  to  the  Revolutionary  war  he  removed  from  Bedford  to  Eastcbester* 
where  he  d.  from  the  bite  of  a  fox,  aet.  56.  He  lef^  four  eons,  I.  Stephen. 
II.  Aaron.  III.  Rev.  Ezra  of  Bedford,  b.  20ih  May,  1743,  d.  Oct.  16,  1840. 
IV.  James  of  Bedford.  Rev.  Ezra  had,  1.  James^  M.  D.,  of  the  New  York 
University,  who  has  Hosea,  M.  D.,  of  Somers,  Elias,  Jabez,  Husted,  C.  Hor- 
ton,  and  Ezra  James.  2.  Hosea,  3.  Tyler  of  Peekskill.  Arms^  arg.  threo 
bars,  gamelles,  gu,  on  a  canton  az.  a  lion  passant  guardant,  or.  Crests  an 
eagle's  head  erased,  holding  in  his  beak  a  snake. 

Fowler  of  East  and  Westchester.  All  of  this  name  in  Connecticut 
and  New  York  are  supposed  to  have  originated  from  William  Fowler  of  New 
Haven,  who  was  elected  a  magistrate  in  1637,  and  was  one  of  the  first  settlers 
of  Milfurd,  1639.  John  Fowler  was  living  at  Guilford,  Conn,  in  1650. 
Benjamin  Fowler^  of  Westchester,  removed  toPhilipso's  Manor,  b.  1715,  mar. 
Sarah  Vincent.  Their  children  were,  I.  Anthony,  mar.  Elizabeth  Taylor, 
and  had,  1.  Benjamin.  3.  Abraham.  3.  Anthony.  4.  Nathaniel.  5.  Sarah. 
II.  Vincent,  mar.  1st,  Dorothy  Valentine,  2nd,  Mrs.  Merriit,  and  left,  1.  Ann. 
S.  Abraham.  3.  Rebecca.  4.  Benjamin.  5.  Mary.  6.  Sarah.  HI.  Fred- 
erick, whose  da.  Jane  mar.  Jeremiah  Dobbs.  IV.  Josiah,  d.  s.  p.  V.  Ben- 
jamin, d.  8.  p.  VI.  Hannah,  mar.  H.  Fowler,  M.  D.  VII.  Ann,  nar.  Den- 
nis Brewer.  VIII.  Isabel,  mar.  Dennis  Post.  Henry  Fowler  of  Eastcbester 
was  one  of  the  associate  proprietors  of  the  Long  Reach  Patent  in  1708.  He 
left  Henry  the  father  of  William,  who  was  b.  A.  D.  1701.  William  had 
Richard  the  father  of  Philemon  of  Eastcbester.  Edmund  Fowler  of  East- 
cbester d.  A.  D.  1747,  mar.  Rachel,  and  left,  1.  Gilbert  2.  Edmund,  to 
whom  his  father  devised  all  those  lands  in  Eastcbester  called  Hutcbin^s.  3. 
Solomon.     John  Fowler  of  Eastcbester  had  John,  Abigail,  who  mar.  ■ 

Secor,  and  Jemima,  who  mar. Willianns.    John  Fowler,  jr.,  d.  cir.  1766, 

mar.  Elizabeth,  and  left,  1.  John.  2.  Andrew.  3.  David.  4.  Joshua.  5. 
Thomas. 

Gaulladet  of  New  Rochelle.  The  ancestors  of  the  Gaulladeu  wore 
Protestants,  inhabitants  of  La  Rochelle,  in  France.  On  the  Revocation  of  the 
Edict  of  Nantes  Pierre  Elise6  Gaulladet,  a  physician  at  Rochelle,  fled  from 
France  to  England,  from  whence  he  removed  to  America  and  settled  at  New 

Rochelle.     His  son  Pierre  d.  A.  D.  1774,  mar. Willmouth,  and  left,  1. 

Klisha.  2.  Colonel  Peter,  commander  of  a  troop  of  light  horse  in  the  Conti- 
nental service.  3.  Joseph  of  New  RocheUe,  mar.  Ann  Badeau.  4.  Mary, 
mai.  Samuel  Pease.     5.  Frances,  mar. Casting. 

GuioN  OF  New  Rochelle.  Louis  Guion,  Ecuyer,  ^*  the  founder  of  this 
eminently  respectable  family'*  was  b.  at  La  Rochelle,  in  France,  about  1640. 
Four  years  before  the  Revocation  of  the  celebrated  Edict  of  Nantes,  he  fled 


520  APPENDIX. 

with  his  family  into  England,  from  whence  he  emigrated  to  America  and  ael- 
tled  at  New  Rochelle  about  1687.  Feb.  6th,  1695,  he  received  laicenof 
denization  from  King  William  of  England.     His  son   Laouis,  who  d.  at  Nev 

Rochelle  cir.  1725,  mar.  Tomaza ,  and  \e(i  1.  Louis  or  Lewis,  b.  at  sea, 

who  had  1.  Isaac,  mar.  Mary  Bolt  and  left  Thomas^  Frederick  S.,  Isaac, 
M.  D.,  Laetitia,  mar.  Jos.  Purdy,  and  Maria,  b.  9th  March,  1750.  9.  Abra- 
ham, b.  Ist  Jan.  1719,  d.  Jan.  1, 1799,  had  issue  1.  Frederick,  b.  1751,  d.  1831, 
mar.  Jemima  Uacketi,and  left  Frederick  Augustus,  Maria,  Alethea,  Julia,  and 
Cornelia,  2  John,  3.  Major  Isaac  of  Natchez,  mar.  Sarah  Lewis,  and  had 
Capl  Frederick  U.  S.  A.,  Hun.  John  of  Yicksburgh,  Hod.  JLiOwis  of  Misaia- 
sippi,  Cipt.  Walter,  U.  S.  A.,  3.  David,  mar.  Esther  Parcot,  4.  Peter,  d.  ap., 
5.  Jo^in  of  Rye  Neck,  b.  Feb.  1,  1723,  d.  June  21,  1792,  mar.  1747,  Aona 
Hart,  she  was  b.  April  11,  1728,  and  d.  Feb.  26.  1814.  The  children  of  Joho 
and  Anna  were  1.  Jonathan,  b.  January  28,  1749,  mar.  Phoebe  Lyon,  and  left 
two  sons,  James  and  Alvy.  James,  the  eldest,  had  Rev.  Thomas  Tompkiaa, 
2.  Sarah,  b.  April  25,  1751,  d.  July  15,  1808,  mar.  Bartholomew  Hadden,! 
Peter,  b.  May  27,  1753,  d.  1772,  4.  James,  b.  June  22,  1755,  d.  at  New 
Haven,  Feb.  1,  1781.  5.  Dinah,  b.  May  7, 1757,  mar.  Peter  Knapp,  6.  Anna, 
b.  Jan.  12.  1760,  mar.  Silas  Knapp,  7.  John,  b.  March  4,  1762,  mar.  Pbebe 
Huestis,  8.  Abraham,  b.  January  26,  1765,  d.  Oct.  0,  I8r?l,  mar.  May  19, 
1793,  Mary  Purdy,  Ehe  was  b.  June  7,  1777,  and  d.  Sept.  28,  1816.  The 
children  of  Abraham  and  Mary  were  Anne  Eliza,  d.  Oct.  26,  1840,  mar. 
Thomas  Haviland  of  Rye,  Sarah,  d.  May  15,  1798,  Maria,  mar.  JohnW. 
Conno?er,  of  New  York,  John,  d.  19th  Feb.  1798,  William  Henry,  proprietor  of 
the  homestead  on  Rye  Neck,  Peter  Knapp,  d.  July  10,  1838,  mar.  Jane 
Stockbridge  of  New  York,  James  Hart  of  Rye  Neck,  mar.  Jaoe  Harriot, 
Sarah  Ophelia,  mar.  Royal  C.  Orrasby  of  New  York,  Charity  Amelia,  mar. 
Garret  Vermilyea  of  Rye,  Hetty  Adeline,  mar.  Gilbert  Haight  of  Maroa- 
runejk,  Charlotte  Purdy,  d.  April  2,  1824,  and  Chalan  Gabriel  of  Rye  Neck, 
mar.  Sarah  Wright,  of  L.  1.  9.  Isaac,  b.  Sept.  19,  1767,  mar.  £iizabeth 
Wilsey,  10.  Elijah,  b.  April  19,  1770,  mar.  Elizabeth  Marshall,  and  left 
Rev.  John  M.,  and  the  Hev.  Elijah,  who  mar.  Clara  Beu*k,  11.  Monmouth 
Hart,  b.  Oct.  8,  1771,  mar.  Anne  Lyon.  }1.  Isaac,  second  son  of  second 
Louis,  mar.  Maria and  had  Louis  of  Eastchester.  The  latter  left  Lew- 
is of  Eastchester,  Daniel  of  Eastchester,  Mary,  mar.  John  Albeson,  Isabel, 
Margaret,  and  Susannah.  III.  Aman,  third  son  of  second  Louis,  d.  cir.  1757, 
mar.  Elizabeth  Samson,  and  had  1.  Elias,  b.  Sept.  14,  1728,  d.  Nor.  26, 
1811,  mar.  16th  December,  1770,  Magdalene  Soulice,and  had  Elias  of  New 
Rochelle,  b.  Feb.  19,  1772,  Mary  Elizabeth,  b.  May  24,  1776,  Magdalene, 
b.  19th  August,  1774,  mar.  "John  Drake,  son  of  Benjamin,  2.  Benjamin,  h. 
Feb.,  1730,  mar.  Sarah  Pell,  da.  of  Joshua,  she  was  b.  July  30,  1744.  They 
left  Phoebe,  bapt.  1784,  and  others,  3.  Esaie,  b.  Aug.  26,  1736,  4.  Aman 
of  New   Ho.'hellc,  5.    Elizabeth,  6.  Susannah,   mar.  John  Landrine.     IV. 


APPENDIX.  521 

Sasannab,  only  da.  of  second  Louis,  mar.  John  Sunlice.  Arms.  D*arg.  au 
cap  de  Tigne  de  sable  charge  de  trois  grappes,  de  raisins  de  geales. 

Hadley  of  Yonkers.     Joseph  Hadley  was  living  at  Tonkers,  in  1687. 

His  grandson,  Joseph,  roar.  Elittabel  ,  and  left  George,  who  roar 

Phoebe  Tippett.  The  children  of  George  were  I.  Isaac.  IT.  Frederick. 
III.  George.  IV.  Abraham.  V.  Stephen.  VI.  William.  VII.  Elizabeth. 
Williaro,  sixth  son  of  George,  roar.  Elizabeth  Warner,  and  left  1.  Joseph, 
ob.  at  the  West ;  2.  Moses,  whose  son  Moses  is  still  living ;  3.  Williaro,  d.  at 
N.  Y. ;  4.  Charles  of  Connecticut,  where  sons  are  still  living;  5.  John,  d.  ; 
6.  Jaroes  of  N.  Y. ;  7.  Isaac,  whose  two  sons  d.  in  the  U.  S.  A. ;  8.  Jacob 
of  Western  New  York  ;  9.  Thomas,  d.  at  Charlestown ;  10.  George  Wash* 
ington. 

Hahpord  op  North  Salem.  The  Rev.  Thomas  Hanford,  was  the  Arst 
Presbyterian  roinister  of  the  town  of  Norwalk.  He  d.  A.  D.  1693,  and  left 
several  sons.    Thoroas,  the  eldest,  had  Thoroas.     The  latter  left  two  sons,  I. 

Tboroas  of  Noiwalk,  whose  da.  Mary,  roar. Wentworth.    II.  Ger- 

shom  of  North  Salero,  whose  sons  are  1.  Gershoro;  2.  Lewis  of  North  Sa« 
lero ;  3.  John  of  North  Salero  ;  4.  Josiah ;  5.  Thoroas ;  6.  Neheroiah ;  7.  Ste- 
phen. 

Holmes  of  Bedford.  This  family  derive  their  origin  from  John  Holmes, 
who  emigrated  from  Beverly,  Yorkshire,  England,  to  America,  about  1660. 
In  1690,  he  was  one  of  the  resident  proprietors  of  Bedford,  b.  oir.  1639,  d. 
1729.  His  son  John  was  for  many  years  town  clerk,  and  justice  of  the  peace 
for  Bedford.     John  Holmes  jun.,  d.  A.  D.  1763,  he  mar.  Jeroiroa  ■, 

and  left  I.  John,  proprietor  of  the  Coharoong  farm,  b.  1735,  d.  176*2,  who  had 
Lewis  and  Catharine.  II.  Col.  Jaroes,  b.  1737,  d.  July,  1824,  roar.  Sept.  25, 
1787,  Taroar  Lounsberry,  she  d.  Oct.  11,  1788.  Their  two  da.  were  Taroar, 
b.  June  4,  1786,  who  roar.  James  Ronalds,  and  Sally,  b.  Oct.  27,  1787,  who 
roar.  Jereroiah  Lounsberry  of  Bedford.  HI.  Stephen,  proprietor  of  the 
homestead,  d.  Sept.  1779.  IV.  Sarah.  V.  Rebecca.  VI.  Lois.  VII.  Em* 
ma.  VIIL  Doreas.  Of  this  family  was  David  Holroes  of  Bedford,  in  1710, 
whose  sons  were  I.  Joseph,  who  left  Joseph  of  Bedford,  the  father  of  Na* 
than.  The  latter  had  two  children,  viz.,  Joseph  and  Safah,  who  roar.  Charles 
Miller.  II.  Reuben.  III.  Jonathan,  who  roar.  Dorothy,  and  left  1.  Jonathan, 
who  had  two  da.,  Martha,  roar.  Richard  Wilder,  and  Mary,  mar.  Isaac  Chase ; 
2.  Solomon,  mar.  Rachel  Miller,  and  left  a  son  and  three  da. ;  3.  Hezekiah, 
mar.  Elizabeth  Finch,  he  d.  in  1813,  et.  100.  The  children  of  Hezekiah  are 
Jaroes  of  Thoropsontown,  Jonathan,  Patty,  et.  92,  in  1847,  and  Rachel,  at. 
82  ;  4.  Dorothy  ;  5.  Mary  ;  6.  Rachel.  IV.  David,  left  two  sons,  1st.  David, 
the  father  of  David,  2nd.  Sarouel,  the  father  of  Stephen. 

Vol-  II.  66 


622  APPENDIX. 

HoRTON  OF  Rye  and  White  Plains.  Joseph  Hoiloa  wac  atiJHn  be- 
fore 1679.  He  had  several  sons.  Captain  John,  the  eldest,  left  M^pf  ^bo 
was  li?ing  at  Rye,  1707.     The  latter  had  a  son,  Joseph,  who  oiar.   Elizmbeth 

.  David  of  White  Plains,  supposed  son  of  Joseph,  had  four  •ona,  I. 

Joseph.    II.  Thomas.    III.  John.    IV.  Daniel,  who  had  I.  Stephen  of  Whita 
Plains,  who  left  Daviil  of  Yonkers  and  Benjamin ;  2.  Daniel ;  3.  Smmoel ;  4. 
George  W.  of  City  Island ;  5.  Elijah  C. ;  6.  Anne  mar.  Samqel  Crawford  of 
White  Plains ;  7.  Margaret.     Of  this  family  was  William  Hortoo  of  Kutg 
Street,  Rye.  who  had  I.  Jeremiah  of  Mamaroneck,  who  mar.  Elizabeth  Hart, 
and  left  1.  Abraham;  3.  James;  3.  Benjamin;  4.  Elijah;  5.  Hannah;  6. 
Anne.     II.  Isaac,  d.  s.  p.  1821,  mar.  Sarah  Cornell.     III.  Timothy  of  I«.  I. 
IV.  Rachel.     V.  Pruer.     Daniel  Horton  of  Rye,  a  lineal  descenAwt  of  first 
Joseph,  b.  Feb.  22,   1776,  mar.  Anne  Stiang,  she  wrs  b.  Sept.  30,   1764. 
Their  children  were  I.  James,  b.  Oct.  29,  1767 ;  2.  Henry,  b.  Feb.  19,  17S9; 
3.  Ebenezer,  b.  Nov.  30,  1796,  ob.  May  13,  1814.     4.  Nathaniel,  h.  Jan.  17, 
1794  ;  5.  Phoebe,  b.  May  23,  1791  ;  6.  Margaret,  b.  Oct.  20,  1795,  d.  Oct.  98. 
1793 ;  7.  Mary  Ann,  b.  Sept.  9,  1798,  d.  May  18,  1823  ;  8.  Martha,  b.  Sept. 
7,  1801 ;  9.  Margaret,  b.  April  2,  1804  ;  10.  Caroline,  b.  Feb.  28,  1807  ;  II. 
Elizabeth  Ann,b.  Oct  2,  1824.     Of  this  family  was.  John  Horton  of  Whita 
Plains,  who  d.  1763,  and  left  1.  Azariah  ;  2.  Phoebe ;  3rd.  Patience;  4.  Haa- 
nah. 

HuESTis  OR  EusTis.  Robert  Hoestis  removed  from  Fairfield  to  West* 
cheater,  aboot  1664.  By  his  wife  Elizabeth,  he  had  Robert,  John,  Samoel, 
and  David.  James,  whether  connected  with  Robert  or  not,  is  aneertain,  came 
from  Fairfield  to  Eastchester,  in  1665.  The  children  of  James  were  let. 
Jonathan^  b.  Nov.  12,  1667.  2nd.  James^  b.  Feb.  15,  1669.  3d.  Judah^  b. 
March  16,  1671.  James,  second  son  of  James,  mar.Tamar  Pell,da.  of  Joho, 
and  left  Ist.  James,  d.  cir.  1779-80,  et.  80,  mar.  Tamar  Ferris,  and  had  1. 
James  mar.  Griflfen;  2.  Caleb;  3.  Samuel,  a  man  of  great  literary  attain* 
ments,  lost  his  manuscripts  by  fire,  which  brought  on  mental  derangement, 

mar. Appleby  ;  4.  Joshua,  d.  Dec.  1781,  mar.  Abbe  Barker,  she 

d.  cir.  1821,  let.  90;  5.  Martha,  mar.  James  Boyd  ;  6.  Sarah,  mar.  Samoel 
Nelson.  Joshua,  fourth  son  of  James,  had  I.  Thomas  of  New  Brunswick,  b. 
Dec.  25,  1760,  mar.  1.  Phoebe  Mabee ;  2.  Eliza  Smith.  He  left  by  PbcdM 
Mabee,  1.  Joshua,  mar.  Sarah  Black;  2.  Peter,  mar.  Miss  Lefurge;  3. 
James;  4.  Nathaniel.  By  Eliza  Smith,  1.  Phoebe;  2.  Mabee,  mar.  Simon 
Newcombe;  3.  Abby;  4.  Joshua;  5.  Thomas.  H.  Mary,  d.  1836,  mar. 
Benjamin  Palmer.  III.  Benjamin,  b.  Dec.  1765,  mar.  Hannah  Higby,  she 
was  b.  June  16,  1771.  Their  children  were  1.  Joshua;  2.  Fleming;  3.  Ben- 
jamin ;  4.  Thomas  Palmer ;  5.  Samuel ;  6.  William  ;  7.  Daniel ;  8.  Harvej  ; 
9.  Catharine,  mar.  Abraham  Lent ;  10.  Mary  ;  11.  Abigail  Jane.  IV.  Joshua, 
proprietor  of  Pelham  Neck,  b.  July  15,  1768,  mar.  Leah  Rodman,  and  left 
Anna  Maria,  d.  1834,  mar.  Moses  Odell.    V.  Elizabeth,  b.  Oct.  23, 1769,  mar. 


APPENDIX.  623 

AngwIlM  Lawrence  Esqr.  VI.  Daniel,  mar.  Sasannah  Rich,  and  left  1.  Re- 
Keeea  Anne,  mar.  Nicholas  Uoderhill ;  2.  Mary,  mar.  Charles  Augustas 
Briggs.    VJI.  Elijah  of  Ithaca,  Tompkins  Co.,  mar.  Elizabeth  Greene,  and  had 

1.  Deborah  Ann,  mar.  Ist,  William  Riccards,  2nd,  John  Perry  ;  2  Jine,  mar. 
Ist,  John  Farrell,  2nd,  Will.  Bennett ;  3.  Emmeline,  mar.  John  Cutis ;  4.  Lo- 
renio  Scott ;  6.  Thomas  Greene  ;  6.  Joshua  ;  7.  Charlotte.  James,  second 
son  of  first  James,  left  secondly,  John,  b.  cir.  1734,  d.  1760,  mar.  Elizabeth 

,  and  had  I.  John,  ob.  s.  p.     II.  David,  mar. Pinckney» 

and  left  1.  Augustus,  Esqr.,  of  Westchester ;  2.  Stephen  ;  3.  Elijah,  4. 
Benjamin.  James,  second  son  of  first  James,  left  thirdly,  Samuel,  of  Long 
Reach,  Eastchester.  Arms^  sa.  a  saltier,  betw.  four  martletts,  ar.  within  a 
bordarefrm« 

HoKT  or  HuNT^s  Point.  This  family  are  presumed  to  spring  from  one 
of  the  younger  sons  of  Thomas  Hunt  of  Shrewsbury,  county  of  Shropshire, 
England,  son  of  Richard  Hunt,  bailiff  of  Shrewsbury  in  1613.  Thomas  was 
high  sheriff  of  Shropshire  in  1656,  and  a  colonel  in  the  Parliament  service  ; 
he  died  A.  D.  1669. 

Thomas  Hunt  of  Rye  removed  to  Westchester,  where  he  purchased  the 
Grove  Farm,  which  was  patented  to  him  by  Governor  Nicolls,  4th  Dec.  1667. 
Will  dated  6lh  Oct.  1694,— Rec.  Wills,  No.  v.  09  ;  mar.  Elizabeth  Jessup, 
da.  of  Edward.  They  had,  1.  Thomas,  a  trustee  of  the  freehold  and  com- 
monalty of  the  town  of  Westchester  in  1692.  2.  Josiah,  a  trustee  of  ditto  in 
1692.     3.  Joseph,  who  left  a  daughter  Martha.     4.  John,  who  mar.  Grace 

;   his  will  is  dat.  7ih  Jan^y,  1711.     6.  Abigail,  mar.  John  Pinckney. 

Thomas,  the  eldest,  was  father  to  Thomas  of  Hunt's  Point,  (who  mar.  Sarah 
Ward,)  Augustus,  Lewis,  Robert,  (who  d.  1749.)  and  Abigail.  Thomas  and 
Sarah  Ward  left,  1.  Thomas,  b.  1727,  d.  July  4,  1838,  mar.  Ist,  Milicent 
Wright)  d.  15th  Sept.  1832,  2nd,  Hannah  Wright.  2.  Jesse,  high  sheriff  of 
the  County  and  proprietor  of  Hunter^s  Island,  mar.  Miss  Staples.     3.  Ward, 

mar. Briggs  of  Eastchester.    Thomas,  the  eldest,  left  issue,  1.  Thomas, 

who  mar.  Frances  Ambroise  de  Poline,  and  had  Eliza  and  Frances.  2.  Jo- 
seph, M.  D.,  mar. Burnet  of  Demerara,and  left  Joseph,  Thomas,  James 

of  Michigan,  and  Henry.    3.  Jonathan.     4.  James,  mar. Ward,  da.  of 

Hon.  Stephen.  5.  Alsop,  mar.  Elizabeth  Lockwood,  da.  of  Major  Ebenezer. 
6.  Henry,  mar.  -*-—  Rogers  of  Demerara,  and  left  two  da.  7.  Joshua.  8. 
Richard,  mar.  1st,  Elizabeth  Tice,  2nd,  Eliza  Hardy.  9.  Margaret  of  West 
Farms.     10.  Sarah.    Jesse,  high  sheriff  of  the  county,  had  Capt.  Thomas, 

Lieut.  Jesse,  Samuel,  and  a  da.  who  mar. Gracie.    Ward,  third  son  of 

Thomas  and  youngest  brother  of  Jesse,  left  Montgomery  of  Utica  and  Walter 
of  Mount  Pleasant. 

Josiah  Hunt,  second  son  of  Thomas  of  the  Grove  Farm,  by  his  wife  Bethia 
Horguson,  left  one  son,  commonly  called  Grove  Josiah,  who  had  1.  Thomas. 

2.  Moses  of  Long  Reach,  Eastchester.     3.  Josiah.    4.  David,  father  of  Jo* 


624  APPENDIX. 

•iih.    5.  Abner.    6.  PhoBbe,  mar. Fowler.    7.  Masii%'    8.  Akigiil# 

mar. Buckbed.    Thomas,  eldest  son  of  Joeiah,  d.  eir.  iTdO,  mar.  Mar/ 

>-  ■  ■  ,.jind  had  Mtanna,  mar.  John  Ferris,  Stephen^  father  of  Sy Wester, 
Charles^  Long  Reach,  Eastchester,  Eloin^  Martha^  mar.  James  Tippett, 
Christina,  Alathea,  Arme,  mar.  John  Leggett,  and  Helena,  who  mar.  Jooathaa 
Odell.    Moses,  second  son  of  Josiah,  d.  cir.  1760,  and  left  Benjamin,  Timothj, 

Gilead,  Reuben,  Mary,  mar. Yomans,  Rebecca,  Sarah,  mar.  Williaei 

Oakley,  and  Martha,  mar. Tippett.    Josiah,  third  son  of  Josiah,  d.  eir. 

1743,  and  had,  Jacob,  Caleb,  Solomon  the  father  of  Nathao,  Abi^H  and 

Anne  ;  Tabitha,  Rachel,  mar. Fowler,  Rebecca,  mar. Pell,  Lydia, 

mar.  Walter  Briggs,  and  Tabitha.  Joseph,  third  son  of  Thomas  Hant  of  the 
Grove  Farm,  left  Martha  and  others.  John  Hunt,  fourth  son  of  Thomas  of 
the  Grove  Farm,  was  a  trustee  of  the  freehold  and  commonalty  of  Westches- 
ter in  1099,  d.  cir.  1711,  mar.  Grace  — ' ,  and  had,  1.  William,  aocestor 

of  the  Hunts  of  Tarrytown.    3.  Joshua,  d.  eir.  1760,  mar.  Mary ,  and 

liad,  John  father  of  Joshua,  Caleb,  Enoch,  Joshoa,~Israel,  Miriam,  mar. 

Oakley,  and  Mary.  3.  Jonathan.  4.  Mary,  mar. Underbill.  6.  Jere- 
miah, 6.  Israel,  whose  son  Israel  left  Joshua,  the  father  of  Gilbert  and  Israel. 

The  latter  resided  at  Eastchester  and  mar. Bennett.    7.  James,  to  whom 

his  father  bequeathed  thirty  acres  upon  Throckmorton^s  Neck.  Of  this  family 
was  Obadiah  Hunt  of  Philipsborough  who  d.  1736,  and  had  Obadiah  and  Anne. 
Obadiah,  jr.,  d.  cir.  1760,  and  lef^,  1.  Obadiah.  2.  John.  3.  Zebediak. 
Joseph  Hunt,  a  resident  of  Cortlandt's  Manor,  d.  cir.  1768,  mar.  LoTioa  — , 
and  had,  1.  Gilbert.  2.  Levina.  3.  Eunice.  4.  Jemima.  5.  Anne.  6. 
Father.  Aaron  Hunt  of  Westchester,  a  descendant  of  Thomas  Hant  of 
Hunt's  Point,  mar.  Rebecca  Haydock,  and  had,  1.  Eden,  b.  Dec.  3,  1755,  a 
guide  to  General  Washington.  2.  Major  David,  b.  Sept.  4,  1757.  3.  Mary, 
b.  January  10, 1760.  4.  Charlotte  and  Eleanor,  b.  Not.  18, 1762.  5.  Eleanor, 
b.  Not.  2lBt,  1764.  6.  Aaron,  b.  Sept.  24, 1767.  7.  Roger  and  Haydock,  b. 
Sept.  22,  1770.  8.  Moses,  b.  Feb.  25,  1773.  Nehemiuh  Hunt  of  Eastches- 
ter mar. Lawrence,  and  had,  1.  Knphemia.     2.  Anne.     3.  Mary.     4. 

Frederick.  5.  Phoebe.  6.  Theodosius.  7.  Aaron,  d.  1828,  mar.  Klixabeth 
Fowler,  da.  of  Thomas  Fowler,  and  had  Theodosius,  Richard  and  others.  8. 
Basil,  who  had  Richard,  Reuben,  Nathan  and  Jacob.  9.  Thomas.  10.  Mar- 
tha. Arms,  per  pale,  ar.  and  sa.  a  saltier  ;  counterchanged.  Crest,  a  lion*s 
head,  erased,  per  pale,  ar.  and  sa.  collared  gu.  lined  and  ringed  or. 

The  family  of  Iryino  is  from  Scotland,  in  the  northern  part  of  which  king- 
dom it  was,  (as  an  ancient  record  quoted  by  Chambers  the  historian,  and  by  Sir 
Walter  Scott  observes,)  '*  an  ancient  and  principal  family.^*  Very  freqaent 
mention  is  made  of  them  in  the  early  annals  of  that  country  ;  and  in  soTeral 
instances  they  are  spoken  of  by  the  above  named  writers  as  possessing  a  dis- 
tinguished position  and  great  influence  among  the  baronial  families  of  the 
north  east  counties. 


APPENDIX.  625 

An  old  and  Anrious  manoacript  history  of  this  family  is  preserved  by  one 
of  them  in  this  country,  entitled,  *'  The  original  of  the  Family  of  Irvinea 
or  Erivinea,  Written  by  Christopher  Irvine,  M.  A..  State  Physician  and  His- 
tory-grapher  to  his  majesty,  King  Charles  the  Second,  in  Scotland/tnd  gent 
to  his  brother  Sir  Gerard  Irvine,  Bart.,  of  Castle  Irvine  in  the  kingdom  of 
Ireland,  in  the  year  1600/*  From  this  manuscript  it  appears  that  the  oldest 
branch  of  the  family  styled  the  "  Irvines  of  Bonshaw,**  were  settled  on  the 
banks  of  the  river  Eshe,  where  they  continued  for  many  successive  genera- 
tions with  varying  fortunes.  From  this  sto^^k  are  descended  the  English  and 
Irish  Irvines,  among  the  latter  having  been  the  Rt.  Hon.  General  Sir  John 
Irvine,  Commander  in  chief  of  his  majesty's  forces  in  Ireland  in  the  year  1779. 

A  very  early  offshoot  of  this  parent  stock  were  the  "  Irvines  of  Drum,^^ 
The  eldest  son  of  the  house  of  Bonshaw,  William,  having  been  knighted  by 
King  Robert  Bruce  in  the  year  1290,  and  for  long  and  faithful  services  in  the 
field,  having  been  endowed  with  the  lands  of  Drum  on  the  river  Dee  in  Aber- 
deenshire, which  are  to  this  day  in  possession  of  his  descendants.  The  castle 
of  Drum  is  about  ten  miles  from  the  city  of  Aberdeen,  and  is  now  inhabited 
by  Alexander  Irvine,  Esq.,  the  lineal  descendant  of  the  above  Sir  William. 
Sir  William  Irvine  of  Drum  married  the  daughter  of  Sir  Robert  Keith,  Knight, 
Lord  Marshall  of  Scotland,  and  of  Margaret  Hay,  daughter  of  Gilbert  Hay, 
Lord  Hay,  first  Constable  of  that  family.  The  manuscript  referred  to  observesv 
that,  '*  The  king  gave  him  the  lands  of  the  forest  of  Drum,  and  he  himself 
having  carried  a  private  coat  of  arms  whilst  he  was  concealed  under  the  name 
of  the  Earl  of  Carrick ;  he  likewise  gave  him  that,  with  permission  for  him  and 
his  descendants  forever  to  bear  it  as  their  armorial  bearing,  with  this  motto, 
*'  sub  sole^  sub  umbra  virens"  alluding  to  the  family's  great  fidelity  to  him  in 
his  troubles.  The  badge  or  bearing  consists  of  three  holly  leaves  banded 
gules^  on  a  shield  argent.'*^  The  history  relates  the  vicissitudes  which  befell 
this  family  with  much  minuteness,  and  records  their  alliances  with  many  of 
the  most  distinguished  families  of  the  kingdom ;  Abernethy,  Forbes,  Ogilvie, 
Douglas,  Leslie,  Dundas,  &c.,  &c.  There  were  several  families  of  conside- 
ration which  sprung  from  these  alliances,  among  which  are  named  the  Irvinea 
of  King  Caussie,  Cutts,  Glassil,  Easterclane,  Cornyhaugh,  Murthil,  and  Aa- 
tainford,  all  of  which  eatatea  were  in  the  north-eastern  counties  of  Scotland. 
During  the  civil  wars  they  suffered  severely  in  property,  and  have  since  lost 
much  of  their  former  infioence,  although  still  retaining  a  position  of  the  highest 
respectability  among  the  gentry  of  that  part  of  Scotland. 

The  first  of  the  family  who  settled  in  America  was  William  Irving,  the  aon 
of  Magnua  Irving,  who  was  born  inl731,  and  who  on  coming  to  this  conntry 
in  1703,  altered  the  orthography  of  the  family  name,  changing  the  final  letter 
from  e  to  g^  to  accord  with  the  English  usage.  He  was  married  at  Falmouth, 
England,  in  1701,  to  Sarah,  daughter  of  John  Sanders,  Esq.,  of  Falmouth, 
England.  This  gentleman  was  a  very  successful  and  highly  respected  mer- 
chant of  the  city  of  New  York,  commanding  universal  esteem  from  his  probity. 


626  APPENDIX. 

He  died  in  the  year  1807,  leaving  the  following  iasoe,  1.  Wltliam,  ''  a  mer* 
chant  of  the  city  of  New  York.  He  was  dietingnished  mm  a  gentleoua 
of  literary  taste,  and  in  1619  became  a  member  of  Congrees.  He  wae  eoD«' 
eerned  with  his  brother,  Washington  Irving,  and  Mr.  J.  K.  Paalding  ia 
writing  for  Salmagundi ;"  b.  176a,  d.  1881.     He  mar.  Julia  Paolding  of  Tar- 

rytown,  W.  C.  C,  and  left  issne,  I.  Lewis  Graham,  mar. Hale,  and  had 

Lewis  and  Charles.     S.  Rev.  William  Sanders  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Cb.  d.  a.  p. 
18:23.     3  Oscar,  late  of  Tarrytown,  mar.  1st,  Miss  Dayton,  9nd,  El»a,  widow 
of  Mr.  Romeyn.    4.  Pierre  Monro,  counsellor  at  law,  N.  Y.,  mar.  fat.  Miss 
Berdau,  and  2nd,  his  cousin  Helen  da.  of  General  Richard  Dodge.     5.  Henij 
Ogden  of  Tarrytown.    6.  Julia,  mar.  M.  H.  Grinnel,  Esq.«  of  N.  Y.    IL 
Anne,  b.  1770,  mar.  General  Richard  Dodge  of  Johnstown,  Montgomery  Co. 
she  died  A.  D.  1808.     111.  Peter  Irving,  M.  D.,  of  Tarrytown,  b.  io  N.  Y 
1773,  d.  1837,  interred  at  Greenburgh.    IT.  Catharine  Rodgers,  b.  1774, 
mar.  Daniel  Paris,  Esq.,  son  of  the  late  Colonel  Isaac  Paris.      V.  Bbeneier 
of  Tarrytown,  b.  1776,  mar.  Elizabeth  Kip,  (who  died  in  1897,)  a  descen- 
dant of  the  old  Dutch  family  of  that  name  in  the  city  of  N.  Y.    Their  childxeB 
are  1.  Pierre  Paris,  a  clergyman  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Charch«  mar. 
Anna,  da.  of  John  Duer,  Esq.,  a  grandson  of  the  late  Major  Greneral  William 
Alexander,  (Lord  Sterling,)  and  has  issue,  Leslie,  Alexander  Dner,  Anna, 
&o.     9.  E^gar,  mar.  Amanda,  da.  of  Thomas  Tenant,  Esq.,  of  BalUmoie 
and  has  issue,  Washington.    3.  Theodore,  a  professor  in  Geneva  College, 
mar.  Jane,  da.  of  the  late  Hon.  Jacob  Sutherland.     4.  Sanders,  mar.   Jnlia, 
da.  of  John  A.  Granger,  Esq.  of  Canandaigoa.     5.  William.  6.  Waabingvo, 
and  several  das.,  yet  unmar.     VI.  John  Treat,  b.  1778,  educated  at  Colom- 
bia College,  a  member  of  the  bar,  and  for  many  years  before  bia  death, 
which  took  place  in    1838,  first  judge  of  the  city  and   county    of  New 
York.     He  mar.  a  da.  of  the  late  Hon.  Gabriel  Furman,  and  leii  issne,  1. 
Gabriel,  mar.  Miss  Eckford.     3.  William,  an  officer  in  the  U.  S.  N.,  now  de- 
ceased.    3.  John  Treat,  mar.  a  da.  of  Abraham  Schemerhorn,  Esq.     4.  Ab- 
by,  mar.  Henry  Van  Wart,  junior,  Esq.  of  Birmingham,. England.    5.  George. 
VII.     Sarah,  b.  1780,  mar.  Henry  Van  Wart,  sen.  Esq.  of  Tarrytown,  West- 
chester County,  for  the  last  forty  years  a  resident  of  England.     VIII.  Wash- 
ington Irving  of  Tarrytown.     Arms,  arg.  three  bunches  of  holly  leaves,  three 
leaves  in  each  bunch,  vert,  tied  gu,  the  strings  flotants.     Crests  an  arm,  coo- 
ped above  the  wrist,  in  armour,  ppr.  lying  fessewise,  holding  in  the  gauntlet  a 
bunch  of  holly,  as  in  the  arms. 

Kip  of  New  Castle.  Jacobus  Kip,  a  native  of  Holland,  emigrated  from 
that  country  to  New  Amsterdam,  with  his  parents,  about  1645.  He  was  b. 
A.  D.  1631,  and  mar.  (March 8, 1654,)  Maria  de  la  Montaigne.  She  was  b.  at 
sea,  off  the  island  of  Madeira,  Jan.  26,  1637.  Jacobus  left  issue,  Johannes , 
b.  Feb.  3,  1655 ;  Jacobus,  b.  Oct.  14,  1656,  mar.  Catharine  de  Hart ;  Abro'- 
ham,  b.  Dec.  21,  1658;  Jesse,  b.  Dec.  2,  1660  ;  Rachel,  b.  Jan.  7.  1664,  mar. 
William  Teller  ;  Maria,  b.  Dec.  2,  1666 ;  Hendricus,  b.  Jan.  12, 1G68 ;  Cath- 


APPENDIX.  B27 

arine,  b.  Jan.  35,  1671,  mar.  Hans  Kierated  ;  PeiruSj  b.  April  35, 1674 ;  Ben* 
jctmin,  b.  Ang.  6.  1678,  d.  A.  D.  1703  ;  aad  Samuel,  b.  Nov.  4.  1683.  Jo- 
hannes, eldest  SOD  of  Jacobus,  laar.  Sept.  4,  1682,  Catharine,  da.  of  William 
Hans  Kiersted,  grand  da.  of  Annetje  Jans  Bogardus.  Their  children  were 
1.  Maria,  b.  Sept.  13,  1086 ;  3.  Sarah,  b.  Nov.  19,  1688  ;  3.  Hans,  b.  Oct. 

5,  1690;  4.  Johannes,  b.  Jan.  31,  1694;  5.  Catharine,  b.  Oct.  16,  1698; 

6.  Henricas,  b.  Oct.  30,  1700 ;  7,  Benjamin  and  Blandina,  twins,  b.  Mar.  31, 
1703.  Benjamin,  eldest  son  of  Johannes,  removed  into  Westchester  Coanty, 
where  he  purchased  a  farm  of  400  acres.  He  was  a  justice  of  the  peace 
under  the  Colonial  Government,  d.  May  34,  1783,  at  Westchester,  mar. 
Dorothy  Davenport,  she  d.  Sept.  3,  1807.  Benjamin  left  issue,  I.  Mary, 
b.  Sept.  18,  1734,  mar.  Robert  Runnells.  IL  William,  b.  June  38,  1736, 
d.  young.  III.  Elizabeth,  b.  April  9,  1738,  mar.  John  Powell.  IV.  Jesse 
b.  Feb.  33,  1740,  ob.  Jan.  1,  1780,  mar.  Ann,  da.  of  Samuel  Haight,  she 
was  b.  April  18,  1745.  They  left  six  sons  and  two  da.  First,  Benjamin. 
Second,  Gilbert,  mar.  Hannah,  da.  of  John  Sarles,  b.  Sept.  4, 1767.  Third,  John, 
b.  April  37,  1768,  mar.  Ann,  da.  of  Samuel  Quinby,  and  had  four  sons, 
and  four  da.,  viz.,  Jesse,  Sophia,  Quinby,  mar.  Cornelia  Halsted ;  Jane, 
Moses,  mar.  Martha  Worden  ;  Mary  Ann,  mar.  William  Hidstead,  of  New 
York  ;  Leonard  B.,  and  Catharine.  Fourth,  Phahe,  b.  Feb.  36,  1770,  mar. 
Abel  Underbill.  Fifth,  Caleb,  b.  October  33,  1771,  mar.  GrifTeny  Acker,  and 
had  four  sons  and  one  da.  viz.,  Hiram,  d.  May  37,  1835,  mar.  Miss  Hark- 
we  1,  Solomon  of  the  firm  of  Kip  and  Brown,  New  York,  mar.  Esther  Con- 
way, and  has  Griffeny,  Oscar,  Amanda,  Warren,  and  Celia ;  Charles  T.,  mar. 
Agnes  Paxton,  Rebecca  Ann,  mar.  1st,  Conrad  Gaynor,  Snd,  Francis  Sniffen, 
d.  July  13, 1843,  of  New  York,  Elias  S.,  mar.  Elizabeth  Lacy,  and  left  Caleb. 
Elizabeth,  wife  of  Francis,  d.  Oct.  34,  1844.  Six  h,  Miriam,  b.  Oct.  4. 
1773.  Seventh,  James,  b.  March  9, 1777,  mar.  Abigail,  da.  of  Sutton  Rey- 
nolds, and  had  Reuben,  mar.  Maria  Fowler,  Eden|  Miriam,  and  Ezra.  The 
latter  mar.  Margaret  Ann,  da.  of  Seth  Whitney,  and  had  Seth,  Elbert,  and 
James.  Eighth,  Jes^e,  of  Somerstown,  b.  May  35,  1780,  mar.  1.  Eliz- 
abeth, da.  of  Abel  Smith,  and  left  one  da.  Phoebe,  who  mar.  Wilson  Brown 
of  N.  J.  Jesse  mar.  Snd,  Sarah  Hunt,  da.  of  Capt.  Stephen,  and  had  two 
sons  and  three  da.,  viz.,  Elizabeth,  mar.  Jesse  Cole  of  Indiana,  William, 
mar.  Adelaide  Gowdy,  Benjamin,  Margaret  Ann,  mar.  Thomas  Russel,  and 
Sally  Ann.  V.  Abraham,  third  son  of  Benjamin,  b.  March  33,  1743,  mar, 
Phoebe,  da.  of  Samuel  Haight.  They  had  1st.  Samuel,  mar.  Elizabeth  Ci* 
pher,  and  had  Abraham  and  Walter.  3nd.  Abraham,  who  mar.  Catharine,  da. 
of  Samuel  Quinby,  and  left,  Reuben,  Ann,  Phoebe,  Mary,  Josiah,  Jane,  and 
Abraham.  VI.  Jacobus,  b.  Feb.  38,  1745,  d.  young.  VII.  Sarah,  b.  Sept. 
30,  1746,  mar.  James  Weeks.  VIII.  William,  b.  Dec.  1748,  mar.  Mary 
Merritt,  and  left  Isaac,  who  mar.  Mary,  da.  Joseph  Washburn,  Sarah,  mar. 
John  Reqoa,  Prudence,  mar.  John  Sarles,  Dorothy,  mar.  Gilbert  Baker,  Tho- 
mas, mar.  Amy,  da.  of  Isaac  Conklin,  Martha,  mar.  Mosea  Marshall,  Abigailf 


628  APPENDIX. 

mir.  James  Washborn,  BeDjamin,  mar.  Phcebe,  da.  of  Ismme  Conklio,  mod 
left,  ConkliD,  Charles,  Mary  Ann,  Rebecca,  Sarah,  Charlotte,  and  Aaroo. 
Ann  Kip,  sixth  da.  of  William  and  Mary,  mar.  Joeeph  Tompkins.  Tamar, 
the  youngest,  mar.  Absalom  Underhill.  IX.  James,  b.  April  6,  1751,  mar. 
Zipporah  Carpenter,  and  had  John  of  Canada,  who  mar.  Rath  Carpenter,  da. 
of  Caleb,  Daniel,  Elizabeth,  mar.  William  Green,  and  Charlotte,  who  mar. 
Samael  Hewlett  of  Datchess  Co.  X.  Samuel,  b.  Dec.  16, 1753,  mar.  FreeloTe 
Totten,  and  left  one  son*and  three  da.,  Tii.,  Freelove,  mar.  Silas  Arnold, 
Samael,  who  mar.  Taroar  Thorn,  and  has  two  sons,  Stephen  and  Benjamio ; 
Sarah  and  Lydia.  XL  Thomas,  b.  July  14,  1756,.  d.  Sept.  1,  1833,  mar. 
Abigail  Hatfield  and  had  three  sons  and  three  da.,  viz.,  Mary,  mar.  Stephea 
Kingland,  of  N.  Y.,  Isaac,  Benjamin,  William,  Dorothy,  and  Jane.  XU. 
Mary,  b.  Feb.  14,  1761,  ob.  s.  p. 

Keeler  of  North  Salem.  Jonah  Keeler,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of 
North  Salem,  left  two  sons,  Zedidiah  and  Job.  The  eldeat  had,  I.  Job  of 
North  Salem.  H.  Nathan  of  ditto.  III.  Jeremiah  of  ditto.  IV.  Ada.  mar. 
LobdelL    V.  A  da.  mar. Brash.    VI.  A  da.  mar. Smith. 

Lee  of  Yorktown.  This  family,  sopposed  to  have  been  a  younger  branch 
of  the  Lee's  of  Lee-Magna,  Kent,  England,  settled  in  Nottingham  at  an  early 
period.  William  Lee*  emigrated  from  Nottingham  to  America  in  1675,  d. 
1724.  mar.  Mary  Marvin,  and  left  three  sons  and  seven  da.  His  sona  were, 
Thomas  of  Long  Island,  d.  s.  p. ;  Joseph  of  Long  Island,  and  Richard,  who 
entered  the  French  military  service  in  Canada ;  d.  s.  p.  Joseph,  second  son 
of  William,  had,  I.  Joseph  of  Yorktown,  d.  et.  77,  and  left,  1.  WiUiam,d. 
St.  50.    2.  Joseph  d.  «i.  50.     3.  Abigail  d.  et.  40.     4.  Hon.  Elijah  d.  ct. 

78,  mar.   isl,  Concklin,  2d,  Brown,  3d,  Brown,  4th, 

Williamson.  5.  Enos  d.  aet  70.  6.  Anne  mar.  Capt.  Saml.  Haight ;  she  d. 
St.  70.  7.  Hannah  roar.  James  Brewer,  M.  D. ;  she  d.  aet.  70.  8.  Phoebe 
d.  aeL  70  ;  mar.  Daniel  Horton.  9.  Elizabeth  d.  et.  60 ;  mar.  Joseph  Inger- 
soU.     10.  Sarah  d.  et.  20.     II.  Thomas  of  Woodbridge,  Cortlandt's  Manor, 

d.  et.  80 ;  left,  1.  David  d.  et.  90 ;  mar.  Young.     2.  Peter  of  Ohio  d. 

et.  80.  3.  Paul  d.  et.  70.  4.  Israel  of  Orange  Co.  d.  et.  80.  5.  Philip, 
also  of  Orange  Co.,  d.  et.  74.  6.  William  of  New  Jersey  d.  et.  80.  7. 
Thomas,  also  of  New  Jersey.  8.  Hannah  d.  s.  p.  9.  Phoebe  d.  s.  p.  HI. 
John  removed  from  Long  Island  to  Yorktown,  W.  C.  Co.,  in  1750 ;  b.  1726, 
d.  March  12,  1816,  mar.  Sarah  Perine ;  she  d.  July  31, 1796,  et.  74.  Their 
children  were,  1.  Thomas  d.  et.  40,  s.  p.  2.  John  of  New  Jersey  d.  set.  84. 
3.  Sarah  d.  et.  65,  mar.  John  Horton.     4.  Henry  d.  et.  90,  s.  p.     5.  Hannah 


>  Elizabeth  Lee,  lister  of  the  above  mentioned  William,  bequeathed  her  estate 
in  England  to  the  heirs  general 


APPENDIX.  529 

d.  «t.  87,  8.  p.  6.  Margaret  d.  et.  77,  mar.  Jonas  Williams.  7.  Abigail  d. 
aet.  60,  mar.  David  Knapp.  8.  Phoebe  d.  st.  78,  mar.  Fraucis  Colgrove.  9. 
Dinah,  still  living  aet.  85,  mar.  Thaddeus  Rockwell.  10.  Robert  of  York- 
town,  still  living  aet.  81.     IV.  Phoebe  d.  aet.  84,  mar.  1744  Dennis  Coombs. 

v.  Anna  d.  aet.  80,  mar. Martin.     VI.  Ruth  d.  aet.  80,  mar.  Job  Wright. 

VII.  Elizabeth  d.  aet.  80,  mar. Martineau.     Vlli.  Sarah  d.  aet.60.     IX. 

Mary  d.  aet.  64.  X.  Abigail  d.  aet.  18.  Arms. — Az.  on  a  fesse,  between 
two  fillets,  or,  three  leopard's  heads,  gu.  CresL^^K  demi  Moor  ppr.  vested 
ga.  rimmed  round  the  collar  with  two  bars  or,  tied  round  the  waist  with  a  rib- 
bon ar.  wreathed  about  the  head  ar.  and  gu,  holding  in  his  dexter  hand  a 
gem-ring  of  the  third. 

Le  Comte,  or  Le  Count,  of  New  Rochelle. — The  ancestors  of  the  Le 
Count's  were  Protestants,  inhabitants  of  La  Rochelle,  in  France.  They  were 
of  honorable  and  noble  descent,  (as  the  name  implies,)  and  there  possessed 
considerable  estates.  On  the  revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes,  Guillaume 
Le  Comte  fied  from  France  to  England,  and  soon  af\cr  came  to  America. 
Guillaume  m.  Marguerita ,  and  had  Guillaume,  Peter  and  Esther.  Guil- 
laume, junior,  mar.  Annette  Martha  — ,  and  left  two  sons,  Francis  and  Jo- 
siah.  Francis,  the  eldest,  had,  I.  Paul  d.  in  1815,  s.  p.  II.  Josias  mar. 
Anne  Richo  and  John  of  New  York,  and  Thomas  of  ditto.  III.  John  m.  Han- 
nah Ferris,  and  left,  1.  Samuel.  2.  Hannah.  3.  Eleanor.  IV.  Joseph 
mar.  Hannah  Raymond,  and  had,  1.  Piatt.  2.  Francis.  3.  Joseph.  4. 
Elizabeth.  Josiah,  second  son  of  2d  Guillaume,  mar.  1.  Mary  Angevine. 
3.  Susannah  Soulice,  and  ]ef\,  I.  Peter,  lost  at  sea.  II.  John  mar.  Sarah 
Badeau.  III.  Mary  mar.  Nathaniel  Lawrence.  John  and  Sarah  had,  1. 
Capt.  Josiah  of  New  Rochelle.  2.  William  of  New  Rochelle.  3  John. 
Of  this  family  was  Pierre  Le  Comte  of  Staten  Island,  whod.  1702,  mar.  Mar- 
garet   ,  and  bad  three  sons,  viz.  John,  Peter  and  James. 

Le  Fevre  of  New  RociielLe.  Peter  Le  Fevre,  a  French  Protestant  re- 
fugee, b.  at  Havre  de  Grace,  fled  from  France  to  St.  Domingo,  W.  I.,  and 
left  a  son  John,  b.  1753,  d.  1837,  who  removed  from  St.  Domingo  to  New 
Rochelle.  John  mar.  Susannah  Coutant,  da.  of  Isaac ;  she  died  1802.  Their 
children  are,  1.  Peter.    2.  Prosper.     3.  John.    4.  Benjamin.     5.  Drake. 

Lent  of  CoRTLkVDT, -^Ryek  Abrahamsen  Lent^  proprietor  of  Ryck*8  Patent, 
left  Hercules,  who  d.  about  1765.  Hercules  had,  I.  Jacob.  II.  Hendrick, 
the  father  of  David.  III.  Abraham.  IV.  John  Lent,  who  left  John,  Hercu- 
les present  proprietor  of  the  homestead,  and  Lewis  of  Cortlandtown.  V. 
Rachel  mar.  James  Lamb.  VI.  Catharine  mar.  Hendricke  de  Rondle.  VII. 
Elizabeth. 

Le  Roux  op  New  Rochelle.   The  family  of  Le  Rous  was  among  the 
Vol.  I.  67 


530  APPKNDK. 

French  HugueDots  that  fled  frbxn  France  to  America.  Charles  JLe  Roux^  a 
native  of  France,  left  Charles  and  others.  Catharine,  a  dm.  of  Charles,  janr., 
married  Thomas  Ludlow,  from  whom  the  Ladlows  descend. 

LisPENARD  OF  New  Rochelle.  The  ancestors  of  the  Lispeoard  family 
were  also  French  Protestant  refugees.  Antoine,  b.  in  France,  left  two 
sons,  David  and  Anthony.  David,  proprietor  of  Davenport'a  Neck,  mar. 
Elizabeth,  and  had  John  and  Elizabeth ;  the  latter  d.  Nov.  5,  1797.  John 
left  John.  Anthony,  second  son  of  Antoine,  mar.  Elizabeth,  da.  of  Leonaxd 
de  Klyn  of  New  York,  and  left  Anthony,  who  mar.  Abigail,  and  d.  1690. 
The  children  of  Anthony  and  Abigail  were,  1.  Anthony,  the  father  of  Leo- 
nard. 9.  Margaret.  3.  Abigail,  who  mar.  James  Bleecker  of  New  Ro* 
chelle. 

LocKwooD  OF  PoDNDRiDGE.  The  family  of  Lockwood  originallj  deriv- 
ed from  a  place  of  the  name  in  Staffordshire,*  England^an  estate  which  pasted 
in  1470  to  the  Henshaws  of  Cheshire  by  the  mar.  of  Thos.  Henshaw  with 
Amie,  only  child  of  Richard  Lockwood.  **  Edmund  Lockwood^  freeman  iStk 
May,  1631,  was  of  Cambridge,  Mass.,  in  1632,  and  probably  removed  to  Connec- 
ticut  with  Messrs.  Hooker  and  Stone."  Joseph  Lockwood,  who  waa  doubtless 
a  descendant  o(  the  above  Edmund,  removed  from  Stamford  to  Poondridge  ia 
1744 ;  he  mar.  Hannah  Close,  da.  of  Solomon,  and  lefl,  I.  Joseph.     II. 

James.     111.  Solomon  mar. Close,  da.  of  Odell  Close.     IV.  Israel  d. 

1776.  V.  Reuben.  VI.  Nathaniel,  who  left  Nathan.  Joseph,  the  eldest, 
mar.  Mary  Drake,  and  had,  1.  Major  Ebenezec  of  Poundridge,.  d.  1821;  his 
sons  are  the  Hon.  Ezra  and  Horatio  of  Poundridge.  2.  Joseph  of  Stamford, 
who  left  Solomon  and  others.  Of  this  family  was  SUas  Lockwood^  whose  son 
Stephen  lef\  issue,  1.  Hon.  Albert  of  Sing  Sing.  2.  General  Munson  Lock- 
wood  of  White  Plains,  &c.  Arms. — Arg.  a  fesse  between  three  martletts  sa. 
Crest, — On  the  stump  of  an  oak  tree  erased  ppr,  a  martlett  sa. 

Lyon  of  Norih  Castle.  The  first  emigrants  of  this  family,  (which 
claims  to  be  of  Scotiieh  origin,)  settled  in  Massachusetts.  The  name  of  John 
Lyon  occurs  as  early  as  1648.  Peter  Lyon  was  admitted  freeman  in  1649. 
William  of  Roxhury^  member  of  the  artillery  company,  was  a  freeman  of 
that  place,  and  d.  A.  D.  1692.  His  son  Joseph  was  b.  1654.  John  descend- 
ed from  the  above,  removed  to  Rye  about  1719.  His  son  John  had  four  sona. 
I.  Capt.  Ro^erd.  May  13, 1797  ;  mar.  Mary  Wilson  of  Kings*  street.  Rye  ;  she 
died  19ihMay,  1813,  aet.  83.     Their  children  were,  1.  Major  Samuel  of  the 


«  There  is  another  family  of  the  name  of  Lockwood,  who  derive  from  Lock- 
wood  in  Vorkshire. 


APPENDIX.  631 

Continental  army  mar.  Mary  Loansberry,  and  left  Samuel,  Esq.  of  North 
Caatle,  who  married  Rosalinda  Fowler  ;  the  latter  d.  Dec.  19, 1844.  3.  Ro- 
^r.  3.  Justus  or  Jesse,  who  left  John  of  Bedford.  4.  Gilbert  of  the  Con- 
tinental army  had  Jesse  of  Eastchester.  5.  Daniel.  6.  Joseph.  7.  Glori- 
anna  mar.  Andrew  Sniffen.  8.  Sarah  mar.  William  Wright.  II.  John.  III. 
Samuel.  IV.  James,  proprietor  of  Byram  Point,  left,  1.  Daniel.  3.  David. 
3.  Benjamin.  4.  Woolsey.  5.  James.  Daniel,  eldest  son  of  James,  had 
Lauretta,  who  mar.  Mr.  Brock,  and  Lavina,  who  mar.  John  Horton.  Of  this 
family  was  Peter  Lyon,  Esq.,  of  North  Castle,  who  had,  I.  Jonathan  of  New 
York.  II.  James  of  Tarrytown,  the  father  of  William  P.  Lyon,  Esq.,  Prin- 
cipal of  the  Irving  institute.  III.  Samuel  of  Michigan.  IV.  Edward  of 
Seneca  Falls.  V.  Peter  of  New  York.  VI.  Ann  mar.  William  Briit.  VIL 
Sarah  mar.  Abner  lliggins.  VIII.  Phoebe  mar.  Richard  Palmer.  IX.  Mary 
mar.,  1.  John  Tucker.    2.  Benjamin  Watson. 

McKeel  of  Yorktowic.  Michael  McKeeU  who  was  one  of  the  earliest 
settlers  of  Yorktown,  had  sons  Uriah,  John  and  Isaac.  The  latter  left  issue 
Jesse,  Jacob  of  Peekskill,  Caleb  of  Scipio,  New  York,  Joshua  of  Hector^ 
Tompkins  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Isaac  of  Yorktown,  and  George  of  ditto. 

Mead  of  Greenwich  and  Lewisborough.  John  Mead  emigrated  from 
Greenwich,  Kent  Co.,  England,  in  the  year  1643,  and  settled  in  the  town  of 
Greenwich,  Fairfield,  Connecticut.  Of  his  two  sons  Joseph  and  John,  the 
first  d.  young  ;  the  second  (John)  had  eight  sons  and  three  da.,  viz.  John,  Jo- 
seph, Jonathan,  Ebenezer,  Benjamin,  Nathaniel,  David,  Samuel,  Susanna, 
Abigail  and  Mary.  Joiuithan^  the  third  son  of  second  John,  left  Elnathan, 
who  had  Elnathan ;  Eunice  mar.  J.  Close  and  Deborah.  Elnathan,  son  of 
Elnathan,  had,  I.  Elnathan,  who  lefl  Elnathan  and  Sarah.  Elnathan,  great 
grandson  of  first  Elnathan,  had,  1.  Hibbard.  3.  Solomon,  the  father  of  Wil- 
liam, Seth,  Sarah,  Tyler,  Charles,  Thomas  and  Solomon.  3.  Tyler,  who  left 
Mans,  Hetty,  Abel  and  Floy.  II.  Henry.  III.  Abram  had,  1.  Abram.  3. 
Esbon.  3.  Jotham.  4.  Enos.  5.  Daniel.  6.  Lemuel.  7.  Isaac.  8.  Job. 
9.  Zebulon.  10.  Mansah  mar.  Electa  Mead.  11.  Eunice  mar.,  1st.  Solo- 
mon Mead ;  3d.  Benjamin  Weed.  13.  Ruth  mar.  Major  Brown.  IV.  Ste- 
phen had,  1.  Stephen,  who  left  Jane  and  Betsy.  3.  Israel,  who  had  Jamea, 
Alfred,  Alexander,  Israel,  Stephen,  Lemuel,  Hiram  and  Mary.  3.  Edward, 
the  father  of  Edward.  4.  James,  who  had  John  Wolcott.  5.  Amos.  0, 
Matthias.  7.  Albert.  8.  William.  9.  Mary  mar.  Job  Brown.  10.  Eunice 
mar.  Mr.  Piatt. 

Ebenezer^  fourth  son  of  second  John,  left  Ebenezer,  Caleb ;  Sarah  mar. 
Jonathan  Hobby,  Hannah  mar.  John  Hobby ;  Jabez ;  David ;  Abigail  mar^ 
Isaac  Holmes,  Susannah  mar.  Moses  Huested,  Jemima  mar.  Moses  Knapp. 
Ebenezery  the  eldest  son  of  second  Ebenezer,  mar.  Mary  Mead,  %nd  left,  I. 
Ebenezer,  whose  children  were,  1.  Nancy.    3.  Hannah.    3.  Marrilda  majr, 


632  APPENDIX. 

T.  Bronghton.  4.  Ebenexer,  who  had  Ehenexer  the  father  of  WiHiam,  Ebe- 
Aezer,  Maria,  Theodore,  &c.  6.  Hannah  mar.  T.  Walker.  6.  Jabes.  7. 
Amy  mar.  Kpenetos  Lockwood.  II.  Hannah  mar.  Elkanah  Meed,  and  left 
Hannah,  Sarah  and  Amoa.  III.  Enoch  d.  Sept.  18,  1807,  et.  52,  mar.  Je^ 
mima  Mead  ;  she  d.  April  4,  1837,  et.  82  :  her  children  were,  I.  Solomon* 

who  mar. Gilbert,  and  left  Mary,  Enoch,  Gilbert,  Laura  and  Tharsa.    %. 

Alfred  mar.  Mary  Brundage.     3.  Thurza  mar.  Joseph  Bmndage.     4.  Laara 
mar.  Joel  Todd.     5.  Henry  d.  Dee.  10, 1811,  et.  11.     6.  Knfus  d.  SepL  15, 
1799.     7.  Nancy.     8.  Sarah  d.  May  19,   1784.     Silas  of  Quaker  Ridge, 
Conn.,  second  »on  of  second  Ebenezer,  b.  1719,  d.  1817,  mar.  Mary  Mead; 
shewasb.  1724,  d.  1787.    Their  children  were,  I.  Silas,  b.  1748.  d.  1813, 
mar.  Sarah  Mead,  and  left  Sarah,  Francis  and  Silas  H. ;  the  latter  mar.  Har- 
riett Mead,  and  had  Sarah,  who  mar.  Silah  Savage,  and  Silas  D.,  who  mar. 
Emily  L.  Close.     Silas  D.  has  one  da.  Myrtilla  M.     II.  Abner,  b.  1750,  d. 
1810,  s.  p.     III.  Aaron  mar.  Sarah  Mead,  da.  of  Eliphalet,  and  left  Aaron  of 
Cross  River,  Lewisboro\  mar.  Miss  Finch,  Allan  of  Greenbargh  mar.  Mabel 
Todd,  Amos  of  Cross  River,  Anna  mar.  Isaac  Seely,  Lacinda  mar.  Joseph 
Banks,  Sarah  (Mrs.  Hoyt,)  Mary  mar.  Harvey  Keeler.     IV.  Mary.    Y, 
Mary.     VI.  Calvin  roar.  Deborah  Mead,  da.  of  Jehia  Mead,  and  had,  1.  Ls- 
ander  of  Quaker  Ridge  mar.  Anna  Mead.    2.  Luther  of  Ohio  mar.  Alice 
Mead,  and  had  Marcus,  Will.  M.,  Joseph,  Thos.  L.  and  Anna.     3.  Theresa 
(Mrs.   Palmer.)    4.  Myrtilla.     5.  Lisetta  mar.  Obadiah  Peck.     6.  Marcos 
mar.  Harriett  •  Sturges,  and  has  Will,  Elizabeth  and  Alice.     7.  Rnfob  mar. 
Anna  Waterbury,  and  has  Lucinda,  Harriett,  Stephen,  Catharine  and  Sarah. 
8.  Mary  Jane.     9.  Herman  mar.  Margaret  West ;  has  Marcus  W.      10.  Lo- 
cinda.    Rev.  Abraham,  third  son  of  second   Ebenezer,  d.  et.  29.     JanoM, 
fourth  son  of  second  Ebenezer,  b.  1723,  d.  1783,  mar.,  1.  Sarah  Ferris.    S. 
Sarah  Howe,  and   left,  1.  Solomon.     II.  Edmund,  father  of  Solomon.     III. 
Noah.     IV.  Mark,  who  had,  1.  Jonas  mar.  Abigail  Mead,  and  lef\  Isaac  and 
Emeline.     2.  Sylvester.     V.  Jonas  had,  1.  Charles  mar.  Rachel  Sackett,and 
left  Sarah  A.  and  Whitman  S.     2.  Hannah  mar.  Benj.  Mead.     3.  Mark.     4. 
Milo.     5.  Sarah.     6.  Sarah.     Rev.  Solomon,  fifth  son  of  second  Ebenezer, 
removed  from  Greenwich  to  rjjMtlT  Salem  :  first  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  latter  place  A  D.  1752,  d.  Sept.  1812,  mar.,  1.  Hannah  Strong. 
2.  Hannah  Clark,  and  left,  1.  Andrew,  who  roar.  Miss  Barton,  and  had  Tho- 
mas, Benjamin,  Strong,  Alice,  Lucy,  Hannah  and  Maria.     2.  Theodosia  (Mrs. 

Smith.)     3.  Clark  of  Lewisboro'  mar. Gilbert  and  left  Martin,  Richard, 

Rufus,  Sophia,  Laura,  Rhoda  and  Linus.     4.  Martin  of  Lewisboro*. 

Deliverance,  sixth  son  of  second  Ebenezer,  d.  et.  57,  mar.  Abigail  Howe 
and  had,  1.  Elizabeth,  b.  17G0,  d.  1823,  mar.  Job  Lyon.  2.  Sarah,  b.  1761, 
d.  1812,  mar.  Silas  Mead.  3.  Rachel,  b.  1673,  d.  1831,  mar.  Whitman  Mead. 
4.  Hannah,  b.  1765,  mar.  Joshua  Mead,  and  left  Solomon.  5.  Jabez.  6. 
Robert,  b.  1768,  d.  1836,  roar.  Prudence  Mead,  left  Edward.  7.  Mary.  8. 
Huldah,  mar.  Zophor  Mead.     9.  Ephraim,  b.  1775,  mar.  Zuba  Mead,  and  had 


APPENDIX.  533 

Miry,  mar.  W.  Merrtit,  Huldah,  mar.  D.  S.  Mead,  Thona,  Mithea,  Jane, 
Isaac  D.,  Kliaabeth.  and  Ophelia.  10.  Jabez,  b.  1777,  d.  1839,  mar.  Sarah 
Knapp,  and  left  Julia,  Belden,  Mary  E.,  and  Will.  K.  11.  Zenas,  b.  1779, 
mar.  Maria  Lashlers,  and  had  Abigail,  mar.  Jonas  Mead,  Lueretia,  Deborah, 
Henry,  Julia,  Eliza  and  Lyman.  Amos,  seventh  ton  of  second  Ebenezer, 
mar.  Ruth  Bush,  she  d.  aet.  77 ;  they  had,  1.  Richard,  roar,  let,  Sarah  Mead, 
Sod,  Rachel  Mead  ;  he  left  Thomas,  who  mar.  H.  Seaman  and  had  Louisa, 
Thomas  R.,  Seaman,  Abigail  R.,  and  Elizabeth.  The  sisters  of  Thomas  are 
Sophia,  Elizabeth,  mar. Webb,  and  Sarah,  mar. Brush.  3.  Tho- 
mas. Hannah,  first  da.  of  second  Ebenezer,  d.  et.  29.  Edmund,  eighth  son 
of  second  Ebenezer,  d.  et.  23.  Jabex,  ninth  son  of  ditto,  d.  aet.  30.  Jared^ 
tenth  son  of  ditto,  mar.  Lydia  Smith,  and  had  1.  Leita,  mar.  Ebenezer  Mead. 
2.  Daniel,  mar.  Rachel  Mead,  and  left  Smith,  Jared,  Letta,  L.  Delia,  Eliza- 
beth, Adeline,  Adeline,  Edwin,  and  S.  Mervin.  3.  Lydia,  mar. Lock- 
wood.  4.  Alma.  6.  Hannah,  mar.  Jonas  Mead.  6.  Jared,  roar.  Anna 
Armstrong,  and  has  Amzi  Armstrong.  7.  Alvan,  mar.  Eliza  Peck,  and 
left.  Ralph  P.,  Warren  B.,  Cornelia  G.,  MeUncthon  W.,  and  Elvan  C. 
Abraham,  eleventh  son  of  the  second  Ebenezer,  d.  apt.  86,  mar.  Keziah 
Howe,  and  had,  1.  Deborah.  2.  Zoplior,  who  mar.  Huldah  Mead  and  left 
Abram,  Amelia,  Louisa,  Oliver,  Esther,  Sarah,  and  Mary  E.  3.  Isaao, 
mar.  Clarinda  Mead,  and  has  Augustus.  4.  Oliver.  6.  Esther.  6.  Lucy. 
7.  Lucy.  8.  Lucy.  Caleb,  second  son  of  first  Ebenezer,  the  fourth  son  of 
second  John,  mar.  and  lefl,  I.  Elkanah,  who  had,  1.  Sarah,  mar.  D.  Hoested. 
2.  Hannah,  mar.  B.  Smith.  3.  Amos,  who  left  Elkanah,  Stephen  Waring, 
Catharine,  Sarah  mar.  B.  Smith,  Belcher,  and  Mary.  II.  Jonah,  mar.  1st, 
Mary  Mead,  2d,  Rachel  H nested,  3d,  Hannah  Mead.  III.  Abel,  left  Zadok, 
Benjamin,  Phdebe,  Lucy  and  Fanny.  IV.  Jeminui.  Y.  Deborah,  mar.  Jehiel 
Mead,  and  had,  1.  Deborah.  2.  Jehiel,  who  left  Lewis,  Harriet,  William, 
William,  Mary,  Mary  Ann  and  Hanford.  Vl.  Stephen.  VII.  Zadok.  VIIL 
Rebecca.  IX.  Hannah.  X.  Mary,  mar.  Jabez  Peck.  XI.  Caleb,  had  Ra- 
chel, Anne,  Huldah,  Hannah,  Elizabeth,  Caleb,  Jemima,  and  Rebecca. 

Benjamin,  fifth  son  of  second  John,  left  a  son  Benjamin,  who  had,  I.  Ben* 
jamin,  whose  children  were,  1.  Mary.  2.  Anna,  mar.  1st,  David  Mead,  2od, 
James  Bailey.  3.  Theodoeia,  mar.  Edmund  Mead.  4.  Obadiah,  engaged  to 
Charity  Mead,  killed  during  the  Revolution.  6.  Phosbe,  mar.  Jehiel  Mead. 
II.  Thaddeus,  who  left  1.  Edward  Mead  of  Somers  roar.  Miss  Finch,  and  had 
Squire  Mead,  John,  Elizabeth  mar.  Henry  Lane,  Anne  mar.  James  Banks* 
Clarissa  mar.  Mead  Sutherland,  Sarah  mar.  David  Horton,  and  Hannah.  2. 
Ebenezer,  roar.  Abigail  Chapman,  and  had  Harvey,  mar.  Amy  Brown,  Whit- 
man, Solomon,  mar.  Nancy  Ferris,  and  Edward.  3.  Amaziah,  mar.  Miss 
Jessup,  and  has  William  and  others.  4.  Benjamin,  left  Solomon.  5.  Sarah« 
mar.  Stephen  Sutherland.  6.  Mary,  mar.  Noah  Lyon.  7.  Martha,  mar^ 
Andrew  Quick.  8.  Tamar,  mar.  Benjamin  Jessup.  III.  Sylvanus,  who  had 
1.  Whitman,  mar.  Rachel  Mead«  and  left  Mary,  who  mar.  John  Saokett,  Zo* 
phar,  mar.  Martha  Seaman,  and  left  Araminta,  Mary  E.,  and  Amelia.    WhU^ 


534  APPENDIX, 

man,  mar.  Grace  CorneD,  and  has  Grace  and  Henrietta.    3.  Piatt,  mar.  De- 
borah Peck,  and  had  Sackett,  Sylvanoa,  Sarah  mar.  John  Robbina,  Hannah 
mar.  Daniel  Peck,  Gideon,  Nathan,  and  Harriet  mar.  Bradlej  Redfield.     3. 
Gideon,  mar.  Mary  Miller,  and  left  Underbill,  Mary,  and  Maria.     4.  Asel, 
mar.  Anne  Mead,  and  had  Martin,  the  father  of  Alva,  Amaziaby  John,  and 
Asel ;  Henry,  the  father  of  William  H.,  and  David  ;  Levi,  who  has  Joseph  ; 
Mary,  mar. Bailey ;  and  Hannah.    IV.  Gideon,  left  Gideon.     V.  fid- 
ward.    VI.  William,  who  had^  1.  William.    2.  Abigail.     3.  Anna.      VII. 
Benjamin,  left,  1.  Margaret,  mar.  Hon.  Nathan  Rockwell.      2.  Elizabeth, 
mar.  J.  Brown  of  Somers.     3.  Sarah,  mar.  Joshna  Peck.     4.  Mary,  mar. 
Sylvanus  Ferris.    5.  Rachel,  mar.  Caleb  Lyon,  jr.    VIII.  Sarah.     IX.  Klix- 
beth,  mar.  Theophilua  Peck.    X.  Keziah,  mar.  laaac  Howe,  b.  Feb.  1707,  d. 
1808.    XI.  Eliphalet,  b.  1708,  d.  1796,  mar.  and  left,  1.  Eliphalet,  b.  1738, 

d.  1808,  mar.  Anne ,  and  bad  Dariua,  mar.  Hannah  Peck,  and  Anne. 

Darius  left  Anne,  mar.  Leander  Mead  ;  AUa,  mar.  Obadiah  Mead  ;  Htddah  ; 
Alva,  mar.  Jane  Arundel,  and  had  Samuel  £.,  Hannah  E.,  Samuel  £.,  Lean- 
der, Hannah  E.,  and  Mary  1^  ;  Adelia,  is  the  youngest  da.  of  Darius.  3. 
Jehiel,  mar.  Deborah  Mead.  3.  Jesse,  mar.  Rachel  Knapp,  and  left  a,  Jesse, 
who  mar.  N.  Compton,  and  had  William,  Elizabeth  and  George  ;  b,  Elizabeth, 
mar.  Daniel  Van  Vard  ;  c,  Rachel,  roar.  Richard  Dyckman ;  d,  Rebecca ;  e, 
Dimions,  mar.  Richard  Loyd.  4.  Abigail,  b.  1717,  d.  1796.  5.  Libeas,  mar. 
Ist,  Hannah  Benedict,  and  2nd,  Widow  Pocock,  and  has  Eri,  Martin,  Jared, 
Hannah,  Abby,  Clarissa,  Eliphalet,  Sarah,  and  Sibah.  6.  Eli,  mar.  Deborah 
Brush,  and  has  Polly,  Obadiah,  Orson,  Hannah,  and  Cynthia.  7.  Sarah,  mar. 
Aaron  Mead.  8.  Nancy,  mar.  Ebenezer  Mead.  9.  Rachel,  mar.  Benjamin, 
Knapp.  XII.  By  second  wife  Benjamin  had  Rachel.  XIII.  Obadiah  had 
Phoebe  and  Mary.  XIV.  Zebediah  left  Henry,  b,  1754,  Hannah,  b.  1755, 
Lydia,  b.  1757,  and  Levi,  b.  1761.  XV.  Nehemiah  left,  1.  Lucy,  mar.  Isaac 
Howe.  2.  Sarah,  mar.  Richard  Mead.  3.  Rachel,  mar.  Charles  Weed.  4< 
Nehemiah,  mar.  Miss  Richards,  and  left  Samuel,  William  H.,  James,  Sarah, 
Laura,  and  Caroline.  5.  Clarinda,  mar.  Isaac  Mead,  and  left  Augustus.  6. 
Bethiel,  mar.  Stephen  Davis. 

Nathaniel^  sixth  son  of  2d  John,  had  I.  GenH  John,  who  left  John  the  father 
of  Seth,  Walter,  Hipsibeth  mar.  J.  Simmons,  and  Alice  mar.  Peter  Mead, 
n.  Capt.  Matthew  had,  1.  Matthew,  who  left  Matthew,  Clemence  mar.  R.  Rich, 
Hannah  mar.  H.  Merritt,  Justus  mar.  Nancy  Hanford,  and  has  Joseph,  Justus, 
Matthew,  Andrew  J.,  Eliphalet,  and  three  others ;  Mary^  Thomas,  Amos,  Wtl^ 
liam  mar.  E.  Lawrence,  and  had  Jane  E.,  &c. ;  Hobby,  is  the  youngest  son  of 

Matthew.     2.  Justus  had  Susan,  mar. Eldridge,  Bush,  Walter,  James, 

Joseph,  Rebecca,  mar. Marshall,  Anne,  mar. Craft,  and  William. 

3.  Bush  had  Sophia,  mar. Russell,  Pothena,  mar.  Holmes,  Stc, 

III.  Nathaniel  left  1.  Jaspar,  the  father  of  Bush.     2.  Nathaniel.     3.  William, 
mar.  and  left  John,  Gilbert,  Nathaniel,  William,  Charity,  Hannah,  and  Mary. 

4.  Charity.    5.  Rachel.    6.  Betsy.     7.  Anna.     Nathaniel  Mead  mar.  Pru« 


APPENDIX.  636 

dence  Wood,  and  had ,  T.  Epenetas.  II.  Nathaniel,  mar.  Mist  Brown,  and 
left  Neheiniah,  Nathaniel,  William,  Tyler,  Epenetus,  Walter,  and  Harvey, 
&c.    III.  Joshua.     IV.  David,  mar.  Anna  Mead.     V.  Israel.    VI.  Halsey, 

VII.  Jonathan,  mar. Lyon.     VIII.  Hannah,  mar. Wheeler.     IX. 

Dimny,  mar.  Thaddeus  Hnestead.  X.  I'heodosia,  mar.  Benj.  Close.  XI. 
Robert.     XII.  Daniel  S.    XIII.  Isaac. 

Samael,  seventh  son  of  second  John,  left  I.  Peter,  who  had,  I.  Peter,  who 
had  Mary,  Peter,  Deborah,  Cyras,  Lackur,  Anna,  and  Sandford.  Lnckur  mar. 
Sarah  Fletcher,  and  has  Benjamin  and  Robert.  2.  Zacheus  has  Elsie,  who 
mar.  Job  Mead,  and  had  Zacheas,  Amanda,  Abraham,  Emeline,  and  Elisa. 
Hannah,  youngest  da.  of  Zacheus,  mar.  Mark  Mead.  II.  Zacheus.  III. 
Samuel  leA  I.  Charlotte.  2.  Henry.  3.  Artemas.  4.  Bythemy.  5.  Pris- 
cilia.  6.  Lavinia.  7.  Martha.  ArmSf  sa.  a  chev.  betw.  three  pelicans  or, 
vulned  gu. 

Morgan  of  Eastchester.  James  Morgan  the  ancestor  of  this  family 
came  to  Eastchester  from  Wales  about  1700,  a«d  settled  where  Caleb  Mor- 
gan, Esq.  his  great  grandson  now  lives ;  will  dat.  1764,  Surr.  Reo.  xxiv.  447. 
He  left  James  from  whom  the  Morgans  of  Reading  in  Connecticut  descend  ; 
Caleb  and*Cbarles  of  Eastchester.  Caleb  of  Eastchester  b.  July  24,  1718, 
d.  1803,  mar.  Ist,  Abigail  Drake,  sister  to  Col.  Joseph,  she  was  b.  Oct.  22, 

1727  ;  2d.  Isabella .     Caleb  lef^  issue,  I.  Caleb  of  Peekskill,  mar.  Phoebe 

Ward  and  had  1.  Edmund  of  New  York,  d  2.  Elijah  of  Biooklyn,  L.  I.  II. 
Benjamin  mar.  Ist  Miriam  Ward,  2d  Dinah  Morgan,  and  left  Caleb  of 
New  Rochelle,  &c.  III.  Elijah  of  Poughkeepsie  mar.  Levina  Hatfield  and 
had  1.  Elijah  of  Poughkeepsie.  2.  Joseph  of  Poughkeepsie.  3.  Gilbert.  4. 
Caleb  of  Poughkeepsie.  5.  David.  6.  Rebecca.  7.  Sally  mar.  Rev. Mar- 
vin. IV.  James  of  Eastchester  who  resided  on  the  property  now  occupied  by 
Charles  Morgan,  mar.  Mary  Guion  and  led  1.  David  mar.  Mary  Underbill. 
2.  John,  mar.  Eliza  Maoready,  3.  Daniel,  mar.  Sally  Ann  Morgan  of  Pough- 
keepsie. 4.  Rebecca,  mar  George  Farrington.  5  Anna,  d.  s.  p.  6.  Char- 
lotte mar.  Hachaliah  Purdy.  7.  Dinah,  mar.  Ist,  James  Brown,  2d,  Benja- 
min Morgaji.  V.  Moses  d.  June  18, 1818,  mar.  Oct.  4,  1786  Hetty  Vincent, 
she  was  b.  Feb.  10,  1769,  d.  Dec.  10,  1636.  Moses  had  1.  Susannah,  mar. 
Elijah  Townsend.  2.  Isabella,  ob.  s.  p.,  1809.  3.  Vincent,  mar.  Esther  T. 
Davis.  4.  Abigail,  mar.  Lewis  H.  Hobby,  d.  5.  Caleb  of  Eastchester,  mar. 
Esther  Dederer.  6.  Charlotte,  d.  s.  p.  7.  Hetty,  s.  p.  8.  Lewis.  9.  Au- 
gustus. 10.  Moses.  11.  Drake,  d.  s.  p.  12.  Hetty  Vincent,  d.  1810,  s.  p. 
VI.  David,  mar.  1st,  Abigail  Ward,  da.  of  Isaac ;  2d,  Peggy  Ward,  sister  of 
Abigail ;  3d,  Phoobe  Astor,  and  had  by  first  wife,  1.  Eliza.  2.  Martha.  By 
second  wife,  1.  Clarissa.  2.  Abigail  Jane.  VII.  Augustus,  mar.  Pbosbe 
Myers.  VIII.  Abigail,  mar.  Elijah  Johnson.  IX.  Charlotte,  mar. 
Elijah  Angevine  of  Scarsdale.  Charles  youngest  son  of  first  Jaroea,  d. 
1760,  mar.  Susannah  Guion,  and  left  I.  James,  August  20,  1750,  mar. 
Phoebe  Ludwell,  da.  of  Edward,  and  had  1.  Mary,  mar.  John  Barker.    5L 


636  APPENDIX. 

Hannah,  mar.  James  Hani.  3.  Sarah  mar.  Mr.  Wood.  4.  Suaan.  mar. 
Moses  Drake.  5.  Phoebe  mar.  Capt.  Josiah  Le  Count.  6.  Abby,  mar.  Daniel 
Drake.  7.  Charles.  8.  Eliza.  II.  Mary,  b.  Aug.  30,  1747,  mar.  Gilbert 
Valentine.  III.  Charles  of  Eastchester,  b.  May  8,  1756,  d.  May  18,  1833, 
mar.  Jane  Gaion,  da.  of  David,  she  d.  Oct.  30,  1823,  and  had  1.  Mary,  mar. 

1st,  Samuel  Drake,  2d,  Gilbert .      2.  Susan,  d.  March  90,  184L     3. 

Abijah,  mar.  Jane  Underhill,  da.  of  Col.  Peter  Underbill.  4.  Abby,  mar. 
Benjamin  Washburn.  5.  Hester,  mar.  Thooiaa  Oakley.  6.  Jane,  mar. 
Fisher  Valentine.  7.  Anne,  mar.  John  Valentine.  8.  James  mar.  Sarah 
Anne  Valentine,  da.  of  Jacob.  9.  I^etitia.  IV.  Abigail,  b.  April  13,  1746, 
mar.  David  Huested.  V.  Anne,  b.  August  20, 1752,  mar.  Edward  Tredwell. 
VI.  Phoebe,  b.  Sept.  20.  1754,  mar.  Elisha  Shute.  VII.  Suaaonah  b.  Feb. 
20, 1758,  mar.  Thomas  Drake.  }A.  Eustatia,  b.  August  23, 1760,  mar.  John 
Garrett.  ftjhj) 

Odell  of  Rye  and  Greenburgh.  William  Odett^  one  of  the  first 
settlers  of  Concord,  Mass.,  removed  to  Fairfield,  1Q44.  William  his  son  was 
among  the  early  settlers  of  Rye,  in  1060.  William,  jun.,  leA  five  sons,  vis. 
Stephen  of  Rye,  who  removed  to  Dutchess  County,  John  of  Fordham, 
Michael,  Isaac,  and  Jonathan  of  Connecticut,  ancestor  of  the  Wilton  branch. 
John  of  Fordham  mar.  Johanna  Turner  and  had,  I.  John  of  Fordbam,  mar. 

Benson  and  left  1.  John,  the  father  of  Isaac  and  Jemima.     2.  Sarah, 

mar. Hobbs.  3.  Clyntje,  mar.  James  Teller.  II.  Jonathan,  mar.  Mar- 
garet Dyckman.  She  was  b.  1729,  d.  March  20,  1783.  1'hey  left  1.  Jae^, 
b.  1752,  roar.  Hannah  Slymits,  and  had.  Jonathan  of  Tarrytowo  and  Jacob. 
2.  Colonel  John  of  the  Continental  army,  b.  Oct.  25,  1750,  d.  Oct.  26,  1835, 
mar.  Abigail  Brown,  da.  of  Hachaliah,  left  Jackson  of  Greenburgh,  who  mar. 
Anna  Ward,  and  Mary  mar.  Benjamin  Underhill,  3.  Abraham,  b.  January  4, 
1760,  d.  February  26,  1820,  roar.  Ann  Mindwe]l,and  had  Cornelius,  mar.  Jans 
Odell,  da.  of  Jacob.  4.  Isaac,  b.  September  25,  1758,  d.  June  24,  1811,  mar. 
Phoebe  Dean,  and  had  Jonathan  and  Daniel.  5.  William,  b.  March  18,  1762, 
mar.  Hannah  Wiltsea,  and  left  Jonathan,  Daniel,  Isaac,  Abraham,  Jacob, 
William  roar.  Rebecca  Dyckman,  and  Johanna,  roar.  Gerrit  Dyckman.  6. 
Jonathan,  b.  May  8,  1766,  d.  July  17,  1767.  7.  Johanna,  b.  Dec.  26,  1754, 
d.  April  12,  1832.  8.  Margaret,  b.  January  10,  1764,  d.  April  8,  1782.  9. 
Jane,  b.  Sept.  2,  1768,  roar.  Isaac  Verroilyea.  10.  Rebecca,  b.  Sept.  2, 1768, 
11.  Aubette,  b.  March  2,  1770,  d.  August  8,  1775.  III.  Abraham,  mar.  Re- 
becca Dyckman  and  had  1.  General  Jacob  of  Yonkers,  roar.  Ann  Devorr  and 
left  Jacob  of  Yonkers  and  Jane,  who  roar.  Cornelius  M.  Odell  of  Yonkers.  2. 
Jonathan,  roar.  Elizabeth  Underhill  and  had  Isaac  of  Brooklyn,  L.  I.  ^ 
Rebecca,  roar.  Klijah  Valentine.  4.  Ellida,  roar.  Jaroes  Oakley.  5.  Jane^ 
mar.  Abraham  Valentine.     6.  A  da.  mar.  Isaac  Odell.     IV.  Isaac,  mar.         ■ 

Devaux  and  had  1.  Isaac,  a  guide  to  General  Washington,  mar. Odell, 

and  leA  a  da.  who  mar.  -.i—  Reynolds.     2.  John*    3.  /cmaMan  of  Oaonda^a, 


APPENDIX.  637 

father  of  Isaac,  late  member  of  Assembly.   V.  A  da.  mar.  Evert  Brown.  VI* 

Allida,  mar.  John  Deraux.    Michael,  third  son  of  William  of  Rye,  mar. 

Bussing,  and  had  1.  Hendrick,  mar.  Sarah  Devaux,  and  lofl  James,  mar.  -^— 
Odell,  Stephen,  mar.  Elizabetli  Sherwood,  Jonathan,  mar.  Eleanor  Underhill, 
Margaret  mar.  Charles  Dasenberry,  Hannah  mar.  Lewis  Rich  and  Sarah, 
mar.  Matthias  Archer.  2.  John^  d.  s.  p.  Isaao  of  Eastchester  fourth  son  of 
William  of  Rye,  who  mar.  Patience  Tompkins,  had  three  sons,  William  of 

Eastchester,  Joshua  and  Tompkins.    William,  the  eldest,  mar. Jones, 

and  left  Daniel  of  Mile  St^aare,  who  mar. Valentine,  Abraham  of  Dutchess 

County,  and  John  of  Tonkers.    John  the  youngest  mar. Jones,  and  had 

Jonathan  of  Yonkers,  who  mar. Ferris^  and  left  Isaac  the  father  of  Jona* 

than,  Benjan^in  and  Gilbert,  Joshua,  second  son  of  Isaac,  mar.  Sarah  Jones, 
and  had  I.  Joshua,  mar.  Polly  Vincent,  who  had  I.  John  of  Dutchess  County, 
mar.  Esther  Crawford  and  left,  Peter,  Daniel,  James,  Elizabeth,  Abigail  and 
Charlotte.  3.  Isaac.  3.  Joseph  of  Greenburgh,  mar.  Rebecca  Tompkins, 
and  had  Joshua,  William  L.,  Anne,  mar.  Gilbert  Tompkins,  and  Hannah, 
mar.  Benjamin  Brown.  4.  Abraham  of  Dutchess  mar.  Mary  Nelson,  and 
had  Stephen,  Daniel,  Joshua,  Polly,  Elizabeth  and  Sally.  5.  Daniel,  mar. 
Ann  Boyce,  and  had  Thomas  B.  of  New  York.  6.  James  mar.  Elizabeth 
Odell  and  had  Daniel,  Benjamin,  Lawrence,  Mary,  Ann,  Susan,  Jane,  Caro- 
line and  Harriett.  7.  Sarah.  8.  Abigail.  9.  Joshua.  II.  Joseph  of  Odel- 
town,  Lower  Canada,  mar.  Martha  Manning  and  had  Joshua,  John,  Charles, 
Joseph,  Jacob,  Sarah,  Martha  and  Kve.  III.  John  of  Yonkers,  mar.  Mary 
Wiltsea,  and  had  1.  James,  sqrmiroed  the  Blac|c  Beard,  mar.  Abby  Hunt,  da. 
of  CoK  Hunt,  and  left  Benjamin,  John,  Moses,  Lancaster,  Captain  Joseph, 

Charles,  Rachel,  mar. Estes,  and  Marianna,  who  mar.  John  Varian.     3. 

Elizabeth.    Arms*    Ar.  three  cresents,  gu. 

Palmer  of  Mamaroneck.  William  Palmer  of  Westchester,  d.  about 
1670,  left  Joseph,  Benjamin,  Samuel,  proprietor  of  Mangopson  Neck,  Mama- 
Toneck,  Obadiah  and  Thomas.  Samuel  of  Mangopson  Neck  had  issue,  I. 
Obadiah,d.  1748,  mar.  Anne  and  left,  I.  William.    2.  Samuel.    3.  Benjamin. 

4.  David.      6.  Obadiah.      6.  Caleb.      7.  Esther,  mar.  Angevine.      8. 

lifary  Anne.  II.  Nehemiah,  d.  1760,  had  one  son  and  a  da.  Mary.  The  son  ' 
of  Nehemiah  left  Harrison,  Drake,  Aaron,  Nathan,  Benjamin,  Nehemiah  and 
Elihu.  III.  Sylvanus  of  Mamaroneck,  d.  1741,  mar.  Mary  and  had,  1.  Rob- 
ert, mar.  Mary  — r—.  3.  Sylvanus.  3*  John,  mar.  I^ebecca,  and  left  Joseph, 
Philip,  Marcus,  Lewis.  Benjamin,  Thomas,  Esther  and  Martha.  4.  Marma- 
duke.  5.  Edward.  6.  Anne.  T.  Susannah.  8.  Charity.  9.  Mary,  IV. 
Solomon. 

Post  op  Yonkers.    r  Post  a  native  of  Holland  emigrated  to  the  New 

Netherlands.  He  had  two  sons  Jacob  and  Tine.  Jacob  held  lands  in  Philips- 
bnrgh  under  the  Philipses.    Ue  mar.  Anne  Heddy  aqd  left  six  sons  and  three 

YoL.lI.  68 


538  APPENDIX. 

da.  I.  Jacob,  proprietor  of  the  homestead,  Tonkert,  mar.  Rachel  Pinekoej. 
She  was  b.  March  S3,  1732.  They  had  1.  Lewis,  b.  15  October,  1756, 
mar.  Abigail  Oaklej.  3.  Israel,  b.  May  15,  1758,  mar.  Naoey  Rich.  X 
David,  b.  March  28,  1760,  d.  October  16,  1803,  mar.  Margaret  Fowler.  4. 
Frederick,  b.  November  16,  1762,  mar.  Eliaabeth  Lawrence.  &.  James,  bb 
September  10,  1766,  mar.  Rebecca  Ferris.  6.  Phcebe,  b.  October  90«  17M, 
roar.  William  Warner.  7.  Eliaabeth,  b.  August  19,  1768^  mar.  Moses  War- 
ner. 8.  Euphemia,  b.  May  7,  1772,  mar.  Aaron  Warner.  9.  Marj,  h.  Jooe 
11,  1774,  mar.  Abraham  Berriin.  10.  Getty  d.  June  11,  1780.  II.  Abra- 
ham, mar.  Rebecca  Merrill  and  had  1.  David  of  Baltimore.  S.  Jacob  of 
Rockland,  mar.  Peggy  Graham.  3.  Abraham  of  Haveratraw,  mar.  Widow 
Gesner.  4.  Clinton  of  Rockland,  mar.  Mary  Briggs.  5.  Grace,  mar. 
Daniel  Gesner.      6.  Eliaabeth  mar.  Abraham  Scudder.     7.  Rachel,  mar. 

Isaac  Fredeker.    /  8.  Peggy  mar. Hibbert.     III.  Isaac,  proprietor  of 

the  Ludlow  estate,  Yonkers,  mar.  Polly  Lawrence,  and  had  1.  Samael  mar. 
Polly  Post.      2.  Lawrence  mar.  Elisabeth  Post.      3.  William.      4.  Betsy, 

mar.  Timothy  Briggs.    5.  Mary.    6.  Peggy,  mar. Hibbert.    IV.  Martio, 

a  guide  to  General  Washington,  mar.  Polly  Brown,  and  left  1.  Evert,  d.  s.  p. 

2.  Martin,  mar.  Polly  Brown.  3.  Jacob  mar.  Mary  Lent.  4.  Peter,  mar. 
Betsy  Anderson.  5.  Peggy,  mar.  Jacob  Dyckman.  6.  Polly,  mar.  WiUiam 
Dyckman.  V.  Peter,  mar.  Dolly  Warner,  and  left  1.  Jacob,  mar.  Ana 
Storms.  2.  William,  mar.  Polly  Williams.  3.  Harriet,  mar.  John  Bowmaa. 
4.  Maria,  mar.  John  Whipple.  5.  Nelly,  mar.  Stephen  Smith.  6.  Peggy 
mar.  Jacob  l^torms.  7.  Elizabeth,  mar.  Lawrence  Post.  8.  Susan,  mar. 
Theodosius  Rockwell.  VI.  Anthony  of  New  York,  mar,  Nelly  Brower,  and 
had  1.  Anthony,  mar.  Elizabeth  Polhamus.    2.  Nelly,  mar.  Odell  Valentine. 

3.  Betsy,  mar.  Robert  Manly,  M.  D.  4.  Ann  mar.  William  Bailey ;  besides 
four  other  daughters  who  d.  s.  p.  VII.  Elizabeth,  mar.  Thomas  Gregier, 
VIII.  Margaret,  mar,  John  Gregier,  M.  D.  IX.  Annetje,  mar.  Elnathan 
Taylor. 

PuRDY  or  Rte.  The  Purdy  family  were  among  the  early  settlers  of 
Fairfield,  Connecticut.  Francis  Purdy  the  first  member  of  the  famOy  of 
whom  we  have  any  account,  died  in  1658,  at  Fairfield.  His  sons  were 
Francis,  John  and  ISarouel.  John  the  second  left  Francis,  who  had  two  sons, 
Joseph  and   John.     Joseph  the  eldest,  one  of  the  first  proprietors  of.  the 

White  Plains  and  Lame  WilFs  Purchases,  d.  about  1709,  mar.  Elizabeth 

to  whom  her  husband  conveyed  his  rights  in  the  White  Plains  Purchase. 
They  had,  I.  Joseph,  who  left  Obadiah,  living  in  1734»  the  father  of  Caleb, 
1746.  II.  Daniel  the  father  of  Solomon  and  Benjamin.  III.  Samuel  left  the 
Hon.  Samuel,  a  judge  of  the  Court  of.  Common  Pleas,  who  had  Samuel  and 
Caleb.  IV.  David  who  had  David  and  Nathan  of  Ulster  County,  N.  Y.  V. 
Jonathan  of  White  Plains,  mar.  Mary  Hart.  He  had  L  Elijah^  ma/.  Lari- 
nia  Hoyt,  and  left  Samuel,  David,  John,  Israeli  Elijah,  Mary,  mar.  Joho 


APPENDIX.  539 

Pardy,  Abby,  mar.  Jonatlian  Pardy,  Fridy  mar.  John  Hariland,  Leyinia,  mar.' 
laenhart  Purdy,  Hester  and  Melissa  who  mar.  Thomas  Halstead.  3.  /ona- 
than  of  Whiu  Plains,  mar.  Charity  Hadden  and  had  a,  Jonathan,  killed  by  the 
fall  of  a  tree,  et.  18.  6,  Benjamin  of  Parchase,  mar.  Elizabeth  Pardy,  da. 
of  Samuel,  and  left  Jonathan,  d.,Sylfanas  of  Eastchester,  Jonathan,  Samael, 
d.,  and  Benjamin,  &c.  c,  Timothy,  mar.  1st,  Amy  Hobbs,  3d,  Mary  Hont, 
and  had  Augustus,  Jonathan,  Amy  mar.  John  Stapley,  Deliah,  mar.  Dafid 

Burgess,  Charity  mar. Fisher  and  Eliza,  mar.  Thomas  Dick,     d.  Job 

mar.  — —  Gedney.  e,  Nebe,  mar.  Amos  Purdy,  and  left  Moses,  Emery, 
Susan,  Charlotte  and  Margaret.  /,  Glorianna,  mar.  Henry  Budd.  g,  Sarah, 
d.  s.  p.    A,  Elizabeth,  d.  s.  p.    t,  Charity.    3.  Joseph,  mar.   Charity  Isen- 

hart,  and  left  Jonathan,  Joseph,  Henry,  Wermoth,  Michael,  a  da.  mar. 

De  Lancey,  and  Charity  mar. Purdy.    4.  Elizabeth,  mar. Williams. 

VI.  John  mar.  Rebecca.  VII.  Francis  heir  to  his  father^s  lands  on  Budd*s 
Neck,  who  left  Daniel.  John,  the  youngest  son  of  second  Francis,  left  a  son 
Daniel  and  others. 

Samuel,  youngest  son  of  first  Francis,  mar.  Penelope  Strang  da.  of  Daniel 
Strang  and  Charlotte  his  wife,  and  left  issue  three  sons.  tHrst.  Henry.  Se- 
cond, Josiah,  mar. Wetmore,  da.  of  Rot.  James,  and  had,  1.  Seth,  pro- 
prietor of  the  homestead  at  Rye,  mar.  Phoebe  Ketchum  of  L.  I.,  and  left 
Joshua,  Seth,  Josiah,  Keziah,  Alathea,  Elizabeth,  Charity,  Melinda,  and 
Phoebe.  S.  Alathea,  mar.  1st,  Joseph  Purdy,  2nd,  William  Purdy.  3.  Esther, 
mar.  Henry  Purdy  of  King  street.  4.  Hannah,  mar.  Josiah  Merritt.  Third, 
Caleb,  mar.  Hannah  Brown,  da.  of  Samuel  and  had,  I.  Caleb,  mar.  Ruth  Peck, 
and  left,  1.  Caleb.  2.  Elias.  3.  Ruth.  4.  Sarah.  If.  Samuel,  mar.  Glori- 
anna Fowler,  and  had,  1.  Gabriel.  2.  Samuel.  3.  Phoebe.  4.  Elizabeth. 
5.  Glorianna.  6.  Hannah.  III.  Josiah,  mar.  U.  Knapp,  and  left,  1.  Josiah. 
2.  Joshua,  who  is  presumed  to  ha?e  had  two  sons,  Hachaliah,  who  left  four 
sons,  viz.,  Daniel,  Hachaliah,  John,  and  Elijah.  Daniel,  the  eldest,  had  Wil- 
liam of  Salem  and  Daniel ;  Hachaliah  had  Elijah  of  Somers ;  Elijah  mar. 

Park  and  had  issue.  Joshua  of  Rye  mar.  Mary  Park,  by  whom  he  had,  first, 
Joseph,  who  mar.  Letitia  Guion  and  had  three  sons,  Tiz.,  Isaac  of  North 
Salem,  mar.  Miss  H.^rt,  they  left  Isaac  Hart  of  North  Salem,  Sally  Ann, 

mar.  Lewis  Brown,  Rosanna,  mar.  Gerard  Crane,  Clarissa,  mar. Perry* 

M.  D.,  Lydia,  mar.  Mr.  Howe,  Mary,  mar.  Rer.  D.  H.  Short,  Jane,  mar. 
Floyd  Keeler,  Christina  and  Laetitia.    Thomas  of  Rye,  second  son  of  Joseph 

and  Letitia,  mar. Purdy,  and  left  Edward,  Henry,  James,  Elizabeth, 

Cornelia,  and  Emeline.  Hon.  Joshua  of  North  Salem,  third  son  of  Joseph, 
is  still  li?ing  at  North  Salem.     Second,  Joshua,  mar.  Sarah  Griffin,  and  had 

Benjamin  of  Rye,  mar. ,  da.  of  Jonathan  Purdy,  and  left  Edward  of  Rye, 

William,  Hetty,  Mary,  Julia,  Ann,  Harriet,  and  Adeline.  The  das.  of  Joshua 
and  Sarah  were  Elizabeth,  Deborah,  Mary,  Sarah,  Esther,  and  Harriet. 
Third,  Roger  of  Rye.  Fourth,  Isaac  of  Rye.  IV.  Andrew,  fourth  son  of 
Caleb  and  Hannah  Brown,  mar.  Phoebe  Merritt,  and  had  Robert  of  Eastches- 


540  APPENDIX. 

ter,  Andrew  of  EMtchesier,  John  lierritt,  PlMebOv  and  HeTelindah.  V.  No- 
hemiah,  mar.  Elizabeth  Barchuin,  aod  left  Thomas,  Nehemiah,  Caleb,  Haa- 
nah,  A  one,  Elizabeth,  and  Deborah.  VI.  SyWanos.  VII.  £Iia%  mar.  Rachel 
Merritt,  and  had  Eliat,  John  Merritt,  William  Heory,  Caleb,  Sarah,  and 
Ophelia.    Till.  Caroline.    IX.  Hannah.    X.  Let ioia.     XI.  Anoe. 

Abraham  Purdy  of  Yorktown,  a  descendant  of  first  Joseph  of  White  Plainsi 
b.  10th  Oct.  1716.  d.  April  17th,  1778,  mar.  Phoebe  Strang,  she  was  h.  Feb. 
7,  1733,  d.  Oct.  37, 1759  ;  their  children  were,  I.  Abraham,  b.  April  9, 1750, 
d.  Aog.  1769,  s.  p.  11.  Alfsn,  b  JanV  11,  1757,  d.  July  16,  1830,  mar. 
Lydia  Hunt,  she  d.  Jan*y  37,  1843,  ct.  83,  and  left  issue,  1.  Abraham  si 
Goshen,  Orange  Co.,  mar.  Charity  Strang  and  had  William,  Alran,  and 
Howell.  3.  Alsop,  d.  s.  p.  3.  James,  Post-master  of  Yorktown.  4.  David, 
d.  s.  p.  5.  Alran  of  Yorktown.  6.  Elizabeth  Ann,  mar.  J.  H.  Strang. 
III.  Frances,  b.  July  33,  1753,  mar.  Col.  John  Drake.  IV.  Ebenezer,  b. 
Dec.  6,  1754,  roar.  Hun.  Ebenezer  Foot  of  Delaware.  Arms.  Or,  on  a 
oheyron  az.  between  three  mullets  sa.  pierced  of  the  field. 

Rbnaud  or  New  Rochellb.  The  ancestors  of  the  Renaads  were  Protes- 
tants, inhabitants  of  Rochelle  in  France.  On  the  ReTocation  of  the  E^ict  of 
Nantes,  Daniel  Renaud^  or  Rayneaut  fled  from  France  to  England,  and  soon 
after  came  thence  to  America.    His  son  John  left  John,  b.  1745,  d.  1839, 

who  mar. Parcot,  and  had,  I.  Andrew  of  Westchester.     If.  James,  mar. 

Jane  Renaud  his  cousin^  and  left,  1.  Cornelius.  3.  Leonard.  3.  Lewis.  4. 
Salmon.  5.  Hiram.  6.  Jerome.  7.  Ambroise.  8.  Lewis.  III.  John,  whose 
descendants  are  scattered  o?er  the  county.  IV*  Stephen  left  a  da.  Sarak» 
and  others.  V.  Susan^  mar.  James  Secor.  YI.  Jane,  mar.  Betgamin 
Secor. 

Requa  of  Greenburoh.  The  Requas  of  Westchester  County  all  de- 
scend from  Daniel  Requa,  who  was  an  emigrant  from  La  Rochelle  in  France. 
Daniel  came  to  New  Rochelle  and  afterwards  mo?ed  o?er  and  purchased  a 
farm  on  the  Hudson,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  south  of  Tarry  town,  where  some 
of  his  descendants  yet  live.  He  left  four  sons,  Gloade  or  Glode,  Juhn,  Da?id 
and  James.  I.  Gloade,  the  eldest,  left  six  sons;  1.  Isaac,  b.  June  3,  1758, 
mar.  Henrietta .     3.  Gabrieh     3.  Samuel.     4.  Daniel.     6.  James. 

6.  James.  IL  John,  d.  s.  p.  III.  James,  the  youngest  son  of  first  Danieli 
had,  1.  Gabriel.     2.  Joseph.     3.  Daniel.     4.  John.     5.  James.     6.  Gloade. 

7.  William.     8.  Elijah.     9.  Isaac,  b.  Jan.  31,  1779.     10.  Gilbert* 

RbinelA-udke  or  New  Rochelle.  Philip  Jacob  Rhinelander,  the  founder 
of  the  family,  came  from  the  Rhine,  France,  to  America,  soon  after  the  ReTo- 
cation of  the  Edict  of  Nantes.  He  had  three  sons  and  a  da.  I.  Philip  Jacob. 
II.  Bernard,  who  left,  1.  William^  b.  1745,  man  Hester  Deraux,  and  had  a  da. 
Mary  Magdalen.    2.  Jacobs  b.  Oct.  27th,  1740,  d.  s.  p.    Philip,  mar.  Deborah 


APPENDIX.  641 

Allen,  and  left  Deborah,  who  mar.  Isaac  Underhill.  III.  William  had,  1.  Wil- 
liam C.  of  New  York.  3.  John  of  L.  I.  3.  A  da.  mar.  William  Paulding. 
IV.  A  da.  mar.  Mr.  Schureman. 

Rich  BELL.    John  Richbell  was  of  Southampton,  England.     His  son  John 

was  the  first  proprietor  of  Mamaroneck  in  1660  ;  mar.  Anne ,  her  will 

dat.  1  April,  1700.  Their  two  das.  were  Elizabeth  and  Anne.  Elizabeth, 
the  eldest,  mar.  Capt.  James  Mott,  grandson  of  Adam  Mott,  of  Hempstead, 
L.  I.  The  children  of  Capt.  James  Mott  and  Anne  were  1.  James.  3. 
Mary.  3.  Richbell,  who  mar.  Elizabeth  — — ,  and  left,  1.  Edmund  of  Cow 
Neck,  L.  I.,  who  had  issue  Richbell,  Edmund,  John  and  Margaret.  S.  Rich- 
ard, ob.  1743,  roar.  Sarah  Pearsali.  3.  Adam  of  Staten  Island.  4.  Joseph. 
5.  Jemima.     6.  Deborah. 

The  only  brother  of  John  Richbell,  first  proprietor  of  Mamaroneck,  was 
Robert  of  Southampton,  England,  whose  sons  were  Edward  of  Westminster, 
Middlesex,  England,  and  Robert,  junr.  Edward  of  Westminster  left  Ed- 
ward of  St.  James*s  Parish,  Middlesex,  heir-at-law  of  John  Richbell  of  Ma- 
maroneek. 

Rodman  of  RooMAii^s  NeCk.  Samnel  Rodman  roar.  Mary  Pell,  «nd 
left,  I.  Joseph,  proprietor  of  Morsels  Island,  New  Rocheile.  II.  William, 
heir  to  his  father^s  lands  on  Rodman^s  Neck,  mar.  Leah  Myers,  and  had  Mary, 
who  mar.  Nicholas  Haight.  III.  Samuel  roar.  Anne  Hicks  of  Hart  Island, 
Pelham,  and  left  1.  Samuel.  2.  Capt.  Charles  Rodman  of  Eastchester.  3. 
Deborah  mar.  John  Bertine.    IV.  Elizabeth  mar.  Philip  Rich^. 

RoMER  OF  Greenburoh.  Jacob  Romer,  a  native  of  Switzerland,  emigra- 
ted to  America  before  the  RoToIution,  and  settled  in  Greenburgh.  His  sons 
were  Capt.  John  of  Greenburgh,  William  and  James. 

Secor  of  New  Rochelle.  The  ancestor  of  this  family  was  Amhroise 
SecoTf  or  Sycard,  a  Protestant  refugee  of  Rochelle>  who  fled  from  France  in 
1681.  His  sons  were  Amhroise  and  Jacques.  The  latter  mar.  Catharine 
,  and  had,  I.  Jacques,  owner  of  Richard  Secor^s  property,  Upper  Ro- 
chelle ;  he  mar.  Jane  Bennett,  and  had,  1.  Jacques,  b.  Jnly  25,  1729.  2. 
Jacob,  b.  Sept.  11,  1737.  3.  James,  b.  July  1ft,  1739,  mar.  Catharine  Ber- 
tine, and  left  James,  Mary  and  Catharine.  4.  Benjamin,  b.  Sept.  9th,  1735, 
mar.  Jane  Parent,  and  had  Thomas,  Elizabeth,  Jane,  Mary,  Susan  and  Esther. 
5.  Solomon,  b.  March  6, 174-.  6.  Abraham  mar.  Hannah  Simmons,  and  left 
Abraham,  Richard  and  Lancaster.  7.  Jane,  b.  Dec.  27,  1732,  mar.  John 
Pine  of  New  Rochelle.  8.  Catharine  mar.  Benjamin  Jereau.  9.  Mary  mar. 
John  Armand.  10.  Isaac  mar.  Jane  CoutanCt  da.  of  Jacob  ;  she  was  b.  March 
18,  1746,  d.  Sept.  1,  1794,  and  left  issue,  Peter,  Richard,  Abraham,  Beiya- 
min,  William,  Samuel,  James,  David,  Elizabeth  and  Bfargaret.    II.  Peter, 


642  APPENDIX. 

owner  uf  the  property  now  occupied  by  Mr.  PhilemoQ  Carpenter,  mar.  Es- 
ther Guion,  da.  of  Isaac,  and  had,  1.  Catharine,  b.  July  SO,  174S.  2.  Marie, 
b.  March  34,  1731.  3.  Esther,  b.  Jan.  32, 1738.  lU.  Ambroiae.  IV.  PaoL 
y.  Daniel,  owner  of  the  property  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Benjamin  Secor,mar. 
Mary  Archer,  and  left,  1.  Jonathan,  b.  Feb.  8,  1749.  3.  Jeremiah,  b.  Jan. 
Sd,  1740,  and  others. 

Smith  of  NortA  Castle.  Benjamin  Smith  removed  from  Long  Island  to 
North  Castle.  His  sons  were,  1.  Abel,  mar.  Bathsheba  Hatchins,  and  left 
Abel  of  North  Castle,  John,  James,  Benjamin  and  Charity,  who  mar.  Daniel 
Matthews  of  North  Castle.  II.  Isaac,  Sheriff  of  Westchester  County,  killed 
in  the  performance  of  his  duty.     III.  Benjamin.    IV.  Jamee. 

SouLiCE  OF  New  Rochelle.  John  iSou/tce,  a  natire  of  the  French  Pyre- 
nees, in  1673  mar.  Jane  Curterrie,  a  native  of  the  Rhine,  and  had  two  soni, 

▼iz.,  Joshua,  whose  da.  mar. Blaavelt,  and  John,  b.  in  the  Pyrenees  A.  D. 

1692.  The  latter  fled  from  the  persecutions  of  the  Trotestants  in  France,  and 
emigrated  to  America  A.  D.  1700.  He  settled  at  New  Rochelle,  and  mar. 
Mary  Bennett,  da.  of  Daniel;  she  was  b.  in  France  1695.  John  and  Mary 
left«issue,  I.  John  of  New  Rochelle,  mar.  Maria,  and  had,  1.  Elizabeth,  b. 
Aug.  24,  1729.  2.  Esther,  b.  Sept.  5,  1731.  3.  Madeline,  b.  Sept.  9, 1733. 
4.  Catharine,  b.  Sept  5,  1734.  5.  Susan,  b.  1750.  6.  Maria,  b.  May  30* 
1745.  II.  Daniel,  ancestor  of  the  Soulices  of  Nora  Scotia.  III.  Joabua, 
mar.  Susannah  Guion,  and  lef\,  1.  Joshua  of  New  Rochelle,  mar.  Mary  Bon- 
nett,  great  grand-daughter  of  Daniel  Bennett,  the  Huguenoty  and  has  John 
Soulice  of  Upper  New  Rochelle.  2.  Susannah,  b.  Oct.  4,  1765.  IV.  Su- 
sannah,    y.  Maria,  mar.  Abel  Devaux.     VI.  A  da.  roar. Dubois.     YII. 

A  da.  mar. Unerray.     VIII.  Magdaline,  mar.  EJias  Guion.     IX.  A  da. 

mar. . 

Sutton  or  New  Castlk.  This  family  derive  their  origin  from  Joseph 
Sutton,  whose  father  emigrated  from  the  County  of  Lincolnshire,  Cngland,  to 
Massachusetts.  Joseph,  who  remo?ed  to  Long  Island,  d.  betw.  1765  and 
1770,  ct.  80,  mar.  Mary  Sands,  and  had,  I.  Joseph  of  North  Castle,  d.  et.  80, 
mar.  Deborah  Haight  of  Shappequa,  and  left  several  children.  II.  Caleb,  d. 
aet.  70,  mar.  Abby  Pell,  and  had,  1.  Edward.  2.  Andrew.  3.  Pell.  4. 
Mary.  5.  Sophia.  6.  Solomon.  7.  Henry.  8.  Caleb.  III.  James  of  Cro- 
ton  Valley,  mar.  Elizabeth  Brown,  and  had,  1.  Mary.  2.  Jerusha.  3.  Han- 
nah. 4.  Joseph.  5.  Amy.  6.  James.  IV.  William  of  Croton,  d.  set.  80 
mar.  Dorcas  Clapp,  and  had,  1.  Jesse.  2.  William.  3.  Alice.  V.Richard- 
son of  Crutoo,  b.  July  11,  1732,  d.  1776,  mar.  Elizabeth  Quinby,  da.  of  Moses ; 
she  was  b.  Feb.  28, 1736.  VI.  Abby,  mar.  Robert  Field.  VII.  Mary,  mar! 
Samuel  Palmer.  VIII.  Sophia.  IX.  Jerusha,  mar.  Benjamin  Field.  Rich- 
ardson, fifth  son  of  Joseph,  left  issue,  I.  Esther,  b.  March  15, 1752,  mar.  Jo- 


APPENDIX.  543 

seph  Tolten.  II.  Moses,  b.  March  15,  1756,  mar.  Rebecca  Underbill,  da.  of 
Itaac,  aod  lefl,  1.  Sarah,  mar.  Nehemiah  Merrit.  2.  Abraham,  mar.  Esther 
Carpenter.  3.  Hannah,  mar.  Joseph  Pierce.  4.  Isaac,  mar.  Sarah  Under- 
bill. 5.  Mary,  mar.  David  Merritt.  6.  Aaron,  mar.  1.  M.  Pierce;  3.  Ann 
Haight.  7.  Phoebe,  mar.  Aaron  Quinby.  8.  Moses,  mar.  Rebecca  Under- 
bill. 9.  Abby  Jane.  III.  Daniel,  b.  May  22, 1758,  mar.  Phoebe  Hiie8ted,da. 
of  Jonathan,  and  had,  1.  Rachel,  mar.  Silas  Birch.    2.  Esther,  mar.  John 

Griffen.    3.  Elizabeth,  mar.  Jesse  Weeks.    4.  Jacob,  mar. Wheeler. 

5.  Deborah,  mar.  Adonijah  Underbill.  6.  Ann,  mar.  Joseph  Birdsall.  7. 
Henry.  8.  Louisa.  IV.  Deborah,  b.  Jo ne  17,  1760,  mar.  Zopher  Griffen. 
V.  Robert,  b.  April  5,  1762,  mar.  Sarah  Underbill,  and  had,  1.  Phosbe.  2. 
Mary.    3.  Thomas.     4.  Deborah.      5.  Gula,  mar.   John  Mott.     6.  Abby, 

mar.  Carpenter.     7.  Lydia,  mar.  Walter  Haight.    8.  Leonard.    9. 

Jane.  YI.  Samuel,  b.  Jan.  22,  1764,  mar.  Sarah  Underbill,  da.  of  Abraham, 
and  left,  1.  Richardson,  mar.  Maria  Wing.  2.  Joshua,  mar.  Phoebe  Burling. 
3.  Caleb,  mar.  Rebecca  Kiggsland.  4.  Amy,  mar.  Isaiah  Quinby.  5.  Abra- 
ham. 6.  Daniel.  7.  Edmund.  8.  Stephen  mar.  Ann  Burling.  9.  Sally. 
VII.  Phoebe,  b.  Aug.  27,  1765.  VIII.  Mary,  b.  March  7, 1767.  IX.  Jeru- 
sha,  b.  Sept.  2,  1768.  X.  Abigail,  b.  Dec.  12th,  1770.  XI.  Frances,  b. 
Dec.  13, 1772.  Arms — Ar.  on  a  cher.  betw^ three  annulets  gu.  as  many  cres- 
cents or.  Crest-^A  greyhound;  head  couped.  erro.,  collared  gu.,  garnished 
and  ringed  or,  on  the  collar  three  annulets  of  the  last. 

Teller  or  Teller's  Point.  William  Teller,  the  ancestor  of  this  fam- 
ily, emigrated  from  Holland  to  New  Amsterdam.     He  d  about  1698,  mar. 

Mary ;  she  died  in  1701.     Their  children  were,  I.  Jacob,  mar.,  1.  Anna 

Margaritje .    2.  Christina  Ashiield,  and  bad  two  da.,  Anna  and  Margaret. 

II.  William  of  Teller's  Point,  d.  1710,  mar.  Rachel  Kiersted,  and  had,  1.  Jo- 
hannes of  Teller's  Point,  mar. Vermilyea.    2.  William.    3.  Jacobus  of 

Teller's  Point,  mar.  Marietje  Vermilyea,  and  left  John,  Pierre,  Tobias,  James 

of  Teller's  Point,  Rachel,  8yrch6,  mar. Valentine,  Margaret  and  Mary. 

Pierre,  second  son  of  Jacobus,  had,  1.  James.  2.  Pierre.  3.  Solomon.  4. 
Daniel.  5.  Isaac.  6.  Miriam.  7.  Unas,  mar.  Robert  McCord.  III.  An- 
drew, father  of  Andrew.  IV.  Johannes.  V.  Casper.  VI.  Elizabeth.  VII. 
Mary.    VIII.  Jane,  mar. Schuyler. 

TowNSEND  or  Eastchester.  This  family  is  descended  from  the  Town- 
sends  of  Long  Island.  John  Townseod,  son  of  John  of  Oyster  Bay,  d« 
1788-9,  and  bad,  1.  Daniel  of  Eastchester,  who  led  John  of  Eastchester, 
Senator  for  the  Second  District  in  1821,  and  Elijah.  2.  Freelote,  who  mar. 
William  Pinckney.  From  the  Long  Island  family  also  descended  Sylvanus 
Townsend,  who  removed  to  North  Salem,  and  left  issue  William,  Syl? anutt 
at.  91,  still  Ijf  ing,  James,  Samuel  and  Jqstus,  all  residing  at  North  Salens, 


644  APPENDIX. 

Valentine  of  Yonkers.  Benjamin  Valentine^  the  ancestor  of  this  fam- 
ily, was  a  dragoon  in  the  French  military  serfice,  Canada.  He  removed  to 
New  York  circa  1680,  and  settled  upon  the  farm  (in  Yonkers)  now  owned  bj 

Frederick  Rich.     He  roar. Odell,  and  had  three  sons,  Matthias^  first 

proprietor  of  Yalentine^s  Hill,  Yonkers,  b.  1698,  d.  1781,  buried  at  Elastchester, 
Nicholas^  who  remo?ed  South,  and  Joseph,  The  latter  individaal  was  so  pas- 
sionately fond  of  the  Tiolin,  that  he  obtained  the  sarnaoae  of  '*  Tlie  Fiddler.*^ 
Matthias  J  the  eldest,  mar.,  1.  Anna  Rych.  S.  Mary ,  and  left,  I.  Abra- 
ham of  Yonkers,  b.  1719,  d.  19ih  Oct.  1768,  buried  at  Eastcbestery  niar.  Deb- 
orah Barton,  and  had,  1.  Gilbert,  b.  1748,  d.  1819,  roar.,  1.  Marj  Morgan,  da. 
of  Charles.  2.  Martha  Briggs  ;  by  first  wife  he  had  Abraham^  b.  June  16, 
1773,  roar.  May  27,  1798,  Hannah  Briggs  ;  she  was  b.  May  9,  1776.  Abra- 
ham and  Hannah  left,  a,  Abraham  of  New  York,  b.  May  10,  1804,  mar., 
1826,  Jane  Bates,  and  has  Abraham,  Edward,  John,  William,  George,  Mary 
Jane,  Emily,  d.  1843,  and  Catharine,  b,  Edward  Briggs,  b.  Jan.  95,  1809,  d. 
Sept.  23, 1834,  mar.,  1833,  Eliza  E.  Pinckney.  c,  S»m.  Morgan  of  Ponghkeep- 
sie,  b.  Not.  14,  1814,  mar.,  1843,  Elizabeth  Hempatead,  and  has  Sam.  Hemp- 
stead, d,  James,  b.  June,  10, 1813,  d.  June  20,  1813.  e,  William  Henry,  b. 
May  10,  1822,  d.  Aug.  13, 1836.  /,  Anne  Delia,  b.  June  23,  1809,  mar.,  Dec. 
8,  1821,  Edward  G.  Faile  of  West  Farms,  g,  Harriet,  b.  May,  97,  1806, 
roar.  Gilbert  Bates.  A,  Hannah,  b.  March  9, 181  l,d.  s.  p.  Dee.  10, 1812.  t, 
Mary  Jane,  b.  Sept.  )9,  1818,  d.  Feb.  10,  1825.  Gilbert  Valentine,  by  his 
second  wife  Martha  Briggs,  left  three  sons  and  two  das.,  viz.,  a,  Matthias,  mar. 
Hannah  Briggs,  and  had  Matthias,  Thomas,  Martha,  Mary,  Sarah  and  Stacia. 
h,  John  mar.  Mary  Bussing,  and  left  Gilbert,  John,  Peter,  Mary  and  Georgia, 
c,  Gilbert  d.  s.  p.  i,  Mary.  «,  Sarah.  2.  Abraham,  second  aon  of  first 
Abrahaqi,  mar.,  1.  Jane  Odell.  2.  Fanny  Newman.  3.  Elizabeth  Lent,  and 
had  Samuel,  Odell,  James,  Gilbert,  Jacob  and  Ann,  who  mar.  Elijah  Williams. 
3.  Dorothy,  eldest  da.  of  first  Abraham,  mar.  — —  Fowler.  4.  Nancy.  5. 
Sally.  6.  Mary.  7.  Susan,  b.  1756,  still  living,  mar.  Mr.  Vredenborgh  of 
Yonkers.  II.  John,  second  son  of  first  Matihias.  III.  Matthias.  I V.  Sam- 
uel, y.  Thomas  of  Valentine's  Hill,  b.  April  29,  1723,  mar.,  1.  Isabel  Law- 
rence.    2.  Mary  Barton,  and  bad,  1.  James,  who  mar.  Miss  Warner,  and 

had  Staats,   Charles  and  Nathaniel.     2.  Elijah,  mar.  Odell,  sister  of 

General  Jacob.  3.  Nathaniel  of  Valentine's  Hill,  who  had  Bishop,  Byrlipg, 
Elijah,  &c.  4.  Thomas  of  Pelham  had  Charles  of  Eastchester.  5.  Mat- 
thias, mar. Deighton,  and   had  Samson  of  Eastchester.     6.  Margaret, 

ntar.  Isaac  Odell.  7.  Anna.  VI.  Dorothy,  b.  April  16, 1716,  mar.  William 
Warner.  VII.  Sarah,  b.  Oct.  19,  1719,  mar.  Richard  Archer.  VIIL  Jane, 
b.  Jan.  27,  1724,  mar.  Reuben  Fowler.  IX.  Mary.  Joseph  Valentine,  the 
youngest  son  of  first  Benjamin,  haci  Caleb,  who  left  two  sons,  Caleb  and  An- 
thony.    Anthony  mar. Farringdon,  and  had,  1.  James.    2.  Anthony.     3* 

Jordan.  4.  Daniel,  who  mar.  Miriam  Fisher,  da.  of  Thomas,  and  left  Fisher 
of  Eastchester,  Da?id,  Clerk  of  the  Common  Council,  New  York  city,  Dan- 


APPENDIX.  646 

iel,  E valine,  Elizabeth,  Amelia,  and  Emma.    Arms.  Arg.  a  mullett  between 
three  human  hearts  gules. 

Van  Tassell  op  Gricenburgh.  Derick  van  Tassel  of  Tarrytown,  had 
Corftelius,  who  mar.  Elizabeth  Storms,  and  left  Leah  the  wife  of  Capt.  Wil- 
liam Romer  ;  Joanna  mar.  Aaron  van  Wedmer ;  and  Mary  mar.  Sybout  Acker. 
The  descendants  of  Jacob  van  Tezel,  the  ancestor  of  this  family,  are  very 
numerous  in  Westchester  county. 

Van  Wart  or  Greenburgh.  This  family  derive  their  origin  from  Joa- 
chim van  Weert  of  Philipsburgh  in  1697,  who  had  several  children.  Isaao 
van  Wart,  one  of  the  captors  of  Andre,  probably  a  grandson  of  the  above, 

was  b.  Oct.  25,  1762,  d.  May  23>  1828,  mar.  April  14,  1778,  Rachel , 

she  was  b.  June  4,  1760,  d.  1834  ;  their  children  were,  Alexander,  b.  Sept. 

28, 1779,  mar.  March  27, 1822, Eshton,  and  has  James,  Frances,  Esther, 

Rachel  Anne,  and  Hannah.     2.  Abraham,  b.  Aug.  12,  1785,  and  has  Isaac. 
3.  Anne,  b.  1782.     4.  Fanny,  b.  May  12,  1793. 

Vermilta  of  Greenburgh.  Isaac  Vermilya  of  Yonkers  d.  about  1766, 
and  led  three  sons  and  five  das.,  viz.,  I.  Johannes  of  Kingsbridge,  roar.  Char- 
ity Dyckman,  and  had,  1.  Jacob,  mar.  1st,  Mary  Dyckman,  2nd,  Maretje 
Dyckman,  and  left  Isaac  of  New  York.  2.  William,  mar.  Mary  Forbes,  and 
had  William  and  Thomas  of  New  York.  3.  Isaac,  mar.  Susan  Myers  of 
Haarlem,  had  Isaac  of  Yonkers.  4.  Jane,  mar..  Edward  Prior.  5.  Rebecca, 
d.  8.  p.  6.  Ellida,  mar.  James  Teller.  II.  Isaac  of  Croton  Valley.  III. 
Peter,  also  of  Croton  Valley.  IV.  Aeltje.  V.  Maretje.  VI.  Santje.  VII. 
Rebecca.     VIII.  Hannah. 

Wallace.  James  Wallace,  a  native  of  Lanarkshire,  Scotland,  A.  D.  1676, 
was  a  scion  of  the  parent  stock  from  which  the  renowned  Sir  William  Wallace 
descended.  Eeinverus  Galleius,  its  founder,  was  a  subscribing  witness  to 
King  David^s  foundation  charter  of  Kelso  Abbey,  A.  D.  1 150. 

James  Wallace  emigrated  from  Scotland  to  Ridgefield,  Conn.,  cir.  1676, 
and  subsequently  removed  to  North  Salem,  ob.  March,  1762,  eet.  87.  His 
wife  Mary  Hyatt,  ob.  Dec.  20,  1768,  aet.  84  ;  buried  at  Ridgefield.  His  chil- 
dren were,  1.  John  of  North  Salem,  mar.  Martha  Scofield.  2.  James,  nat. 
Feb.  28,  1713,  ob.  March  20,  1780,  set.  69,  lefl  one  son  Jacob.  3.  Jacob  of 
North  Salem,  (see  Rec.  of  Wills,  Surrogate's  OfiSce,  N.  Y  ,  lib.  xix.  176.)  4. 
Thomas,  ob.  et.  24.  5.  Rachel,  ob.  Nov.  20, 1748,  mar.  Vivos  Douchy. 
John,  the  eldest  son  of  James,  was  nat.  16th  Oct.,  O.S.  1709,  ob.  23d  March, 
1812,  iBt.  102  years  and  5  mos.  His  wife  Martha  ob.  March,  1770,  et.  44. 
Their  children  were,  1.  John  of  Nova  Scotia,  nat.  2d  June,  1747,  ob.  Dec. 
1828.  2.  William,  nat.  Oct.  16,  1750.  3.  Jonathan,  nat.  Nov.  18,  1752. 
4.  Samuel,  nat.  Nov.  1754,  ob.  19th  April,  1826.    5.  Jacob,  nat.  June  1, 

Vol.  II.  69 


646  APPENDIX. 

1759,  led  »  son  Jacob  heir  to  his  oncle  Jacob.     (^.  James,  nat.  July  8,  1763. 

7.  Epenetus,  M.  D.,  of  North  Salem,  nat.  Not.  18, 1706,  mar.  Phcebe  Close, 
da.  of  Solomon.  8.  Martha,  nat.  June  2, 1747,  ob.  Oct.  27, 1826.  9.  Rachel, 
nat.  Jan'y,  1749,  eb.  set.  62,  at  Onondaga.  1(^.  Ruth,  nat.  Dec.  1756.  11. 
Mary,  nat.  Aog.  28, 1769.  The  children  of  Epenetus,  serenth  son  of  John,  are 
I.  Solomon,  nat.  Oct.  23,  1703.  2.  Charles,  nat.  Sept  17,  1796,  mar.  Chra 
Townsend,  their  children  are  Epenetus,  nat.  Jan.  22, 1830 ;  Isaac,  nat.  March, 
23,  1832 ;  Elbert,  nat.  Oct.  19, 1834  ;  Justus  P.,  nat.  Sept.  5,  1836,  ob.  Aa^r. 
16ih,  1838;  Ann  AuRUSta,  nat.  July  3,  1838  ;  Majra  G.,  nat.  Sept.  10,  1841, 
and  Eleanor,  nat.  Oct.  27,  1844.  3.  John,  third  son  of  Epenetus,  nat.  Dec. 
1,  1801.  4.  Tompkins  Donald,  nat.  Jan'y  18,  1814.  5.  Matilda,  nat.  llih 
May,  1789.     6.  Jane,  nat.  22d  Feb.  1791.     7.  Abigail,  nat.  March  8,  1799. 

8.  Martha  M.,  nat.  I4lh  June,  1804.  9.  Phttbe  Ann,  nat.  July  29,  1807. 
10.  Rachel  E.,  nat.  14th  Dec.  1810. 

Family  arms.  Gules,  a  lion  rampant  or.     Crest.  Two  eagles*  necks  and 
heads  conjoined. 

Wescotte  or  Bedford.     Richard  WescoUe  was  one  of  the  early  proprie- 
tors of  Bedford.     He  mar.  Rachel  ,  and  left  issue,  Richard,  Daniel, 

Rachel,  Ruth,  Rose,  and  Millison.  Ananias  Wescotte,  a  descendant  of  the 
above  Richard,  mar.  Hannah ,  she  d.  Nor.  24,  1833,  set.  83.  The  chil- 
dren of  Ananias  were,  1.  Huly  W.  of  Bedford,  b.  May  27,  1798,  mar.  Debo- 
rah Wreden,  and  left  Ezra,  William,  Eliza,  and  Susan.  2.  Stephen  of  Stock- 
town,  Cayuga  Co.  N.  Y.  3.  Smith  of  North  Salem,  b.  April  23,  1790.  4. 
Mary,  b.  April  20,  1789.  5.  Abigail,  b.  Feb.  8,  1796.  6.  Ezra  W«  7.  Su- 
san, b.  Jan^y  24,  1821.     8.  Sally.     9.  Maria.     10.  Ruth. 

White.  John  White  came  to  Sonthampton,  Long  Island,  about  1640.  He 
left  two  sons,  I.  viz.,  Rev.  Ebenezer,  minister  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
Bridgehampton,  b.  17th  Feb.  1672,  graduated  at  Harvard,  1602,  and  installed 
minister  of  Southampton  Church,  9th  Oct.  1695,  d.  March,  1756,  mar.  Miss 
Pierson  ;  and  II.  Captain  Thomas  White.  Rev.  Ebenezer  and  Miss  Pierson 
left,  sons,  Eloathan,  Kev.  Sylvanus,  Silas,  and  a  da.  Hannah,  who  mar.  Rev. 
Rossiter  of  Stonington,  Conn.  Rev.  Sylvanus,  second  son  of  Rev,  Ebe- 
nezer, was  b.  A.  D.  1704,  graduated  at  Harvard  1723,  minister  of  Southamp- 
ton Church  1727,  d.  22d  Oct.  1782,  mar.  Phcebe  Howell  da.  of  Hezekiah, 
who  d.  July  24,  1783.  They  had  nine  children,  I.  Sylvanus  of  Blooming 
Grove,  Orange  Co.,  N.  Y.,  d.  set.  80,  mar.  Eunice  Herrick  of  Southampton, 
and  had  Sylvanus,  Nathan  Herrick,  Phcebe  and  Eunice.  II.  Edward  of  New 
Windsor,  d.  June  4, 1767,  set.  36,  mar.  Hannah  Pelletreau  da.  of  Francis,  she 
d.  March  1,  1810,  set.  74.  Their  children  were,  1.  Edward  of  Geneva,  n. 
1745,  d.  Aug.  1827,  ast.  65,  mar  Rachel  Smith  da.  of  Henry,  and  had  Harry, 
who  d.  Oct.  1833,  Sophia,  Phoebe,  and  Mary,  d.  set.  12.  2.  Hannah,  mar. 
Charles  Merrill.     3.  Mary,  d.  Dec.  27,  1798,  st.  33.    4.  Phcebe,  mar.  Reu- 


APPENDIX.  547 

ken  ColtoD.  III.  Hezekiah,  mar.  Abigail  Sayre  of  Bridgehampton,  settled  at 
Blooming  Grove,  Orange  Co. ;  they  had  six  children.  IV.  Daniel,  d.  autamn 
of  1781,  mar.  Euphemia  Bartow  da.  of  Hev.  John,  and  left  Daniel,  Theophilusi 
Phoebe,  Bathsheba,  who  mar.  Don  Joseph  Barnubean,  Spanish  Consul  Gene- 
ral, Matilda,  and  Euphemia.  V.  Silas  of  New  Windsor,  mar.  Sarah  Newson, 
and  had,  1.  James  Tiley.  3.  Silas.  3.  Levi  of  New  Windsor,  who  mar. 
Ellen  Cox,  and  had  Charles,  George,  Robert,  Adelia,  b.  1814,  Elvira,  b. 
1816,  Harriet,  b.  18*29,  and  Eleanora  b.  1830.  4.  Robert.  5.  Harriet. 
VI.  Ebenezer,  d.  set.  15  mo.  Vll.  Hon.  Ebenezer,  M.  D.,  of  Yorktown,  d. 
8ih  March,  1825,  st.  81,  mar.  Helena  Bartow  and  had,  1.  Bartow,  M.  D.» 
member  of  Congress  for  Dutchess  Co.  2.  Ebenezer,  M.  D.,  of  Somers,  who 
mar.  Miss  Green,  and  has  John  of  N.  Y.,  Samuel  of  Somers,  Bartow  F.  of 
Round  Hill,  Conn.,  Henry,  M.  D.,  of  Peekskill,  Euphemia,  Phoebe,  and  Elea- 
nor. 3.  Henry,  M.  D.,  uf  Yorktown.  4.  Lewis,  late  of  Peoria,  Illinois.  5. 
James.  6.  Theodosius,  b.  1836.  7.  Catharine,  mar.  SamM  Strang,  M.  D., 
of  Peekskill.  Vlll.  Henry,  M.  D.,  mar.  Ann  Eels  da.  of  Nathaniel,  and  had 
Sylvanus,  Hannah  Eels,  mar.  James  Parker,  Phoebe,  mar.  James  Parker, 
and  Ann.    IX.  Phoebe,  mar.  James  Tilly. 

W^iLKiNS  OF  Westchester.  The  ancestor  of  this  family  emigrated 
from  London,  Middlesex,  England,  to  the  parish  of  St.  Dorothy,  Island  of 
Jamaica,  ante  1719.  He  mar.  Anne  and  left  issae  Martin,  a  large  landed 
proprietor  in  the  island  of  Jamaica,  whose  last  will  bears  date  September  19, 
1748,  and  a  da.  Anne.  Martin  mar.  Johanna  Ilay,  and  had  issue  a  son  and  a 
da.,  viz.  Rev.  Isaac,  D.  D.,  for  thirty -one  years  Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church, 
Westchester,  d.  Feb.  5,    1838,  set.  80,  mar.  Isabella  Morris,  da.  of  Hon. 

Lewis,  she  was  b.  Feb.  8,  1748,  d.  Oct.  21,  1810.     Anne  mar. Hawks. 

Rev.  Isaac  had  I.  Martin,  a  distinguished  member  of  the  New  York  bar  and 
proprietor  of  Castle  Hill  Neck,  Westchester,  who  mar.  Sarah  Nutter,  da.  of 
Valentine,  and  left  1.  Gouverneur  of  Castle  Hill  Neck.  2.  Martin  of  South 
Carolina.  3.  Gilbert  of  New  York.  4.  Lewis  of  Madison  County,  New 
York.  5.  Catharine,  mar.  Henry  Phelps.  6.  Anne,  mar.  Robert  TurnbuU, 
M.  D.  7.  Matina.  d.  s.  p.  11.  Isaac  of  Westchester  mar.  Charlotte  Sea- 
bury,  da.  of  Right  Rev.  Samuel  Seabury.  III.  Hon.  Lewis  of  Nova  Scotia, 
has  James  of  New  York,  Hon.  Lewis  of  Nova  Scotia,  Martin  and  others. 
IV.  Thomas  b.  1771,  d.  May,  181C,  s.  p.  V.  Sarah  mar.  Archibald  Burns, 
M.  D.  VI.  Jounah.  VII.  Isabella.  VIII.  Mary.  IX.  Euphemia,  roar. 
Ichabod  Brush  of  New  York.  Arms,  per  pale  or,  and  ar.  a  whelk  vert. 
Crest,  a  whelk^s  head,  erased,  vert.     MoUo,  Sun  ar  dy  hyn. 

WiLLETT  or  Willett's  Neck.     Captain  Thomas  Willett  of  Plymouth, 
Mass  ,  in  1629,  mar.  Mary  Brown,  July  6,  1636,  and  left  I.  Colonel  Thomas  of 
New  York  in  1667,  afterwards  of  Flushing,  L  I.,  who  had  two  sons,  William 
heir  of  his  father's  lands  on  Coraell's  or  Willett's  Neck  r  and  Thomas  who 


648  APPENDIX. 

Mceeeded  his  brother.  Thomas  the  youngest  had  William  who  d.  1733,  and 
left  1.  William.  2.  Isaac,  High  Sheriff  of  Westchester  Coonty  d.  s.  p.  mar. 
Isabella  Morris,  da.  of  Lewis.  3.  Thomas  to  whom  his  father  bequeathed 
his  property  at  Flushing.     4.  Corneliasi  heir  to  his  brother,  mar.  Klisabetk 

,  and  \e(i  Elizabeth^  d.  June,  1772,  Hannah^  mar.  Frederick  Stephens, 

Mille,  mar.  Rev.  George  Ogilby,  Mary,  mar.  1st, Van  Romer,  2d« 

Graham,  Rachel,  mar.  1st, Lecrafl,  2d, Haviland,  Martha^  mar. 

Hatfield,  and  Sarah,  roar.  Mr.  Bcrrian.     5.  Mary,  mar.  Mr.  Rodman. 

G.  Anna  mar.  Mr.  Jones.  II.  James  of  Narragansett,  second  soa  of  Captain 
Thomas,  had  Francis  of  Rhode  Island.  III.  Andrew.  IV.  Samoel.  V. 
Hezekiah,  killed  by  the  Indians  during  King  Philip^s  war,  June  26,  1676. 
VI.  Hester,  mar.  John  Suffin.     Yll.  Rebecca,  mar.  Samael  Hooker. 

Wood  of  Bedford.  Three  brothers  of  this  name  emigrated  from  Eng- 
land to  Connecticut,  viz.  Isaac,  Daniel,  and  Obadiah.  The  latter  remoTod 
to  Salem  where  he  died.  He  mar.  Sarah  Abbot  and  lefl  I.  Obadiah,  mar. 
Anna  Roe,  and  had  William  Wood,  M.  D.  of  Bedford.  II.  Lemuel,  mar. 
Sarah  Whitlock,  and  had  1.  Lemuel.     2.  Obadiah.     3.  Thomas  of  Fairfield. 

III.  Fibenezer  Df  Salem,  b.  July  18,  1731,  mar.  Rachel  Lockwood,  da.  of 
Ebenezcr.  She  was  b.  February  13,  173 i,  mar.  1759,  d.  June  8,  1785,  and 
had  1.  Prudence,  b.  Ma^  3,  1761,  d.  January  9,  1815.  2.  Sarah,  b.  Aagost 
18,  1768,  d.  March  12,  1814.  3.  Rachel,  b.  October  18,  1765,  d.  Jalj  91, 
1825.  4.  Mary,  b.  Aug.  29,  1770.  5.  Ebenezer,  b.  November  26,  1773,  d. 
October  20,  1824.     6.  Joseph,  b.  November  15,  1778,  d.  September  18, 1779. 

IV.  James,  mar.  Eunice  Barnum  and  had  1.  Levi  of  Danbary.  3.  James,  d. 
3.  Joseph,  d.  V.  Michael  of  Ballston,  roar.  Margaret  Scribner,  acd  left  I. 
Abraham.     2.  Uriah.     3.  David.    4.  Michael. 

WooLSEY  OF  Bedford.  This  family  is  descended  from  CeorgB 
Wo^ilsey,  "  the  son  of  Benjamin,  and  grandson  of  Thomas,  a  near  relaUve  of 
Thomas,  better  known  in  history  as  Cardinal  Wolsey  ;  who,  to  the  liberality 
of  his  royal  master,  Henry  VIII.  was  indebted  for  his  extraordinary  elevation. 
George  Woolsey  was  b.  October  27,  1610,  and  had  probably  resided  some 
time  with  his  father  in  Holland,  having  come  over  with  the  Dutch  emigrants 
in  1623,  while  yet  a  mere  boy.^'  From  New  Amsterdam  George  removed 
to  Flushing,  where  he  purchased  a  plantation  and  established  himself.  He 
d.  August  17, 1698.  By  his  wife  Rebecca,  he  had  three  sons,  Qeorge,  Thomas 
and  John,  and  ihreo  da.  Sarah  Ilallett,  Mary  Woolsey  and  Rebecca  Wiggins. 
For  the  descendants  of  George,  see  Thompson's  History  of  Long  Island. 
Thomas,  the  second  son,  b.  1655  removed  to  Bedford,  Westchester  County, 
and  left  three  snns,  viz.  Richard,  William  and  Thomas.  Richard,  the  eldest, 
b.  1697,  d.  1777,  mar.  Sarah  Fowler,  and  had  I.  Josiah,  d.  1778,  mar.  Mary 
Owen  and  left  1.  Stephen  of  Ulster  Co.  b.  1758.  2.  Thomas  of  Bedford,  b. 
1766,  d,  1839.    3.  Josiah  of  Bedford.     4.  William  of  Bedford,  b.  1770,  d. 


APPENDIX.       ^  649 

1836.  II.  Thomas  of  Virginia,  left  Simeon  and  Daniel  of  Bedford.  III. 
Daniel  had  Aaron  and  others.  IV.  Benjamin  had  Jeremiah  of  New  York. 
V.  John  had  1.  John  of  Ulster  Countf.  2.  Henry  of  Ulster.  3.  David. 
4.  Rer.  Elijah.  5.  Thomas.  VI.  Richard  of  Vermont,  has  Richard  of 
Delaware  Co.,  N.  York.  VII.  Henry,  killed  by  lightning.  VIII.  Joseph,  mar. 
Mary  Haight,  and  lef^  1..  Richard  of  Seneca  County,  New  York.  2.  Joseph 
of  Cayuga  County.     3.  Jonathan  of  Newcastle,  Delaware.     4.  Daniel  of 

Bedford.     IX.  Mary  mar.  Loton  of  Albany.    X.  Sarah,  d.  in  Ulster 

County.  XI.  Ruth,  mar.  Jacob  Griffen  of  Fishkill.  XII.  Hannah,  mar. 
Joseph  Sarles.  William  of  Bedford,  second  son  of  Thomas,  left  two  sons, 
Tiz.  John  and  Jonathan.     John  mar.  Ruth  Owen,  by  whom  he  had  issue, 

John  of  Bedford.     The  latter  mar. Knowlton  and  had  1.  Nathaniel. 

2.  John  of  Bedford,  who  mar.  Elizabeth  Fountain,  da.  of  Ezra.  Their  des- 
cendants are  very  numerous  in  the  western  part  of  this  state.  Thomas 
youngest  son  of  Thomas  resides  at  Bedford.  Arms,  sa.  on  a  cross,  engr.  ar. 
a  lion  passant,  guardant  gu.  crowned  or,  betw.  four  leopards*  faces  az.  on  a 
chief,  of  the  second,  a  rose  of  the  third,  betw.  two  Cornish  choughs,  ppr. 
Crest,  a  naked  arm,  embowed,  grasping  a  shin-bone,  all  ppr. 


ADDExXD  A. 

HowLAND  OF  Greenburqh.     John  Howland,  the  founder  of  this  family, 
was  a  citizen  and  Salter  of  London,  Middlesex,  England.     He  mar.  Ann, 

daughter  of Granway  of  Clay,  Norfolk  County,  England.     She  mar.,  2. 

John  Quarles  of  London,  and  d.  1588.     Their  children  were — I.  Richard,  D. 
/       D.,  Bishop  of  Peterborough,  bapt.  Sept.  26,  ll>40.     II.  John  of  London  re- 
9        mo?ed  into  Essex  Co.,  bapt.  Aug.  11,  1541,  mar.  Emma,  da.  and  heiress  of 
'  Nicholas  Revell  of  London,  and  left  John  of  Newport,  Essex  Co.,  Nicholas 

and  Margaret,  who  mar.  Euseby  Catesby  of  Castor,  Northamptonshire.  John 
of  Newport  is  presumed  to  have  left,  with  others,  John,  who  arrived  at  Ply- 
mouth, Massachusetts,  in  the  M^v  Flower  Dec.  16,  O.  S.,  1620,  b.  1593,  d. 
Feb.  23, 1673,  mar.  Elizabeth/uarver,  da.  of  Governor  Carver,%nd  had  four 
sons,  viz.  John  of  Barnstable,  Jabez  of  Bristol,  Isaac  of  Middteborough,  and 
Joseph  of  Plymouth,  besides  six  das.  Jabez,  second  son  of  John,  mar.  Be- 
thia  Thacher,  and  left  five  sons,  1.  Josiah,  b.  Aug.  1,  1676,  roar.  Bathsheba, 
and  had  a  son  Joseph.  2.  John,  b.  July  26,  1679 ;  he  had  John,  who  mar. 
Abigail  Burt,  and  left  Joseph  of  Greenburgh,  b.  at  Boston,  who  mar.  Lydia 
Bill  of  Boston,  and  had  Gardiner  of  Flushing,  L.  I.,  Samuel  of  Greenburgh, 
and  several  das.  3.  Jabez,  h.  Sept.  1, 1669.  4.  Samuel.  5.  Joseph,  b.  Oct. 
14,  1692,  d.  Aug.  16,  1737,  mar.  Bathsheba  Carey,  by  whom  he  had  issue  a 
son  Joseph,  b.  Dec.  16,  1717.  III.  William,  third  son  of  first  John  of  Loo^ 
don,  bapt.  1542.    IV.  Robert  of  Grey*s-Inn,  London,  bapt.  1545,  ob.  t.  p. 


650  APPENDIX. 

V.  Ralph  bapt.  1546,  ob.  8.  p.  VI.  Wflliam  liapt.  1548,  ob.  s.  p.  Til. 
Sir  Giles  of  Streatham,  Surrey  Coanty»  England,  bapt.  1644,  ob.  1606, 
mar.,  1.  Aon,  da.  of  Sir  John  Hart  of  London,  Knt,  ob.  a.  p.  2.  Elixabetb, 
da.  of  Sir  John  Rivers  of  London,  Knt;  she  d.  1605,  and  left,  1.  Sir  Jobs 
of  Streatham,  d.  1631,  roar.  Cecily,  da.  of  John  and  So8an,and  had  John  and 
Susan,  besides  others.  3.  Sir  Matthew,  Knt,  a  gentleman  pensioner  to  James 
I.,  and  Charles  I.,  d.  1648,  and  left  Edward  and  Eliaabeth  ;  the  latter  mar. 
Thomas  Roberts  of  Glastonbury,  Kent  Co.  3.  Geoffrey,  who  ancceeded  Iob 
brother  at  Streatham,  and  had  Samuel,  d.  s.  p. ;  John  of  Streatham  ob.  1686, 
roar.  Elizabeth,  da.  of  Sir  Josiah  Child,  Knt,  and  had  John,  d.  young,  and 
Elizabeth,  who  mar.  Wriothesley  Russell,  Duke  of  Bedford,  from  whom  the 
present  Duke  of  Bedford  descends.  4.  Elizabeth  mar.  Sir  George  Fiuwil- 
Hams  of  Mablethrop,  Lincoln  Co.  5.  Mary.  6.  Ann.  7.  Alicia.  VIII. 
Benjamin,  eighth  son  of  first  John,  bapt.  1550,  ob.  s.  p.  IX.  William,  bapt 
1553,  ob.  8.  p.  X.  James,  bapt.  1554.  XI.  Nicholas,  bapt.  155.S.  XIL 
Christina,  bapt.  1554,  ob.  s.  p.  Arms,  ar.  two  bars  sa.  in  chief,  three  lions, 
rampant,  of  the  second.  Crest,  a  leopard  passant  sa.  dncally  gorged  or. 
These  arms  were  confirmed  to  Richard  Howland,  D.  D.,8od  and  heir  of  John 
Howland  of  London,  gentleman — allowed  to  him  and  all  the  posterity  of 
John  Howland,  father  of  said  Richard,  under  the  hand  and  aeal  of  Robert 
Cooke,  Clarencieux,  King-at-Arms  by  patent,  dat.  June  10,  1584,  Act  S7th 
of  Elizabeth. 

Farrington  op  Eastciiebter.  The  family  of  Farrington  are  of  Shaw 
Hall,  Lancashire,  England.  The  Farriogtons  of  Farrington,  Wearden  and 
Shaw  Hall,  all  in  the  Parish  of  Leyland  and  County  Palatine  of  Lancaster, 
arose  at  the  time  of  the  Conquest ;  and  have  since  preserved  an  uninterrupted 
male  succession.  They  resided  at  Farrington  as  recently  as  the  time  o( 
Elizabeth,  and  continued  at  Wearden  until  the  close  of  the  sixteenth  century, 
when  they  removed  to  Shaw  Hall. 

The  manor  and  hundred  of  Leyland  was  held  by  them  of  King  Edward  the 
Confessor  ;  and  the  men  of  the  manor,  (which  was  of  a  superior  order)  as  well 
as  those  of  Salford,  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  attending  to  their  own  harvest 
instead  of  the  King^s. 

According  to  Thompson's  History  of  Long  Island,  one  Edmund  Farrington, 
with  a  number  of  others,  embarked  from  Lynn,  Massachusetts,  in  a  vessel 
with  a  Capt.  Howe,  on  or  about  the  17ih  of  May,  1640,  and  arrived  at  Cow 
Bay,  L.  I.,  where  they  purchased  of  the  Indians  from  the  eastern  part  of  Oys- 
ter to  Cow  Bay  ;  and  where  they  were  dispossessed,  by  the  Dutch  Governor 
Kiea,  on  the  19th  of  May,  1G40. 

This  Farrington  originally  came  from  Southampton,  England.  He,  with 
the  others,  afterwards  bought  Agawan  of  the  Indians,  a  tract  about  twenty 
miles  long  and  six  miles  wide,  and  made  a  settlement,  which  he  called 
Southampton.     They  made  their  settlement  on  the  13th  December,   1640. 


APPENDIX.  551 

The  consideration  paid  was  sixteen  coats  and  eighty  bushels  of  Indian 
corn  for  the  land.  Edmund  Farrington  returned  to  Lynn,  Mass.,  and  ''n 
J  655  built  a  mill  there,  and  dug  a  pond  and  opened  a  brook  for  a  half 
mile  called  Farrington^s  Brook.  Farrington  died  in  1680,  aged  88  years. 
Two  of  his  sons,  viz.  Thomas  and  Edmund,  afterwards  removed  to  Flushing. 
Thomas  Farrington  in  1645  was  one  of  the  patentees  of  Flushing,  and  his 
brother  Edward  was  a  magistrate  there  in  1657.  The  latter  had  a  son  named 
John  Mastin  Farrington. 

Thomas  Farrington,  the  first  of  that  name  mentioned  in  the  Eabtches- 
ter  town  records,  was  one  of  their  descendants.  He  emigrated  from  Flush- 
ing to  Eastchester  about  the  year  1750,  and  became  one  of  the  purchasers  of 
a  portion  of  Long  Reach,  a  district  of  the  town  ;  and  the  farm  that  he  owned 
in  that  patent  is  yet  in  the  possession  of  one  of  his  descendants,  Mr.  Jonas 
Farrington  of  the  city  of  New  York. 

Thomas  settled   in  Yonkers — afterwards  removed  near  Hunt^s  Bridge 
and  then  to  the  Long  Reach. 

Thomas  Farrington  died  about  the  year  1793,  aged  about  90  years  of  age, 
and  his  grave  and  that  of  his  second  wife  lies  at  the  junction  of  a  lane  called 
Farrington's  Lane,  running  through  his  farm  with  the  White  Plains  Road. 
Thomas  Farrington  mar.,  first  wife,  a  Miss  Norris  ;  and  his  sister  Jane  Far- 
rington mar.  John  Norris,  the  brother  of  his  first  wife.  Their  children — 1. 
Robert  mar.  Charity,  sister  of  Nehemiah  Hunt.  2.  Sarah  mar.  Anthony 
Valentine.  3.  Thomas  mar.  Miss  Taylor.  4.  Benjamin  mar.  Susannah 
Tompkins  ;  second  wife,  Margaret  Mastin.  Their  children — I.  Jonas  mar. 
to  Euphemiah  Lawrence.  2.  Mastin  died  unmarried.  3.  Hannah  mar.  Jo- 
seph Oakley.  4.  Penelope  died  Oct.  10,  1838,  unmarried.  5.  George  mar. 
Frances  Guion,  d.  April  16,  1830. 

The  following  extracts  from  the  Eastchester  town  records  apply  to  Thomas 
Farrington,  viz. :  hq  was  appointed  overseer  of  the  roads  April  15th,  1774. 

**  There  is  at  ye  house  of  Thomas  Farrington's  a  road  rooned  horse  aboute 
fourteen  hands  high,  shored  before  with  a  roidlen  long  tale,  without  either 
roarke  or  brand  as  can  be  perceived.  Entered  ye  28th  day  of  December, 
1760,  by  me. 

J^O.  0.  9.  Sam'l  Sneden,  Town  Clerk." 

The  following  extracts  from  the  town  records  apply  to  other  members  of  his 
family . — 

George  Farrington  (his  son)  was  appointed  Overseer  of  the  Roads  on  1st 
April,  1784.  Appointed  Fence  Viewer  and  Overseer  of  the  Road  on  5lh  April, 
1796 ;  re-elected  4th  April,  1797.  Appointed  Overseer  of  the  Poor  3d  April, 
1798  ;  also  2d  April,  1799  ;  also  Overseer  of  Roads  1st  April,  1800. 

Jonas  Farrington,  another  son,  was  selected  Overseer  of  Roads  3d  April, 
1798;  Overseer  of  Highways,  11th  Dist.,  on  7th  April,  1812;  re-appointed 
6th  April,  1813  ;  also  7ih  April,  1818;  also  6th  April,  1819. 

Jonas  Farrington,  the  son  of  Thomas  Farrington,  was  born  May  26,  1754 ; 


i 


662  APPENDIX. 

mar.  Euphemia  Lawrence,  b.  Jan.  SO,  1764.  Their  children — I.  Mastinb. 
Feb.  2,  1783.  3.  Jane  b.  April  16,  1785.  3.  George  b.  Aug.  10,  1787. 
4.  Jonas  b.  May  3,  1790.  5.  Hannah  b.  May  3,  1793,  died  in  infancy.  6. 
Charles  b.  April  3,  1796.  7.  John  Rich  b.  Dec.  23,  1798.  8.  Rebecca  b. 
Nov.  10,  1801.  Jonas  d.  A.  D.  1822,  Sept.  22.  Eaphemia  d.  A.  D.  1830, 
March  21.  Their  tombstones  are  in  Eastchester  churchyard.  Of  these  chil- 
dren— The  First,  Mastin  Farrington,  d.  March  29,  1823,  mar.  Keziah  Oak- 
ley, b.  July  25,  1782.  Their  children— 1.  Oakley  b.  Not.  3,  1801,  mar., 
1825,  Msy  8,  to  Mary  Ann  Boscawen,  and  had  issue.  2.  Mary  b.  Oct.  27, 
1803,  mar.  a  Mr.  Maun,  and  had  issue.  The  Stcondt  Jane  Farrington,  mar. 
Anthony  Valentine,  and  had  issue ;  she  d.  in  1838.  The  Thirds  George  Far- 
rington, mar.  a  Miss  Morgan,  and  had  issue.  The  Fourlh^  Jonaa  Farrington, 
jr.,  mar.  Sarah  Wolff,  and  had — 1.  John,  who  mar.  Margaret  Jourdan,  and 
had  issue.  2.  Rebecca  roar.  Abel  Wheaton,  jr.,  and  had  issue.  3.  John 
Smith.  4.  Sarah  mar.  Wm.  L.  Barker.  5.  Hannah.  The  f\fth^  Charles 
Farrington,  mar.  Catharine  Boyce,  b.  A.  D  1799,  and  had — 1.  £meline  Ea- 
phemia b.  April  19,  1819,  mar.  Wm.  S.  Wood.  2.  Chas  W.  b..April  4, 1835, 
mar.  3.  John  Rich  b.  Feb.  4, 1820,  mar.  4.  Eliia  Rebecca  d.  The  Sixiht 
John  Rich  Farrington  mar.  Hannah  Barker,  and  had  issue.  The  Seventh, 
Rebecca  Farrington,  roar.  John  P.  Angevine  A.  D.  1837,  and  had  Charles 
Berrian,  b.  March  15,  1840. 

There  are  great  numbers  of  the  descendants  of  the  other  children  of  Tho* 
mas  Farrington  settled  in  Westchester  County,  city  of  New  York  and  Vir- 
ginia. 

Cornells  or  Westchester.  Richard  Cornell,  the  ancestor  of  this  family 
emigrated  from  England  to  Long  Island  about  1655  to  1660.  Under  the 
Dutch  colonial  government  he  purchased  the  estate  of  Little  Neck.  He  after- 
wards removed  to  Rockaway,  where  he  became  possessed  by  patent  from  the 
British  colonial  government  dated  1686,  of  a  tract  of  land,  part  of  which  he 
sold  in  1691  to  John  Sands,  lie  died  cir.  1693,  leaving  five  sons  and  two 
das.,  viz.,  William,  Thomas,  Jacob,  John,  Richard  who  d.  s.  p.,  Mary  and 
Sarah.  William,  the  eldest,  left  issue,  I.  Thomas.  II.  Richard  of  Success, 
roar.  Phoebe  Doughty,  and  had,  1.  Charles  of  New  York,  b.  1743,  d.  1800, 
mar.  Deborah  Bowne.  2.  Phcebe,  mar.  Thomas  Pearsall.  3.  Mary,  mar. 
Elijah  Pell.  4.  Anne,  mar.  Ferris  Cornell  of  Scarsdale.  Charles  of  New 
York  and  Deborah  \e(i,Jirst,  Charles  of  Long  Island,  b.  1769,  d.  1807,  mar. 
Catharine  Rodman,  and  had,  a,  Richard  of  Long  Island,  b.  1793,  d.  1831,  s, 
p.  b,  Alexander,  b.  1800,  mar.  Catharine  Magnus,  and  has  Charles  M.,  b. 
1827,  John  F.  D.,  b.  1829,  Alexander,  b.  1836,  Charlotte  L.,  b.  1831,  and 
Catharine  R.,  b.  1834.  c,  Thomas  F.,  b.  1604,  mar.  Sarah  F.  Mann,  and  has 
Thomas  F.,  b.  1830,  Charles  R.,  b.  1832,  William  T.,  b.  18.?3,  and  Stephen 
M.,  b.  1836.  </,  Phoebe,  b.  1794,  mar.  Thomas  Roe.  e,  Charlotte,  b.  1795, 
mar.  Henry  J.  Ilayner.     /,  Adelaide,  b.  1798,  mar.  Edward  Cosarts.     Sec^ 


APPENDIX.  663 

and.  Robert,  second  son  of  Charles  and  Deborah,  b.  1772,  d.  1778.  Third. 
Sarah,  first  da.  of  do.,  b.  1766,  d.  1809,  mar.  John  J.  Glorer.  Fourth. 
Phcebe,  second  da.,  b.  1775,  d.  1776.    III.  Samuel  of  Flashing,  third  son  of 

first  William,  b.   1700,  mar.,  1.  Hannah  Doughtf.    2. Doaghtj.     3. 

Susannah  Willett,  and  left,  1.  Samuel  mar. Mampson  of  Newborn,  and 

had — Elizabeth  mar.  William  Bajard  of  New  York,  Hannah  mar.  Herman 
Le  Roy,  Sarah  mar.  Matthew  Clarkson  of  New  York,  Mary  mar.  — ^—  Ed- 
wards, and  Susannah,  who  mar. Chads.    2.  Charles  b.  1738,  d.  1790  at 

Bay  Side,  mar.  Elizabeth  Cornell,  and  left  Samuel,  who  d.  s.  p.  Archibald  of 
Flushing,  L.  I.,  b.  1733,  mar.  Elizabeth  Allen,  Williant  d.  s.  p.,  Phabe  b. 
1773,  mar.  Lewis  Hewlett  of  Cow  Neck,  L.  I.,  Sarah,  Hannah  mar.  Wil- 
liam Coit,  Arabella  mar.  Gordon  Corning  of  Troy,  Jannette  mar.,  1.  William 
D.  Cheever.  2.  Samuel  Huntingdon,  Anne  mar.  Gorsbom  Cook.  3d.  Rob- 
ert mar.  Anne  Lines.  4.  Hannah  mar.  Francis  Brown.  6.  Mary  mar.  Ar- 
thur Mampson.  A,  Elizabeth  b.  1806,  d.  1830,  mar.  W.  H.  Girard.  t,  Abi- 
gail Jane  b.  1809,  mar.  W.  H.  Girard.  >,  Phcebe.  Fifth.  Mary  d.  1827, 
mar.  Nathan  Palmer.  2.  Joseph,  second  son  of  second  Richard,  b.  1708,  d. 
1770,  mar.  Phoebe  Ferris,  and  had*<»Fsr«^  Joseph  of  Mamaroneck  mar.  1735 
Sarah  Hadden,  and  left,  a,  Richard  b.  1762,  d.  1795.  h,  Jonathan  b.  1764,  d. 
1834,  mar.,  1.  Lydia  Carpenter.  2.  Jemima  Acker,  and  had  Calebs  b.  1790, 
mar.  Phoebe  Lamoree,  who  left  Isaac,  George  L.,  Merritt  G.,  Jane  and  Debo- 
rah. Joseph  b.  1793,  mar.  Deborah  D.  Merritt,  and  left  Theodore,  b.  1819, 
d.  1822,  Jonathan  H.,  Caleb,  Richard,  Lydia  mar.  Lewis  Ryn,  Caroline,  Em- 
•line  and  Deborah  S.  Zeno  b.  1795,  d.  1795.  Zeno  b.  1796,  mar.  Mary 
Brown,  and  had  Anna  Maria  and  Phcebe.  Philip  Ward.  Deborah  and  Sarah 
D.  mar.  Isaac  L.  Carpenter,  c,  Willett  b.  1770,  mar.  Mary  Cock,  and  had 
Daniel,  who  mar.  Frances  P.  Halstead,  and  left  Cordelia,  Mary  Elizabeth  and 
Ann  Augusta ;  Ambroise  mar.  Sarah  Halstead,  and  had  Jonathan  H.,  Willett 
and  Albert,  Charity  d.  1834,  mar.  James  Tompkins,  Sarah  d.  1832,  mar.  Ste- 
phen Bradey,  Rebecca  and  Lydia  mar.  D.  W.  Chase,  d,  Susannah  b.  1757, 
mar.  Newberry  Fowler,  e,  Deborah  b.  1760,  mar.  Jonaihan  Fowler.  Se- 
cond. Richard  b.  1738,  d.  1748.  Third.  John  of  Mamaroneck  b.  1743,  d. 
1827,  mar.  Alice  Williams ;  she  was  b.  1744,  d.  1830.  Their  children  were, 
Isaac  b.  1767,  d.  1832,  mar.  Sarah  Bennett,  and  had  David  M.,  b.  1798,  mar. 
Elizabeth  Clive,  and  left  Isaac,  John  C,  David,  Mary  Elizabeth,  Sarah  Anne, 
Hester,  Jane  B.  and  Margaret.  Charles,  second  son  of  Isaac  and  Sarah, 
mar.  Maria  Champenois,  and  had  Esther  and  Albert  W.  Mary,  eldest  da.  of 
Isaac,  mar.  Caleb  Ward ;  Margaret, second  do.,  Joseph  Carpenter  ;  Susan  A., 
third  da.,  William  Yarian ;  Sarah,  fourth  do.,  Timothy  Calver.  John  L.^ 
second  son  of  John  and  Alice,  b.  1781,  mar.,  1.  Margery  Williams ;  2.  Han- 
nah Anderson,  and  had  George;  William  mar.  Susan  Secor;  Margaret 
mar.  Edwin  Underbill ;  Sarah  mar.  Lancaster  Odell ;  Mary  b.  1809,  d.  1832 ; 
AJice  b.  1810,  d.  1838,  mar.  William  Champenois ;  Elizabeth  b.  1814,  d.  1832  ; 

Vol.  II.  70 


0M  APPENDIX. 

SoHiB,  Ann  and  Elizabeth.     Margaret^  eldest  da.  of  John  and  Alice,  b.  1709^ 
d.  1831,  mar.,  1.  Isaac  Horton  ;  S.  William  Anderson.     Phmb£^  aeeood  do., 
b.  1769.    Afory,  third  do.,  mar.  1.  DaWd  Mann;  3.  Rer.  Samuel  Huhtiff 
PhabCt  foarth  do.,  d.  1774.     Sarah,  fifth  do.,  mar.  J.  Varian.     EUzaktik^ 
sixth  do,  mar.  James  Varian.     Fourth.  Ferris  K  1748,  d.   1816,  mar.,  1. 
Anne  Cornell ;  9.  Hannah  Qainby  ;  3.  Sarah  Cox,  and  had  Richard^  b.  1774, 
d.  177-,  Joseph  b.  1776,  Thomas  I.  b.  1779,  mar.  Amj  Fiaher.     6.  Anas 
mar.  BenJ.  Floyd.    IV.  John  of  White  Stone,  L.  I.,  foarth  son  of  first  Wil. 
Ham,  mar.  Mary  Clement,  and  left,  1.  Thomas  b.  1743,  d.  1807,  mar.  Anas 
Gale,  and  had  John,  mar.  Sarah  Talman,  and  Thomas,  mar.  Elisabeth  Ack- 
erman.    3.  John  mar.  Sarah  Roe,  and  had  Mary,  mar.  John  Hooter,  aad  Sa- 
rah, who  mar.  William  Barmstead.    3.  Oliver  mar.  Anne  Roe,  and  left  Wil. 
Ham ;  OliTer  mar.  Susan  Bagby ;  Mary ;  Martha  mar.  Henry  Loweme,  Char- 
lotte mar.  Joel  Hunter,  Caroline  mar.  Jonathan  Peck,  EHsabeth  mar.  Samsd 
Ellis,  Margaret  mar.  Elijah  Peck,  Anne  mar.  EHJah  Peck,  and  Sarah  mar. 
Stephen  Leonard.    4.  Margaret  b.  1760,  d.  1815,  mar.  Oliver  Roe.     5.  Maiy 
mar.  Austin  Field.    6.  Anne  mar.  William  Roe.    V.  Charles,  yoangest  soa 
of  first  William.    Thomas,  second  son  of  first  Richard,  left  Thomas,  member 
of  Assembly  from  1739  to  1764.    Jacob,  third  son  of  first  Richard.     John  of 
Cow  Neck,  L.  I.,  living  in  1677,  mar.  Mary  Russell,  and    had,  I.  Riohaid, 
who  removed  in  1735  to  Westchester,  b.  1675,  d.   1757-8,  mar.  Hanotk 
Thorne  of  Flushing  ;  she  was  b.  1678,  and  d.  1756.    Their  childveo  were— 
1.  Richard  b.  1*08,  mar.  Mary  Ferris,  and  had  Peter  of  Mamaroneek,  who 
mar.  Sarah  HaTiland^  and  left,  First.  Thomas  mar.  Hannah  Lynch,  and  had, 
o,  Peter,  who  mar.  Margaret  Gedney,  and  had  John,  Thomas,  Nalhaoiel,  Aa- 
thony,  Cornelia,  Hannah,  Elisabeth,  Mary  and  Margaret.     5,  Samuel  6.    c, 
Thomas  L.  mar.  Emeline  Lawrence,     d,  Sarah  mar.  John  Bates,     e,  Hester 
mar.  Timothy  Hayiland.     Second^  Richard  mar.,  1.  Elizabeth  Angevioe.     S. 
Ann  Pardy,  and  had  Caleb,  Richard,  Ebenezer,  John,  Elizabeth  mar.  Jesse 
Seymour,  Sarah  Anne  mar.  John  Seymour,  Deborah  and  Anne.     Third.  Ebe- 
nezer mar.  Elizabeth  Purdy,  and  left  a  da.  Susan.    Fourth.  Haviland  b.  1764, 
mar.,  1.  Mary  Gales.    2.  Lavinia  Storms,  and  had,  a,  Peter  b.  1789,  mar. 
Sarah  Matthews,  and  had,  Elijah,  Thomas,  Edward  and  Richard.,     b^  Thomu 
b.  1792,  mar.  Amy  Merritt,  and  had  Haviland,  William,  James,  John,  Mary, 
Ruth  and  Ann.    c,  Haviland  b.  1801,  mar.  Anne  K.  Dillingham,  and  had  Pe- 
ter, Barney,  George  W.,  Elizabeth  Dearborn,  Maria  Anne,  Anna,  Sarah  and 
Delia,    d,  Ebenezer  b.  1804,  d.  1821.     e,  Dorothy  b.  1786,  d.  1817,  mar.  Jo- 
seph Griffin.    /,  Sarah  G.,  b.   1795,  mar.  Carpenter  Merritt.     ^,  Maria  b. 
1798,  mar.  Benjamin  Archer.     2.  Gulielma  Wood,  and  left,  a,  Richard,  who 
mar.  Mary  Annetto  Phelps,  and  had  Eliza  P.;  John  b.  1832,  d.  1 832,  and 
Anna  b.  1834,  d.  1836.    b,  Charles,    c,  Henry,    d,  Robert,     e,  Anne  mar. 
Daniel  Griffin.    /,  Esther  F.,  b.   1808,  d.  1812.    g.  Amy  W.  b.  1812,  d. 
1812.    A,  Mary  W.    i,  Phosbe.     Samuel  youngest  son  of  Ferris,  b.   1782, 
mar.  Martha  Bennett,  and  had  Arthur,  Elizabeth,  Hannah  and  Rachel.  Fifth. 


APPENDIX.  65& 

Htuinah,  b.  1736,  mar.  James  Fowler.  Sixth.  Sarah  b.  1739.  Seventh. 
Mary  b.  1741,  mar.  John  Merritt.  Eighth.  Phcebe  b.  17M),  mar.  Abijah 
Haigfat.  3.  John,  third  boo  of  second  Richard,  b.  1717,  d.  1781,  s.  p.  4. 
Benjamin,  fourth  son,  b.  1723,  d.  1771,  mar.  Abigail  SteTcnson,  and  had, 
First.  Stepliea  of  MamaMneck  b.  1749,  d.  1802,  mar.  Margaret  Ha? iland, 
and  left,  41,  William  H.,  b.  1776,  mar.  Dorcas  Carpenter,  and  had  Stephen,  Wil- 
liam, Deborah  and  Mary,  who  mar.  Jacob  Miller,  b,  Richard  b.  1781,  d.  1798. 
e,  Stephen  b.  1785,  d.  1815,  mar.  Amia  Titos,  and  had  Richard,  b.  1811,  d. 
1837,  Titus  mar.  Phoebe  Ann  Mott,  and  has  William  and  Stephen,  b.  1814,  d. 
1814.  d,  Bei^amin  b.  1788,  mar.  Sarah  Titua,  and  had  Mary,  e,  Samuel  b. 
1796,  mar.  Hannah  Carpenter,  and  had  Richard,  Stephen  G.,  Henry  G.,  Re- 
becca Jane  and  Elizabeth.  /,  Deborah  mar.  John  Schuerman.  g,  Mary  b. 
1783,  d.  1784.  h,  Mary  mar.  Henry  Griffin,  t,  Abigail.  Second.  Benjamin 
b.  1760,  d.  1760.  Third.  Benjamin  b.  1761,  mar.,  1.  Alice  SuUon ;  2.  Pa- 
melia  Farmington,  and  left,  a,  John  b.  1733,  mar.,  1.  Sarah  Matthews;  2. 
Mary  Ann  Porter,  and  had  William  M.  of  Newtown,  L.  I.,  Andrew  Jackson, 
Jesse,  Ar? in,  Alice,  Elizabeth  mar.  Henry  Hackett,  Ann  Maria,  Sarah  and 
Emetine,  b,  Jesse  b.  1785,  d.  1805.  c,  Silas  b.  1789,  mar,  Sarah  Mott,  and  had 
Thomas,  James  M.,  Richard  M.  b.  1822,  d.  1823,  Anne  M.  and  Sarah  Alice. 
d,  Thomas  b.  1794,  d.  1797.  e.  Thomas  T.  /,  Benjamin  F.  b.  1813,  d.  1814. 
g,  Jane  b.  1787,  d.  1830,  mar.  David  Arnold.  A,  Phcsbe  mar.  Stephen  Un- 
derbill, t,  Dorcas  mar.  Joseph  Arnold.  /,  Mary  F.  Fourth.  Hannah  b. 
1744,  mar.  John  Burling.  Fifth.  Jane  b.  1746,  mar.  Joseph  Griffin.  Sixth. 
Deborah  b.  1751,  mar.  Willett  Bowne.  Seventh.  Anne  b.  1753,  mar.  Benja- 
min HaTiland.  Eighth.  Phiebe  b.  1755,  mar.  John  Gibbs.  Ninth.  Sarah  b. 
1758,  d.  1764.  Tenth.  Abigail  b.  1758,  d.  1834.  Fifth.  Mary,  first  da.  of 
second  Richard,  b.  1703,  d.  1762,  mar.  Rot.  Henry  Sands.  Sixth.  Deborah, 
second  da.,  b.  1705,  d.  1779,  mar.  Matthew  Franklin.  Seventh.  Hannah,  third 
da.,  b.  1711,  mar.  Josiah  Quinby.  Eighth.  Phoebe,  fourth  da.,  b.  1715,  mar. 
Ebenezer  Hafiland.  Ninth.  Rebecca,  fifth  da.,  b.  1718,  d.  1735,  mar.  Ed- 
ward Burling.  Tenth.  Elizabeth,  sixth  da.,  b.  1720,  d.  1795,  mar.,  1.  Aaron 
Palmer.  2.  Aaron  Quinby.  II.  Joshua,  second  son  of  first  John  and  Mary 
Russell,  mar.  Sarah  Thorne  of  Flushing,  L.  I.,  and  had,  1.  Joshua  of  Harri- 
son, b.  1696,  mar.  Charity  Haight,  and  left,  a,  Joshua,  b.  X726,  d.  1775,  mar. 
Hannah  Harrison,  da.  of  John,  and  had,  First.  Samuel  of  Siiiith*a  Co?ei, 
Orange  County,  b.  1741,  d.  1812,  mar.  Eleanor  Hunt,  and  left  J^rrofi,  Eden^ 
Isaac,  Harrison,  who  mar.  Charity  Earle,  and  had  Samuel,  John  and  Han- 
nah ;  John,  Haydock,  Rebecca,  Phabe,  Charlotte  and  Sarah,  who  mar.  Fran- 
cis Hazard.  Second.  Joshua  of  Yorktown  b.  1765,  d.  1825,  mar.  Rebee(!a 
Haight,  and  had  Jesse,  who  mar.  Ann  Wortman,  William  mar.  Phoebe  Car- 
penter, and  had  John  J.,  James  B.,  Sarah  Anne  and  Lydia  P.,  Jaa^es  d.  s.  p., 
John  H.  mar.  Rachel  Webster,  Samuel  P.  mar.  Julia  Scbooley,  Lydia  mar. 
Hugh  D.  Webster,  Phabe  d.  s.  p.,  and  Mary  G.  Third.  John  b.  1769. 
Fourth.  Charity  b.  1759,  d.  1770.    Fifth.  Sarah  b.  1762,  d.  1810.     Sixth. 


666  APPENDIX. 

Fbcebe  b.  1768,  mar.  James  Hallett.     Seventh.  Hannah  b.    1775,  d.  1777. 
Eighth.  Mary  b.  1776,  mar.  William  GromweU.    b^  William,  second  aoD  of 
Joshaa  and  Charitj  Haight,  b.  1738.  mar.  Mary  Quinby,  and  had,  Firtt. 
Richard.     Second.  Qaioby  mar.  Hannah  Underhill.     Third.  James  mar.,  1. 
Elisabeth  Chadeaynea.    S.  Phoebe  Smith,  and  had  Abraham,  Oliver  and  Sa- 
rah.    Fourth.  John  d.  a.  p.     Fifth.  William  mar.  Esther  Underhill,  sad  had 
Solomon,  Joel,  Aaron,  William,  Charity,  Deborah,  Mercy  and  Mary.     SixtL 
Daniel  roar.,  1.  Elizabeth  Birdsall.    3.  Mercy  Bowman.     Sevenik.  Jostah, 
twin  brother  of  the  former,  mar.,  1.  Sneannah  Birdsall.     2.  Anne  Reynolds, 
e,  John,  third  son  of  Joshua  and  Charity,  b.  1738,  d.  1813,  mar.,  I.  Maiy 
Qoinby.    3.  Mary  Ann  Allen.    ^,  Charity,  only  da.  of  Joshaa,  b.  17^,  mar. 
Barnet  Cornell,  her  cousin.     3.   John,  second  son  of  Joshaa  and  Sank 
Thorne,  d.  s.  p.     4.  Samuel  of  Cow  Neck,  Flushing,  b.  1709,  mar.,  1834, 
Hannah  Carman,  and  had  three  sons  and  one  da.,  y'u.  Baruch,  who  mar.,  1. 
Charity  Cornell ;  3.  Mary  Clark  ;  John  d.  s.  p.,  Joshua,  and  Martha  h.  1736, 
d.  1759,  mar.  Henry  Sands.     Baruch  and  Charity  left.  First.  Joshna  d.  a.  p. 
Second.  Comfort  mar.  Elisabeth  Embree,  and  left  Robert,  who  mar.  Afany 
Lofett,  Abigail  mar.,  1.  Jacob  Doughty.    3.  Isaac  Carse,  Alice  mar.  Peter 
Townsend.  Third.  Samuel  mar.  Sarah  Miller,  and  had,  a,  Elijah  mar.  Cha- 
rity Willis,  and  had  Samuel  M.  mar.  Emetine  J.  Howland,  William  W.,  Syd- 
ney mar.  Sarah  Ann  Nostrand,  Walter  W. ,  Ann,  Eliza  Ann   mar.  Willksi 
Binns,  and  Mary  Jane,     b,  Samuel  M.  H.  b.  1784,  d.  1803.     c.  Charity  mar. 
John  Franklin,    d,  Ann  mar.,  1.  Obadiah  Bostwick.    3.  John  Fraher.    e, 
Zipporah  d.  1788,  s.  p.    Fourth.  Henry  mar.  Sarah  Coe.     Fijtk.  John  mar. 
Letitia  Field.     Sixth.  Joshua  mar.  Ann  Van  Nostrand.     Seventh.  Baraek 
mar.  Susan  Petit.    Eighth.  Stephen  mar.  Mary  Wiggins.     iVtnlA.  Hannah 
mar.  Jefi*rey  Cornell.     Tenth.  Mary  mar.  John  Hicks.     4th.   Sarah,  eldest 
da.  of  Joshua  and  Sarah,  mar.  Henry  Franklin  of  Harrison.      5.  Elizabeth, 
second  da.,  mar.  Joshua  Franklin.     III.  John,  third  son  of  first  John.b.  1681, 
mar.  Mary  Starr  of  Danbury,  Conn.     iV.  Caleb,  fourth   son,  b.  16S3,  mar. 
Elizabeth  Hayner  of  Flushing,  and  had,  1.  Richardson,  b.  1706,  d.  1733,  s. 
p.     3.  Caleb  b.  1709,  d.  1775,  mar.  Catharine  Thorne,  and  left,  First.  Joseph 
b.  1739,  d.  s.  p.     Second.  Richardson  of  Steubenville,  Mass.,  d.  1741,  mar. 
Tabitha  Longfellow.     Third.  Stephen  b.  1744,  mar.  Mary  Piatt,  and  had 
Epenetus  mar.  Ann  Knapp,  Stephen  mar.  Elizabeth  Brown,  Catharine,  Maria 
mar.  John  Morehouse,  Sarah  mar.  Charles  Gardiner.    Fourth.  Caleb  b.  1748, 
d.  1802,  mar.  Freelove  Demilt,  and  had  Richardson,  who  mar.  Martha  Cor- 
nell, Phcebe,  Catharine,  and  Mary,  who  mar.  Laton.     Fifth.  Aspinwall  mar. 
1.  Jane  Mitchell.     2.  Priscilla  Mitchell,  and  had  Robert,  Joseph,  Priscilla 

mar. Silly,  Mary  mar. Mooney,  and  Jane  mar. Silly.     Sixth. 

Catharine  mar.  Wessell  Sills.  3.  John,  third  son  of  Caleb  and  Elizabeth,  b. 
1715,  d.  1790,  mar.,  1.  Martha  Hewlett;  3.  Phcebe  Hewlett,  and  had,  First. 
Charles  d.  s.  p.  Second.  Hewlett  mar.  Elizabeth  Willis,  and  left  John  mar. 
Mary  Ann  Tredwell,  Charles  d.  1814,  Walter  mar.  Sarah  Allen,  Margaret 


APPENDIX.  657 

roar.  Whitehead  Mitchell,  Martha  mar.  Richardson  Cornell,  and  Phoebe  roar. 
John  Willis.  4.  Richard,  fourth  son  of  Caleb  and  Elizabeth,  b.  1720,  d. 
1773,  mar.  Catharine  Deans.  Their  children  were.  First,  Caleb  of  the  R. 
N.  roar.  Magdalen  Butler.  Second.  Elizabeth  mar.  Stephen  Marsh  of  Phil- 
adelphia. Third.  Mary  roar.  William  Miller.  Fourth,  Margaret  roar.,  1. 
George  Graharo.  9.  William  Cook.  5.  William,  fifth  son  of  Caleb,  b. 
1721,  d.  1797,  mar.  Ruth  Hewlett,  and  had.  Firsts  Samuel  mar.  Martha  Pat- 
terson of  Franklin,  Dutchess  County,  and  had  James,  Samuel,  Sarah,  Emma, 
G(ace,  Elizabeth  and  Mary.  Second,  Elizabeth  b.  1754,  d.  1825,  mar. ' 
Charles  Cornell  of  Bayside.  6.  Joshua,  sixth  son  of  Caleb,  b.  1826,  d.  1800, 
mar.  Hannah  Hewlett,  and  had,  First.  Joshua  d.  1822.  Second.  Lewis  b. 
1757,  d.  1804,  mar.  Elizabeth  Sands,  and  had  Augustus  b.  1791,  and  Grace  b. 

1793,  who  roar.  Magruder.     Third.  Charles  mar.  Nanny  Fleet  of 

Flushing,  and  had  Charles  Fleet  and  William  Warren.  Fourth,  James  d. 
1825.  7.  Elizabeth,  eldest  da.  of  Caleb  and  Elizabeth,  b.  1711,  d.  1791, 
mar.  John  Sands.  8.  Mary,  second  da.  of  do.,  b.  1714,  d.  1780,  mar.  Tho- 
mas Appleby.  9.  Susannah,  third  da.,  b.  1715,  d.  s.  p.  10.  Margaret,  fourth 
da.,  b.  1728,  d.  1808,  mar.  John  Willis.  V.  Mary,  eldest  da.  of  Caleb  and 
Mary  Russell,  b.  1679,  roar.  James  Sands  of  Matinecock,  L.  I.  VI.  Rebec- 
ca, second  da.,  b.  1685,  mar. Starr  of  Danbury,  Connecticut.     Of  this 

family  was  John  Cornell  of  Rockaway,  son  of  Thomas,  second  son  of  first 

Richard  of  Little  Neck,  who  mar.  (as  supposed) Whitehead,  and  left,  I. 

Whitehead,  who  mar.  Margaret  Sebring,  and  had,  1.  John  mar.  Sarah  Cor- 
telyou,  and  left,  a,  Hannah,  i,  George  d.  young,  c,  Catharine,  d,  Mar- 
garet.' e.  Ann  mar.  Arthur  Hurst,  /,  Whitehead  roar.  Juliet  Hicks,  g^ 
Simon  d.  A,  George  L.  mar.  Isabella  Sheldon,  t,  John  S.  mar.  Mary  Ran- 
dolph, jf  Agnes,  k,  Peter  C.  roar.  Elizabeth  Bunco.  /,  Isaac  R.  mar. 
Elizabeth  Duyckinck.  m,  Sarouel  G.,  mar.  Sarah  Douglass,  n,  Mary.  3. 
Isaac  mar.  Hannah  Cortelyou.  3.  William  roar.  Catharine  Cowenhoven.  II. 
Thomas  mar.  Elucabeth  Thurston,  and  had,  1.  John  mar.  Sarah  Hicks.  3. 
Joseph  mar.  Maria  Striker.  3.  Thomas  roar.  C.  Skidroore.  4.  Elizabeth. 
5.  Abigail  roar.  —  Keeling.     III.  William  mar.  Mary  Mott,  and  had,  1. 

Abigail,  who  mar.  C.  Mott.    2.  Martha  mar. Townsend.     3.  Margaret 

mar.  Lefl^erts  LeflTerts.  4.  Elizabeth  mar.  Daniel  Lefierts.  5.  Samuel  mar. 
Jane  Hewlett.  6.  Charles.  IV.  John  had  sons,  1.  Whitehead  d.  in  New 
Orleans.    2.  Benjamin  mar.  Mary  Willis.     3.  William.     4.  John.    V.  Sil- 

Tester.    VI.  Daniel  lel\,  1.  Elizabeth  mar. Hendriokson.    2.  Jane  mar. 

Golden.    3.  Sil? ester.    VII.  Elizabeth  mar. Horsefield.   Arms, — 

Ar.  five  castles,  in  cross,  sa. 


Directions  for  the  Reader. — In  the  preceding  pagos  b.  stands  for 
born,  m.  or  mar.  for  married,  d.  or  ob.  fur  died,  da.  for  daughter,  set.  for  aged, 
cir.  for  about,  s.  p.  for  without  issue,  and  nat.  for  born. 


INDEX. 


Abraroten,  Richard,  i.  39. 

Ackhongh,  Sachem,  i.  16A. 

Aepjen,  Chief  Sachem,  i.  36. 

AHpoonck,  village  of,  i.  164. 

Allaire  family,  i.  429. 

Amawalk,  territory  of,  ii.  377. 

Andr6,  Major  John,  i.  98,  183,  372,  459. « 

capture  of,  i.  201. 

papers  of,  i.  215. 

monoment  to,  i,  328. 

letter  to  Washington,  i.  374. 
Anderson,  Hon.  Joseph  H.,  notice  of,  i,  260. 
Ann  Iloock,  sachem,  i.  516. 
Ann  Hoock's  Neck,  origin  of  name,  i.  613. 
AnnsTille,  village  of,  i.  90. 
Anthony's  Nose,  origin  of  name,  i.  93. 

Indian  proprietors  of,  i.  103. 
Apawqaammis,  territory  of,  ii.  16. 
Indian  sale  of,  ii.  34. 
Appamaghpogh.  territory  of,  i.  34,  38. 
Arattomi  Sachem,  i.  13. 
Archer  family,  ii.  328. 
Armand,  Colonel,  ii.  278. 
Armemperal,  stream  of,  i.  167 ;  ii.  490. 
Armonck,  river  and  hills  of,  i.  2. 
Aspetong,  hill  of,  i.  3. 
Avery,  Rev.  Ephraim,  ii.  74. 


660  INDEX. 

B 

Babcock,  Rev.  Lake,  notice  of,  ii.  480. 
Badeau  family,  i.  441. 
Bailey,  James,  memorial  to,  ii.  139. 
Banks,  Samuel,  monument  to,  i.  468. 
Bartow,  Rev.  John,  license  for,  ii,  204. 
Bartow  family,  ii.  209. 
Bayard,  Colonel  Samuel  Vetch,  ii.  153. 
Bayard,  Capt.  Stephen,  inscription  to,  iL  236. 
Bedford,  location  of,  why  so  called,  Indian  name  of,  i.  1 
Indian  deeds  for,  i.  6,  7,  8,  9,  13,  13,  14. 
why.  called  Catonah's  land,  i.  3. 
when  first  so  called,  i.  8. 
inhabitants  of,  i.  9. 

dispute  concerning  boundaries  of,  i.  10,  1 1,  12. 
Connecticut  patent  for,  i.  11. 
Queen  Ann*s  patent  for,  i.  14. 
freeholders  of,  i.  15. 
village,  when  first  laid  out,  i.  17, 18. 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of,  i.  19. 
Congregational  society  of,  i.  20. 
Presbyterian  society,  organization  of,  i.  33. 
Baptist  Church,  organization  of,  i.  86. 
general  description  of,  geology  of,  town  officers  of,  i.  33. 
Beaver,  description  of,  i.  277. 
Beekman,  Gerard  G.,  monument  to,  i.  113. 
Bcekmantown,  i.  327. 
Beekman,  Cornelia,  i.  328. 
Beekman  forest,  description  of,  i.  347. 
Berrien's  Neck,  description  of,  ii.  438. 
Betuckquapock,  Indian  village  of,  i.  3. 
Birdsall  family,  residence  of,  i.  70. 
Bishop,  Sarah,  the  hermitess,  i.  279. 
Biatchford,  Rev.  Samuel,  D.  D.,  ii.  9. 
Bleecker  family,  i.  431. 
Blind  Brook,  Indian  name  for,  i.  261. 
Boar  Hill,  Yonkers,  description  of,  ii.  484. 
Bolton,  Rev.  Robert,  notice  of,  (see  note,)  i.  555. 
Bonnefois  point,  i.  439. 
Bonnett,  Daniel,  passport  of,  i.  391. 
Bonnett  family,  i.  391. 
Boscobel  house,  i.  107. 
Brewster,  Rev.  Mr.,  ii.  202. 


INDEX.  661 


Bridge,  Re?.  Chrutopher,  obituary  notice  of,  ii.  77. 

Broekett*8  Neck,  ii.  341. 

Bronx,  lines  of  Drake  upon,  ii.  373. 

Bronck  Jonas,  ii.  381. 

Bronck*s  land,  ii.  381. 

NicoU's  patent  for,  ii.  383. 

Andross^s  patent  for,  ii.  388. 
Brown  fitmilj,  ii.  48. 
Lewis,  ii.  141. 
Budd,  Gilbert,  monument  to,  i.  307. 
Budd  family,  ii.  80. 
Byram  RiTer,^Indian  name  for,  i.  3. 
Byram  Lake,  description  of,  i.  406. 


Canopus,  lands  of,  i.  34. 

Cantitoe,  origin  of  name,  i.  3. 

Cararoea,  Sachem,  i.  13. 

CasUe  HiU  Neck,  ii.  343. 

Catonab,  Sagamore,  i.  3,  7,  8,  9, 10,  13,  13,  14. 

Cedar  of  Lebanon,  ii.  341. 

Chappeqaa  Hills,  i.  373. 

Sulphur  springs  of,  i.  373. 
Chatterton  family,  i.  343. 
Chatterton  Hill,  ii.  368. 
Chuckheag,  i.  8,  10. 
Christ  Church,  Pelham,  i.  558. 
Christ  Church,  Rye,  ii.  54. 

charter  for,  ii.  69. 

incorporation  of,  ii.  76. 

list  of  rectors,  ii.  77. 
Christ  Church,  Tarrytown,  1.  199. 
Chrystal  Lake,  i.  440. 
Cisqua  Rirer,  i.  39. 
City  Island,  i.  549. 
Clason*s  Neck,  ii.  351. 
Clinton,  Gen.  George,  letter  from,  ii.  374. 
Close  family,  i.  487. 
Cohamong,  Indian  deed  for,  i.  8. 
Cohmacoyyoh,  Sachem,  i.  7. 
Colon  Donck,  grant  for,  ii.  406. 
Collins,  Christopher,  notice  of,  i.  301. 
Colonial  boundaries,  dispute  concerning,  i.  8,  10, 11,  &e. 

Vol.  II.  71 


162  INDEX. 

Ibid.  ii.  31-27. 

CoDgress,  ProTineial,  adjoornmeot  of  to  White  Pliiot^  iL  350. 

Constant  family,  i.  180. 

Cornell*8  Neck,  grond  brief  for,  ii.  159. 

dispute  concerning,  ii.  153. 
Cortlsndt,  origin  of  nsme,  i.  34. 
Indian  di?  ision  of,  i.  34. 
rangers  of  and  Rojal  charter  for,  i.  46. 
manorial  division  of,  i.  54. 
geology  of,  i.  71. 

Dutch  Reformed  Church  of,  i.  104. 
manor  boose  of,  i.  100. 
general  deseription  of,  i.  110. 
Division  of  in  Lewisborough,  i.  868L 
Ibid.,  Somers,  ii.  133. 
Ibid.,  yorktown,  iL  378. 
Ibid.,  North  Salem,  i.  472. 
County  House,  notice  of,  i.  348. 
Court  House,  White  Plains,  burning  of,  ii.  360. 
Coutant  family,  i.  441. 
Crompond,  viBage  of,  ii.  370. 

Presbyterian  Church  of,  ii.  370. 
Congregational  society  of,  382. 
Cromwell  family,  i.  251. 
Crosby,  Margaret,  inscription  to,  ii.  142. 
Cross  River,  Indian  name  for,  i.  17. 
settlement  of,  i.  280. 
Croton,  origin  of  name,  34,  35. 
village  of,  i.  100. 
Falls,  ii.  140. 
aqueduct,  ii.  305. 
Lake,  Indian  name  for,  ii.  306. 
Crotonville,  hamlet  of,  ii.  308. 
Croger  family,  i.  108. 
Cushiug,  Capt.,  attack  upon  Refugee  corps,  ii.  333. 


D 


Dark  Valley,  situation  of,  i.  463. 

Davenport's  Neck,  i.  430. 

Debatable  territory,  conveyance  of,  ii.  278. 

De  Kalb,  Baron,  letter  from,  i.  111. 

De  Kay,  Thomas,  i.  30. 

De  Lancey's  Neck,  Indian  name  for,  i.  282. 


INDEX.  563 

De  Laneey^s  Necki  ladian  proprietors  of,  i.  S83. 
De  Lancey  family  of  Mamaroneck,  i.  997. 

patent,  diTisioo  of,  i.  47d. 

Susaonah,  ii.  386. 

Stepheo,  laat  will  of,  ii.  353. 
DelaTaa,  BeDjamin,  M.  D.,  monument  to,  i.  483. 
Diabrow  family,  i.  309. 
Dobb*8  Ferry,  Indian  name  of,  i.  183. 

historical  notice  of,  i.  183. 
Presbyterian  Charch  of,  i.  189. 
Dobb's  family,  i.  183. 
Dorman's  Island,  ii.  333. 
Doughty  family,  ii.  414. 

Drake,  Joseph  Rodman,  M.  D.,  memorial  to,  and  Fits  Green  Halleck*s  pa- 
thetic lines  upon,  ii.  374. 
Duncan,  Rot.  Henry,  notice  of,  see  note,  i.  153. 
Dutch  Reformed  Church,  Sleepy  Hollow*  i.  330-346. 
Dyckman,  Staats  Morris,  i.  107. 

E 

Eastchester,  boundaries  of,  i.  130. 

origin  of  name  of,  i.  ISO. 
first  Indian  cooTeyanee  for,  i.  136. 
Indian  names  of,  i.  130. 
first  settlers  of,  i.  133. 
coTcnant  of,  i.  133. 
patent  for,  i.  135. 

disputes  concerning  boundaries  of,  i.  138. 
Indian  confirmation  of,  i.  130. 
town  officers  of,  i.  133. 
public  lands  of,  i.  138. 
Eastchester  Tillage,  first  settlement  of,  i.  133. 

fort  of,  i.  134. 

general  fold  of,  i.  135. 

first  school  house  erected  in,  i.  135. 

first  town  house  erected  in,  i.  135. 

county  election  in,  i.  136, 

Boston  road,  when  first  laid  out  through,  i.  139. 

Congregational  Church  of,  i.  139. 

ministers  of,  i.  146. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of,  i.  153. 
Eastchester,  geographical  description  and  minerals  of,  i.  163. 
East  Patent,  ii.  6. 


i 


6t^  INDEX. 

Echo,  deteriptioQ  of,  i.  306. 
Ecker,  famil  j  of,  i.  199. 
£dgar*8  Lane,  skirmish  in,  i.  180. 
Enoch's  Neck,  description  of  i.  115. 
EukeUupucusoo,  high  ridge  of,  ii.  16. 
Eastis,  family  of,  i.  157.    :  •'  *  '-^ 


Farmers  and  DroTers  Bank  of  Somers,  ii.  135. 

Fecqaemeck,  sachem,  ii.  3 19. 

Ferris,  familj  of,  ii.  834. 

Ferry  Point,  ii.  94S. 

Field,  family  of,  i.  359. 

Fisherman^s  hymni  i.  545. 

Fish  hawk,  description  of,  i.  544. 

Flandreaa,  family  of,  i.  441. 

Fogge,  RcT.  Eaekiel,  i.  146  ;  ii.  903. 

Foot,  Rev.  David,  ii.  76. 

Fordham»  Manor  of,  Indian  proprietors  of,  ii.  319. 

patent  for,  ii.  331. 

petition  of  inhabitants,  ii.  333. 

mortgage  for,  ii.  384. 

hamlet  of,  ii.  330. 

Roman  Catholic  College  of,  ii.  330. 

Dutch  Reformed  Church  of,  iL  331. 

Revolutionary  incidents  in,  ii.  333. 
Fort  Independence,  ii.  337. 
Fort  Number  Eight,  ii.  336. 
Fort  Schuyler,  ii.  336. 
Four  Corners,  description  of,  i.  350. 
Fowler  Philemon,  notice  of,  i.  134. 


G 


Callow's  Hill,  story  of,  i.  73. 
Goetchius,  Peter,  M.  D.,  monument  to,  i.  105. 
Golden*B  Bridge,  hamlet  of,  i.  381. 
Grace  Church,  West  Farms,  ii.  366. 

White  Plains,  ii.  361. 

rectors  of,  ii.  363. 
Gramatan,  sachem,  i.  130-130. 
Greenburgh,  origin  of  name  of,  i.  163. 
Indian  villages  of,  i.  166. 


INDEX.  666 

iDdian  sale  of,  i.  173,  5, 6,  7. 

hamlet  of,  i.  333. 

Presbyterian  Church  of,  i.  333. 

geographical  and  geological  description  of,  i.  344. 
Green,  Col.  Benjamin,  inscription  to,  ii.  143. 
Green,  Lieut  Col.  Christopher,  ii.  391. 

surprisal  of,  by  British  refugees,  ii.  393. 
Green? ille,  hamlet  of,  i.  344. 

Dutch  Reformed  Church  of,  i.  344. 
Gregory^s  Brook,  Indian  name  for,  i.  71. 
GroTO  Farm,  patent  for,  ii.  149. 
Guerlain,  Sarah,  memorial  to,  ii.  357. 
Guion,  family  of,  i.  433. 
Guion,  William  Henry,  family  of  ii.  91. 

H 

Haarlem  Ri? er,  Indian  name  for,  ii.  337. 

description  of,  ii.  337. 
Hadden,  John  and  wife,  remarkable  longe?ity  of,  ii.  183. 
Halstead,  family  of,  ii.  79. 
Hamilton  estate,  i.  190. 
Hammond,  family  of,  335,  ii. 
Hampstead,  John,  memorial  to,  ii.  134. 
Hanford,  family  of,  i.  481. 
HanoTcr,  township  of,  ii.  130. 
Harche,  Sybout,  i.  39. 

Jacob,  i.  39. 
Harrison,  boundaries  of,  i.  346. 

Indian  proprietors  of,  i.  340. 

Indian  sale  of,  i.  346. 

patent  for,  i.  349. 

Re? olutionary  incidents  in,  i.  360. 

geographical  description  of,  i.  361. 

town  officers  of,  i.  361. 

family  of,  i.  351. 
Hart^s  Coiners,  settlement  of,  i.  343. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of,  i.  343. 
Haseco  meadows,  ii.  16. 
Hastings,  Tillage  of,  i.  179. 

Hatfield,  Colonel,  destruction  of  his  quarters,  ii.  336. 
Haunted  Hollow,  location  of,  i.  114. 
Hawley,  family  of,  i.  473. 
Hay,  family  of,  i.  643. 


666  INDEX. 

Heathcote,  family  of,  ii.  101. 

Hon.  Caleb,  last  will  of,  ii.  112. 
High  Bridge,  ii.  333. 
Highlands,  Indian  name  for,  i.  35—04. 
Holmes,  Col.  James,  notice  of,  i.  27. 
Honeywell,  Philip,  and  wife,  memorial  to,  ii.  296. 
Hunnewell,  Capt.,  attack  on  refagee  corps,  ii.  336. 
Hop  grounds,  Indian  sale  of,  i.  7. 

license  for,  i.  8. 
Horton^s  Lake,  Indian  name  for,  i.  90. 
Howard,  Ward  B.,  notice  of,  i.  66. 
Huguenots,  sketch  of,  i.  382. 

naturalization  of,  i.  390. 
Hull,  Colonel  his  atuck  on  De  Laneey^s  corps,  ii.  334. 
Hunt,  family  of,  ii.  241. 
Hunt,  Thomas,  memorial  to,  ii.  274. 
Humerus  Island,  i.  552. 
Hunter,  family  of,  i.  554. 
Hunt's  Point,  ii.  272. 
Hutchinson,  Ann,  historical  notice  of,  i.  513. 


Indians,  Kitchawangh  tribe  of,  i,  36. 

Sint  Sincks,  i.  488. 

Siwanoys,  i.  283. 

Weckquaskecks,  i.  103. 

Wickapys,  i.  103. 

Wappinecks,  i.  171. 

Wappings,  ii.  3. 
Institute,  Chrestomathic,  ii.  78. 
Ir? ing,  Hon.  Washington,  i.  191. 

Institute,  Tarry  town,  notice  of,  L  199. 


Jackson,  Rev.  John,  i.  105 ;  ii.  332. 
Jay,  family  of,  ii.  81. 

Hon.  John,  notice  of,  i.  30. 

memorial  to,  ii.  90. 
Sir  James,  ibid. 
Jefiard's  Neck,  ii.  278. 

RcTolutionary  incident  connected  with,  ii.  279. 
Jenny,  Rev.  Robert,  ii.  77. 
JessQt),  Edward,  wUl  of,  ii.  261. 


INDEX.  567 


JohoBton,  family  of,  i.  303. 

Jones,  Re?.  Morgim,  i.  143 ;  ii.  200. 

JoTia,  sachem,  i.  7. 

K 

Kakenoad,  sachem,  i.  7. 
Kastoniack,  Indian  Tillage  of,  i.  489. 
Keakatis  Ponds,  situation  of,  ii.  389. 
Keeler,  familj  of,  i.  473.' 
Kekeshick,  lands  of,  ii.  319. 
Kemble,  Catharine,  memorial  to,  i.  200. 
Kemeys,  family  of,  i.  510. 
Kenseco,  situation  of,  i.  468. 
Keskisko,  village  of,  i.  36. 
Kitohawaoghs,  peace  with,  i.  35. 
Kidd,  Captain,  notice  of,  i.  435. 

ballad  atttibuted  to,  i.  436. 
Kingsbridge,  origin  of  name,  il.  443. 

RoTolutionary  incidents  connected  with,  ii.  444, 
King^s  Ferry,  Major  Andrews  passage  orer,  i.  08. 
Kip,  Samuel,  Esq.,  notice  of,  ii.  254. 
Kisco  Mts.,  i.  372. 
Kitchawan,  Indian  village  of,  i.  35. 

river  of,  i.  34. 

Indian  castle  of,  i.  35,  114. 

sachem  of,  i.  35. 

burying  ground  of,  i.  114. 
Kittatenny  Mnt.,  location  of,  i.  36. 
Krankhyte,  Sybout  Harchie,  i.  42. 
Krankhyte,  John,  i.  44. 


Ladau  family,  memorial  to,  i.  409. 

Lake  Wacabuck,  description  of,  i.  277. 

Lawrence  family,  i.  155. 

Le  Count  family,  i.  431. 

Lee  family,  ii.  386. 

Leggett,  William,  memorial  to,  ii.  375. 

Leisler,  Hon.  Jacob,  notice  of,  i.  378. 

descendants  of,  resident  in  Westchester  Co.,  i.  380. 

release  of,  to  the  Huguenots,  i.  381. 
Lent,  Hercules,  last  will  of,  i.  43. 


668  INDEX. 

Lent  fkmiljr,  i.  43. 

Lewiaboroagh,  bonodaries  of,  i.  S63. 

Indiaa  proprietors  and  sale  of,  i.  963. 

^Deral  description  of,  i.  968. 

Presbyterian  Chareh  of,  L  968. 

ministers  of,  i.  969. 

Episeopal  Chnreh  of,  i,  971. 

town  officers  of,  i.  981. 
LiTingston,  Col.,  i.  08-101. 
LiTingston,  Philip,  memorial  to,  ii.  996. 
Lockwood  familj,  ii.  11. 
Longreach,  sitaation  of,  i.  199. 

patent  for,  i.  131. 
Long  Pond  and  mountain,  i.  487. 
Lounsberry,  Isaac,  memorial  to,  i.  370. 
Lodlow  family,  ii.  458. 
Lyon  family,  i.  466. 


M 


Macomb  family,  ii.  446. 

Magregaries  Lake,  sitaation  of,  ii.  377. 

Magrigaries  Brook,  i.  69. 

Manor  Hall,  Tonkers,  description  of,  ii.  464. 

Mamaranaek,  Sachem,  i.  6,  35. 

Mamaroneck,  boundaries  of,  i.  989. 

etymology  of  name,  i.  989. 

first  patentee  of,  i.  984. 

disputes  concerning,  i.  985. 

Heathcote^s  patent  for,  i.  993. 

Indian  sales  of,  i.  993. 

petition  of  inhabitants,  i.  995. 

quit-rent  for,  i.  996. 

town  officers  of^  i.  309. 

village  of,  i.  303. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of,  i.  309. 

historical  notices  of,  i.  311. 

geographical  and  geological  description  of,  i.  315. 
Maminepoe,  Sachem,  ii.  145. 
Maramakiog,  Sachem  of  Poningoe,  ii.  16. 
Marble  Hall,  Eastchester,  notice  of,  i.  158. 
Martlingh,  Isaac,  epitaph  to,  i.  931. 
Mashett,  John,  last  will  of,  i.  399. 


INDEX. 

Mather,  Rat.  Warhun,  i.  HI :  ii.  SOI. 

MoChiin,  Lieut.  George,  iuctiplion  to,  i.  67. 

Meahagh  lands,  i.  34,  37. 

Alcad,  iter  Solumon,  epitaph  to,  i.  S70. 

Ueghkcckasaii),  Indian  roek,  Ii.  403. 

Meghleaewakea,  Sachem,  i.  34. 

Uahanai  River,  i.  39. 

Merriu  ramily,  ii.  9i. 

Middle  paieni,  liiuatioD  of,  i.  407. 

Mile  Squam  deacriplion  of,  ii.  430. 

ReTolutlonary  iaeidenle  cooneetod  with,  iL  43|. 
Mill  Rirer,  ladian  name  for,  i.  316. 
Milia,  iticliarJ,  bal  petition  of,  ii.  103. 
Milacr  Hev   John,  ioalitution  of,  ii.  313. 
Mianerord's  Jg\a.ad,  patentee  of,  i.  H9, 
Mionewies  Isbnd,  Ii.  93. 
Minott  family,  ii.  303. 
MioaBhtt8saky,ii.  IB. 
Mirage,  description  of,  ii.  89. 
Mockquam'a  Brook,  ii.  10,  44, 
Monaqui  Sachem,  i.  13- 
Mongockonone.Saehsin,  i.  106. 
Mopui  Rirer  i.  471. 
THoiingville,  Betilomenlof,  ii.  1*7. 
Morrimnia,  manor  of,  ii.  360. 

rof  al  ebaitei  for,  ii.  303. 
Morris  family,  ii.  SB4. 
Murria,  Lewis,  laat  will  of,  ii.  390. 
Hottissnia,  hamlet  of,  Ii.  313. 

Itevolutionar;  Incident*  of,  ii.  31T. 
Mosher,  Lieut.,  notice  of,  i.  300. 
Moahulurirulel,  ii.  440. 
Mott  family,  i.  Sl»3. 
Mount  Miaerj,  why  so  caHed,  i.  447. 
Mount  Pleastnl,  bouodariea  of.  i.  310. 

Indian  propiietori  of,  L  310. 
£rsl  Indian  sale  of,  i.  317. 
town  ofltoars  of,  i.  359. 
Dutch  Keformed  Chnreb  of,  i.  330. 
Huirson,  Rev.  George,  ii.  58. 
Manro  family,  i.  316. 
Monro,  Peter  Jay,  epitaph  to,  ii.  00. 
Monro,  Rqt.  Hany,  i.  315)  ii.  479. 
MdmooU  River  and  valley  of,  U.  141,  337. 
ToL.  II.  78 


1 


»70  INDEX. 

Motjghticoot  River,  i.  471. 

N 

Nanicbiestawack,  Indian  ? illage  of,  i.  3. 
Nappeoharoak,  Indian  Tillage  of,  ii.  409. 
Natural  Bridge,  description  of,  i.  478. 
Nelson  family,  i.  305. 
Nepperab,  or  Nepera,  Ri? er,  ii.  403. 
Nepperbaem  Tillage,  ii.  403. 

patent  for,  ii.  418. 
New  Castle,  boundaries  of,  i.  301. 

Indian  name  of,  and  proprietors  of,  i.  361. 
Indian  sale  of,  i.  363. 
royal  patent  for,  i.  365. 
town  officers  of,  i.  367. 
New  Rocbelle,  boundaries  of,  i.  374. 

Indian  villages  of,  i.  374. 
Indian  proprietors  of,  i.  375. 
conveyance  of  from  John  Pell,  i.  376. 
survey  and  division  of,  i.  383. 
freeholders  of,  i.  393. 
town  records  of,  i.  304. 
village  of,  i.  395. 
Presbyterian  Church  of,  i.  484. 
ministers  of,  437. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of,  i.  430. 
Revolutionary  incidents  in,  i.  444. 
geographical  and  geological  description,  i.  445. 
Nimham,  Sachem,  i.  516. 
Noapain,  Indian  village  of,  i.  36. 
Noname,  Sachem,  i.  10. 
North  Castle,  boundaries  of,  i.  446. 

Indian  proprietors,  and  villages  of,  i.  447. 
Indian  deeds  for,  i.  446,  453. 
royal  patent  for,  i.  451,  454. 
town  officers  of,  i.  456. 
village  of,  456. 

Revolutionary  incidents  in,  i.  466. 
North  Salem,  boundaries  of,  i.  469. 

Indian  proprietors  of,  i.  471. 

division  of,  i.  471. 

officers  of,  i.  474. 

geographical  description  of,  i.  475. 


INDEX.  671 

North  Salem,  academy  of,  i.  475. 

village  of,  i.  475. 

Presbyterian  Church  of,  i.  484. 

ministers  of,  i.  485. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Chorch  of,  Baptist  Chareh,  and  Univer- 
salist  society,  i.  466. 
Nuasin  Point,  ii.  323. 

O 

Oblong,  dispute  concerning,  i.  264. 

royal  patent  for,  i.  266.  ^ 

Odell,  family  of,  ii.  489. 

Colonel  John,  notice  of,  i.  243. 
O'Neal,  Hugh,  ii.  412. 
Onox,  sachem,  i.  6. 
Oratan,  sachem,  i.  35. 
Oscawana,  Island  of,  i.  34,  107. 
Ossin-ing,  boundaries  of,  i.  468. 

etymology  of  name  of,  L  488. 

Indian  proprietors,  and  Tillage  of,  i.  488. 

patent  for,  i.  490. 

town  officers  of,  i.  511. 
Oostdorp,  Dutch  village  of,  ii.  157. 


Pacham,  sachem,  i.  6. 
Packananiens,  sachem,  ii.  319,  401. 
Paine,  Thomas,  notice  of,  i.  441. 
Palmer,  Edmund,  execution  of,  i.  71. 
Paperinemen,  Island  of,  i.  442. 
Papeag,  sachem,  i.  8. 
Parcot,  family  of,  i.  441. 
Parsonage  Point,  i.  103. 
Pasquashic,  Indian  village  of,  i.  36. 
Patthunck,  sachem,  i.  131 ;  ii.  16. 
Paulding,  John,  notice  of,  i.  74. 

monument  to,  i.  86,  7. 
Pauldinck,  family  of,  i.  197. 
Pounpahowhelbshelen,  sachem,  i.  165. 
Peartree,  Colonel  William,  notice  of,  1.  131. 
Pecbquenakonck,  village  of,  i.  470. 
Peekskill,  village  of,  i.  61. 

Indian  name  for,  i.  62. 


678  •     INDEX. 

Peektkill,  origin  of  present  name  of,  63. 

Reformed  Datcb  Church  of,  i.  Bd, 
Presbyterian  Church  of,  i.  67. 
Baptist  Society  of,  i.  69. 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of,  i.  70. 
Protestant  Methodist  Society  of,  i.  70. 
Wesleyan  Methodist  Society  of|  1.  70. 
Society  of  Friends  of,  i.  70. 
destruction  of,  by  British  troops,  i.  73-7. 
Pelham,  boundaries  of,  i.  513. 

origin  of  name  of,  i.  513. 
Indian  proprietors  of,  i.  513. 
Got.  Nicoll^s  charter  for,  i.  617. 
Indian  burying  ground  of,  i.  517. 
Got.  Dongan^s  patent  for,  i.  536. 
Neck,  i.  544. 

RcTolutionary  incidents  connected  with,  i.  546. 
town  officers  of,  i.  559. 
Pell,  Thomas,  couf  eyance  of  Eastcbester  from,  i.  18d. 

agreement  with  inhabitants  of  Westchester,  ii.  170. 
Pell,  fsmily  of,  i.  520. 

cemetery  of,  i.  552. 
Pell,  John,  i.  520. 

Thomas,  last  will  of,  i.  552. 
Rot.  John,  D.  D.,  correspondence  of,  i.  530. 
Major  Samuel,  epitaph  on,  i.  541. 
Penaghag,  Sagamore,  L  3. 
Peppeoeghek  riTer,  i.  32. 
Philipse,  Mary,  ii.  465. 

Maria,  memorial  to,  i.  200. 
origin  of  name,  i.  319. 
family  of,  i.  320. 
I  Col.  Frederick,  ii.  469. 

Frederick,  agreement  between,  and  John  Pell,  ii.  417. 

last  will  of,  i.  323  ;  ii.  428. 
Catharine,  last  will  of,  i.  333. 
Philipsborough,  division  of  manor  by  commissioners,  ii.  429. 

royal  charter  for,  ii.  416. 

iPinckney,  family  of,  i.  155. 
Pine^s  Bridge,  ReTolntionary  OTents  connected  with,  ii.  398. 
Pintard,  family  of,  i.  431. 
Planting  Neck,  the  Great,  ii.  272. 

Indian  name  for,  ii.  272. 


INDEX.  673 


PUtt,  Zephaniah,  i.  233  ;  see  note. 

Plomb  Brook,  ii.  133. 

Pocanteco  Rifer,  etymology  of  name  of,  i.  316. 

source  and  description  of,  i.  346. 
Pockerhoe,  i  316. 

Pookohantes,  Morris,  descent  from,  ii.  313. 
Pockeotessen  Rifer,  ii.  17. 
Poningoe,  etymology  of  name  of,  ii.  16. 
Ponus,  sachem,  i.  3,  6 ;  ii.  16. 
Popham,  Brigade  Major  William,  ii.  134. 

family  of,  ii.  134. 
Portehester,  village  of,  ii.  91. 

Presbyterian  chapel  of,  ii.  94. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Choroh  of,  ii.  96. 
Post,  Wright,  M.  D.,  epitaph  on,  ii.  386. 
Potiticas,  Indian  path,  i.  3. 
Poandridge,  boundaries  of,  ii.  1. 

origin  of  name  of,  ii.  1. 

Indian  proprietors  of,  ii.  1. 

Indian  deeds  for,  ii.  1,  3. 

royal  patent  for,  ii.  4. 

village  of,  ii.  8. 

Presbyterian  Church  of,  ii.  8. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of,  ii.  10. 

British  attack  upon,  ii.  13. 

geographical  description  of,  ii.  14. 
Pre? ost,  family  of,  i.  543. 
Pritehard,  Rot.  Thomas,  ii.  57. 
Prospect  Hill,  description  of,  i.  373. 
Pummeseeham,  i.  10. 
Pnnderson,  Rot.  Ebeneaer,  ii.  69,  77. 
Purchase,  village  of,  i.  359. 
Purdy,  Rot.  Abraham,  epitaph  on,  i.  483. 
family  of,  ii.  48,  384. 
Joshua,  memorial  to,  ii.  91. 
Putnam,  Gen.  Israel,  reply  of.  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  i.  73. 


Qnaroppas,  Indian  territory  of,  ii.  338. 

Qneen  Annexe  instructions  to  Gov.  Combury,  ii.  303 ;  see  note. 

Qneraway,  sachem,  i.  8. 

Qoinby,  family  of,  i.  373. 

Qninrnhnng  Neok,  ii.  378. 


Sn  INDEX. 


Rahway  Hcwk,  description  of,  i.  91. 
Ranacbqae,  Indian  territory  of,  ii.  283. 
Ranoudy  Andre,  epitaph  to,  i.  431. 
Raven  Rock,  tradition  of,  i.  349. 
Rechgawac,  saebem,  iL  319, 401. 
Rhinelander,  family  of,  i.  43S. 
Rich,  family  of,  ii.  430. 
Richardson,  John,  last  will  of,  ii.  963. 
Richbell,  John,  conveyance  from.  i.  989. 

Ann,  last  will  of,  i.  293. 
Rippowams,  Indian  territory  of,  L  1,  9. 

Indian  confirmation  of,  i.  6,  7. 
Rifington,  James,  notice  of,  ii.  151. 
Rockaway,  sachem,  i.  7. 
Rogers,  Rev.  Evan,  epitaph  on,  ii.  79. 
Roosevelt,  family  of,  i.  555 ;  see  note. 
Roost  Wolfert*s,  chronicle  of,  i.  193. 
Rowe,  Captain,  tragical  death  of,  ii.  485. 
Round  clam,  Indian  name  for,  i.  8. 
Rnrahquosh,  sachem,  i.  13. 
Ryck  patent,  i.  43. 
Rye  Pond,  description  of,  i.  359. 
Rye,  boundaries  of,  ii.  16. 

Indian  proprietors  of,  ii.  16. 

royal  charter  for,  ii.  33. 

boundaries,  dispute  concerning,  ii.  20. 

second  charter  for,  ii.  34. 

village  of,  ii.  44. 

Presbyterian  Church  of,  ii.  49. 

Congregational  Church  of,  ii.  51.  , 

Methodist  Society  of,  ii.  78. 

historical  notices  of,  ii.  95. 

geographical  and  geological  description  of,  ii.  96. 

resolution  of  inhabitants,  ii.  347. 

Neck,  Indian  name  for,  ii.  16. 

Neck,  royal  charter  for,  ii.  43. 

Port,  ferry  of,  ii.  93. 


Sackett,  Rev.  Samuel,  epitaph  on,  ii.  381. 
Saekhoes,  Indian  territory  of,  i.  36. 


INDEX.  576 


Sacbus  or  Saokhoes,  royal  patent  for,  i.  41. 
Sanda  family,  i.  459. 
Sarlesfille,  hamlet  of,  i.  371. 
Searsdale,  boondaries  of,  ii.  97. 

etymology  of  its  name,  ii.  97. 

Indian  title  for,  ii.  97. 

royal  charter  for,  ii.  98. 
Schowmenarack,  Sachem,  i.  105. 
Schuyler,  General  Philip,  i.  395. 
Seareman  family,  i.  441. 
Seabary,  Rev.  Samuel,  D.  D.,  notice  of,  ii.  218. 
Seawan,  description  of,  L  6. 
Seeor  family,  i.  441. 
Segotah,  Sachem,  i.  7. 
Senasqua  Neck,  i.  34,  36. 
Shanaaockwell,  Sachem,  ii.  16. 
Shappequa,  etymology  of  its  name,  i.  861. 
Sheldon's,  Colonel,  head-quarters,  i.  373. 
Shorackappock,  ii.  413. 
Shrub  Oak,  village  of,  ii.  389. 
Shute  family,  i.  157. 
Sigghes,  Indian  rock,  ii.  404. 

Simcoe,  Lieut.  Col.,  attack  on  Mohegan  Indians,  ii.  455. 
Sing  Sing,  village  of,  i.  490. 

incorporation  of,  i.  493. 
Presbyterian  Church  of,  i.  499. 
Revolutionary  incidents  connected  with,  i.  509. 
Slauper  Haven,  Indian  name  for,  i.  35. 
Sleepy  Hollow,  i.  310,  347. 
Smith  Matson,  M.  D.,  notice  of,  i.  439. 
Smith,  Rev.  John,  epitaph  on,  ii.  364. 
Soldier's  spring,  tradition  of,  i.  75. 
Somers,  boundaries  of,  ii.  130. 

village  of,  ii.  135. 

Presbyterian  Church  of,  ii.  138. 

west  hamlet  of,  ii.  141. 

geographical  description  of,  ii.  143. 
Somerville,  family  of,  i.  160. 
Soulice  family,  i.  441. 
Sound,  description  of,  i.  434. 
South  Salem,  village  of,  i.  3C8. 

Presbyterian  Church  of,  i.  869. 
Sowanare,  Sachem,  i.  35. 
Sparta,  village  of,  i.  510. 


576  INDEX. 

Spectacle  or  Hart  Island,  i.  550. 

Spicer*8  Neck,  ii.  149. 

Sprain  Rifer,  Indian  name  for,  ii.  490. 

Sprout  Creek,  Indian  name  for,  i.  90. 

Spyt  den  dyfel  Kil,  ii.  441. 

St.  Ann*a  Chnrcb,  Morrisania,  ii.  315. 

St.  Athony^s  Noae,  tradition  of,  L  93. 

State  Prison,  notice  of,  i.  505. 

Sundard,  Rev.  Thomas,  i.  147 ;  ii.  310. 

Steenwyck,  Cornelins,  last  will  of,  ii.  335. 

Stephentown,  ii.  130,  134. 

Stepping  stones,  Indian  tradition  of,  ii.  339, 

St.  George*s  Chnrcb,  New  Castle,  i.  35,  389. 

St.  James'  Church,  North  Salem,  i.  479. 

St.  John's  Church  and  chapel,  Yonkers,  ii.  473,  493. 

St.  John's  College,  Fordham,  ii.  330. 

St.  Lake's  Church,  Somers,  ii.  137.     • 

St.  Matthew's  Church,  Bedford,  i.  83. 

Stony  Hill,  Indian  tradition  of,  i.  3. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Eastchester,  i.  146. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Sing  Sing,  i.  494. 

St.  Peter's  Chapel,  Portchester,  ii.  94. 

St.  Peter's  Church,  Westchester,  ii.  803. 

charter  for,  ii.  813. 

Strang  family,  ii.  49,  385. 

St.  Raymond's  Roman  Catholic  Church,  ii.  838. 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  North  Castle,  i.  456. 
i !  St.  Thomas's  Church,  Mamaroneck,  i.  307, 

Suckobonk,  i.  3. 

Sutton  family,  i.  373 ;  see  note. 
h 

i:  T 


Tackarew,  Sachem,  ii.  403,  406. 

Talbot,  St.  George,  extract  from  last  will  of,  i.  84* 

Tammoesis  brook,  i.  94. 

Tandaquid,  Sachem,  i.  8, 

Taquamarke,  Sachem,  ii.  289. 

Tarrytown,  village  of,  i.  198. 

Indian  name  for,  i.  108, 

Episcopal  Church  of,  i.  199. 

Dutch  Reformed  Church  of,  i.  300. 

Methodist  and  Baptist  societies  of,  i.  301. 
Tatomuck  River,  source  of,  i.  368. 


,: 


i 


\  : 


h 

J 


1 


INDEX.  677 


Teller  family,  i.  37. 

Teller  Point,  origin  of  name,  i.  36. 

Indian  coni^eyance  of,  and  Indian  name  for,  i.  37. 

Revolutionary  incidents  on,  i.  116. 
Thomas  family,  i.  254. 
Thompson,  Rot.  William,  epitaph  to,  ii.  55. 
Throckmorton,  John,  petition  of,  ii.  145. 

Neck,  military  operations  apon,  ii.  S36-0. 
Tippett^s  Brook,  Indian  name  for,  ii.  446. 
Titus  family,  ii.  140. 
Toawenare,  sachem,  i.  165. 
Tompkins,  John,  notice  of,  i.  243. 

family,  ii.  115. 

Hon.  Daniel  D.,  biographical  notice  of,  ii.  115-7. 
Toyebeakup,  sachem,  i.  12. 
Trinity  Church,  New  Rochelle,  i.  398. 

charter  for,  i.  413. 
ministers  of,  i.  422. 
Tryon  GoTemor,  visit  of,  to  Cortlandt  manor  house,  i.  110. 
Tuckahoe,  orthography  of  name,  ii.  491. 

Methodist  l!«piscopal  Church  of,  ii.  494. 
Tulip  tree,  i.  248. 
Twitchings  Corners,  skirmish  at,  i.  356. 

U 

Underbill  family,  i.  115 ;  ii.  228. 
Underbill,  Lancaster,  notice  of,  i.  158. 
Underbill,  Capt.  John,  ii.  228. 
Underbill,  Nathaniel,  epitaph  to,  ii.  233. 
Unionyille,  Dutch  Reformed  Church  of,  i.  358. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of,  i.  359. 


Van  Cortlandt,  Augustus,  last  will  of,  ii.  450. 
Jacobus,  Bedford,  i.  16. 

Indian  confirmation  to,  ii.  416. 
last  will  of,  ii.  440. 
etymology  of  surname,  i.  50. 
Van  Cortlandt  family,  i.  50. 

Stephanus,  last  wUI  of,  i.  53. 

Philip,  i.  57, 

Lieut.  Go? emo»  Pierre,  i.  57. 

Vol.  II.  73 


Sra 


INDEX 


Van  CorthDdt,  Gen.  Philip,  i.  68. 

Ann  Stevenson,  epitaph  to,  L  (15. 
iMidenee,  Peeluklll,  i.  TS. 
Hun.  Pieira,  moonmant  to,  i.  IIS. 
Johanna,  epitaph  to,  i.  113. 
Van  Curler,  Atendt,  ii.  SSI. 
Vaa  der  Doaek,  De  Heer  Adriaen,  ii.  40ft. 
temonatraace  of,  ii.  407. 
petition  of,  ii.  408. 
Octroy  granted  to,  ii.  409 
fainilj  of,  ii.  413. 
Van  TasMt,  Jacob,  notice  of,  i.  1S3. 
Van  Weort  family,  i.  197. 

Isaac,  monament  to,  i.  335. 
Van  W;ck,  ^ilip,  notice  of,  i.  503. 
Varian,  Col.  Jonalbao,  ii.  127. 
Verplanck  family,  i.  04. 

Verplanck'a  Point,  Indian  oame  fw  aiid  aala  of,  i.  39. 
military  aperationa  apon,  i.  06-7. 
Wsahingtoo'a  ettoampment  upon,  i.  1 
Hndaon'a  Tuit  to,  i.  103. 
Village,  Continentat,  destraction  of  by  Britiafa,  i.  01. 
ViBla,  seillcnienl  of,  i.  SBl, 
Vredeland,  ailuation  of,  ii.  145. 


W 

Wabingi,  acitlemeni  of,  i.  04. 

WackemaDe,  i.  13. 

Waddington  Point,  ii.  275. 

Wallace  family,  i.  487. 

Wampage  Sachem,  i.  516,  ii.  175. 

Wampus  Sachem,  i.  361. 

Wampua  Pond,  description  of,  i.  373. 

WanacapecB  Sachem,  ii.  290. 

Wappings,  location  of,  ii.  30. 

Wappotrham  Sacheno,  i.  0. 

Ward  family,  i.  169-501. 

Ward,  Hod.  Stephen,  epitaph  od,  i.  159. 

Ward,  John,  Dolice  of,  i.  IGl. 

Ward,  Major  Gen.  Aaron,  notice  of,  i.  601. 

Waacussue  Sachem,  i.  3,  0. 

Washington,  notice  of,  i.  108. 

head  quartera  of,  at  White  Plaioa,  ii.  37«. 


INDEX.  079 

WatkiDS,  Jadith,  epitaph  on,  ii.  90. 
Webster,  Capt.  Joseph,  epitaph  on,  i.  370. 
Wechqucsqaeeck,  boands  of,  i.  3. 
Weghqueghe,  location  of,  i.  183. 
Weller,  Rev.  George,  notice  of,  i.  483. 
Wells,  family  of,  ii.  469. 
Wenneebees,  situation  of,  i.  34. 

patentee  of,  i.  39. 
Weskora  Sachem,  i.  165,  317. 
Wessickenaiow,  i.  165. 
Westchester  Co.  Bank,  i.  64. 

▼ignette  on  its  hills,  i.  336. 

Co.  Insurance  Company,  1.  397. 

first  court  of  session  for,  ii.  183. 

protest  of  freeholders,  ii.  351. 

boundaries  of,  ii.  144. 

etymology  of  its  name,  ii.  144. 

Dutnh  name  for,  ii.  145. 

disputes  concerning,  between  New  England  and  Go? ernor  Stuy- 
Tesant,  ii.  )57. 

Nicolla'  patent  for,  ii.  171. 

Got.  Dongan*s  patent  for,  ii.  173. 

Indian  confirmation  of,  ii.  175. 

laws  concerning  oystermen,  ii.  177. 

charter  for  sheep  pasture,  ii.  176. 

village  of,  ii.  140. 

Royal  charter  for,  ii.  184. 

Congri^gational  church  of,  ii.  803. 

resolution  of  inhabitants  of,  ii.  348. 
West  Farms,  patent  for,  ii.  359. 

first  division  of,  ii.  363. 

village  of,  ii.  366. 

Presbyterian  church  of,  ii.  368. 

Dutch  reformed  church  of,  ii.  368. 

Episcopal  church  of,  ii.  369. 

Revolutionary  events  connected  with,  ii.  370. 
West  White  Plains,  settlement  of,  ii.  368. 
Wetmore,  Rev.  James,  ii.  64. 

epitaph  on,  ii.  68. 
West  Patent,  grant  of,  i.  365. 
Wewewanapage  Sachem,  i.  10. 
White,  Ebeoezer,  M.  D.  ii.  384. 
White,  Rev.  John,  ii.  10. 
Whita  Plains,  Indian  name  for,  ii.  338. 


i 


680  INDEX. 

White  Plains,  Indian  sale  of,  ii.  339. 

charter  for,  ii.  342. 

Tillage  of,  ii.  345. 

court  bouse,  events  connected  with,  ii.  346. 

Presbyterian  church  of,  ii.  363. 

battle  of,  ii.  368. 

geographical  description  of,  i.  376. 
Whip-Poor- Will,  Hill,  description  of,  i.  463. 
Whitlocksf  ille,  situation  of,  i.  32. 

Methodist  church  of,  i.  32. 
Wickquaskek,  Indian  village  of,  i.  164. 
Wickapy,  Indian  settlement  of,  i.  94. 
Wicker  Sackama,  i.  36,  45. 
Wilkins,  Rev.  Isaac,  epitaph  on,  ii.  S^3. 

family,  ii.  242. 
Wi11ett*s  Neck,  original  name  for,  ii.  156. 
Williams,  Capt.  Daniel,  notice  of,  i.  502. 
Williamsbridge,  ii.  337. 
Wishqoa,  territory  of,  L  34,  41. 
Wolves,  laws  for  destruction  of,  i.  121. 
Wright,  James,  memorial  to,  i.  370. 


Yana)>e  Sachem,  i.  7. 

Yerks,  John,  notice  of,  i.  357. 

Yonkers,  boundaries  of,  geos:raphical  description  of,  ii.  401,  497. 

orthography  of  name,  Indian  proprietors  of,  ii.  401. 

Indian  burying  grounds,  ii.  404. 

Tillage,  ii.  460. 

petition  of  inhabitants  to  congress,  ii.  471. 

Dutch  reformed  church  of,  ii.  483. 

Methodist  Episcopal  church  of,  474. 

town  officers  of,  ii.  495. 


ERRATA. 


VOLUME    I. 

Pife.    Line. 
12,      8,    for  conformation  read  confirmation. 

21,    23,    for  propogation  read  propagation^  and  also  wherefer  the  same 
occurs. 

23,     12,    for  Mathews  read  Matthews. 

33,     12,    for  sulpheret  read  sulphuret. 

46,    30,    for  which  read  in  tfie. 

46,    38,    for  into  read  unto,  also  in  29th  line. 

46,    last  lioe,  insert  between  south  and  by  the  word  side, 

66,      7,    for  Johnson  read  Johnston^  and  also  wherefer  the  name  occurs  in 
Cortlandt  town. 
107,    26,    for  protetje  read  protegS. 
120,      7,    for  Aguehung  read  ii^ueAuii^. 
181,      9,    for  south-west  read  north-west. 
181,     16,    for  Thatcher  read  Thacher. 
190,     17,    for  Higher  read  Heyer. 
207,      8,    for  morning  read  evening. 
227,     12,    to  the  word  a&ove  add  mentioned. 
232,  note,  2,  for  grandfather  read  grand-uncle. 
234,     19,    for  Thomas  Almond  read  Hammond. 
254,  note,  9,  for  collections  of  painting  read  collection  of  paintings. 
276,  under  vignette,  for  u;e«<  read  ri^A/. 
297,  last  line  of  note,  for  au^  read  at/x. 
301,     19,    after  brother  insert  Stephen. 
374,  note,  3,  for  ^ooe  read  groove. 
379,    21,    for  Govemeur  read  Gouvemeur,  and  also  wherever  the  name 

occurs. 
379,  note,  1,  for  ^eeiy  read  Bibby. 

379,  note,  6,  let  the  motto  read  thus,  "  Remember  well  and  baer  in  mynd  a 
faethful  frind  is  hard  to  feind.^*    From  Leisler  this  gold  piece 
passed  to  Abraham  Gou? emeur,  who  gave  it  to  his  daughter 
Esther  ;  the  latter  presented  it  to  E.  N.  Bibby,  Esq. 
392,    26,    for  Lespinard  read  Lispenard, 
394,    26,    for  1723  read  1783. 
406,  note,  last  line,  for  Servoos  read  Servoss. 


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688  ERRATA. 

r^i    Um. 

499,  l*»t  liiM,  for  HmUfgdrnt  read  HuniuigloH.  ■ 

431,    SO,    for  Le  CotU*  tMil  Lt  Comtt. 

499,  ia  tbt  orminiaterB,  for  AoaM  nad  Dnii  Tmm. 

S15,    99,  for /(/oiuj  r«ad />i»i^.  ' 

G90,  Gnl  line  ofiMeription,  for  Quanrfom  md  QtMndoai. 

ftSO,  Mh  line,  Tor  Fcinaic  read  F^rwtrii. 

640,       7,  for  tktrtfort  read  Ihertfor. 

644,     IS,    for  0MAa  read  £JuA«  TV.  King. 

VOLUME   II. 

91,     10,    fyw  RulherfardtMdRuOUrfilrJ. 

OS,    37,    for  tcerc  read  imu. 
183,    34,    for  liuitriant  read  Itauriale. 
197,    19,    for  MomingvSU  raad  MorittgvitU. 
166,    9S,    for  cAooM  read  cAom. 

330,  IS,    after  nania  Leieetler  ioaert  A«. 

331,  31,  for  Gi^jwiAeU  read  CojjrefAeA. 
943,  39,  for  CoubriJge  read  Coabridge. 
954,  nolo  1,  for  Deicriplion  read  Stelehii. 
378,     15,     for  ihores  read  spirt*. 

S79,     laat  line,  for  Rane  read  Ranee. 

319,       6,     omit  Ihe  following.  Slants  Long  Morra  Ike  father  of,  and  read 

General  Slaalt  Long  Af«rm  who  married  Catkariue,  &e.,  Ac. 
368,     17,     for  ElizabelAian  read  EHzaielhatt. 
390,       3,     for  gormi  read  gome. 
305,     17,     for  Acqueduct  read  Aqueduct. 
469,  note,  5  aod  6,  read  aa  foljom,  "/n  1800,  Trinity  Church  eoiUriiuted 

•500  for  partonage  at  Yonktrs"  lo  whloh  waa  added  in  1804 

the  aam  of  S309. 
483,     93,     for  Hurtbul  read  Hurtberl. 

APPENDIX. 
601,       8,     for  David  read  Daniel. 
604,     90,     for  Leopie  read  Leofric. 
506,    33,    for  Daggethly  read  Dougherti/. 
613,     17,     for  PanieJ  S.  read  Donie/  T. 

CA(ir/t(  S.  read  ChaHet  T. 
636,    37,    for  Mary  mar.  Benjamin  read  Naney  mar.  Bithop. 


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