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Book. 


SMITHSONIAN  DEPOSIT 


THE 


ANNALS    OF    NE¥TO¥N, 


IN 


QUEENS    COUNTY,    NEW-YORK: 


/  V 


CONTAINING 


jts  listorg  lim  its  toi  Sttttent, 


TOGETHER     WITH 

M/Nl   INTERESTING  FACTS  CONCERNING  THE  ADJACENT  TOWNS; 

ALSO, 

A         .TICULAR  ACCOUNT  OF  NUMEROUS   LONG  ISLAND  FAMILIES 

NOW  SPREAD  OVER  THIS  AND  VARIOUS  OTHER 

•STATES    OF    THE    UNION. 


By    JAMES    RIKEE,    Jr. 


"  The  benefits  of  God  are  to  be  kept  in  fresh  memory  and  propagated  to  posterity." 

Rev.  WitLiAM  Levericu. 


NEW-YORK : 

r0BLISHEB    BY   D.    FANSHAW,  108   NASSAU-STREET, 

Printing  Office,  35  Ann-street,  corner  of  Noisau. 

1852. 


,1. 


r^ 


1-  ' 


zt-i ,. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  ill  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  fifty-two.  by  James  Riker,  Jr.  in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Unit,  d 
States  for  the  Southern  District  of  New- York. 


TO 

JOHN    L.    RIKER,    ESU., 

€amntUax  at  fato, 

ESTEEMED    BY    HIS    FELLOW-CITIZENS 

FOR 

ROFESSIONAL    AND     PRIVATE    WORTH, 

EXHIBITED 

.'HROUGH    MANY    YEARS    OF    AN    UNBLEMISHED    LIFE  ; 

€\)w  f  nluine 

IS, 
WITH    THE    author's    COMPLIMENTS, 

RESPECTFULLY    INSCRIBED. 


PREFACE. 


Newtown,  including  the  several  islands  known  as 
Riker's,  Berrien's,  Luyster's,  Yonker's  Island,  and  the 
two  Brothers,  covers  an  area  of  twenty-six  and  a  quar- 
ter square  miles.  Its  valuable  resources  ;  its  contiguity 
and  important  relation  to  the  city  of  New- York,  as 
well  as  the  pleasing  character  of  its  historic  reminis- 
cences, are  deemed  sufficient  to  commend  the  follow- 
ing attempt  to  preserve  its  history.  While  the  author, 
with  much  diffidence,  submits  his  work  to  the  public 
scrutiny,  he  asks  leave  to  state  that  great  pains  have 
been  taken  to  make  the  volume  accurate  and  accepta- 
ble. In  the  collection  and  collation  of  his  materials  he 
has  avoided  that  undue  haste  which  is  the  too  common 
error  of  ou¥  local  annalists.  During  a  period  of  seve- 
ral years  he  has  made  patient  search  in  every  quarter 
promising  to  yield  him  information  ;  but  space  will  al- 
low only  a  brief  summary  of  his  authorities. 

The  voluminous  manuscript  records  in  the  State 
Department  at  Albany,  and  the  lesser  ones  in  the 
clerks'  offices  of  Kings  and  Q-ueens  counties,  as  well  as 
those  existing  in  the  surrounding  town  offices,  have  been 
carefully  examined.  The  library  of  the  New- York 
Historical  Society  has  afforded  a  fund  of  valuable  in- 
formation, both  in  print  and  manuscript.     The  probate 


PREFACE 


records  at  New- York,  Brooklyn,  and  Jamaica,  and  the 
baptismal  and  marriage  registers  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  churches  of  Brooklyn  and  Flatbush,  and  the 
collegiate  Dutch  churches  of  New- York,  have  opened 
to  him  a  mine  of  early  genealogical  matter ;  which 
species  of  inquiry  has  been  further  aided  by  a  multi- 
tude of  family  records  and  papers,  tombstones,  &c. 
&c.  The  author  bears  grateful  testimony  to  the  uni- 
form courtesy  with  which  his  investigations,  both  in 
public  and  private  sources,  have  been  treated.  The 
European  history  and  the  armorial  devices  of  Dutch 
and  French  families  are  mainly  drawn  from  a  rare  and 
voluminous  foreign  work,  entitled  "  European  Her- 
aldry," These  facts  are  not  given  to  foster  family 
pride,  but  only  for  their  historical  value. 

Many  individuals  have  evinced  a  friendly  interest 
in  his  labors,  by  favoring  him  with  communications,  or 
in  other  respects  aiding  him  in  his  inquiries.  Among 
these  are  worthy  of  kindest  mention  the  Hon.  John  M. 
Berrien,  of  Georgia  ;  Jos.  H.  Burroughs,  Esq.,  Savan- 
nah, Geo. ;  Hon.  Jacob  Brinkerhoff,  Mansfield,  Ohio ; 
Dr.  John  Brinckerhoff,  Chicago,  111. ;  A.  D.  Bache,  Esq., 
Washington  city  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  M.  Engles,  and  Asa  I. 
Fish,  Esq.,  Phila. ;  Rev.  Richard  Webster,  Mauch 
Chunk,  Pa.  ;  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Miller,  Prest. 
Princeton  College  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Ab'm  Messier,  Somerville, 
N.  J. ;  Rev.  Garret  C.  Schanck,  Pompton  Plains,  N.  J. ; 
Rev.  Jas.  K.  Campbell,  North  Branch,  N.  J. ;  Rev.  John 
Gardner,  Harlingen,  N.  J. ;  Judge  Jas.  S.  Lawrence, 
Cream  Ridge,  N.  J. ;  Samuel  F.  Haven,  Esq.,  Worces- 
ter, Mass. ;  Rev.  Abner  Morse,  Sherburne,  Mass. ;  Hon. 
Charles  R.  Alsop,  Middletown,  Ct. ;  Watson  E.  Law- 
rence, Esq.,  New  Haven,  Ct. ;  Hon.  Wm.  A.  Sackett, 
and    G.  V.   Sackett,    Esq.,    Seneca  co.,   N.  Y. ;    Rev. 


PREFACE. 


Arthur  Burtis,  Cherry  Valley,  N.  Y. ;  Rev.  Garret  J. 
Garretson,  Lodi,  N.  Y. ;  Gen.  Peter  S.  Post,  Florida,  N. 
Y. ;  Messrs.  T.  V.  W.  Brinkerhoff",  and  R.  H.  Brincker- 
hoff,  Fishkill,  N.  Y. ;  the  late  Benjamin  F.  Thompson, 
Esq.,  of  Hempstead,  L.  I. ;  Rev.  Dr.  R.  0.  Currie,  and 
Tunis  G.  Bergen,  Esq.,  New  Utrecht ;  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas 
M.  Strong,  Flatbush  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Jacob  Schoonmaker,  Ja- 
maica; Rev.  Dr.  John  Goldsmith,  Rev.  Geo.  A.  Shel- 
ton,  John  L.  Riker,  Esq.,  and  Dr.  Hursey  Baylies,  of 
Newtown ;  Hon.  Jeremiah  Johnson,  Brooklyn  ;  Rev. 
Dr.  Thos.  De  Witt,  Hon.  Hamilton  Fish,  Hon.  Luther 
Bradish,  Hon.  Robert  H.  Morris,  Charles  King,  Prest. 
Columbia  College,  William  Betts,  Prof,  of  Law,  Co- 
lumbia College,  Lambert  Suydam,  Esq.,  the  late  Hon. 
John  L.  Lawrence,  the  late  Gen.  Peter  Van  Zandt, 
and  Rev.  John  Alburtis,  of  New- York  city ;  the  Rev. 
E.  H.  Gillett,  and  E.  Ketchum,  Esq.,  of  Harlem.  And 
the  author  cannot  fail  to  acknowledge  in  special  terms 
the  very  generous  and  valuable  assistance  rendered 
him  by  the  Hon.  James  Savage,  of  Boston,  and  Syl- 
vester, Judd,  Esq.,  of  Northampton,  Mass.,  in  the  search 
for  and  communication  of  many  important  facts.  Like- 
wise to  Dr.  E.  B.  O'Callaghan,  of  Albany,  and  H. 
Onderdonk,  Jr.,  Esq.,  of  Jamaica,  he  is  indebted  for 
important  aid,  other  than  that  afforded  him  by  their 
printed  works,  the  Hist,  of  New  Netherland,  and  Revo- 
lutionary Incidents,  which  were  also  found  of  invalua- 
ble service.  To  these  might  be  added  the  names  of 
many  kind  friends,  who  have  been  very  helpful,  but 
room  would  fail  were  this  list  thus  extended. 

With  all  these  aids  the  compiler  has  been  unable  to 
observe  at  all  times  a  uniform  fulness  of  detail,  owing 
mainly  to  a  deficiency  of  records,  and  yet  in  part  to  the 
strange  indifference  of  some  to  whom  application  for 


PREFACE. 


materials  was  made.  And  this  in  cases  where  their 
own  family  history  was  involved.  Such,  though  per- 
haps insensible  of  it,  have  done  theinselves  an  injury. 
In  some  instances  family  reminiscences  have  been  ex- 
cluded because  they  were  wholly  traditionary,  and 
found  to  be  at  variance  with  recorded  facts.  Hence,  if 
the  reader  should  find  his  family  history  as  here  given 
to  conflict  with  some  received  tradition,  let  him  not 
condemn  too  rashly ;  records  generally  speak  the  truth, 
and  facts  are  stubborn  things.  In  matters  of  more  re- 
cent date,  based  upon  oral  statements,  notwithstanding 
the  utmost  care  to  secure  accuracy,  it  can  hardly  be 
presumed  that  all  errors  have  been  avoided  ;  any  such 
as  may  be  detected  by  his  readers,  the  author  will  es- 
teem it  a  high  favor  to  be  informed  of  Special  pains 
have  been  taken  to  have  the  dates  correct. 

While  the  author  hopes  that  no  apology  is  neces- 
sary for  any  peculiarity  of  his  work,  one  feature  of  the 
revolutionary  history  may  require  a  passing  allusion. 
In  treating  of  that  period,  the  names  of  the  prominent 
loyalists  have  not  been  suppressed  ;  and  for  several 
reasons.  It  would  seriously  detract  from  the  value  and 
interest  of  the  narrative.  Most  of  them  were  already 
in  print,  in  the  public  journals  of  the  Revolution,  Force's 
Archives,  Sabine's  American  Loyalists,  &c.  And  more- 
over, none  at  this  remote  day  need  feel  aggrieved,  since 
we  now  look  with  discrimination  on  the  opposers  of 
our  Revolution,  distinguishing  between  the  honest  loy- 
alist and  that  baser  sort  whose  motives  were  mercenary 
or  hands  prone  to  violence. 

Allusions  in  the  following  pages,  to  the  present 
time,  refer  to  the  year  1851.  In  this  ever-changing 
world  often  the  truth  of  yesterday  is  falsified  to-day. 
Hence,  instances  of  death,  change  of  residence,  &c. 


PRE  FACE 


during  the  passage  of  this  work  through  the  press,  have 
made  the  language  in  several  places  not  strictly  appro- 
priate. Except  these,  and  several  mistakes,  mostly  ty- 
pographical, noticed  in  the  Errata,  the  work  is  believ- 
ed to  be  a  truthful  and  reliable  record. 

James  Riker,  Jr. 


Harlem,  New- York,  Dec.  25^/i,  1851. 


GENERAL    CONTENTS. 

T1B.ST   PART. 

CIVIL    AND    CHURCH     HISTORY. 

PAas. 

Chapter  i^     From  the  discovery  of  New- York,  to  the 

decline  of  the  Mespat  colony,  1609  to  1650.       .     13 

Chapter  II.  From  the  founding  of  the  village  of 
Newtown,  to  the  purchase  of  the  town  from  the 
Indians,  1652  to  1656 26 

Chapter  III.     From  the  Indian  purchase,  to  the  revolt 

of  Long  Island  from  the  Dutch,  1657  to  1661.       .     44 

Chapter  IV.  From  the  conquest  of  the  country  by  the 
English,  to  the  erection  of  the  first  church  in  New- 
town, 1664  to  1671 65 

Chapter  V.  From  the  arbitration  of  the  boundary  dis- 
pute, to  the  taking  of  a  census,  1671  to  1683.         .     86 

Chapter  VI.  From  the  first  general  assembly,  to  the 
fall  of  Gov.  Leisler  and  the  foundation  of  the  colo- 
nial government,  1683  to  1691 103 

Chapter  VII.  From  the  erection  of  the  fulling-mill,  to 
Cornbury's  persecution  of  the  dissenters,  1691  to 
1707 122 

Chapter  VIII.  From  the  revival  of  the  boundary  dis- 
pute, to  the  troubles  with  the  Fauconniers,  1706 
to  1720 139 

Chapter  IX.  From  the  building  of  the  first  Quaker 
meeting-house,  to  the  final  settlement  of  the  boun- 
dary dispute,  &c.,  1720  to  1775 153 

Chapter  X.  From  the  rise  of  the  American  Eevolution, 
to  the  subjugation  of  Newtown  by  the  British 
troops,  1774  to  1776 173 


GENERAL      CONTENTS. 

Pack 


Chapter  XI.  From  the  formal  submission  of  Queens 
county  to  the  King,  to  the  end  of  the  war  of  Inde- 
pendence, 1776  to  1783.        .        .        .        .        .196 

Chapter  XII.  History  of  the  Presbyterian,  Dutch,  Epis- 
copal, Quaker,  Baptist,  and  Methodist  churches.    .  224 

Conclusion,  Eeviewing  modern  improvements  and  the 

present  resources  and  prospects  of  the  township.      257 

*<,*     For  particular  contents,  see  the  head  of  each  chapter. 


SZSCOZVB    FAS.T. 

GENEALOGICAL    HISTORY. 

Embracing  the  Biography  and  Lineage  of  numerous 
Persons  and  Families,  for  whose  names,  see  the 
Index  at  the  close  of  the  volume.  The  plan  of 
the  Genealogies  is  given  in  the  Explanations  which 
precede  them .  263 


A.— The  Mespat  Patent,  in  Latin,  1642 413 

B.— Presbyterian  Church  Members,  1708  to  1771.        .       415 

C— Dutch  Church  Contributors,  1731 415 

D.— Dutch  Church  Pew-holders,  1736 416 

E. — Communicants,  Nov.  1,  1741 417 

F.— List  of  Town  Officers,  1652  to  1852.      .        .        .418 
G.— Freeliolders  of  Newtown,  Dec.  4,  1666.     ,        .        .427 


ANNALS  OF  NEWTOWN 


i"  i  r  0  t    |)  a  r  t . 


ITS  CIVIL  AND  CHURCH  HISTORY. 


ANNALS  OF   NEWTOWN. 


CHAPTEE    I, 

]l\![espat  or  Newtown  in  a  primative  state, — Its  inhabitants,  the  prowling  beast  and 
the  tawny  Indian. — New- York  discovered  by  the  Dutch  and  called  New-Neth- 
erland. — The  West  India  Company  establish  trading  posts  here — Followed  by 
efforts  to  coloniee  the  country. — Farmers  begin  to  settle  in  Mcspat. — The  Rev. 
Francis  Doughty,  a  persecuted  clergyman,  removes  here  from  New  England ; 
obtains  a  patent,  and  plants  a  colony. — The  settlement  burnt  by  the  Indians. — 
A  peace  made  with  the  savages,  and  the  planters  return  to  their  lands. — Mr. 
Doughty  locates  in  New  Amsterdam. — Several  planters  take  out  their  patents. — 
Hendrick  Harnienscn's  plantation. — Rupture  between  Mr.  Doughty  and  his  asso- 
ciates.— Ends  in  a  suit  at  law. — Mr.  Doughty  appeals. — Is  imprisoned  by  Direc- 
tor Kieft. — Is  refused  the  privilege  of  leaving  the  country. — Settles  in  Flushing. 
— Adversity  still  attends  him. — He  is  finally  permitted  to  leave  New  Netherland. 
— Ilis  children. — His  farm  in  possession  of  Dr.  Adriaen  Van  der  Donck,  from 
whom  Yonkers  Island  takes  its  name. — Decline  of  the  Mespat  colony. — Rich- 
ard Smith  leaves  it. — The  venerable  Roger  Williams'  account  of  this  gentleman. 

A.  D.  1609  to  1650. 

Scarce  two  centuries  and  a  lialf  have  elapsed  since  Mespat,' 
**  by  the  Indian  so  called  "  was  the  undisputed  domain  of  the 
red  man.  Those  richly  cultivated  farms  that  now  pay  their 
annual  tribute  to  the  garner  of  the  husbandman,  then  laj^  in  all 
the  wild  grandeur  of  a  primeval  forest,  whose  lone  recesses 
were  only  disturbed  by  the  prowling  beast,  the  peans  of  the 
bird  of  prey,  or  the  stealthy  tread  of  the  Indian  hunter.  Where 
now  graze  the  kine,  the  herd  of  graceful  deer  roved  and  fed  in 
native  pastures.  Flocks  of  wild- fowl  bathed  in  the  streams 
across  whose  waters  the  timid  beaver  constructed  its  dams. 
Daylight  was  made  vocal  by  hosts  of  plumed  songsters,  and  the 
swamps  echoed,  through  dismal  glades,  the  nocturnal  bowlings 
of  rapacious  wolves,  as  they  pursued  to  death  some  ill-fated 

'  This,  the  Indian  name  for  Newtown,  is  written  Mespachtes  by  some 
of  the  earliest  Dutch  authorities,  but  it  was  usually  shortened  to  Mespat,  and 
in  modern  days  corrupted  to  Maspeth,  and  confined  to  a  small  settlement  near 
the  head  of  Newtown  Creek. 

2 


14  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

victim.  In  unison  with  the  natural  wildness,  arose  the  rustic 
hamlet  of  the  natives,  a  group  of  bark-clad  wigwams,  and  their 
adjacent  planting  grounds.  Here  dwelt  the  untutored  son  of 
the  forest,  passing  the  period  of  his  existence  in  the  few  and 
simple  employments  of  savage  life,  the  chief  of  which  were  the 
amusements  of  the  game,  or  dance ;  the  graver  pursuits  of  hunt- 
ing and  fishing,  or  the  fearful  exploits  of  war. 

Such,  in  brief,  was  Mespat,  and  such  its  proprietors,  ante- 
rior to  the  discovery  of  this  country  by  Henry  Hudson,  who, 
in  the  year  1609,  sailing  under  Dutch  patronage,  found  and  ex- 
plored the  noble  river  that  bears  his  name,  and  conveying  to 
Europe  the  news  of  his  important  discovery,  turned  the  atten- 
tion of  Holland  intently  towards  the  fertile  country  beyond  the 
great  waters,  that  soon  after  received  the  name  of  New  Neth- 
erland,  from  the  land  of  its  adoption.  The  Dutch  nation  fol- 
lowed up  the  discoveries  of  Hudson  with  the  most  successful 
results.  The  developements  respecting  this  section  of  the  New 
World,  its  character  and  resources,  convinced  the  merchants  in 
Holland  of  the  great  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the  estab- 
lishment of  trading  posts  in  New  Netherland,  whose  abundance 
of  valuable  furs  presented  the  most  flattering  prospects  for  com- 
merce, and  the  speedy  accumulation  of  wealth.  Less  than  five 
years  had  elapsed,  therefore,  when  ships  were  fitted  out,  and 
despatched  to  this  country,  and  a  mart  for  Indian  traffic  plant- 
ed on  the  southern  point  of  the  Island  of  Manhattan,  where 
several  houses  were  erected,  and  a  trade  opened  with  the  sur- 
rounding tribes  of  natives.  The  settlement  soon  took  the  name 
of  New  Amsterdam. 

But,  in  order  more  fully  to  reap  the  benefit  of  Hudson's 
discovery,  a  commercial  organization,  entitled  the  West  India 
Company,  was  formed  by  the  Holland  merchants,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  establishing  a  closer  intercourse  with  the  New  World, 
and  to  whom,  by  an  act  of  incorporation,  conferred  by  the  States 
General  of  the  Netherlands,  in  1621,  the  trade  to  New  Nether- 
land was  exclusively  conceded.  Much  profit  attended  this 
enterprise,  and  valuable  cargoes  of  beaver  and  other  skins  were 
annually  transported  to  Holland,  to  enrich  the  coffers  of  the 
Company.  But  as  yet,  no  direct  efforts  had  been  made  to  co- 
lonize the  country ;  and,  up  to  1629  the  population  chiefly  con- 
sisted of  a  few  individuals  in  the  employ  of  the  Company,  and 


ANNALSOFNEWTOWN.  15 

connected  witli  the  several  trading  posts.     But,  in  the  above 
year,  the  adoption,  by  the  States  General,  of  a  charter  of  Free- 
doms and  Exemptions,  authorizing  the  members  of  the  West 
India  Company  to  establish   "colonies,"  or  manors,  gave  a 
stimulus  to  emigration  from  the  Netherlands,  and  produced 
the  colony  of  Eensselaerswyck,  on  the  head  waters  of  the 
Hudson,  and  others  that  were  soon  after  founded  by  several 
directors  of  the  Company,  who  assumed  the  title  of  patroon, 
holding  in  their  particular  seignories,  an  authority  akin  to  that 
exercised  by  the  feudal  lords  of  the  Middle  Ages.     But  ten 
years  served  to  illustrate  that  these  establishments,  patterned 
after    European  feudal    polity,  were   suited  neither  to    the 
speedy  growth  of  the  population  of  the  country,  nor  to  its 
social,  civil,  or  commercial  advancement.     Through  neglect 
and  mal- administration  on  the  part  of  the  Company,  its  fertile 
territory  lay  a  howling  wilderness,  and  its  vast  resources  un- 
developed.    Made  acquainted  with  this  state   of  things,  the 
States  General  took  the  matter  in  hand,  in  1638,  and  by  a 
proclamation,  declared  the  monopoly  of  the  country  abolished, 
and  the  New  Netherland  to  be  open  to  all,  whether  Dutch  or 
foreigners,  for  the  purposes  of  trade,  or  the  cultivation  of  the 
soil;   making,  however,  those  who  should  emigrate  thither, 
subject  to  the  authority  of  the  West  India  Company,  from 
whom  every  such  person  was  entitled  to  receive  as  much  land 
as  he  or  his  family  could  properly  cultivate ;  for  which,  after  it 
should  have  been  a  specified  term  of  years  under  tillage,  he 
was  obligated  to  pay  the  lawful  tenth  of  its  produce.    But  the 
encouragement  thus  given  to  emigrants  was  greatly  extended 
in  1640,  by  the  grant  of  a  new  and  more  liberal  charter  of 
freedoms  and  exemptions,  providing,  among  other  things,  for 
the  administration  of  civil  government  in  New  Netherland, 
and  establishing  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  inhabitants 
upon  a  footing  parallel  with  those  enjoyed  in  Holland.     This 
charter  formed  the  basis  of  the  municipal  rights  afterward  en- 
joyed by  the  towns  and  villages  of  New  Netherland. 

The  enlarged  agricultural  and  commercial  advantages,  as 
well  as  the  religious  and  political  freedom  now  promised  to 
the  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland,  had  a  benign  effect  upon 
its  interests;  and,  as  a  consequence,  gave  an  impulse  to  the 
work  of  emigration,  both  from  the  continent  of  Europe,  and 


iO  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

also  from  New  England,  whose  inhabitants,  in  considerable 
numbers,  availed  themselves  of  the  privilege  of  a  residence  in 
the  territories  of  the  Dutch,  whither,  unfortunately,  the  spirit 
of  religious  intolerance — already  enkindled  in  the  land  of  the 
pilgrims — induced  many  to  flee,  and  take  up  their  abode. 
Remembering  Holland,  the  refuge  of  themselves  or  kindred, 
when  the  fires  of  persecution  drove  them  from  their  homes  in 
Britain,  and  still  in  pursuit  of  the  priceless  gem  of  religious 
freedom,  they  naturally  turned  to  the  daughter  province,  to 
find  all  the  sympathy  and  security  enjoyed  in  the  parent 
country.  It  was  to  the  operation  of  such  hallowed  motives, 
that  Mespat  owed  the  first  combined  attempt  to  reclaim  its  soil 
from  the  wildness  of  nature. 

This  section  had  already  attracted  the  attention  of  colo- 
nists ;  and  individuals,  both  Dutch  and  English,  were  now  en- 
tering, as  pioneers,  upon  the  work  of  converting  its  fertile 
lands  to  purposes  of  agriculture.     At  the  head  of  the  Kill  of 
Mespat,  or  Newtown  Creek,  in  a  section  called  by  the  Dutch, 
't  Kreupel-bosch,  now  corrupted  to  Cripplebush,  Hans  Hans- 
sen,  familiarly  called  Hans  the  Boore,  obtained  a  plantation  of 
200  morgen,  or  400  acres.     Descending  the  stream,  Richard 
Brutnell,  a  native  of  Bradford,  England,  was  seated  on  the 
hook,  or  point,  at  the  entrance,  and  east  side  of  Canapaukah 
Creek,  now  the  Dutch  Kills,  where  he  had  a  farm  of  near  an 
hundred  acres ;  and,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  creek  was  the 
plantation  of  Tymen  Jansen,  who  had  been  a  ship-carpenter,  in 
the  employ  of  the  West  India  Company ;  next  to  whom,  north- 
Avard,  lay  the  land  of  Burger  Jorissen,  a  respectable  smith, 
from  Silesia.     Upon  the  northern  border  of  Mespat,  at  what  is 
now  Fish's  Point,  Hendrick  Harmensen,  otherwise  called  Henry 
the  Farmer,  had  a  bouwery,  or  farm  under  cultivation.     These 
were  important  beginnings ;    but  such  single-handed  eflbrts 
would  have  required  a  long  period  to  convert  the  solitudes  of 
the  forest  into  arable  fields  and  smiling  gardens.     They  were, 
however,  speedily  seconded  by  a  band  of  enterprising  colo- 
nists from  New  England,  the  history  of  which  is  fraught  with 
lively  interest. 

Among  those  who,  for  conscience  sake,  had  followed  the 
pilgrims  of  the  Mayflower,  to  the  "  stern  and  rock-bound  coast " 
of  Massachusetts,  hoping  there  to  enjoy  freedom  of  speech  and 


ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN.  17 

action  in  matters  of  religious  faith,  was  the  Eev.  Francis 
Doughty,  a  dissenting  clergyman,  who  is  stated  to  have  been 
a  member  of  the  ancient  and  honorable  family  of  Doughtys,  or 
Doutys,  of  Esher,  in  Surry,  and  Boston,  in  Lincolnshire,  Eng- 
land. He  settled  at  Cohannet,  now  Taunton,  but  here  he  dis- 
covered that  he  had  plunged  "out  of  the  frying-pan  into  the 
fire."  Differing,  in  some  of  his  sentiments,  from  Mr.  Hooke, 
pastor  of  the  church  at  that  place,  and  his  assistant,  Street,  a 
"  controversie  "  unhappily  arose  between  them.  Doughty  as- 
serted that,  according  to  the  Abrahamic  covenant,  all  children 
of  baptized  parents,  and  so  Abraham's  children,  ought  to  have 
been  baptized,  "  and  spake  so  in  public,  or  to  that  effect,  which 
was  held  a  disturbance  ;  and  the  ministers  spake  to  the  magis- 
trate to  order  him  out,  the  magistrate  commanded  the  constable, 
who  dragged  Master  Doughty  out  of  the  assembly."  Their 
dispute  being  laid  before  Wilson,  Mather,  and  other  divines, 
assembled  at  Taunton,  "  Master  Doughty  was  overruled,  and 
the  matter  carried  somewhat  partially,  as  is  reported."  Dough- 
ty "was  forced  to  go  away  from  thence,  with  his  wife  and 
children,"  and  he  sought  a  refuge  in  the  island  of  Aquetneck, 
now  Rhode  Island,  in  ISTarragansett  Bay.  Here  he  resolved, 
with  certain  of  his  friends  residing  at  Taunton  and  other 
places,  to  remove  to  the  Dutch  territory,  "  in  order  to  enjoy 
freedom  of  conscience,"  being  "  undone  "  in  point  of  worldl}-- 
resources,  though  he  was  "  a  man  of  estate  when  he  came  to 
the  country." 

Mr.  Doughty,  being  empowered  to  act  on  behalf  of  his 
associates,  made  application  to  the  authorities  at  JSTew  Amster- 
dam for  a  tract  of  land,  and  a  patent  was  immediately  granted 
them  for  13,332  acres  at  Mespat,  which  embraced  nearly  the 
whole  of  the  present  town  of  Newtown,  as  will  be  observed  by 
a  perusal  of  the  instrument. 

We,  Willem  Kieft,  Director-general,  and  Council  of  New  Netherland, 
for  and  in  behalf  of  the  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  the  Lords  States  General  of 
the  United  Netherland  Provinces,  his  Highness  the  Prince  of  Orange,  as  well 
as  the  Most  Noble  Lords,  the  Lords  Directors  of  the  General  Privileged 
West  India  Company  ;  to  all  those  who  shall  see  these  Letters,  Make 
Known,  that  We  have  given  and  granted,  as  by  these  presents  We  do  give 
and  grant,  nnto  Francis  Doughty,  and  associates,  their  heirs  and  assigns,  in 
real,  actual,  and  perpetual  possession,  all  and  every  tiiat  certain  parcel  of 
land  situate  on  Long  Island,  in  this  province,  with  the  pastures  and  whatever 


18  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

eke  it  includes,  containing,  in  auperfices,  six  thousand,  six  hundred  and  sixty- 
six  Dutch  acres,  or  thereabouts,  comprehended  within  four  right  lines,  each 
two  thousand  Dutch  perches  long,  the  first  whereof  extends  from  the  east 
angle  of  Hans  Hanssen's  meadow,^  dividing,  according  to  the  creek,  the 
marsh  into  two  unequal  parts,  unto  the  plantation  of  Richard  Brutnall,  and 
thence  proceeds  towards  the  north-east,  passing  through  the  middle  of  the 
fresh  marsh  to  tiie  rivulet  surrounding  the  lands  of  Henry  the  Farmer,  and 
following  the  same  even  to  its  mouth ;  the  othsr  line  taking  its  origin  from 
thence,  bends  towards  the  south-east,  according  to  the  main  bank,  going 
along  the  same  unto  the  other  creek,  following  the  course  of  which  from  its 
mouth,  until  it  attains  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  said  marsh,  (from  whence 
the  aforesaid  creek  arises,)  thence  turns  again  towards  the  south-east,  until 
it  has  gained  the  length  of  two  thousand  Dutch  perches ;  the  third  line  taking 
its  rise  from  the  end  of  the  latter,  tends  towards  the  west,  of  an  equal  length 
with  the  others;  finally,  the  fourth  running  from  the  last-mentioned  point 
towards  the  north-west,  terminates  at  the  above-mentioned  eastern  angle  of 
Hans  Hanssen's  meadow,  at  which  angle  a  large  stone  is  erected  for  the 
greater  certainty  of  the  boundaries. 

With  power  to  establish  in  the  aforesaid  tract  a  town  or  towns  ;  to  erect 
a  church  or  churches;  to  exercise  the  Reformed  Christian  religion  and  Church 
discipline  which  they  profess;  also  to  administer  of  right,  high,  low,  and 
middle  jurisdiction,  to  decide  civil  suits,  not  exceeding  fifty  Dutch  florins; 
to  impose  definitively,  and  without  appeal,  in  criminal  matters,  fines  to  an 
equal  amount;  to  pronounce  the  first  sentence  in  other  civil  and  criminal  ac- 
tions of  greater  moment,  and  to  execute  the  same,  subject,  however,  to  such 
execution  being  deferred,  should  an  appeal  be  made  to  the  supreme  court  of 
New  Netherland ;  Finally,  to  exercise  all  rights  belonging  to  the  aforesaid 
jurisdiction,  with  power,  moreover,  to  nominate  some  of  theirs,  and  to  present 
them  to  the  Director  of  New  Netherland,  that  a  sufficient  number  may  be 
chosen  from  them  for  political  and  juridical  government;  together  with  the 
right  of  hunting,  fowling,  fishing,  and  of  trading,  according  to  the  immunities 
granted,  and  to  be  granted,  to  the  colonists  of  this  province,  without  any  ex- 
ception:— 

Wherefore  the  aforesaid  F.  Doughty  and  his  associates,  their  heirs  and 
assigns,  shall  be  obligated,  so  long  as  they  are  in  possession  of  the  above- 
mentioned  lands,  to  acknowledge  the  aforesaid  Lords  for  their  sovereign  Lords 
and  Patroons ;  to  pay,  after  the  lapse  of  ten  years,  the  tenth  part  of  the  produce 
of  the  land,  whether  cultivated  with  the  plough,  hoe,  or  otherwise  ;  orchards 
and  kitchen-gardens,  not  exceeding  one  Dutch  acre,  excepted;  Finally,  to  use 
no  other  standard  than  that  of  Holland ;  and  so  as  to  avoid  confusion,  to  use 
Dutch  weights,  the  Dutch  ell  and  all  other  Dutch  measures.  All  which  we 
promise,  under  the  foregoing  conditions,  inviolably  to  preserve,  and  bind  our 

1  The  farm  of  Ilans  Hanssen  has  been  already  noticed  as  lying  near  Cripple- 
bush.  It  comprised  400  acres,  or  nearly  two-thirds  of  a  square  mile,  and  from  a 
careful  examination  of  the  patent  and  those  adjoining,  I  think  it  must  have  covered 
a  part,  and  perhaps  the  whole  of  the  present  settlement  at  the  Bushwick  Cross- 
roads. 


ANNALS     OF    NEWTOWN.  19 

successors  to  the  faithful  observance  of  the  same,  by  virtue  of  the  commip- 
Kion  and  supreme  .-luthority  granted  to  us  by  the  Most  Mighty  Prince  of 
Orange,  Governor  of  the  United  Belgic  Provinces.  In  testimony  whereof  we 
have  subscribed  these  presents  with  our  own  hand,  and  caused  them  to  be 
countersigned  by  the  Secretary  of  New  Netherland,  and  the  seal  of  New 
Netherland  to  be  affixed  thereto.  Given  at  Fort  Amsterdam,  on  the  Island 
Manhattans,  in  New  Netherland,  in  the  year  1642,  the  28th  of  March. 

WiLLEM   KlEFT. 
By  order  of  the  Director  and  Council. 

CoRNELis  Van  Tieniioven,  Secretary.^ 

Endowed  with  these  ample  powers,  Mr.  Doughty  and  his 
associates  made  immediate  preparations  to  begin  a  settlement. 
Less  than  a  year  had  elapsed,  therefore,  when  a  number  of  fami- 
lies were  comfortably  located  along  the  most  easterly  branch  of 
Mespat  Kill,  among  whom  stood  high  in  point  of  means  and 
respectability,  Richard  Smith,  from  Taunton,  who  was  a  native 
of  Gloucestershire,  England.  Mr.  Doughty  officiated  as  pastor 
of  the  flock,  and  affairs  were  tending  prosperously,  when  the 
sudden  breaking  out  of  a  war  with  several  Indian  tribes  gave 
an  unexpected  and  fatal  check  to  the  settlement. 

This  state  of  hostilities  was  begun  by  Director  Kieft,  who, 
upon  a  frivolous  pretence  of  injury  received  from  the  natives, 
despatched  two  bodies  of  troops  from  Fort  Amsterdam,  at  mid- 
night, February  25th,  1643,  one  of  which  fell  upon  the  Indian 
settlement  at  Pavonia,  on  the  Jersey  shore,  and  the  other  upon 
those  at  Corlear's  Hook,  Manhattan  Island.  Both  were  fearfully 
successful,  resulting  in  a  horrid  butchery  of  the  sleeping  In- 
dians. The  natives  at  first  thought  it  was  their  enemies,  the 
terrible  Mohawks,  but  they  were  soon  undeceived,  for  only  a 
few  days  after,  the  Dutch  settlers  near  Flatlands,  with  the  con- 
nivance of  the  Director,  plundered  those  at  Marreckawick,  or 
Brooklyn,  of  a.  large  quantity  of  corn,  killing  two  of  the  In- 
dians who  attempted  to  defend  their  property.  When  the 
natives  discovered  Avho  were  the  authors  of  these  barbarities, 
they  were  inflamed  to  the  utmost,  and  though  hitherto  the 

'  The  Doughty  patent  is  recorded  iu  Latin  in  the  Secretary  of  State's  Office  at 
Albany.  The  above  translation  is,  by  Dr.  O'Cailajrhan,  but  a  copy  of  the  original 
will  be  found  in  Appendix  A.  The  MS.  being  written  in  small  and  obscure  charac- 
ters, with  many  contractions,  rendering  the  work  of  transcribing  it  both  difficult 
and  hazardous,  a  reference  to  the  English  translation  was  purposely  avoided,  during 
the  process  of  copying,  and  the  document  made  to  explain  itself  by  a  collation  of 
corresponding  words  and  letters. 


20  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

warm  friends  of  tlie  Dutch,  they  now  became  their  implacable 
enemies.  With  fire-brand  and  scalping-knife  they  desolated 
the  country  around  New  Amsterdam,  devoting  property  to 
destruction,  and  the  inhabitants  to  a  cruel  death,  save  those 
who  made  a  timely  escape  to  the  fort.  Similar  was  the  fate  of 
the  dwellers  at  Mespat.  In  an  evil  hour  the  savages  broke  in 
upon  the  settlement  with  merciless  vengeance ;  and  some  of  the 
inhabitants,  among  whom  was  John  Smith,  fell  victims  to  their 
fur3^'  The  remainder  sought  safety  in  flight,  while  the  flame 
was  applied  to  their  dwellings,  and  they,  with  their  contents, 
reduced  to  ashes ;  their  cattle  and  remaining  property  sharing 
no  better  fate.  MesjDat  presented  but  a  few  heaps  of  smoulder- 
ing ruins. 

How  changed  was  the  condition  of  these  settlers  as  they 
sought  refuge  in  New  Amsterdam,  whither  the  terror-stricken 
inhabitants  from  all  quarters  now  resorted.  Bereft  of  means 
for  the  present,  and  hope  of  the  future,  the  prospect  was 
shrouded  in  impenetrable  gloom.  But  one  precious  boon  was 
still  theirs ;  Mr.  Doughty  performed  Divine  service,  and  im- 
parted to  them  the  consolations  of  their  holy  religion.  This 
gentleman  had  been  an  equal  sufferer  with  his  flock,  having 
lost  nearly  everything  in  the  general  calamity,  but  he  was  in  a 
measure  sustained  by  public  contributions. 

The  Director-general  at  length  discovered  his  error,  and 
made  friendly  overtures  to  the  savages,  to  which  they,  having 
now  satiated  their  desire  for  revenge,  were  willing  to  listen  ;  and 
to  the  joy  of  the  sober  people,  a  peace  was  concluded.    There- 

1  At  a  court  of  common  pleas  held  at  Jamaica  May  12,  1703,  Samuel 
Smith,  aged  about  67  years,  and  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Nehemiah  Smith,  and 
formerly  wife  of  William  Ludlam,  dec'd,  of  Southampton,  L.  1.  she  being 
aged  about  70  years,  and  botli  residing  at  Jamaica,  and  persons  "  well  known 
and  worthy  of  good  faith  and  credit,"  make  deposition  that  "about  sixty 
years  ago,  John  Smith,  fFather  to  these  deponents,  living  at  Taunton  in  Ply- 
mouth Colony,  now  under  y*^  government  of  y*^  Massachusetts-bay,  left  his 
said  habitation  and  went  to  Mashpatt  JCills,  in  Queens  county,  on  Nassau 
Island,  then  under  y®  government  of  y*^  Dutch,  and  was  there  killed  by  ye 
Indians.  These  deponents  further  say,  that  John  Smith,  eldest  son  of  ye 
said  John  Smith,  their  ifather,  and  brother  to  these  deponents,  is  now  living 
at  Hemsteed,  in  Queens  county,  on  y'^  island  abovesaid,  in  y''  colony  of 
New-York,  and  further  y^  deponents  say  not."  Counly  Clerk's  Office,  Ja- 
maica, L.  I.  Deeds,  Lib.  A,  p.  1G6. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  21 

upon  some  of  the  planters  returned  to  their  ruined  habitations 
at  Mespat,  though  not  without  fear  of  the  wily  savages.  Mr. 
Doughty  followed  as  soon  as  his  total  want  of  confidence  in 
the  existing  peace  and  his  destitute  circumstances  would  allow. 
But,  after  abiding  there  half  a  year,  he  returned  "  at  Thanksgiv- 
ing "  to  New  Amsterdam,  where  he  remained  for  several  years, 
owning  premises  near  the  fort.  In  the  church  within  Fort 
Amsterdam  he  statedl}^  preached  to  the  English  population. 

Meanwhile,  as  a  better  day  seemed  dawning,  several  of  the 
residents  without  the  lines  of  the  Mespat  patent,  took  occasion  to 
secure  government  titles  for  their  lands.  On  July  3d,  1643,  Bur- 
ger Joris  before  spoken  of,  took  out  his  "ground  brief  "  or  deed, 
as  did  Eichard  Brutnell  and  Tymen  Jansen  the  same  month, 
their  lands  lying  upon  opposite  sides  of  the  creek  at  the  Dutch 
Kills,  the  farm  of  the  last  named  individual  being  purchased 
several  years  after  by  Joris  Stevensen  de  Caper,  the  ancestor 
of  the  Van  Alst  family.  Joris  de  Caper  afterwards  added  to 
his  estate  a  neighbouring  plantation,  which  had  been  granted 
March  23d,  1647,  to  Jan  Jansen  from  Ditmarsen  in  Lower  Sax- 
ony, and  from  whom  is  descended  the  present  family  of  Dit- 
mars.  Burger  Joris  had,  in  1642,  rented  his  bouwery  and 
stock,  consisting  of  goats,  &c.  to  Robert  Evans  and  James  Smith, 
but  he  subsequently  resumed  his  farm,  and  erected  there  a  tide 
mill  prior  to  1654,  and  the  creek  was  thence  denominated  Bur- 
ger's Kill. 

Allusion  has  heretofore  been  made  to  Hendrick  Harmensen, 
as  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  a  bouwery  on  the  northern 
outskirts  of  the  town,  and  who  may  be  regarded  as  the  first 
white  man  that  turned  a  furrow  in  that  section  of  the  township. 
lie  had  erected  a  cabin,  and  obtained,  in  1638,  several  heads  of 
cattle,  from  a  lot  imported  that  year  by  the  Director-general  for 
the  use  of  the  colonists.  But  within  a  few  years  Harmensen 
died,  and  there  is  some  reason  to  believe  that  he  was  slain  in 
the  Indian  massacre  of  1643.  After  his  decease,  his  widow, 
Tryn  Herxker,  intermarried,  in  1645,  with  Jeuriaen  Fradell,  a 
native  of  Moravia,  and  subsequently  a  deacon  of  the  Dutch 
Church  at  New  Amsterdam,  who  on  September  5th  of  the 
above  year,  obtained  a  ground  brief  in  his  own  name  for  the 
estate  of  Harmensen.  It  is  therein  designated  as  "a  piece  of 
land  lying  on  Long  Island,  east  of  Hellegat,  and  next  to  the 


22  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

great  bend,  (riglit  over  against  three  islands  called  tlie  Three 
Brothers,)  being  the  most  westerly  corner  of  the  same  land  that 
lies  easterly  from  the  said  bend ;  and  extends  from  the  beach  off 
next  along  a  certain  swamp,  being  west  216  rods,  to  a  great 
fresh-water  meadow ;  along  said  meadow  to  a  fresh-water  creek, 
(which  creek  is  the  division  betwixt  the  land  of  Mr.  Doughty 
and  this  said  parcel  of  land,)  and  runs  further  along  the  said 
creek,  till  to  the  aforesaid  bend,  and  further  along  the  river 
shore  to  the  place  of  begining ;  containing  by  measurement  69 
morgens  183  feet : — to  this  land  appurtains  also  8  morgens  of 
the  aforesaid  meadow ;  also  to  this  belongs  a  little  island  lying 
about  west  from  the  house."  A  good  deal  of  interest  attaches 
to  the  history  of  this  bouwerj^,  which  was  subsequently  owned 
by  the  corporation  of  the  Dutch  church  at  Ncav  Amsterdam ; 
but  of  this  particular  mention  will  be  made  hereafter.'  The 
island,  fr-om  the  manner  in  which  it  was  obtained  by  Fradell, 
received  the  name  of  the  Huwelicken,  or  married  island.  It 
was  afterwards  in  possession  of  Burger  Jorissen. 

Mespat  slowly  arose  from  the  ashes ;  but,  alas,  before  it  re- 
covered strength  the  settlement  was  doomed  to  experience 
another  convulsion.  This  originated  in  a  misunderstanding 
between  Mr.  Doughty  and  other  principal  patentees  there. 
The  former,  regarding  himself  as  vested  by  the  Mespat  patent 
with  the  powers  and  privileges  of  a  patroon,  assumed  the  right 
of  disposing  of  land  within  the  patent,  and,  it  is  alleged,  re- 
quired of  persons  wishing  to  settle  there,  "a  certain  sum  of 
money  down  for  every  morgen  of  land ;  and  then,  moreover, 
a  certain  sum  annually  in  shape  of  quit  rent ;  and  sought  also 


'  A  tradition  exists  in  the  Riker  family  that  their  ancestor  located,  at 
a  very  early  period,  at  what  is  now  called  the  Poor  Bowery,  and  obtained 
from  the  natives  a  large  tract  of  land  at  that  place — that  having  previously 
been  an  armourer  in  the  Dutch  service,  lie  was  accustomed  to  forge  toma- 
hawks for  the  Indians  round  about  him ;  but  that  on  a  certain  occasion  the 
savages  under  a  sudden  excitement,  assaulted  him,  and  one  of  them  gave  him 
a  fatal  blow,  and  terminated  his  life  with  one  of  the  very  instruments  of  death 
that  he  had  made  for  him ;  that  after  this  his  widow  remarried,  and  the  pro- 
perty was  disposed  of  to  the  Dutch  Church.  This  tradition,  which  doubtless 
has  a  foundation  in  truth,  can  relate  to  none  other  than  Hendrick  Harmensen, 
the  original  proprietor  of  the  farm  above  mentioned.  He  was  a  progenitor 
of  the  Riker  family,  as  his  daughter  Margaret  married  Abraham  Rycken, 
their  ancestor. 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  23 

to  make  a  domain  thereof,  in  opposition  to  the  co-interested  of 
the  colonie." 

But  it  is  clear  that  no  such  thing  was  contemplated  by  the 
patent.  It  conferred  upon  no  one  individual  any  exclusive  ti- 
tle to  the  soil,  but  was  a  grant  in  common,  and  intended  to  be 
held  in  joint  tenancy.  It  erected  a  town,  and  gave  the  settlers 
the  town  privileges  of  that  day.  Therefore,  Mr.  Doughty's 
claims  were  resisted  by  the  other  patentees,  and  a  suit  was  en- 
tered before  the  court  of  New  Amsterdam,  by  Kichard  Smith 
and  William  Smith,  who  demanded  that  Mr.  Doughty  should 
be  made  to  declare  before  the  court  who  were  associated  Avith 
him.  After  some  delay  the  trial  ended  in  April,  1647,  against 
the  pretensions  of  Mr.  Doughty.  The  Director  and  Council  or- 
dered "  that  the  co-partners  should  enter  on  their  property,  re- 
serving to  Doughty  the  bouwery  and  lands  which  he  had  in 
possession."  This  decision  the  clergyman  regarded  as  highly 
unjust,  and  in  violation  of  the  privileges  guarantied  him  by 
the  Mespat  patent ;  he,  therefore,  appealed  from  the  sentence. 
This  offended  Kieft,  who  had  previously  cut  off  the  right  of 
appeal  to  the  courts  of  Holland ;  and  telling  Doughty  that  his 
judgment  was  final  and  absolute,  the  despotic  governor  fined 
the  defenceless  clergyman  ten  dollars,  and  locked  him  up  for 
twenty -four  hours  in  prison. 

Quite  discouraged  of  finding  liberty  in  New  Netherland, 
he  requested  the  Director-general  that,  "as  he  had  lived  and 
done  duty  a  long  time  without  suitable  support,  and  as  his 
land  was  now  confiscated,"  he  might  be  permitted  to  take  ship 
for  the  West  Indies,  or  the  Netherlands ;  but  the  Director,  for 
obvious  reasons,  declined  giving  consent.  Thus  thwarted  in 
■  his  wishes,  Mr.  Doughty,  the  same  year,  accepted  a  call  from 
the  people  of  Flushing,  and  settled  there  at  a  fixed  salary  of 
six  hundred  guilders ;  where  he  remained  a  year  or  more,  his 
ministrations  being  attended  by  Thomas  Wandell,  and  perhaps 
other  of  the  residents  on  Mespat  Kill.  But  taking  occasion  in 
certain  of  his  discourses  to  animadvert  on  the  conduct  of  the 
government,  it  so  roused  the  indignation  of  the  famous  Cap- 
tain John  Underhill,  who  declared  "that  Mr.  Doughty  did 
preach  against  the  present  rulers,  who  were  his  masters,"  that 
he  thereupon  ordered  the  church  doors  to  be  shut  against  the 
minister,  and  he  was  denied  access  to  the  pulpit.    This  con- 


24  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

tinued  adversity  induced  Mr.  Doughty  again  to  request  leave 
to  depart  the  country,  which  was  finally  obtained  ;  but  not 
until  he  had  made  a  promise  under  his  hand  not  to  mention 
the  ill-treatment  he  had  experienced  from  Directors  Kieft  and 
Stuyvesant.  Investing  his  son  Francis  with  power  to  collect 
the  salary  due  him  from  the  people  of  Flushing,  (part  of  which 
the  latter  afterwards  got  by  recourse  to  law,)  he  took  his  de- 
parture for  the  "  English  Virginias"  in  1648  or  1649.  His  bou- 
wery  or  farm  on  Flushing  Bay,  (now  owned  by  Abraham  and 
John  I.  Eapelye,)  he  had  previously  conferred  on  his  daughter 
Mary,  at  her  marriage,  in  1645,  with  that  distinguished  "doctor 
of  both  laws,"  Adriaen  Van  der  Donck,  who  obtained  a  patent 
for  it  May  17th,  1648.  About  three  years  after  this  date,  Tho- 
mas Stevenson,  an  Englishman,  living  at  Flushing,  removed  to 
this  farm  as  a  tenant  for  Van  der  Donck ;  but  after  the  departure 
of  the  latter  to  Holland,  Stevenson  got  a  patent  from  Stuyve- 
sant confirming  these  premises  to  himself.  They  passed  through 
several  hands;  and  in  1737  were  bought  by  Abraham  Eapelye, 
grandfather  of  the  present  occupants.  The  projection  formed 
by  the  bay  and  creek  long  bore  the  name  of  "Stevens'  Point." 
There  originally  belonged  to  this  farm  a  singular  wooded  emi- 
nence, then  containing  twelve  acres,  lying  in  the  Flushing  mea- 
dows, and  around  Avhich  the  waters  flowed  at  full  tide.  From 
the  circumstance  of  Dr.  Van  der  Donck  being  familiarly  called 
the  Yonker — a  Dutch  title  for  a  gentleman — this  piece  of  up 
land  took  the  name  of  Yonker's  Island,  by  which  it  is  yet 
known  to  some.^ 

The  colony  of  Mespat  never  recovered  from  the  shock  of 

'  It  has  been  stated  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Doughty  "  was  probably  a  Baptist, 
but  afterwards  turned  Quaker."  Now,  his  own  dedarations  in  the  dispute  at 
Taunton  show  that  he  was  not  a  Baptist;  and  it  is  equally  improbable  that  he 
became  a  Quaker,  since  he  left  the  country  eight  years  before  the  first  of  that 
sect  made  their  appearance  here.  O'Callaghan  (Hist,  N.  Netherland,  ii.  318) 
calls  him  a  Presbyterian.  He  had  sons  Elias  and  Francis;  the  last  of  whom 
continued  at  Newtown  many  ^ears.  Elias  was  a  magistrate  of  Flushing, 
where  he  left  posterity.  He  was  regarded  as  an  inhabitant  of  Newtown,  and 
complimented  by  a  gift  of  land,  because  his  father  had  previously  lived  there. 
His  sister  ]\Iary,  after  the  decease  of  Dr.  Van  der  Donck  in  1655,  married 
Hugh  O'Neale,  Esq.  with  whom  she  removed  to  Maryland.  This  lady  was 
born  at  "  Heerastede;"  but  which  of  the  several  towns  of  this  name,  both  in 
England  and  Holland,  is  intended,  remains  an  uncertainty. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  25 

savage  warfare,  and  the  no  less  fatal  blows  of  intestine  strife. 
It  lost  one  of  its  leading  citizens  in  tlie  person  of  Richard 
Smith,  the  elder,  who,  with  his  family,  sought  a  temporary  re- 
sidence in  New  Amsterdam,  but  finally  returned  to  an  estate 
which  he  had  in  Rhode  Island,'  In  1619  there  were  "not 
many  inhabitants ;"  though  a  few  of  the  patentees  still  dwelt 
there.  In  this  year  the  reverses  which  it  had  sustained  found 
their  way  to  the  ears  of  the  States  General  in  Holland,  among 
other  complaints  preferred  by  the  commonalty  of  New  Ne- 
therland  against  the  mal-administration  in  this  colony.  One  of 
the  deleo;ates  who  carried  this  remonstrance  to  Holland  was 
Dr.  Van  der  Donck,  who  had  drawn  up  the  paper,  in  which  he 
made  known  the  ill-usage  experienced  by  his  father-in-law,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Doughty.  But  though  the  aftairs  of  Mespat  did  not 
elicit  much  notice  amid  the  weightier  matters  with  which  the 
remonstrance  was  burdened,  yet  was  the  latter  so  zealously 
presented  and  sustained  by  Van  der  Donck,  that  the  States 
General  actually  ordered  the  recall  of  Stuyvesant;  though 
they  afterwards,  for  other  considerations,  thought  fit  to  coun- 
termand it.  And  thus  declined  the  ancient  municipality  of 
Mespat*  whose  origin  had  beamed  with  promise.  Its  territory 
seemed  destined  to  remain  the  abode  of  untame  beasts ;  and 
the  prospect  of  its  speedy  colonization  vanished  as  a  vision  of 
the  night.  For  years  the  hum  of  industry  and  the  marks  of 
civilization  were  confined  to  its  marine  borders,  while  the  in- 
terior maintained  all  the  grandeur  of  a  wild  unbroken  wil- 
derness. 

'  Other  particulars  of  Richard  Smith  and  his  descendants,  usually  called 
the  "  Bull  Smiths,"  are  given  in  Potter's  History  of  Narragansett  and  Thomp- 
son's Long  Island.  In  1679  the  Rev.  Roger  Williams,  of  Providence,  ren- 
dered the  following  testimony  to  the  worth  of  this  pioneer  of  the  Mespat 
colony. 

"  Mr.  Richard  Smith,  for  his  conscience  to  God,  left  fair  possessions  in 
Glostershire,  and  adventured,  with  his  relations  and  estates,  to  N.  England,  and 
was  a  most  acceptable  inhabitant  and  prime  leading  man  in  Taunton,  in 
Plymouth  colony.  For  his  conscience  sake,  many  ditferences  arising,  he  left 
Taunton  and  came  to  the  Nahiggonsik  country,  where,  by  God's  mercy,  and 
the  favor  of  the  Nahiggonsik  sachems,  he  broke  the  ice  at  his  great  charge 
and  hazard,  and  put  up  in  the  thickest  of  the  barbarians,  the  first  English 

house  amongst  them He  kept  possession,  coming  and  going,  himself* 

children,  and  servants,  and  he  had  quiet  possession  of  his  housing,  lands,  and 
meadow ;  and  there,  in  his  own  house,  with  much  serenity  of  soul  and  com- 
fort, he  yielded  up  his  spirit  to  God,  the  Father  of  Spirits,  in  peace." 


CHAPTER     II. 

The  village  of  Middelburg  founded  by  colonists  from  New  England. — Civil  and  re> 
lio-ious  privileges  granted  them. — First  choice  of  magistrates. — The  "out-planta- 
tions.'"— Dominies  Hook. — William  Hallett  arrives. — Peace  interrupted  by  a  war 
between  England  and  Holland. — Rumor  of  a  conspiracy  of  the  Dutch  and  In- 
dians aorainst  the  English. — Great  excitement  at  the  English  Kills — Flight  of  the 
inhabitants. — Middelburg  also  alarmed. — They  seek  protection  from  New  Eng- 
land.— Their  fears  prove  groundless. — Other  sources  of  disquiet. — A  convention 
— it  remonstrates  against  the  arbitrary  acts  of  government. — Its  prayer  reject- 
ed.— Appeal  to  the  States-General — English  fleet  preparing  against  New  Ne- 
therland. — Middelburg  proposes  to  cooperate. — Unexpected  news  of  peace. — 
Meadows  at  Mespat  Kill  granted  to  Middelburg. — The  Poor  Bouvvery. — Dutch 
Settlers  in  that  section. — Berrien's  Island. — Luyster's  Island. — Outbreak  be- 
tween the  Dutch  and  Indians. — Citizens  of  Middelburg  involved  in  the  difficul- 
ty.— Capture  of  Pieter  de  Schoorsteenveger. — A  false  alarm. — Religious  opinions 
of  the  settlers. — Rev.  John  Moore. — Dissentions. — Rev.  William  Wickenden  and 
William  Hallett  imprisoned  for  religion's  sake. — Settlers  on  Mespat  Kill  found 
the  village  Aernhem. — A  dispute  arises  about  the  meadows. — Stuyvesant  re- 
fuses a  patent  to  Middelburg. — They  make  a  purchase  of  their  lands  from  the 
Indians. — Names  of  the  "Purchasers."  1652  to  1656. 

It  was  in  tlie  year  1652  that  a  goodly  company  of  English- 
men arrived  in  this  colony  from  New  England,  and  obtained 
leave  from  Director  Stuyvesant  to  plant  a  town  within  his  ju- 
risdiction. The  fertile  lands  of  Mespat  being  yet,  for  the  most 
part,  unoccupied,  offered  a  bright  field  for  their  enterprise.  A 
locality  well  watered  by  springs,  and  having  convenient  fresh 
meadows,  was  selected  in  the  interior,  about  midway  between 
the  Kill  of  Mespat  and  Ylissingen,  (now  Flushing,)  the  only 
English  village  for  man}^  miles  around,  if  we  except  the  scat- 
tered tenements  at  Mespat  Kill ;  while  Breukelen  was  the  near- 
est Dutch  village.  Several  of  the  new  comers  were  direct  from 
Greenwich,  Stamford,  Fairfield,  and  other  villages  along  the 
Connecticut  shore ;  others  are  supposed  to  have  recently  arriv- 
ed from  England;  a  few  had  been  conspicuous  in  the  promotion 
of  settlements  along  Cape  Cod  and  Massachusetts  Bay.  Of  these 
was  Lieutenant  William  Palmer,  who  had  represented  Yar- 
mouth in  the  general  court  in  1644,  and  as  late  as  1651,  being 
much  respected.  Another  was  Mr.  Henry  Feeke,  an  early  set- 
tler at  Lynn,  whence  he  removed  with  others  in  1637,  and 
joined  in  the  settlement  of  Sandwich,  one  of  his  associates  be- 
ing Jonathan  Fish,  who  either  accompanied  or  soon  followed 


A  N  N  A  L  S     O  F    N  E  W  T  O  \V  N  .  27 

him  to  Mespat.  Also  among  these  first  comers  were  Edward 
Jessup  from  Stamford,  and  Thomas  Hazard  from  Boston,  as 
were  probably  John  Burroughes  from  Salem,  and  Eichard  Betts 
from  Ipswich,  who  appear  as  residents  three  or  four  years  later. 
All  these  becamie  men  of  note  in  the  settlement.  The  new  co- 
lonists were  also  joined  by  some  respectable  individuals  from 
Heemstede,  or  Hempstead,  but  who  had  previously  resided  at 
Stamford,  among  whom  were  Eobert  Coe,  and  Eichard  Gilder- 
sleeve;  and  from  the  first  named  j^lace  also,  came  the  proposed 
pastor  of  the  new  settlement,  the  Eev.  John  Moore,  of  whose 
previous  history  nothing  has  been  learned,  except  that  he  had 
been  the  "  clergyman  of  the  church  of  Heemstede." 

The  hamlet  was  begun  upon  the  street,  whereon  the  Presby- 
terian church  in  the  village  of  Newtown  now  stands,  on  both 
sides  of  which  lots  were  laid  out.  And  then  resounded  the  axe 
in  the  forest;  the  noise  of  the  saw  and  the  hammer  told  the  ar- 
rival of  a  people,  unlike  any  those  wilds  had  ever  known  before. 
A  scene  of  life  and  activity  ensued,  and  a  group  of  cottages — 
foshioned  after  those  of  New  England,  of  simple  construction 
and  roofed  with  thatch — arose  to  adorn  the  new  settlement,  to 
which  the  name  of  Middelburg  was  given,  after  a  place  of  some 
note  in  the  Netherlands,  the  capital  of  the  province  of  Zealand, 
and  remembered  with  gratitude  as  the  asylum  of  many  of  the 
English  puritans.  Next  to  providing  a  shelter  for  their  fami- 
lies, the  new  settlers  broke  up  the  fallow  ground,  committed 
their  seed  to  the  earth,  and  the  summer  of  1652  witnessed  the 
ingathering  of  the  first  harvest  in  Middelburg, 

The  privileges  of  the  charter  of  1640  were  extended  to  the 
new  villagers.  Their  lands  were  to  be  held  without  rent  or 
tax  for  ten  years,  at  the  end  of  which  term  they  would  be  re- 
quired to  pay  the  tenth  part  of  the  produce.  They  were  to 
enjoy  the  free  exercise  of  the  Protestant  religion,  and  the 
choice  of  their  own  schepens,  or  magistrates ;  making  annually 
a  double  nomination  of  the  best  qualified  persons  in  the  town, 
from  whom  the  Director-general  and  Council  should  select  and 
confirm  half  in  ofiice,  whose  authority  extended  to  the  collec- 
tion and  disbursement  of  town  revenues,  and  most  other  mat- 
ters affecting  the  peace  and  security  of  their  municipality. 
They  were  to  adjudge  all  suits  arising  in  their  district, 
except  the  sum  in  dispute  exceeded  one  hundred  guilders,  in 


28  ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN. 

which  case  an  appeal  could  be  made  to  the  chief  court,  com- 
posed of  the  Director  and  Council,  as  could  also  be  done  in 
criminal  cases,  where  the  custom  of  Holland  permitted  it.  In 
the  case  of  such  appeal,  the  magistrates  were  to  enjoy  a  scat 
and  voice  in  the  higher  court.  The  appointment  of  town  offi- 
cers' other  than  schepens,  to  wit,  a  scout,  or  sheriff,  a  secre- 
tary, or  clerk,  to  make  and  preserve  a  record  of  public  transac- 
tions,^ and  a  court-messenger,  or  marshal  to  attend  upon  the 
court,  execute  the  will  and  verdicts  of  the  magistrates,  and  collect 
the  rates  or  taxes  to  defray  town  charges,  remained  the  prero- 
gative of  the  Director  and  council.  But  some  of  the  English 
towns  were  permitted  to  choose  these  important  functionaries, 
and  Middelburg  seems  to  have  enjoyed  that  privilege.  In  a 
word,  the  civil  and  municipal  rights  guarantied  to  Middelburg 
were  but  a  transcript  of  those  conferred  by  patent,  ten  years 
before,  on  Mr.  Doughty  and  his  associates ;  and  their  jurisdic- 
tion was  essentially  the  same,  embracing  the  seat  of  the  Mespat 
colony,  which  obtained  the  name  of  the  English  Kills,  to  dis- 
tinguish it  from  the  neighboring  Dutch  settlement  along  Bur- 
ger's creek,  called  the  Dutch  Kills.  They  were,  moreover, 
promised  a  patent  of  incorporation ;  and  under  these  auspices 
the  people  of  Middelburg  convened  in  autumn  to  make  their 
first  selection  of  magistrates,  and  nominated  Robert  Coe,  Rich- 
ard Gildersleeve,  William  Wood,  Thomas  Hazard,  Edward 
Jessup,  and  William  Herrick,  from  whom  the  Director  and 
council,  on  November  11th,  confirmed  in  that  office  Messrs. 
Coe,  Gildersleeve  and  Hazard.  Subsequently  the  choice  of 
magistrates  was  made  in  the  spring. 

'  For  a  list  of  town-officers,  see  Appendix  F. 

^  The  public  records  of  Newtown  now  in  the  clerk's  office,  begin  in  the 
year  1659,  in  which  allusion  is  made  to  records  of  an  earlier  date,  not  now  to 
be  found.  Thobe  existing  are  very  complete  from  the  above  year,  and  con- 
sist of  seven  manuscript  books,  some  of  them  in  a  mutilated  and  perishing 
condition.  Here  are  the  minutes  of  the  town  court  from  1659  to  1688; 
also  the  record  of  town  proceedings,  and,  what  is  more  valuable,  the  greater 
part  of  all  the  title-deeds  for  land  within  this  town,  from  its  settlement  down 
to  the  American  Revolution.  Their  loss  could  not  be  repaired,  and  there- 
fore it  is  respectfully  recommended,  that  timely  measures  be  taken  to  bind 
and  index  these  interesting  and  valuable  records,  and  secure  them  in  a  fire- 
proof safe,  against  the  devouring  element,  by  which  Flushing  and  other 
towns  in  this  state  have  been  robbed  of  their  early  archives. 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  29 

The  considerable  extent  of  territory  lying  between  the 
northeast  boundary  of  Middelburg  and  the  East  river,  com- 
prised, at  this  date,  a  small  population  of  farmers,  or  planters,  as 
they  were  then  called,  who  were  mostly  Dutch,  and  had  taken 
land  from  the  government  upon  the  terms  prescribed  by  the 
charters  of  freedoms  and  exemptions,  and  for  which  they  re- 
ceived individually  a  groundbrief,  or  deed,  under  the  signature 
of  the  Director,  and  the  seal  of  New  Netherland,  These  farms 
were  distinguished  as  "the  out-plantations,"  and  lay  on  the 
verge  of  the  river  ;  extending  from  what  is  now  called  Fish's 
Point,  on  the  north,  around  to  Dominie's  Hook,  at  the  en- 
trance of  Mespat  Kill,  which  latter  point  took  its  name 
as  early  as  164:3,  from  its  owner.  Dominie  Bogardus,  the  first 
minister  of  New  Amsterdam,  whose  widow,  Annetie  Jans,  on 
Nov.  26th,  1652,  received  a  groundbrief  for  the  same,  then  es- 
timated at  180  acres.'  The  out-plantations,  which  will  attract  a 
more  particular  notice  hereafter,  received  a  valuable  accession 
to  their  population  in  the  person  of  William  Hallett,  a  native  of 
Dorsetshire,  England,  who,  on  Dec.  1st,  1652,  obtained  a  brief  for 
161  acres  of  land,  which  had  previously  been  in  possession  of 
Jacques  Bentyu,  one  of  Director  Van  T  willer's  council.  It  was 
described  as  "a  plot  of  ground  at  Hellegat  upon  Long  Island, 
called  Jacques'  farm,  and  beginning  at  a  great  rock  that  lies  in 
the  meadow,  goes  upward  southeast  to  the  end  of  a  very  small 
swa"mp,  two  hundred  and  ten  rods ;  from  thence  northeast  two 
hundred  and  thirty  rods ;  on  the  north  it  goes  up  to  a  running 
water,  two  hundred  and  ten  rods;  containing,  in  the  whole, 
eighty  morgen  and  three  hundred  rods."  This  tract  is  now  in- 
cluded within  the  village  of  Astoria,  which  name  (no  credit  to 
the  restive,  innovating  spirit  of  the  age)  has  been  substituted 
for  that  of  Hallett's  Cove,  the  latter  a  time  honored  memorial 
of  its  ancient  owner,  some  of  whose  posterity  still  occupy  por- 
tions of  the  land  held  by  their  remote  ancestor.  The  residents 
of  the  out-plantations  were  not  a  corporate  community,  bu^ 
continued  for  many  years  to  be  dependent  for  civil  and  reli- 

'  This  tract  was  bought  in  1697,  by  Capt.  Peter  Praa,  through  whom  it 
descended  to  the  Bennet  family,  who  held  it  until  a  few  years  since,  when  it 
was  purchased  for  Union  College,  Schenectady.  Annetie  Jans  Bogardus  was 
the  owner  of  another  patent,  located  at  Hellgate,  of  which  further  notice  will 
be  taken  presently. 

3 


30  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

gious  advantages  upon  Flushing  or  New  Amsterdam.  Dis- 
putes at  law  arising  in  this  district  were  usually  taken  to  the 
last  named  place  for  trial. 

Scarcely  were  the  people  of  Middelburg  seated  in  their  new 
homes,  when  the  occurrence  of  untoward  events  placed  them 
in  very  doubtful  relations  with  their  adopted  government. 
Jealousies,  of  many  years  standing,  existed  between  the  latter 
and  the  English  colonies  of  Connecticut  and  New  Haven,  re- 
specting the  limits  of  New  Netherland.  Complaints  of  mutual 
aggression  had  passed  between  the  respective  governments,  and 
now,  while  these  regarded  each  other  with  feelings  far  from 
friendly,  the  news  was  received  that  war  had  broken  out  be- 
tween the  mother  countries  England  and  Holland.  Director 
Stuy  vesant,  in  pursuance  of  instructions  from  his  superiors,  and 
from  a  sense  of  his  own  weakness  when  compared  with  his 
powerful  neighbors  of  New  England,  whence  he  had  abundant 
cause  to  apprehend  evil,  prudently  agreed  with  the  adjacent 
Indian  tribes  for  assistance,  in  case  his  fears  should  be  realized. 
This  arrangement  being  rumored  abroad,  soon  sped  its  way 
into  the  adjoining  colonies,  where  it  was  currently  reported, 
and  fully  accredited  that  the  Dutch  governor  had  formed  a 
league  with  the  Indians  for  the  destruction  of  all  the  English. 

The  report,  in  the  meantime,  flew  like  wildfire  through  the 
English  towns  on  the  west  end  of  Long  Island,  which,  though 
under  the  government  of  New  Netherland,  were  made  to  be- 
lieve that  they  were  to  be  included  in  the  general  slaughter. 
In  haste  a  messenger  arrives  at  Mespat  Kill.  It  is  their  former 
neighbor,  Richard  Brutnell,  sent  by  the  people  of  Hempstead 
to  apprise  them  of  their  imminent  peril.  He  relates,  minutely, 
the  particulars  of  the  bloody  plot,  as  communicated  to  the  peo- 
ple of  Hempstead  by  an  Indian  chief:  the  substance  of  which 
was  that  the  Director-general  designed  first  to  cut  off  the  set- 
tlements of  Hempstead  and  Middelburg,  and  then  the  other 
towns  at  his  pleasure.  Consternation  immediately  prevailed 
at  Mespat,  as  the  gloomy  tidings  were  circulated  from  house  to 
house ;  and  means  were  at  once  devised  to  elude  the  impending 
calamity.  A  removal,  with  all  speed,  was  determined  upon ; 
and  Robert  Brokham,  with  several  of  his  neighbors,  set  out 
for  Flushing,  to  engage  Lambert  Woodward  to  convey  their 
goods,  with  themselves  and  famiUes,  across  the  sound  to  Stam- 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  31 

ford.  They  agreed  to  stop  at  Middelburg,  and  inform  their 
countrymen  there  of  the  startling  news  from  Hempstead.  Ar- 
riving at  the  house  of  Lieutenant  William  Palmer,  they  re- 
hearsed to  him  what  they  had  heard ;  and  thereupon  most  of 
the  town  were  hastily  called  together,  to  whom  the  messengers 
repeated  their  sad  story.  Some  of  the  villagers  gave  credit  to 
the  evil  report ;  others  were  incredulous.  Mr.  Coe,  the  magis- 
trate, "  said  he  could  not  believe  that  the  Dutch  governor  was 
BO  base  and  vile  as  to  hire  the  Indians  to  cut  off  the  English." 
But  Brokham  earnestly  debated  the  matter  with  the  magis- 
trate; when  the  latter  acknowledged,  that  being  in  company 
with  the  governor  two  days  before,  he  told  him  that  "  if  the 
English  came  against  Jiim,  he  had  spoken  to  Indians  to  help 
him  against  the  English."  This  was  admission  enoagh  for 
Brokham  and  his  companions,  who,  strengthened  in  their  fears, 
went  on  their  way  to  Flushing,  and  succeeded  in  engaging  the 
vessel.  On  April  29th,  1653,  the  terror-stricken  company 
Bailed  from  the  Kills  for  Stamford;  to  which  place  arriving, 
they  gave  free  circulation  to  the  story  of  their  dangers  and 
providential  escape. 

If  the  people  of  Middelburg  were  at  first  slow  to  believe 
these  ill-favored  rumors,  the  credit  which  the  New  England 
authorities  gave  to  them,  the  grave  action  thereupon,  and  the 
hostile  attitude  which  the  more  western  colonies  were  as- 
suming, soon  served  to  dissipate  their  unbelief.  The  neigh- 
boring villages  of  Flushing  and  Hempstead  were  becoming 
disaffected,  instigated  and  urged  on  by  Captain  John  Under- 
bill, who  now  renounced  the  service  of  the  Dutch,  and  hoist- 
ing the  Parliament's  colors,  called  upon  the  inhabitants  "to 
abjure  the  iniquitous  government  of  Peter  Stuyvesant."  To 
add  to  the  terrible  aspect  of  affairs,  an  armed  force,  under 
Captain  William  Dyre,  of  Rhode  Island,  was  patrolling  Long 
Island,  for  the  avowed  purpose  of  maintaining,  even  to  "  the 
effusion  of  blood,"  the  authority  of  the  Commonwealth  of 
England.  Overawed  by  these  alarming  circumstances,  and 
impelled  by  motives  of  self-protection,  the  people  of  Middel- 
burg united  with  their  English  neighbors  in  seeking  advice 
and  assistance  from  New  England.  For  this  purpose  they 
sent  two  deputies,  Robert  Coe  and  Edward  Jessup,  (and  Hemp- 
stead a  similar  number,)  to  propound  to  "the  honorable  Corn- 


32  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

missioners  now  assembled  at  Bostcn,"  certain  questions  wliich 
were  agitating  the  public  mind.  They  inquired  whether,  in 
case  their  subjection  to  Parliament  were  demanded  "  by  com- 
mission from  England,"  they  could  act  any  longer  by  the 
Dutch  laws ;  and  if  not,  what  should  they  do  till  another  go- 
vernment be  settled.  If  there  be  no  reconciliation  among  the 
Dutch  and  English,  how  should  they  ensure  their  safety, 
"  having  so  many  enemies  round  about  them."  If  they  must 
now  "  fall  off  from  the  Dutch,"  they  desired  protection  from 
New  England,  under  the  Parliament,  upon  reasonable  terms. 
Needing  supplies,  they  requested  that  they  might  procure  corn 
and  victuals  from  the  main,  for  the  use  of  the  English  only; 
and  also  solicited  powder  and  shot,  and  the  favor  of  ten  or 
twenty  men,  with  a  commander — or  at  least  the  latter,  to  train 
the  people,  and  go  out  with  them  if  need  be,  and  bear  some 
sway  in  town  affairs,  to  prevent  division  and  confusion.  For 
they  feared  that  a  party  would  be  formed  to  cooperate  with 
the  "  resolute  fellows  "  under  Dyre,  who,  it  was  apprehended, 
might  fall  upon  the  Dutch  farms,  and  thus  involve  them  in  a 
state  of  actual  hostihties.  Declaring  themselves  "willing  to 
cleave  to  New  England,"  they  proceeded  to  inquire  whether 
the  commissioners  could  empower  some  of  their  inhabitants  to 
bear  rule  till  further  order  could  be  taken ;  and  closed  their 
memorial  by  begging  their  speedy  assistance :  for,  say  they, 
"  our  lives  and  estates  lie  at  the  stake,  if  the  Lord,  by  some 
means,  help  us  not." 

The  sending  of  this  delegation  forcibly  exhibits  the  intense 
excitement  that  reigned  in  Middelburg,  and  her  sister  towns. 
It  does  not  appear  to  have  elicited  any  special  notice  from  the 
Commissioners  of  the  United  Colonies,  who  were  warmly  dis- 
cussing the  necessity  of  hostile  measures  against  the  Dutch 
— New  Haven  and  Connecticut  loudly  advocating  such  a 
course,  while  Massachusetts  opposed  it.  This  want  of  union 
averted,  for  the  time  being,  the  hostilities  meditated  against 
New  Netherland. 

The  cruel  fears  which  had  racked  the  imaginations  of  the 
Middelburg  people  now  subsided ;  but  only  to  give  promi- 
nence to  other  sources  of  public  disquietude.  Indians  and 
freebooters,  taking  advantage  of  the  late  confusion,  had  com- 
mitted serious  depredations  on  the  Long  Island  settlers.     The 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  33 

latter  could  expect  no  help  from  tiie  government;  for  there 
existed  a  general  distrust — as  well  among  the  Dutch  as  Eng- 
lish— of  its  power  and  disposition  to  protect  the  inhabitants, 
either  from  external  foes,  or  by  a  judicious  administration  of 
civil  and  criminal  justice  within  its  jurisdiction.  Aroused  by 
a  sense  of  their  losses  and  jDersonal  insecurity,  the  English 
towns  first  called  a  meeting  at  Flushing,  and  then  met  the 
burgomasters  of  New  Amsterdam  in  joint  meeting,  at  the  City 
Hall,  on  November  2oth,  1653.  The  delegates  present  from 
Middelburg  were  Kobert  Coe  and  Thomas  Hazard.  The  ob- 
ject of  the  convention  was  to  devise  some  plan  for  their  com- 
mon safety.  They  resolved,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  city  delcr 
gates,  to  address  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company; 
but  wishing  to  have  the  opinions  of  the  Dutch  villages,  an  ad- 
journment to  the  10th  of  December  was  carried.  Stuyvesant 
reluctantly  consented  to  the  proposed  meeting,  and  writs  were 
issued  to  the  several  villages  to  elect  their  delegates,  who,  accord- 
ingly assembled  at  New  Amsterdam  on  the  last  mentioned 
date — Middelburg  sending  the  same  deputies  as  before.  Har- 
mony prevailed  among  them ;  for  their  dangers  and  griev- 
ances were  in  common.  On  the  second  day  of  their  meeting 
they  agreed  upon  a  remonstrance  to  the  Director  and  Council, 
and  the  States  General.  It  opened  with  an  assurance  of  their 
unchanged  loyalty  toward  the  government  of  the  Netherlands, 
and  a  hearty  acknowledgment  of  the  authority  of  the  Lords 
Directors  of  the  West  India  Company ;  under  whose  jurisdic- 
tion they  had  voluntarily  placed  themselves,  expecting  to  en- 
joy rights  and  privileges  harmonizing  in  every  respect  with 
those  allowed  the  inhabitants  of  the  Netherlands,  the  parent 
State.  Under  such  encouragements  they  had,  with  immense 
labor  and  expense,  transformed  a  wilderness  of  woods  into  a 
few  small  villages  and  cultivated  farms ;  but  for  some  time, 
fear  and  alarm  had  broken  their  spirits,  and  discouraged  them 
in  their  labors  and  callings.  Instead  of  liberty,  an  arbitrary 
government  is  rearing  its  head  among  them,  and  laws  affecting 
the  lives  and  property  of  the  commonalty  are  enacted,  without 
the  knowledge  or  approbation  of  the  latter.  The  complaints 
of  the  Indians  that  they  have  not  been  paid  for  their  lands, 
and  the  murders  they  commit  in  retaliation,  keep  the  inhabi- 
tants in  constant  apprehension  that  a  new  war  may  be  com- 


Si  ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN. 

menced  by  them ;  and  yet,  strange  to  tell,  these  murders  are 
often  passed  over  as  the  acts  of  far-distant  savages.  "  On  the 
promises  of  grants  and  general  patents,  of  privileges  and  ex- 
emptions, various  plantations  have  been  made,  at  a  great  ex- 
pense of  the  inhabitants,  through  building  houses,  making 
fences,  and  tilling  and  cultivating  the  soil,  especially  by  those 
of  Middelburg  and  Midwout,  with  their  dependencies  ;  besides 
several  other  places,  who  took  up  many  single  farms,  and  soli- 
cited the  deeds  of  such  lands,  but  were  always  put  off"  and  dis- 
appointed, to  their  great  loss.  This  creates  a  suspicion  that 
some  innovations  are  in  contemplation,  or  that  it  is  intended  to 
introduce  other  conditions  different  from  former  stipulations." 
Other  points  of  complaint  there  were,  but  in  those  above 
named  the  people  of  Middelburg  were  most  interested. 

To  this  bill  of  complaint  Stuyvesant,  though  displeased, 
deigned  to  send  a  long  reply.  He  refused  to  recognise  the  de- 
legates from  Flatbush,  Brooklyn,  and  Flatlands,  because  those 
villages  had  no  jurisdiction,  and  therefore  were  not  entitled  to 
send  deputies;  and  as  the  convention  had  acted  illegally,  he  was 
not  at  all  bound  to  acknowledge  its  proceedings.  He  examined 
in  order  each  point  of  complaint,  denied  that  the  rights  of  the 
petitioners  were  the  same  as  those  of  Netherland,  and  branded 
the  English  delegates  as  the  "  instigators  and  leaders  of  these 
novelties,"  notwithstanding  that  they  and  their  countrymen  en- 
joyed greater  privileges  than  the  Exemptions  allowed  the 
Dutch  settlers.  Touching  the  complaints  of  Middelburg,  and 
Midwout,  (or  Flatbush,)  respecting  their  patents,  he  replied  that 
the  lands  in  those  villages  had  been  granted  to  individuals 
whose  deeds  would  be  furnished  whenever  they  chose  to  de- 
mand them;  but  they  should  never  be  carried  to  them,' 

The  delegates  were  not  to  be  silenced  by  the  sophistry  of 
the  Director-general.  Feeling  the  responsibility  of  their  posi- 
tion, they  again  called  on  him  to  consider  their  grievances,  de- 
claring their  intention  in  case  of  refusal,  to  appeal  to  his  supe- 
riors in  Holland.  This  excited  the  rage  of  Stuyvesant,  and  with 
threats,  he  abruptly  ordered  the  assembly  to  disperse.  True  to 
their  word  the  delegates  forwarded  their  remonstrance  to  Hol- 
land. 

'  I  presume  these  deeds  were  never  applied  for,  as  I  have  not  met  with 
a  single  one,  either  original  or  recorded. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  35 

Stuy  vesant  was  soon  called  to  witness  the  evil  of  his  impo- 
litic course.  The  colonies  of  Connecticut  and  New  Haven  had 
made  such  representations  to  the  English  government  that  a 
fleet  was  despatched  for  the  reduction  of  the  Manhattans,  and 
on  its  arrival  at  Boston  in  the  spring  of  1654,  New  England  im- 
mediately began  to  raise  troops  to  aid  the  expedition.  The  Di- 
rector-general bestirred  himself  to  meet  the  expected  invaders, 
but  found  his  strength  paralized.  "  The  occurrences  of  1653  had 
seriously  weaned  men's  aftcctions  from  the  government,  and 
oaths  of  allegiance  were  no  longer  considered  binding."  Some 
of  the  English  villages  openly  discarded  the  authority  of  Stuy- 
vesant,  and  when  the  news  arrived  of  the  intended  invasion, 
Middelburg  proposed  that  the  English  should  commence  hostili- 
ties. At  this  crisis,  when  the  enemy's  fleet  was  about  to  sail 
from  Boston,  a  vessel  arrived  there  Avith  the  news  of  peace  be- 
tween England  and  Holland.  The  intelligence  reached  the 
Manhattans  on  July  16th,  in  a  ship  which  brought  also  the  re- 
jection by  the  Directors  at  Amsterdam,  of  the  remonstrance  of 
the  previous  year. 

But  though  the  grievances  of  the  populace  were  thus  abso- 
lutely contemned,  their  remonstrance  was  not  devoid  of  effect 
upon  the  conduct  of  the  Director-general,  who  found  it  prudent 
to  conciliate  the  good  will  of  the  inhabitants.  In  the  month  of 
May,  Counsellor  De  Sille  and  others  were  commissioned  to  visit 
several  towns  upon  Long  Island,  which  had  solicited  "the  con- 
cession of  some  hayland,"  and  allot  to  each  inhabitant,  if  possi- 
ble, "  twenty-live  morgen  of  land,  and  eight  morgen  of  inter- 
vale." The  meadows  lying  along  the  east  side  of  Mespat  Kill 
were  appropriated  to  Middelburg,  the  magistrates  of  which  town 
were  authorised  by  an  order  from  Stuy  vesant,  to  apportion  the 
same  to  their  inhabitants.  A  good  number  of  groundbriefs  were 
also  issued  to  the  owners  of  the  outplantations,  thus  quieting 
one  cause  of  complaint  specified  in  the  late  remonstrance.  Turn- 
ing to  this  section  of  the  town  we  are  made  acquainted  with  an 
extensive  farm  then  in  progress,  "in  the  occupation  and  tenure 
of  the  deacons  and  officers  of  the  Dutch  church  "  at  New  Am- 
sterdam ;  and  by  them  kept  under  cultivation  for  the  benefit  of 
the  poor.  From  this  circumstance  it  was  called  the  Armen 
Bouwery  or  the  Poor's  Farm,  whence  comes  the  name  of  Poor 


36  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN; 

Bowery,  still  applied  to  that  section  of  tlie  town.'  It  compris- 
ed the  plantation  formerly  of  Jeuriaen  Fradell,  with  an  addi- 
tional tract  of  land  on  the  west,  obtained  of  Director  Stuyvesant, 
"with  a  view,  if  God  the  Lord  blessed  their  cattle,  to  make  a 
new  plantation,  or  farm."  These  possessions  (now  included 
in  the  estates  of  T.  B.  Jackson,  J.  K.  Herrick,  S.  Palmer, 
L.  Kouwenhoven,  and  A.  E.  Luyster)  were  bounded  on  the 
west  by  the  property  of  Abraham  Eycken,  a  respectable  plan- 
ter, who  was  descended  from  an  ancient  family  in  Lower 
Saxony.  His  farm,  for  which  he  obtained  a  groundbrief  on 
Feb.  26th  of  this  year,  (1654,)  is  now  owned  by  his  descendant, 
John  L.  Riker,  Esq.  In  this  vicinity  also  was  located  Harck 
Siboutsen,  formerly  a  ship-carpenter,  a  native  of  Languedoc, 
in  the  south  of  France,  who  joined  Rycken  on  the  west,  where 
he  had  settled  four  years  previously  to  taking  out  his  patent, 
dated  July  2d  of  this  year.  His  farm  now  composes  a  part  of 
that  which  was  owned  by  the  late  Isaac  Rapelye.  Adjacent 
to  him  on  the  west  side,  lay  a  tract  of  woodland,  belonging  to 
the  West  India  Company,  beyond  which,  in  the  direction  of 
"  Newton's  Point,  or  the  Green  Hook,"  now  the  property  of  Mr. 
Woolsey,  was  a  succession  of  small  plantations,  owned  by  Jan 
Jacobsen  Carpenel,  otherwise  called  Jan  van  Haerlem,  Adriaen 
Derickse  Coon,  Hendrick  Jansen  van  Dueren,  Lieven  Jansen, 
and  Simon  Joost,  These  five  lots,  contained  in  strips  of  about 
fifty  acres  each,  butted  on  the  river  or  meadow,  and  extended 
back  west-south-west  some  three  hundred  Dutch  rods,  to  the 
"  Great  Swamp,"  also  called  Lubbert's  Swamp,  The  briefs  for 
these  lots,  which  all  bore  date  in  1653  or  1654,  were  afterwards 
bought  up  by  Capt.  Thomas  Lawrence,  who  also  obtained  from 
Gov.  Nicoll,  Aug.  2od,  1665,  a  patent  for  the  small  island  ad- 
joining, "  commonly  called  the  Round  Island,"  and  now  known 
as  Berrien's  Island,  which  island,  together  with  "a  neck  of 
land"  included  in  the  patent  to  Adriaen  D.  Coon,  is  now  pos- 
sessed by  Ezra  N.  Berrien.  The  Green  Hook  (now  G.  M. 
Woolsey 's)  was  patented  to  Jean  Gerardy,  Nov.  5th,  1653.   On 

'  Some,  unacquainted  with  this  district,  and  ignorant  of  the  origin  of 
its  name,  have  supposed  it  given  with  reference  to  the  poverty  of  the  soil. 
But  in  tliis  sense  tlie  name  is  no  way  applicable,  for  the  land  here  is  exceed- 
ingly fertile,  and  not  to  be  excelled  by  any  on  Long  Island  for  productive- 
ness. 


ANNALS      OFNEWTOWN.  37 

the  same  date  Teunis  Craye  took  out  a  brief  for  the  Polhemus 
estate,  and  another  had  been  granted,  three  days  previous,  to 
Philip  Gerardy  for  the  farm  of  Dr.  Ditmars.  On  March  7th, 
165-i,  Annetie  Jans  Bogardus,  who  already  held  a  grant  at 
Dominie's  Hook,  obtained  a  patent  for  42  morgen  54  rod  of 
land,  lying  adjacent  to  the  Pot  Cove,  and  which  was  included 
in  the  farms  late  in  possession  of  'Squire  John  Lawrence,  and 
Major  Richard  Lawrence.  With  a  view  still  further  to  enlarge 
the  poor's  farm,  the  deacons  of  the  Dutch  church,  on  June  3d, 
1655,  petitioned  the  government  for  the  island  near  their  bou- 
wery,  called  the  "Huwelicken,  or  Burger  Jorissen's  Island," 
"  for  the  purpose  of  driving  thereon  their  hogs  and  cattle,"  but 
they  Avere  informed  that  it  had  been  disposed  of  long  before. 
The  deacons  succeeded  in  buying  it,  and  thence  it  was  called 
the  Poor  Bowery  Island;  but  being  afterwards  purchased  by 
the  ancestor  of  the  Luyster  family,  it  took  the  name  of  Luys- 
ter's  Island,  by  which  it  is  still  known.' 

But  again  the  peace  of  the  country  was  to  be  interrupted 
by  Indian  outrage  :  the  fears  set  forth  in  the  late  remonstrance 
were  to  be  realized.  New  Amsterdam,  the  metropolis,  waa 
the  first  to  feel  the  shock  of  savage  warfare.  Director  Stuy  ve- 
sant  had  just  departed  to  chastise  the  Swedes  for  their  en- 
croachments on  the  Delaware,  when  a  horde  of  armed  Indians, 
estimated  at  nineteen  hundred,  landed  at  New  Amsterdam, 
early  on  the  morning  of  Sept.  15th,  1655,  and  began  to  break 
into  houses  for  plunder.  The  authorities  hastily  assembled, 
and  held  an  audience  with  the  chiefs,  whom  they  persuaded  to 

'  Burger  Joris,  whose  name  is  closely  identified  with  the  enrly  history 
of  the  town,  was  a  native  of  Hersberg,  in  Silesia,  and  came  to  Rensselaerswyck 
in  1637,  being  by  occupation  a  smith.  There  he  lived  for  about  five  years, 
and  then  bought  a  vessel  and  became  a  trader  on  the  Hudson,  but  he  even- 
tually settled  on  his  farm  at  the  Dutch  Kills,  where  he  died  in  1671,  aged 
fifty-nine.  He  was  evidently  a  man  of  character  and  ability,  as  he  was  re- 
peatedly called  to  assist  in  the  civil  government  of  the  township.  He  mar- 
ried, in  ]  639,  Engeltie  Mans,  from  Compst,  in  Sweden,  and  had  sons,  Joris, 
born  1647;  Hermanns,  born  1652;  Claes,  born  1657;  Johannes,  born  1661; 
and  Elias,  born  1664.  These  took  the  patronymic  Burger,  and  in  fact  their 
father  was  sometimes  called  Mr.  Burger.  They  settled  in  New-York,  and 
from  them  the  Burger  family  of  that  city  have  descended.  Burger  Joris' 
farm  was  sold  to  John  Parcell,  the  progenitor  of  the  Parcell  family,  and  is 
now  owned  by  Abraham  and  William  Paynter. 


38  ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN. 

retire  with  their  warriors,  without  the  walls ;  but  when  night 
set  in,  the  savages  grew  bolder,  shot  the  Attorney-General  with 
an  arrow,  and  felled  another  to  the  ground  with  an  axe.  A 
great  tumult  now  ensued,  with  cries  of  murder,  and  the  sol- 
diers and  armed  citizens  rushed  from  the  fort,  and  fell  upon 
the  Indians,  forcing  them  to  take  to  their  canoes,  while  the 
dead  of  both  parties  marked  the  scene  of  bloody  encounter. 
The  savages  were  inflamed  to  the  utmost ;  they  burned  Pavo- 
nia,  then  poured  out  their  wrath  on  the  settlers  at  Staten 
Island,  and  for  three  days  the  scalping  knife  and  tomahawk 
descended  in  vengeance  on  the  unprotected  Dutch  farmers, 
numbers  of  whom  were  slain,  and  others  taken  into  captivity, 
while  their  bouweries  were  desolated  by  fire.  Unfortunately 
for  the  peace  of  Middelburg,  one  of  her  chief  citizens,  Edward 
Jessup,  together  with  Henry  Newton,  a  resident  at  Mespat,  and 
Thomas  Newton,  afterward,  if  not  then,  a  landholder  in  Middel- 
burg, were  all  present  at  New  Amsterdam  on  the  night  of  the 
battle,  and  assisted  in  repulsing  the  savages.  The  latter  swore 
vengeance  against  these  three  persons,  and  avowed  their  in- 
tention  to  send  a  formal  demand  for  their  surrender,  though 
they  professed  to  entertain  no  hostile  feelings  toward  any  other 
of  the  English  settlers ;  but  the  Dutch  they  threatened  to  extir- 
pate, and  pick  out  of  every  town  on  Long  Island.  This  alarm- 
ing intelligence  being  communicated  to  the  people  of  Middel- 
burg by  Lieut.  Thomas  Wheeler,  of  Westchester,  several  of 
the  settlers  near  Mespat  Kill,  among  whom  were  Joseph  Fow- 
ler, Goodman  Betts,'  Samuel  Toe,  and  his  son-in-law  William 
Reede,  Joseph  Safltbrd,  and  Thomas  Reede,  held  a  consultation, 
and  despatched  two  of  their  number  to  lay  the  news  before  the 
Director  and  Council. 

As  a  consequence,  the  most  lively  apprehensions  existed  at 
Middelburg,  and  particularly  among  the  Dutch  settlers  on  the 
out-plantations  who,  from  their  exposed  position  became  sub- 
ject to  harrassing  fears,  lest  in  the  stilly  hour  of  midnight  the 
savages  should  execute  upon  them  the  bloody  threats  which 
they  had  uttered.     Nor  were  their  fears  altogether  disappoint- 

'  Tlie  title  Goodman  was  at  this  period  a  familiar  term  of  address 
among  the  English.  For  its  origin  see  "  Mather's  Magnalia,"  i.  17.  Mr.  de- 
noted a  higher  degree  of  respect,  and  was  seldom  ajiplied  to  any  but  ministers, 
magistrates,  or  schoolmasters. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  39 

ed.     On  a  plantation  of  150  acres,  lying  on  tlie  nortlieast  side 
of  Annetie  Jans'  farm,  or  Dominie's  Hook,  lived  Pieter  An- 
driessen  de  Schoorsteenveger,  who  had  obtained  a  groundbrief, 
Oct.  19th,  1645.     Three  or  four  canoes  of  savages,  prowling 
about  Hellgate,  surprised  Pieter  Andriessen  and  carried  him 
away  into  captivity.    This  new  outrage  was  not  at  all  calculated 
to  lull  the  anxiety  of  the  settlers  at  the  Dutch  Kills,  and  the 
following  incident,  which  occurred  there  soon  after,  more  fully 
illustrates  the  melancholy  state  of  feeling  that  existed.     Joris 
de  Caper,  ancestor  of  the  Van  Alsts,  was  engaged  threshing 
his  grain,  assisted  by  his  father-in-law  Harmen  Hendricksen, 
and  Teunis  Jansen  van  Commel.     On  the  night  of  Thursday, 
Nov.  4th,  these  three  lay  down  in  the  garner  to  sleep,  but  were 
soon  after  disturbed  by  the  hens  cackling,  upon  which  they  lis- 
tened, and  presently  there  came  a  loud  knocking  at  the  door, 
with  cries  of  ho  !  ho !  ho !  the  unearthly  yell  of  the  savage,  rend- 
ing the  midnight  air !     Greatly  frightened,  the  three  escaped 
from  the  barn,  and  each  sought  a  place  of  security.     Harmen 
ran  across  the  farm  toward  the  house  of  Schoorsteenveger,  and, 
creeping  up  to  the  door,  he  heard  a  word  in  the  Dutch  lan- 
guage, whereupon  he  entered,  found  a  fire  blazing  on   the 
hearth,  and  the  pretended  Indians,  who  were  no  other  than 
several  Dutchmen  from  the  Manhattans,  preparing  to  spit  the 
fowls.     The  miscreants  endeavored  to  excuse  themselves  by 
alleging  that  hunger  drove  them  to  it,  and  begging  Harmen  to 
say  nothing  about  it,  promised  to  pay  for  the  fowls  on  their 
return  to  the  city.     Thus  the  unsettled  state  of  the  country 
offered  an  occasion  with  the  unprincipled  to  practice  vile  deeds 
and  lay  them  at  the  door  of  the  Indian.     Aptly  was  this 
gloomy  period  called,  in  after  years,  "the  troublesome  time." 
The  year  1656  was  productive  of  events  not  less  dangerous 
to  the  peace  of  the  community,  and  perhaps  more  to  be  depri- 
cated  than  those  just  witnessed.     To  secure  the  public  ordi- 
nances of  religion,  had  been  a  primary  object  with  the  settlers 
at  Middelburg,  who  could  not' but  attach  value  to  those  sacred 
institutions  for  which  many  of  them  had  periled  the  ocean  and 
wilderness.     The  people  were  partly  Independents  and  partly 
Presbyterians.     The  latter  were  too  few  or  too  poor  to  support 
a  minister,  but  the  former  enjoyed  the  services  of  the  Eev. 
John  Moore,  who  preached,  but  administered  no  sacraments. 


40  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

For  the  public  accommodation,  and  Avith  the  approbation  and 
help  of  the  Director-general,  the  ground  lately  occupied  by  the 
old  Episcopal  parsonage  had  been  appropriated,  and  a  build- 
ing erected  thereon  by  the  town,  which  served  the  double  pur- 
pose of  a  church  and  a  residence  for  the  minister.'  Now  it 
occurred,  during  a  temporary  absence  of  Mr.  Moore,  that  cer- 
tain individuals  convened  for  religious  worship,  ignorant  or 
regardless  of  the  fact  that  such  meetings  had  been  declared  ille- 
gal unless  convoked  by  an  authorized  clergyman.  On  hearing 
what  had  transpired  at  Middelburg,  the  Dutch  ministers  in  New 
Amsterdam,  Johannes  Megapolensis  and  Samuel  Drisius,  laid 
the  matter  before  the  Director  and  Council,  stating  "  that  they 
are  informed  by  different  persons  residing  at  Middelburg,  within 
the  jurisdiction  of  this  province,  that  since  the  departure,  and 
in  the  absence  of  the  Rev.  Moore,  before  a  minister  of  the 
gospel  in  that  place,  some  inhabitants  and  unqualified  persons 
did  not  hesitate  to  hold  conventicles,  and  to  act  as  ministers, 
from  which  nothing  else  can  be  expected  but  discord,  confu- 
sion, and  disorders  in  church  and  state,  not  only  in  that  village, 
but  even  to  a  bad  example  to  others  in  this  province ;  they  so. 
licit  therefore  that  your  honors  will  provide  against  it  by  your 
authority,  and  that  you  will  ajopoint  during  the  absence  of  Mr. 
Moore,  some  other  able  person,  who  on  Sunday  may  preserve 
suitable  religious  worship,  by  reading  the  Bible,  and  some  edi- 
fying orthodox  author." 

In  reply,  the  Council,  on  Jan.  15th,  remark  that  their  former 
edicts  provide  a  remedy  against  "conventicles,"  and  "preach- 
ing of  the  gospel  by  unqualified  persons ;"  and  request  the 
reverend  gentlemen  to  visit  Middelburg,  and  with  the  advice 
of  the  magistrates  and  principal  men,  seek  out  "  a  person  quali- 
fied to  give  desirable  lectures."    On  the  back  of  this  the  Coun- 

'  Thomas  Reede  wns  the  builder  of  this  house,  for  whose  payment 
Thomas  Stevenson  and  otlier  responsible  citizens  became  the  town's  security. 
Many  of  my  readers  will  recollect  the  old  Episcopal  parsonage  which  was 
standing  a  few  years  since  on  the  spot  now  occupied  by  the  residence  of  the 
Misses  Palmer.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  this  antiquated  building  was 
the  identical  one  mentioned  in  the  text.  This  is  inferred  from  a  known 
resemblance  in  their  construction,  and  the  fact  that  the  late  parsonage  liouse 
bore  all  the  marks  of  extreme  age,  and  even  anterior  to  the  Revolution  was 
80  much  in  decay  tiiat  it  was  then  debated  whether  to  pull  it  down  or  repair 
it,  the  latter  course  being  finally  adopted. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  41 

oil  issued  a  flaming  ordinance  against  conventicles  and  persons 
"  who  deign  to  explain  the  holy  word  of  God  without  being 
enabled  to  by  any  political  or  ecclesiastical  authority,"  thereby 
originating  "  many  calamities,  heresies,  and  schisms,"  It  de- 
clared a  heavy  fine  against  those  who  should  officiate  at  such 
assemblies,  "either  as  preachers,  readers,  or  singers,"  or  who 
should  even  attend  the  same.  We  are  not  informed  who  were 
the  individuals  in  Middelburg  whose  piety  was  thus  called  to 
endure  the  rebuke  of  the  sectaries  in  church  and  government. 
It  was  the  first  violation  of  the  rights  of  conscience  in  New 
Netherland,  and  the  beginning  of  a  series  of  intolerant  mea- 
sures that  fixed  a  lasting  stain  on  the  administration  of  Stuy- 
vesant. 

The  troubles  yet  experienced  from  the  savages  were  now 
so  alarming  as  to  require  that  the  Dutch  residents  on  or  in  the 
vicinity  of  Mespat  Kill,  should  concentrate  themselves  for  their 
mutual  safety  ;  for  not  without  great  hazard  could  they  remain 
on  their  bouweries  or  flirms.  They  therefore  formed  a  village 
on  "Smith's  Island"  at  the  English  Kills,  now  known  as  Fur- 
man's  or  Maspeth  Island.  The  Hon.  Nicasins  De  Sille,  one  of 
the  governor's  council,  to  whom  a  patent  for  the  island  was 
granted  March  27th,  1656,  had  the  direction  of  the  new  settle- 
ment, to  which  was  given  the  name  of  De  Sille's  native  place, 
Aernhem,  a  strongly  fortified  and  secure  town  on  the  Rhine, 
and  capital  of  the  province  of  Guelderland.  Streets  and  lots 
were  laid  out,  cottages  erected,  and  improvements  made;  and 
the  hamlet  arose  as  if  by  magic.  The  month  of  April  found 
the  new  villagers  actively  employed  in  mowing  the  adjacent 
meadows. 

But  in  so  doing,  they  exceeded  their  limits,  and  trespassed 
on  "the  meadows  which  were  previously  given  to  the  village 
of  Middelburg."  This  was  made  known  to  the  Council  by  Ro- 
bert Coe,  one  of  the  magistrates,  who  requested  that  a  division 
line  might  be  run  between  the  hayland  of  the  respective  vil- 
lages ;  in  compliance  with  which  a  resolution  was  passed  to  send 
thither  two  commissaries  to  fix  their  boundaries.  This  was  the 
germ  of  a  protracted  dispute  respecting  the  meadows  at  Mes- 
pat Kills. 

The  inhabitants  of  Middelburg  now  began  to  experience 
the  disadvantage  of  having  no  town  patent,  none  having  yet 


42  ANNALS       OF      NKWTOWN. 

been  gi'antecl  them,  notwithstanding  the  complaints  which  this 
omission  had  years  before  produced.  The  reason  or  reasons 
which  prompted  Stuy  vesant  to  deny  them  a  patent  cannot  be 
positively  affirmed,  but  it  probably  resulted  in  no  small  degree 
from  his  arbitrary  nature,  influenced  by  jealousy  of  the  increas- 
ing number  and  strength  of  the  English  settlers.  Middelburg 
had  manifested  but  little  attachment  to  his  government,  and 
considerable  for  that  of  New-England,  but  the  Director  did  not 
perceive  that  this  alienation  was  the  result  of  his  own  fatal 
policy  towards  them.  His  procedure  in  relation  to  their  patent 
was  opposed  to  the  spirit,  if  not  the  letter,  of  the  charter  of 
freedoms  and  exemptions,  as  well  as  to  custom;  for  general 
patents  had  been  granted  to  their  neighbors  composing  the 
towns  of  Hempstead,  Flushing,  and  Gravesend.  The  people  of 
Middelburg  rightly  estimated  the  legal  value  of  such  an  instru- 
ment, for  with  their  bounds  yet  undetermined,  they  lay  open 
to  continual  encroachment  from  the  adjacent  settlements,  to 
which  that  of  Rustdorp  or  Jamaica  was  also  added  this  year. 
Failing,  therefore,  to  secure  a  title  for  their  lands  from  the 
nominal  owners,  they  turned  to  the  Indians,  the  genuine  pro- 
prietors of  the  soil,  to  obtain  one  from  them  by  an  equitable 
purchase.  Negotiations  for  that  purpose  were  entered  into  with 
Rowerowestco  and  PomAvaukon,  sachems  claiming  propriety 
in  the  Middelbvirg  lands,  who  in  consideration  of  the  sum  here- 
after specified,  subscribed  a  deed  on  April  12th,  1656,  in  which 
they  assigned  their  entire  right  in  the  said  lands,  except  a  tract 
of  "  upland  lying  under  the  hills  southward  from  the  town 
place  now  seated,"  which  they  reserved  as  hunting  ground, 
conveying  only  the  "grass  for  mowing,  and  feed  and  timber," 
but  giving  to  the  people  of  Middelburg  the  preemptive  right 
to  the  said  reservation  whenever  they  should  conclude  to  sell 
it.  The  bounderies  set  forth  in  this  deed  did  not  differ  very 
materially  from  those  of  the  Doughty  patent. 

This  purchase  reflects  honor  upon  the  memory  of  the  pio- 
neer settlers  of  Middelburg.  Actuated  by  the  same  principles 
of  justice  towards  the  artless  savage  which  has  given  the  name 
of  William  Penn  an  eternal  fame,  they  secured  not  only  the 
good  will  of  the  red  man,  but  also  the  comfortable  reflection 
that  their  land  title  was  of  the  best  possible  character,  because 
derived  from  those  whom  the  Great  Spirit  had  constituted  the 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 


43 


true  proprietors  of  the  soil.  Each  of  the  "  purchasers  " — as 
they  continued  to  be  called — gave  according  to  his  possessions 
at  the  rate  of  a  shilling  per  acre,  and  most  fortunately  their 
names  are  preserved,  together  with  the  sums  they  respectively 
paid.  The  list  is  entitled  "the  Indian  rate,"  and  presents  a 
nearly  perfect  list  of  the  male  residents  of  Middelburg  in  1658, 
four  years  after  the  town  was  planted. 


Richard  Gildersleeve, 
Robert  Coe,  .... 
John  Moore,    .     . 
John  Reeder,    .     . 
Thomas  Reede,    . 
Widow  Stevens,    . 
Samuel  Wheeler, 
Ralph  Hunt,    .     . 
John  Layton,  .    . 
James  Herod,    .     . 
Thomas  Hazard, 

Paya, 

John  Lauronson,  . 
John  Burroughes, 
Edward  Jessup,  . 
John  Gray,   .     .     . 
Hendrick  Jansen, 
John  Hicks,  .     ,     . 
James  Way,    .    . 
Thomas  Robinson,  . 
Thomas  Stevenson, 
John  Coe,  .... 
Nicholas  Carter, 
William  Palmer, 
John  Furman,  .    . 
William  Lawrence 
Henry  Feeke, 
William  Wood,     . 


£  s.     d. 

2  10  0 

4  0  0 

2  0  0 

1  10  0 

0  15  0 


0  0 
0  0 
0  0 
10  0 
0  0 
5  0 


0  10  0 

1  10  0 
1  10  0 
4     0  0 

5  0 
10  0 
10  0 
2  0 
0  0 
0  0 

0  12  0 

1  0  0 

1  10  0 
0     2  6 

0  10  0 

2  0  0 

1  0  0 


James  Stewart,  . 
Thomas  Paine,  .     . 
Thomas  Lawrence, 
James  Smith,     .     . 
Peter  Meacock,  . 
Edmund  Strickland 
Thomas  Newton, 
Elias  Bayley,  .     . 
James  Bradish,    . 
Joseph  Fowler,     . 
Richard  Betts,    . 
Robert  Pudington, 
William  Herrick, 
Thomas  Wandell, 
Samuel  Toe,    .     . 
Thomas  Reede,.    . 
Richard  Walker, 
Colesay,   .... 
Richard  Bullock, 
James  Lauronson,  . 
Brumme,  .... 

Aaron, 

Brian  Newton, 
Smith's  Island,  .    . 
Thomas  Greedy,  . 
John  Hobby,  .     .    . 
Trafsaus,    .     .     . 


£ 

1 
0 
1 
,  1 
1 
0 
0 
0 
0 

1 
1 
1 

2 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
0 
1 
1 
1 
1 
0 
_0 
£68 


.'.     d. 

12  6 
10  0 
10  0 

0  0 

0  0 

10  0 

15  0 
10  0 
10  0 

0  0 

10  0 

10  0 

0  0 

10  0 

10  0 

0  0 

0  0 

0  0 

0  0 

0  0 

10  0 

13  4 
13  4 

16  8 
0  0 
2  0 
2  0 


16  4 


CHAPTER     III. 

Proposal  to  erect  a  grist-mill. — Dispute  about  the  Town  House. — Death  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Moore. — Indian  outrage  at  Mespat  Kill. — Intemperance  makes  its  appearance. — 
Its  effect  illustrated. — General  good  character  of  the  founders  of  Middelburg. — 
Care  to  preserve  sound  morals. — Curious  penalties  for  crime.— Elias  Bayley,  the 
marshal,  becomes  unpopular  and  loses  his  office. — Wolves  trouble  the  inhabitants. 
— First  schoolmaster  in  Middelburg. — Village  of  Aeruhem  broken  up. — Stuyve- 
Bant  grants  the  meadovi's  at  Mespat  Kill  to  Bushwick,  which  creates  discontent. 
— Several  regulations  and  changes  instituted. — Tithes  or  tenths  become  due. — 
Town  House  repaired. — Plunders  Neck  purchased. — Call  of  Rev.  William  Lever- 
ich. — Political  troubles. — Connecticut  claims  all  Long  Island. — Responded  to  by 
Middelburg  and  the  other  English  towns. — Way  preparing  for  open  revolt. — 
Captain  Coo  corresponds  with  Connecticut. — Efforts  to  effect  a  combination 
against  the  Dutch. — James  Christie  arrested  and  taken  to  New  Amsterdam. — 
Causes  an  uproar  at  Middelburg. — The  people  take  up  arms. — Christie's  release 
demanded. — Excitement  increases. — Curious  letter  to  Stuyvesant. — Middelburg 
received  under  the  jurisdiction  of  Connecticut. — Its  name  changed  to  Hastings. 
— Inhabitants  sign  a  declaration  of  their  allegiance  to  England. — Choose  town 
officers  in  the  name  of  the  King. — Adopt  the  English  laws. — Truce  between 
Stuyvesant  and  the  English  towns. — Stuyvesant  sends  letters  to  Hastings. — Are 
referred  to  ('onnecticut  Court. — Measures  to  settle  the  Indian  reservation. — A 
third  of  Seller  Neck  bought. —  Hellgate  Neck  purchased  by  William  Hallett. — 
Hewlett's  Island.  1657  to  1664. 

The  acquisition  of  the  native  right  to  the  soil  appears  to 
have  given  a  new  impulse  to  public  enterprise.  Though  one 
flouring  mill,  owned  by  John  Coe,  was  in  operation  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Horsebrook,  Edward  Jessup  contemplated  the 
erection  of  another  on  the  stream  emptying  at  Fish's  Point, 
which  bore  the  Indian  name  Sackhickneyah,  but  was  "  com- 
monly called  Wessel's  Creek,"  and  afterwards  from  a  person 
who  lived  at  this  date  on  the  poor's  bouwery  "Lodowick's 
Brook."  Upon  this  creek  "  Wessel's  mill "  had  formerly 
stood,  but  was  probably  destroyed  in  the  Indian  troubles 
when  the  savages  visited  Mespat  with  the  destructive  fire- 
brand, and  the  out-plantations  were  even  more  obnoxious  to 
their  attacks. 

"The  work  being  matter  of  charge  and  hazard,"  Mr.  Jes- 
sup applied  to  the  Council,  January  15th,  1657,  for  "  the  liberty 
of  the  above-said  creek,  with  a  small  tract  of  land,  as  your 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  45 

honors  see  expedient  for  a  work  of  that  nature,  with  a  piece 
of  meadow  if  it  be  there  to  be  found,  and  also  that  you  would 
be  pleased  to  order  that  none  shall  erect  either  mill  or  mills 
so  near  the  mill  that  I  intend  to  build,  as  may  be  a  hindrance 
or  prejudice  to  the  said  mill :  she  doing  the  work  well  and 
sufficiently,  and  dealing  honestly,  as  is  requested  in  the 
premises  ;  and  likewise  that  the  said  creek  may  be  free  from 
engagements  to  any  other.  It  is  not  my  desire  to  be  a  hin- 
drance to  any  man,  or  any  prejudice  to  my  loving  and  res- 
pected friend  Mr.  Coe,  but  so  far  as  I  apprehend,  as  yet  his 
mill  is  overwrought,  and  the  country  may  well  employ  two 
mills,  and  both  have  work  enough." 

It  does  not  appear  that  this  project  was  executed,  or  the 
request  granted,  and  it  is  hardly  to  be  supposed  that  the 
influential  proprietors  of  the  poor's  bouwery  would  have 
given  their  assent  to  the  monopoly  of  this  stream,  which 
formed  the  eastern  bounds  of  their  plantation.  In  fact,  within 
a  few  years  the  deacons  disposed  of  a  part  of  their  land  for  a 
mill  seat,  and  a  grist  mill  was  erected  where  that  of  Mr.  Jack- 
son now  stands. 

The  Eev.  Mr.  Moore  having  returned  to  Middelburg  to 
resume  his  official  duties,  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  in  effect- 
ing an  agreement  with  him  concerning  his  clerical  services, 
gave  him  a  title  to  the  town-house  under  the  hands  of  the 
clerk  and  one  of  the  magistrates.  This  was  done  "in  a  publique 
meeting,"  but  the  measure  was  opposed  by  a  number  of 
individuals,  who,  perhaps,  belonged  to  the  Presbyterian  party. 
They  held  that  the  building  was  town  property,  and  at  its  erec- 
tion was  intended  to  be  kept  for  the  use  of  the  ministry  succes- 
sively. A  remonstrance  was  therefore  got  up  and  sent  to  the 
Director-general.  It  was  written  by  John  Burroughes,  and 
read  thus : 

To  the  Honorable  Governor  : 

Worthy  Sir  :  We  whose  names  are  underwritten,  desire  to  make  our 
humble  requests  known  in  respect  to  the  house  builded  here  by  tlie  town 
of  Middelburg  for  public  use  for  a  minister  for  continuance,  vvhich  some  of 
the  town  hath  given  away  to  Mr.  Moore  for  his  own  property,  and  his  after 
him  ;  wherein  we  think  we  are  wronged,  and  the  town  left  destitute,  if  Mr. 
Moore  please  to  leave  us,  or  if  he  should  die,  for  we  know  men  are  mortal ; 
then  we  are  to  seek  both  for   minister  and  house  to  entertain  him  into ; 

4 


46  ANNALS      OFNEWTOWN. 

therefore  we  do  humbly  entreat  that  your  honor  would  be  pleased  to  take 
it  into  consideration,  and  judge  the  equity  of  the  thing,  and  the  damage 
that  may  ensue.     Thus  leaving  you  to  God  and  hi3  grace,  we  rest, 

John  Bukroughes,  Thomas    Cornish, 

Jan.  22d,  1657.  John  Layton,  Nicholas  Carter, 

Robert  Pudington,  Samuel  Toe. 
Francis  Swaine, 

Stuyvesant  gave  a  decision  for  the  remonstrants.  He 
could  hardly  credit  that  the  house  of  the  minister,  built  for 
a  public  use,  had  been  disposed  of  as  stated,  and  summoned 
the  magistrates  to  render  the  reasons  for  this  novel  proceeding. 
They  were  also  charged  not  to  harm  the  bearer,  John  Layton. 

The  allusion  made  in  the  above  remonstrance  to  the  com- 
mon mortality  of  our  nature  seemed  prophetic  as  regarded  Mr. 
Moore,  for  he  was  soon  called  to  exchange  his  earthly  tene- 
ment for  a  quiet  repose  in  the  "  narrow  house."  He  ceased  from 
his  labors,  in  September,  1657,  leaving  four  sons  to  perpetuate 
his  name,  whose  descendants  are  now  wide  spread  and  very 
numerous. 

Little  of  interest  as  connected  with  Middelburg,  character- 
ized the  year  or  two  which  immediately  succeeded  the  death 
of  Mr.  Moore.  One  event,  however,  is  worthy  of  record,  as 
illustrating  the  perils  of  that  period.  This  was  the  wanton 
murder  of  a  Dutch  family  at  Mespat  Kills,  on  the  night  of 
AiTgust  26th,  1659.  That  day  three  Raritan  Indians  came  to 
the  house  of  Eldert  Engelberts,  a  native  of  Eland,  in  East 
Friesland,  who  resided  with  his  family  in  an  isolated  place  at 
the  Kills.  While  the  savages  were  engaged  by  the  fire  "  pick- 
ing and  boiling  pigeons,"  they  became  acquainted  with  the  fact 
that  there  was  seventy  or  eighty  guilders'  worth  of  wampum 
in  the  house.  Avarice  took  possession  of  the  savages,  and 
that  night  they  murdered  Engelberts,  his  wife  and  two  men 
living  in  the  family,  rifled  the  house,  and  escaped.  Immediate 
effort  was  made  by  the  Director-general  to  discover  the  mur- 
derers, but  with  what  result  is  not  known. 

But  an  enemy  more  insidious  and  fatal  to  the  peace  of  the 
settlement,  was  lurking  about  its  habitations.  Intemperance  had 
appeared  to  such  an  extent  as  to  call  for  some  restrictions  upon 
the  sale  of  spirituous  liquors.  On  August  22d,  1659,  the  town 
court  ordered  that  no  inhabitant  of  the  place  should  sell  any 
liquors  or  strong  drink  by  retail,  after  the  first  of  the  ensuing 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  47 

September,  witliout  an  order  from  the  magistrates,  upon  pe- 
nalty of  fifty  guilders,  or  about  nineteen  dollars.  The  neces- 
sity that  existed  for  wholesome  regulations  to  check  the  mad- 
dening influence  of  ardent  spirits,  is  shown  by  the  follow- 
ing; a  humiliating  illustration  of  the  abiding  truth  of  the 
Divine  declaration,  "  Wine  is  a  mocker,  strong  drink  is  raging." 
It  occurred  early  in  1660,  that  Ellen  Wall,  who  "tapped"  li- 
quor at  the  English  Kills  had  received  an  anchor  of  brandy- 
wine  at  the  landing-place.  While  it  lay  there  unguarded, 
two  men,  overpowered  by  the  temptation  to  test  its  quality, 
broached  the  cask  and  not  only  drank  themselves,  but  invited 
an  acquaintance  who  lived  hard  by,  to  enjoy  it  with  them. 
For  the  fourth  time  was  the  "  porringer"  filled,  and  with  it  the 
two  in  their  boat  left  the  landing,  when  they  wer§  met  by 
Joseph  Fowler  coming  up  the  Kill,  in  his  canoe ;  observing  the 
pot  of  liquor  in  the  bottom  of  their  canoe,  he  jocosely  asked  the 
men  whether  that  liquor  was  for  him.  "  Drink,"  replied  one  of 
them,  "  but  you  must  hold  down  your  head."  Crime  always 
seeks  concealment.  Merry  over  their  exploit,  and  boasting 
that  they  "  did  draw  four  porringers  full  of  Old  Nelly's  drink," 
the  free  use  of  her  brandy- wine  soon  reached  the  ears  of 
Ellen,  who  the  next  day  fell  into  a  sharp  dispute  about  it  with 
the  wife  of  one  of  the  offenders,  which,  shameful  to  tell,  ended 
in  a  pitched  battle  between  these  female  pugilists,  in  which 
Ellen  was  bruised  and  roughly  handled,  and  the  air  was  made 
to  resound  with  their  cries ;  the  disgraceful  scene  being  wit- 
nessed by  Mr.  Fowler  from  his  field,  and  by  other  neighbors. 
Ellen  sued  and  recovered  pay  for  her  liquor,  but  the  court 
also  fined  the  women  each  six  guilders,  and  ordered  them  for 
the  future  "  to  refrain  such  drunken  bouts." 

Such  broils  were  rare  exceptions  to  the  usual  harmony 
which  prevailed  within  the  bounds  of  Middelburg.  The  good 
character  of  the  inhabitants  generally,  is  seen  in  the  care 
which  they  took  to  preserve  good  morals,  by  excluding  from 
their  society  such  persons  as  were  likely  to  endanger  them. 
No  individual  could  find  a  residence  among  them  excej)t  he 
were  admitted  by  a  popular  vote.  And  instances  occurred 
where  persons  were  threatened  to  be  turned  out  of  the  town 
for  improper  conduct.  The  town  court  was  active  and  rigid 
in  the  imposition  of  penalties  against  the  violators  of  law  and 


48  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

good  order,  and  though  the  punishment  inflicted  was  often 
mild,  it  was  as  humbhng  in  its  effects  as  it  was  pecuhar  in  kind. 
This  year,  1660,  Capt.  Coe  "laid  an  indictment"  against  an 
individual  for  feloniously  taking  corn  from  his  mill,  and  being 
convicted  of  the  crime,  the  culprit  was  sentenced,  besides 
making  amends  to  Capt.  Coe,  "to  walk  from  Mr.  Doughty's 
house,  with  two  rods  under  each  arm,  and  the  drum  beating 
before  him,  iintil  he  comes  to  Mr.  Jessup's  house,  and  then  he 
is  to  have  his  liberty,"  and  further,  "  to  refrain  walking  at 
unseasonable  hours,  for  time  to  come,  because  it  gives  cause  of 
suspicion."  Other  instances  might  be  cited  illustrative  of  the 
manner  in  which  criminal  jurisprudence  was  administered  in 
those  days,  one  of  which  was  sitting  in  the  stocks  on  the  court 
days.  Justice  dispensed  so  publicly  must  have  had  a  salutary 
effect  upon  the  offender,  or  at  least  imposed  a  strong  restraint 
upon  others  inclined  to  similar  practices. 

The  marshal  of  the  town  court  at  this  day  was  Elias  Bay  ley, 
who  had  filled  the  office  for  a  series  of  years,  but  like  too 
many  others  clothed  with  a  brief  authority,  he  ventured  upon 
an  abuse  of  his  powers,  and,  now  found  himself  at  a  sore  issue 
with  the  inhabitants.  In  1655  Mr.  Bayley  was  directed  by 
the  magistrates  to  execute  a  certain  judgment  against  Thomas 
Stevenson.  The  marshal  seized  upon  one  of  his  yoke  cattle, 
and  deaf  to  the  entreaties  of  Stevenson,  who  tendered  him 
part  of  the  mone}'',  the  balance  of  which  Mr.  Coe,  the  magis- 
trate, on  being  appealed  to  by  Stevenson,  kindly  offered  to 
advance,  he  proceeded  to  kill  the  ox.  Mr.  Stevenson  made 
complaint  to  the  Council,  which  decided  May  8th,  1657,  that 
Bayley  should  make  reparation ;  declaring  it  "  contrary  to 
divine  and  human  laws  "  to  deprive  a  man  of  his  work-ox. 
This  rashness,  especially  unbecoming  in  an  officer  of  justice, 
served  to  render  the  marshal  unpopular,  and  he  was  finally 
removed  by  a  vote  of  the  town,  and  Thomas  Pettit,  Sen. 
chosen  in  his  stead.  Bayley,  however,  continued  to  assert  his 
right  to  the  of&ce  in  defiance  of  the  people,  which  so  incensed 
the  public  mind  against  him,  that  on  March  9th,  1660,  the 
inhabitants  "  being  generally  met  together  for  the  choosing  of 
magistrates  and  marshal,"  not  a  vote  was  cast  for  him.  Ne- 
vertheless he  still  declared  his  intention  to  serve  "  in  spite  of 
the  town,"  and  it  was  only   through   an  application  of  the 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN.  49 

inhabitants  to  the  Director-general,  in  which  they  complained 
of  his  "  usurping  the  place  of  an  attorney  also,  pleading  any 
cause,  which  they  suppose  to  be  against  the  law  of  the  land," 
that  Bayley  was  set  aside. 

But  the  honest  inhabitants  of  Middelburg  had  other  ills  to 
contend  with,  in  the  wild  animals  that  infested  their  forests  ; 
the  wolves  proved  especially  annoying,  failing  not  in  their 
nightly  prowlings  to  prey  upon  the  flocks  and  herds.  To 
check  this  evil,  a  bounty  was  offered  for  wolves  killed  within 
the  town,  and  the  inhabitants  at  the  above  meeting  formed  a 
subscription  for  this  object.  The  Indians,  from  their  pecu- 
liar habits,  proved  valuable  agents  in  the  destruction  of  these 
public  enemies. 

After  the  demise  of  the  Kev.  John  Moore,  his  bereaved 
family  were  left  in  the  quiet  possession  of  the  town-house 
for  four  and  a  half  years,  during  which  period  the  town  was 
destitute  of  the  public  means  of  grace.  But  the  deficiency 
was  now  to  be  in  part  supplied  by  the  services  of  a  school- 
master, and  it  was  expected  that  Mr.  Doughty,  who  had 
married  the  widow  of  Mr.  Moore,  would  surrender  the 
premises  to  the  use  of  the  new  teacher.  To  this  he  objected, 
which  gave  rise  to  the  following  interesting  memorial  pre- 
sented to  the  Director  and  Council. 


Whereas,  God  hath  been  pleased  of  late  years  to  deprive  us  of  Middel- 
burg, on  Long  Island,  of  the  public  means  of  grace  and  salvation,  and  also 
of  the  education  of  our  children  in  schoolastic  discipline,  the  way  to  true 
happiness :  but  yet  God  having  in  mercy  at  last  provided  for  us  a  help  meet 
for  the  discipline  and  education  of  our  children,  and,  by  the  same  person, 
help  in  the  sabbath  exercises,  we  therefore,  who  never  gave,  nor  consented 
to  the  giving  of  tlie  housing  and  lands  built  and  fenced  in,  and  also  dedicated 
for  the  use  of  the  public  dispensation  of  God's  word  unto  us,  do  humbly 
entreat  your  honorable  lordship,  that  this  our  said  schoolmaster,  Richard 
Mills  by  nnme,  may  be  by  your  lordship  possessed  of  the  said  housing  and 
lands,  for  his  use  and  ours  also,  for  our  children's  education  and  the  sabbath 
exercise,  tlie  which  God  doth  require,  and  we  have  need  of  for  us  and  our 
children.  As  the  housing  now  stands  it  is  like  to  go  all  to  wreck  and  ruin, 
the  fences  are  falling  down,  the  house  and  barn  decaying  and  wanteth 
repair,  and  Francis  Doughty  doth  not  repair  it,  nor  the  town — as  it  stands  be- 
tween him  and  them,  we  will  not  repair  it,  and  by  tliis  means  it  is  like  to  come 
to  nothing  in  a  short  time,  and  so  we,  and  your  lordship  also,  shall  be  disap- 
pointed;   therefore  our  humble  request  to  your  lordship  is,  that  this  our 


50  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

schoolmaster,  and  at  present  our  soul's  help  in  dispensing  God's  word  to  us 
and  our  children  every  Lord's  day,  may  be  settled  in  it,  to  enjoy  it  without 
any  molestation  from  Francis  Doughty,  or  any  of  his,  for  so  long  time  as  our 
God  shall  be  pleased  to  continue  him  amongst  us,  or  to  provide  another  for 
us.  Thus  knowing  that  your  lordship  is  as  willing  to  further  our  souls'  good 
as  our  bodies',  we  rest  your  lordship's  humble  petitioners. 

Thomas  Hunt,  Mary  Ryder, 

Francis  Swaine,  John  Barker, 

James  Bradish,  John  Lauronson, 

James  Lauronson,  Thomas  Cornish, 

Nicholas  Carter,  Samuel  Toe. 

To  this  memorial  was  returned  the  following  reply : 

These  presents  do  require  and  order  Francis  Doughty,  and  whoever  it  may 
concern,  to  give  and  grant  unto  the  present  schoolmaster,  Mr.  Richard  Mills, 
a  quiet  possession  of  the  said  house  and  land  ;  it  being  with  our  knowledge, 
consent  and  help,  built  for  the  public  use  of  the  ministry,  and  therefore  may 
not,  cannot  be  given  and  transported  for  a  private  heritage.  But  if  he  or 
his  wife  hath  to  demand  any  remainder  of  means  or  salary  of  her  deceased 
husband,  Mr.  John  Moore,  late  minister  of  the  aforementioned  town,  it  is 
ordered,  and  these  presents  do  order  the  magistrates  and  inhabitants  of  the  said 
town  to  give  unto  the  heirs  what  is  due  them.  Done  in  Amsterdam,  in  New 
Netherland,  this  18th  of  February,  166L 

P.  Stuyvesant. 

In  compliance  with  this  order,  the  premises  were  vacated, 
and  Mr.  Eichard  Mills,  the  first  schoolmaster  of  Middelburg, 
was  inducted  into  the  town-house,  and  entered  upon  the 
responsible  duties  of  his  vocation. 

This  spring  terminated  the  existence  of  the  village  of  Aern- 
hem,  on  Smith's  Island,  It  was  broken  up  by  order  of  the  Direc- 
tor and  Council,  upon  the  ground  that  it  might  hinder  the  pro- 
gress of  the  new  village  of  Bushwich,  and  the  following  year 
the  tenantless  cottages  were  removed  upon  the  request  of  the 
magistrates  of  the  new  settlement,  who  feared  they  might  be 
again  occupied.  Bush  wick  was  planted  in  1660,  by  a  company 
of  French,  joined  by  a  few  Dutchmen,  among  whom  was  Joost 
Casperse,  ancestor  of  the  Springsteens,  of  Newtown.  The 
succeeding  year,  upon  invitation  of  the  inhabitants,  the 
Director-general  visited  the  new  village  on  the  14th  of  March, 
and  conferred  upon  it  the  name  of  Boswyck,  signifjnng  a 
hamlet  in  the  woods.     The  occasion  was  propitious,  and  the 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  51 

people  embrcaced  it  to  request  of  the  Director  certain  privileges, 
and  the  grant  of  a  large  tract  of  land  adjoining,  as  pasturage 
for  their  cattle,  the  bounds  of  which  were  set  forth  as  extending 
"  from  the  east  side  of  Smith's  Island  southward  to  the  hills, 
and  along  said  hills  westward,  to  the  heights  of  Merck's  plan- 
tation, and  from  the  said  heights  northerly,  by  Merck's  plan- 
tation, to  Bush  wick,  being  a  four  cornered  plot  of  land." ' 
Willing  to  favor  the  applicants,  Stuyvesant  gave  them  their 
request. 

This  grant  infringed  largely  upon  the  Middelburg  purchase, 
and  produced  great  dissatisfaction  among  the  settlers,  some  of 
whom  went  to  the  Director  with  their  complaint.  Thomas 
Wandell  stated,  that  having  understood  that  the  whole  hay 
meadow  situated  in  Mespat  Kills,  had  been  allowed  to  the 
inhabitants  and  farmers  of  the  village  of  Bushwick  to  be 
distributed  among  them  by  lot,  he  would  of  course  lose  his 
meadow  granted  him  in  the  year  1654,  by  the  magistrates  of 
Middelburg,  under  the  Director's  order,  "  and  lying  between 
Smith's  Island  and  the  lands  of  Eldert  Engelberts,  at  the  place 
where  he  was  massacred  by  the  savages."  He  prayed  that  he 
might  retain  his  meadow,  which  he  was  permitted  to  do,  upon 
proving  his  title. 

The  current  year  seems  to  have  been  marked  by  no  other 
event  of  general  interest.  During  the  spring  of  1662  several 
votes  were  taken  for  the  better  regulation  of  the  town.  On 
March  13th  "  the  town  homelot  and  barn  "  were  let  to  Thomas 
Roberts,  upon  condition  of  his  repairing  the  barn  and 
fences.  Edward  Jessup,  Samuel  Toe,  John  Layton  and  John 
Burroughes  were  empowered  to  levy  a  rate  or  tax  of  five 
stivers  (about  five  cents  !)  on  the  acre,  for  the  payment  of  the 
town  debts.  Thomas  Lawrence,  who  had  filled  the  office  of 
town  clerk  for  several  3''ears,  was  succeeded  by  John  Bur- 
roughes, who  in  May  was  appointed  clerk  of  the  court  also. 
And  to  guard  against  some  actual  or  apprehended  violation 
of  the  custom  of  the  town,  respecting  the  admission  of  new 
inhabitants,  it  was  resolved,  May  23d,  "that  the  man  coming 
into  the  town  irregularly,  at  the  call  the  best  course  shall  be 
taken  to  remove  him,  being  a  man  of  an  evil  report." 

1  Marcus  de  Suson,  here  referred  to,  had  a  plantation  near  Cripplebush. 


52  ANNALSOFNEWTOWN. 

In  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  Freedoms  and  Exemp- 
tions established  in  1640,  the  founders  of  Middelburg,  had 
hitherto  been  free  from  all  imposts  or  taxes  to  the  general 
government.  The  prescribed  term  for  such  exemption  had 
now  expired,  and  Director  Stuyvesant,  ever  attentive  to  the 
interests  of  his  superiors,  dispatched  the  following  epistle  to 
remind  them  that  they  would  thenceforth  be  required  to  ren- 
der annually  the  tenth  part  of  their  harvest,  or  commute  for 
the  same,  on  such  terms  as  should  be  mutually  agreed  upon. 

Loving  Friends  : — 

Whereas  the  time  of  ten  years  and  also  the  freedom  of  tenths  is  expired, 
these  presents  do  order  the  magistrates,  and  also  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Middelburg,  and  all  the  other  plantations  in  Mespat  Kill,  that  none 
of  them  shall  presume  or  undertake  to  remove  their  fruits  or  increase,  as 
corn,  maize,  tobacco,  &c.  before  they  have  agreed  for  the  year  about  the 
tithes,  with  the  Governor-genenil  and  Council,  or  their  commissioners,  upon 
forfeiture  of  fifty  guilders.  Done  in  Fort  Amsterdam,  in  New  Netherland, 
on  the  3d  of  July,  1662.  P.  Stuvvesant. 

Upon  the  reception  of  this  the  inhabitants  met  on  July  7th, 
and  appointed  Edward  Jessup,  Eichard  Betts,  and  Francis 
Swaine,  to  wait  upon  the  Director,  and  agree  with  him  "for 
the  tithes  for  the  present  year,  both  for  town  and  kill." 

The  toils  of  harvest  being  ended,  attention  was  turned  to 
making  the  much  needed  repairs  upon  the  town-house,  as 
was  called  the  only  public  building  in  the  village,  and  which 
hitherto  had  served,  as  occasion  required,  the  several  purposes 
of  a  church,  school-house,  and  parsonage.  James  Lauronson 
was  engaged  September  18th,  for  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
guilders,  or  forty  dollars,  to  underpin,  with  stone  and  mor- 
tar, the  house  and  the  leanto ;  to  lath  and  plaster  both  rooms, 
(the  town  furnishing  lath  and  nails) ;  to  build  an  oven,  repair 
the  chimney,  and  do  what  was  needful  in  the  chamber, — all 
to  be  completed  in  six  weeks.  William  Lawrence  was  also' 
employed  to  cover  the  roof  with  a  good  coat  of  thatch,  for 
forty-two  guilders,  and  Lauronson  engaged  to  provide  the 
thatch  and  deliver  it  at  the  town-house,  for  the  additional 
sum  of  forty-five  guilders.  Payment  was  to  be  made  these 
individuals,  "  after  the  value  of  wheat  at  six  guilders  a  bushel." 

While  this  work  was  in  progress,  Eichard  Betts,  Samuel 
Toe,  John  Scudder,  John  Coe,  Geotge  Sergeant,  John  Denman 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 


53 


and  Thomas  Eeede  purchased,  Oct.  3d,  1662,  of  the  Indian 
chiefs  Womatupa,  Wonoxe,  and  Powatahuman  the  neck  of 
meadow-land  "  commonly  called  Plunder's  Neck  by  the  Eng- 
lish," lying  on  the  south  side  of  Long  Island,  and  "  bounded 
on  the  eas't  side  by  the  river  Hohosboco,  with  a  small  brook 
on  the  west  side  running  into  the  river  before  mentioned." 
This  acquisition  of  salt  meadow  was  found  highly  conducive 
to  the  success  of  the  Middelburg  farmers,  because  salt  hay  was 
necessary  to  the  healthy  growth  and  sustenance  of  their  cattle, 
which  "  were  subject  to  diseases  when  they  were  pastured  on 
new  ground,  and  fed  on  fresh  hay  only." 

The  thorough  fitting  up  of  the  town-house  was  probably 
with  a  view  to  the  settlement  of  the  Eev.  William  Leverich, 
who  several  months  after  is  found  occupying  the  building,  and 
preaching  the  Gospel  among  the  people  of  Middelburg.     This 
learned   and  pious  man   graduated  in  1625,   at  Cambridge, 
England,  and  eight  years  after  came  to  New  England,  where 
he  "labored    in  different  places  about  twenty  years,  part  of 
the    time    in   instructing    the  Indians  about    Sandwich,  for 
which  purpose  he  acquired  their  language.     In  1653,  he  re- 
moved to  Oyster  Bay,  whence  he  spent  about  five  years  in 
propagating  the  gospel  among  the  aborigines  on  the  Island ; 
but  settled,  in  1658,  as  pastor  of  the  church  at  Huntington, 
from  which  he  removed  with  his  sons  Caleb  and  Eleazar  to 
Middelburg,  about  the  close  of  1662,  where  his  labors  met 
with  decided  favor.    Measures  were  taken  to  raise  a  salary  for 
his  support,  and  afterwards,  "  for  his  encoaragement  among 
them,"  the  town  gave  him  two  parcels  of  meadow,  and  as  that 
was  thought  "  not  to  be  enough  to  supply  his  need,"  there  were 
added  twelve  acres  more  at  the  east  end  of  "  Long  Traines 
Meadow."     The  need  of  a  more  suitable  place  of  worship  was 
apparent,  and  on  Jan.  9th,  1663,  the  town  voted  to  build  a 
^  "  meeting-house,"  but  the  execution  of  this  design  was  inter- 
rupted by  the  extraordinary  events  which  soon  after  transpired. 
The  country  was  on  the  verge  of  revolution  and  civil  war. 

Never,  perhaps,  was  there  an  administration  whose  pro- 
ceedings, while  aiming  to  promote  good  order,  morality,  and 
religion,  tended  to  results  more  directly  opposite,  than  that  of 
the  impolitic  Stuyvesant.  A  course  of  austere  legislation; 
fines  and  banishment  for  difference  in  religious  faith  and  prac- 


54  ANNALSOF     NEWTOWN, 

tice ;  injustice  and  violence  to  the  savages,  who  in  turn  wreaked 
their  revenge  on  the  inoffensive  settlers,  all  contributed  to 
lessen  the  population  and  produce  the  deepest  aversion  to  the 
government.  Middelburg  had  not  escaped  the  iron  hand  of 
this  policy,  as  we  have  seen,  and  besides,  several  of  the  pur- 
chasers had  been  harshly  dealt  with.  In  1661,  Eichard  Bul- 
lock was  cast  into  prison  for  debt,  but  he  managed  to  escape, 
and  probably  fled  the  province ;  and  five  years  before  that, 
Thomas  Greedy,  a  man  of  over  seventy  years,  was,  for  a  slight 
offence,  banished  the  country.  Such  undue  severity  had  a 
direct  tendency  to  disgust  and  inflame  the  public  mind — the 
English  population  were  totally  estranged,  and  held  the  go- 
vernment in  utter  detestation. 

Such  was  the  dominant  feeling  in  Middelburg,  when  Con- 
necticut received  a  charter  from  Charles  II.  confirming  to  that 
colony  the  "islands  adjacent."  By  a  wanton  construction  of 
the  patent,  Connecticut  laid  claim  to  Long  Island,  as  one  of  the 
islands  referred  to.  On  October  27th,  1662,  intelligence  was 
sent  to  Middelburg  and  the  surrounding  English  villages,  that 
they  were  "  annexed  to  the  other  side  of  the  Sound."  The 
long  wished  for  deliverance  offered,  and  the  English  towns 
hailed  the  event  as  affording  a  most  opportune  occasion  to 
shake  off  the  galling  fetters  of  Dutch  tyranny.  Thus  came 
the  eventful  year  1663,  and  though  the  design  of  a  union  with 
Connecticut  was  yet  in  embryo,  Middelburg  evinced  a  dispo- 
sition to  assume  the  institutions  of  their  English  neighbors. 
On  Jan.  9th,  they  appointed  several  citizens  of  trust,  after  the 
manner  of  the  New  England  towns,  to  conduct  their  public 
affairs  for  the  ensuing  year.  These  were  John  Layton,  Fran- 
_cis  Swaine,  William  Blomfield,  John  Cochran,  Samuel  Toe, 
Eichard  Betts,  and  Ealph  Hunt,  all  or  most  of  whom  took  an 
active  part  in  the  thrilling  events  which  soon  after  transpired. 
The  way  was  preparing  for  a  political  revolt;  the  tempest 
of  opposition  to  the  government  which  for  long  years  had  been 
gathering  blackness,  was  about  to  pour  forth  its  angry  torrents. 
It  was  a  season  of  peculiar  trial  to  the  Director  of  New 
Netherland,  for  to  add  to  his  sources  of  uneasiness,  the  red 
men  were  venting  their  cruelty  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Esopus, 
on  the  Hudson.  Stuyvesant  resolved  to  despatch  a  military 
force  to  their  assistance.    He  sent  word  to  Middelburg,  that  on 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  55 

June  SOtli,  lie  would  visit  that  village  in  person,  or  send  liis  depu- 
ties to  obtain  recruits  for  this  service.  But  the  application  for 
aid  was  ill-timed,  for  when  the  recruiting  officers,  consisting  of 
Lieutenants  Couwenhoven  and  Stillwell,  and  Ensign  Samuel 
Edsall,  made  their  appearance,  the  magistrates  and  leading  in- 
dividuals dissuaded  the  inhabitants  from  enlisting ;  the  period 
was  critical,  and  the  events  to  which  they  looked  forward, 
might  call  forth  the  exercise  of  their  undivided  strength.  The 
officers  therefore  left,  having  effected  nothing. 

Notwithstanding  this  ripening  spirit  of  insubordination, 
Middelburg  yet  kept  up  a  show  of  allegiance,  dictated  rather 
by  motives  of  policy,  than  any  genuine  feelings  of  attachment. 
In  the  month  of  July,  Thomas  Wandell  and  two  other  citizens 
waited  upon  the  Director,  and  commuted  for  the  tithes  for  the 
current  year,  the  amount  fixed  upon  being  fifty  schepels'  of 
wheat  and  fifty  of  peas :  upon  condition  that  these  and  the 
tithes  for  the  preceding  year  which  yet  remained  unpaid,  should 
be  delivered  within  a  suitable  time,  at  the  Company's  store- 
house. It  may  be  doubted,  however,  considering  the  anarchy 
which  succeeded,  whether  the  government  obtained  a  particle 
of  this  revenue. 

Among  those  in  Middelburg  that  warmly  advocated  an 
alliance  with  Connecticut,  was  Capt.  John  Coe,  who  in  August 
addressed  a  letter  on  the  subject-  to  the  General  Court,  at 
Hartford,  and  dispatched  it  by  James  Christie.  The  latter 
delivered  his  message  on  the  22d  of  that  month,  (old  stjde,) 
two  hours  after  the  court  broke  up,  and  Messrs.  Talcott  and 
Allyne  returned  an  answer  by  the  same  person,  expressing 
much  regret  that  that  being  the  case,  they  could  not  aid  them 
according  to  their  desire.  They  recommended  an  application 
to  the  court,  at  its  meeting  in  autumn,  when  any  memorial 
would  be  duly  considered.  "In  the  mean  time,"  they  add, 
"  we  suppose  Stuy vesant  dare  not  in  the  least  offer  any  injury 
to  any  of  you ;  and  after  the  meeting  of  the  commissioners,  at 
October  court,  they  will  the  better  know  how  to  act  towai'ds 
yourselves,  or  any  of  the  towns  about  you.  If  there  were  a 
general  concurrence  in  the  desire  of  submitting  to  our  govern- 
ment, we  suppose  it  would  much  promote  the  end  aimed  at  by 
you."     Capt.  Talcott  also  engaged  Christie  to  visit  the  other 

'  A  schepel  was  nearly  three  English  pecks. 


56  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

villages  of  Flushing,  Hempstead,  and  Jamaica,  "to  try  if  tlie 
inhabitants  were  favorably  inclined  towards  the  governor  of 
Hartford." 

Christie  having  returned  to  Middelburg,  the  absence  of 
Director  Stuyvesant,  who  had  sailed  for  Boston,  to  meet  the 
Commissioners  in  relation  to  their  differences,  afforded  a  favor- 
able occasion  to  visit  the  English  towns,  and  accomplish  the 
proposed  union  in  favor  of  Connecticut.  He  accordingly  pro- 
ceeded with  two  others  to  Gravesend,  with  "a  simple  commis- 
sion signed  Coe,"  and  a  copy  of  Talcott's  letter  ;  and  the  town 
being  called  together,  Christie  produced  his  letters  and  informed 
the  assembled  villagers  that  they  were  no  longer  subject  to  the 
Dutch  government,  but  to  that  of  Hartford.  But  the  sheriff, 
Nicholas  Stillwell,  a  friend  to  the  administration,  regarded  this 
as  rather  a  dubious  fact.  He  accordingly  arrested  Christie's 
person  and  papers,  and  sent  intelligence  of  the  proceeding  to 
the  Council,  who  thereupon  detached  a  sergeant  and  eight  men 
to  convey  the  prisoner  to  Fort  Amsterdam.  On  the  arrival 
of  the  soldiers  at  Gravesend,  messengers  were  immediately 
dispatched  to  Middelburg,  to  announce  the  fate  of  Christie; 
for  which  reason  the  sergeant  and  his  men  left  with  their  pri- 
soner, at  two  o'clock  at  night,  and  returned  to  the  city. 

The  arrest  of  their  townsman,  was  heard  with  indignation 
at  Middelburg,  and  John  Coe  and  Edward  Jessup,  with  five 
of  the  overseers  of  the  town,  immediately  proceeded,  by  night, 
across  to  Westchester,  and  returned  with  Capt.  Eichard  Panton, 
a  commissioned  officer  under  Connecticut,  and  a  company  of 
men,  "to  beat  arms  against  the  Dutch."  They  were  joined  bj'' 
others  in  Middelburg,  and  the  next  day,  Sept.  25th,  proceeded 
to  Gravesend,  to  the  number,  as  was  stated,  of  a  hundred  and 
fifty,  mounted  and  on  foot.  Finding  that  Christie  was  beyond 
the  reach  of  rescue,  they  determined  to  secure  the  person  of 
the  sheriff,  whose  house  they  surrounded  about  nine  o'clock 
in  the  evening,  shouting  that  they  would  have  him,  dead  or 
alive,  as  he  had  been  the  instrument  in  apjDreheuding  James 
Christie.  They  searched  the  house  with  lighted  candles,  but 
in  vain ;  the  object  of  their  pursuit  had  escaped  amid  the  dark- 
ness, to  the  residence  of  his  son-in-law.  The  mob  then  broached 
two  anchors  of  brandy  that  lay  in  the  cellar,  and  regaling  them- 
selves, departed  without  fui'ther  depredation. 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN.  57 

On  the  morrow  Cliristie  underwent  a  rigid  examination 
before  the  Council.  The  same  day  Captains  Coe  and  Panton, 
in  the  name  of  the  town,  despatched  Richard  Smith  to  New 
Amsterdam  with  a  formal  demand  on  the  Attorney-general 
for  his  release,  threatening,  in  case  of  a  refusal,  to  "  resent  it 
as  a  breach  of  the  peace,  and  act  according  to  the  nature  of 
the  case."  The  only  reply  which  this  elicited,  was  a  circular 
letter  to  Middelburg  and  the  other  English  villages,  calling 
upon  the  people  to  seize  any  mutinous  persons  who  might 
come  into  their  town,  or  give  information  thereof  to  the 
Council,  that  the  good  inhabitants  may  continue  in  peace  and 
unity,  "  as  they  have  done,  through  God's  blessing,  hitherto." 
But  the  Council  were  alarmed,  and  at  once  despatched  an 
account  of  this  outbreak  to  the  Director-general  at  Boston. 
The  excitement  in  Middelburg  was  now  at  a  high  pitch,  and 
in  the  exasperated  state  of  the  public  mind  it  became  a  settled 
purpose  to  abjure  and  resist  Dutch  authority,  and  form  a 
junction  with  Connecticut.  But  Stuyvesant  had  at  least  one 
English  friend  in  Middelburg.  This  was  John  Lauronson, 
who  wrote  the  following  letter  to  the  Director  soon  after  his 
return,  giving  him  a  summary  of  the  reigning  disorders. 

Right  Honorable,  the  Lord  Stevesant : 

The  cause  of  my  presenting  these  few  lines  to  your  honor,  is  to  let  you 
understand  what  traitors  there  are  in  Middelburg.  John  Coe,  Edward 
Jessup,  Ralph  Hunt,  Richard  Betts,  Samuel  Toe,  John  Layton,  Francis 
_Swaine,  went  to  Westchester  in  the  night,  and  brought  Panton,  with  a 
company  of  men,  over,  to  beat  arms  against  the  Dutch,  and  have  taken 
a  copy  of  Panton's  commission  to  kill  and  slay  any  that  opposeth  him.  He 
beats  up  the  drum  under  a  color  to  train,  and  when  the  town  is  come 
together,  then  he  plots  against  your  honor.  These  seven  men  set  almost 
the  whole  town  against  your  honor  ;  they  call  private  meetings,  and  there 
they  conspire  against  you,  and  have  put  the  town  in  an  uproar.  And  Richard 
Betts  said  that  he  would  spend  his  life  and  his  estate  in  this  cause,  and  John 
Layton  abused  your  honor,  and  said  that  you  are  a  devil,  and  a  wooden  leg 
rogue,  and  a  picaroon,  and  rails  against  your  honor  that  it  is  a  shame  to  hear 
him.  Edward  Jessup  hath  been  a  traitor  a  long  time ;  he  went  to  New 
Haven  to  see  to  put  the  town  under  them,'  and  I  never  knew  of  it,  till  they 
came  for  money  as  would  go  for  his  charges.     If   some  come,  be  not 

»  I  know  not  to  what  occasion  this  alludes,  except  it  be  to  the  mission  of  Jessup 
and  Coe  to  Boston  in  1653,  when  they  may  have  touched  at  New  Haven  to  secure 
the  favor  of  that  colony. 


58  ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN. 

taken  with  them,  they  will  never  be  at  rest,  but  always  a  doing  of  mischief. 
So,  having  no  more  to  trouble  your  honor,  I  rest  your  true  and  faithful 
subject, 

John  Lauronson. 

At  the  meeting  of  tlie  general  court  of  Connecticut  in 
October,  Capt.  John  Coe,  deputed  by  Middelburg,  and  others 
from  the  several  English  towns,  proceeded  to  Hartford  and 
presented  petitions  to  be  received  to  the  protection  and  privi- 
leges of  that  colony,  seeing  "  it  hath  pleased  the  Highest 
Majesty  to  move  the  heart  of  the  King's  Majesty  to  grant 
unto  your  colony  such  enlargements  as  comprehends  this 
whole  Island,  thereby  opening  a  way  for  us  (as  we  hope)  from 
our  present  bondage,  to  such  liberties  and  enlargements  as  we 
are  informed  your  patent  affords."  Agreeably  to  their  request 
the  court  declared  that  "  as  the  lines  of  their  patent  extended 
to  the  adjoining  islands,  they  accepted  those  towns  under  their 
jurisdiction."  On  the  other  hand,  an  embassy  which  Stuyve- 
sant  had  sent  to  confer  with  the  general  court  touching  their 
boundaries,  returned  without  having  effected  anything,  further 
than  to  satisfy  themselves  by  seeing  the  delegates  from  the 
disaffected  towns  on  the  most  intimate  terms  with  the  princi- 
pal men  there,  "that  the  doings  of  Eichard  Mills  at  West- 
chester, of  Coe,  Panton  and  others  on  Long  Island,  were  done 
and  put  into  execution  at  their  instigation."  The  deputies 
had  informed  the  general  court  of  the  detention  of  Christie : — 
"  A  countryman  of  ours,  for  carrying  a  message  to  a  neighbor 
plantation  from  some  of  yourselves,  has  been  imprisoned  for 
several  weeks,  and  how  long  it  will  continue  we  know  not." 
Hereupon  the  secretary  of  the  court  wrote  to  Stuy vesant,  Oct. 
22d,  demanding  the  release  of  Christie. 

It  now  remained  for  Connecticut  to  follow  up  the  recent  act 
of  annexation,  and  establish  formally,  her  authority  on  the 
Island.  For  this  purpose  Capt.  John  Coe,  of  Middelburg,  and 
Anthony  Waters,  of  Jamaica,  who  were  duly  empowered, 
proceeded,  in  November,  with  about  eighty  men,  horse  and 
foot,  through  the  English  towns,  informed  the  people  that  the 
country  belonged  to  the  King,  removed  the  old  magistrates 
and  appointed  others,  who  took  the  oath  of  fealty  to  Con- 
necticut. 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  59 

Micldelburg  was  now  in  allegiance  to  King  Charles  II.  In 
the  ardor  of  their  loyalty  they  discarded  the  name  by 
which  the  township  from  its  settlement  had  been  designated, 
and  adopted  that  of  Hastings,  after  a  town  in  Sussex,  England, 
distinguished  in  history  as  the  scene  of  the  famous  victorj^  of 
William  the  Conqueror,  by  which  that  monarch  obtained  the 
throne  of  Britain.  Encouraged  by  the  prospective  growth 
and  prosperity  of  the  settlement,  the  inhabitants  gave  them- 
selves early  in  the  winter  to  matters  of  public  convenience. 
All  persons  were  required  to  make  "  good  sufficient  fence 
where  their  share  is  to  do  it,"  and  that  by  the  first  day  of  the 
ensuing  March,  upon  forfeit  of  "  half  a  crown,"  for  every  rod 
of  fence  defective.  Four  individuals  wei^e  chosen  fence  viewers, 
which  is  the  first  notice  we  have  of  this  not  very  distinguished, 
but  highly  necessary  office.  Two  "  common  fields,"  each  a 
single  enclosure,  in  which  the  villagers  proposed  unitedly  to 
plough  and  plant,  were  directed  to  be  laid  out,  one  on  the 
north  and  the  other  on  the  south  of  the  village  lots,  which 
matter  was  entrusted  to  four  persons,  one  of  whom  was  James 
Christie,  who  had  obtained  his  liberation  from  the  prison  of 
Fort  Amsterdam,  under  bonds.' 

1  James  Christie  was  a  native  of  ScotlancI,  and  at  this  time  was  thirty-two 
years  of  age.  He  is  first  named  in  1661,  when  he  bought  the  dwelling 
house  of  Lieut.  William  Palmer  deceased.  He  was  still  living  at  Newtown 
in  1665,  but  the  following  year  his  widow  Sarah  married  Humphrey  Clay. 
There  is  reason  to  believe  that  he  was  the  ancestor  of  those  families  bear- 
ing the  name  of  Christie  in  New-Yoi"k  city  and  vicinity. 

Capt.  Richard  Panton,  who  acted  so  conspicuous  a  part  in  the  late  com- 
motions, had  for  years  cherished  feelings  of  hostility  to  the  government, 
having,  in  1656,  suffered  a  brief  imprisonment  at  New  Amsterdam  for  an 
attempt  to  throw  off  the  Dutch  yoke  at  Westchester.  After  the  conquest  of 
the  country  by  the  English,  he  continued  an  influential  man  at  Westchester, 
both  in  civil  and  church  affairs,  till  his  decease,  in  the  beginning  of  the  next 
century,  at  an  advanced  age. 

Richard  Mills,  the  late  schoolmaster  of  Middelburg,  did  much  to  forward 
the  revolt  at  Westchester,  of  which  place  he  had  become  a  resident  and  the 
leading  magistrate.  Stuyvesant  had  him  arrested,  and  he  remained  in  prison 
for  more  than  a  month,  but  pleading  with  much  importunity  to  be  liberated, 
being  "  ancient  and  weakly,"  and  intending  in  September  to  sail  for  Vii-- 
ginia,  the  Council,  on  June  18th,  1663,  passed  an  order  for  his  release,  and 
he,  some  time  after,  left  the  province. 


60 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 


The  people  of  Hastings  were  in  the  mean  while  not  devoid 
of  apprehensions.  Stiiy  vesant  having  consented  to  a  j^ropo- 
sition  of  Connecticut,  by  which  the  jurisdiction  of  both  pro- 
vinces over  the  English  on  the  west  end  of  Long  Island, 
was  suspended,  these  towns  were  left,  by  this  arrangement, 
without  a  head  to  look  to.  They  thereupon  invited  Capt. 
John  Scott  of  Setauket,  a  person  of  great  influence,  to  come 
and  settle  their  government.  On  his  arrival,  Hastings,  and  four 
other  towns  entered  into  a  combination,  Jan.  4:th,  1664,  to 
manage  their  own  affairs  irrespective  of  Connecticut,  until  a 
government  should  be  established  among  them  by  his  Majesty 
of  England,  who,  they  were  told  by  Capt.  Scott,  had  granted 
Long  Island  to  the  Duke  of  York. 

On  the  4th  of  February'-  ensuing,  the  inhabitants  of  Hastings 
met  for  the  transaction  of  important  business.  They  drew  up 
and  signed  a  compact,  in  which  they  set  forth  the  grounds  of 
their  allegiance  to  England,  with  their  determination  to  defend 
to  any  extremity  the  interests  of  their  royal  master.  King 
Charles  II.     It  ran  as  follows : 

To  ALL  Christian  people  in  any  parte  of  the  world,  knowe  that  we,  the 
inhabitants  of  Hastings,  otherwise  called  Middelburg,  on  Long  Island,  in 
the  south  parte  of  New  England,  doe  declare  that  we  are  by  our  birthright 
privileges  subjects  of  his  Majesty,  Charles  the  2d.  of  England,  Scotland, 
France  and  Ireland,  Kinge  ;  and  within  the  discoverys  of  his  Royal!  prede- 
cessors are  providentially  seated ;  and  by  right  of  the  natives,  have  to  the  soyle 
an  .absolute  righte  of  inheritance  in  free  socage,  to  us  and  our  heyrs  and 
assigns  for  ever,  which  right,  interest  and  propryety,  with  his  Majesty's 
Royalty  of  government  we  promise  to  maintalne  against  any  usurpers  what- 
soever, and  will  further  and  more  particularly  doe  any  thing  whereby  or 
wherewith  our  dread  sovereigne  and  successors  may  be  owned  as  absolute 
Emperor  in  poynt  of  civill  judicature,  as  by  establishinge  an  authority  elected 
by  the  major  parte  of  the  freehoulders  of  this  towne  of  Hastings  aforesayd, 
yearly  ;  this  very  Island  being  bounded  within  the  letters  pattante  granted 
by  Kinge  James,  of  glorious  memory,  the  18th  year  of  liis  reigne,  to  George, 
Duke  of  Buckingham,  James,  Duke  of  Lennox,  which  pattante  was  bounded 
between  40  and  48  north  lattitude,  with  all  Islands;'  and  within  the  sayd 

1  This  was  tlie  patent  granted  in  1620  to  the  Duke  of  Lennox,  Fernando 
Gorges  and  othsrs,  under  the  name  of  "  The  Council  of  Plymouth,  in  the  county 
of  Devon,  for  planting  and  governing  New  England,  in  America."  From  this 
company  the  Puritans  of  Plymouth  colony  obtained  their  patent  in  1627.  Two 
years  later  the  company  granted  Long  Island  to  Wilham  Alexander,  Earl  of 
Stirling. 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  61 

lattitude  wee  say  our  just  propryetys  of  soyle  being  invaded,  and  iiis  Majes- 
ty's rights  usurped  by  y"  Hollanders  ;  to  tiie  great  scandall  of  government  and 
discouragement  of  liis  Majesty's  hopeful  plantation,  wliich  we  will  for  the 
futter  defend  as  Englisiimen,  just  propryetors  and  Loyall  subjects,  with  our 
lives  and  fortunes  ;  in  witness  whereunto  we  have  set  to  our  hands  this  4th  of 
February,  1663.'    [1664,  New  Style.] 

All  the  inliabitants,  with  a  few  exceptions,  attached  their 
signatures  to  this  high-toned  instrument.  ''  James  Way,  Jona- 
than Hazard,  William  Lawrence,  Samuel  Moore,  did  not  sub- 
scribe." The  town  proceeded  to  ballot  for  a  president  "for 
the  ensuing  year,"  and  "  Capt.  John  Scott,  Esquire,"  received 
their  unanimous  vote  for  that  ofiice.  Town  officers  were 
elected  in  the  name  of  "his  Majesty,  Charles  11."  consisting  of 
a  clerk,  constable  and  five  townsmen.  The  latter  were  John 
Burroughes,  Ealph  Hunt,  John  Eamsden,  Samuel  Toe  and 
John  Layton.  Eichard  Betts  and  John  Coe  were  appointed 
magistrates  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  deputies  to  a  convention 
to  be  held  at  Hempstead  on  the  20th  inst.,  "  to  embrace  a  body 
of  laws  already  established  in  the  Council  of  Connecticut,  and 
to  add  others  for  the  benefit  and  advantage  of  the  inhabitants 
of  this  Island,  in  the  respective  plantations,  and  any  other 
things  whereby  his  Majesty's  royalty  and  the  inhabitants'  rights 
and  proprieties  may  be  preserved  and  farther  advanced." 

At  this  crisis,  in  order  to  prevent  actual  hostilities  and 
"the  effusion  of  blood,"  an  agreement  was  entered  into,  on 
Feb.  24th,  by  Capt.  Scott,  as  president  of  the  English  towns 
and  Director  Stuyvesant,  to  preserve  friendship  and  free  in- 
tercourse for  a  year  or  longer,  until  the  dispute  respecting  Long 
Island  should  be  finally  determined  by  his  Majesty  of  England 
and  the  States  General  of  the  Netherlands.  But  Scott's 
authority  was  brief.     The  general  court  of  Connecticut,  jea- 

'  Under  the  Dutch,  the  mode  of  reckoning  time  in  this  town  was  after  the 
new  style.  Now  the  old  style,  which  was  in  use  among  the  English,  was  in- 
troduced, according  to  which  the  year  was  understood  to  commence  on  the 
25th  of  March,  and  the  month  began  ten  (and  on  and  after  March  1st,  1700, 
eleven)  days  earlier  than  by  the  new  style.  In  1752,  the  new  style  was  adopted 
in  this  province,  by  order  of  Parliament.  That  year  began  on  Jan.  1st;  and 
on  Sept.  3d,  following,  the  old  style  ended,  the  next  day  being  considered  the 
14th,  new  style.  In  this  work  I  adhere  to  the  style  in  use  for  the  time  being, 
but  in  all  cases  begin  the  year  with  January. 

5 


62  ANNALS       OFNEWTOWN. 

lous  of  liis  proceedings  on  Long  Island,  sent  a  company  of 
soldiers  to  arrest  Lim,  and  lie  was  thrown  into  Hartford  jail, 
and  liarshly  used.  This  caused  dissatisfaction  in  the  English 
villages,  but  Gov.  Winthrop  came  over  to  the  Island  and  in- 
duced the  people  to  submit  to  Connecticut.  Scott's  magistrates 
were  deposed,  and  others  appointed. 

Prior  to  this,  an  account  of  the  critical  state  of  affairs  had 
been  transmitted  to  the  Directors  and  States  General,  who  in 
January,  1664,  sent  over  a  circular  letter  to  the  several  dis- 
affected towns,  in  which,  addressing  them  as  their  subjects, 
they  commanded  them  to  continue  faithful,  under  penalty  of 
incurring  their  utmost  displeasure. 

On  the  reception  of  one  of  these  letters  at  Hastings,  accom- 
panied by  another  from  Stuyvesant  himself,  the  town  met  on 
May  5th,  and  agreed  to  refer  them  to  "  Connecticut  Court," 
and  by  direction,  James  Bradish,  the  town  clerk,  immediately 
forwarded  them  with  a  suitable  letter  on  behalf  of  the  town, 
complaining  of  several  unreasonable  demands  of  the  Dutch 
governor,  and  praying  the  court  to  take  "some  speedy  course 
for  their  futter  peace  and  comforte."  ' 

This  letter  was  probably  laid  before  the  general  court  by 
Capt.  John  Coe,  who  the  same  month  took  his  seat  in  that 
body  as  a  deputy  from  Hastings.  During  the  sitting  of  said 
court,  the  Rev.  William  Leverich,  Richard  Betts,  Samuel  Toe, 
Caleb  Leverich,  Ralph  Hunt,  John  Burroughes,  John  Ramsden, 
Nicholas  Carter,  Gershom  Moore,  and  James  Christie,  made 
application  and  were  admitted  as  freemen  of  Connecticut. 

The  truce  now  subsisting,  afforded  the  inhabitants  of  Hast- 
ings time  to  consult  upon  other  and  more  local  interests. 
"  Upon  several  considerations,  the  town  thought  it  good  to 
settle  the  upland  lying  under  the  hills  southward  from  the 
town  place  now  seated."  This  was  the  tract  reserved  by  the 
Indians  in  their  deed  to  the  town,  which  it  was  now  deemed 
prudent  to  secure  from  the  encroachment  of  their  Dutch 
neighbors,  by  an  actual  possession  of  the  premises.     At  a 

1  This  letter  is  printed  in  Bolton's  Hist,  of  Westchester  county,  ii.  20, 

being  supposed  to  I'efer  to  a  portion  of  that  county,  but  this  is  clearly  a 

mistake.      The  original   is   preserved   in   the   Secretary  of  State's   office, 
Hartford. 


ANNALSOFNEWTOWN.  63 

meeting  of  tlie  inhabitants,  on  April  1st,  it  was  resolved  that 
such  of  the  town-people  as  chose  to  locate  there  should  each  be 
allowed  a  six  acre  lot  to  build  and  plant  upon,  on  condition 
that  they  should  hold  themselves  as  residents  of  the  town,  and 
Tpnj  their  share  of  the  public  charges.  But  they  were  to  admit 
no  stranger  from  any  other  town  as  an  inhabitant  with  them, 
unless  he  had  been  duly  received  by  a  major  vote  of  the  peo- 
ple of  Hastings.  And  whereas  the  whole  town  possessed  a 
common  interest  in  this  tract,  it  was  further  resolved  that  all 
should  contribute  equally  to  its  purchase  from  the  Indian 
owners,  except  such  as  should  decline  to  hold  a  right  in  it. 
Samuel  Toe  and  Ralph  Hunt  were  appointed  to  view  the  pre- 
mises, on  the  3d  instant,  and  lay  off  lots  for  such  as  were  to 
locate  there,  among  whom  were  James  Gideons  and  Thomas 
Moore,  who  by  a  vote  then  taken,  were  received  as  inhabitants. 

At  this  time  it  was  also  in  contemplation  to  buy  from  Ja- 
maica a  part  of  the  "  South  Sea  Meadows,"  as  they  were  termed, 
lying  on  the  South  Bay.  This  object  was  affected  the  succeed- 
ing fall,  through  a  committee  sent  to  Jamaica,  to  "  agitate  and 
agree  "  respecting  the  said  purchase,  who  happily  made  a  bar- 
gain for  the  third  of  a  certain  tract,  called  "  Seller  Neck," 
another  third  of  which  was  sold  about  the  same  time  to  Brook- 
lyn. It  lay  east  of  and  adjacent  to  Plunder's  Neck,  ah-eady 
the  property  of  several  inhabitants  of  Hastings. 

Another  purchase,  not  less  interesting,  was  that  effected 
August  1st,  of  this  year,  by  "  William  Hallett,  Sen.,  of  the 
town  of  Flushing,"  of  a  large  tract  of  land,  near  Hallett's  Cove, 
from  Shawestcont  and  Erramohar,  Indians  residing  at  Shaw- 
copshee,  upon  Staten  Island,  by  authority  of  Mattano,  their 
sagamore,  and  in  the  presence  of  two  Indians,  Warchan  and 
Kethcaneparan,  and  Eandell  Hewitt,  John  Coe,  Jonathan  Rite, 
and  Edward  Fisher.  It  is  described  as  "  beginning  at  the  first 
creek  called  Suns  wick ;  westward  below  Hellgate,  upon  Long 
Island,  and  from  the  mouth  of  the  aforesaid  creek,  south  to  a 
markt  tree  fast  by  a  great  rock,  and  from  that  said  markt  tree 
southward,  fifteen  score  rods,  to  another  markt  tree,  which 
stands  from  another  little  rock  a  little  westward,  and  from  that 
markt  tree  east,  right  to  the  point  of  an  island  which  belongs 
to  the  poor's  bouwery,  and  from  the  point  of  the  island  belong- 
ing to  the  poor's  bouwery  round  by  the  river  through  Hellgate 


64  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

to  the  aforesaid  creek  westward  where  it  began ;  also  an  island 
whicli  is  commonly  called  Hewlett's  Island,  which  island  the 
aforesaid  Hewlett  did  formerly  live  upon;  as  also  all  other 
islands  within  this  tract  of  land  aforementioned."  On  Dec, 
6th,  1664,  the  sagamore,  Mattano,  ''chief  of  Staten  Island  and 
Nya6k,"  confirmed  the  above  sale,  and  acknowledged  to  have 
received,  in  full  payment  for  the  land,  "fifty-eight  fathom  of 
wampum,  seven  coats,  one  blanket,  and  four  kettles."  *  This 
tract,  called  by  the  Indians  "  Sintsiuck,"  and  embracing  nearly 
the  whole  of  "  Hellgate  Neck,"  was  afterwards  confirmed  to 
Hallett  by  the  English  governors  NicoU  and  Dongan,  or  "so 
much  of  the  aforesaid  Indian  deed  or  purchase,  as  had  not 
before  been  disposed  of  to  others  by  groundbrief  or  patent." 
It  therefore  did  not  affect  the  several  grants  to  individuals, 
lying  within  its  limits.^  As  Mr.  Hallett  no  longer  held  himself 
amenable  to  the  government  of  New  Netherlands  he  could  not 
have  consulted  Stuy  vesant  in  making  this  purchase.  This  is 
evident  also,  from  the  fact,  that  on  August  19tli,  1664,  new 
style,  Abraham  Eycken,  a  planter  on  the  north  bounds  of  the 
town,  obtained  from  the  Director-general,  (it  being  one  of  his 
last  ofiicial  acts,)  a  patent  for  Hewlett's  Island,  above  named. 
It  was  so  called  from  the  ancestor  of  the  Hewlett  familj^,  of 
Long  Island,  (probably  Lewis  Hewlett,  a  native  of  Bucking- 

^  Recorded  in  Secretary  of  State's  office,  Albany,  Deeds  ii,  74,  75. 

"  In  1667,  William  Hallett  entered  a  suit  against  Capt.  Thomas  Law- 
rence, for  the  recovery  of  Berrien's  Island,  whicli  the  latter  had  obtained  a 
patent  for,  but  Hallett's  claim  was  not  admitted. 

The  residents  near  this  island  may  congratulate  themselves  on  the  failure 
of  the  late  attempt  to  convert  it  into  a  Potter's  Field  for  the  city  of  New- 
York,  which  (in  the  words  of  a  resolution  of  the  Board  of  Health  of  Newtown, 
prohibiting  public  burials  of  the  city  of  New-York,  upon  said  island,) 
"  would  be  a  public  nuisance,  prejudicial  to  the  health,  and  endangering  the 
lives  of  the  citizens  of  the  said  town."  It  can  scarce  be  doubted,  especially 
if  it  were  managed  a  la  mode  Randell's  Island  !  Then  add  to  this  the  conse- 
quent depreciation  of  property,  while  the  pleasant  water  communication  and 
avenues  conducting  thither,  and  adorned  with  country  seats,would  necessarily 
become  the  daily  resort  of  sepulchral  processions,  and  we  discover  additional 
propriety  in  the  objections  raised  to  the  measure.  Among  the  peculiar 
circumstances  connected  with  this  affiiir,  the  most  ludicrous  was  an  effort  of 
a  committee  of  the  N.  Y.  Corporation,  to  show  that  Berrien's  Island  lay 
imiliinihe  bounds  of  the  county  of  Neiv-York !  See  Document  6  of  the  N.  Y. 
Board  of  Assist.  Aid.  for  1849. 


ANNALSOFNEWTOWN.  65 

hamsliire,  England,)  who  at  an  earlier  day  had  been  driven 
from  it  by  the  Indians,  with  the  destruction  of  his  house  and 
property.  Gov.  Nicoll,  recognizing  the  authority  of  the  Dutch 
governor,  to  dispose  of  the  island,  confirmed  it  to  Eycken, 
Dec.  24th,  1667,  and  it  is  yet  owned  by  the  descendants  of  the 
original  patentee,  and  known  as  Biker's  Island. 


CHAPTEE     IV 


Conquest  of  New  Netherland  by  the  English. — Assembly  at  Hempstead. — Name 
of  Hastings  changed  to  Newtown. — Decision  respecting  the  meadows  on 
Mespat  Kill. — Overseers  and  Constable  and  their  duties. — First  mihtia  officers 
under  the  English. — Swine  driven  to  the  South  Bay  to  prevent  damage  to  corn 
crops. — An  instance. — Rules  concerning  fences,  fields  and  highways. — The  town 
buy  the  Indian  reservation. — The  Indian  deed. — Some  conjectures  as  to  what 
tribe  of  Indians  inhabited  Newtown. — Gov.  NicoH's  patent  to  the  town. — Ja- 
maica paid  for  Seller  Neck,  and  these  meadows  divided. — The  town  without  a 
meeting-house  or  a  pastor. — At  a  militia  drill  the  people  resolve  to  have  a  mi- 
nister if  possible. — Nature  of  the  militia  service. — The  constable's  house  burnt. — 
Precautionary  measures. — Improvement  of  the  public  land. — Surveyors  chosen. 
— Road  laid  out  through  Hempstead  Swamp. — Several  landholders  there. — 
Sickness  at  the  English  Kills. — Scudder's  Pond. — Regulations  respecting  the 
public  land. — Encouragement  to  mechanics  and  tradesmen. — Rev.  Mr.  Leverich 
recalled  to  the  town. — Smith's  Island  occupied  by  order  of  the  Purchasers. — 
Bushwick  complains  to  the  Court  of  Sessions. — Suit  carried  to  the  Council. — 
Referred  to  the  Assizes. — Decided  in  Bushwick's  favor. — Arbitrary  course  of 
the  Colonial  Government. — Newtown  and  others  petition  for  redress. — It  effects 
but  little. — Roads  laid  out  at  the  Dutch  and  English  Kills. — Ferry  and  bridge 
over  Newtown  Creek. — Accidents  occur  on  the  latter. — Ordered  to  be  repaired. 
— The  first  church  erected  in  Newtown.  1664  to  1671. 

King  Charles  II.  having  asserted  a  right  to  Long  Island, 
the  summer  of  1664  witnessed  the  entire  conquest  of  New 
Netherland  by  the  English.  His  Majesty  aiming  at  the  total 
extinction  of  the  Dutch  power  in  North  America,  and  having 
first  purchased  the  claim  of  the  Earl  of  Stirling  in  Long  Island, 
executed  an  extensive  grant  of  territory,  including  the  whole 
of  New  Netherland,  to  his  brother  James,  Duke  of  York  and 
Albany,  by  letters  patent,  dated  March  12tli,  1664.  His  High- 
ness, the  Duke,  thereupon  despatched  Col.  Eichard  Nicoll  to 
take  possession  of  his  new  dominions,  who  in  the  month  of 


66  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

August  entered  the  harbor  of  New  Amsterdam  with  a  naval 
force,  and  demanding,  received  the  surrender  of  the  place,  to 
which  he  gave  the  name  of  New- York.  The  whole  of  Long 
Island  was  now  freely  yielded  up  by  Connecticut  to  NicoU, 
who  held  the  commission  of  deputy  governor. 

The  distracted  state  to  which  the  country  had  been  reduced, 
under  her  late  masters,  rendered  it  necessary  that  the  several 
portions  of  it  should  be  properly  organized  under  one  system 
of  civil  government.  With  this  intent  Gov.  Nicoll  addressed 
a  circular  letter  to  the  several  towns,'  directing  the  inhabitants 
to  elect  delegates  to  a  convention  to  be  held  at  Hempstead,  on 
Feb.  28th,  1665,  to  settle  the  affairs  of  the  province. 

This  assembly  met,  and  the  town  of  Hastings  was  repre- 
sented by  Eichard  Betts  and  John  Coe.  The  inhabitants  of 
the  out-plantations,  who  were  yet  a  separate  community,  also 
voted  for  delegates  to  this  assembly,  uniting  for  this  purpose, 
it  is  presumed,  with  the  town  of  Flushing.' 

A  code  of  laws,  previously  framed  and  agreeing  with  those 
then  in  practice  in  New  England,  save  that  they  were  less 
severe  in  matters  of  conscience  and  religion,  were  with  sundry 
amendments,  passed,  and  promulgated,  and  distinguished  as 
the  "Duke's  Laws."  A  variety  of  concerns,  affecting  more  or 
less  the  well  being  of  the  community,  were  acted  upon.  The 
province  was  erected  into  a  shire,  called  after  that  in  England, 
Yorkshire,  which  was  subdivided  into  districts  termed,  re- 
spectively, the  East,  North,  and  West  Eidings.  Hastings  was 
included  in  the  West  Eiding  of  Yorkshire,  and  the  township 
was  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  the  out -plantations,  comprising 
the  Poor  Bowery,  Hellgate-Neck,  etc.  The  territory  thus 
brought  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  town  was  equal  to  about 
one-third  of  its  previous  area,  and  the  township  as  thus  consti- 
tuted received  the  name  of  "  the  New  Towne,"  an  appellation 
by  which  it  had  been  previously  known  to  some  extent.  That 
of  Hastings  was  abandoned. 

As  one  object  of  the  Hempstead  convention  was  to  deter- 

^  Major  Daniel  Whitehead  deposes,  Jan.  10th,  1704,  "that  at  the  time  of 
the  coming  of  Coll.  Nicoll,  Esq.  then  Governor  of  the  province  of  New- 
York,  his  father  and  he,  then  living  at  Mespatt  Kills,  (then  not  belonging  to 
Newtown,  they  then  being  distinct  from  the  town  of  Newtown,)  chose  depu- 
ties to  send  to  the  general  meeting  at  Hempstead,  as  other  towns  did." 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  67 

mine  the  limits  of  the  several  towns,  the  boundary  between 
Newtown  and  Bushwick  was  considered  on  the  4th  of  March, 
when  the  latter  town  assumed  the  position  of  plaintiff,  feeling 
herself  aggrieved  at  the  efforts  of  Newtown,  to  occupy  the 
meadows  at  the  English  Kills  and  the  upland  lying  south  of 
them.  After  a  hearing  of  their  respective  claims,  the  follow- 
ing decision  was  rendered : — "The  meadow  ground  in  question 
between  Bushwick  and  New  Towne,  shall  remain  to  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  town  of  Bushwick,  as  properly,  and  of  right 
belonging  to  them ;  that  is  to  say,  the  meadoio  lying  on  the  west 
side  of  the  most  ancient  Dutch  house^  situate  on  the  east  side  of  the 
head  of  Mespat  Kills,  and  the  inhabitants  of  New  Towne  are  no 
way  to  molest  the  said  town  of  Bushwick,  in  the  peaceable  en- 
joyment thereof.  Touching  the  upland,  the  bounds  specified 
in  the  Middelburg  deed,  will  sufficiently  regulate  the  same." 

This  appears  to  have  been  a  compromise  of  the  question, 
the  assembly  conceding  the  meadows  to  Bushwick,  but  to 
Newtown  the  upland,  as  bounded  in  their  Indian  deed.  So 
well  pleased  were  the  inhabitants  of  Bushwick  with  this  de- 
cision, that  they  entered  it  in  the  Dutch  language  upon  their 
records ;  but  strange  to  tell,  two  years  later,  resuming  their  old 
claim,  they  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  patent  from  Gov.  Nicoll, 
which  embraced  both  the  meadows  and  the  upland  in  question. 

The  Duke's  Laws,  by  which  the  province  was  now  to  be 
regulated,  erected  an  overseers'  court  in  the  several  towns, 
whose  j  urisdiction  should  extend  to  actions  of  debt  or  trespass 
under  five  pounds ; — a  court  of  sessions  to  be  held  in  each  riding 
triennially,  for  the  adjudication  of  all  actions  or  cases  from  the 
value  of  five  to  twenty  pounds,  as  well  as  actions  of  assault 
or  battery,  breach  of  the  peace,  or  crime; — a  court  oi oyer  and 
terminer^  when  required,  for  the  more  speedy  trial  of  capital 
offenders,  who  otherwise  awaited  the  sitting  of  the  court  of 
assi?:e,  which  was  to  be  held  annually  in  the  city  of  New-York, 
and  was  a  court  of  equity  and  the  supreme  court  of  the  pro- 
vince. In  this  court  was  vested  the  legislative  power,  but 
being  composed  of  the  governor,  and  the  justices  who  received 
their  appointment  from  him,  the  people  were  still  in  truth 
without  a  voice  in  the  enactment  of  the  public  laws,  a  fact  that 
was  no  sooner  understood  by  them,  than  it  created  the  utmost 
dissatisfaction. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 


It  will  be  acceptable  to  my  readers,  I  presume,  to  learn 
some  of  the  leading  provisions  of  the  legal  code  now  intro- 
duced, and  by  which  the  affairs  of  Newtown  continued  to  be 
regulated  till  1683.  It  enjoined  upon  each  town  or  parish  to 
build  a  church  sufficient  to  accommodate  two  hundred  persons ; 
and  each  inhabitant  was  required  to  pay  his  proportion  of  the 
minister's  salary  agreed  upon,  yet  they  were  to  enjoy  liberty 
of  conscience,  and  neither  to  be  imprisoned,  fined,  nor  at  all 
molested  for  differing  in  judgment  in  matters  of  religion,  pro- 
vided they  did  not  deny  Christianity. 

For  the  orderly  management  of  all  town  affairs,  including 
the  building  and  repairing  the  church,  maintaining  the  minister, 
and  providing  for  the  poor,  it  was  directed  that  eight  of  the 
most  able  men  of  each  town  or  parish  be  appointed  overseers^ 
who  were  required  to  be  "  men  of  good  fame  and  life,  chosen 
by  the  plurality  of  voices  of  the  freeholders  in  each  town, 
whereof  four  shall  remain  in  their  office  two  years  successively, 
and  four  shall  be  changed  for  new  ones  every  year ;  which 
election  shall  preceed  the  election  of  constable  in  point  of 
time,  in  regard  the  constable  for  the  year  ensuing  is  to  be  cho- 
sen out  of  that  number  which  are  dismist  from  their  office  of 
overseers."  Before  entering  upon  their  office,  they  took  the 
oath  of  allegiance,  in  the  presence  of  the  minister  and  the  old 
overseers  and  constable,  and  then  were  presented  by  the  said 
constable  and  overseers  to  the  court  of  sessions  next  succeed- 
ing their  election,  and  with  the  new  constable  took  the  oath  of 
ofl&ce,  which  was  usually  done  at  the  June  sessions.  They 
were  authorized,  together  with  the  constable,  to  hold  town 
courts  weekly  or  monthly,  as  was  required,  where  six  with  the 
constable,  or  seven  in  his  absence,  were  a  competent  jury,  and 
upon  an  equal  division,  the  constable  had  the  casting  voice. 
They  were  to  report  twice  a  year  to  the  sessions,  "all  such 
abominable  sinnes  "  as  came  to  their  knowledge,  and  had  not 
been  punished,  including  prophane  swearing,  sabbath-break- 
ing, and  drunkenness.  They  were  frequently  to  admonish  the 
inhabitants  to  instruct  their  children  and  servants  in  matters 

1  In  Sept.  1666,  the  court  of  assize  ordered  that  the  overseers  in  each 
town  be  reduced  to  four,  and  that  they  have  the  same  authority  that  the  eight 
possessed ;  any  two  of  them,  with  the  constable,  being  empowered  to  hold 
town  courta. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  69 

of  religion  and  the  laws  of  the  country,  and  to  bring  np  their 
children  and  apprentices  in  some  honest  and  lawful  calling  or 
employment.  They  made  all  assessments  or  rates,  which  usu- 
ally consisted  of  three,  namely,  the  minister's  rate,  the  town 
rate,  and  the  country  rate,  the  latter  for  the  support  of  the 
general  government.  They  also  appointed  from  time  to  time, 
two  persons  to  be  inspectors  of  pipestaves,  a  common  article 
of  manufacture  and  export  at  that  day ;  and  they  were  like- 
wise empowered  to  appoint  a  sealer  of  weights  and  mea- 
sures, and  a  public  packer  or  inspector  of  meat  and  fish,  bar- 
reled for  exportation.  Any  one  of  the  overseers  might  act 
as  constable,  if  the  latter  was  indisposed,  or  on  any  emergency, 
provided  he  carried  with  him  the  staif  of  the  office.  From 
among  the  overseers,  the  constable  selected  the  jurors  who 
attended  the  courts  of  session  and  assize.  And  in  all  mat- 
ters, such  as  the  disposing,  building  upon,  planting,  and  the 
like,  of  their  lands  and  woods,  granting  of  lots,  election  of 
officers,  assessing  of  rates,  &c.  a  majority  of  the  overseers, 
with  the  consent  of  the  constable,  were  empowered  to  ordain 
such  "peculiar  constitutions"  as  were  necessary  for  the  wel- 
fare of  the  town,  provided  they  were  not  of  a  criminal  nature, 
and  the  penalties  did  not  exceed  twenty  shillings  for  one 
offence,  and  were  not  repugnant  to  the  public  laws,  and  were 
confirmed  by  the  court  of  sessions. 

The  constable  was  ordinarily  chosen  on  the  first  or  second 
day  of  April,  yearly,  by  the  major  vote  of  the  freeholders  in 
the  town,  and  was  presented  in  person  by  the  old  constable 
and  overseers  to  the  next  court  of  sessions  ensuing,  when  he 
was  sworn  into  office,  the  insignia  of  which  was  a  staff  about 
six  foot  long,  with  the  king's  arms  on  it.  Thence  he  was  re- 
quired to  attend  each  sitting  of  the  court  of  sessions,  unless 
an  overseer,  bearing  the  staff,  should  supply  his  place,  or  he 
be  excused  by  the  justices  on  the  bench;  under  a  penalty  of 
five  pound  for  every  day's  absence.  The  constable  was  to 
whip  and  punish  offenders,  raise  the  hue  and  cry  after  murder- 
ers, manslayers,  thieves,  robbers,  and  burglars;  and  also  appre- 
hend without  warrant  such  as  were  overtaken  with  drink, 
swearing,  or  sabbath-breaking,  and  vagrant  persons,  or  night- 
walkers,  provided  they  be  taken  in  the  manner,  either  by  the 


70  ANNALSOF     NEWTOWN. 

sight  of  the  constable  or  by  present  information  from  others. 
He  could  command  the  help  and  assistance  of  any  other  per- 
son upon  a  penalty  for  their  refusal ;  and  could,  without  war- 
rant, if  the  case  was  urgent,  search  any  house  or  place  suspected 
to  be  the  receptacle  of  stolen  goods,  or  the  person  of  an  offender. 
It  was  his  business,  where  cases  of  debt  or  tresjDass  under  five 
pounds  arose  between  neighbors,  to  nominate  two  indifferent 
persons  as  arbitrators  He  was  to  collect  all  fines  and  amerce- 
ments; and  distrain  for  rates  where  they  were  refused  to  be  paid. 
He,  with  the  concurrence  of  two  overseers,  was  to  satisfy  every 
person,  either  Christian  or  Indian,  for  the  killing  of  wolves,  to 
the  value  of  an  Indian  coat  for  each  wolf,  to  be  paid  out  of  the 
public  rate;  evidence  being  produced  that  the  animal  was 
killed  on  Long  Island,  and  not  elsewhere;  and  the  constable 
and  overseers  were  to  cause  the  heads  to  be  nailed  over  the 
door  of  the  constable,  there  to  remain,  as  also  to  cut  off  both 
the  ears,  in  token  that  the  head  was  bought  and  paid  for.  The 
constable  was  authorized  to  "famish  the  Indians  with  such 
quantity  of  powder  and  shot  as  may  be  thought  necessary  for 
their  Idlling  of  wolves,  and  provisions ;  and  also  may  permit 
them  to  have  their  guns  mended."  * 

Actuated  by  a  very  proper  desire  to  become  acquainted 
with  the  laws  by  which  they  were  in  future  to  be  governed, 
the  people  of  Newtown,  at  their  next  meeting,  held  on  March 
15th,  1665,  for  the  election  of  town  officers,  resolved  to  provide 
themselves  with  a  "law  book."  This  code  instituted  regula- 
tions for  the  embodiment  and  discipline  of  the  militia,  equally 
minute  and  curious,  and  which  will  be  noticed  hereafter.  In 
keeping  therewith.  Gov.  Nicoll,  on  the  21st  of  April,  issued 
commissions  to  the  of&cers  of  Newtown,  constituting  Thomas 
Lawrence,  captain,  Kalph  Hunt,  lieutenant,  and  Gershom 
Moore,  ensign. 

Part  of  the  advantage  anticipated  from  the  interest  secured 
in  the  meadows  at  the  south  side  of  the  island,  was  the  privi- 
lege of  driving  thither  the  swine  of  the  village,  where  in  com- 
mon herds  they  might  roam  upon  the  beach,  and  subsist  on 
the  shell-fish  that  it  afforded ;  while  the  corn-fields  would  tlius 

1  "A  wolf  killed  by  Peter,  the  Indian,  the  9th  of  June,  1667."  Newtown 
Records,  A.  71. 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  71 

be  preserved  from  tlieir  depredations,  whicli  "  in  regard  their 
fences  were  defective,"  had  hitherto  proved  a  great  annoyance, 
and  the  cause  of  much  litigation  in  the  town  court.  Accord- 
ingly, "about  the  beginning  of  harvest,"  Caleb  and  Eleazar 
Leverich,  with  others  of  the  inhabitants,  drove  their  hogs 
thither,  but  those  of  William  Blomfield,  one  of  the  company, 
could  not  be  found  at  the  time  appointed,  but  were  finally  dis- 
covered in  the  corn  of  Francis  Kitfield,  employing  themselves 
most  assiduously.  On  inspection,  it  was  found  that  the  fence 
opposite  Kitfield's  corn  "  was  no  fence,  but  boughs  and  rotten 
sticks,"  yet  it  was  supposed  "  that  it  might  have  kept  out  such 
swine  that  had  not  a  taste  of  the  corn."  Damages  were  laid 
by  Kitfield,  at  ten  bushels  of  peas,  and  recovered. 

Similar  events,  which  tended  to  set  neighbors  at  variance, 
induced  the  overseers  to  adopt  a  set  of  rules  "■  for  the  well- 
subsisting  of  the  town  concerning  fences,  fields,  and  highways," 
which,  being  approved  by  the  court  of  assize,  Sept.  12th, 
1665,  were  entered  upon  the  records  of  the  town  court.  They 
provided  that  all  fences  of  common  fields  should  be  kept  up 
and  in  repair  constantly,  in  winter  as  well  as  in  summer ;  and 
all  other  fences  to  be  set  up  and  completed  by  the  first  of 
March,  yearly.  Any  person  found  guilty  of  letting  down  any 
bars  or  fence,  or  setting  open  any  gate  to  the  damage  of  his 
neighbor,  should  repair  damages,  and  be  punished  or  fined  at 
the  discretion  of  the  court.  Trees  felled  upon  the  highway 
were  to  be  removed  within  forty-eight  hours  ;  and  owners  of 
lots  were  to  stub  and  clear  the  highway  in  front  of  their  land 
to  the  width  of  eight  rods,  or  where  there  were  lots  on  both 
sides,  to  the  middle  of  the  street,  "for  a  highway  both  for 
carts  and  cattle  to  pass."  This  was  to  be  done  by  the  last  of 
April,  in  default  of  which,  others  were  to  be  hired  to  do  it  at 
the  expense  of  those  so  negligent. 

In  the  meantime,  some  progress  having  been  made  in  the 
settlement  of  the  Indian  reservation,  the  inhabitants,  in  1666, 
prepared  to  effect  the  purchase  of  this  land  from  the  Indians. 
At  their  desire,  Capt.  Eichard  Betts  went  to  New-York,  on 
June  23d,  and  obtained  the  governor's  licence  for  this  purpose, 
and  sixteen  days  after,  the  purchase  deed  was  executed,  and 
acknowledged  by  the  chiefs  before  the  governor,  and  head  men 
of  Newtown,  and  the  Indian  title  to  the  territory -extinguished 


72  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

for  the  sum  of  seventy-six  pounds,  nine  shillings.     The  deed 
was  as  follows : — 

Know  all  men  by  these  Presents,  that  We,  Rowerowestco  and  Pom- 
waukon,  do  acknowledge  and  confess  that  we  have  firmly  and  jointly  sold, 
alienated  and  made  over  all  our  lands  from  us,  our  heirs,  executors,  admi- 
nistrators and  assigns,  to  the  inhabitants  of  Newtowne,  alias  Middelburg,  to 
them  and  their  heirs  for  ever,  as  their  own  proper  and  free  land  or  lands,  im- 
munities, appurtenances,  privileges  and  all  whatsoever  did  unto  the  afore 
Sachems  or  Indians  belong:  from  a  small  creek  called  by  the  Indians  Cana- 
paukah,  where  Burger's  mill  stands ;  from  thence,  going  upon  a  straight  line 
north-eastward  to  a  certain  creek  called  Sackhickneyah,  where  Wessel's  mill 
stood:  so  bounded  by  the  Bay  side  till  it  come  to  the  mouth  of  Flushing 
creek,  so  commonly  called :  so  running  towards  the  south-east  bounded  by 
the  creek  side,  till  it  extends  itself  to  the  south  side  of  the  hills  upon  the 
line:  from  thence  running  upon  the  line  westward  by  the  south  side  of  the 
hills,  till  it  meet  with  the  south  line  which  is  extended  from  the  west  branch 
of  Mespat  Kills,  called  Quandoequareous,  by  a  Dutchman's  land,  called  Hans, 
the  Boore :  from  thence  to  the  mouth  of  Mespat  Kills,  by  the  Indians  so 
called :  these  aforesaid  bounds  or  tract  of  land  with  all  the  appurtenances 
thereunto  belonging,  we,  the  aforesaid  Indians  have  sold  in  the  year  one 
thousand,  six  hundred,  fifty  and  six,  unto  the  aforesaid  inhabitants  :  only  we 
reserved  the  privilege  of  a  certain  part  of  upland  lying  on  the  south  side  of 
the  aforesaid  town,  for  our  use  for  hunting,  and  sold  them  only  the  grass  for 
mowing  and  feed  and  timber ,  and  have  really  and  fully  sold  them  and  theirs 
for  ever  the  feeding,  mowing  and  timber  of  tlie  foresaid  land ;  and  were  firmly 
bound  and  engaged  in  our  bill  of  sale,  never  to  sell  or  dispose  of  the  said 
privileges  which  we  had  there  reserved,  to  any  other  but  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Newtowne : — therefore,  we  the  said  Indians,  according  to  our  words  and 
obligations,  do  here  by  these  presents  manifest  ourselves  to  have  received 
full  satisf;iction  of  the  foresaid  inhabitants,  for  the  privileges  we  then  reserved 
in  the  foresaid  tract  of  land,  and  do  really  and  absolutely  give  them  and 
their  heirs  for  ever,  as  full  right  and  title  to  all  the  privileges  of  the  snid  tract 
of  land,  as  we  can  or  may  of  any  of  our  lands  that  we  have  or  shall  sell : 
denying  ourselves  of  any  interest  therein,  or  any  claims  of  any  other  whatso- 
ever of  all  the  lands,  appurtenances  or  privileges  within  the  said  bounds,  we 
say,  we  have  really  sold  as  aforesaid  to  the  inhabitants  of  Newtowne,  as  their 
own  proper  free  lands:  we  say  from  us,  our  heirs,  to  them,  their  heirs,  for- 
ever. Whereunto  we  have  set  to  our  hands,  this  9th  of  July,  1666,  and  iH 
the  12th  year  of  his  Majesty's  reign, 

PoMWAUKON,  X  his  mark. 
Rowerowestco,  X  his  mark. 
Signed,  sealed,  in  the  presence  of  us, 

John  Pounds, 

John  Napper, 

Armorehern,  X  his  mark. 

Chawescome,  X  his  mark. 


ANNALS      OFNEW  TOWN.  73 

Recived  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newtowne,  full  satisfoction  for  all  the  fore- 
said lands  which  herein  is  specified,  we  say  received  by  us  the  9th  of  July, 
1666,  the  sum  of  fifty-five  pounds  for  the  first  payment;  the  second  and  last 
payment,  now  paid,  twenty-one  pounds,  nine  shillings. 

PoMWAUKON    X  his  mark. 
RowEROwESTCo  X  his  mark. 
Recorded  in  the  office  of  New-York,  the  13th  of  July,  1666,  by  me, 

Matthias   Nicoll,  Secretary} 

Careful  inquiry  as  to  what  tribe  these  chiefs  belonged  has 
resulted  in  a  reasonable  probability  that  they,  as  well  as  those 
who  sold  Hellgate  Neck  to  William  Hallett,  were  of  the  Ca- 
narsee  tribe,  a  clan  of  reputed  power,  whose  jurisdiction 
extended  over  the  whole  of  King's  county,  the  islands  in 
Hellgate,  and  says  Ocallaghan,  some  part  of  Newtown. 

The  extinction  of  the  Indian  title  to  the  soil  forms  an  inte- 
resting epoch  in  the  history  of  the  town.  The  red  man  was 
no  longer  able  to  withstand  the  advance  of  civilization  ;  the 
country  began  to  wear  marks  of  human  thrift  that  made  it 
uncongenial  with  his  ideas  of  wild  solitude  and  savage  life ; 
his  hunting-grounds  invaded,  the  deer  and  the  beaver  driven 
from  their  haunts,  he  must  needs  seek  for  himself  a  new  home 
in  the  unbroken  forests.  It  is  probable  that  the  most  of  them 
vacated  the  town  at  about  the  period  of  their  last  sale  to 
the  whites,  though  there  is  evidence  that  scattering  ones  re- 
mained for  a  number  of  years  later,  some  of  whom  had  their 
wigwams  at  Mespat  Kills.  But  the  memory  of  these  has  long 
since  perished.  Occasionally  an  exhumed  relic  reminds  us 
that  they  once  lived.  The  rude  implements  which  they  used 
in  the  pursuits  of  peace  and  the  prosecution  of  war,  are  the 
only  existing  mementoes  of  the  red  men  of  NeAvtown.  These 
consist  chiefly  of  stone  axes  and  arrowheads,  and  arrows  of 
reed.  The  late  Judge  Furman,  of  Maspeth,  had  a  handsome 
collection  of  them,  procured  in  that  neighborhood.  Upon  the 
property  of  Mr.  Jackson,  at  the  Poor  Bowery,  was  an  exten- 
sive deposit  of  burnt  shells,  the  remains  of  their  clam-roasts, 
from  which  Mr.  Fish,  former  proprietor  of  the  farm,  is  known 
to  have  carted  scores  if  not  hundreds  of  loads,  to  fertilize  his 
land :  and  on  the  property  of  Mr.  Kouwenhoven,  adjoining, 

1  Sec'y  of  State's  Office,  Albany,  Deeds  ii.  135;  also  entered  in  New- 
town Records,  ii.  261. 


74  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

there  formerly  existed  a  burial  place,  where,  in  nurabers,  the 
remains  of  the  red  men  sleep  their  last  sleep,  though  every 
outward  appearance  of  a  sepulchre  for  the  dead  is  now  oblite- 
rated. 

Having  thus  extinguished  the  Indian  title  to  all  their  lands, 
and  received  a  full  acquittal  from  the  natives,  the  inhabitants  the 
succeeding  autumn,  proceeded  to  secure  the  governor's  letters 
patent  for  the  township.'  On  the  6th  of  October,  they  appointed 
Thomas  Lawrence,  Ralph  Hunt,  and  John  Burroughes  to  get 
a  draft  of  the  bounds  of  the  town,^  and  obtain  a  patent,  pro- 
mising to  bear  the  expense  according  to  their  respective  free- 
hold. On  March  1st,  1667,  the  inhabitants  made  choice  of 
several  trusty  citizens  to  be  named  as  patentees  in  behalf  of 
the  whole  town,  and  the  same  month  the  gentlemen  entrusted 
with  the  business  obtained  the  following  instrument  under 
the  governor's  signet. 

Richard  Nicoll,  Esq.,  Governor-General  under  his  Royal  Highness 
James,  Duke  of  York  and  Albany,  and  of  all  his  Territories  in  America;  To 
all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  sendeih  greeting :  Whereas,  there  is 
a  certain  town  in  the  West  Riding  of  Yorkshire,  upon  Long  Island,  situated 
and  lying  on  the  north-west  of  the  said  island,  commonly  called  and  known 
by  the  name  of  New  Towne,  now  in  tlie  tenure  or  occupation  of  several 
freeholders  and  inhabitants,  who  having  heretofore  made  lawful  purchase  of 
the  lands  thereunto  belonging,  have  likewise  manured  and  improved  a  con- 
siderable part  thereof,  and  settled  a  competent  number  of  families  thereupon; 
Now  for  a  confirmation  unto  the  said  freeholders  and  inhabitants  in  their  en- 
joyment and  possession  of  the  premises,  Know  ye,  that  by  virtue  of  the 
commission  and  authority  given  unto  me  by  his  Royal  Highness,  I  have 
ratified,  and  confirmed,  and  granted,  and  by  these  presents  do  ratify,  confirm, 
and  grant  unto  Capt.  Richard  Betts,  Justice  of  the  peace,  Capt.  Thomas 
Lawrence,  Capt.  John  Coe,  John  Burroughes,  Ralph  Hunt,  Daniel  White- 
head, and  Burger  Joost,  as  patentees  for  and  on  the  behalf  of  themselves  and 
tlieir  associates,  the  freeliolders  and  inhabitants  of  tlie  said  town,  their  heirs, 
successors  and  assigns,  all  that  tract  of  land  which  already  hath  been,  or  that 
hereafter  shall  be  purchased  for  and  on  the  behalf  of  the  said  town,  whether 
from  the  native  Indian  proprietors,  or  otherwise,  within  the  bounds  and  limits 
hereafter  set  forth  and  exprest,  vizt. — That  is  to  say,  to  be  bounded  east  by 
Flushing  creek ;  north  by  the  Sound ;  south  by  Jamaica  line,  which  runs  on 

1  For  a  list  of  the  freeholders  at  this  period,  see  Appendix  G. 

*  An  original  draft  of  Newtown,  drawn  by  John  Burroughes,  is  extant,  and  is 
supposed  to  be  the  one  referred  to  in  the  text.  It  is  rudely  drawn,  and  embraces 
plans  of  Seller  and  Plunder's  Neck.  The  localities,  Dominie's  Hook,  Hallett's 
Cove  and  Hewlett's  Island  are  also  noted. 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  75 

the  south  side  of  the  hills ;  and  west  by  Mcspat  Creek  or  Kills ;  from  the 
westerinost  branch  thereof  to  extend  upon  a  south  line  to  the  south  side  of 
the  hills ;  from  whence  to  run  eastward  along  the  said  south  side  of  the  hills 
till  it  meet  with  the  south  line,  which  comes  from  the  Iiead  of  Flushing  creek 
aforementioned;  all  which  said  tract  of  land  within  the  bounds  and  limits 
aforesaid,  and  all  or  any  plantation  thereupon,  from  henceforth  are  to  belong 
and  appurtain  to  the  said  town ;  together  with  all  havens,  harbors,  creeks, 
waters,  rivers,  lakes,  fishing,  hawking,  hunting,  and  fowling,  and  all  other 
profits,  commodities,  emoluments,  hereditaments  to  the  said  land  and  premi- 
ses within  the  limits  and  bounds  aforementioned  and  described,  belonging 
or  in  any  wise  appurtaining ;  and  also  one-third  part  of  a  certain  neck  of 
meadow  ground  called  Seller  Neck,  as  it  is  now  laid  out  and  described,  lying 
within  the  limits  of  Jamaica,  and  to  have  free  egress  and  regress,  with  liberty 
of  cutting  and  felling  of  timber  or  trees  for  fencing,  and  as  occasion  serves, 
to  make  one  or  more  highways  through  the  upland  belonging  to  Jamaica 
aforesaid,  to  pass  to  their  said  meadow  at  Seller  Neck,  or  any  other  meadow 
to  them  appertaining  at  the  soiith;  to  have  and  to  hold  all  and  singular  the 
said  lands,  hereditaments  and  premises,  with  their  and  every  of  their  appur- 
tenances, and  of  every  part  and  parcel  thereof,  to  the  said  patentees  and  tiieir 
associates,  their  heirs,  successors  and  assigns,  to  the  proper  use  and  behoof 
of  the  said  patentees  and  their  associates,  their  heirs,  successors  and  assigns, 
for  ever ;  Moreover,  I  do  hereby  ratify,  confirm  and  grant  unto  the  said  pa- 
tentees and  tlieir  associates,  their  heirs,  successors  and  assigns,  all  the  privi- 
leges of  a  town  in  this  government,  and  that  the  place  of  their  present  habi- 
tation shall  continue  and  retain  the  name  of  New  Towne,  by  which  name 
and  title  it  shall  be  distinguished  in  all  bargains  and  sales,  deeds,  records  and 
writings ;  the  said  patentees  and  their  associates,  their  heirs,  successors  and 
assigns,  rendering  and  paying  such  duties  and  acknowledgments  as  now  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 
under  my  hand  and  seal,  at  Fort  James,  in  New-York,  on  the  Island  of  Man- 
hattans, the  6th  day  of  March,  in  the  19th  year  of  the  reign  of  our  sovereign 
lord  Charles  the  Second,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  England,  Scotland,  France 
and  Ireland  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  God, 
1666.     [1667  New  Style.] 

RICHARD  NICOLL.     [seal.] 

Tliis  spring  also  witnessed  tlie  payment  of  a  debt  due  Ja- 
maica for  the  tliird  of  Seller  ISTeck,  a  receipt  for  wliicli  was 
obtained  and  deposited  with  the  town  records.  Cotemporary 
with  this,  a  partition  of  the  said  neck  was  effected  by  the  three 
towns  to  which  it  belonged,  and  on  the  3d  of  July  following, 
the  people  of  Newtown  made  an  allotment  of  their  portion  to 
such  of  their  number  as  were  interested  therein. 

Pursuant  to  a  decision  of  the  Hempstead  assembly,  passed 


76  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

Marcli  4tli,  1665,  the  town-house  had  been  surrendered  to 
Mrs.  Dought}^,  as  relict  of  the  Eev.  John  Moore,  and  the  return 
of  the  Eev.  William  Leverich  to  Huntington,  at  about  the 
same  time,  had  left  the  township  destitute  of  stated  ministerial 
services,  a  state  of  things  deeply  regretted  by  the  pious  portion 
of  the  community.  A  militia  drill  was  at  hand,  and  on  May 
29th,  1667,  the  merry  beat  of  the  drum  called  the  inhabitants 
to  muster  for  parade,  each  equipped  with  musket  or  match- 
lock, and  bandoleers  after  the  fashion  of  those  times.  These 
occasions,  in  iNewtown,  partook  somewhat  of  the  gravity  that 
marked  their  occurrence  in  Kew  England,  where  they  were 
begun  and  ended  with  public  prayer.  Thus  a  "  training  day," 
then  devoid  the  revelry  that  now  characterizes  it,  was  not  an 
unbefitting  occasion  to  discuss  rehgious  affairs.  Indeed  this 
preparation  for  their  temporal  security  seemed  to  call  to  mind 
their  souls'  danger,  while  destitute  of  a  spiritual  leader.  The 
subject  was  introduced,  and  resulted  in  the  passage  of  a  reso- 
lution to  have  a  minister  if  they  could  procure  one.  But  in 
the  infancy  of  our  country,  preachers  of  the  gospel  were  scarce, 
and  not  easily  obtained,  and  whatever  means  were  taken  in 
the  above  instance,  to  carry  out  the  wish  of  the  people,  failed, 
and  they  were  left  for  about  two  years  dependent  upon  such 
wholesome  instruction  as  the  pious  fathers  of  the  village  were 
enabled  to  impart  as  they  assembled  in  social  meeting  for 
praise  and  prayer.  And  when  we  consider  that  their  piety 
had  its  birth  in  an  age  of  trial,  and  was  nurtured  in  the  lap  of 
persecution,  it  is  not  marvellous  that  in  this  wilderness  home, 
even  under  adverse  circumstances,  the  flame  of  Christian  de- 
votion should  continue  to  animate  them,  and  exhibit  itself  in 
their  eflbrts  to  secure  the  means  of  grace  for  themselves  and 
offspring.  May  their  descendants  prize  their  religious  privi- 
leges not  the  less. 

Having  alluded  to  one  of  their  martial  exercises,  it  may  be 
well  in  this  connection  to  take  a  glance  at  their  military  system. 
The  inhabitants  were  organized  into  a  single  company,  under 
a  captain,  lieutenant  and  ensign,  which  officers  were  elected 
by  the  company  and  commissioned  by  the  governor.  They 
were  required  to  be  "persons  of  best  quality,  such  as  are  most 
complaisant  to  their  men,  of  great  courage  to  all  virtuous 
actions,  and  only  fearful  of  infamy." 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  77 

All  male  persons  above  the  age  of  sixteen,  except  certain 
judicial  and  professional  characters,  including  the  minister, 
constable,  and  schoolmaster,  were  required  to  do  military  duty 
four  days  in  the  year  at  the  company  drill,  and  once  at  the 
general  training  of  the  riding.  Each  was  required  to  provide 
himself  with  "  a  good  serviceable  gunn,  allowed  sufficient  by 
his  military  officer,  to  be  kept  in  constant  readiness  for  present 
service,  with  a  good  sword,  bandoleers,  or  home,  a  worme,  a 
scowerer,  a  priming  wire,  shot  bag,  and  charger ;  one  pound  of 
good  powder,  four  pounds  of  pistol  bullets,  or  twenty-four 
bullets  fitted  to  the  gunn,  four  fathom  of  serviceable  match 
for  match-lock  gunn,  or  four  good  flints  fitted  for  a  fire-lock 
gunn."  At  their  trainings  they  were  "  instructed  in  the  comely 
handling  and  ready  use  of  their  armes,  in  all  postures  of  warre, 
to  understand  and  attend  all  words  of  command."  In  addition 
to  this  was  the  service  of  "  watching  and  warding,  when  they 
are  thereunto  required  and  warned  by  their  officers,"  this  spe- 
cies of  service  being  called  for  by  the  peculiar  dangers  and 
alarms  to  which,  as  the  inhabitants  of  a  new  country,  they 
were  exposed. 

Such,  briefly,  was  the  military  service  in  Newtown  at 
that  early  day,  as  enjoined  by  the  laws  of  the  province,  for 
default  of  which  fines  were  levied  by  the  civil  officers  of  the 
town,  and  applied  to  furnishing  the  company  with  halberds, 
or  battle-axes,  drums,  and  colors.  Disorderly  conduct  upon 
parade,  or  upon  watch  or  ward,  was  punishable  by  the  com- 
missioned officers  of  the  company,  by  "  stocks,  riding  wooden 
horse,  or  other  military  ]3U.nishments ;"  or  they  could  turn  the 
offender  over  to  the  civil  authority.  On  one  occasion,  a  com- 
plaint being  made  by  Thomas  Eoberts  against  Henry  Jansen 
for  breaking  a  drum,  the  town  court  pronounced  this  curious 
verdict:  "The  judgment  of  the  court  is  that  the  defendant 
shall  procure  another  drum  rim  as  good  as  that  was  before  it 
was  broken ;  and  for  his  contempt  for  not  appearing,  that  he 
pay  all  costs  of  court,  and  six  shillings  to  Lieut.  Moore  and 
Thomas  Eoberts,  ybr_/ia:m^  another  drumy 

During  the  present  and  the  succeeding  year,  the  settlers 
seem  to  have  given  increased  attention  to  the  cultivation  and 
improvement  of  their  lands.  This  summer  eleven  landholders, 
oil  the  north  side  of  the  village,  enclosed  their  premises  in  a 

6 


78  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWI?. 

single  field,  in  wliicli  tliey  raised  their  usual  crops.  By  tliis 
neighborly  arrangement  they  secured  great  economy  of  labor 
in  the  construction  of  fences ;  but  as  much  depended  upon  the 
faithfulness  with  which  each  performed  his  part  of  the  work, 
a  formal  agreement  was  first  made,  signed  and  recorded,  by 
which  each  person  was  required  to  set  up  and  maintain  his 
share  of  the  fence,  under  a  penalty  for  neglect.  Their  agree- 
ment is  dated  Jan.  4,  1666-7,  and  undersigned  by  John  Bur- 
roughes,  Francis  Doughty,  Ealph  Hunt,  John  Lauronson, 
James  Lauronson,  John  Stevenson,  Daniel  Bloomfield,  Eichard 
Osborn,  John  Keeder,  Jonathan  Hazard,  and  John  Moore.* 

The  main  articles  of  produce  to  which  the  farmers  of  New- 
town gave  their  attention  at  this  period,  were  wheat,  peas,  rye, 
Indian  corn,  and  tobacco,  the  last  being  a  staple  commodity. 
Attention  had  also  been  given  to  the  culture  of  fruit  trees,  and 
luxuriant  orchards  of  apples,  pears,  and  peaches,  began  to 
repay  the  toil  of  the  husbandman,  and  to  yield  quite  as  abun- 
dantly as  the  orchards  of  Europe,  whence  these  productions 
had  been  imported  by  the  settlers.^ 

Plans  being  laid,  the  succeeding  winter,  by  some  of  the 
inhabitants,  for  the  occupation  of  more  land,  the  town  thought 
it  expedient  to  resolve,  in  public  meeting,  Jan.  31st,  1668,  "  that 
whosoever  shall  now  or  hereafter  take  up  land  shall  not  build 
anywhere  but  on  their  homelots,  without  the  town's  consent." 
This  measure  was  evidently  designed  to  prevent  the  settlement 

'  On  Dec.  10th,  1667,  tlie  town  court  authorized  Richard  Owen  to  impound 
the  cattle,  &c.  that  should  be  found  in  the  common  field,  and  to  receive  for 
his  services  12  pence  each  for  horses,  6  pence  a  head  for  neat  cattle,  and  for 
swine  4  pence  a  piece.  The  following  is  an  imperfect  list  of  pound-keepers 
in  Newtown  village  from  that  date  up  to  the  Revolution  : — Henry  Sawtell, 
appointed  July  6th,  1669;  Gershom  Hazard,  May  5th,  1699;  Benjamin  Se- 
verens,  Feb.  4th,  1711,  whose  widow  kept  it  after  his  death;  Capt.  Samuel 
Fish,  Jr.  April  6th,  1742  till  1757;  James  Wood,  April  5th,  1757;  Samuel 
Fish,  Jr.  April  4th,  1758,  till  1767;  Abraham  Rapelye,  3d,  April  5th,  1768; 

Abraham  Riker,  Jr.  April  4tli,  1769;  Samuel  Morrell,  April  3d,  1770;  

Bloodgood,  April  2d,  1771;  Samuel  Wainwright,  April  7th,  1772  till  1782; 
Elizabeth  Wainwright,  April  1st,  1783. 

'  The  far-famed  Newtown  Pippin,  which, "  when  perfectly  matured,  is  con- 
sidered by  some  the  finest  apple  in  our  country,"  was  first  cultivated  in  an 
orciiard  near  Newtown  village  by  one  of  the  Moore  family.  Last  winter 
they  sold  in  England  at  5  cents  each,  or  $20  a  barrel,  wholesale. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 


79 


from  becoming  scattered,  that  tHe  inliabitants  miglit  be  in  a 
situation  for  united  actioii  ^ "  any  case  of  emergency ;  and  it 
was  probably  suggested  by  an  alarming  fire  that  occurred 
about  this  time  on  the  premises  of  Ralph  Hunt,  the  constable, 
by  which  his  dwelling,  barn^  out-houst-s,  and  all  his  effects  were 
consumed,  together  with  a  quantity  of  coiv^''ta'J;.  had  been  col 
lected  of  the  inhabitants  as  public  rates.  ^  .T]ie  discharge  of  a 
gun  was  understood  to  be  the  signal  of  alai-m  when  danger 
was  near,  and  a  fine  of  ten  shillings  was  declarev""  against  any 
one  who  should  shoot  off  a  gun  after  sunset,  excepi":  for  the 
above  object.  The  frequent  taking  up  of  land,  rendered  it 
necessary  to  appoint  permanent  surveyors,  and  at  the  before- 
named  meeting,  on  January  1st,  Ralph  Hunt,  Daniel  White- 
head and  John  Burroughes  were  chosen  to  this  office,  and  their 
fees  were  established  at  two  pence  an  acre.  The  spring  brought 
with  it  employment  for  these  gentlemen.  On  the  23d  of 
April  a  highway  was  laid  out,  running  "  about  north-west  and 
south-east,"  through  Hempstead  Swamp,  and  apportionments 
of  woodland  on  either  side  of  the  way  were  made  to  Thomas 
Morrell,  Gershom  Moore,  Henry  Sawtell,  Richard  Fidoe,  Tho- 
mas Pettit,  Nathaniel  Pettit,  each  ten  acres,  and  to  Jonathan 
Strickland  six  acres.  Thus  are  we  introduced  to  several  of 
the  earliest  landholders  in  this  section  of  the  township,  then  a 
dense  wilderness,  but  now  including  some  of  the  best  farms 
within  the  limits  of  the  town. 

Amid  their  honest  toil  the  husbandmen  of  Newtown  were 
not  exempt  from  the  common  discouragements  and  afflictions 
incident  to  our  nature.  This  fall  the  families  about  the  Eng- 
lish Kills  were  visited  by  a  distressing  sickness,  which  is 
supposed  to  have  been  fever  and  ague.  A  pond  of  stagnant 
water  was  suspected  as  a  principal  cause,  and  the  attention 
of  the  town  court  being  directed  to  it,  the  following  order 
was  issued  on  October  2d : — "  Whereas  there  hath  been  com- 
plaint made  to  this  court  against  John  Scudder,  Sen.  by  several 
of  the  inhabitants,  for  making  a  dam,  which  hath,  and  still 
doth  stop  the  passage  of  the  water,  at  or  near  to  Fowler's  Bridge 
or  run,  which  is  a  great  annoyance,  and  it  is  conceived  a  great 
cause  of  so  much  sickness  among  them ;  the  court  doth  there- 
fore order  that  the  said  John  Scudder  shall  forthwith  cut  the 
said  dam,   whereby  the  said  water  may  have  free  passage 


80  A  N  N  A  L  S       O  F       N  E  W  T  OWN. 

through  it ;  under  the  penalty  of  five  pounds  sterling."  _This 
pond  long  retained  the  name  of  ^  ^adder's  Pond,  and  obtained 
notoriety  in  connection  with  the  boundary  quarrel  between 
Newtown  and  Bush  wick.  It  eventually  went  in  possession  of 
the  Schenks,  who  owned  a  grist-mill  there,  only  the  ruins  of 

which  now  raTiliK   ; 

As  the  season  Ivad  again  arrived  for  activity  in  the  woods, 
to  ply  the  rinffjvig  axe,  cut  fuel,  make  clearings,  erect  fences, 
and  prepare  f  r  the  approaching  seed-time,  the  inhabitants  were 
led  to  adopt,  during  the  winter  of  1668-9,  several  measures 
for  the  encouragement  of  labor.  It  was  resolved  that  any  in- 
habitant might  take  up  and  cultivate  any  of  the  common  land 
in  the  woods  for  five  years,  provided  he  would  then  sow  it 
with  hay-seed,  and  throw  it  in  common  again.  Liberty  was 
given  the  inhabitants  to  fell  timber  for  their  use  in  any  of  the 
unfenced  lands ;  but  to  prevent  an  abuse  of  this  j)rivilege  they 
Avere  prohibited  from  carting  such  wood  or  timber  to  the  water 
side,  "for  strangers  of  another  town,"  under  a  penalty  of  ten 
shillings  per  load.  To  ofier  an  inducement  for  some  j^ersons 
to  undertake  the  clearing  of  Juniper  Swamp,  it  was  agreed 
that  any  inhabitant  might  take  and  clear  land  there  to  the  ex- 
tent of  thirty  rods  wide  through  the  breadth  of  the  swamp, 
and  it  should  be  his  own.  It  was  moreover  resolved  that  all 
the  common  meadow  belonging  to  the  town  should  be  equallv 
laid  out  to  the  several  purchasers,  reserving,  however,  forty 
acres  of  Trains  Meadow  "  for  poor  men  which  have  no  mea- 
dow." The  liberty  of  cutting  timber  or  fuel  on  the  common 
land,  to  sell,  was  afterwards  confined  to  such  only  as  should 
plant  "two  acres  of  corn."  And  in  1676,  it  was  found  necessary 
for  the  preservation  of  the  timber,  to  enact  that  none  of  it 
except  firewood  should  be  transported  out  of  the  town. 

Although  agriculture  was  at  this  period  the  leading  em- 
ployment of  the  inhabitants,  yet  they  in  most  instances  united 
Avith  it  some  useful  mechanical  branch.  That  was  an  age  when 
necessity  largely  developed  social  and  domestic  resources; 
when  the  well-regulated  farm  contained  within  its  OAvn  bounds 
the  elements  of  a  comfortable  subsistence,  and  every  neighbor- 
hood formed  an  independent  community.  But  yet  due  encour- 
agement Avas  given  to  honest  craftsmen  to  settle  among  them. 
Such  Avere  gratuitously  supplied  Avith  land  for  cultivation,  and 


A  N  X  A  L  S       OF       N  E  W  T  O  W  N , 


81 


received  the  usual  privileges  of  citizens,  though  there  was  not 
unfrequently  annexed  this  or  a  similar  provision :  "  that  he  do 
work  for  the  town's  people  as  cheap  as  we  can  have  it  of  other 
workmen." '  The  benefit  of  attracting  into  their  society  skill- 
ful mechanics  and  men  of  useful  professions,  seems  to  have 
been  duly  appreciated,  and  such  persons  were  preferred  to  any 
other.  Hence,  in  1674,  when  it  was  found  expedient  to  with- 
hold the  giving  of  any  more  land  to  strangers  "till  all  the 
inhabitants  have  their  proportions,"  this  saving  clause  was 
made  in  their  vote,  "  except  it  be  to  some  useful  tradesmen." 

Newtown  was  still  destitute  of  a  minister.  During  the 
summer  of  1668  effort  had  been  made  to  obtain  some  "  able 
orthodox  dominie  "  from  New  England,  and  the  people  declared 
themselves  willing  to  provide  "a  comfortable  maintenance, 
with  other  conveniencies."  But  this  proving  ineffectual,  atten- 
tion was  again  directed  to  the  Eev.  William  Leverich,  and  it 
was  resolved,  on  Dec.  2d,  of  the  last  named  year,  to  invite  him 
to  become  their  pastor,  in  case  he  was  not  under  other  engage- 
ments. At  the  desire  of  the  town,  several  of  the  leading  citi- 
zens, in  conjunction  with  the  constable  and  overseers,  drew  up 
and  submitted  proposals  to  Mr.  Leverich,  which  he  accepted. 
Preparatory  to  his  removal  to  Newtown  he  purchased  the 
residence  of  Jonathan  Hazard,  near  that  village,  April  13th, 
1669.  Several  days  after  he  disposed  of  his  estate  in  Hunt- 
ington, and  soon  entered  upon  his  new  charge,  in  connection 
with  which  he  was  destined  to  end  his  ministerial  labors. 

This  year  was  marked  by  a  revival  of  the  dispute  between 
Newtown  and  Bushwick,  respecting  the  meadows  at  Mespat 
Kills.  The  latter  town,  not  content  with  the  decision  passed 
at  Hempstead,  had  obtained  a  patent  from  Gov.  NicoU,  Oct. 
25th,  1667,  covering  a  large  part  of  the  meadows  in  contro- 
versy, together  with  some  twelve  hundred  acres  of  upland 
within  the  Newtown  patent.  Newtown  then  resumed  its  origi- 
nal claim ;  measures  were  taken  to  allot  all  the  unappropriated 
meadow  land  in  the  township,  and  on  March  11th,  1668,  all 
the  public  interest  in  Smith's  Island,  derived  "either  by  pur- 

'  These  were  the  terms  accompanying  a  gift  of  land  in  1679,  to  Francis 
Combs,  a  cooper.  He  died  in  1700,  and  his  two  sons,  Francis  and  Thomas, 
afterwards  removed  to  Hopewell,  N.  Jersey.  His  daughter  Elizabeth  mar- 
ried Robert  Blackwell,  au  uncle  of  Col.  Jacob  Blackwell,  of  the  Revolution, 


82  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

cliase  or  patent,"  was  given  unto  James  Way  and  John  Hart. 
These  proceedings  stirred  up  the  ire  of  Bushwick,  and  at  the 
opening  of  the  court  of  sessions,  at  Gravesend,  March  17th, 
1669,  the  inhabitants  entered  a  complaint,  and  petitioned  for  a 
settlement  of  their  title.  But  that  body  declined  to  act,  upon 
the  gTOund  that  one  of  its  members,  Capt.  Betts,  was  interested, 
and  referred  it  to  the  governor,  should  the  parties,  whom 
the  court  earnestly  advised  to  conclude  among  themselves  a 
friendly  agreement,  fail  of  affecting  that  object. 

Meanwhile,  to  relieve  the  uncertainty  of  the  dwellers  on 
the  disputed  lands,  who  knew  not  in  which  township  to  regard 
themselves,  the  governor,  in  May,  directed  that  Hendrick 
Smith,  and  others,  residing  there,  should  "  attend  the  general 
training,  and  other  military  duties,"  in  Bushwick,  because  "the 
military  company  of  Newtown  will  be  of  a  competent  number 
without  them,  and  those  of  Bushwick  being  far  inferior  in 
number." 

No  agi'eemcnt  taking  place,  the  parties,  pursuant  to  an 
order  from  the  governor,  presented  their  cause  for  trial  before 
the  council  of  the  province,  on  the  28th  of  June,  when  Capt. 
Richard  Betts,  Capt.  Thomas  Lawrence  and  John  Burroughes, 
appeared  on  behalf  of  Newtown.  The  counsel  employed  by 
Bushwick  founded  their  claim  on  the  order  issued  by  Governor 
Stuyvesant,  directing  that  Bushwick  have  the  meadows  "if 
not  formally  granted  to  others,"  and  on  the  decision  given  in 
their  favor  at  Hempstead.  In  defence,  Newtown  plead  their 
Indian  purchase,  and  its  confirmation  by  Gov.  Nicoll,  to  Avhich 
were  added  the  depositions  of  Eobert  Jackson  and  Richard 
Gildersleeve,  Jr.  that  the  meadow  in  dispute  "was  laid  out  a 
long  while  since  for  Newtown,  before  Bushwick  was  a  town." 
Robert  Coe,  and  Richard  Gildersleeve,  Sen.  former  magistrates 
of  Newtown,  also  testified  that  they  laid  out  the  said  meadow 
for  Newtown,  by  virtue  of  an  order  received  from  Gov.  Stuy- 
vesant. The  evidence  strongly  favored  the  claim  of  Newtown, 
but  the  council,  apparently  unable  to  determine  the  question, 
referred  it  to  the  court  of  assize. 

In  preparation  for  the  further  prosecution  of  this  affair, 
Capt.  James  Hubbard,  of  Gravesend,  was  emploj'ed  to  make  a 
survey  of  the  disputed  bounds,  the  draft  of  which  is  still  pre- 
served,  and  purports  to  be  a  "description  of  Mispath  Kills, 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  83 

soe  farre  as  to  point  out  y°  setuation  of  y''  place,  for  som  ffar- 
ther  information  of  two  houses  formerly  inhabited,  y"  one  by 
Hance  y^  Boore  w*^^  were  Hance  Hansonn,  j^  other  called 
y*^  Poles  house."  The  latter  stood  on  or  near  the  spot  now 
occupied  by  the  dwelling  of  Underhill  Covert,  and  is  presumed 
to  have  been  the  "ancient  Dutch  house"  mentioned  in  the 
Hempstead  decision. 

The  subject  came  up  for  trial  at  the  assizes,  the  supreme 
court  of  the  colony,  on  Nov.  4th.  Bushwick,  the  plaintiff, 
based  her  claim,  as  before,  upon  Stuy  vesant's  order,  and  the 
decision  at  Hempstead.  In  behalf  of  the  defence,  Mr.  Eobert 
Coe,  the  high  sheriff,  deposed  that  the  meadow  was  laid  out  for 
Newtown,  and  that  they  paid  rates  for  it  with  their  other  land ; 
and  Kichard  Gildersleeve,  Sen.  testified  that  he,  with  Mr.  Coe, 
aforesaid,  had  an  order  from  Gov.  Stuyvesant,  to  lay  out  the 
meadow  in  dispute  for  Newtown,  and  that  his  son  paid  part  of 
the  purchase  thereof  from  the  Indians.  After  a  full  hearing 
of  the  parties,  the  right  of  Newtown  being  plead  by  their  own 
townsman,  John  Holden,  the  case  was  submitted  to  a  jury  of 
twelve,  who  gave  in  their  decision  in  favor  of  the  plaintiffs, 
the  defendants  to  sustain  the  costs  of  suit ;  and  the  court  con- 
firmed the  verdict. 

While  these  things  were  pending,  the  English  towns  were 
awaking  to  a  sense  of  the  great  injustice  which  they  were  suf- 
fering, in  being  debarred  the  privileges  of  a  representative 
government.  In  September,  1669,  a  convention  was  held  at 
Jamaica,  at  which  Lieut.  John  Ketcham  attended  on  behalf  of 
Newtown.  The  result  was  the  presentation  of  petitions  by  the 
several  English  towns  to  the  court  of  assize,  the  burden  of 
which  was  their  exclusion  from  a  share  in  public  legislation  in 
the  persons  of  their  rciDresentatives.  But  nothing  satisfactory 
resulted  from  this  effort,  though  a  few  trifling  concessions  were 
made,  which  had  the  effect  of  soothing  the  public  mind  for  the 
time  being. 

At  this  period,  the  ill  condition  as  well  as  the  limited 
number  of  the  public  roads  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Dutch  and 
English  Kills,  subjected  the  farmers  to  serious  inconvenience. 
In  pursuance  of  their  petition,  the  town  court,  on  March  8th, 
1670,  appointed  Mr.  Burger,  Mr.  Wandell,  John  Parcell,  and 
Capt.  Lawrence,  to  superintend  the  laying  out  of  convenient 


84  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

highways  at  the  several  kills,  to  be  cleared  by  the  last  of  this 
instant,  March.  They  were  moreover  directed  to  observe  that 
all  fences  be  kept  in  good  repair,  and  "  to  take  care  of  all  ways 
and  fences  to  the  poor's  bowery,  and  Peter  Cornelius  his  mill."  * 
The  court  of  sessions,  which  met  in  June  following,  directed 
the  immediate  execution  of  this  order,  and  a  report  to  ,be 
rendered. 

At  this  time  there  was  "  a  ferriage  at  Mespat  Kills,  for  the 
accommodation  of  strangers."  It  was  kept  by  Humphrey 
Clay,  of  Bushwick.  The  creek  was  crossed  above  by  a  bridge 
on  the  old  highway  leading  from  Brooklyn  to  Newtown,  and 
both  the  road  and  the  bridge  being  sadly  out  of  repair,  causing 
not  only  inconvenience,  but  danger  to  life  and  limb,  the  sub- 
ject engaged  the  attention  of  the  same  court  of  sessions,  who 
issued  the  following  order : 

"  Upon  complaint  of  Ealph  "Warner  and  divers  others, 
concerning  the  insufficiency  of  a  certain  bridge  by  the  Cripple- 
bush  in  the  usual  road  betwixt  Newtown  and  the  Ferry, 
whereby  great  misfortunes  have  happened  to  several  passen- 
gers, the  court  have  thought  fit  and  ordered  that  the  constables 
and  overseers  of  the  several  towns  of  Newtown,  Brooklyn, 
and  Bushwick,  do  appoint  two  persons  out  of  each  of  their 
towns  to  view  the  said  bridge ;  and  the  town  within  whose 
bounds  it  shall  be  found  to  be,  is  forthwith  to  cause  it  to  be 
repaired  fit  for  travellers  to  go  over  without  further  danger ; 
and  it  is  likewise  ordered  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  respective 
towns  aforementioned,  do  cause  the  roadway  betwixt  Newtown 
and  Brooklyn  to  be  cleared ;  their  several  new  fences  having 
blocked  up  the  usual  old  way,  which  causes  many  inhabitants, 
as  well  as  strangers,  to  lose  themselves  in  the  woods." 

While  attention  was  thus  directed  to  the  temporal  comfort 
and  prosperity  of  the  people,  their  moral  and  religious  im- 
provement was  hindered,  the  town  being  destitute  of  a  suitable 
house  for  public  worship.     The  Eev.  Mr.  Leverich  was  strait- 

'  This  mill  stood  on  the  site  of  that  now  of  Mr.  Jackson,  and  had  been 
recently  erected  by  the  ancestor  of  the  Luyster  family,  Pieter  Cornelissen 
Luyster,  who  bought  the  ground  upon  which  it  stood,  from  the  deacons  of 
the  Dutch  church,  at  New-York,  and  obtained  the  governor's  confirmation 
July  16th,  1668.  He  however  sold  the  premises  "by  publique  outcrye,"  in 
New- York  city,  June  11th,  1670,  to  Capt.  Thomas  Delavall. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 


85 


ened  in  his  labors,  and  seems  to  have  meditated  a  removal, 
for  the  people  having  met  on  Dec.  13th,  to  consider  the  state 
of  their  religious  affairs,  "  voted  that  Mr.  William  Leverich 
shall  continue  at  this  town  to  preach  the  word  and  be  our 
minister,"  and  also  appointed  persons,  with  the  constable  and 
overseers,  to  "  agree  with  Mr.  Leverich  for  his  maintenance." 
They  further  resolved,  "that  a  rate  of  forty  pounds  shall  be 
made,  for  the  building  a  meeting-house,  the  one-half  to  be  paid 
in  corn,  the  other  half  in  cattle."  Arrangements  were  forth- 
with entered  into  for  the  erection  of  the  first  church  edifice 
that  graced  the  village  of  Newtown,  which  enterprize  was 
among  the  chief  concerns  of  1671.  It  was  built  upon  ''  a  small 
gore  of  land,"  appropriated  for  the  purpose,  by  Ralph  Hunt,'  a 
respectable  resident  of  the  town ;  and  this  church  remained 
for  about  forty  years,  the  site  being  now  occupied  by  the 
large  house  at  the  south  corner  of  the  main  street  and  the  Ja- 
maica road,  formerly  known  as  the  "  Corner  House,"  and  re- 
cently owned  by  Peter  Duryea. 

'  Ralph  Hunt  was  a  useful  citizen,  as  the  records  abundantly  prove.  He 
served  long  as  a  town  surveyor,  and  as  an  overseer ;  and  during  the  reOccu- 
pation  by  the  Dutch,  held  the  office  of  schepen,  or  magistrate.  He  died  early 
in  1677,  leaving  sons  Ralph,  Edward,  John,  and  Samuel,  and  daughters  Ann 
and  Mary — the  former  then  the  wife  of  Theophilus  Phillips.  Of  the  sons, 
Ralph  and  Samuel  settled  in  Jamaica.  John  was  a  magistrate  in  Newtowrt 
for  some  years,  and  left  a  son  Ralph,  and  perhaps  others.  Edward  became  a 
man  of  estate,  and  died  in  Newtown  in  1716,  having  five  sons,  and  as  many 
daughters — to  wit:  Edward,  born  February  4th,  1684;  Richard,  Ralph,  Tho- 
mas, Jonathan,  Sarah,  Martha,  Elizabeth,  Hannah,  and  Abigail.  The  two 
sons  last  named  continued  in  Newtown,  but  Edward  and  Richard  settled  in 
Hunterdon  county.  New  Jersey.  Of  some  one  branch  of  this  family,  early 
transferred  from  Long  Island  to  New  Jersey,  was  Oliver  Hunt,  the  grand* 
father  of  Col.  George  W.  Hunt,  of  White  Pot. 


CHAPTER     V. 

JJe^vtown  requests  Gov.  Lovelace  to  ordain  arbiters  between  them  and  Cushwiclt.—- 
Referred  to  the  Sessions. — It  affects  nothing. — Tlie  governor  appoints  arbitra- 
tors.— They  render  a  decision  which  is  confirmed. — The  boundary. — Newtown 
demands  pay  for  their  land  as  the  terms  of  compliance^ — War  between  England 
and  Holland. — New-York  recaptured  by  the  Dutch. — Newtown  makes  obei- 
sance to  the  States  General. — Magistrates  chose^i. — Inhabitan'ts  reluctantly 
swear  allegiance. — The  return  of  peace  ends  the  Dutch  rule. — English  govern- 
ment restored. — Andross'  proclamation  sent  to  Newtown. — Mr.  Burroughes,  the 
town  clerk,  replies  to  it. — His  letter  gives  offence. — The  governor  institutes  an 
inquiry  about  it. — A  town  meeting. — 'Burroughes  writes  another  letter. — ^^Court 
■of  Sessions  report  on  the  affair. — Burroughes  arraigned  -before  the  Council. — A 
harsh  sentence  iutiicted  upon  him. — Appearance  of  a  new  stct  of  Quakers  at 
the  English  Kills. — Their  irregularities. — A  complaint  against  them,  and  verdict. 
— Thomas  Case  and  two  others  brought  before  the  Sessions. — Discharged  under 
bonds  to  appear  at  the  Assizes. — Mrs.  Case  interrupts  the  congregation  at  New- 
town while  engaged  in  worship. — The  Quakers  tried  at -the  Assizes. — Another 
excitement. — Fear  of  hostilities  from  the  Indians. — The  church  enclosed  with 
palisades,  and  other  precautions  taken. — The  cause  of  apprehension  ceases. — 
A  public  Packer  chosen. — Thomas  Case  goes  down  the  Island  preaching. — Is 
arrested,  and  impri^oned  in  New-York. — Death  of  Rev.  Mr.  Leverich.  Steps 
taken  to  build  a  parsonage  house,  and  to  procure  a  minister. — Trains  M-eadow 
and  others  divided. — Land  appropriated  for  a  parsonage  farm. — Rev.  Morgan 
Jones  engaged  to  preach. — Finds  difficulty  in  collecting  his  salary. — He  re- 
moves to  Staten  island. — A  chaisge  m  iShe  mode  of  sustaining  the  mir.istry. — 
Sundry  occurrences.^A  census  taken.  1671  to  1683. 

The  boundary  question  was  still  in  agitation  between  Busli- 
"wick  and  Newtown,  and  the  latter  town,  anxious  to  have  their 
limits  permanently  fixed,  presented  a  request  to  the  governor 
'cind  council  to  appoint  some  indifferent  persons  to  view  and 
ilay  out  the  bounds  between  them  and  their  neighbors  of  Bush- 
wick.  The  council  referred  the  case  to  the  court  of  sessions, 
before  which  the  parties  in  dispute  had  a  hearing  in  Bee.  1671. 
It  resulted  in  the  appointment  of  Capt.  James  Hubbard,  Mr. 
Hichard  Cornell,  Capt.  Elbert  Elbertsz  Stoothoff,^  and  Capt. 

'  Capt.  Elbert  Elbertsz  Stoothoff  emigrated  in  1637  from  Nieukerken, 
settled  at  Flatlands,  a»d  there  lived  till  the  beginning  of  the  next  century. 
He  was  long  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  held  other  honorable  offices.  He 
was  twice  married,  Jirsl,  in  1645,  to  Aeltie  Cornells,  widow  of  Gerrit  Wol- 
tTertse  Van  Couwenhoven;  and  secondly,  in  1683,  to  Sara  Roelofse.  He  was 
the  common  nneestor  of  all  tkose  aiixMig  us  now  bearing  the  name  of 
S^.oothoff, 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  ST 

Jacques  Cortelyou,  to  visit  and  review  tlie  lands  in  dispute 
and  "endeavour  a  composure  betwixt  them."  It  was  now 
iioped  that  parties  would  agree,  but  the  summer  of  1672  found 
them  still  at  variance.  They  were  willing  to  make  some  con- 
cession, and  again  the  inhabitants  laid  several  applications 
before  the  governor,  who  thereupon  issued  his  commission, 
June  26th,  to  the  gentlemen  nominated  by  the  court  of  ses- 
sions, and  with  them  Thomas  Delavall,  Esq.,  and  Mr.  Matthias 
Nicoll,  two  members  of  the  council,  to  take  a  careful  observa- 
tion of  the  premises,  advise  with  the  respective  parties,  and  do 
their  "utmost  to  effect  a  conciliation.  Those  gentlemen  (Elias 
Doughty,  Esq.  of  Flushing,  acting  instead  of  Mr.  Cornell,) 
immediately  entered  on  their  commission.  Authorized  depu- 
tations from  the  respective  towns  met  them  on  the  premises, 
and  at  length  an  agreement  was  effected.  Bushwick  conceded 
Smith's  Island,  and  Newtown  yielded  the  large  tract  of  upland 
to  the  southward,  mentioned  in  Bushwick  patent.  The  com- 
missioners reported  this  gratifying  result  to  Gov.  Lovelace  on 
the  28th  of  June,  and  his  excellency  was  pleased  to  confirm 
the  proceeding,  as  follows : — "  All  the  valley  or  meadow  ground 
on  the  westernmost  side  of  the  creek  of  Mcspat  Kills,  shall  be 
and  belong  to  the  inhabitants  of  Boswyck,  that  is  to  say,  from 
the  mouth  of  the  said  creek  to  run  throvigh  and  part  the  mea- 
dow ground  or  valley  about  the  middle,  so  to  go  on  in  the 
western  branch  of  the  said  creek,  to  a  certain  pond  into  which 
the  creek  runs,  called  Scudder's  Pond,  near  whereunto  the 
fence  of  Ilendrick  Barent  Smith  now  stands,  and  that  Smith's 
Island,  commonly  so  called,  and  all  the  valley  or  meadow 
ground  on  the  east  side  of  the  creek  adjoining  or  contiguous 
to  the  said  island,  shall  be  and  remain  to  the  inhabitants  of 
Mespat  Kills  or  Newtown,  although  expressly  mentioned  in 
the  patent  of  Boswyck,  for  that  it  seems  more  properly  to  be 
within  the  limits  of  Newtown  ;  in  consideration  whereof,  and 
in  lieu  of  six  hundred  rod,  mentioned  in  their  patent,  to  run 
into  the  woods  upon  a  south-east  and  by  south  line,  as  also  for 
an  enlargement  of  their  bounds  as  to  the  upland,  of  which 
they  have  occasion,  the  inhabitants  of  Boswyck  shall  have 
and  enjoy  all  the  land  whether  upland  or  other,  beginning  from 
the  fence  aforementioned,  near  Scudder's  Pond,  to  run  upon 
a  south  south-east  line  till  it  comes  to  the  hills ;  that  is  to  say, 


88 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN 


all  the  land  in  the  western  side  thereof,  including  the  planta- 
tion, both  u|3land  and  meadow  ground,  belonging  to  the  said 
Hendrick  Barent  Smith,  within  the  limits  of  their  said  town, 
or  so  much  thereof  as  shall  be  within  the  line  aforesaid,  and 
that  the  said  Hendrick  be  a  member  of  said  town," 

When  the  result  became  known  to  the  people  of  Newtown, 
no  little  dissatisfaction  was  expressed  at  the  terms  of  the  com- 
promise. A  meeting  was  held  on  the  23d  of  August,  and  a 
deputation  appointed  to  wait  upon  the  governor,  and  inform 
him  that  unless  Bushwick  should  satisfy  them  for  the  expense 
incurred  in  the  purchase  of  the  land  ceded  to  them  by  the 
committee,  they  were  unwilling  to  yield  it,  but  intended  to 
hold  possession  "  according  as  it  was  confirmed  by  Governor 
Nicoll." 

Early  in  the  succeeding  year,  1673,  the  startling  news 
was  received  that  England  and  Holland  were  again  involved 
in  a  war.  Orders  arrived  to  Gov.  Lovelace  to  put  the  pro- 
vince in  a  state  of  defence,  but  so  inefl&cient  were  the  means 
toade  use  of  to  fortify  the  city  of  New- York,  that  a  Dutch 
squadron  under  Commodores  Binckes  and  Evertsen,  returning 
from  a  predatory  visit  to  the  West  Indies,  entered  the  harbor, 
and  on  July  30th  captured  the  place  with  very  little  opposi- 
tion. Most  suddenly  and  unexpectedly  the  inhabitants  found 
themselves  under  their  old  masters.  Capt.  Anthony  Colve 
was  appointed  governor  by  the  naval  commanders,  and  imme- 
diately began  to  reinstate  the  Dutch  government.  He  issued 
his  proclamation  to  the  several  towns  to  come  and  make  their 
submission  to  the  States  General. 

Newtown  prepared  to  obey  "the  order,  and  deputed  Lieut, 
John  Ketcham  and  John  Burroughes,  who  on  the  22d  of 
August,  new  style,  presented  themselves  before  "the  lords, 
commanders,  and  the  noble  military  council,"  in  the  fort 
at  New-York,  bearing  with  them  the  English  colors,  and  a 
constable's  staff,  in  token  of  their  submission,  and  at  the  same 
time  petitioning  for  the  uninterrupted  enjoyment  of  their  priv- 
ileges. In  answer  they  were  assured  that  they  should  be 
allowed  the  same  immunities  as  were  granted  the  inhabitants 
and  subjects  of  the  Dutch  nation.  They  were  directed  to  no- 
tify their  town  of  "  Middelburg  "  to  nominate  six  persons,  from 
whom  the  honorable  court  should  select  three  for  magistrates, 


ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN.  89 

and  also  to  appoint  two  deputies  to  unite  with  others  of  "  Eust- 
dorp,  Heemstede,  Vlissingen,  and  Oyster  Bay,"  in  the  presenta- 
tion of  three  nominees  for  the  office  of  scout,  or  sheriff,  and 
three  for  that  of  secretary,  which  two  latter  officers  were  to 
have  authority  over  these  five  named  towns,  now  to  be  united 
in  one  jurisdiction  for  the  better  subserving  of  the  ends  of 
justice.  The  town  complied  with  this  order  on  August  24:th. 
The  candidates  for  the  magistracy  were  Gershom  Moore,  Eich- 
ard  Betts,  Jonathan  Hazard,  John  Ketcham,'  Ealph  Hunt,  and 
John  Burroughes,  of  whom  the  court,  on  the  31st,  confirmed 
Messrs.  Betts,  Hazard  and  Hunt,  who  were  sworn  into  office 
on  the  6th  of  September. 

In  the  meantime,  Capt.  William  Knift,  and  some  others, 
had  been  despatched  to  the  towns  and  villages  to  administer 
the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  inhabitants.  On  the  last  day  of 
Auo-ust,  they  came  to  Newtown,  which  at  that  time  numbered 
ninety-nine  adult  male  residents,  but  only  twenty -three  could 
be  found,  the  rest  being  absent.  The  former  accepted  the 
oath  with  due  formality,  while  their  names  were  written  down 
by  Capt,  Knift's  clerk.  Directions  were  left  with  the  magis- 
trates to  administer  it  to  the  rest  of  the  inhabitants,  and  forty- 
eight  more  were  sworn  on  the  13th  of  September.  Four  Qua- 
kers scrupled  to  take  the  oath,  but  promised  fealty.  These 
were  Samuel  Scudder,  John  Way,  John  Scudder,  Jun.  and 
Nathaniel  Pettit. 

Written  instructions  were  soon  after  received  from  the  new 
governor,  for  the  guidance  of  the  magistrates  in  the  future  go- 
vernment of  the  town,  though  in  some  minor  concerns  at  least 
the  people  continued  to  dispense  their  affairs  according  to  the 

'  '  Lieut.  John  Ketchara  was  the  progenitor  of  a  considerable  family,  now 
extinct  in  Newtown,  but  to  be  found  in  other  places.  He  first  appears  at 
Ipswich,  Mass.  in  1648,  but  removed  a  few  years  after  to  Huntington,  L.  I., 
which  town  he  represented  in  the  Hempstead  assembly,  in  1665.  Coming 
to  Newtown  in  1668,  he  was  the  next  year  elected  constable,  from  which 
time  he  was  much  in  public  life  and  enjoyed  a  large  share  of  popular  confi- 
dence. He  bought  the  purchase  right  of  Edward  Jessup  in  the  Newtown 
lands,  and  owned  the  farms  now  of  Geo.  I.  Rapelye  and  Benj.  Moore, 
near  Newtown  village.  He  died  in  1697.  His  sons  were  John,  who  con, 
tinued  at  Huntington;  Philip,  who  remained  in  Newtown,  and  left  issue; 
Lieut.  Samuel,  who  also  left  a  family  in  this  town;  Nathaniel,  who  removed 
to  Westchester  county;  and  Joseph,  who  settled  at  Christian;),  in  Delaware' 


ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN. 


laws  before  in  force.  In  fact  the  transient  rule  of  tlie  Dutcli 
afforded  time  to  introduce  but  few  legislative  changes.  On  the 
5th  of  May,  1674,  in  pursuance  of  an  order  from  Gov.  Colve, 
Newtown  elected  Capt.  Eichard  Betts,  a  gentleman  of  great 
popularity,  to  sit  at  Jamaica,  with  magistrates  from  the  associ- 
ated towns,  as  a  court  of  justice  for  the  trial  of  civil  or  criminal 
causes,  without  the  right  of  appeal,  except  they  exceeded  the 
sum  or  penalty  of  240  florins. 

In  the  early  part  of  this  year  a  treaty  of  peace  was  con- 
cluded between  England  and  Holland,  which  provided  that 
this  province  should  be  restored  to  the  English  in  exchange 
for  Surinam ;  and  the  new  governor,  Sir  Edmund  Andross, 
arriving  at  New- York,  October  Slst,  received  the  surrender  of 
the  place,  and  by  proclamation  restored  the  English  form  of 
government.  The  Duke's  laws  were  therein  revived  and  con- 
firmed, together  with  such  grants  and  privileges  as  had  previ- 
ously been  enjo3^ed  under  his  Royal  Highness ;  all  legal  judicial 
proceedings  during  the  late  Dutch  government  were  pronounced 
valid,  while  the  inhabitants  were  secured  in  the  possession  of 
their  lawful  estates  and  property.  An  order  was  also  issued 
on  the  4th  of  November,  reinstating  in  office  for  the  period  of 
six  months,  the  magistrates,  constables,  and  overseers  who  were 
serving  when  the  Dutch  came  into  power. 

The  people  of  Newtown,  on  receiving  a  copy  of  this  j)ro- 
clamation,  resolved  to  send  a  reply  to  his  excellenc}^  John 
Burroughes,  the  clerk,  in  performing  this  duty  on  the  16th  of 
November,  embraced  the  occasion  to  speak  of  the  grievances 
they  had  endured  by  reason  of  the  arbitrary  course  of  the 
former  English  government.  The  court  of  assize  shared  the 
censure  of  Burroughes  as  with  honest  freedom  he  expressed 
the  views  and  feelings  of  himself  and  townsmen.  But  Andross, 
who  possessed  a  most  irritable  disposition,  and  was  withal 
wholly  averse  to  such  freedom  of  speech,  took  umbrage  at  the 
plainness  of  Burroughes.  He  forthwith  issued  a  warrant  to 
Capt.  Betts,  residing  at  the  English  Kills,  which  after  inform- 
ing him  that  he  had  received  a  paper  from  the  clerk  of  New- 
town "  wherein  there  are  divers  unbeseeming  and  reflecting 
expressions,  particularly  upon  the  authority  |of  the  general 
court  of  assizes,"  proceeded  to  direct  him  "  to  make  inquiry 
and  examine  into  the  matters  of  the  said  paper,  whether  it  be 


ANNA19      or      NEWTOWN*  9\ 

the  act  of  the  said  town,  or  the  contrivance  of  some  particulay 
persons,"  and  to  make  report  to  the  next  court  of  sessions,  to 
be  held  at  Gravesend,,  on  Dec.  17th. 

Capt.  B'etts  set  about  the  investigation.  A  town-meeting 
was  called  Dec.  5th,  and  it  being  "-put  to  vote  whether  the 
town  sent  the  address  to  the  governor,-  the  town  generally 
voted  that  it  is  their  act :  that  is  to  &aj,  the  copy  of  the  paper 
which  came  from  the  governor  being  read  in  the  public  meet- 
ing, voted  that  the  town  are  willing  to  send  an  answer  to 
the  governor's  proclamation,  with  thankfulness  for  his  care 
towards  us."  Upon  the  strength  of  this  somewhat  enigmatical 
vote,  Mr,  Betts  proceeded  to  prepare  an  excuse  for  his  towns- 
men, while  Burroughes,  feeling  himself  as  fully  sustained, 
addressed  another  letter  to  Andross,  on  Dec.  8tli,  similar  in 
tone  to  the  former. 

After  the  sitting  of  the  court  of  sessions,  both  these  letters 
were  read  before  the  members  of  the  council,  Jan.  8th,  1675, 
who  thereupon  directed  that  their  author  be  summoned  before 
them,  together  with  the  constable  of  Newtown,  Jonathan  Ha- 
zard, to  whom  a  warrant  was  issued  authorizing  the  arrest  of 
Burroughes.  On  Jaa.  15th,  Hazard,  with  the  clerk  in  his 
custody,  appeared  before  the  governor  and  council.  After 
some  deliberation,  "the  constable  was  discharged,  and  the 
fault  of  the  town  passed  by  upon  the  favorable  recommenda- 
tion of  the  court  of  sessions,  at  Gravesend,  to  whom  Mr. 
Eichard  Betts,  a  member  of  that  court,  had,  in  obedience  to 
the  governor's  order,  made  report  of  the  error  of  the  town, 
and  their  acknowledgment  thereof"  But  no  plea  availed  for 
Burroughes.  After  a  consideration  of  his  case,  it  was  ordered, 
"  that  he,  the  said  John  Burroughes  be  forthwith  committed 
into  the  custody  of  the  sheriff  of  this  city,  to  remain  in  prison 
until  some  time  on  Monday  next,  then  to  be  brought  to  the 
whipping-post,  before  the  city  hall,  and  being  fastened  there- 
unto, to  stand  an  hour,  with  a  paper  on  his  breast  setting  forth 
the  cause  thereof  to  be  for  signing  seditious  letters  in  the  name  of 
the  town  of  Newtown,  against  the  government  and  court  of  assizes, 
and  that  he  be  rendered  incapable  of  bearing  any  office  or 
trust  in  the  government,  for  the  future." 

Monday,  Jan.  18th  arrived,  and  at  eleven  o'clock,  Mr.  Bur- 
roughes, then  fifty-eight  years  of  age,  was  brought  from  his 


92  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

prison  by  Sheriff  Gibbs,  pursuant  to  Gov.  Andross'  warrant, 
and  submitted  to  the  humihating  sentence  aforesaid,  exposed 
to  the  gaze  of  the  populace,  and  in  presence  of  the  common 
council  of  the  city,  who  had  been  requested  to  attend.  As 
Burroughes'  letters  have  not  been  discovered,  it  is  difficult  to 
comment  justly  upon  this  proceeding.  He  probably  handled 
the  court  of  assize  with  some  severity,  having  himself  had  a 
personal  rupture  with  that  body  some  years  before ;  but  if  he 
was  seeking  to  stir  up  sedition,  it  must  be  admitted  that  he 
took  a  very  unusual  and  honest  method  to  promulge  his  senti- 
ments and  enlist  partisans.  But  the  truth  is,  Andross  was  "an 
arbitrary  tyrant  over  the  people  committed  to  his  care,"  and 
therefore  determined  to  crush,  by  the  imposition  of  galling 
penalties,  every  attempt  on  their  part  to  make  known  their 
grievances  or  assert  their  just  rights. 

The  spring  of  this  year  was  marked  by  the  omission  of  the 
usual  election  for  constable  and  overseers,  and  the  old  ones 
continued  to  serve  till  after  the  June  sessions.  The  reason 
assigned  at  that  court  was,  as  recorded  on  the  minutes,  "noe 
new  election,  having  not  timel}^  notice."  However,  several 
regulations  were  made,  in  April,  for  the  public  convenience, 
namely,  that  swine  should  no  longer  run  in  the  streets,  and 
"that  all  the  streets  and  lanes  shall  be  fenced,  and  gates  made 
convenient  for  travellers.' 

But  the  year  1675  was  marred  by  events  even  more  pain- 
ful than  the  indignity  offered  to  their  town-clerk.  At  the 
English  Kills  there  resided  several  individuals  holding  the 
religious  opinions  of  the  Friends  or  Quakers,  and  who  had 
without  doubt  received  the  articles  of  their  faith  from  the  lips 

1  The  farmers  early  adopted  the  practice  of  setting  up  gates  on  the  public 
roads  crossing  their  land,  so  as  to  exclude  strange  cattle,  and  prevent  their 
own  from  straying.  The  privilege  to  do  this  was  usually  obtained  by  a 
town  vote.  The  first  instance  I  notice,  was  in  1664,  when  John  Ramsden 
was  permitted  "  to  hang  two  gates  in  the  highway  that  goeth  to  Stevens' 
Point  across  liis  land,  provided  that  he  doth  not  damnify  the  highway,  but 
that  all  as  have  occasion  thereof  have  free  passage  to  drive  cattle  or  cart 
without  damage."  A  like  privilege  was  granted  to  others  on  sundry  occa- 
sions, and  these  gates  were  maintained  in  most  case«;,  I  believe,  until  within 
a  few  years,  and  in  several  instances  are  still  kept  up.  It  was  accounted  a 
serious  breach  of  courtesy,  if  not  a  violation  of  the  farmers'  rights,  for  a  per- 
son to  pass  these  gates  without  closing  them  behind  him. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  93 

of  the  distinguislied  George  Fox  during  his  recent  visit  to 
Long  Island.  Among  them  was  Thomas  Case  who  assumed 
the  office  of  a  preacher,  and  at  his  house  at  the  Kills  the 
faithful  were  wo-nt  to  convene  for  worship.  He  "set  up  a 
new  sort  of  Quakerism,"  and  labored  with  great  zeal  to  pro- 
mulgate his  views,  not  unfrequently  continuing  his  meetings 
for  many  days  in  succession.  But  alas !  what  extravagancies 
will  men  entertain.  Inspired  with  a  fancied  holiness  of  his 
character  and  office,  he  "asserted  that  he  was  come  to  perfec- 
tion and  could  sin  no  more  than  Christ."  Nay  more,  he  de- 
clared himself  to  be  God,  but  afterwards  qualified  it  and  said 
he  was  of  God.  And  he  maintained  that  when  he  should 
die,  he  would  rise  again  the  third  day.  Against  the  people, 
and  often  against  particular  individuals,  he  would  denounce 
the  judgments  of  the  Lord.  On  one  occasion  he  significantly 
remarked  to  John  Woollstoncroftes,  that  he  perceived  a  great 
smell  of  brimstone.  To  which  the  latter  retorted,  "he  was 
afraid  Case  was  going  that  way."  One  of  his  adherents 
claimed  to  have  the  gift  of  languages,  and  Case,  on  certain 
occasions,  pretended  to  raise  the  dead.  Among  other  vile 
principles  they  condemned  marriage,  and  said  it  was  of  the 
devil,  perverting  that  text  of  Scripture,  "  The  children  of  the 
resurrection  neither  marry  nor  are  given  in  marriage." 

Most  strangely  were  the  meetings  at  Case's  house  con- 
ducted ;  some  singing  or  making  odd  noises,  and  either  mov- 
ing about  "in  a  dancing  quaking  manner,"  or  "lying  like 
dogs,  hogs  and  cows."  Attracted  by  Case's  preaching  and 
novelties,  both  men  and  women  were  led  to  forsake  their 
families  and  neglect  their  household  duties.  This  soon  caused 
trouble.  William  Smith  complained  to  the  town  court.  May 
16th  1674,  in  substance,  that  his  helpneet  had  become  no 
longer  such,  by  reason  of  her  constant  presence  at  these  meet- 
ings. Upon  which  the  court  ordered,  "  that  Thomas  Case  shall 
not  entertain  "William  Smith's  wife  in  his  house  unknown 
unto  her  husband,  as  he  will  answer  the  contrary."  This 
public  proceeding  gave  occasion  for  an  audible  expression  of 
secretly  cherished  prejudices.  William  Albertus  protested 
that  "the  Quakers  should  have  no  right  in  court."  However 
illiberal  such  sentiments,  it  must  be  admitted  that  the  fanati- 
cal conduct  of  Case  and  his  sect  was  calculated  to  excite  them. 

7 


94  ANNALS      OFNEW  TOWN. 

The  conduct  of  the  Quakers  was  at  length  declared  to  be 
a  disturbance  of  the  peace,  a  public  scandal.  Case  and  two 
of  his  adherents,  Samuel  Scudder  and  Samuel  Furman  were 
reported  to  the  court  of  sessions,  held  at  Gravesend,  June  15th, 
1675,  whose  action  thereon  is  thus  recorded.  "  The  court  hav- 
ing taken  into  consideration  the  miscarriages  of  Samuel  Scud- 
der and  Thomas  Case,  Quakers,  by  disturbing  and  seducing 
the  people  and  inhabitants  of  this  government,  contrary  to 
the  peace  of  our  sovereign  lord,  the  king,  do  therefore  order 
that  they  forthwith  give  security  to  the  value  of  forty 
pounds  each,  before  Mr.  Justice  Betts,  for  their  good  beha- 
viour and  appearance  at  the  assizes."  Samuel  Furman  was 
bound  over  in  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  and  charged  "to  go 
home  about  his  occasions,  and  not  to  disturb  the  people." 

The  excitement  already  produced  was  now  heightened  by 
the  improper  conduct  of  Mary,  wife  of  Thomas  Case.  En- 
tering the  church  at  Newtown  on  Sunday  afternoon,  Sept.  5th, 
she  thus  addressed  Mr.  Leverich,  who  was  in  the  pulpit : 
"  Come  down  thou  whited  wall,  thou  art  one  that  feedest 
thyself  and  starvest  the  flock."  She  was  led  out  of  the  meet- 
ing by  Samuel  Moore,  the  constable,  and  persuaded  to  be 
quiet,  but  this  interruption  of  public  worship  was  deemed 
too  serious  an  offence  to  be  passed  by,  and  Mr.  Moore  pre- 
ferred a  complaint  against  her  at  the  assizes  in  October,  at 
which  time  Case  and  Scudder  were  also  arraigned  for  trial. 
The  witnesses  against  them  were  Capt.  John  Coe,  Thomas 
Wandell,  David  Jennings,  John  Woollstoncroftos,  Jonathan 
Hazard,  James  Way  and  Thomas  Morrell,  the  two  latter 
being  "  half  Quakers."  To  the  charges  brought  against  her, 
Mrs.  Case  could  only  reply  that  she  "  went  in  obedience  to 
the  Lord,  to  declare  against  Mr.  Leverich's  doctrine."  But 
the  divine  agency  in  this  affair  being  not  so  apparent  to  the 
court,  she  was  lined  five  pounds.  Samuel  Scudder,  when 
charged  with  having  written  a  "  scandalous  letter  "  to  Mr.  Le- 
verich, acknowledged  it,  and  was  sentenced  to  pay  a  fine  of 
six  pounds  or  suffer  two  months'  imprisonment,  and  then 
to  be  of  good  behaviour  in  the  penalty  of  twenty  pounds.* 

'  Samuel  Scudder  was  the  son  of  John  Seudder,  who  was  born  in  1619, 
and  came  from  London  to  New  England  in  1635,  and  thence  to  Mespat  Kilb 
prior  to  1660-     He  died  near  the  close  of  that  century.     His  sons  were  the 


ANNALS       O  F     N  K  W  T  O  W  N  .  95 

Thomas  Case  was  fined  twenty  pounds,  and  bound  for  liis 
good  conduct  till  the  next  assizes  under  a  penalty  of  forty 
pounds,  "  and  in  case  of  his  pursuing  his  evil  practices  to  the 
disturbance  of  the  government,  or  be  found  amongst  any  con- 
course of  those  which  do  the  like  either  at-  home  or  abroad  " 
he  was  to  be  imprisoned  without  bail  or  mainprize. 

But  the  year  1675  was  not  to  pass  without  a  third  excite- 
ment among  the  inhabitants  of  Newtown.  This  was  caused 
by  the  opening  of  an  Indian  war  in  New  England  which 
awakened  painful  apprehensions  in  the  province  of  New- 
York,  lest  the  Long  Island  Indians,  influenced  by  King  Philip, 
the  shrewd  and  powerful  sachem  of  the  Wampanoags,  and 
joining  the  hostile  confederacy  which  this  chief  was  exerting 
himself  to  effect  among  the  eastern  tribes  for  the  destruction 
of  the  English  settlements,  might  carry  their  savage  warfare 
into  the  towns  and  villages  of  this  province.  Great  alarm  en- 
sued, and  prudence  demanded  the  immediate  adoption  of  de- 
fensive measures.  The  council  at  New- York  having  issued  a 
proclamation  in  which  they  endeavoured  to  allay  the  fears 
of  the  inhabitants  by  assuring  them  of  the  falsity  of  "the 
late  reports  of  Indians'  ill  intents,"  advised  each  town  on  Long 
Island  to  prepare  some  place  of  security  to  which  they  might 
flee  for  safety,  should  the  enemy  make  his  appearance. 

The  people  of  Newtown,  who  shared  largely  the  pre- 
vailing alarms,  assembled  on  October  2d.  They  selected  the 
meeting-house  as  the  most  commodious  and  defensive  posi- 
tion, and  resolved  to  surround  the  building  with  a  stockade  at 
the  distance  of  twelve  feet  from  the  wall,  and  to  erect  two 
flankers  ;  the  work  to  be  commenced  on  the  eleventh  instant 
and  to  be  completed,  "with  all  expedition,"  between  that  and 
the  sixteenth  of  the  month.     Every  man  was  to  lend  a  hand 

said  Samuel,  and  Joliii,  the  first  of  wliom  married  Phebe,  daughter  of  Ed- 
mund Titus,  of  Westbury,  L.  I.,  and  died  in  1689.  His  son  Samuel  died  an 
old  man.  Aug.  31st,  1764,  having  issue,  Samuel,  Mary,  who  married  Peter 
Renne,  Sarah,  who  died  single,  and  Deborah,  who  married  Daniel  Denton  of 
Elizabethtovvn,  N.  J.  Samuel,  last  named,  married  twice,  but  died  witiiout 
issue,  Aug.  31st,  1771.  John  Scudder,  son  of  John  1st,  married  in  1669, 
Joanna,  daughter  of  Captain  Richard  Betts,  and  died  in  1732,  aged  about  87, 
His  son  Jolin  settled  at  Elizabethtown,  N.  J.  where  he  died  in  1739,  leaving 
sons  John,  Thomas,  Richard  and  Samuel,  whose  descendants  there  are  highly 
respectable. 


96  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

till  the  work  of  defence  should  be  finished,  and  a  fine  of  four 
shillings  a  day  was  to  be  imposed  on  each  absentee. 

For  further  security  a  military  watch  was  maintained  in 
the  village,  which  the  same  month  was  ordered  by  the  gover- 
nor to  be  increased  to  a  "  double  and  strict  watch "  in  the 
several  towns,  a  report  having  reached  New-York  that  the 
neighboring  Indians  were  embodying  in  force,  and  designed 
the  next  moon  to  lay  waste  the  settlements  along  the  Connec- 
ticut shore  as  far  west  as  Greenwich.  The  court  of  assize 
prohibited  the  promiscuous  sale  of  spirituous  liquor,  powder 
and  ball  to  the  natives,  and  to  prevent  those  of  Long  Island 
from  crossing  to  the  main  and  holding  intercourse  with  the 
hostile  Indians,  it  was  further  directed  that  all  canoes  on  the 
north  shore  of  Long  Island,  east  of  Hellgate,  should  be  se- 
cured by  the  constables  of  the  several  towns  on  the  island, 
and  deposited  near  their  blockhouses.  Owing  in  some  mea- 
sure to  these  precautions,  the  waves  of  savage  warfare  did  not 
reach  the  shores  of  Long  Island.  The  brave  Philip,  the  mov- 
ing spirit  in  the  New  England  war,  and  whose  very  name  was 
a  sound  of  terror  to  the  colonists  in  this  province  as  well  as 
New  England,  was  slain,  after  a  fierce  and  lengthened  struggle 
to  avenge  the  wrongs  which  his  countrymen  had  experienced 
from  the  whites,  and  to  sweep  off  these  invaders,  who,  he  fore- 
saw, must  eventually  extend  their  ambitious  sway  over  the  en- 
tire dominions  of  the  red  men.  The  fall  of  this  celebrated 
chieftain,  and  the  dispersion  and  ruin  of  the  hostile  tribes,  ter- 
minated the  war,  restored  public  tranquillity  in  the  provinces, 
and  quiet  to  the  circles  of  Newtown,  so  late  the  scene  of 
gloomy  apprehension. 

The  events  just  recited  did  not  prevent  a  due  attention  to 
public  concerns  of  a  more  pacific  nature.  At  a  meeting  of 
the  town  court  on  March  29th,  1676,  and  in  consequence  of  a 
recent  requisition  of  the  court  of  assize,  Theophilus  Phillips 
was  chosen  to  the  ofiice  of  packer^  to  inspect  all  provisions 
put  up  in  the  township  for  exportation ;  this  being  the  first 
appointment  of  this  kind  in  the  town.  At  an  annual  town 
meeting,  which  took  place  on  the  day  succeeding  the  last  men- 
tioned date,  James  Way,  of  the  English  Kills,  a  professed 
Quaker,  was  elected  to  the  office  of  overseer.  This  affords 
evidence  that  the  staid  and  sober  portion  of  that  sect  enjoyed. 


ANNALS     OF    NEWTOWN.  97 

equally  with  otlier  men,  tlie  confidence  and  respect  of  tlie 
community.  It  was  only  tlie  wild  fanatic  wlio  distracted  so- 
ciety and  set  authority  at  defiance,  that  forfeited  that  respect. 
Of  this  class  was  the  misguided  Case,  whom  we  last  saw  ar- 
raigned before  a  legal  tribunal.  The  discipline  then  adminis- 
tered was  but  a  temporary  check  to  his  zeal.  He  still  held 
meetings  at  his  house,  to  which  those  of  his  sect  loved  to  re- 
sort. As  an  itinerant  also  he  visited  the  neighboring  towns, 
proclaiming  his  tenets  and  his  warnings  in  the  several  villages. 
But  while  he  preached  at  Matinnecock,  in  May,  1676,  he  was 
suddenly  arrested  by  the  constable  of  Oyster  Bay,  pursuant  to 
an  order  from  Gov.  Andross.  The  charges  made  against  him 
are  thus  expressed  in  the  warrant  for  his  arrest :  he  "  doth 
continue  his  extravagant,  illegal  courses,  to  the  great  scandal 
and  disturbance  of  this  colony  and  government,  and  hath  par- 
ticularly deluded  and  drawn  away  Ann,  the  wife  of  John 
Eogers,  and  Susannah,  daughter  of  Henry  Townsend;  and 
notwithstanding  the  demand  and  endeavour  of  the  husband 
and  father,  still  deludes,  deters  and  detains  them  from  return- 
ing, and  continuing  to  their  duty ;  and  publicly  from  place 
to  place,  hath  and  utters  many  unfit  gestures  and  words 
against  the  law  of  God  and  authority,  to  a  general  scandal 
and  disturbance." 

Again  the  unfortunate  Quaker  was  immured  in  a  cell,  at 
New- York,  and  even  here  he  preached  with  unabated  ardor 
to  crowds  who  came  to  visit  him.  The  court  of  assize  consi- 
dering his  case,  ordered  the  last  fine  to  be  levied  by  execution, 
and  offered  him  his  liberty  if  he  would  give  new  security  of 
the  like  sum  of  forty  pounds,  for  his  good  behaviour.  This 
he  refused  to  do,  and  was  recommitted  to  jail,  where  he  lay 
several  months  longer,  but  remained  firm  in  his  contumacy. 
At  a  special  court,  held  Jan.  12th,  1677,  the  following  order  was 
taken :  "  Whereas  Thomas  Case  doth  refuse  to  give  securitv 
for  his  good  behaviour,  according  to  the  order  of  the  last 
general  court  of  assizes  ;  it  is  ordered,  that  in  regard  thereof, 
and  the  great  concourse  of  people  resorting  to  him  in  prison, 
to  the  great  disturbance  of  many  of  the  neighborhood,  he  shall 
be  so  restrained  as  that  no  person  shall  be  admitted  to  come 
to  him  as  formerly,  only  the  ofiicers  to  supply  him  with  his 
necessary  provision  of  meat,  drink,  &c."    How  Case  was  libe- 


98  ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN. 

rated  does  not  appear,  and  I  leave  him  without  farther  com- 
ment upon  his  erratic  course,  or  the  stern  necessity  for  the 
interposition  of  the  civil  authority.  As  for  his  sect,  it  spread 
even  to  New  England,  and  into  New  Jersey,  and  was  widely 
known  as  "  Case's  Crew."  Writers  of  that  day  give  a  most 
unfavorable  account  of  them,  and  they  were  disowned  by  the 
more  consistent  Quakers,  to  whom  they  proved  a  source  of 
great  annoyance  and  vexation.' 

The  year  upon  which  we  have  entered  spread  a  mantle  of 
gloom  over  the  township.  Their  pastor,  the  Eev.  William 
Leverich,  died  in  the  early  part  of  1677.  Mr.  Leverich  ranked 
high  among  the  divines  of  his  day,  as  an  indefatigable  laborer 
in  the  cause  of  religious  truth,  to  which  he  brought  the  highly 
important  qualifications  of  an  ardent  piety  and  extensive  learn- 
ing.* His  loss  was  therefore  deeply  felt  by  the  people  of  his 
charge,  who  convened  a  meeting  on  July  28th,  to  make  pro- 
vision for  the  future  sustaining  of  the  public  worship  of  God 
in  their  midst.  After  a  formal  vote  to  obtain  a  preacher  of 
the  gospel,  it  was  resolved  that  a  house  should  be  built,  "for 
the  accommodation  of  a  minister,"  upon  land  that  had  been 

"  Thomas  Case  lived  at  Fairfield,  Conn,  in  1661,  and  having  prior  to  that, 
married  Mary,  widow  of  Peter  Meacock,  of  Newtown,  he  removed  liither 
within  two  or  three  years.  He  survived  his  adversities,  and  died  in  1692, 
on  his  farm,  at  the  English  Kills,  now  owned,  I  believe,  by  Edward  Waters. 
Having  no  issue,  he  left  a  large  estate  to  his  n&phew,  William  Case,  son  of 
his  brother  William.  John  Case,  a  resident  for  a  time  at  Mespat  Kills, 
whence  he  removed  to  Simsbury,  Conn,  was  probably  another  brother  of 
Thomas.  His  said  brother  William  died  in  1727,  having  had  issue  William 
aforesaid,  who  died  in  1716;  Thomas,  y/ho  succeeded  to  his  father's  farm 
in  Newtown,  but  I  believe  finally  removed  to  Salem  county,  New  Jersey; 
and  daughters  Mary,  Meribah,  Elizabe'h,  Abigail,  and  Martha,  to  whom  the 
father  left  all  his  title  and  interest  in  "Mtrtin's  Vineyard." 

*  An  interesting  relic  of  Mr.  Leverich  exists  in  the  town  clerk's  office.  It 
is  a  volume  of  between  six  and  seven  hundred  pages,  about  one  hundred  of 
which  are  occupied  by  a  running  commentary  on  the  first  fourteen  books  of 
the  Old  Testament,  written  by  his  hand,  but  in  part  copied  from  the  com- 
mentary of  the  learned  Piscator.  The  book  seems  to  have  been  originally 
intended  by  Mr.  Leverich  as  an  index  to  the  subjects  he  should  meet  with  in 
the  course  of  his  study,  the  pages  being  numbered  and  headed  with  a  great 
variety  of  subjects,  written  in  Latin  and  arranged  alphabetically.  But  the 
design  was  not  carried  out,  and  after  the  decease  of  Mr.  Leverich  the  book 
was  given  to  the  town  for  public  records. 


ANNALSOFNEWTOWN.  99 

appropriated  the  previous  January  "for  a  minister's  lot," 
situated  "between  the  bridge  and  Content  Titus,"  the  same 
being  identical  with  the  ground  on  which  the  building,  late 
the  town-house,  now  stands.  Having  in  mind  the  controversy 
about  the  former  town-house,  they  expressly  declared  that  this 
house  was  "not  to  be  anyways  sold  or  given  to  any  man." 
Yet,  for  any  intimation  that  appears  to  the  contrary,  their  pul- 
pit was  vacant  for  several  years,  though  an  ineffectual  attempt 
was  made  in  1678  to  obtain  the  Eev.  Jeremiah  Peck,  of  Water- 
bury,  Connecticut. 

The  large  extent  of  common  land  held  by  the  purchasers, 
and  those  who  had  acquired  purchase  rights,  had  not  been 
suffered  to  lie  untouched  and  unproductive.  From  time  to 
time,  as  there  was  need,  these  met  and  made  grants  of  land 
to  individual  applicants,  or  authorised  the  making  of  new 
dividends  or  allotments  among  themselves,  which  dividends 
were  always  proportioned  to  the  amount  of  the  "  purchase 
right "  of  each.  But,  as  every  one  consulted  his  convenience 
as  to  the  time  of  taking  possession  of  and  improving  his  quota 
of  land,  the  first  allotment  appears  not  to  have  been  wholly 
taken  up  till  1678.  During  this  year  a  considerable  distribu- 
tion was  made.  Early  in  the  spring,  the  fresh  meadow  land 
lying  on  the  west  side  of  the  village,  and  called  Smith's  Mea- 
dow, was  laid  off  into  lots  and  apportioned  to  nine  or  ten  in- 
dividuals. Late  in  the  season  Trains  Meadow,  which  hitherto 
had  also  lain  in  common,  was  divided  into  thirty  one  lots  of 
various  sizes,  and  distributed  among  the  freeholders.  And 
the  same  year  fifty  acres  of  land  in  Foster's  Neck,  on  "  the 
highway  which  goes  to  the  salt  meadows,"  were  "sequestered 
and  appropriated  to  and  for  the  use  of  the  minister  of  said 
town  and  his  successors  for  ever."  These  surveys  were  per- 
formed by  Jonathan  Hazard  and  Theophilus  Phillips,  the 
town  surveyors.  But  these  several  appropriations  were  un- 
equal to  the  increasing  demand;  and  on  Sept.  13th,  1679,  it 
was  resolved  to  have  "a  second  division  of  the  town's  land." 
This  allotment  was  made  at  the  rate  of  two  acres  to  a  shil- 
ling purchase  right. 

After  a  long  and  serious  interruption  of  public  religious 
worship,  it  was  with  great  satisfaction  that  the  services  of 
Rev.   Morgan   Jones   were  obtained  in  the  spring  of   1680. 


100  ANNALB     OF     NEWTOWN. 

After  trial,  it  was  resolved,  in  a  town  meeting,  April  8d,  to 
engage  him  for  a  year ;  and  tlie  constable  and  overseers  ac- 
cordingly entered  into  an  agreement  with  him  for  the  above 
term,  to  date  from  the  tenth  of  the  previous  March,  at  the 
salary  of  fifty  pounds;  the  town  engaging  "to  fit  the  house 
up "  for  his  residence,  and  fence  the  grounds  about  the 
same. 

Mr.  Jones  was  the  son  of  John  Jones  of  Bassaleg,  in 
Monmouthshire,  England,  who,  there  is  cause  to  believe, 
was  nearly  related  to  Col.  John  Jones,  one  of  the  judges 
of  Charles  I,  and  brother-in-law  to  Oliver  Cromwell.  From 
following  the  plough,  Morgan  became  a  student  at  Jesus 
College,  Oxford,  where  he  was  educated,  and  was  by  distinc- 
tion known  as  Senior  Jones.  He  settled  in  the  ministry  at 
Llanmadock,  in  Grlamorganshire,  Wales ;  but,  on  the  passage  of 
-the  act  of  uniformity  in  1662,  refusing  to  bend  his  conscience 
to  its  terms,  he  suffered  ejectment  from  his  parish,  a  noble 
tribute  to  his  piety.  The  severer  measures  which  followed, 
probably  led  Mr.  Jones  to  take  refuge  in  America.  Here  he 
met  with  a  varied  fortune.  At  one  time  he  is  found  pursu- 
ing an  humble  vocation  in  New  England,  at  another  ofiiciating 
as  chaplain  under  Major  General  Bennet  in  Virginia.  While 
in  the  latter  service  he  met  with  some  curious  adventures 
among  the  Tuscarora  and  Doeg  Indians.' 

'  The  following  account  of  these  adventures  was  written  by  Mr.  Jones  at 
the  desire  of  his  friend  Dr.  Lloyd,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  was  afterwards 
published  in  England  in  the  Gentleman's  Magazine  for  1740,  and  Owen's 
British  Remains ;  also  in  Rivington's  N.  Y.  Gazette  of  October  25th,  1777. 

These  presents  may  certify  all  persons  whatsoever,  that,  in  the  year  1669, 
I  being  then  an  inhabitant  in  Virginia,  and  Chaplain  to  Major  General  Ben- 
net,  Sir  William  Berkeley  sent  two  ships  to  search  the  place  which  then  wag 
called  the  Port  Royal,  but  now  South  Carolina,  which  is  sixty  leagues  to  the 
southward  of  Cape  Fair ;  and  I  was  sent  with  them  to  be  their  minister. 
Upon  the  8th  day  of  April  we  set  out  from  Virginia,  and  arrived  at  the  har- 
bor's mouth  of  Port  Royal  the  19th  of  the  same  month,  where  we  waited 
for  the  rest  of  the  fleet  that  was  to  come  from  Barbadoes  and  Bermuda  with 
one  Mr.  West,  vi'ho  was  to  be  deputy  governor  of  the  said  place.  As  soon  as 
the  fleet  came  in,  the  small  vessels  that  were  with  us  went  up  the  river  to  a 
place  called  the  Oyster  Point,  for  we  durst  not  go  up  with  the  great  ships 
because  of  the  bar  of  sand  that  was  before  the  harbor's  mouth.  After  we 
were  seated,  I  stayed  there  between  seven  and  eight  months,  till  Ihe  10th  of 
November  following;  at  which  time  being  almost  starved  for  want  of  provi- 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  101 

The  ministry  of  Mr.  Jones  at  Newtown  had  continued 
one  year,  when  trouble  arose  respecting  the  collection  of  his 
salary.  This  originated  in  a  disrelish  of  the  established  law 
of  the  province,  which,  while  securing  to  each  town  the  privi- 
lege of  choosing  its  own  minister  by  a  major  vote,  enjoined 
upon  every  inhabitant  to  contribute  his  proportion  of  the 
salary  agreed  upon  between  the  minister  and  the  town  autho- 
rities. Many  regarded  this  law  as  unjust,  and  not  without 
reason.  Here  were  individuals  differing  widely  in  their  reli- 
gious creeds,  and  yet  required  so  far  to  compromise  their  dif- 
ferences as  to  help  sustain  a  clergyman  whose  preaching  a 
portion  could  attend  only  with  violence  to  their  consciences. 
Others  again,  not  understanding  English,  could  derive  little 
profit  from  a  service  in  that  tongue. 

Some,  therefore,  refused  to  pay  the  minister's  tax,  "  as  they 
were  rated  according  to  their  possessions ;"  and  against  these 
Mr.  Jones,  who  had  now  left  the  town,  having  accepted  a  call 
from  Staten  Island,  preferred  a  complaint  through  the  consta- 

sions,  I  and  five  more  took  our  flight  from  thence,  and  travelled  through  the 
wilderness  till  we  came  to  the  Tuscarora  country,  where  the  Tuscarora  In- 
dians took  us  prisoners,  because  we  told  them  we  were  bound  for  Roanoke,  for 
they  then  had  wars  with  the  English  at  Roanoke ;  and  they  carried  us  into  their 
town  that  night  and  shut  us  in  a  house  by  ourselves,  and  the  next  day  held 
a  machcomoco,  which,  after  it  was  over,  their  interpreter  came  to  us,  and  told 
us  that  we  must  fit  ourselves  to  die  next  morning.  Whereupon  being  some- 
thing cast  down,  and  speaking  to  this  effect  in  the  British  tongue,  "  Have  I 
escaped  so  many  dangers,  and  must  I  now  be  knocked  on  the  head  like  a 
dog?"  an  Indian  came  to  me,  who  afterwards  appeared  to  be  a  war-captain 
belonging  to  the  Sachem  of  the  Doegs,  (whose  original  I  found  must  needs 
be  from  the  Welsh,)  and  took  me  up  and  told  me,  in  the  British  tongue,  I 
should  not  die ;  and  thereupon  went  to  the  Emperor  of  the  Tuscaroras,  and 
agreed  for  my  ransom  and  the  men  that  were  with  me,  and  paid  it  the  next 
day.  Afterwards  they  carried  us  to  their  town,  and  entertained  us  civilly  for 
four  months;  and  I  did  converse  with  them  of  many  things  in  the  British 
tongue,  and  did  preach  to  them  three  times  a  week  in  the  British  tongue» 
and  they  would  usually  confer  with  me  about  any  thing  that  was  difficult  to 
them  ;  and  when  we  came  from  them,  they  showed  themselves  very  civil 
and  courteous  to  us.  They  are  seated  upon  Pantigo  river,  not  far  from  Cape 
Atros.     This  is  a  recital  of  my  travels  among  the  Doeg  Indians. 

Morgan  Jones, 

The  son  of  John  Jones,  of  Basleg, 

near  Newport,  in  Monmouthshire. 
New-York,  March  10, 1685-6. 


102  ANNALS     OP     NEWTOWN. 

ble  of  Newtown,  to  the  court  of  sessions,  wliicli  court  directed 
that  the  law  be  duly  enforced  against  the  delinquents. 

The  call  for  a  system  of  free  contribution  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  ministry  now  became  urgent,  and  the  inhabitants 
assembled  in  town  meeting  December  17th,  1681,  to  consider 
this  matter.  The  result  did  credit  to  their  judgment,  for  by 
"  a  general  vote  "  they  declared  in  favor  of  sustaining  the  mi- 
nistry by  "a  free-will  offering,  what  every  man  will  give." 
This  forms  a  point  of  interest  in  the  progress  of  liberal  senti- 
ments in  this  town,  and  the  future  arrangements  with  their 
clergymen  were  made  upon  the  above  basis. 

Several  minor  events  of  this  date  may  be  briefly  noticed. 
At  the  town  meeting  above  mentioned,  Justice  Betts  and  three 
other  citizens  were  appointed  "  to  examine  concerning  the 
town's  rights  and  business,  and  see  that  there  be  an  orderly 
record  kept."  And  persons  having  "  any  writing  that  concerns 
any  of  the  town's  affairs "  were  requested  immediately  to 
hand  in  the  same  to  Content  Titus,  the  constable.  On  July 
26th  preceding,  the  "  South  Fresh  Meadows  "  were  allotted  to 
twenty-four  persons  "  concerned  in  those  meadows,"  most  of 
them  being  present.  In  August,  1682,  an  election  of  consta- 
ble took  place,  pursuant  to  an  order  of  the  court  of  sessions, 
directing  "  Brooklyn  and  Newtown  to  make  a  new  choice  ac- 
cording to  law."  During  this  year  measures  were  taken  to 
survey  and  estimate  all  the  inhabitants'  lands,  to  ascertain 
whether  they  had  more  or  less  than  their  due  quantity.  In  ear- 
lier days  the  work  of  laying  out  land  had  often  been  loosely  per- 
formed, both  for  want  of  skill  in  surveying,  and  because  of  the 
superabundance  of  territory.  But  by  the  increase  of  inhabitants 
the  soil  had  now  acquired  a  greater  value,  and  it  became  im- 
portant to  observe  more  precision  in  this  matter,  and  to  correct 
as  far  as  possible  the  mistakes  of  former  years.  The  growth 
of  the  town,  in  population,  in  flocks  and  herds,  &c.  is  exhi- 
bited by  a  census  taken  the  next  year,  1683,  from  which  it  ap- 
pears that  it  then  contained  90  male  heads  of  families ;  1563 
acres  of  land  in  occupation ;  109  horses ;  28  colts  between  one 
and  four  years  old ;  107  oxen ;  340  cows ;  360  young  cattle 
between  one  and  four  years ;  464  sheep ;  and  100  swine. 
This  shows  commendable  progress  in  the  thirty  or  forty  years 
which  had  intervened  since  the  country  was  a  wilderness. 


CHAPTEE     YI. 

The  people  intent  on  political  freedom. — Petition  to  the  Duke  of  York. — A  General 
Assembly  convened. — Adopt  a  Charterof  Liberties. — Legislative  changes. — Town 
governinent  remodelled. — Commissioners'  Court  erected. — Offices  of  Supervisor 
and  Assessor  instituted. — Rev.  Mr.  Jones  returns  to  Newtown. — Efforts  to  settle 
the  outbounds. — Gov.  Dongan  proposes  to  grant  a  new  charter. — Revival  of  the 
boundary  dispute. — The  Governor  and  Council  confirm  the  arbitration  of  1672. — 
Newtown  dissents. — The  Governor  offers  to  confirm  their  old  patent. — It  is 
agreed  to. — Dongan's  patent  to  Newtown. — It  fi.xes  the  tenure  of  their  lands, 
and  secures  the  Purchasers'  rights. — Tuder's  patent. — The  Rev.  Mr.  Jonea 
leaves  the  town. — Settlement  with  him. — His  character. — Troubles  with  Flat- 
bush  about  limits. — Allotment  of  land  along  the  south  bounds. — Political  discord 
in  the  province. — Dread  of  Popery. — News  of  the  revolution  in  England — 
Capt.  Jacob  Leisler  seizes  the  fort  at  New-York. — Newtown  sympathizes  with 
the  Leisleriaus. — Help  garrison  the  fort. — Committee  of  Safety  chosen. — Sa- 
muel Edsall  a  member. — Leisler  made  Commander-in-chief. — Newtown  elects 
new  civil  and  military  officers. — Leisler  becomes  Lieutenant-governor. — Mr.  Ed- 
sall made  one  of  his  Council. — Newtown  militia  divided  into  two  companies. — 
New  officers  chosen. — Burning  of  Schenectady. — Militia  ordered  from  Queen's 
county  to  reinforce  the  Albanians. — Leisler's  authority  resisted. — I'roops  march 
against  the  rebels  in  Queen's  county. — Proclamation  issued  at  Newtown. — Re- 
bels forced  to  fly. — Violent  excitement  among  them. — They  state  their  case  to 
the  King's  secretary. — They  prevail. — Arrival  of  Gov.  Sloughter. — Execution 
of  Leisler  and  Milborue. — Mr.  Edsall  and  others  imprisoned,  but  escape  with 
their  lives. — Permanency  given  to  the  Provincial  Government. — Royal  patents 
confirmed. — Surveyors  of  Highways  originated.  1683  to  1691. 

The  province  of  New- York  liad  long  suffered  grievances 
of  a  very  serious  character,  arising  from  the  undue  authority 
vested  in  the  chief  magistrate  of  the  colony,  and  the  popular 
feeling  upon  this  subject  now  exhibited  itself  in  the  form  of  a 
petition  to  the  Duke  of  York,  asking  for  such  a  modification 
of  the  government  as  would  secure  to  the  people  a  share  in 
public  legislation.  His  Eoyal  Highness  prudently  assented, 
and  Col.  Thomas  Dongan  arrived  at  New- York  in  August, 
1683,  with  a  governor's  commission  and  special  instructions  to 
convene  a  popular  legislative  assembly. 

The  founders  of  Newtown  brought  with  them  to  the  wilds 
of  America  the  essence  of  democracy.  Deeply  imbued  with  a 
spirit  of  independence,  we  behold  them  constantly  struggling 
to  inhale  a  purer  liberty  than  the  political  atmosphere  of  either 
the  Dutch  or  English  administrations  afforded.     It  was  with 


104  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

no  ordinary  sensations  of  delight  therefore  that  they  received 
the  warrant  of  the  high  sheriff,  dated  Sept.  29th,  authorizing 
them  to  join  in  electing  deputies  to  the  proposed  assembly. 
The  freeholders  met  on  Oct.  1st,  and  appointed  Capt.  Eichard 
Betts,  Samuel  Moore,  Eobert  Blackwell,  and  Jonathan  Hazard, 
to  go  to  Gravesend  the  next  day,  and  unite  with  committees 
from  the  several  towns  of  the  riding,  in  the  choice  of  dele- 
gates to  the  said  assembly,  which  was  to  convene  at  New- 
York  on  the  17th  of  the  same  month. 

The  meeting  of  this  legislature,  which  consisted  of  the 
governor  and  council,  and  seventeen  members  chosen  by  the 
people,  marked  an  era  of  the  triumph  of  popular  rights  in 
this  colony  of  no  mean  estimate.  Its  transcendent  act  was  the 
adoption  of  a  "  charter  of  liberties,"  which  provided  for  the 
holding  of  a  general  assembly  triennially,  at  least ;  the  mem- 
bers of  which  (Queen's  county  being  entitled  to  two)  were  to 
be  chosen  by  the  major  vote  of  the  freeholders,  so  understood 
by  the  laws  of  England ;  which  body,  with  the  concurrence  of 
the  governor  and  council,  was  to  enact  all  public  laws,  and 
without  its  consent  no  tax,  tallage,  assessment,  custom,  loan, 
benevolence  or  imposition  whatever,  could  be  levied  on  any 
of  his  Majesty's  subjects  in  the  province.  It  moreover  conced- 
ed in  all  cases  the  right  of  fair  trial  by  a  jury  of  twelve,  and 
in  addition  to  other  wholesome  specifications,  provided  that 
no  person  professing  faith  in  God  by  Jesus  Christ,  should  be 
in  any  way  molested  or  called  in  question  for  any  difference 
in  opinion  or  matter  of  religious  concernment,  who  did  not 
actually  disturb  the  civil  peace  of  the  province. 

Other  changes  which  were  thought  necessary  to  the  welfare 
of  the  country  were  instituted.  The  ridings  were  abolished, 
and  the  province  divided  into  counties,  Newtown  being  in- 
cluded in  Queen's  county,  which  still  remains  as  then  orga- 
nized. In  these,  full  provision  was  made  for  sustaining  the 
demands  of  justice ;  the  court  of  sessions  was  to  meet  twice  a 
year,  and  the  court  of  oyer  and  terminer  annually.  And  in 
each  town  a  primitive  tribunal  entitled  the  commissioners^ 
court,  was  ordered  to  be  held  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  every 
month,  "for  the  hearing  and  determining  of  small  causes,  and 
cases  of  debt  and  trespass,  to  the  value  of  forty  shillings  or 
under ;"  taking  the  place  of  the  overseers'  court.     The  form 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  105 

of  town  government  was  further  modified  by  the  introduction 
of  the  office  of  assessor,  and  supervisor ;  the  latter  to  have  the 
supervision  of  the  public  affairs  and  expenditures  of  the  town. 
Of  these,  two  of  each  continued  to  be  annually  chosen  in  New- 
town for  some  years  after.  The  laws  establishing  these  offices 
and  the  court  of  commissioners  was  passed  on  Nov.  1st. 

On  the  publication  of  these  laws,  the  people  of  Newtown 
testified  their  high  gratification  by  seasonable  measures  to 
carry  them  into  efiect.  On  Jan.  15th,  1684,  they  elected 
Jonathan  Hazard,  Gershom  Moore,  and  Samuel  Moore,  "com- 
missioners, to  sit  as  a  town  court,  to  try  all  causes  of  diffe- 
rence between  man  and  man,  as  shall  come  before  them."  Two 
days  after,  the  commissioners  appeared  before  Justice  Elias 
Doughty,  and  took  the  oath  of  office,  at  which  time  also, 
Theophilus  Phillips  was  chosen  clerk  of  the  court  and  mar- 
shal.' By  a  law  passed  Nov.  4th,  1685,  the  jurisdiction  of  this 
court  was  extended  to  causes  of  £5,  or  under,  and  to  be  in 
force  seven  years  and  no  longer,  but  before  the  expiration  of 
this  period,  the  court  of  commissioners  had  ceased  to  exist. 

In  the  meantime  the  Kev.  Jones  having  for  a  year  "  honest- 
performed  his  part "  at  Staten  Island,  had  met  with  the  same 
discouragements  there  which  he  experienced  at  Newtown.  The 
French  and  Dutch  inhabitants  were  averse  to  paying  a  minister 
whose  language  they  could  not  understand.  Some  of  them,  as 
a  pretext  for  non-payment,  even  tried  to  impugn  Mr.  Jones' 
character.  They  declared  him  a  man  of  "ill-life  and  conver- 
sation." But  this  was  rebutted  by  Justice  Still  well  on  behalf 
of  the  English.  He  had  never  heard  of  it ;  Mr.  Jones  had 
been  recommended  by  Sir  Edmund  Andross,  and  a  majority 

»  Theophilus  Phillips  had  two  brothers,  Joseph  and  Daniel,  residing  in 
Newtown,  and  a  sister  who  married  Capt.  Henry  Mayle  of  the  Island  of 
Nevis,  and  afterwards  of  this  town.  They  are  supposed  to  have  been  grand- 
children of  the  Rev.  George  Phillips,  first  minister  of  Watertown,  Mass. 
Mr.  Phillips,  first  named,  filled  various  public  stations,  and  was  town  clerk 
for  twelve  years  prior  to  his  death,  on  Jan.  26th,  1689.  He  was  a  highly  useful 
man.  He  was  thrice  married,  and  by  his  first  wife,  Anna,  daughter  of  Ralph 
Hunt,  had  three  sons,  to  wit,  Theophilus,  born  May  15th,  1673  ;  William,  born 
June  28th,  1676,  who  in  1698  became  a  freeman  of  New-York;  and  Philip, 
born  Dec.  27th,  1678,  who,  with  Theophilus,  removed  to  what  is  now  I,awrence 
township,  in  Mercer  county.  New  Jersey,  of  which  place  their  descendants  are 
now  among  the  most  respectable  inhabitants. 


lOG  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

of  the  people  were  satisfied  witli  him.  The  court  of  sessions 
was  appealed  to,  and  ordered  his  salary  to  be  collected.  He 
now  returned  to  Newtown,  and  agreed  to  accept  "  a  free-will 
offering"  for  his  services.  On  February  28th,  1684,  the  town 
resolved  "that  Mr.  Morgan  Jones  shall  be  schoolmaster  of  our 
town,  and  will  teach  on  the  Sabbath  day  those  that  will  come 
to  hear  him,  allowing  him  for  exercising  on  the  Sabbath  day 
Avhat  every  man  will  please." 

Meanwhile,  though  much  had  been  effected  through  the 
industry  of  the  inhabitants,  towards  the  appropriation  and 
improvement  of  their  lands,  about  nine-tenths  of  the  town- 
ship yet  lay  in  common,  and  unproductive.  Attention  was 
directed  to  the  outbounds  adjoining  the  several  Dutch  towns, 
and  particularly  to  "the  land  lying  next  to  Bushwick  and 
Bedford,"  as  far  south  as  the  hills ;  their  claim  to  which  they 
yet  maintained,  on  the  ground  of  their  "purchase  and  patent." 
The  most  direct  way  to  secure  this  valuable  land  seemed  to 
be  to  place  it  under  cultivation ;  and  the  purchasers  met  on 
March  od,  1684,  and  resolved  to  allow  any  of  the  inhabitants 
to  locate  there  who  were  willing  to  do  so.  Several  gentle- 
men, namely,  Mr.  Doughty,  Edward  and  Thomas  Stevenson, 
Samuel  Moore,  Eichard  Betts,  Jun.  and  Jeremiah  Burroughs, 
were  appointed  "  to  look  out  for  a  place  of  settlement  towards 
the  outside  of  our  bounds,  next  the  Dutch,"  on  the  succeeding 
day.  Four  days  after,  the  purchasers  allotted  twenty  acres  of 
land  apiece  to  eight  of  their  townsmen  who  were  making  pre- 
parations to  settle  upon  the  hills,  adjoining  the  Dutch,  on  con- 
dition that  they  should  make  immediate  improvement.  And 
on  the  same  date  it  was  concluded  to  make  another  general 
division  of  land,  in  quantity  half  as  much  as  the  last  dividend, 
or  at  the  rate  of  one  acre  to  a  shilling  purchase  right. 

It  was  while  the  purchasers  were  putting  forth  efforts  to 
promote  the  actual  occupation  of  their  outbounds,  that  they 
received  an  order  from  the  council-chamber  at  New- York,  re- 
quiring them  to  bring  in  their  patent  and  Indian  deeds,  on 
the  21st  of  April,  for  examination  preparatory  to  granting 
them  a  new  charter;  an  object  which  Gov.  Dongan,  by  virtue 
of  royal  instructions,  proposed  to  effect  in  respect  to  all  the 
towns,  for  the  purpose  of  definitely  fixing  the  amount  of  an- 
nual render,  or  quit  rent,  to  be  paid  the  government  in  acknoV- 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  107 

ledgment  for  tlieir  lands.  A  revival  of  the  dispute  respecting 
their  boundaries  being  now  inevitable,  the  purchasers  appoint- 
ed nine  of  their  number  to  sustain  their  rights,  by  legal  pro- 
cess, or  otherwise,  against  the  neighboring^  towns,  which  was 
scarcely  done  when  the  council  issued  its  order  to  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Newtown,  Bushwick,  and  Brooklyn,  severally  to 
delegate  a  comnaittee  of  three,  to  effect  an  agreement  as  to  ' 
the  limits  and  bounds  of  their  several  townships,  and  to  make 
a  report  thereon.  Kewtown,  on  April  23d,  appointed  their 
committee,  with  full  power  to  act,  and  also  "  to  dispute  our 
case  as  to  the  premises  before  the  honorable  governor  and 
council,  if  need  require ;"  while  another  committee  was  chosen 
to  wait  upon  Gov.  Dongan,  and  confer  respecting  "  the  con- 
firmation of  our  patent  to  us  and  our  heirs  for  ever."  It  is 
almost  needless  to  remark  that  the  interview  of  the  three  com- 
mittees found  them  widely  at  issue  upon  the  subject  of  their 
boundaries,  the  Newtown  men  stoutly  urging  their  right  to  all 
the  land  covered  by  their  Indian  deed,  and  confirmed  to  them 
by  Gov.  Nicoll's  patent,  which  was  of  a  prior  date  to  those  of 
both  Brooklyn  and  Bushwick.  Upon  report  of  their  difference 
to  the  governor,  his  excellency  directed  them  to  produce  their 
evidences  before  the  council,  on  April  28th,  which  was  done  ; 
and  that  body,  after  a  consideration  of  the  whole  question, 
with  the  decisions  of  the  several  English  governors,  was  pleased 
to  approve  the  arbitration  made  in  1672.  Disappointed  with 
the  issue  of  this  investigation,  Newtown  dropped  the  subject 
of  their  new  charter  until  the  following  year,  when  an  inter- 
view was  had  with  the  governor,  in  the  month  of  November, 
with  reference  to  the  confirmation  of  their  patent,  and  the 
amount  of  quit  rent  to  be  stipulated.  But  again  the  matter  of 
boundaries  could  not  be  evaded.  The  governor  proposed 
(deputies  from  Bushwick  and  Brooklyn  being  also  present) 
to  grant  a  special  commission  to  the  judges  to  try  the  case 
before  a  jury  half  of  Dutch  and  half  English,  Capt.  J.  Van 
Cortlandt  to  be  foreman ;  but  the  men  from  Bushwick  declared 
themselves  unauthorized  to  accept  the  proposition. 

No  settlement  of  this  vexed  question  being  likely  to  occur, 
whereby  the  issuing  of  patents  to  the  towns  interested  was 
stayed,  and  the  government  deprived  of  the  emolument  which 
attended  the  granting  of  these  instruments ;  the  council,  at  a 


108  ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN. 

subsequent  meeting,  with  a  view  to  evade  the  controversy,  and 
by  consent  of  deputies  from  the  said  two  towns,  ordered  that 
the  patents  to  Newtown  and  Bushwick  should  be  drawn  after 
the  manner  of  their  old  patents,  and  dated  the  same  day. 

It  was  about  the  beginning  of  the  new  year,  1686,  when 
Newtown  received  a  draft  of  the  proposed  confirmatory  char- 
ter. On  inspection  it  was  found  to  require  amendment,  and  it 
was  not  till  the  month  of  September  following  that  the  inha- 
bitants were  fully  agreed  on  the  verbal  construction  of  the  in- 
strument. Their  improved  draft  being  allowed  by  the  gover- 
nor and  council,  the  new  charter,  engrossed  on  parchment,  and 
having  the  governor's  signature  and  the  impress  of  the  pro- 
vincial seal,  was  soon  after  received,  and  read  as  follows  : 

Thomas  Dongan,  Captain-General,  Governor  and  Vice-Admiral  of  New- 
York  and  its  dependencies,  under  his  Majesty  James  the  Second,  by  the  grace 
of  God,  of  England,  Scotland,  France  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the 
Faith,  Supreme  Lord  and  Proprietor  of  the  colony  and  province  of  New- 
York  and  its  dependencies  in  America,  &c.  To  all  to  whom  these  Presents 
shall  covciQ,  greeting  :  Whereas  the  Honorable  Richard  Nicoll,  Esq.  formerly 
governor  of  this  province,  upon  application  to  him  made  by  tlie  inhabitants 
of  Newtown,  on  Long  Island,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  sixteen  hundred 
sixty-six,  did  grant  unto  them  a  liberty  or  licence  under  his  hand,  bearing 
date  the  three  and  twentieth  day  of  June,  in  the  same  year,  therein  authoriz- 
ing and  empowering  them  to  make  what  purchase  they  should  think  fit  of 
the  lands  situate  between  Mespat  Kills  and  the  head  of  Flushing  creek,  on 
Long  Island,  aforesaid,  and  which  tract  of  land  the  said  inhabitants  long  be- 
fore had  been  and  then  were  settling  and  improving ;  And  whereas  the 
inhabitants  of  Newtown,  in  pursuance  of  the  said  licence,  in  the  same  year, 
did,  in  due  form  of  law,  purchase  of  an'd  from  the  Indian  natives  all  the  said 
tract  of  land  situate  between  Mespat  Kills  and  Flushing  creek  aforesaid,  to- 
gether with  all  and  singular  the  appurtenances  to  the  same  belonging  or  in 
any  wise  appertaining,  to  hold  unto  the  said  inhabitants  of  Newtown,  their 
heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  as  in  and  by  the  said  recited  licence,  and  a  certain 
deed  or  writing  under  the  hand  and  seal  of  Pomwaukon,  the  Indian  owner  of 
the  said  tract  of  land  and  premises,  bearing  date  the  9th  day  of  July,  in  the 
said  year  of  our  Lord,  sixteen  hundred  sixty-six ;  And  Whereas  the 
said  Richard  Nicoll,  upon  farther  application  made  to  him  by  the  said  inhabi- 
tants of  Newtown,  in  consideration  of  the  premises,  and  for  divers  other 
good  causes  and  valuable  considerations,  by  virtue  of  the  power  and  authority 
in  him  then  being  by  force  of  his  commission  from  and  under  his  said  Majes- 
ty, then  his  Royal  Highness  James,  Duke  of  York  and  Albany,  &c.  did,  in 
and  by  a  certain  patent  under  his  hand  and  seal,  'bearing  date  the  sixth 
day  of  March,  sixteen  hundred  sixty-six,  grant  and  assure  to  Capt.  Richard 


ANNALS       OP      NEWTOWN.  109 

Betts,  Capt.  Thomas  Lawrence,  Capt.  John  Coe,  John  Burroughes,  Ralpli 
Hunt,  Daniel  Wliiteliead,  and  Burger  Joost,  as  patentees  for  and  on  the  be- 
half of  themselves  and  their  associates,  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of 
Newtown  aforesaid,  their  heirs,  successors  and  assigns,  all  that  the  said 
tract  of  land  herein  mentioned  to  have  been  purchased  from  the  Indian  na- 
tives as  aforesaid,  bounded  on  the  east  by  Flushing  creek  and  a  line  to  be 
drawn  from  the  head  thereof  due  south,  extending  to  the  south  side  of  the 
hills  ;  on  the  north  by  the  Sound ;  on  the  west  by  the  said  Mespat  creek 
or  kills,  and  a  line  to  be  drawn  from  the  most  westerly  branch  thereof  due 
south,  extending  unto  the  south  side  of  the  said  hills;  and  on  the  south  by 
a  straight  line  to  be  drawn  from  the  south  point  of  the  said  west  line,  alongst 
the  south  side  of  the  said  hills,  until  it  meets  with  the  said  east  line  fore- 
raentioned  to  extend  from  the  head  of  Flushing  creek  as  aforesaid,  as  also  all 
that  one  third  part  of  a  certain  neck  of  meadow  called  Seller  Neck,  situate, 
lying  and  being  within  the  bounds  of  Jamaica,  upon  the  south  side  of  Long 
Island,  as  also  liberty  to  cut  what  timber  within  the  bounds  of  Jamaica  afore- 
said they  should  have  occasion  for,  for  the  fencing  of  the  said  neck,  and  to 
make  and  lay  out  to  themselves  what  highway  or  highways  they  should  think 
fit,  for  their  free  and  convenient  egress  and  regress,  to  or  from  the  aforesaid 
neck  or  parcel  of  meadow,  together  with  all  and  ,  singular  the  havens,  har- 
bors, creeks,  quarries,  woods,  meadows,  pastures,  marshes,  waters,  rivers, 
lakes,  fishing,  hawking,  hunting,  and  fowling,  profits,  commodities,  emolu- 
ments, hereditaments,  and  appurtenances  to  the  said  tract  of  land  and  pre- 
mises belonging  or  in  anywise  appertaining;  To  hold  unto  the  said  paten- 
tees and  their  associates,  their  heirs,  successors,  and  assigns  for  ever,  at  and 
under  such  duties  and  acknowledgments  as  then  were  or  thereafter  should 
be  established  by  the  laws  of  this  government  under  the  obedience  of  his 
Royal  Highness,  his  heirs  and  successors ;  and  further,  in  and  by  the  said  pa- 
tent the  said  Richard  Nicoii  did  ratify,  confirm  and  grant  unto  the  said  paten- 
tees, their  associates,  their  heirs,  successors  and  assigns,  all  the  privileges 
belonging  to  any  town  within  this  government;  and  that  the  place  of  their 
habitation  continue  and  retain  the  name  of  Newtown,  by  which  name  and 
style  to  be  distinguished  and  known  in  all  bargains,  sales,  deeds,  records,  and 
writings  whatsoever,  as  in  and  by  the  said  patent  remaining  upon  record,  re- 
lation being  thereunto  had,  may  more  i^Uy  and  at  large  appear;  And 
WHEREAS  the  said  patentees  and  the  present  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of 
the  said  town  of  Newtown,  hereafter  named,  have,  according  to  the  custom 
and  practice  of  this  province,  made  several  divisions,  allotments,  distinct  set- 
tlements and  improvements  of  several  pieces  and  parcels  of  the  above  recited 
tract  of  land  within  the  limits  above  recited,  at  their  own  proper  cost  and 
charge ;  And  whereas  the  present  inhabitants  and  freeholders  have  made 
application  unto  me  by  William  Lawrence,  Joseph  SackettJ"  John  Way,  and 
Content  Titus,  persons  deputed  by  them,  for  a  more  full  and  ample  confir- 
mation of  the  above  said  tract  or  parcel  of  land  and  premises  contained  in 
the  aforesaid  patent ;  Now,  for  a  confirmation  unto  the  present  freeholders 
and  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of  Newtown,  their  heirs  and  assigns,  in  the 
quiet  and  peaceble  possession  and  enjoyment  of  the  aforesaid  tract  of  land 

.8 


110  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

and  premises,  Know  te,  that  I,  tlie  said  Thomas  Dongan,  in  consideration 
of  the  premises,  and  for  divers  other  good  and  lawful  considerations,  by 
virtue  of  the  commission  and  authority  in  me  now  being,  from  and  under  his 
said  Majesty,  and  power  in  me  residing,  1  have  ratified,  confirmed  and  grant- 
ed, and  by  these  presents  do  ratify,  confirm  and  grant  unto  Captain  Rich- 
ard Betts,  Thomas  Stevenson,  Gershom  Moore,  Jonathan  Hazard,  Samuel 
Moore,  Daniel  Bloomfield,  Caleb  Leverich,  Edward  Stevenson,  Joseph  Sack- 
ett,  Samuel  Scudder,  Robert  Field,  Sen.  Thomas  Wandell,  John  Ketcham, 
Thomas  Pettit,  John  Way,  Robert  Field,  Jun.  Jonathan  Strickland,  John 
Smith,  Josias  Furman,  Sen.,  George  Wood,  Sen.  Nathan  Fish,  Edward  Hunt, 
Jeremiah  Burroughs,  Richard  Betts,  Thomas  Betts,  John  Scudder,  Jun.  Jo- 
nathan Stevenson,  Thomas  Case,  John  Albertus,  James  Way,  Cornells  Jan- 
sen,  Abram  Joris,  John  Coe,  Samuel  Fish,  Joseph  Burroughs,  William  Os- 
born,  John  Burroughs,  Thomas  Robinson,  Jane  Hays,  Jacob  Reeder,  John 
Reeder,  Richard  Owen,  Wouter  Gysbertsen,  John  Pettit,  Thomas  Morrell, 
John  Roberts,  Isaac  Swinton,  Elias  Doughty,  Thomas  Lawrence,  William 
Lawrence,  John  Lawrence,  William  Hallett,  Sen.  William  Hallett,  Jun.  Sa- 
muel Hallett,  Hendrick  Martensen,  Robert  Blackwell,  John  Parcell,  William 
Parcell,  Joris  Stevensen,  Thomas  Parcell,  Steven  Jorissen,  John  Bockhout, 
Eno-eltie  Burger,  Thomas  Skillman,  John  Woolistoncroftes,  Jan  Jansen 
Fyn,  Jane  Rider,  Peter  Bockhout,  Johannes  Lourensse,  Richard  Alsop,  John 
Allene,  John  Denman,  John  Rosell,  Hendrick  Barent  Sniith,  Henry  Mayle,  Sen, 
Henry  Mayle,  Jun.  Joseph  Reed,  John  Reed,  Joseph  Phillips,  Theophilus  Phil- 
lips,  Roelof  Pietersen,  Benjamin  Severens,  Gershom  Hazard,  Anthony  Gleane,^ 
Jacob  Leonardsen  vander  Grift,  Luke  Depaw,  Francis  Way,  John  Wilson, 
Nathaniel  Pettit,  Moses  Pettit,  John  Furman,  Stoffel  Van  Laer,  Samuel  Ketch- 
am,  John  Ramsden,  Rynier  Willemsen,  Abraham  Rycke,  Jan  Harcksen, 
Philip  Ketcham,  Benjamin  Cornish,  Francis  Combs,  Isaac  Gray,  Josias  Fur- 
man, Jun.  Henry  'Sawtell,  Thomas  Etherington,  Content  Titus,  Lambert 
Woodward,  Nathaniel  Woodward,  Joseph  Reeder,  Jeremiah  Reeder,  John 

'  Anthony  Gleane  had  served  in  the  time  of  Gov.  Nicoll,  as  a  drummer  in  the 
garrison  at  New-York.  He  bought  a  small  estate  in  Newtown,  married"  Esther, 
widow  of  Samuel  Sallis,  and  died  here  in  or  about  1691,  aged  60  years.  Many 
years  later  his  house  was  still  standing  somewhere  between  the  premises  of  Mr. 
Mack  and  Mr.  Bretonniere.  He  left  sons,  William,  Thomas  and  Anthony,  the 
first  of  whom  died  in  1704,  having  served  as  town  clerk,  and  as  a  church  warden 
of  the  Jamaica  parish.  His  two  brothers  removed  to  Flushing,  where  Antliony 
died.  May  lOth,  1734,  leaving  a  large  personal  property  as  appears  by  the  original 
inventory,  now  in  possession  of  his  great  grandson,  Mr.  John  Glean,  of  Saratoga, 
New-York.  He  left  sons,  William,  born  1709,  Anthony,  born  1715,  and  James,  born 
1718,  the  first  of  whom  remained  on  the  paternal  farm  in  Flushing  till  his  death. 
The  others  settled  in  New-York,  where  the  descendants  of  Anthony  still  reside. 
James  died  at  Pittstown,  New-York,  aged  75  years,  Aug.  15th,  1793.  His  son 
Anthony  was  a  valiant  soldier  of  the  Revolution,  and  was  in  the  service  during  the 
whole  war,  after  which  he  settled  upon  a  farm  at  Saratoga,  in  this  state,  sus- 
taining the  reputation  of  a  respectable  and  good  man-  He  died  in  his  92d  year, 
May  1st,  1842,  leaving  issue,  John,  Oliver  and  Hannah. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  Ill 

Bull,  John  Fish,  John  Moore,  Thomas  Sforrell,  Jun.  the  present  freeholders 
and  inhabitants  of  the  s;iid  town  of  Newtown,  their  heirs,  successors  and 
assigns  for  ever,  all  and  singular  the  before  recited  tracts,  neck  and  parcels 
of  land  and  meadows  mentioned  and  set  forth  limited  and  bounded  as  afore- 
said, by  the  afore  recited  patent,  together  with  all  and  singular  a  certain  neck 
or  parcel  of  land  called  Plunder's  Neck,  situate  likewise  on  the  south  side  of 
Lqng  Island,  having  on  the  east  Jamaica  limits,  on  the  west  a  small  brook,  as 
also  all  and  singular  the  houses,  messuages,  tenements,  fencings,  buildings,  gar- 
dens, orchards,  trees,  woods,  undervv'oods,  pastures,  feedings,  common  of  pas- 
tures, meadows,  marshes,  lakes,  ponds,  creeks,  harbors,  rivers,  rivulets,  brooks, 
streams,  easements,  and  highway  or  highways,  as  also  all  and  singular  the  is- 
lands, mines,  minerals,  (royal  mines  only  excepted)  fishing,  hawking,  hunting, 
and  fowling,  and  all  other  franchises,  profits,  commodities,  emoluments,  here- 
ditaments, and  privileges  whatever  to  the  said  tracts  of  land,  meadow,  and 
premises  belonging  or  in  any  wise  appertaining ;  To  have  and  to  hold  all 
and  singular  the  said  tracts  of  land  and  premises  with  their  and  every  of  their 
appurtenances  to  the  several  and  respective  uses  following,  and  to  and  for  no 
other  use,  intent  and  jiurposes  whatsoever,  that  is  to  say,  as  for  and  concerning 
all  and  singular  the  several  and  respective  parcels  of  land  and  meadow,  (part 
of  the  granted  premises,)  in  any  wise  taken  up  and  appropriated  by  virtue  of 
the  said  before  recited  deed  or  patent,  before  the  day  of  the  date  hereof,  unto 
the  said  Capt.  Richard  Betts,  Thomas  Stevenson,  Gershom  Moore,  Jonathan  Ha- 
zard, Samuel  Moore,  Daniel  Bloomfield,  Caleb  Leverich,  Edward  Stevenson, 
Joseph  Sackett,  Samuel  Scudder,  Robert  Field,  Sen.  Thomas  Wandell,  John 
Ketcham,  Thomas  Pettit,  John  Way,  Robert  Field,  Jun.  Jonathan  Strickland, 
John  Smith,  Josias  Furman,  Sen.  George  Wood,  Sen.  Nathan  Fish,  Edward 
Hunt,  Jeremiah  Burroughs,  Richard  Betts,  Thomas  Betts,  John  Scudder,  Jun. 
Jonathan  Stevenson,  Thomas  Case,  John  Albertus,  James  Way,  Cornells  Jan- 
sen,  Abram  Joris,  John  Coe,  Samuel  Fish,  Joseph  Burroughs,  William  Osborn, 
John  Burroughs,  Thomas  Robinson,  Jane  Hays,  Jacob  Reeder,  John  Reeder, 
Richard  Owen,  Wouter  Gysbertsen,  John  Pettit,  Thomas  Morrell,  John  Ro- 
berts, Isaac  Swinton,  Elias  Doughty,  Thomas  Lawrence,  William  Lawrence? 
John  Lawrence,  William  Hallett,  Sen.  William  Hallett,  Jun.  Samuel  Hallett, 
Hendrick  Martensen,  Robert  Blackwell,  John  Parcell,  William  Parcell,  Joris 
Stevensen,  Thomas  Parcell,  Steven  Jorissen,  John  Boekhout,  Engeltie  Burger, 
Thomas  Skillman,  John  Woollstoncroftes,  Jan  Jansen  Fyn,  Jane  Rider, 
Peter  Boekhout,  Johannes  Lourensse,  Richard  Alsop,  John  Allene,  John 
Denman,  John  Resell,^  Hendrick  Barent  Smith,  Henry  Mayle,  Sen.  Henry 
Mayle,  Jun.  Joseph  Reed,  John  Reed,  Joseph  Phillips,  Theophilus  Phillips, 
Roelof  Pietersen,  Benjamin  Severens,  Gershom  Hazard,  Anthony  Gleane, 
Jacob  Leonardsen  vander  Grift,  Luke  Depaw,  Francis  Way,  John  Wilson, 
Nathaniel  Pettit,  Moses  Pettit,  John  Furman,  StofFel  Van  Laer,  Samuel 
Ketcham,  John  Ramsden,  Rynier  Willemsen,  Abraham  Rycke,  Jan  Harcksen, 

1  Nathaniel  Rosell,  a  son  of  John  abore  mentioned,  settled  at  Hopewell,  New 
Jersey,  where  his  descendants  remain ;  the  oldest  male  representative  of  the  family, 
at  present,  is  Major  Nath.  Beakes  Rossell,  U.  S.  A. 


112  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

Philip  Ketcham,  Benjamin  Cornish,  Francis  Combs,  Isaac  Gray,  Josias  Fur- 
raan,  Jun.  Henry  Sawtell,  Thomas  Etherington,  Content  Titus,  Lambert 
Woodward,  Nathaniel  Woodward,  Joseph  Reeder,  Jeremiah  Reeder,  John 
Bull,  John  Fish,  John  Moore,  Thomas  Morrell,  Jun.  the  said  several  and  re- 
spective  present  inhabitants  and  freeholders  of  the  said  town  of  Newtown, 
to  their  several  respective  uses  and  behoofs,  and  to  the  use  and  behoof  of 
their  several  and  respective  heirs  and  assigns,  for  ever;  and  as  for  and  con- 
cerning all  and  every  such  parcel  or  parcels,  tract  or  tracts  of  land  and  mea- 
dow, remainder  of  the  granted  premises,  not  yet  taken  up  or  appropriated  to 
any  particular  person  or  persons,  by  virtue  of  the  before  recited  deed  or 
patent,  before  the  day  of  the  date  hereof,  to  the  use  and  behoof  of  the  said 
Capt.  Richard  Betts,  Thomas  Stevenson,  Gershom  Moore,  Jonathan  Hazard, 
Samuel  Moore,  Daniel  Bloomfield,  Caleb  Leverich,  Edward  Stevenson,  Joseph 
Sackett,  Samuel  Scudder,  Robert  Field,  Sen.  Thomas  Wandell,  John  Ketcham, 
Thomas  Pettit,  John  Way,  Robert  Field,  Jun.  Jonathan  Strickland,  John 
Smith,  Josias  Furman,  Sen.  George  Wood,  Sen.  Nathan  Fish,  Edward  Hunt, 
Jeremiah  Burroughs,  Richard  Betts,  Thomas  Betts,  John  Scudder,  Jun.  Jona- 
than Stevenson,  Thomas  Case,  John  Albertus,  James  Way,  Cornelis  Jansen, 
Abram  Joris,  John  Coe,  Samuel  Fish,  Joseph  Burroughs,  William  Osborn, 
John  Burroughs,  Thomas  Robinson,  Jane  Hays,  Jacob  Reeder,  John  Reeder, 
Richard  Owen,  Wouter  Gysbertsen,  John  Pettit,  Thomas  Morrell,  John  Ro- 
berts, their  heirs  and  assigns,  for  ever,  in  proportion  to  their  respective  pur- 
chases thereof  made  as  tenants  in  common,  without  any  let,  hindrance,  or 
molestation,  to  be  had  or  reser\'ed  upon  pretence  of  joint  tenancy  or  survi- 
vorship, any  thing  herein  contained  to  the  contrary  in  anywise  notwithstand- 
ing, and  I  do  hereby  ratify,  confirm  and  grant  unto  the  inhabitants  and  free- 
holders of  the  said  town,  all  the  privileges  belonging  to  any  town  within  this 
government,  and  I  do  also  give  and  grant  for  and  in  behalf  of  his  said  Ma- 
jesty, his  heirs  and  successors,  free  and  lawful  power,  ability  and  authority, 
that  they  or  any  of  them,  any  messuages,  tenements,  lands,  meadows,  feedings, 
pastures,  woods,  underwoods,  rents,  reversions,  services,  and  other  heredita- 
ments whatsoever,  within  the  said  Queen's  county,  which  they  hold  of  his 
said  Majesty,  his  heirs  and  successors,  unto  the  aforesaid  freeholders  and  in- 
habitants of  the  town  of  Newtown,  shall  and  may  give,  grant,  sell,  bargain, 
alien,  enfeoff,  and  confirm,  to  be  holden  of  his  most  sacred  Majesty,  his  heirs 
and  successors,  in  free  and  common  socage,  according  to  the  tenure  of  East 
Gi-eenwich,  in  the  county  of  Kent,  in  his  Majesty's  kingdom  of  England; 
yielding,  rendering  and  paying  therefore,  yearly  and  every  year  from  hence- 
forth, unto  our  sovereign  lord  the  King,  his  heirs,  successors  and  assigns,  or 
his  or  their  receiver,  commissionated  or  empowered  to  receive  the  same,  on 
the  five  and  twentieth  day  of  March,  yearly,  for  ever,  the  chief,  or  quit  rent 
of  three  pound  four  shillings,  current  money,  of  this  province  of  New-York, 
in  full  of  all  rents,  or  former  reserved  rents,  services,  or  acknowledgments 
and  demands  whatsoever.'    In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  caused  these  pre- 

'  This  quit  rent  contiuued  to  be  paid  to  the  "  King's  collector,  at  New- York," 
till  the  close  of  the  Revolution,  after  which  the  people  of  the  state,  being  considered 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN.  IIS 

sents  to  be  entered  upon  record  in  the  secretary's  office  of  this  province,  and 
the  seal  of  the  said  province  to  be  hereunto  affixed,  this  25th  day  of  Novem- 
ber, Anno  Dom.  sixteen  hundred  eighty-six,  and  in  the  second  year  of  his 
Majesty's  reign.  THOMAS  DONGAN.     [seal.] 

In  this  patent  the  boundaries  are  defined  with  a  little  more 
explicitness  than  in  that  of  Gov.  Nicoll.  Bushwick  having 
withdrawn  her  consent  to  have  a  patent  of  a  date  parallel  with 
that  of  Newtown,  procured  one  a  year  or  more  later,  confirm- 
ing the  arbitration  of  1672.  It  gave  strength  to  that  decision, 
and  had  a  manifest  influence  on  the  final  determination  of  this 
controversy. 

As  will  be  observed,  this  patent  reserves  to  the  forty-six 
individuals  first  named  therein,  being  original  purchasers  of 
the  township,  or  possessed  of  purchase  rights,  the  exclusive 
control  of  the  unappropriated  land  within  the  purchase  lines  ; 
the  exercise  of  which  right  subsequently  became  a  cause  of 
dissatisfaction  among  the  remaining  inhabitants.  In  that  sec- 
tion of  the  town  formerly  known  as  the  out-plantations,  very 
little  vacant  land  remained,  but  this  was  government  property. 

to  have  taken  the  place  of  the  crown,  a  law  was  passed  by  the  legislature,  in  1786, 
providing  for  the  collection  of  the  arrears  of  quit  rent,  which  had  accrued  on  the 
numerous  patents  granted  by  the  colonial  governors.  Newtown  did  not,  however, 
avail  herself  of  the  terms  of  commutation  proffered  in  the  said  act.  It  was  not  till 
the  year  1815,  that  the  arrearages  which  had  been  accumulating  upon  her  patent 
since  March  25th,  1783,  were  liquidated.  In  the  above  year,  notice  was  given  the 
town,  that  pursuant  to  a  law  of  the  state,  passed  Oct.  14th,  1814,  authorizing  the 
peremptory  sale  of  such  patents  as  yet  remained  subject  to  quit  rent,  the  public 
land  of  Newtown  would  be  set  up  for  sale  on  a  given  day,  by  the  comptroller,  at 
Albany.  Steps  were  immediately  taken  at  a  special  meeting  of  the  people  of  New- 
town, on  August  19th,  to  arrest  this  measure,  and  cancel  their  arrears  of  quit  rent. 
James  Hedenberg,  as  the  town's  agent,  proceeded  to  Albany,  and  obtained  the 
postponement  of  the  sale,  and  a  few  days  after,  to  wit,  on  Nov.  22d,  1815,  the 
same  person  paid  into  the  hands  of  the  comptroller,  in  three  per  cent,  stock,  the 
sum  of  $347  81  cents,  and  the  town  was  released  from  all  further  demand  on  the 
score  of  quit  rent. 

This  exaction  of  the  quit  rent  premises  the  validity  of  the  early  colonial  patents, 
but  this  point  is  clearly  admitted  by  the  constitution  of  this  state,  which  annuls  all 
colonial  grants  and  charter^  made  subsequent  to  Oct.  14th,  1775,  but  affects  none 
given  previous  to  that  date.  The  Newtown  patents  and  Indian  deed  were  all  iu 
existence  as  late  as  1756,  when  they  were  delivered  into  the  keeping  of  Justice 
Philip  Edsall.  They  and  some  other  valuable  papers,  are  not  now  to  be  found.  In 
1816,  as  appears  by  the  town  books,  Thomas  Cumberson  and  Thomas  H.  Betts 
were  appointed  "  to  go  to  Westchester  in  search  of  records  belonging  to  this  town," 
but  I  understand  that  this  missiou  was  not  performed. 


114  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

The  principal,  if  not  the  only  tract,  lay  in  Hellgate  Neck,  and 
was  bounded  on  the  south  by  the  line  of  the  Indian  purchase, 
to  the  eastward  by  the  poor's  bouweries,  to  the  westward  by 
the  lines  of  the  patents  belonging  to  the  inhabitants  of  Mespat 
Kills,  and  to  the  north  by  the  lands  of  William  Hallett.  On 
the  18th  of  March,  1686,  John  Tuder,  of  New- York,  an  at- 
torney-at-law,  and  subsequently  recorder  of  the  city,  applied 
to  the  council  for  the  above  described  land,  which  was  grant- 
ed him,  and  a  patent  issued  July  22d,  following,  reserving  an 
annual  quit  rent  of  one  bushel  of  winter  wheat.  Two  years 
after,  Mr.  Tuder  sold  his  patent  to  three  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Newtown ;  it  was  subsequently  divided,  and  is  now  in- 
cluded in  the  forms  of  the  late  Isaac  Eapelye,  Cornelius  Purdy, 
and  the  heirs  of  Charles  Eapelye,  deceased. 

The  Rev.  Morgan  Jones  had  again  changed  his  ministerial 
relations.  The  people  of  Eastchester  had  long  desired  to  have 
him,  and,  perhaps,  had  enjoyed  his  services  for  a  few  months 
in  the  fall  and  winter  of  1683.  They  now  offered  liberal  in- 
ducements, and  he  began  to  officiate  there  August  3d,  1685.  The 
original  agreement  with  him  at  Newtown  never  having  been 
fulfilled,  either  as  respected  his  salary  or  the  fitting  up  of  his 
residence,  he  applied  to  the  governor  and  council  for  redress. 
A  summons  to  the  town  authorities  to  appear  and  answer,  was 
sufficient;  they  satisfied  Mr.  Jones,  and  on  April  28th,  1686, 
he  gave  them  receipts  in  full.^ 

Of  his  services  in  Newtown  little  is  known  beyond  what 
has  been  related.  His  administration  of  baptism  and  the  mar- 
riage vow  is  incidentally  mentioned.  He  was  a  ready  speaker, 
and  of  a  conciliatory  disposition,  but  different  accounts  are 
given  of  his  character  and  qualifications.      Dr.   Calamy,   in 

^  These  receipts  are  entered,  by  his  own  hand,  in  the  town  records,  the 
last  of  which  reads  literatim  as  follows : 

Whereas,  I,  Morgan  Jones,  have  officiated  for  some  time  as  a  minister,  in 
Newtown,  without  any  agreement  for  a  certain  salary  with  the  town,  upon 
y"  promise  of  some  particular  persons  of  the  towi^  to  allow  me  some  small 
pension  of  y""  own  accord,  I  do  hereby  freele  acquitt  and  discharge  y''  town  of 
Newtown  of  all  salarys,  moneys,  goods,  wares,  land,  or  y'evcr  I  have  claimed 
for  such  my  ministry,  reserving  to  myself  the  power  of  demanding  and  re- 
ceiving of  ye  particular  persons,  y**  several  summs  y<^'>  they  promised  me.  In 
witness  whereof,  I  have  hereto  sett  my  hand,  this  28th  Aprile,  1686. 

Morgan  Jones. 


AKNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  115 

speaking  of  Mm  wliile  settled  in  Wales,  intimates  tliat  lie 
wanted  capacity,  but  was  honest.  But  Dr.  Mather  in  his  Mag- 
nalia,  sets  him  in  a  positively  bad  light,  yet  I  attach  but 
little  importance  to  his  statements  about  Mr.  Jones,  because 
they  are  not  only  improbable  and  puerile,  but  are  given  at 
second  hand,  and  not  on  the  personal  knowledge  of  the  doctor, 
whose  credulity  was  equal  to  his  learning.  The  history  of  Mr. 
Jones,  so  far  as  known,  affords  nothing  positive  against  him; 
and  it  may  be  stated  in  his  favor,  that  he  enjoyed  the  acquaint- 
ance and  confidence  of  Dr.  Thomas  Lloyd,  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  his  brother,  Charles  Lloyd,  Esq.  of  Dolobran,  Wales, 
who  were  his  college  mates  at  Oxford. 

In  the  meantime,  the  eff'orts  of  the  last  few  years  to  pro- 
mote the  settlement  of  the  southern  borders  of  the  township, 
had  stirred  up  the  jealousies  of  the  people  of  Flatbush,  who 
claiming  the  land  as  far  north  as  the  hills,  obtained  a  patent  to 
that  effect,  ISTov.  12th,  1685.  This  embraced  plantations  made 
by  inhabitants  of  Newtown.  Over  these,  Flatbush  began  to 
extend  authority,  and  in  December  of  the  present  year,  news 
came  that  the  farmers  there  had  met  with  serious  interruption. 
Jonathan  Hazard  and  Edward  Stevenson  were  forthwith  de- 
spatched to  Flatbush,  to  demand  "why  they  disturb  our 
inhabitants;"  and,  if  need  be,  inform  the  governor.  Means 
were  also  taken  to  secure  their  borders,  and  to  this  end 
Mr.  Philip  Wells  was  engaged  to  run  out  the  boundaries  of 
the  township,  and  the  line  of  the  Indian  purchase  on  the 
north-west,  which  was  accomplished  in  the  spring  of  1687, 
and  the  draft  deposited  in  the  town  clerk's  office.  They  next 
proceeded  to  lay  out  lots  along  the  whole  extent  of  their  south 
bounds,  extending  back  from  said  bounds  sixty  rods,  and  in 
breadth  fifteen  rods  each  ;  to  be  given  to  every  freeholder  in 
the  township  who  had  paid  "  scot  and  lott,"  (or  town  charges,) 
for  the  last  two  years ;  on  condition  that  they  should  not  sell 
the  same  to  residents  of  other  towns ;  and  that  those  lying  to 
the  westward  of  John  Scudder's  land  (where  Bushwick's 
claim  began)  be  occupied  immediately.  The  allotment  was 
made  on  April  6th,  1687,  in  which  the  inhabitants  of  Hellgate 
Neck  and  vicinity  shared,  and  these  lots  were  for  many  years 
denominated  the  Draught  Lots,  or  the  Little  Lots. 

Kesistance  to  these  measures  was  expected,  and  Messrs. 


116  ANKALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

Kicliard  Betts  and  Jonatlian  Hazard  were  empowered  to  de- 
fend the  township  against  any  encroachments  of  the  adjoining 
towns  upon  their  "  purchase  and  patent."  But  the  people  of 
Newtown,  having  thus  entrenched  themselves,  the  attacks  of 
their  neighbors  seem  to  have  been  for  several  years  suspend- 
ed. Indeed,  paramount  interests  now  demanded  the  public 
attention. 

The  expectations  of  an  enlightened  liberty,  awakened  in 
1683,  had  ended  in  fell  disappointment,  the  course  of  events 
having  fully  proved  that  the  advances  then  made  towards  a 
popular  government  were  designed  merely  to  conciliate  public 
feeling.  After  the  third  annual  assembly  these  popular  bodies 
were  expressly  prohibited  by  the  Duke  of  York,  who,  having 
ascended  the  throne  of  England,  under  the  title  of  James  II. 
disclosed  his  true  character  in  his  endeavors  to  establish  an 
arbitrar}-  government  here,  and  introduce  the  Roman  Catholic 
religion  among  the  protestant  inhabitants  of  New-York,  by 
the  appointment  of  papists  to  the  principal  offices  of  trust  and 
influence.  The  state  of  things  in  Europe  clothed  these  designs 
with  terror.  There  the  sword  of  persecution  was  unsheathed, 
England  still  bled  under  its  stroke,  and  Lewis  XIY.  had  but 
just  revoked  the  edict  of  Nantes,  whereby  the  protestants  of 
France  were  again  subjected  to  prison  and  the  stake,  or  sought 
security  in  flight ;  a  considerable  number  of  these  exiled  Hu- 
guenots seeking  a  home  in  this  province.  With  these  facts 
fresh  in  mind,  and  the  victims  of  papal  intolerance  before  their 
eyes,  the  intelligent  people  became  greatly  alarmed  for  the 
safety  of  their  country  and  religion. 

Such  was  the  gloomy  posture  of  affairs  at  New-York,  in-s 
1689,  when  the  public  mind  was  suddenly  and  happily  relieved 
by  the  news  of  the  abdication  of  James  11.  and  the  succession- 
of  William  and  Mary,  who  were  protestants,  to  the  throne  of 
England.  The  citizens  of  New-York,  regarding  with  suspi- 
cion the  minions  of  King  James,  who  yet  held  the  reins  of  the 
provincial  government,  and  incited  by  a  report,  then  current, 
that  the  catholics  intended  to  rise  and  massacre  the  protes- 
tants, assembled  in  arms,  on  June  2d,  seized  the  fort,  and 
placing  at  their  head  Capt.  Jacob  Leisler,  a  respected  merchant, 
and  commander  of  one  of  the  train  bands,  undertook  the  go- 
vernment of  the  province,  in  the  name  of  King  William. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  117 

The  coramimitj  at  Newtown,  having  experienced  like 
fears  with  the  populace  at  New-York,  were  no  less  rejoiced  at 
the  news  of  the  revolution  in  England,  and  the  fall  of  the 
unprincipled  James;  while,  for  the  most  part,  they  heartily 
acquiesced  in  the  popular  movements  just  mentioned.  At  a 
meeting  of  part  of  the  inhabitants,  held  on  June  11th,  Capt. 
Eichard  Betts  and  Lieut.  Samuel  Moore  were  delegated  to  a 
convention  to  be  held  in  the  city,  with  instructions  "  to  act  as 
they  should  see  cause  for  the  good  and  benefit  of  the  country." 
The  town  further  resolved,  June  15th,  to  provide  and  main- 
tain two  soldiers  to  strengthen  the  garrison  at  New- York. 
They  also  sent  delegates  to  Jamaica,  for  the  purpose  of  elect- 
ing two  persons  to  represent  the  county  in  a  committee  of 
safety,  which  it  was  proposed  to  form  for  the  direction  of 
public  affairs  at  this  critical  juncture.  One  of  the  members 
of  said  committee,  chosen  for  Queen's,  was  "loyal  Mr.  Samuel 
Edsall,"  of  Newtown,  who  was  thus  styled  because  of  his 
warm  attachment  to  the  cause  of  the  revolution,  and  the  lead- 
ing part  that  he  acted. 

The  committee  of  safety,  having  convened  at  New-York 
on  June  26th,  appointed  Capt.  Leisler  commander-in-chief  of 
the  province,  and  instituted  such  regulations  as  were  deemed 
requisite  to  preserve  the  public  peace  and  security,  including 
sundry  changes  in  the  civil  and  military  departments.  Pur- 
suant to  orders,  the  people  of  Newtown  proceeded  to  a  new 
election  of  town  officers,  Oct.  2d.  Capt.  Gershom  Moore, 
Lieut.  Samuel  Moore,  and  Ensign  Joseph  Sackett,  were  re- 
elected to  their  respective  ofl&ces  in  the  militia ;  Samuel  Edsall 
was  appointed  justice  of  the  peace;  and  Content  Titus,  Jona- 
than Hazard,  and  Jeremiah  Burroughs,  were  chosen  commis- 
sioners of  the  town  court,  of  whom  the  last  named  was  also 
appointed  town  clerk  in  the  stead  of  Daniel  Phillips.  Ben- 
jamin Severens  retained  his  place  as  constable,  being  at  this 
time  deputy  sheriff  of  Queen's  county.  Delegates  to  a  county 
committee  for  the  choice  of  a  sheriff,  were  also  appointed, 
one  of  whom,  John  Coe,  was  chosen  to  fill  that  office,  and  was 
commissioned  by  Leisler,  on  Dec.  13th. 

In  the  beginning  of  winter,  despatches  were  received  from 
the  royal  government,  in  England,  of  such  a  nature  as,  in  the 
opinion  of  the  committee  of  safety,  to  warrant  Capt.  Leisler 


118  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN, 

in  assuming  the  title  of  lieutenant-governor,  wliicli  he  accord- 
ingly did,  and  selected  a  council,  who  entered  upon  their  office 
December  11th,  and  of  which  Mr.  Edsall  was  the  member  for 
Queen's  county.  William  and  Mary  were  immediately  pro- 
claimed king  and  queen  at  New-York,  and  in  the  several 
county  towns,  while  the  lieutenant-governor  and  council  ex- 
erted their  energies  to  establish  the  authority  cf  their  new 
sovereign. 

This,  however,  was  not  so  easy  a  task ;  for  while  the  bitter 
opposition  of  the  friends  of  the  late  king  threatened  to  rend  the 
province  in  sunder,  the  inroads  of  the  French,  on  the  northern 
frontiers,  were  creating  the  most  lively  apprehensions.  To  meet 
this  two-fold  danger,  Leisler  sought  to  strengthen  and  increase 
the  military  force  of  the  province.  By  his  order  the  militia  of 
Newtown,  which,  even  in  the  spring  of  1687,  could  muster 
"  125  men,  armed  with  firelocks,"  was  divided  into  two  com- 
panies, of  one  of  which  the  officers  were  Capt.  Content  Titus, 
Lieut.  Jeremiah  Burroughs,  and  Ensign  Eobert  Coe;  and  of 
the  othfer,  Capt.  Samuel  Moore,  Lieut.  Joseph  Sackett,  and 
Ensign  Gershom  Moore.  These  were  commissioned  by  Leisler, 
and  were  instructed  to  exercise  their  companies  in  arms,  and 
maintain  good  order  and  discipline  ;  the  tactics  then  practised 
in  the  town  being,  as  expressed  in  a  late  return,  "distance, 
facings,  doublings,  counter-marchings,  wheelings,  and  firings." 

Early  in  1690,  the  alarming  intelligence  reached  New- York 
of  the  burning  of  Schenectady,  and  the  cruel  massacre  of  its 
inhabitants  by  the  French  army  and  their  Indian  allies,  on  the 
night  of  Feb.  8th.  And  the  people  of  Albany,  apprehending 
a  visit  from  the  enemy,  earnestly  begged  a  reinforcement  of 
troops  for  their  protection.  Sympathizing  with  his  fellow- 
citizens  in  their  peril,  Gov,  Leisler,  on  Feb.  16th,  despatched 
Mr.  Edsall  to  Newtown,  with  an  order  to  Major  Thomas  Law- 
rence, who  commanded  all  the  forces  of  Queen's,  to  expedite 
the  raising  of  fifty  men  in  said  county,  for  this  service. 

As  has  been  already  hinted,  Leisler  and  his  coadjutors  had 
experienced  violent  opposition  from  the  friends  of  the  late  ad- 
ministration, who,  though  they  pretended  allegiance  to  Wil- 
liam and  Mary,  denied  the  legality  of  the  proceedings  by 
which  Capt.  Leisler  had  been  elevated  to  the  chief  seat  of 
power.     Albany  had  shown  the  most  formidable  array  of 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  119 

opposition,  but  having  yielded  from  apprehension  of  a  worse 
evil,  Queen's  county  seemed  now  to  be  the  chief  seat  of  dis- 
affection. Autumn  of  1690,  found  the  rebel  party  there, 
"without  any  provocation,"  mustering  in  arms,  and  avowing 
their  intentions  to  maintain  their  rebellion  by  violence.  To 
quell  this  faction  Major  Milborne  was  sent  over  to  the  island, 
October  28th,  with  a  military  force,  and  instructions  to  prose- 
cute the  insurgents  "  with  all  violence  and  act  of  hostility," 
until  they  should  be  wholly  subdued.  At  Newtown,  the  same 
day,  a  proclamation  was  issued,  of  which  the  following  is  a 
part: 

"Forasmuch  as  there  are  many  seditious  persons,  who 
without  any  provocation  have  taken  up  arms,  and  appeared 
in  a  rebellious  manner  against  his  Majesty's  authority,  with- 
in this  county,  called  Queens,  upon  Long  Island,  and  under 
specious  pretences  have  drawn  aside,  and  caused  certain  num- 
bers of  his  Majesty's  liege  subjects  to  abet  with  them,  contrary 
to  their  allegiance  and  bounden  duty,  and  the  peace  of  our 
lord  the  King,  his  crown  and  dignity,  and  the  security  and 
welfare  of  the  good  inhabitants  thereof: — These  are  in  his 
Majesty's  name,  to  forbid,  forewarn  and  advertise  all  persons 
within  this  province,  that  they  in  no  wise  aid  succor,  comfort, 
abet,  consent  to,  or  anywise  adhere  unto  the  said  rebels,  or 
any  of  their  associates,  but  upon  notice  hereof  that  all  such 
who  have  unadvisedly  been  herein  concerned,  do  forthwith 
withdraw  from  them,  and  return  to  their  allegiance  and  re- 
spective habitations,  where  they  shall  be  preserved  in  their 
rights  and  properties,  and  peaceable  enjoyment  thereof;  as 
they  will  answer  the  contrary  at  their  utmost  perils." 

Two  days  only  had  elapsed  when  news  was  received  that 
"the  rebels  had  been  forced  to  fly  by  the  forces  sent  to  sup- 
press them."  In  order  that  none  of  them  might  escape,  Mr. 
Edsall  and  Capt.  Wilhams  were  despatched  by  water,  with 
volunteer  troops,  to  scour  Flushing  Bay  and  Long  Island 
Sound,  examine  all  vessels,  land  and  search  suspected  houses, 
and  seize  the  person  and  papers  of  those  guilty  of  rebellion. 

In  this  highly  excited  state  of  public  feeling  both  parties 
anxiously  awaited  'news  from  England.  Leisler  and  his 
friends  expected  the  royal  approval,  while  their  opponents, 
as  heartily  wishing  for  their  condemnation,  made  strenuous 


120  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

efforts  to  accomplisli  this  object,  by  means  of  bigbly  exagge- 
rated and  false  statements,  wliicli  were  transmitted  to  England 
to  bias  the  royal  mind  against  tbe  people's  governor.  The 
disaffected  persons  in  the  towns  of  Hempstead,  Jamaica,  Flush- 
ing, and  Newtown,  wrought  up  to  the  highest  pitch  of  exas- 
peration, convened  a  meeting  on  Nov.  7th,  and  addressed  a 
memorial  to  their  Majesties'  secretary,  complaining  in  the 
most  vehement  terms  of  Leisler's  proceedings,  who  they  re- 
present as  having  taken  to  himself  the  "  most  wicked  and 
poorest  of  the  sons  of  men,  the  chiefest  of  whom  were  Jacob 
Milborne  and  Samuel  Edsall.  These  two  base  villains,  with 
their  collected  rabble,  in  a  barbarous  and  inhuman  manner 
came  over  from  New- York  to  Long  Island,  and  there  did 
break  open,  plunder  and  destroy  the  houses  and  estates  of 
their  Majesties'  subjects,  in  a  most  rude  and  barbarous  man- 
ner, not  regarding  age  or  sex,  stripping  our  wives  and  daugh- 
ters of  their  wearing  apparel,  carrying  away  all  that  was 
portable,  shooting  at  and  wounding  divers  poor  Englishmen, 
(some  deem£d  mortal,)  and  then  went  so  far  as  to  sequester  our 
estates,  giving  no  reasons  for  so  doing,  other  than  that  we 
would  not  accept  commissions  from  the  pretended  lieutenant- 
governor;  for  which  a  hundred  and  four  of  us  are  driven 
from  our  estates,  men  of  the  chiefest  and  best  estate  on  Long 
Island." 

Leisler  had  gone  too  far.  Intending  all  for  good,  his  zeal 
to  restore  order  in  the  province,  had  led  to  an  extremity  of 
means,  highly  injudicious  and  fatal.  His  power  now  began  to 
wane.  Early  in  1691,  Major  Ingoldesby  arrived  with  soldiers 
from  England,  and  demanded  possession  of  the  fort,  but  show- 
ing no  orders,  Leisler  refused  to  surrender  it.  Ingoldesby 
besieged  the  fortress,  and  summoned  the  citizens  to  repair  to 
his  standard.  He  directed  Capt.  Samuel  Moore  of  Newtown 
to  publish  his  authority,  and  stand  ready  to  aid  him.  On 
March  19th,  Gov.  Henry  Sloughter  arrived,  and  a  well-meant 
but  unfortunate  delay  on  the  part  of  Leisler  to  deliver  up  the 
fort,  confirmed  in  the  governor's  mind  the  report  of  his  ty- 
ranny and  usurpation.  The  enemies  of  Leisler,  though  few 
in  number,  embodied  the  aristocracy,  and  their  representations 
had  weight.  They  obtained  his  commitment  on  a  charge  of 
high  treason,  and  being,  together   with  his  son-in-law  and 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  121 

secretary,  Jacob  Milborne,  in  a  summary  manner  tried  and  ad- 
judged guilty,  both,  were  executed  at  New-York,  on  May  IGtli, 
following.  "  So  fell  Capt.  Leisler  and  Mr.  Milborne,"  says  a  wri- 
ter of  that  day,  "  men  of  known  integrity,  honesty,  and  loyalty, 
and  by  a  pretended  course  of  law,  contrary  to  all  law  condemn- 
ed, where  their  judges  were,  most  of  them,  violent  enemies  of 
the  happy  revolution,  and  therefore  resolved  to  revenge  them- 
selves on  these  gentlemen,  who  were  the  most  early  and  zea- 
lous instruments  of  it,  and  who  had  first  expended  great  part 
of  their  estates,  and  then  suffered  martyrdom  for  King  Wil- 
liam and  Queen  Mary,  their  religion  and  laws,"  Leisler's 
council  and  other  adherents,  among  whom  were  Samuel  Ed- 
sall  and  John  Coe,  were  imprisoned,  but  escaped  witb  their 
lives.  Mr.  Edsall  was  tried  and  acquitted  by  the  same  court 
that  convicted  Leisler. 

The  administration  of  Gov.  Sloughter  was  distinguished 
for  a  re-construction  of  tlie  government  of  New-York,  laying 
its  foundation  upon  a  permanent  basis,  whicb  continued  unin- 
terrupted down  to  the  American  Kevolution.  The  governor 
possessed  the  executive  power ;  the  legislative  was  vested  in 
the  governor,  council,  and  general  assembly,  (the  two  former 
appointed  by  the  king,  and  the  latter  composed  of  deputies, 
chosen  by  the  freeholders  of  each,  county,)  whose  sessions 
should  be  held  annually,  their  acts  being  subject  to  the  ap- 
proval of  his  Majesty.  The  first  and  only  general  assembly 
convened  under  Gov.  Sloughter,  met  in  the  spring  of  1691, 
Their  efforts  were  exerted  to  restore  and  establish  good  go- 
vernment, and  thougb  they  declared  that  all  the  laws  con- 
sented to  by  the  assemblies  under  James,  Duke  of  York,  with 
the  liberties  and  privileges  granted  to  the  people,  were  null 
and  void,  not  being  ratified ;  they  nevertheless  passed  a  law, 
on  the  Gth.  of  May,  which,  after  mentioning  the  great  damage 
which,  had  accrued  to  the  province  from  the  recent  disorders, 
proceeded  to  confirm  in  the  fullest  manner,  "  all  the  charters, 
patents,  and  grants,  made,  given  and  granted,  and  well  and 
truly  executed,  under  the  seal  of  this  province,  constituted 
and  authorized  by  their  late  and  present  Majesties,  the  Kings 
of  England,  and  registered  in  the  secretary's  office,  unto  the 
several  and  respective  corporations  or  bodies  politic  of  the 
cities,  towns,  and  manors,  and  also  to  the  several  and  respec- 


122  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

tive  freeliolders  witliiii  tliis  province."  Courts  of  common 
pleas  and  general  sessions  were  organized  in  the  several  conn- 
ties,  Tlie  municipal  or  town  government  underwent  a  re- 
vision, and  assumed  more  nearly  its  present  form ;  the  com- 
missioners' court  ceased,  and  its  duties  devolved  upon  the 
justices;  the  supervisors  were  reduced  to  one  in  each  town,* 
and  three  surveyors  of  highways  were  added  to  the  usual 
town  officers.      Newtown  first  chose  the  latter  in  1700. 


CHAPTEE     VII. 

Proposed  to  erect  a  fulling-mill. — Wolves. — Wolf  Stream. — Wolf  Swamp. — Nar- 
row Passage. — Three  towns  complain  that  Newtown  is  encroaching  on  their 
territory. — Parties  summoned  before  the  council. — A  general  survey  agreed 
upon. — Newtown  alarmed  at  the  passage  of  a  law  for  tjie  introduction  of 
Episcopacy. — They  send  to  New  England  for  a  minister,  and  obtain  the  Rev. 
John  Morse. — Steps  taken  to  enlarge  the  Church. — A  Bill  passes  the  Assembly 
to  except  Newtown  out  of  the  above  law,  but  the  Governor  refuses  to  sanction 
it. — Survey  being  completed,  the  boundary  dispute  engages  the  attention  of 
the  Council. — They  refer  the  parties  to  the  common  law. — Newtown  proceeds 
to  occupy  their  west  bounds. — Migrations  to  New  Jersey. — A  new  parsonage 
house  bought. — Ezekiel  Lewis,  schoolmaster. — Quit  rent. — Steps  to  ordain  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Morse. — A  census  taken. — Mr.  Morse's  death. — A  new  town-house 
built. — Rev.  Robert  Breck  engaged  to  preach. — Dissatisfaction  among  the  in- 
habitants of  Heligate  Neck  respecting  the  common  land. — Their  bills  before 
the  Assembly  are  defeated. — Put  a  bill  in  chancery,  but  without  success. — 
They  petition  the  Governor  and  Council. — The  case  investigated. — Report. — 
The  complaint  dismissed  as  frivolous. — Mr.  Breck  disconcerted  by  the  efforts 
of  Lord  Combury  to  establish  the  Church  of  England. — His  oppressive  acts. — 
The  church  at  Newtown  taken  possession  of  by  the  Episcopal  clergyman. — 
The  people  obliged  to  succumb. — Rev.  John  Hampton  arrested  for  preaching 
at  Newtown. — Trials  endured  by  the  Dissenters.  1691  to  1707. 

Measures  were  taken  this  year  by  two  enterprizing  citizens 
of  the  town,  to  erect  a  fulling-mill  on  the  stream  that  empties 
at  Fish's  Point.  The  town  favored  the  project,  and  passed 
the  following,  June  27th,  1691 :    "  Voted,  that  Thomas  Ste- 

'  This  office  was  abolished  Oct.  18th,  1701,  and  the  justices,  or  any  five  of 
them  in  each  county,  were  empowered  to  audit  its  accounts,  and  appoint  its 
treasurer;  but  on  June  19th,  1703,  the  office  of  supervisor  was  revived  by 
law,  and  has  existed  ever  since. 


ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN,  123 

venson  and  Edward  Stevenson  sliall  liave  the  stream  or  brook 
tliat  is  commonly  called  Lodowick  Brook,  as  tlieir  own  right, 
to  have  and  to  hold  to  them  and  theirs  for  ever,  with  what 
convenience  of  land  can  be  spared  (not  infringing  the  high- 
way) for  the  building  of  a  fulling-mill,  with  which  they  are 
to  do  the  town's  work  first,  and  as  reasonable  as  other  work- 
men do,  and  to  keep  the  same  in  repair." 

Twenty  years  from  this  date,  to  wit,  on  Oct.  16th,  1711, 
Thomas  Stevenson  and  John  Stevenson  (son  of  Edward)  sold 
to  Jesse  Kip,  at  that  time  the  proprietor  of  the  grist-mill  at 
Fish's  Point,  all  their  interest  in  the  above  premises.  This 
fulling-mill  remained  for  many  years,  but  every  vestige  of  it 
has  now  disappeared,  though  the  locality  still  retains  the 
name  of  the  Fulling-mill  Dam.  This  was  one  of  the  first 
fulling-mills  erected  in  this  province.  The  costliness  of  im- 
ported cloths  had  induced  the  practice  of  making  domestic 
woollens,  and  the  raising  of  sheep  for  that  purpose.  The  de- 
predations of  wolves  offered,  however,  a  serious  impediment 
to  the  safe  rearing  of  flocks,  and  though  the  inhabitants  of 
this  town  were  less  annoyed  by  these  midnight  prowlers  than 
their  neighbors  of  the  adjoining  towns,  they  found  it  neces- 
sary, in  February,  1692,  to  offer  twenty  shillings  a  head  for 
every  wolf  killed  within  the  limits  of  the  town.  By  the  aid 
of  "wolf-pits,"  made  near  the  haunts  of  these  animals,  many 
were  entrapped  and  killed.  Their  destruction  became  neces- 
sary not  only  for  the  preservation  of  the  stock  and  cattle, 
but  even  for  the  personal  safety  of  the  inhabitants,  whom  they 
would  sometimes  attack.  It  is  related  that  one  of  the  New- 
town farmers,  going  at  the  dusk  of  evening  to  turn  loose  his 
horses,  was  beset  by  a  number  of  these  animals  from  a  neigh- 
boring swamp.  Springing  upon  a  stump,  he  lashed  them 
lustily  with  the  halters,  and  succeeded  in  driving  them  oif. 
At  an  early  period,  a  run  of  water  emptying  into  Trains 
Meadow,  bore  the  name  of  Wolf  Stream,  doubtless  because 
infested  by  these  animals ;  and  the  swamp  from  which  it  issued, 
lying  on  the  east  side  of  the  Narrow  Passage,  still  retains  the 
name  of  Wolf  Swamp.  The  "  Narrow  Passage  that  goes  into 
Hellgate  Neck,"  (a  name  early  applied  to  the  road  leading 
across  the  swamp  a  little  distance  south  of  Middletown,)  was, 


124  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

according  to  tradition,  originally  a  dam  thrown  up  by  the 
beavers/ 

The  discontents  which  the  continued  efforts  of  Newtown, 
for  the  last  five  years,  to  occupy  all  the  land  within  the  lines 
of  their  Indian  purchase  had  fomented  in  the  adjoining  towns, 
now  broke  forth  in  loud  complaint,  in  which  Bushwick,  Brook- 
lyn and  Flatbush  participated,  and  the  people  of  Newtown, 
having  intimation  that  a  combination  of  the  above  towns  was 
being  formed  against  them,  resolved,  on  Dec.  13th,  to  raise 
and  appropriate  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  for  the  defence  of 
their  patent,  Thomas  Betts  and  Edward  Stevenson  being  at 
the  same  time  chosen  to  conduct  the  business,  and  employ  one 
or  more  lawyers  to  aid  them.  Two  days  after,  a  joint  petition 
was  presented  to  Gov.  Fletcher,  by  the  towns  of  Brooklyn, 
Bushwick,  and  Flatbush,  complaining  that  the  people  of  New- 
town "build  houses  on  their  outlands,"  and  praying  his  ex- 
cellency in  council,  "to  examine  both  their  pretences,  for  an 
accommodation  to  save  the  charges  in  the  law." 

Notice  being  given  the  purchasers  of  Newtown,  all  i^arties 
appeared  before  the  governor  and  council,  on  Dec.  22d,  and 
after  an  inspection  of  their  several  patents  and  pajoers,  his 
excellency  was  of  opinion,  "  that  the  controversy  cannot  be 
better  decided  th[m  by  a  survey  of  their  townships  by  the 
sworn  surveyor,  according  to  the  meers  and  bounds  of  their 
several  jDatents,  beginning  with  the  eldest  patent,  and  that 
indifferent  persons  of  note  and  integrity  be  present  at  the 
surveying  of  them,  and  that  the  several  surveys  be  brought 
upon  one  plot  or  draft,  to  be  decided  and  determined  accord- 
ingly, by  his  excellency  the  governor  and  council ;  which,  if 
both  parties  will  agree  unto,  the  surveyor  is  ordered  to  have 
a  warrant  directed  to  him,  for  the  doing  thereof,  at  their  equal 
charge."  This  proposal  being  finally  acceded  to  by  the  several 
parties,  a  warrant  was  issued  on  Feb.  6th,  1693,  to  the  sur- 

1  The  passer  by  this  spot  cannot  fail  to  notice  the  stately  chestnut  stand- 
ing by  the  roadside,  and  casting  its  grateful  shade  over  this  ancient  highway. 
This  tree  measures  twenty-five  feet  in  circumference  at  the  base,  and  full 
fifteen  at  the  distance  of  six  feet  above.  Its  majestic  proportions  indicate  for 
it  an  existence  coeval  with  the  red  man  who,  centuries  ago,  was  undisputed 
lord  of  the  then  surrounding  wilds. 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN.  125 

vejor  general,  wlio  entered  upon  the  work,  in  the  execution 
of  which  two  years  elapsed. 

The  year  1693  was  signalized  by  the  introduction  of  a  theme 
far  more  engrossing  to  the  religious  community.  This  was 
the  passage,  Sept.  22d,  of  a  law  districting  Queen's  county 
and  several  others  into  ecclesiastical  parishes,  and  providing 
for  the  annual  election,  in  each  such  parish,  of  two  church- 
wardens, and  ten  vestrymen,  to  superintend  the  affairs  of  the 
church,  and  endowed  with  power  to  call  a  minister,  and,  with 
the  justices,  to  lay  a  yearly  tax  upon  the  inhabitants,  for  his 
support.  The  towns  of  Newtown,  Jamaica,  and  Flushing, 
were  constituted  a  single  parish,  whose  inhabitants  were  re- 
quired to  furnish  the  sum  of  sixty  pounds  annually,  for  the 
support  of  a  clergyman,  to  reside  at  Jamaica. 

Although  a  direct  reference  to  any  denomination  had 
been  carefully  avoided,  the  dissenters  were  not  slow  to  fathom 
the  designs  of  government,  which  aimed  at  nothing  else  than 
the  establishment  of  the  Church  of  England  in  this  province. 
Much  apprehension  was  therefore  excited.  Newtown  regarded 
herself  as  particularly  aggrieved,  for,  waving  the  too  obvious 
intention  to  thrust  upon  them  a  religious  establishment  re- 
pugnant to  their  feelings,  they  had  hitherto  enjoyed  the  ex- 
clusive services  of  their  own  minister,  living  among  them,  and 
sustained  by  their  free  contributions.  To  be  now  subjected 
to  an  additional  tax  for  the  support  of  a  clergyman,  resident 
in  another  township,  they  regarded  as  burdensome  and  odi- 
ous. It  being  proposed  to  petition  the  assembly  to  repeal  the 
obnoxious  law,  Messrs.  Content  Titus  and  Daniel  Bloomfield 
were  deputed,  early  in  1694,  to  attend  a  meeting,  held  at  Ja- 
maica, for  that  object. 

Unhappily  the  congregation  at  this  date  was  destitute  of 
a  minister,  but  means  were  at  once  concerted  to  procure  one. 
"  The  town  will  call  a  minister  to  preach  the  gospel  amongst 
us  upon  liking,"  was  the  expression  of  a  meeting  held  on  April 
12th.  A  letter  was  prepared  for  Content  Titus,  who  was  sent 
to  New  England  in  quest  of  a  clergyman,  and  during  his  ab- 
sence, in  July,  it  was  resolved  that  the  minister,  on  his  arrival, 
should  be  "entertained"  at  the  house  of  Justice  Samuel  Ed- 
sall,  until  the  town  house  or  parsonage  could  be  repaired  and 
made  ready  for  his  reception. 

9 


126  AKKALS      OF      NEWTOWfT. 

The  mission  of  Capt.  Titus  was  snccessfuL  He  secured 
the  services  of  Mr.  John  Morse,  a  youthful  student  of  divinit}^, 
who  removed  to  Newtown,  and  entered  upon  his  work  of  im- 
parting religious  instruction.  He  was  the  son  of  Ezra  Morse, 
a  worthy  cooper  of  Dedham,  Massachusetts^  where  he  was 
born,  March  31st,  1674.*  He  graduated  at  Harvard  College, 
in  1692.  After  trial,  the  town  resolved,  Sept.  15th,  to  retain 
him,  and  six  persons  were  appointed  to  treat  with  him  as  to 
his  settlement.  A  subscription  was  made  for  his  support.  It 
was  also  determined  to  enlarge  the  church,  and  Messrs.  John 
Coe  and  Content  Titus  were  empowered  to  employ  mechanics 
and  superintend  the  work  till  completed. 

Meanwhile,  Queen's  county  had  effected  nothing  to  avert 
the  grievances  apprehended  from  the  recent  law  for  the  set- 
tlement of  a  ministry.  The  people  of  Newtown,  therefore, 
resolved,  on  Jan,  5th,  1695,  to  petition  the  next  assembly, 
on  their  own  account,  "  to  repeal  the  act  of  vestryman  and 
annual  salary  to  be  paid  by  the  whole  county  for  two  minis- 
ters." Upon  the  meeting  of  that  body,  the  subject  was  intro- 
duced by  Capt.  Filkin,  a  representative  from  King's  county, 
in  the  form  of  a  bill  entitled,  "  A  bill  for  exempting  Newtown, 
in  Queen's  county,  on  the  Island  of  Nassau,  out  of  the  pains, 
penalties,  forfeitures,  and  demands  in  an  act  for  settling  a 
ministry,  and  raising  a  maintenance  for  them,  in  the  city  of 
New- York,"  &c.  After  a  third  reading,  and  the  hearing  of  a 
report  "about  the  minister  of  Newtown,"  prepared  by  a  com- 
mittee of  the  house,  the  bill  was  passed  on  April  9th.  But  on 
its  presentation  to  the  governor,  he  refused  to  sanction  it. 
This  measure  being  thus  defeated,  the  people  of  Newtown 
were  left  to  anticipate  the  enforcement  of  the  unjust  act  for 
the  settlement  of  a  ministry. 

In  the  meantime,  preparation  had  been  made  for  the  trial 
of  the  boundary  question  before  the  council.     Two  able  law- 

*  The  time  of  Mr.  Morse's  birth  has  been  a  matter  of  considerable  disa- 
greement, but  the  above  is  the  true  date  taken  from  the  Dedham  records,  and 
kindly  furnished  me  by  Mr.  D.  P.  Wight,  of  that  place.  The  "Memorial  of 
the  Morses,"  by  the  Rev.  Abner  Morse,  of  Sherburne,  Massachusetts,  mis- 
states the  time  of  his  birth ;  but  the  author,  in  a  letter  with  which  he  has 
favored  me,  since  the  publication  of  the  Memorial,  acknowledges  hia  mis- 
take, and  tho  correctness  of  the  Dedham  register. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  127 

yers,  Emot  and  Nicoll,  were  employed  by  Newtown,  the  latter 
of  which  gentlemen  informed  the  council,  Jan.  31st.  1695,  that 
the  survey  of  the  disputed  boundaries  was  completed,  and  re- 
quested that  a  day  might  be  appointed  for  the  appearance  of 
the  inhabitants,  with  their  several  deeds  and  writings,  in  order 
to  a  decision  of  the  controversy.  A  day  was  thereupon  fixed, 
but  when  it  came,  the  agents  of  Newtown  alone  appeared. 
At  the  second  appointment,  deputies  from  Brooklyn  presented 
themselves,  but  the  other  towns  kept  aloof,  having  evidently 
changed  their  purpose  to  submit  the  decision  to  the  council. 
The  board  proceeded,  however,  to  an  examination  of  the  evi- 
dences, but  finally  adjourned  the  suit  without  coming  to  any 
conclusion.  After  a  month's  delay,  the  inhabitants  of  New- 
town again,  on  April  4th,  besought  the  governor  for  a  deter- 
mination of  the  dispute  according  to  the  evidence  of  title 
presented  before  him.  His  excellencj''  in  council  now  replied, 
that  as  it  was  a  matter  of  common  right,  cognizable  at  com- 
mon law,  and  which  therefore  could  not  be  decided  by  himself 
and  council,  without  the  concurrence  of  all  the  parties,  he 
should  refer  them  to  the  common  law. 

But  as  the  Dutch  towns  had  already  declined  a  resort  to 
law,  on  the  plea  of  expense,  the  dispute  remained  where  it 
was,  and  Newtown  proceeded,  unmolested,  to  secure  their 
west  line,  by  laying  off  lots  along  the  same,  from  the  end  of 
the  Little  Lots  northward,  which  were  distributed  to  the  seve- 
ral purchasers,  and  such  as  held  purchase  rights,  with  the 
pledge  to  defend  any  one  of  their  citizens,  settled  or  to  settle 
upon  their  south  and  west  bounds,  who  should  be  sued  or 
otherwise  molested  by  the  neighboring  towns.  The  increasing 
value  of  land  probably  stimulated  the  people  of  Newtown  to 
action  in  this  matter.  At  the  same  time  it  doubtless  encou- 
raged an  inclination,  now  beginning  to  be  felt  by  the  inhabi- 
tants, to  migrate  to  New  Jersey,  where  the  cheapness  of  the 
land,  as  well  as  the  freedom  from  taxation,  offered  peculiar 
advantages  to  the  young  and  enterprizing.  And  from  this 
period  onward,  that  state  received  from  Newtown  valuable 
additions  to  its  population. 

Amid  other  affairs,  the  people  of  Newtown  were  not  in- 
sensible to  the  wants  of  their  minister,  who  had  evidently 
secured  the  good  will  of  his  congregation.     It  was  resolved, 


128  ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN. 

on  April  17th,  to  build  a  new  stone  "parsonage  house,"  on 
land  to  be  bought  for  that  purpose.  But  the  committee,  to 
whom  this  business  was  entrusted,  found  it  more  expedient  to 
purchase,  in  the  course  of  the  summer,  a  house  and  lot,  of 
twelve  acres,  from  Samuel  Coe,  for  the  sum  of  seventy -five 
pounds,  to  pay  which,  they  made  sale  of  some  of  the  common 
land.  The  town  approved  of  this  measure,  and  the  premises 
were  delivered  unto  Mr.  Morse  for  his  use,  during  his  ministra- 
tions among  them.  This  matter  arranged,  Mr.  Ezekiel  Lewis, 
subsequently  a  distinguished  lawyer  of  Boston,  and  who  had 
this  year  graduated  at  Harvard  College,  was  engaged,  Dec. 
18th,  to  officiate  for  a  twelve-month,  as  schoolmaster,  for  whose 
accommodation  the  town-house  was  to  be  put  in  a  state  of  re- 
pair. These  events  bespeak  for  the  inhabitants  an  intelligent 
enterprize,  and  for  a  year  no  event  of  note  transpired  to 
destroy  the  harmony  of  the  community,  or  interrupt  the 
orderly  operation  of  their  affairs.  There  was  some  talk  of  a 
revival  of  the  boundary  dispute,  but  nothing  eventuated  from 
it.  The  quit  rent  having  for  several  years  been  suffered  to 
fall  in  arrears,  it  called  forth  a  sharp  letter  from  the  high 
sheriff,  "in  his  Majesty's  name,"  requiring  the  inhabitants  to 
pay  the  King's  dues,  or  he  should  "take  such  methods  as 
would  not  be  well  pleasing  to  them."  This  was  answered  by 
a  prompt  payment. 

The  Kev.  Mr.  Morse  increased  in  favor  with  the  people  of 
his  charge.  It  was  now  deemed  proper  that  he  should  be 
regularly  ordained  in  the  ministerial  office,  that  service  yet 
remaining  unperformed.  The  people  assembled  to  consider 
the  subject,  on  May  15th,  1697.  After  expressing  their  desire 
that  Mr.  Morse  should  "be  ordained  as  the  pastor  and  teacher 
of  our  church,  according  to  the  rule  of  the  gospel,"  a  com- 
mittee of  fourteen  persons  was  appointed  to  confer  with  him 
in  relation  thereto.  Another  want  was  favorably  considered 
on  that  occasion.  Never,  on  the  Sabbath  morning,  had  the 
sound  of  the  church-goiog  bell  awakened  the  surrounding 
hills,  nor  its  solemn  peals  turned  the  footsteps  of  devout  wor- 
shipers toward  the  sanctuary.  It  was  now  resolved,  "to 
buy  a  bell  for  the  town  of  about  ten  pound  price,"  a  measure 
which  there  is  reason  to  believe  was  executed.  It  is  easy 
to  fancy  the  agreeable  effect  produced  when,  for  the  first 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 


129 


time,  it  spoke  from  tlie  belfry  to  the  startled  ears  of  the 
villagers. 

.  The  result  of  the  conference  had  with  Mr.  Morse  by  the 
committee,  in  reference  to  his  ordination,  is  thus  piously  stated 
in  the  town  records  under  date  of  Wednesday,  Sept.  9th : — 
"  Whereas  Mr.  John  Morse  hath  consented  to  be  ordained  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  at  the  solicitation  of  those  persons 
deputed  by  the  town  to  treat  with  him  about  that  affair; 
it  is  therefore  voted  and  agreed  that  we  do  accept  him  as  our 
minister^  to  dispense  to  us  in  things  spiritual,  according  to  the 
mind  of  Christ  and  order  of  the  gospel ;  and  we  do  and  shall 
readily  submit  ourselves  to  him  in  the  Lord,  as  such,  and  to 
all  his  ministerial  dispensations  and  spiritual  administrations 
amono;  us,  accordino-  to  the  mind  and  will  of  God,  as  God  shall 
assist  and  direct  him."  From  these  proceedings  it  may  be 
inferred  that  Mr.  Morse's  ordination  was  duly  performed,  but 
it  cannot  be  asserted  as  a  fact,  because  no  further  reference  to 
it  is  found.  It  is  said  that  from  the  usages  of  those  times  he 
could  not  have  been  ordained  without  a  church,  but  whether 
a  church  had  been  organized  here  at  this  date,  does  not  clearly 
appear.  It  is  worthy  of  note,  that  until  the  first  action  in 
reference  to  Mr,  Morse's  ordination,  the  word  church  does  not 
occur  in  the  town  records,  the  church  edifice  being  always 
called  the  meeting-house.  In  this  instance  it  evidently  refers 
to  the  people,  and  the  last  quotation  from  the  records,  express- 
ing their  desire  to  submit  themselves  to  Mr.  Morse's  "minis- 
terial dispensations  and  spiritual  administrations,"  certainly 
bears  the  complexion  of  a  church  covenant. 

Few  events  are  recorded  of  the  two  years  which  now 
succeeded.  Threats  of  the  neighboring  towns  to  prosecute 
the  boundary  suit  before  the  supreme  court,  gave  rise  to  some 
measures  for  the  defence  of  the  township,  but  they  were  not 
called  into  requisition.  In  1698  an  estimate  was  made  of  the 
population  of  the  town,  which  shows  that  it  then  contained 
183  white  inhabitants,  of  which  153  were  heads  of  families. 
There  were  93  negro  slaves,  being  an  increase  of  44  within 
the  last  eleven  years. 

After  a  ministry  of  from  five  to  six  years  in  Newtown, 
Mr.  Morse,  owing  to  the  inadequacy  of  his  support,  contem- 
plated a  removal  to  some  other  field  of  labor.     Therefore,  on 


130  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

Feb.  26tli  1700,  lie  disposed  of  an  estate  wlaieli  lie  owned 
in  Hempstead  Swamp,  to  Casper  Joost  Springsteen,  of  "West- 
chester.' Unwilling,  however,  to  part  with  their  pastor,  to- 
wards whom  a  lively  attachment  existed,  a  meeting  was  con- 
vened, on  July  4th,  and  a  comimittee  appointed  to  adopt 
means  for  the  speedy  collection  of  the  money  due  him,  "and 
also,"  says  the  record,  "to  discourse  with  Mr.  John  Morse,  to 
see  how  his  mind  stands  affected;  and  to  know  whether  he 
will  preach  amongst  ns  till  we  can  see  if  the  sum  demanded 
by  him,  can  be  gathered  or  not,  and  then  to  make  a  return 
to  the  town ;  and  moreover,  to  take  care  of  the  parsonage  till 
further  orders  from  the  town."  These  efforts  availed,  upon 
the  promise,  it  would  seem,  of  making  a  more  comfortable 
provision  for  him,  for  it  was  resolved,  August  28th,  to  make- 
an  addition  to  the  parsonage  farm,  and  to  erect  "  a  town-house 
of  twentj'-four  feet  long  and  twenty  feet  wide,  two  stories 
high,  completely  finished,  for  the  minister  of  the  said  town 
to  live  in,  while  minister  of  the  town  aforesaid,  and  to  be  set 
upon  the  toAvn  lot,  joined  to  the  house  that  is  there  now 
standing."  This  building  was  completed  in  the  course  of 
several  years,  under  the  superintendence  of  Content  Titus, 
Edward  Hunt,  and  Peter  Berrien,  towards  which  these  gen- 
tlemen advanced  sums  of  money  from  their  private  funds. 
But  Mr.  Morse  did  not  realize  the  benefit  which  the  above 

'  Joost  Casperse  Springsteen,  with  his  brother,  Johannes,  and  their  widowed 
mother,  Geesie  Jans,  arrived  at  New  Amsterdam,  in  1652,  from  Groningen,  and 
in  1660  tliey  joined  in  the  settlement  of  Bushwiek.  From  these  have  all  the 
Springsteens  of  this  country  descended.  Joost  married,  on  June  10th,  1663, 
Catharine,  daughter  of  Abraham  Lothie,  and  widow  of  Peter  Praa.  He  after- 
wards married  a  second  wife,  Magdalena  Jansen,  and  was  living  in  1687.  His 
son  Casper  married  Maria,  daughter  of  Derick  Storm,  and  having  lived  awhile 
in  Westchester,  came  to  Newtown,  in  1700,  where  he  died  May  21st,  1729, 
leaving  issue,  Joost,  Derick,  who  settled  in  Kent  county,  on  the  Delaware, 
Abraham,  David,  and  Gertrude  the  wife  of  William  Miller.  Joost  was  the 
father  of  Jacobus  Springsteen,  who  gave  the  site  for  the  White  Pot  school- 
house.  David  served  as  a  deacon,  and  "kerkmeester"  of  the  Dutch  church, 
and  died  Oct.  14th,  1763,  leaving,  among  other  children,  a  son,  David,  born 
Sep.  1st,  1725,  who  inherited  the  paternal  estate  at  Hempstead  Swamp,  (now 
occupied  by  Richard  Spragg,  Jun.)  and  married  Barbara  Bloom,  of  the  Wall- 
about.  He  died  May  29th,  1803.  His  only  son,  David,  fell  heir  to  a  new 
house,  erected  by  his  father;  and  his  son, Michael  S.  Springsteen,  now  occu- 
pies the  same. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN, 


131 


measures  were  designed  to  confer,  for  he  died,  after  a  severe 
illness,  in  tlie  montli  of  October,  1700.  He  left  no  family, 
and  by  will  conferred  liis  estate  upon  Ms  youngest  brother, 
Seth  Morse,  of  Dedham,  for  whom  he  had  acted  as  guardian 
since  the  death  of  his  father,  in  1697.  The  town,  sensible  of 
their  loss,  immediately  voted  to  obtain  a  minister  forthwith, 
but  there  is  no  evidence  that  they  were  successful  until  the 
following  year.  On  the  20th  of  March,  1701,  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  write  to  New  England  for  a  supply  for  their 
pulpit,  which  resulted  in  securing  the  services  of  the  Eev. 
Eobert  Breck,  a  young  but  promising  graduate  of  Harvard 
College,  which  institution  he  had  left  the  year  previous.  He 
was  born  at  Dorchester,  Massachusetts,  Dec.  7th,  1682,  being 
the  son  of  Capt.  John  Breclv,  a  very  worthy  citizen  of  that 
place.  Mr.  Breck  zealously  entered  upon  his  labors  in  New- 
town, and  it  was  voted  to  give  him  possession  of  the  parson- 
age, or  the  income  to  be  derived  from  the  rent  of  it,  whichever 
he  should  prefer.     He  continued  here  between  two  and  three 

years. 

The  previous  year  had  given  publicity  to  a  dissatisfaction 
of  certain  inhabitants  of  Hellgate  Neck,  because  they  were 
excluded  from  a  voice  in  the  disposal  of  the  common  land 
of  the  town;  a  right  which  the  original  purchasers,  their 
heirs  or  assigns,  had  hitherto  continued  exclusively  to  enjoy. 
A  bill  was  accordingly  brought  before  the  Assembly,  on 
the  30th  of  October,  1700,  entitled  "An  Act  for  quieting, 
settling  and  confirming  the  legal  rights  and  possessions  of 
Thomas  Lawrence,  William  Lawrence,  Robert  Burges,  Ber- 
goon  Bra-^aw,  Hendrick  Martensen,  George  Van  Alst,  John 
Lawrence"  Andrew  Van  Alst,  Johannes  Van  Alst,  John  Par- 
cell,  and  other  ancient  freeholders,  possessors  of  land,  and 
inhabitants  of  Hellgate  Neck,  within  the  bounds  of  Newtown, 
on  Long  Island,  now  called  the  Island  of  Nassau,  and  vacating 
*all  under  patents,  privately  obtained,  of  any  of  the  said  land, 
acrainst  the  just  rights  of  the  said  freeholders,  and  other  the 
inhabitants  of  Newtown,  having  rights."  After  a  third  read- 
ing, this  bill  was  rejected,  on  the  first  of  November. 

The  same  bill,  or  one  with  a  similar  title,  was  introduced 
to  the  assembly,  Sept.  23d,  1701,  and  submitted  to  a  committee 
which  reported  in  favor,  provided  that  nothing  therein  con- 


132  AKNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

tained  should  be  understood  to  affect  the  patents  of  the  towns 
of  Flatbush  and  Brooklyn,  with  which  the  people  of  Newtown 
were  yet  at  issue.  The  bill  accordingly  passed  the  assembly, 
on  the  14th  of  October,  but  it  met  with  defeat  in  the  council. 
Upon  this  second  failure,  a  bill  was  filed  in  the  court  of 
chancer3\  The  purchasers  of  Newtown  took  prompt  measures 
to  resist  this  procedure,  and  met,  on  Feb.  9th,  1702,  the  re- 
cord of  which  meeting  states  that  Capt.  Thomas  Lawrence, 
and  certain  other  persons,  "  have  put  a  bill  in  chancery  against 
several  of  the  freeholders'  patents  within  the  township  of  New- 
town, and  as  is  supposed,  against  the  patent  that  includes  the 
whole  town,  in  order  to  destroy  the  said  patents,  and  make 
them  void,  and  of  no  effect ;"  to  prevent  which,  the  town  chose 
a  committee  of  three,  to  employ  counsel,  and  act  in  their  de- 
fence. The  means  thus  taken  were  successful,  and  the  resi- 
dents of  Hellgate  Neck,  not  to  be  thwarted  in  their  purpose, 
drew  up  the  following  petition,  and  presented  it  to  the  gover- 
nor and  council,  on  the  11th  of  May,  1703. 

To  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Coeneury,  her  Mnjesty's  Cfiptain 
General  and  Governor-in-chief  of  the  province  of  New-York,  and  territories 
depending  thereon,  in  America ;  and  Vice-Adniiral  of  the  same,  &c.  in 
council. 

The  humble  petition  of  several  of  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Newtown,  in  Queen's  county,  on  the  Island  of  Nassau,  sheweth  ; 
That  Richard  Nicoll,  Esq.  in  the  year  1666,  being  governor  general  of  this 
province  under  the  Duke  of  York,  granted  unto  Capt.  Richard  Betts,  Capt. 
Thomas  Lawrence,  and  others,  as  patentees  for  and  on  the  behalf  of  them- 
selves and  their  associates,  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  said  town, 
their  heirs,  successors,  and  assigns,  a  parcel  of  land  then  commonly  called 
by  the  name  of  the  town  of  Newtown;  bounded,  as  in  the  said  patent  is 
more  particularly  expressed  given  to  the  said  patentees  and  their  associates, 
their  heirs,  successors,  and  assigns,  for  ever.  That  your  excellency's  peti- 
tioners, or  those  they  claim  under,  being  at  and  before  the  time  of  the  grant- 
ing  of  the  said  patent,  actually  possessed  of  and  entitled  to  houses,  lands, 
tenements,  and  hereditaments  within  the  bounds  of  the  said  patent,  as  well  as 
several  other  persons,  and  thereby  equally  entitled  with  them  to  such  lands 
which  were  then  unpossessed  and  remained  in  common,  hoped  and  behoved 
to  have  had  the  advantage  of  the  said  patent  in  common  amongst  the  rest  of 
tlie  patentees;  but  so  it  is,  may  it  please  your  excellency,  that  Samuel 
Moore,  Thomas  Stevenson,  Joseph  Sackett,  Edward  Hunt,  and  John  Way, 
with  several  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town,  of  their  own  heads,  without 
any  power  or  authority  for  their  so  doing,  have  from  time  to  time,  as  they 
think  fit,  assembled  and  met  together,  and  given  away,  sold,  and  disposed  of 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  1^ 

great  parts  of  the  said  town  lands  lying  in  common  as  aforesaid,  without  the 
consent  of  your  excellency's  petitioners,  or  without  any  allowance  to  thera 
for  their  right  and  interest  therein,  contrary  to  all  justice  and  equity.  Your 
excellency's  petitioners  therefore  humbly  pray,  that  your  excellency  in  coun- 
cil will  please  to  order  the  said  persons  to  be  summoned  before  your  excel- 
lency, and  require  them  to  bring  with  them  all  such  books,  papers,  or  other 
things,  as  are  in  their,  or  either  of  their  custody,  possession,  or  power,  relat- 
ing to  the  premises,  in  order  that  the  same  may  be  fully  discovered,  and 
that  your  excellency  being  particularly  informed  of  the  hardships  your  peti- 
tioners lie  under,  may  grant  them  such  redress,  as  in  your  wisdom  you 
shall  think  fit.  And  your  excellency's  petitioners,  as  in  duty  bound,  shall 
ever  pray,  &c. 

William  Lawrence,  Daniel  Lawrence, 

John  Lawrence,  Jonathan  Lawrence, 

John  Van  Alst,  Syrach  Titus, 

George  Van  Alst,  Peter  Lott, 

William  Parcell,  Teunis  Titus,* 

John  Parcell,  William  Post, 

Jacob  Fyn,  John  Coe, 

RoELOF  Pietersen,  Jacobus  Harcks, 

Thomas  Skillman,  John  Hart, 

Cornelius  Bries,  Robert  Coe, 

Andrew  Van  Alst,  Jonathan  Coe, 

Peter  Peaa,  David  Coe. 

Pursuant  to  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners,  the  council  sum- 
moned the  clerk  of  Newtown  to  produce  the  books  and  papers 
of  the  town,  which  were  given  into  the  hands  of  three  gentle- 
men of  the  council,  to  examine  the  same,  and  report  "how 
far  the  said  books  and  papers  do  make  out  the  allegations  con- 
tained in  the  petition."  These  gentlemen  rendered  a  report, 
on  Jan.  6th,  1704,  upon  which  the  council  directed  a  second 
examination  of  the  records  to  be  made  by  a  new  committee, 
who  in  time  gave  in  the  annexed  statement : 

'  Capt.  Titus  Syrachs  de  Vries,  who  was  part  owner  of  a  grist-mill  at 
New  Utrecht  in  1660,  and  died  at  Flatbush  in  1690,  was  the  father  of 
Syrach  and  Teunis  Titus.  They  were  therefore  not  of  the  English  family 
of  Titus.  Both  were  married,  and  Teunis  removed  to  Mansfield,  New  Jer- 
sey. The  ultimate  history  of  Syrach  is  not  ascertained.  I  believe  he  was 
a  brother-in-law  to  Capt.  Cornelius  Luyster.  His  brother,  Francis  Titus, 
settled  in  Bushwick,  married  Antie  Fontyn,  widow  of  Maurits  Covert,  and 
was  the  ancestor  of  the  Dutch  family  of  Titus,  (sometimes  called  Tetus,) 
quite  numerous  in  the  above  town  a  few  years  since. 


134  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

To  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury,  Captain  General,  &c. 
in  council : 

May  it  please  your  lordship;  In  obedience  to  your  excellency's  order 
in  council  of  the  13th  of  January  last  past,  we  have  inspected  the  books  and 
papers  of  the  town  of  Newtown,  in  Queens  county,  and  examined  the  report 
made  by  Rip  Van  Dam,  Gerard  Beekman,  and  Caleb  Heatlicote,  Esquires, 
members  of  his  Mnjesty's  council  for  this  province;  and  have  carefully  ex- 
amined the  allegations  of  the  petitioners  and  those  petitioned  against,  by 
which  we  find,  that  before  the  granting  of  Col.  Richard  Nicoll's  patent  to 
the  town  of  Newtown,  a  society  of  people  had  purchased  and  did  occupy  and 
enjoy  a  parcel  of  land  commonly  called  and  known  by  the  name  of  the  town 
of  Middelburg,  and  that  the  said  Col.  Richard  Nicoll,  by  liis  patent  bearing 
date  the  sixth  day  of  March,  one  thousand,  six  hundred  and  sixty-six,  did 
confirm  to  them  the  said  purchase,  and  adjoin  certain  out-plantations,  not  any 
ways  concerned  in  the  purchasing  the  aforesaid  tract  of  land,  and  made  them 
all  one  township,  without  any  distinct  reservation  of  the  properties  of  the 
said  purchasers  entire  to  themselves,  notwithstanding  which,  the  inhabitants 
of  Middelburg  (afterwards  called  Newtown)  have  acted  distinct  as  to  the 
sale  and  disposal  of  the  lands  purchased  by  them,  or  those  under  whom  they 
claim,  and  have  by  tliemselves,  at  their  own  proper  charges,  maintained  suits 
at  law  to  defend  the  bounds  and  title  to  their  said  purchase,  without  any  con- 
tribution from  the  out-plantations;  and  we  do  further  find  tiiat  the  Lawrences 
and  Coes,  and  some  few  others  of  the  petitioners,  were  original  purchasers 
of  the  said  town  of  Middelburg,  and  have  had  their  proportionable  share  of 
the  said  purchase  laid  out  to  them ;  and  particularly,  that  the  fother  of  Wil- 
liam Lawrence,  one  of  the  petitioners,  hath  transferred  his  right  in  the  said 
purchase,  to  one  George  Wood,  as  appears  by  the  books  of  the  said  town. 
That  it  appears  to  us  that  the  matters  complained  of  now  by  the  petitioners, 
were  stirred  in  Col.  Dongan's  time,  who  by  iiis  patent,  dated  the  five-and- 
twentieth  day  of  November,  one  thousand,  six  hundred  and  eighty-six,  like- 
wise makes  them  one  township,  but  reserves  to  the  original  purchasers  of 
the  town  of  Middelburg,  their  distinct  right  to  the  said  lands,  to  them  and 
their  heirs  only ;  and  we  do  further  find  that  the  books  of  the  town  of  New- 
town have  been  very  imperfectly  kept,  but  that  on  the  whole  it  does  appear 
to  us,  that  the  said  patent  granted  by  the  said  Col.  Dongan,  was  issued  on 
mature  consideration,  and  that  ever  since  the  granting  thereof,  the  patentees 
have  acted  according  to  the  settlement  of  the  said  patent,  and  that  all  parties 
have  rested  satisfied  under  the  said  grant,  without  any  complaint  made  by 
them,  until  the  exhibiting  of  the  said  petition.  They  do  not  seem  to  us  to 
be  guilty  of  the  matters  therein  alledged  against  them,  all  which  is  neverthe- 
less most  humbly  submitted  to  your  excellency,  by,  my  lord,  your  excel- 
lency's most  faithful  and  obedient  servants. 

Sa.  Sh.  Broughton, 
Thomas  Wenham, 
Matthew  Ling. 

New-York,  the  3d  day  of  February,  1703-4. 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  135 

A  final  hearing  of  tlie  parties  being  had  before  the  council, 
on  Feb.  10th,  1704,  that  body  decided  that  the  subject  matter 
of  the  petition  was  frivolous,  and  it  was  therefore  rejected,  to 
the  great  satisfaction  of  the  purchasers. 

But  discords  of  a  more  serious  import  were  abroad.  The 
ministry  of  Mr.  Breck  occurred  at  an  inauspicious  period, 
when  Governor  Cornbury,  in  his  impetuous  zeal  to  extend 
the  Church  of  England,  gave  sore  trouble  to  the  dissenting 
churches,  by  repeated  acts  of  opposition  and  intolerance.  These 
had  hitherto  enjoyed  comparative  quiet,  owing  to  the  fact,  that 
for  nine  years,  the  act  for  the  settlement  of  a  ministry,  passed 
in  1693,  had  lain  dormant,  "because,"  says  one,  "we  had  no 
Church  of  England  minister  to  reap  the  benefit  of  it."  But 
Lord  Cornbury,  in  pursuance  of  special  instructions  from  the 
Queen,  instituted  a  new  era  in  ecclesiastical  affairs,  and  with  a 
view  to  the  speedy  introduction  of  Episcopacy,  he  directed  the 
before-named  law  to  be  put  in  force.  Accordingly,  on  Jan. 
12th,  1702-3,  the  first  election  of  church  officers  took  place  in 
the  Jamaica  parish,  consisting  of  two  wardens  and  ten  vestry- 
men. In  this  body,  Newtown  was  represented  in  the  persons 
of  William  Glean,  churchwarden,  and  John  Coe,  Content  Ti- 
tus, Joseph  Sackett,  and  John  Berrien,  vestrymen.  These 
gentlemen  were  all  non-conformists,  as  was  the  case  with  the 
entire  vestry.*  Here  was  presented  an  anomaly ;  dissenters 
set  to  watch  the  interests  of  Episcopacy.  We  must  revert 
to  the  events  of  the  previous  year,  to  see  how  well  they  were 
prepared  to  discharge  their  trust. 

To  escape  a  remarkable  mortality  with  which  the  city  of 
New- York  was  visited  in  the  summer  of  1702,  Lord  Cornbury 
and  his  council  retired  to  Jamaica,  and  his  excellency,  through 
the  politeness  of  the  Presbyterian  minister,  the  Kev.  John 
Hubbard,  took  up  his  residence  in  the  parsonage.  As  a  poor 
return  for  this  kindness,  the  governor  ejected  Mr.  Hubbard 
from  his  pulpit,  and  placed  there  the  Eev.  John  Bartow,  an 
Episcopal  clergyman  of  Westchester,  and  to  the  Episcopal 
party,  Cornbury,  on   leaving  the  village,  also  resigned  the 

*  The  other  members  of  this  first  vestry  were  Nehemiah  Smith,  warden, 
and  Hope  Carpenter,  Nathaniel  Denton,  Thomas  Smith,  William  Bloodgood, 
Thomas  Willett,  and  David  Wrisht. 


136  AlfNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

parsonage  liouse.  The  effect  of  this  base  proceeding  upon  the 
minds  of  the  community  was  most  imbittering,  and  it  was 
while  all  were  yet  keenly  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  in- 
jur}^ inflicted  on  their  minister,  that  the  parish  officers  entered 
upon  their  duties.  The  ministry  act,  both  as  originally  under- 
stood, and  as  further  explained  by  a  vote  of  the  assembly,  in 
1695,  offered  no  impediment  to  the  call  and  settlement  of  a 
dissenting  protestant  clergyman,  and  the  vestry  immediately 
invited  Mr.  Hubbard  to  officiate  as  parish  minister.  But  he 
had  not  long  enjoyed  the  station,  when  Cornbury  arbitrarily 
interposed  his  authority,  and  on  the  4th  of  July,  1704,  in- 
ducted the  Eev.  William  Urquhart  in  the  parish,  without  the 
call  and  approbation  of  the  vestry,  and  to  him,  by  order  of  the 
governor,  the  church  and  parsonage  were  delivered  up. 

Newtown,  as  comprised  within  the  Jamaica  parish,  shared 
largely  of  these  grievances.  But  Mr.  Breck,  says  Dr.  Allen, 
was  a  strong  disputant,  a  strenuous  asserter  of  the  privileges 
of  the  churches,  and  an  opponent  of  Episcopal  claims.  Unit- 
ing with  his  piet}^  a  singular  courage  and  resolution,  he  boldly 
asserted  the  principles  of  the  non-conformists,  notwithstanding 
the  threatening  and  other  ill-treatment  which  he  experienced. 
Thus  he  sustained  his  ground  several  j^ears.  But,  whether  or 
not  he  grew  weary  of  strife,  or,  what  is  not  improbable,  was 
peremptorily  silenced  by  the  governor,  he  finally  took  his  de- 
parture, and  returned  to  Massachusetts.'  And  the  Newtown 
church,  which  had  been  "  lately  repaired,  by  a  tax  levied  on 

'  Mr.  Breck  was  ordained  Oct.  25th,  1704,  over  the  church  at  Marlbo- 
rough and  after  a  ministry  of  twenty-six  years,  he  died,  Jan.  6th,  1731,  aged 
forty-eight.  His  wife  was  Elizabeth  Wainvvright,  of  Haverhill,  Massachusetts, 
whom  he  left  a  widow  with  four  children,  one  of  whom,  Robert,  was  after- 
wards minister  of  Springfield.  Mr.  Breck  was  a  man  of  vigorous  talents,  of 
quick  perception,  a  tenacious  memory,  solid  judgment  and  extensive  learning. 
Of  the  Hebrew  he  was  a  perfect  master.  He  was  also  well  versed  in  philo- 
sophy, mathematics,  antiquities,  and  history,  and  his  extensive  knowledge  he 
was  ever  ready  to  impart  to  others.  He  was  a  close,  methodical,  orthodox 
preacher,  as  well  as  a  prudent  and  faithful  pastor.  Though  usually  grave 
and  meditative,  he  was  yet  at  times  cheerful,  and  in  conversation  entertaining. 
A  perfect  stranger  to  covetousness,  he  was  "  given  to  hospitality."  Resigned, 
in  severe  pain,  his  end  was  peaceful.  Such  was  the  esteem  in  which  he  was 
held,  that  in  his  sickness,  a  day  of  public  fasting  was  kept  for  him,  and  his 
death  was  commemorated  by  sermons  in  several  churches. — Allen's  Biogra- 
phical Dictionary. 


ANKALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  137 

the  inliabitants,"  was,  tlirougli  the  favor  of  Lord  Cornbury, 
given  up  to  the  Eev.  Mr.  Urquhart,  soon  after  his  induction 
in  the  Jamaica  parish. 

The  people  of  Newtown  now  discovered  that  it  was  vain 
to  hope  for  the  preservation  of  their  rights  under  the  mal- 
administration of  the  bigot  Cornbmy.  Sustained  by  the  strong 
arm  of  government,  the  rites  of  the  Church  of  England  were 
ushered  in  upon  them,  and  the  burdensome  tax  imposed  for 
its  support.  Their  pulpit,  occupied  once  a  month  by  the  rector 
of  the  established  church,  in  performing  the  tour  of  his  parish, 
was  at  other  times  vacant,  except  when  the  services  of  some  dis- 
senting preacher  were  secured  for  the  Sabbath.  But  Cornbury 
soon  prohibited  these  from  preaching  within  the  bounds  of  his 
province,  except  by  a  special  licence  from  himself;  a  requisi- 
tion wholly  illegal,  and  with  respect  to  dissenters,  without  pre- 
cedent in  the  colonies.  We  shall  now  observe  the  enforcement 
of  this  new  rule. 

It  was  early  in  the  year  1707,  that  Francis  Makemie  and 
John  Hampton,  two  Presbyterian  ministers,  arrived  in  the 
province,  from  the  south,  on  their  way  to  New  England.  Mr. 
Hampton  visited  Newtown,  and  at  the  solicitation  of  the  people, 
preached  from  their  pulpit,  on  Sunday,  Jan.  20th,  giving  no- 
tice that  his  associate,  Makemie,  would  discourse  in  the  same 
place,  on  the  following  Wednesday.  The  latter  had  remained 
in  the  city,  to  preach  to  a  small  band  of  Presbyterians,  who^ 
having  neither  a  pastor  nor  a  church,  were  wont  to  assemble 
themselves,  every  Sundaj^,  at  a  private  house,  for  the  worship 
of  God.  Mr.  Makemie,  having  administered  to  the  spiritual 
comfort  of  this  little  flock,  proceeded,  the  next  Tuesday,  to  New- 
town, for  the  purpose  of  meeting  his  appointment  there,  but 
had  no  sooner  arrived  at  that  village,  than  he  and  Mr.  Hamp- 
ton were  arrested  by  Thomas  Cardale,  the  high  sheriff,  pursu- 
ant to  Lord  Cornbury's  warrant,  for  preaching  without  a  licence 
from  his  lordship,  who  had  been  informed  that  they  had  also 
"gone  into  Long  Island,  with  intent  there  to  spread  their 
pernicious  doctrine  and  principles,  to  the  great  disturbance  of 
the  church  by  law  established,  and  the  government  of  this 
province." 

As  it  was  late  when  they  were  arrested,  they  remained 
prisoners  upon  parole,  at  the  houses  of  two  neighbors,  for  that 


13S  ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN. 

niglit,  and  the  next  day,  were  led  in  triumph  to  Jamaica,  and 
thence,  on  the  day  after,  to  New- York.  In  an  interview  which 
ensued  with  Lord  Cornbury,  he  was  rude  and  insulting,  while 
they  exhibited  a  courage  and  self-possession  which  conscious 
innocence  alone  could  have  inspired.  .  Mr.  Makemie  was  well 
versed  in  law,  and  made  a  noble  defence  of  their  conduct,  but 
Cornbury  overruled  all.  The  friendless  clergymen  were  given 
into  the  custody  of  the  sheriff  of  New- York,  and  after  a  con- 
finement of  more  than  six  weeks,  Mr.  Hampton  was  dis- 
charged, no  evidence  against  him  being  offered  to  the  grand 
jury ;  but  Mr.  Makemie  stood  trial  before  the  supreme  court,  on 
^the  6th  of  June,  and  was  honorably  acquitted,  though  with 
heavy  costs.' 

"If  any,"  writes  Livingston,  just  after,  "want  information 
concerning  the  sufferings  of  other  dissenters,  both  in  their  per- 
sons, estates,  and  religious  liberties,  I  recommend  them  to  the 
body  of  inhabitants  of  Jamaica  and  Newtown."  This  was 
truly  a  period  of  much  distress  with  the  people  of  Newtown, 
whose  oppressions  were  almost  a  counterpart  of  those  endured 
by  their  puritan  fathers  and  kindred  when  in  Britain  they  felt 
the  iron  rod  of  ecclesiastical  domination.  This  page  in  their 
history  illustrates  the  disastrous  consequences  of  entrusting 
the  tender  concerns  of  religion  to  the  rude  arm  of  secular 
power.  Fatal  day  was  it  for  Episcopacy  w}ien  she  fell  into 
the  hands  of  such  blind  zealots  as  Lord  Cornbury  and  his  co- 
adjutors, who  were  indeed  fitted  to  ruin,  but  not  to  benefit  the 
cause  of  religion.  And  hence  the  inhabitants  of  Newtown 
learned  to  entertain  the  strongest  aversion,  if  not  a  rancorous 
prejudice,  to  the  surplice  and  the  ritual.  It  should  be  a  matter 
of  devout  thankfulness  with  the  members  of  this  highly  re- 
spectable persuasion  as  it  exists  among  us  at  the  present  day, 
that  they  are  no  longer  encumbered  by  an  unholy  alliance 
with  the  civil  government. 

.'  The  Rev.  John  Hampton,  whose  labor  of  love  at  Newtown  was  arrested 
so  abruptly,  emigrated  to  Maryland,  in  1705,  in  company  with  Mr.- Makemie 
and  the  Rev.  George  Macnish,  afterwards  of  Jamaica,  Long  Island.  The 
same  year,  he  united  with  these  and  three  other  clergymen,  in  organizing 
tlie  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  the  first  Presbyterial  judicatory  formed  in 
America,  and  of  this  body  Mr.  Hampton  continued  to  be  an  influential  and 
highly  efficient  member.  After  a  ten  years'  ministry  to  the  church  at  Snow- 
hill,  in  Maryland,  he  was  forced  by  ill  health  to  resign  his  pastoral  relation, 
in  1718,  which  event  he  sumved  less  than  three  years. 


CHAPTEE     VIII. 

Boundary  dispute. — Newtown  seemingly  victorious. — A  riot  on  the  border. — Re- 
ported to  the  Council.— Parties  called  before  them. — Line  to  be  run  over.— 
Newtown  patent  is  the  oldest.— Preparation  for  defence.— Lord  Cornbury  insti- 
tutes  a  survey,  and  puts  a  new  limit  to  Nev/town's  claim. — They  now  object 
to  a  decision  by  the  Council ;  but  Cornbury  is  determined  to  proceed. — Opinions 
of  his  Councillors  taken. — The  Governor  postpones  his  judgment. — Murder  of 

William  Hallett  and  his  family. — The  murderers  tried  and  executed Locality 

of  this  tragedy. — Bushwick  seeks  a  new  patent. — Cornbury  resumes  the  dispute  - 
and  passes  a  decision. — He  confirms  Bushwick's  patent. — He  makes  extravagant 
grants  of  land  within  the  Newtown  purchase  lines. — Settlement  of  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Fumroy. — Expeditions  to  Canada. — Census  of  the  town. — Boundary 
troubles. — The  new  patentees  eject  several  inhabitants  of  Newtown. — The 
town  takes  up  their  defence. — Death  of  Capt.  Betts,  the  last  of  the  Purchasers. 
— A  new  mode  of  settlement  proposed. — Bill  before  the  Asseianbly. — Trouble  in 
collecting  taxes  on  the  south  bounds. — Mr.  Pumroy  joins  the  Presbytery  of  Phila- 
delphia, and  his  church  becomes  Presbyterian. — A  new  church  edifice  erected. 
— A  bill  for  the  settlement  of  the  boundary  question  passes  the  Assembly,  though 
stoutly  opposed. — Defeated  in  the  Council. — An  agreement  effected  with  Flat- 
bush. — The  "  Fauconniers." — Trustees  censured  ;  their  accounts  examined. — 
Troubles  with  the  Fauconniers  continued  ;  but  the  issue  involved  in  uncer- 
tainty. ,  1706  to  1720. 

The  last  legal  proceedings  touching  the  controversy  with 
the  three  Dutch  towns,  left  the  people  of  Newtown  apparently 
the  victors,  and  for  more  than  ten  years  nought  had  transpired 
to  lessen  their  advantage.   On  the  contrary,  holding  to  the  "  let- 
ter of  their  patent,"  and  pursuing  what  seems  to  have  been  a 
favorite  policy,  they  had  kept  the  field  and  striven  to  preoc- 
cupy the  lands  in  dispute.     This  so  chafed  and  inflamed  the 
feelings  of  their  Dutch  neighbors,  that,  in  the  spring  of  1706, 
a  party  of  the  latter  proceeded  in  a  riotous  manner  to  vent 
their  wrath  upon  the  dwellers  on  the  disputed  territory.   News 
of  this  disturbance  reached  the  ears  of  Gov.  Cornbury,  who,  on 
April  18th,  informed  his  council  of  "a  riot  committed  lately 
in  Queen's  county,  by  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  King's  coun- 
ty, occasioned  by  the  uncertainty  of  the  bounds  of  Newtown, 
Flatbush,  Brooklyn,  and  Bushwick ; "  and  his  excellency  un- 
derstanding that  all  parties  were  willing  to  submit  their  diffe- 
rences to  that  board  for  decision,  the  council  directed  that  they 
be  summoned  to  appear.     But,  on  the  meeting  of  the  parties, 
the  same  month,  the  counsel  for  Bushwick  stated  that  his 


140  ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN. 

clients  objected  to  a  decision  of  tlie  question  by  that  board. 
At  the  same  time,  the  trustees  of  Flatbush  presented  a  peti- 
tion "setting  forth  that  they  claimed  no  right  to  the  lands 
whereon  the  riot  was  committed ;  but  that  the  town  of  New- 
town, having  encroached  on  their  lands,  prayed  thereb}^,  that 
the  lines  of  the  said  town  of  Newtown,  on  which  they  are 
bounded,  might  be  run  in  the  presence  of  some  of  the  honor- 
able board."  Newtown  agreeing  to  this,  and  also  to  abide 
the  decision  of  the  council,  it  was  ordered  that  the  surveyor 
general  run  the  line  between  these  two  towns,  in  the  presence 
of  Col.  Wenham  and  Mr.  Phillipse,  two  members  of  the 
council.  It  was  likewise  ordered,  "that  for  preventing  fu- 
ture riots  and  unlawful  disputes,  the  bounds  of  Newtown 
patent,  which  is  of  the  oldest  date,  be  esteemed  to  be  within 
the  limits  of  Queen's  county,  till  the  matter  in  controversy 
be  determined,  and  that  no  waste  be  committed  on  the  pre- 
mises, till  the  determination  thereof."  On  the  6th  of  May 
ensuing,  the  people  of  Newtown  vested  Thomas  Stevenson, 
Joseph  Sackett,  Sen.  Eichard  Alsop,  and  William  Hallett, 
Jun.  with  ample  power  to  act  in  their  behalf  against  the 
three  opposing  towns,  and  to  determine  their  disputes,  "  either 
by  law,  or  compliance  of  themselves,  or  by  arbitration,  which 
shall  be  thought  properest  and  shall  be  advised  by  their  coun- 
sel learned  in  the  law." 

Though  on  the  point  of  an  accommodation  with  Flatbush, 
it  appears  that  nothing  permanent  was  effected ;  however,  the 
dispute  seemed  now  to  transfer  itself  to  the  parts  adjacent  to 
Bushwick,  where  the  people  of  Newtown  were  to  encounter  a 
more  potent  adversary.  Gov.  Cornbury,  who  had  been  dis- 
tinguished above  all  his  predecessors,  for  the  profuse  prodi- 
gality with  which  he  disposed  of  the  public  lands  of  the  pro- 
vince, conceived  the  idea,  that  there  was  a  tract  of  ungranted 
land  lying  between  the  Newtown  and  Bushwick  patents.  By 
his  order,  Peter  Cortelyou  set  about  the  investigation  of  this 
fact,  and  made  a  survey  of  the  disputed  lands.  Eunning  the 
west  line  of  Newtown  patent  from  near  the  house  of  John 
Denman^  in  a  south-east  direction,  till  it  met  the  north-west 


'  The  location  of  John  Denman's  house  is  uncertain,  but  it  was  probably 
that  before  referred  to  as  "the  Pole's  house,"  which  I  have  said  stood  on  or 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  141 

corner  of  Jamaica  patent,  lie  thus  left  between  Newtown  and 
Bushwick  some  twelve  linndred  acres  of  land,  wliicli  would 
fall  to  the  government,  should  the  survey  be  confirmed. 

None  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newtown  were  present  at  this 
survey,  but  both  towns  were  now  summoned  before  the  gor 
vernor  in  council,  and  an  examination  made  of  their  several 
surveys,  patents,  and  evidences,  though  the  counsel  for  New- 
town declared  that  they  were  not  empowered  to  lay  their  cause 
before  that  body  for  adjudication.  They  were  thereupon  di- 
rected to  obtain  such  power.  But  the  case  had  now  assumed 
a  new  and  unforeseen  aspect;  the  people  of  Newtown  per- 
ceived the  danger  of  submitting  to  a  decision  by  the  council, 
now  so  valuable  a  bait  was  presented,  and  they  publicly  re- 
solved, Dec.  27th,  that  they  were  "not  willing  to  leave  the 
abovesaid  difference  to  that  board."  But  Lord  Cornbury,  with 
views  the  opposite  of  those  expressed  by  his  predecessor, 
Fletcher,  determined  to  proceed  in  the  matter,  notwithstand- 
ing the  dissent  of  both  the  parties.  Graham  and  Cortelyou, 
having  explained  their  respective  surveys  to  the  council,  were 
directed  again  to  run  out  the  lines  of  the  two  towns,  in  the  pre- 
sence of  Messrs.  Beekman,  Van  Dam,  Wenham,  and  Pliillipse, 
or  any  three  of  them.  This  having  been  done,  his  excellency 
declared  his  intention  to  decide  the  controversy  between  New- 
town and  Bushwick,  on  a  given  day,  and  desired  the  gentle- 
men of  the  board  to  prepare  to  give  their  opinions  thereon. 

On  Sept.  10th,  1707,  deputations  from  both  towns  attended, 
at  the  council-chamber,  and  the  conflicting  claims  were  argued 
by  the  respective  attornies,  at  the  conclusion  of  which.  Lord 
Cornbury  solicited  the  views  of  his  council,  which  were  given 
thus.  Messrs.  Phillipse,  Beekman,  and  Van  Dam,  expressed 
the  opinion  "that  the  town  of  Bushwick  have  a  good  title 
to  the  lands  in  their  patent,  according  to  the  boundaries 
thereof."  On  the  contrary,  Mr.  Barberie  urged  "  that  the 
patent  of  Newtown,  not  on  record,  ought  to  subsist,  and 
that  the  vacant  land  ought  to  be  divided  between  the  said 
towns."     Differing  from   all  these,   Messrs.   Mompesson   and 

near  the  spot  occupied  by  the  dwelling  of  Underhill  Covert.  Denruan  owned 
a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  seventy  acres  in  this  vicinity,  which  included  the 
lands  of  Underhill  Covert  and  Georire  Debevoise.  This  form  was  .sold  in 
1717,  by  Denman's  heirs,  to  Richard  Hallett,  and  from  him  has  descended  to 
the  present  proprietors. 

10 


142 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 


Wenliam  contended  that  the  statute  of  Charles  I.  taking  away 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  privy  council  over  estates,  made  it  clear 
"that  the  matter  in  dispute  does  not  lie  before  this  board," 
Amid  these  diverse  views  his  excellency  preferred  to  post- 
pone his  decision,  and  stated  that  he  would  take  a  day  to  con- 
sider the  case. 

But  the  subject  not  being  immediately  resumed,  there  oc- 
curred in  the  interim  a  shocking  tragedy,  which  arrested  and 
absorbed  the  attention  both  of  the  authorities  and  the  inha- 
bitants at  large.  The  ])articulars,  as  drawn  partly  from  ac- 
counts written  at  the  time,  and  partly  from  well  accredited 
tradition,  are  these : — Upon  property  now  forming  the  estate 
of  Peter  Marks,  deceased,  very  near  the  present  settlement  of 
Middletown,  there  lived  a  thrifty  farmer,  William  Hallett,  Jun. 
who  held  a  portion  of  the  land  which  his  paternal  grandfather 
had  purchased  of  the  natives.  Near  neighbors  there  were 
few  or  none,  but  his  domestic  hearth  was  enlivened  by  the 
presence  of  five  children  and  a  fond  wife,  who  was  expected 
soon  to  add  another  to  their  store  of  conjugal  comforts.  In 
the  family  were  two  colored  slaves,  a  man  and  a  woman,  the 
former  an  Indian.  Incensed,  as  was  said  at  the  time,  "be 
cause  they  were  restrained  from  going  abroad  on  the  Sab- 
bath," the  woman  meditated  revenge,  and  assured  her  hus- 
band that  if  he  would  only  kill  the  whole  family,  then  the 
farm  and  everything  pertaining  to  it  would  become  his 
own.  He  at  last  yielded  to  the  wicked  suggestion,  and  accom- 
plished the  atrocious  deed  while  his  victims  were  asleep.  It 
was  on  Saturday  night,  the  24th  of  January,  1708.  Hoping 
to  screen  themselves  from  suspicion,  they  concluded  to  be  the 
first  to  announce  the  tragedy,  and  with  this  intent  the  female 
fiend,  the  prime  instigator  of  the  deed,  set  out  early  the  next 
morning  for  Hallett's  Cove.  Entering  a  house,  her  first  ex- 
clamation was  "  Oh,  dear !  they  have  killed  master  and  missus 
and  the  children  with  an  axe,  and  only  Sam  and  I  have 
escaped."  The  truth  however  was  too  palpable,  and  the  guilty 
creature  soon  confessed  who  was  the  real  murderer.  Both 
were  straightway  arrested,  and  lodged  in  Jamaica  jail.  Tidings 
of  the  affair  v/ere  at  once  sent  to  Gov.  Cornbur}^,  who  imuiedi- 
ately  issued  a  special  warrant  to  the  judges,  before  whom,  at  Ja- 
maica, the  prisoners  were  arraigned  for  trial,  and  being  found 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 


143 


guilty,  were  executed  on  the  plains  east  of  tliat  village,  on 
Monday,  Feb.  2d,  in  the  presence  of  a  large  concourse  of  spec- 
tators. The  woman  was  burnt  at  the  stake ;  her  accomplice 
was  hung  in  gibbets,  and  placed  astride  a  sharp  iron,  in  which 
condition  he  lived  some  time,  and  in  a  state  of  delirium  which 
ensued,  believing  himself  to  be  on  horseback,  would  urge  for- 
ward his  supposed  animal  with  the  frightful  impetuosity  of  a 
maniac,  while  the  blood  oozing  from  his  lascerated  flesh  stream- 
ed from  his  feet  to  the  ground.  How  rude  the  age  which  could 
inflict  such  tortures,  however  great  the  crime  committed. 

A  letter  written  in  New-York,  on  Tuesday,  Feb.  10th,  fol- 
lowing, states  that  the  criminals  were  "put  to  all  the  torment 
possible  for  a  terror  to  others,  of  ever  attempting  the  like  wick- 
edness; several  other  families  were  designed  for  the  slaugh- 
ter, had  they  succeeded  in  this  without  discovery ;  on  Saturday 
last,  two  negro  men  were  also  executed  at  Jamaica,  as  acces- 
sories to  this  barbarous  murder,  and  several  others  are  in 
custody ;  our  chief  justices,  judges,  and  attorney-general,  are 
indefatigable  in  the  discovery  of  this  negro  plot  and  bloody 
murder,  and  are  still  sitting  at  Jamaica  in  prosecution  thereof." 

Mr.  Hallett  w^as  the  son  of  Capt.  William  Hallett,  then  one 
of  his  Majesty"'s  justices  of  th-e  peace.  He  was  in  the  prime  of 
life,  and  had  served  the  town  in  various  public  capacities.  The 
event  which  so  prematurely  terminated  his  life  and  those  of 
his  family,  produced  a  strong  sensation  in  the  province,  and  a 
law  Avas  passed  shortly  after,  making  mention  of  the  occur- 
rence, and  entitled,  "  An  Act  for  preventing  the  conspiracy  of 
slaves."  The  dwelling  Avhere  the  murder  was  committed  is 
still  remembered  by  many,  it  having  remained  until  the  be- 
ginning of  the  present  century.  It  was  built  of  brick,  and 
stood  in  the  hollow  on  the  west  side  of  the  road,  opposite  the 
late  residence  of  Mr.  Marks,  and  within  a  few  feet  of  the  small 
house  now  erected  there.  The  well  which  belonged  to  these 
premises  still  remains  in  use.  With  this  spot  the  juveniles 
were  wont  to  associate  the  idea  of  ghosts  and  hobgoblins ;  it 
was  noted  as  the  scene  of  marvelous  appearances,  witnessed 
by  the  timid  traveller  at  the  dim  mysterious  hour  of  twilight, 
and  was  often  pointed  at  by  the  passing  schoolboy  as  "the 
haunted  house," 

When  the  excitement  which  this  sanguinary  aflair  had 


144  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

produced  in  Newtown  was  somewhat  alla3^ed,  Gov.  Cornburv, 
on  April  23d,  resumed  tlie  consideration  of  the  dispute  exist- 
ing between  that  town  and  Bushwick,  with  the  intention  of 
passing  final  judgment.  The  day  previous,  the  inhabitants 
of  the  latter  town  had  sent  in  a  petition  praying  for  a  con- 
firmation of  their  patent.  Lord  Cornbury,  after  briefly  advert- 
ing to  the  controversy,  and  the  j^revious  action  of  the  board 
upon  it,  proceeded  to  state  as  his  opinion,  "that  if  the  dis- 
pute in  law  between  the  said  towns  concerned  the  propriety 
of  their  lands,  that  then  the  law  ought  to  determine  it ;  but 
the  dispute  now  appearing  to  him  to  be  of  another  nature,  viz. 
whether  Newtown  patent  not  on  record  is  good ;  his  excellency 
said  that  by  what  had  appeared  to  him  he  has  cause  to  believe 
that  there  has  been  some  sinister  practice  used  therein,  which 
if  allowed  in  this  case,  may  prove  of  pernicious  consequence 
in  other  cases ;  and  therefore  is  of  opinion  that  the  town  of 
Bushwick  ought  to  have  a  patent  of  confirmation  according  to 
the  boundaries  of  their  old  patent." 

The  "  Newtown  patent  not  on  record,"  twice  alluded  to, 
referred,  it  is  presumed,  to  the  Indian  deed  of  1656.  As  Bush- 
wick based  her  claim  primarily  on  Gov.  Stuyvesant's  order,  in 
1661,  authorizing  the  occupation  of  the  land  in  dispute,  it  is 
to  be  inferred  that  the  "patent"  above  mentioned,  was  of  a 
date  antecedent  to  this.  Yet  our  records  afford  no  intimation 
that  Newtown  enjoyed  a  patent  under  the  Dutch,  nor  any 
prior  to  that  of  Gov.  Nicoll.  Besides,  it  was  a  fact  understood, 
that  no  patent  was  issued  from  the  secretary's  office  without 
first  being  recorded.'  Hence  it  is  rendered  nearly  certain  that 
the  Indian  deed  of  1656,  which  was  not  recorded,  is  the  docu- 
ment called  a  "patent"  in  the  council  minutes,  perhaps  an 
error  of  the  recording  clerk.  It  was  to  this  deed  that  the  peo- 
ple of  Isewtown  had  uniformly  referred  as  the  legal  proof  of 
their  right  to  the  soil,  from  which,  in  equity,  they  derived 
a  far  better  title  than  a  charter  from  the  Dutch  government 

'  Mr.  Berrien,  on  entering  upon  the  oflice  of  town  clerk,  in  1704,  find 
giving  a  receipt  for  tlie  public  boolis  and  papers  received  by  him,  enumerates 
"  the  Indian  purchase,"  and  "  the  old  and  new  patent."  This  seems  to  esta- 
blish the  point  that  Newtown  had  but  tico  patents,  namely,  those  of  Nicoll 
and  Donn-an.  These  are  recorded  in  the  Secretary  of  State's  Office,  i.  105, 
and  vi.  10,  of  original  books  of  Englibh  patents. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  145 

could  have  conferred.  As  that  deed  was  doubtless  obtained 
without  the  consent  of  Stuyvesant,  this,  probably,  is  what 
Cornbury  was  pleased  to  call  "some  sinister  practice." 

Pursuant  to  the  governor's  decision,  a  new  patent  was  is- 
sued to  the  town  of  Bushwick,  August  12th,  1708,  confirming 
that  of  Gov.  ISTicoll,  but  making  no  reserve  of  Smith's  Island 
in  favor  of  Xewtown,  as  was  awarded  by  the  arbitrators,  and 
approved  by  the  governors  Lovelace  and  Dongan.  But  we 
have  yet  to  behold  the  crowning  act  of  Lord  Cornbury  re- 
garding this  affair.  He  had  trampled  upon  the  religious  rights 
of  Newtown,  and  would  now  show  them  that  their  estates 
were  equally  at  his  merc}^.  Not  content  with  yielding  to 
Bushwick  all  the  territory  she  had  claimed,  and  assuming  the 
correctness  of  Cortelyou's  survey,  he  determined  to  dispose  of 
the  twelve  hundred  acres  of  land  thus  left  unappropriated,  as 
a  munificent  gift  to  certain  of  his  personal  friends.  On  the 
27th  of  September,  be  gave  a  patent  for  this  tract  to  Mrs.  Ann 
Bridges,  widow  of  the  late  ckief  justice  of  the  province,  John 
'Bridges,  doctor  of  laws;  Kobert  Milward,  attorney  at  law, 
who,  with  Dr.  Bridges,  had  accompanied  Lord  Cornbury  to 
this  country ;  William  Huddleston,  Adrian  Hoogland,  Peter 
Praa,*  Benjamin  Aske,  and  "William  Anderson.  Eight  days 
before,  Cornbury  had  given  to  Elias  Boudinot  the  triangular 
j)lot  of  land  lying  in  the  extreme  southwest  corner  of  New- 
town's claim,  and  cut  off  by  the  Bushwick  patent.  And  on 
the  80th  of  the  same  month,  he  granted  to  William  Bond, 
who  had  been  in  the  employ  of  the  council  as  a  surveyor,  the 
two  small  islands  in  the  Sound  known  as  the  Brothers,  which 
by  the  act  of  1691,  were  made  a  portion  of  Queen's  county. 

1  Capt.  Praa  sold  out  his  interest  in  the  patent  (two  days  after  it  was 
granted)  to  Charles  Crommelin,  of  Nevv-Yorlc.  The  latter,  and  his  father, 
Daniel  Crommelin,  were  Huguenots,  who  had  been  dragooned  out  of  FraKce 
for  their  religion.  They  became  wealthy  merchants  in  New-York,  and  were 
admitted  to  freeraanship  in  1698.  The  elder  Crommelin  was  a  part  owner 
of  the  Wawayanda  patent  in  Orange  county,  wliere,  in  1716,  he  made  a  set- 
tlement, calling  it  Greueourt,  after  a  village  in  the  circle  of  Grey,  in  Upper 
Saone,  France.  .He  died  in  the  city  of  New-York,  aged  seventy-nine  years, 
March  22d,  1725,  and  his  remains,  with  those  of  his  son  Charles,  rest  to- 
gether in  Trinity  Chureh  yard.  The  latter  married  Hannah  Sinchiir,  in  1706, 
and  died,  aged  sixty,  in  1739.  His  descendants  are  of  reputable  standing 
among  us  at  the  present  day. 


146  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

Thus  summarily  and  by  a  most  flagrant  breacli  of  the  pa- 
tented rights  of  Newtown,  were  consummated  acts  of  the  gross- 
est dishonesty,  in  behalf  of  persons  of  whom  better  things 
might  have  been  expected,  for  most  of  the  grantees  were  warm 
supporters  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  several  were  vestry- 
men of  Trinity  Church.  It  was  by  such  means  as  these  that 
Cornbury  sought  to  secure  "friends  of  the  mammon  of  un- 
righteousness," for  he  saw  his  impolitic  administration  about 
to  expire.  These  were  some  of  the  last  drops  added  to  the 
chalice  of  his  iniquity.  So  odious  was  he,  that  the  provinces 
of  New- York  and  New  Jersey  united  in  complaints  to  the 
Queen,  and  obtained  his  recall. 

In  anticipation  of  his  removal,  the  people  began  to  breathe 
and  the  inhabitants  of  Newtown  to  enjoy  with  less  restraint 
their  religious  privileges.  Having  been  for  a  considerable 
period  without  a  pastor,  the  people,  in  July,  1708,  to  the 
number  of  "  some  scores,"  drew  up  and  signed  an  invitation 
to  the  Rev.  Samuel  Pumroy,  of  JSTorthampton,  Mass.  then  on 
a  visit  to  their  town,  "  desiring  him  to  take  the  care  of  them  as 
a  minister  of  Christ ;  promising  subjection  to  his  doctrine  and 
discipline,  according  to  the  rules  of  the  gospel."  Mr.  Pumroy 
took  the  call  into  consideration,  and  at  an  appointed  time  gave 
a  favorable  reply.  The  following  autumn,  the  congregation 
sent  two  of  their  number  to  New  England,  with  whom  he  and 
his  wife  and  child  came  to  Newtown,  where  they  arrived  safely, 
on  the  18th  of  Scpteml)er. 

Mr.  Pumroy  was  the  youngest  son  of  Deacon  Medad 
Pumroy,  a  distinguished  citizen  of  Northampton,  Mass.  and 
a  member  of  the  general  court  of  that  colony.  He  married, 
in  1685,  as  his  second  wife,  Abigail,  daughter  of  Elder  John 
Strong,  and  widow  of  the  Pev.  Nathaniel  Chauncey,  the  only 
issue  of  which  marriage  was  Samuel  Pumroy,  born  at  North- 
ampton, Sept.  16th,  1687.  In  1705,  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  he 
graduated  at  Yale  College,  and  on  July  23d,  1707,  married 
Lydia  Taylor,  of  his  native  place.  He  was  nearly  allied  to 
several  noted  divines  of  that  day,  being  a  half-brother  to  Rev. 
Nathaniel  Chauncey,  of  Durham,  whose  sister  Sarah,  born  in 
1683,  married  the  Rev.  Samuel  Whittlesey,  of  Wallingford, 
and  was  the  mother  of  Rev.  Chauncey  Whittlesey,  an  eminent 
minister  of  New  Haven. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  147 

He  soon  enlisted  tlie  affections  of  his  people,  wlio  at  a 
meeting  held  Feb.  18th,  1709,  resolved,  "that  Mr.  Pumroy 
shall  be  settled  in  the  town,  and  have  the  town  housing,  and 
all  the  lands  and  meadows  that  belong  to  the  housing,  for  his 
use  as  long  as  he  shall  be  our  minister."  For  his  further  sup- 
port, a  subscription  list  w^as  drawn  up  early  in  the  succeeding 
fall,  to  which  over  fifty  persons  subscribed  such  sums  as  they 
could  afford.  And  ©n  the  30th  of  November,  1709,  "at  the 
earnest  request  of  the  members  in  full  communion,  and  the 
rest  of  the  congregation,"  Mr.  Pumroy  was  ordained  a  minis- 
ter of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  a  pastor  of  the  church  at  New- 
town. The  ordination  service  was  performed  at  Northampton, 
his  native  place,  "  before  a  great  congTegation,"  by  the  Eev. 
Solomon  Stoddard,  of  that  town,  the  Eev.  John  Williams,  of 
Deerfield,  and  the  Eev.  William  Williams,  of  Hatfield. 

Aside  from  the  foregoing,  the  year  1709,  and  the  two 
which  followed,  afford  but  few  notable  occurrences.  The 
continuance  of  Queen  Anne's  war,  led  to  several  requisitions 
upon  Queen's  county  for  troops  to  aid  in  expeditions  to  Cana- 
da. A  number,  chiefly  apprentices  and  servants,  were  induced 
to  enter  this  service,  and  suffered  many  hardships  on  the  fron- 
tiers, but  were  not  engaged  in  any  military  encounters. 

In  1711,  a  census  of  the  town  was  taken,  and  showed  the 
population  to  be  1003  souls,  of  whom  164  were  negro  slaves. 
Of  the  latter,  100  were  above  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  namely, 
52  men  and  48  women.  The  white  inhabitants  were  thus 
classified: — males,  190  over  sixteen  years,  and  227  under  that 
age ;  and  of  females,  207  above  sixteen,  and  215  under. 

The  vexatious  controversy  in  which  Newtown  and  the 
adjoining  towns  were  involved,  seemed  as  far  as  ever  from 
adjustment.  Newtown  exhibited  an  unflinching  purpose  to 
contest  the  validity  of  Cornbury's  grants,  and  had  taken 
prompt  measures  to  maintain  to  the  letter  the  bounds  of  her 
Indian  purchase,  though  she  now  found  new  opponents  in  the 
persons  of  the  patentees,  Ann  Bridges  and  company.  Assert- 
ing their  ill-gotten  rights,  the  latter  entered  suits  against  such 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Ne^vtown  as  were  settled  on  their  patent, 
and  succeeded  in  ousting  them.  The  town  imdertook  their 
defence,  and  on  May  23d,  1712,  deputed  Judge  John  Coe  and 
Eichard  Alsop  to  appear  at  court,  in  New-York,  in  behalf  of 


148  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

the  persons  ejected ;  wliicli  gentlemen,  together  with  Robert 
Field/  and  Capt.  Joseph  Sackett,  were  also  bj  a  vote  then 
talcen,  and  hy  an  instrument  in  writing,  dated  on  Oct,  23d 
succeeding,  fully  empowered  to  treat  with  the  neighboring 
towns,  and  settle  all  differences  as  to  boundaries.  In  1713, 
they  added  to  the  above  persons  Thomas  Stevenson,  Joseph 
Sackett,  Jun.  and  Peter  Berrien,  and  levied  a  tax  of  a  hundred 
pounds  on  the  purchase  lands,  for  the  defence  of  the  township, 
because,  says  the  record,  "the  inhabitants  of  the  towns  of 
Flatbush,  Brooklyn,  and  Bushwick,  one  Elias  Boudinot,  and 

'  The  Fields,  of  Newtown,  were  of  respectable  English  origin,  and  are 
believed,  by  those  who  have  investigated  the  subject,  to  have  sprung  from 
the  ancient  family  of  De  La  Feld,  or  Delafield,  after  their  removal  to  Eng- 
land, from  the  Vosges  Mountains,  in  France,  as  stated  in  Burk's  Landed 
Gentry.  The  first  of  the  family  in  this  town  was  Robert  Field,  whose  father, 
Robert,  was  a  patentee  of  Flushing,  in  1645.  As  early  as  1670,  the  younger 
Field  was  a  landholder  of  Newtown,  where  he  subsequently  held  tlie  otiice 
of  overseer.  He  died,  April  I3th,  1701,  leaving  four  sons,  Robert,  Nathaniel, 
Elnatiiajn,  and  Ambrose,  Robert,  the  person  named  in  the  text,  married,  in 
1690,  Phebe,  widow  of  Samuel  Scudder,  He  was  a  prominent  member  of 
the  society  of  Friends,  and  owned  tiie  farm,  now  of  the  widow  Vanderveer, 
near  Newtown  viUagc,  which  at  his  death,  Jan.  28th,  1735,  without  issue,  he 
left  to  his  nephew,  Robert  Field.  His  brother,  Elnathan,  died  aged,  on  Jan, 
3d,  1754.  He  had  issue,  Robert,  Benjamin,  Elizabeth  and  Susannah,  who 
became  in  succession  the  wives  of  John  Sackett,  Phebe  who  married  John 
Coe,  and  Mary,  wlio  married  Robert  Coe,  Benjamin  owned  the  farm  now 
of  Col.  Hunt,  at  White  Pot,  and  had  one  son,  the  late  Hezekiah  Field.  Ro- 
bert,  the  son  of  Elnathan,  was  born  May  12th,  1698,  inherited  the  farm  of  his 
uncle  Robert,  married  Elizabeth  Hicks,  and  died  Sep.  19th,  1767,  having  had 
issue,  Elnathan,  Robert,  Thomas,  Benjamin,  Jacob,  Stephen,  Whitehead,  Abi- 
gail, who  married  Samuel  Moore,  and  Deborah,  who  married  successively 
Daniel  Betts  and  Waters  Smith.  Of  these  sons,  Elnathan  and  BenjainiJi  re- 
moved to  ]\Iiddletown,  N.  J.  wiiere  they  left  families.  Whitehead  had  sons, 
Daniel  and  Austin.  Jacob  married  Charity,  daughter  of  Thomas  White- 
head, and  died  in  his  82d  year,  April  26th,  1815,  His  children  were  Mary, 
who  married  Samuel  Blackweli,  Elizabeth,  Henry,  and  Jacob,  whose  widow 
survives.  Stephen,  the  sixth  son  of  Robert  and  Elizabeth,  remained  on  the 
paternal  farm,  married  Helena,  daughter  of  Thomas  Whitehead,  and  had 
issue,  Frances,  Deborah  Smith,  now  the  widow  Van  Dam,  Sarah,  who  mar- 
ried Thomas  Keeler,  Waters,  Hannah,  now  the  widow  of  Jacob  Field,  Rich- 
ard, and  Stephen.  The  latter,  born  Oct.  1st,  1774,  married  Sarah,  daughter 
of  Samuel  Blackweli,  and  died  April  15th,  1828,  having  issue,  Abigail,  Hellen, 
wife  of  Cornelius  Luyster,  Sarah  Marin,  now  deceased,  Robert  M.  of  New- 
York  cily,  Stephen,  and  Cornelia, 


ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN. 


149 


Ann  Bridges,  witli  divers  other  people,  have  and  are  endeavor- 
ing to  encroach  upon  the  right  of  the  purchase  and  general 
patent  of  said  town  of  Newtown,  by  entering  writs  of  eject- 
ment upon  the  people  of  said  town,  and  by  suing  them  in 
actions  of  trespass  and  otherwise."  To  provide  further  means 
for  conducting  the  public  suits,  the  above  committee  were  em- 
powered to  sell  "the  town-house  and  land  adjoining  to  it." 
Subsequently,  considerable  public  land,  and  finally  all  that  re- 
mained unoccupied,  was  sold  for  the  same  object  by  order  of 
the  purchasers.  The  last  survivor  of  the  original  purchasers, 
Capt.  Eichard  Betts,  died  on  Nov.  18th,  of  this  year,  at  the 
patriarchal  age  of  a  hundred  years.  None  in  the  township  had 
been  so  eminent  as  he,  for  commanding  influence  and  valuable 
public  services.  His  remains  were  interred  on  his  own  estate, 
at  the  English  Kills,  on  the  20th,  with  a  funeral  service  by 
Mr.  Foyer,  rector  of  the  Jamaica  Parish. 

It  was  now  proposed  to  obtain  the  passage  of  a  law  pro- 
viding for  the  settlement  of  this  tedious  controversy.  Pursu- 
ant to  a  petition  of  the  justices  and  other  freeholders  of  Queen's 
county,  presented  to  the  assembly,  May  6th,  1714,  a  bill  was 
introduced  the  next  day,  entitled  "An  Act  for  the  ascertaining 
of  the  bounds  of  Queen's  county."  But  this  bill  died  in  the 
hands  of  a  committee,  to  whom  on  its  second  reading  it  was  re- 
ferred, with  power  to  send  for  persons,  papers,  and  records ; 
they  never  reported. 

Meanwhile  the  dispute  abated  not  in  violence.  There 
arose  a  difficulty  in  collecting  taxes  from  residents  on  the 
contested  lands.  The  freeholders  of  Newtown,  on  April  5th, 
1715,  voted  to  "bear  the  collector  harmless"  in  gathering  the 
rate  from  William  Howard,  widow  Sarah  Betts,  Eichard  Betts, 
and  others,  living  on  the  tract  claimed  by  Flatbush.  The  first 
of  these  having  some  years  previous,  seated  himself  in  a  log 
hut  on  the  south  side  of  the  hills,  had  alread}?"  experienced 
rough  treatment  from  his  Dutch  neighbors,  who,  when  he  was 
preparing  to  raise  a  new  house  on  the  site  of  that  now  occu- 
pied by  his  aged  descendant  of  the  same  name,  came  over  in 
a  body,  and  burnt  his  frame.  Not  discouraged,  Howard  pro- 
ceeded to  erect  another  house.  Now  the  trustees  of  Flatbush 
demanded  taxes  of  him,  and  in  default  thereof,  seized  and 
held  possession  of  his  premises.     The  justices   of  Queen's 


150  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

county  interfered,  and  in  turn  were  prosecuted  by  the  trustees 
of  Flatbush.  Newtown  voted  to  defend  tlie  justices,  and  re- 
pay the  damage  which  they  might  sustain.  Thus  fuel  was 
added  to  the  flame  of  contention. 

Turn  we  now  to  more  interesting  events  of  this  year.  As 
a  majority  of  the  Newtown  people  were  Congregationalists  in 
sentiment,  so  had  they  always  maintained  an  intercourse  with 
the  New  England  churches  of  that  persuasion,  and  conducted 
their  religious  affairs  mainly  after  the  plan  of  those  churches. 
And  up  to  the  coming  of  Mr.  Pumroy,  the  settling  of  ministers, 
as  well  as  all  other  ecclesiastical  business,  was  transacted  by 
the  inhabitants  in  public  town-meeting.  And  it  is  clear  that 
at  his  settlement  the  church  was  Congregational.  But  a 
change  in  this  respect  was  now  instituted,  to  which  several 
causes  probably  contributed.  AVhile  the  abuses  which  had 
been  witnessed  and  endured,  resulting  from  the  interference 
of  the  civil  authority  in  matters  ecclesiastical,  tended  to  pro- 
duce disgust  at  the  coalition  of  church  and  state,  danger  may 
also  have  been  apprehended  from  the  increase  of  Episcopal 
influence  in  the  councils  of  the  congregation.  But  it  was  per- 
haps more  directly  owing  to  the  efforts  of  the  Eev.  George 
Macnish,  a  Scotch  clergyman,  then  settled  at  Jamaica,  that 
this  church  was  led  to  yield  their  old  form  of  church  govern- 
ment, and  adopt  that  of  the  Presbyterians.  He  was  a  leading 
member  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and  "  through  his 
influence,"  Mr.  Pumroy  was  led  to  make  an  application,  Sept. 
23d,  1715,  for  admission  to  that  body,  then  in  session  at  New 
Castle,  which  is  thus  noticed  in  their  minutes: — "The  Eev. 
Mr.  Samuel  Pumroy,  minister  at  Newtown,  on  Long  Island, 
offered  himself  to  be  a  member  of  this  Presbytery,  and  was 
heartily  and  unanimously  accepted,  he  promising  subjection 
to  the  Presbytery  in  the  Lord."  From  this  date,  therefore, 
this  church,  it  is  presumed,  began  to  assume  the  characteristics 
of  Presbyterianism,  though  some  years  elapsed  before  a  session 
was  constituted. 

Already  was  it  contemplated  to  erect  a  new  church,  for 
in  the  lapse  of  years  that  built  in  1671,  had  become  much 
dilapidated.  The  site  of  the  present  edifice  was  selected, 
and  Jonathan  Fish,  who   owned  the  premises,  presented  a 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  151 

deed/  May  lOth,  1715,  for  a  lot  four  rods  square,  to  Robert 
Wilson,  Thomas  Hazard,  James  Eenne,  and  Silas  Titus,  as 
trustees  on  behalf  of  the  "  Dissenting  Presbyterian  congrega- 
tion of  Newtown."  Possession  of  the  premises  was  received 
March  22d,  1716,  and  the  erection  of  the  church  followed. 
But  it  appears  that  the  building  was  not  wholly  completed,  or 
at  least  was  not  furnished  with  a  pulpit,  till  the  year  1741. 
This  was  a  smaller  edifice,  and  of  simpler  architecture  than  the 
one  now  occupying  its  place,  and  was  adorned  with  a  spire, 
in  which  a  small  bell  was  suspended.  It  remained  till  the 
Revolution. 

The  attempt  to  effect  an  arrangement  of  the  boundary  dis- 
pute by  an  act  of  assembly,  was  repeated  in  1717.  The  inha- 
bitants of  Newtown  having  resolved  upon  this  course,  at 
their  instance,  a  bill  was  introduced  in  that  body,  October  8th, 
entitled  "  An  Act  for  the  better  ascertaining  the  division  line 
between  King's  and  Queen's  county,  on  the  Island  of  Nassau." 
Remonstrances  against  this  measure  poured  in  from  Flatbush, 
Brooklyn,  Bushwick,  and  the  proprietors  of  the  patent  granted 
to  Ann  Bridges  and  company.  Moreover,  effectually  to  frus- 
trate the  object  proposed  by  the  above  bill,  they  caused  ano- 
ther to  be  introduced  for  uniting  King's  and  Queen's  counties, 
under  the  name  of  King  George's  county,  which  received  a 
very  favorable  consideration.  But  the  objections  to  the  first 
bill  were  deemed  insufficient,  and  the  assembly,  on  Nov.  28th, 
passed  it.  And  now  there  was  hope  of  a  settlement ;  but  it 
soon  vanished,  for  on  the  presentation  of  the  bill  to  Gov. 
Hunter,  he  refused  to  sanction  it. 

In  the  interim,  a  reconciliation  with  Flatbush  was  hap- 
pily effected.  On  the  30th  of  October,  Peter  Striker,  Daniel 
Polhemus,  and  Engelbert  Lot,  trustees  of  that  town,  and 
Joseph  Sackett,  Robert  Field,  and  Richard  Alsop,  on  behalf 
of  Newtown,  passed  deeds,  in  which  the  division  line  of  the 
said  towns  was  declared  to  "begin  at  the  north-west  corner 
of  the  bounds  of  the  town  of  Jamaica,  in  Queen's  county 

'  Tliis  deed  is  recorded  in  "Newtown  Great  Book  of  Records,"  p.  33.  The 
site  of  the  old  church,  which  was  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street,  is  alluded 
to  in  the  town  records,  under  date  of  1710,  as  "the  meeting-house  commons," 
.ind  again,  in  1726,  as  "a  small  gore  of  land  whereon  formerly  stood  the  old 
Presbyterian  meeting-house." 


152  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

aforesaid,  and  tlience  westerly,  as  the  hills  run,  along  the  top 
thereof,  so  that  the  sonth  side  of  the  said  hills  shall  be  for  ever 
accounted  to  be  in  the  bounds  of  the  town  of  Flatbush  afore- 
said ;  including  all  the  lands  now  in  the  possession  of  William 
Howard,  Claes  Simonse,  Simon  Losee,  Peter  Lot,  and  Sarah 
Betts." 

The  breach  with  Flatbush  being  healed,  a  special  commit- 
tee was  appointed,  iu  1718,  to  treat  with  the  trustees  of  Brook- 
lyn, but  with  what  result  is  not  known.  However,  the  main 
difficulty  was  now  with  the  "  Fauconniers,"  as  the  patentees  of 
1708  were  called,  from  Peter  Fauconnier,  Esq.  an  attendant 
of  Lord  Cornbury  to  this  country,  in  1702, 'and  afterwards  a 
New- York  merchant,  and  receiver-general  of  the  province, 
who,  having  in  1717  purchased  Milward's  interest  in  the  pa- 
tent, had  become  a  leading  member  of  the  company.  Yet 
nothing  decisive  was  done.  The  purchasers  of  Newtown 
expressed  dissatisfaction  with  their  heavy  expenditures,  and 
were  disposed  to  censure  the  trustees  for  an  extravagant  use 
of  the  public  money.  On  Aug.  26th,  1720,  those  living  with- 
in the  purchase  lines  met  and  appointed  a  new  board  of  trus- 
tees, consisting  of  Joris  Brinckerhoflf,  Thomas  Hazard,  Nicho- 
las Berrien,  Eobert  Coe,  Elnathan  Field,  and  Josias  Furman. 
These  were  instructed  to  examine  the  accounts  of  all  the  trus- 
tees for  the  last  eight  years,  and  allow  or  disallow  the  same ; 
and  to  make  an  assessment  to  cancel  the  debts  contracted  in 
behalf  of  the  purchasers.  For  seven  years  after  this  date, 
there  is  trace  of  continued  troubles  with  the  Fauconniers ;  it 
then  ceases  to  be  mentioned,  and  the  final  issue  of  the  dispute 
with  them  is  involved  in  doubt.  The  silence  of  the  supreme 
court  records,  journals  of  the  assembly,  and  council  minutes, 
seems  to  indicate  a  more  private  mode  of  settlement.  It  may 
be  that  the  rights  of  the  patentees  being  acquired  by  the  inha- 
bitants of  Bushwick,  the  two  interests  became  merged  in  one. 
Certain  it  is,  the  controversy  now  reassumed  the  form  of  a  dis- 
pute "between  the  townshij)  of  Boswyck  and  the  township 
of  Newtown."  Yet  nothing  worth  noting  was  done  for  many 
years. 


CHAPTER     IX. 

Social  and  personal  enterprize  awakened. — The  Friends  erect  a  Meeting-house. — 
Education  advancing. — School-house  built  at  Middletown. — Agriculture. — Pro- 
duce.— Mechanics. —  Manufactures. — Trade. — Manners. — Dress. — Socialities — 
Dutch  and  Episcopal  churches  erected. — School-houses  built  at  Berrien's  Neck, 
White  Pot,  and  the  English  Kills. — A  new  Town-House. — The  learned  profes- 
sions.— Physicians. — Grist-Mill  built  at  Hallett's  Cove. — Fatal  casualties. — Sla- 
very.— Opening  of  the  French  war. — Battle  of  Lake  George. — Exile  of  the 
French  Neutrals  ;  one  family  arrives  at  Newtown. — A  hurricane  sweeps  over 
the  town. — Troops  quarter  here. — French  officers  on  parole. — Abercronibie's 
Defeat. — Capture  of  Fort  Frontenac. — Col.  Isaac  Corsa. — The  44th  Regiment 
winters  at  Newtown. — Capt.  Morse  of  this  town  has  a  command  at  the  siege  of 
Fort  Niagara. — The  next  year  is  at  the  capture  of  Montreal. — End  of  the 
war. — Further  account  of  the  Neutrals. — Effects  of  the  French  war. — Classi- 
cal School  opened  at  Hallett's  Cove. — Teacher's  card. — Boundary  question  re- 
vived.— A  bill  passes  the  Assembly  appointing  commissioners  to  settle  it. — Their 
report. — The  dispute  ended. — Several  carpenters  remove  to  St.  Croix. 

1720  to  1775. 

The  period  between  1720  and  1755  was  one  of  mucli  social 
and  personal  enterprize,  and  the  incident  with  which  it  is  made 
up  is  nearly  all  directly  illustrative  of  this  fact.  There  was 
little  to  paralize  honest  effort  and  divert  from  useful  pursuits. 
The  "  time  of  the  Indian  wars,"  long  a  fearful  epoch  in  the 
town's  history,  now  served  but  as  a  theme  to  beguile  the  win- 
tery  evening ;  no  outward  foes  were  dreaded,  and  a  sense  of 
public  security  in  respect  to  civil  and  religious  rights,  pervaded 
the  now  well-regulated  society.  And  industry  had  brought 
the  means  of  successfully  prosecuting  many  plans  for  private 
and  public  good. 

The  Friends,  or  Quakers,  who  hitherto  had  held  connection 
with  the  society  at  Flushing,  having  increased  to  a  goodly 
number,  resolved  to  erect  a  house  of  worship  in  the  village 
of  Kewtown.  On  Feb.  25th,  1720,  Robert  Field,  a  leading 
member  of  that  persuasion,  bought  of  Benjamin  Moore  about 
half  an  acre  of  ground,  on  the  corner  now  occupied  by  the  re- 
sidence of  Robert  Mack,  which  he  conveyed,  July  5th,  1722, 
to  Joseph  Rodman,  Richard  Betts,  and  Richard  Hallett,  "  in 
trust  for  and  in  behalf  of  the  people  of  God  called  Quakers," 


154  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

and  a  meeting-house  was  immediately  erected  thereon,  where 
the  Friends  long  continued  to  hold  their  convocations. 

The  subject  of  education  was  also  exciting  more  attention, 
but  by  education  must  be  understood  those  few  and  simple 
attainments  which  the  mass  of  the  people  were  wont  to  regard 
as  a  competency ;  in  most  instances  not  extending  beyond  the 
ability  to  read,  write,  and  cast  plain  accounts,  and,  in  the  case 
of  girls,  no  further  than  "  to  read  English  in  the  Bible."  These 
seemed  sufficient  for  the  exigencies  of  the  time  and  place,  and 
many  of  the  honest  yeomen  were  themselves  without  even 
these  meagre  acquirements.  The  village  had  occasionally  en- 
joyed the  services  of  a  school-master,  and  the  situation  was 
now  filled  by  Mr.  George  Eeynolds,  who  appears  to  have  oc- 
cupied the  town-house,  as  a  vote  was  passed  April  5th,  1720, 
to  rent  him  these  premises.  Here,  to  the  village  school,  re- 
sorted a  troop  of  ruddy-faced  urchins  from  the  surrounding 
neighborhood,  -  but  the  families  in  distant  parts  of  the  town 
could  hardly  share  its  benefits.  Feeling  the  deprivation  to 
which  their  children  were  subject,  several  of  these  formed  the 
bold  design  of  starting  another  school,  at  what  has  since  borne 
the  name  of  Middletown,  and  associating,  built  a  school-house 
upon  a  piece  of  ground  appropriated  for  the  purpose  by  Jo- 
seph Hallett.  On  the  20th  of  May,  1721,  this  gentleman  exe- 
cuted a  deed,  admitting  Samuel  Hallett,  Samuel  Moore,  Joseph 
Moore,  Thomas  Skillman,  and  Isaac  Bragaw  as  joint  owners 
with  himself  of  the  said  premises,  which  he  describes  as  "  thirty 
foot  long  and  twenty  foot  broad,  in  my  lot  lying  next  to  George 
Brinckerhoif 's  wood-land,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  a  school- 
house,  now  erected  and  standing  thereon  by  the  roadside  from 
Hallett's  Cove  to  Newtown ;  to  be  equally  enjoyed  by  them 
and  their  heirs  severally,  and  me  and  my  heirs,  for  ever,  hav- 
ing, all  and  every  of  us,  our  heirs,  and  every  of  them,  the 
same  equal  share,  right  and  title  to  the  above  said  land  and 
school-house,  and  full  power  and  authority  to  send  what  num- 
ber of  children  we  shall  think  fit."  This  was  looked  upon  as 
a  hazardous  undertaking,  and  one  which  none,  for  many  years, 
were  found  ready  to  incur  the  expense  of  imitating.'    Indeed, 

1  This  house  having  been  sold  some  years  since,  now  forms  the  kitchen 
to  the  dwelling  lately  occupied  by  the  widow  Tiiton.  An  incident  connected 
with  it,  which  occurred  about  forty  years  ago,  created  quite  a  stir  at  the  time. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  155 

the  advantages  of  education  and  intelligence  were  as  jet  too 
little  understood  to  be  valued,  except  so  far  as  they  seemed 
to  bear  on  the  promotion  of  business  and  the  acquisition 
of  wealth. 

The  inhabitants  were  given  to  agriculture,  and  had  pur- 
sued it  so  assiduously  that  in  1723,  all  the  land  in  the  town- 
ship had  been  taken  up,  except  a  few  small  parcels  which  were 
then  directed  to  be  sold  to  defray  the  expense  of  their  public 
suits.  jBut^  husbandry  was  then  quite  a  different  thing  from 
what  it  now  is.  The  art  of  cultivating  the  soil  was  but  imper- 
fectly understood,  and  farming  implements  were  few  in  number, 
rude  and  clumsy.  Yet  these  disadvantages  were  counterba- 
lanced by  the  great  fertility  of  the  soil,  which  produced  abun- 
dant crops  many  years  in  succession,  without  requiring  manure. 
Wheat  was  the  favorite  article  of  culture,  and  received  the  most 
attention,  but  enough  of  rye,  barley,  corn,  hemp,  flax,  and  to- 
bacco, were  raised  for  home  consumption,  besides  a  variety  of 
fruits  and  vegetables,  including  that  most  valuable  one,  the 
potatoe,  with  which  the  first  settlers  were  wholly  unacquainted. 
But  domestic  fowls  and  hive  bees,  had  been  reared  from  the 
beginning  of  settlement.  Much  land  was  left  for  grazing  and 
browsing,  for  the  farmers  also  raised  a  considerable  number  of 
horses,  cattle,  and  sheep,  from  breeds  originally  brought  from 
New  England  and  Holland.  Such  as  lived  convenient  to  the 
water,  conveyed  their  produce  to  market  in  a  canoe  or  peri- 
auger,  one  of  which  they  usually  owned.  Produce  brought 
low  prices.  In  January,  1730,  wheat  sold  in  this  tov/n  at 
3*.  3c?.  per  bushel;  barley  at  3s.;  flax  at  9d.  per  pound ;  butter 
at  I5.  and  wood  3s.  6d.  a  load.  Common  labor  was  worth  about 
35.  a  day,  then  considered  a  round  price,  but  there  were  few 
laborers  to  be  hired  even  at  that  rate. 

But  though  husbandry  prevailed  over  every  other  occupa- 

This  was  the  discovery  by  one  of  the  school-boys,  of  a  bag  of  gold  to  the 
value  of  $840,  which  had  belonged  to  one  John  Keavns,  who  had  taught 
school  here  during  the  Revolution.  The  money  was  taken  possession  of  by 
the  teacher,  whose  name  was  Neal,  but  the  neighbors  hearing  of  it,  collected, 
and  took  him  before  William  Leverich,  Esq.  by  whose  order  the  money  was 
forced  from  him.  Owing,  Iiowever,  to  some  irregularity  in  the  proceeding, 
Neal  prosecuted  the  several  persons  engaged  in  searching  him,  including  the 
justice,  and  recovered  damages  for  assault  and  battery;  while  N.  Moore,  as 
administrator  of  Kearns,  sued  and  obtained  the  money. 


156  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

tion,  there  seems  to  liave  been  no  lack  of  mechanics.  In  1662, 
the  town  thought  itself  fortunate  in  having  two  tailors,  one 
carpenter,  a  cooper,  a  mason,  and  a  blacksmith.  Since  that 
time,  mechanics  had  multiplied,  with  the  increase  of  popula- 
tion, and  in  addition  to  the  above  trades,  there  are  found 
wheelwrights,  woolcombers,  butchers,  saddlers,  and  weavers,  the 
latter  by  far  the  most  numerous.  The  government  discouraged 
manufactures,  and  hence  there  were  few  if  any  in  the  town, 
beyond  what  the  inhabitants  had  use  for.  Most  families  made 
coarse  woollen  cloth,  and  linen,  for  their  own  wear,  which  was 
woven  by  the  itinerant  weavers  who  came  to  their  houses  for 
that  purpose ;  for  every  flxmily  had  its  own  loom  as  well  as 
spinning-wheels.  Two,  if  not  three  grist-mills  were  in  opera- 
tion, and  in  1720,  Eichard  Alsop  projected  the  erection  of 
another,  at  the  English  Kills,  on  the  small  creek  that  separated 
•his  farm  on  the  east  from  that  of  William  Case,  but  whether  it 
was  really  built  does  not  appear.  At  this  day,  the  process  of 
flour  making  differed  from  the  present  mode,  in  that  the  flour 
after  being  ground,  was  bolted  by  hand.  Coe's  mill  was  at 
this  time  provided  with  bolting-mills,  separate  from  that 
which  did  the  grinding.  At  a  quite  early  day,  William  Hal- 
lett  established  a  lime-yard  at  Hallett's  Cove.  In  the  same 
vicinity,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Ridge,  clay  was  dug,  from 
which  bricks  were  made,  in  considerable  quantities,  by  the 
Halletts.  In  1721,  William  Vallence  set  up  a  bark-miU  and 
tannery  in  the  village,  adjoining  the  Horsebrook,  A  starch 
factory  was  also  put  in  operation  in  the  same  place,  and  at  the 
head  of  Flushing  Bay,  Joris  Rapelje  conducted  an  extensive 
brewery,  being  the  "  chief  brewer  of  the  town," 

Trade  was  principally  by  way  of  barter.  This  was  con- 
venient and  necessary  as  money  was  scarce.  At  an  early  dav, 
there  was  absolutely  none,  except  wampum,  or  Indian  shell 
money,  which  was  the  circulating  currency.  Therefore,  nearly 
everything  was  paid  for  in  produce,  including  wages  and  rates 
or  taxes.  In  1661,  a  person  gives  for  a  house  and  land  "six 
hundred  weight  of  tobacco,  a  thousand  clapboards,  and  half  a 
fat  of  strong  beer,"  Another  exchanges  "a  negro  boy"  for 
land.  Even  at  the  date  under  which  I  write,  there  was  very 
little  silver  afloat,  but  its  place  was  partially  supplied  by  the 
paper  bills  of  the  province.     As  the  wants  of  a  family  were 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  157 

comparatively  few,  and  these  chiefly  supplied  by  their  indus- 
try, from  the  products  of  their  own  farm,  there  was  but  little 
occasion  to  patronize  tlie  store-keeper,  and  their  few  groceries 
were  usually  obtained  in  New-York,  on  market  days.  Hence 
the  first  notice  of  a  merchant  in  Newtown  is  in  1722,  Nathan- 
iel Hazard  having  opened  a  store  ;  but,  probably  for  want  of 
encouragement,  he  soon  discontinued  it,  and  removed  to  New- 
York,  and  subsequentl}'-  to  Philadelphia. 

The  state  of  society  in  the  township  at  this  day  was  cha- 
racterized by  an  honest  plainness.  The  toils  of  many  yearg 
had  brought  comfort  and  plenty,  but  few  luxuries.  Their 
dwellings  were  now  more  spacious  and  of  substantial  build, 
and  the  days  of  thatched  roofs  were  passing  away.  The  furni- 
ture was  such  as  necessity,  not  fancy,  suggested.  There  were 
beds  in  abundance,  and  a  good  store  of  homespun  linen  and 
blankets ;  there  were  durable  oak  tables,  and  chairs  of  the 
same  material  and  strength ;  and  there  were  massive  walnut 
wardrobes,  of  which  some  continue  until  now,  and  may  for 
centuries  to  come.  Floor-carpets  were  a  superfluity  almost  if 
not  quite  unknown.  The  table  was  set  with  pewter  platters 
and  plain  earthen  ware.  Some  few  could  display  china  and 
even  pieces  of  silver  plate,  but  they  were  rare.  And  the  sim- 
plicity of  manners  is  shown  in  that  until  recently  very  few 
families  used  table-forks,  but  ate  with  their  fingers.  Tea  was 
just  beginning  to  be  known  among  the  more  polished  and 
wealthy.  The  popular  dress  was  homespun  linsey-woolsey, 
and  the  economy  of  the  times  appears  in  the  fact  that  when  a 
coat  became  the  worse  for  wear,  it  was  sent  to  the  tailor's  to  be 
turned.  A  black  or  grey  coat  of  the  above  material ;  tight 
breeches  and  hose,  the  former  made  usually  of  leather  and 
fastened  with  huge  buckles  at  the  knee ;  a  capacious  beaver 
hat,  and  stout  shoes  ornamented  with  brass  or  silver-plated 
buckles  ; — these,  in  the  main,  composed  the  usual  dress  suit  of 
the  more  affluent  farmer.  But  the  major  part  of  the  inhabitants 
at  that  day  were  singularly  plain  in  attire,  in  maimers,  and  in 
speech ;  yet  did  they  manifest  for  each  other  a  degree  of  genu- 
ine friendship  now  rarely  observable.  For  instance  when  one 
had  cut  his  winter  store  of  wood,  his  neighbors  stood  ready  to 
aid  with  their  teams  in  carting  it  home  ;;  or  if  he  needed  help 
in  his  harvesting,  it  was  cheerfully  given,  and.  as  cheei  fully 

11 


158  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

reciprocated  wlien  there  was  occasion.  And  the  corn-husking, 
and  the  spinning-frolic,  evinced  the  same  neighborly  feeling. 
At  the  latter,  the  wives  and  daughters  attended  with  their 
wheels,  and  there  was  a  merry  hum  of  spindles  and  mingling 
of  voices,  till  the  flax  or  wool  of  the  hostess  was  converted  into 
thread.     Ah !  by -gone  doys  of  true  social  happiness  ! 

A  leading  feature  in  the  character  of  the  inhabitants  was 
their  attachment  to  the  ways  of  virtue  and  religion.  A  Ee- 
formed  Dutch  church  had  been  organized,  and  in  1733,  they 
began  to  erect  a  house  of  worship  on  the  present  location, 
which  was  given  them  for  that  purpose  by  Peter  Berrien. 
The  members  of  the  Church  of  England  emulating  this  lauda- 
ble example,  applied  to  the  town  the  same  year  for  a  building 
spot,  whereupon  a  plot  twenty  rods  square  lying  "  between 
the  town-house  and  the  starch-house  "  was  assigned  them,  and 
their  church  was  erected  two  years  after,  being  the  ancient 
edifice  still  remaining.  At  this  era,  therefore,  the  village  was 
adorned  with  four  church  edifices,  where  the  respective  con- 
gregations met  on  holy-day  to  render  homage  to  their  common 
benefactor.  Their  particular  history  must  be  reserved  for  a 
future  chapter  upon  the  ecclesiastical  annals  of  the  township. 

With  this  display  of  Christian  effort,  came  other  evidences 
of  an  increase  of  general  intelligence ;    education,  the  hand- 
maid of  true  religion,  was  advancing.     In   the  year    1734, 
several  individuals  living  in  Hellgate  Neck,   combined  and 
erected  "  a  small  house  for  a  school  to  be  kept  in  for  the  edu- 
cation of  their  children."     It  was  located  on  the  river  road, 
near  Berrien's  Point,  where  John  Lawrence  had  presented 
"  one  square  rod  of  land  "  as  a  site  for  the  building,  and  for 
which  premises  he,  on  Feb.  21th,  1735,  gave  a  deed  to  his  as- 
sociates, Joseph  Moore,  Thomas  Lawrence,  Cornelius  Berrien, 
William  Leverich,  and  Hendrick  Wiltsee.      A  school-house, 
(of  late  used  as  a  dwelling,)  occupied  the  above  spot  until  re- 
cently.    This  plan  having  now  commended  itself,   became 
popular,  and  was  followed,  within  a  few  years  by  similar 
efforts.    The  residents  south  of  Newtown  village  took  mea- 
Bures,  in  1739,  to  build  a  school-house  a  little  west  of  White 
Pot,  on  a  plot  of  ground  "twenty  foot  square"  given  by  Ja- 
cobus Springsteen,  who,  on  April  21st  of  the  above  year,  exe- 
cuted a  deed  for  the  same  to  his  "  loving  friends,"  Daniel  Ste- 


"~~7 


AKNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  159 

venson,  Benjamin  Coe,  Gabriel  Furman,  Nowel  Furman,  David 
Springsteen,  Ezekiel  Furman,  William  Van  Duyn,  Jeromus 
Remsen,  Jacob  Skillman,  Rem  Remsen,  Abraham  Morrell, 
Joseph  Furman,  Edward  Titus,  and  Dow  Suydam,  who  were 
all  farmers,  residing  thereabouts.  A  stone  school-house  was 
erected,  which  afterwards  gave  place  to  a  wooden  one,  and 
that  has  in  turn  been  supplanted  by  a  third  erection,  being  the 
present  house.  The  people  near  the  English  Kills  were  not 
behind  their  neighbors  in  efforts  to  advance  education.  About 
this  period  they  erected  a  school-house,  near  the  residence  of 
Richard  Betts,  where  a  new  house  has  since  been  built,  com- 
monly known  as  "  the  brook  school-house."  Jacob  Reeder  was 
the  preceptor  here  for  a  long  period ;  a  useful  man  in  his  day, 
and  the  town  clerk  for  above  thirty  years.  In  the  year  1740, 
another  school-house  was  erected  "near  the  bridge  at  New- 
town," the  villagers  being  assisted  by  contributions  from  libe- 
ral persons  in  other  parts  of  the  town.  At  this  date,  therefore, 
five  school-houses,  located  at  various  points,  testified  to  the 
growing  desire  of  the  inhabitants  to  furnish  the  means  of  edu- 
cation for  their  ofispring.  And  how  opportune  and  provi- 
dential a  provision  for  those  who,  destined  for  the  times  that 
tried  men's  souls,  required  all  the  force  of  character  which 
education  imparts,  to  lead  them  to  right  action  in  matters 
vitally  affecting  their  own  and  succeeding  generations. 

The  delapidated  state  of  the  town-house  led  to  measures, 
in  1744,  to  build  a  new  one,  and  on  April  20th  of  that  year, 
the  inhabitants  voted  an  appropriation  for  it ;  at  which  time 
also,  the  old  town-house  was  set  up  at  public  vendue,  and 
struck  off  to  Capt.  Samuel  Fish  for  one  pound  twelve  shillings. 
The  plan  of  the  new  building  was  also  determined,  and  the 
trustees  were  directed  to  proceed  in  the  erection,  but  it  was 
not  completed  till  1747.  It  was  rented,  "  reserving  privilege 
for  the  town  to  meet  in  said  house  from  time  to  time."  It  was 
a  two  story  building,  enclosed  with  shingles,  instead  of  clap- 
boards, and  stood  upon  ground  adjoining  the  old  town-house, 
which  latter  occupied  the  place  of  the  present  building.' 

'  On  April  5th,  1803,  the  trustees  of  the  town,  N.  Moore,  and  W-  Leve- 
rich,  were  authorized  to  buy  material  for  a  new  town-house  in  Newtown, 
and  under  their  direction  the  building  was  finished,  during  the  summer  of 
1805,  and  yet  remains.    It  is  now  private  property,  having  been  sold  on  June 


160  ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN. 

Little  to  interest,  marked  the  years  wliicTi  immediately 
ensued.  The  farmer,  surrounded  by  ease  and  plenty,  quietly 
pursued  his  vocation;  his  sons,  if  too  ambitious  and  enter- 
prizing  to  follow  the  plough,  went  abroad  to  seek  a  more  ex- 
tensive means  of  business.  Others  aimed  at  usefulness  in  the 
learned  professions.  Of  lawyers,  there  were  none  in  the  town, 
and  their  services  were  seldom  needed.  There  were  always 
from  the  first  settlement  persons  competent  to  transact  busi- 
ness relating  to  the  transfer  of  lands.  Peter  Berrien,  who  had 
died  recently,  had  done  great  service  in  this  respect,  for  which 
he  was  peculiarly  fitted,  being  a  scholar,  a  superior  penman, 
a  skillful  surveyor,  and  equally  conversant  with  the  Dutch  and 
English  languages.  Most  of  the  deeds  and  many  public  writ- 
ings of  that  day  are  in  his  hand.  The  first  minister  of  the 
gospel  born  in  this  town  was  the  Kev.  Samuel  Sackett,  whose 
ministry  was  spent  in  Weschester  county.  Of  the  physicians, 
up  to  this  period,  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  little  can  be  said  be- 
yond a  mere  mention  of  their  names.  The  first  noticed  is 
James  Clark,  "surgeon,"  at  Mespat  Kills,  in  the  Dutch  adminis- 
tration. Between  that  and  the  close  of  the  century,  were,  in 
succession.  Dr.  Folcks,  Dr.  John  Greenfield,  and  Dr.  Hazard. 
Since  1720,  Doctors  Evan  Jones,  Berrien,  Hugh  Eogers,  Tho- 
mas Sackett,  and  Joseph  Sackett,  are  found  officiating  in  the 
best  families.  Dr.  Jacob  Ogden,  of  Jamaica,  also  practiced 
considerably  in  this  town  during  his  life. 

In  1753,  Capt.  Jacob  Blackwell  and  Joseph  Hallett  put  up 
a  grist-mill  upon  Sunswick  Creek,  at  Hallett's  Cove,  which 
was  furnished  with  "two  run  of  stones  and  bolting  conveni- 
ences." Whether  the  bolting  apparatus  was  driven  by  the 
mill  wheel,  or  by  hand,  after  the  old  manner,  does  not  appear. 
As  the  dam  necessarily  obstructed  the  passage  of  boats  on  the 
creek,  a  canal  (the  course  of  which  is  still  traceable,)  was 
opened  some  distance  above,  across  to  the  river,  with  a  gate 
at  either  end,  for  the  convenience  of  George  Yan  Alst,  John 
McDonnaugh,  and  John  Greenoak,  to  pass  and  repass  with 
"  canoe  or  periauger."  In  1756,  Capt.  Blackwell  became  sole 
proprietor  of  the  above  mill,  and  some  years  later  sold  it  to 

12th,  1849,  by  virtue  of  an  act  of  the  legislature  and  a  vote  of  tlie  inhabitants 
of  the  town ;  but  a  new  town-hall  and  prison  has  been  erected  in  the  village 
during  the  present  year. 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  161 

Hendrick  Suydam,  who  conducted  it  during  the  Eevolution, 
and  for  many  years  after.  ^ 

The  year  1753  was  attended  with  a  melancholy  disaster. 
On  Jan.  27th,  three  children  and  a  negro  of  John  Parcell's 
were  drowned  coming  from  New- York.  But  a  greater  calamity 
happened  in  1754.  January  of  that  year  was  unusually  warm 
and  pleasant  until  Monday  the  21st,  when  about  noon  a  violent 
gale  set  in  from  the  north-west,  and  the  temperature  changed  to 
piercing  cold.  Eight  persons  from  Newtown,  in  a  canoe  and 
periauger,  had  gone  a  clamming  in  Jamaica  Bay.  Night  closed 
in,  but  they  returned  not  to  relieve  the  anxiety  of  their  farailiea 
and  friends.  The  next  morning  the  neighbors  turned  out,  but 
owing  to  the  great  quantity  of  ice,  were  prevented  from  mak. 
ing  a  thorough  search  until  Friday,  when  the  joeriauger  was 
discovered  driven  on  an  island  of  sedge.  On  approaching  it,  a 
most  afflictive  sight  was  presented ;  there  were  the  bodies  of 
Samuel  Leverich,  Amos  Eoberts,  William  Sallier,  and  Thomaa 
Sallier,  congealed  in  death,  the  steersman  sitting  in  an  erect 
posture  at  the  helm.  The  three  former  were  men  of  families. 
The  next  Sabbath,  the  canoe  was  seen,  but  because  of  the  ice 
could  not  be  reached ;  in  which  were  supposed  to  be  the  lifeless 
bodies  of  the  other  persons  missing,  namely,  a  servant-man  in 
the  employ  of  John  Way,  and  "  three  valuable  negroes,"  two 

'  John  Greenoak,  the  ancestor  of  that  family,  came  to  Newtown  early  in 
the  last  century,  from  England,  and  married  (Mary  Lawrence  in  1717,  who, 
after  Mr.  Greenoak's  de.ath,  became  the  wife  of  Joseph  Hallelt,  Esq.  in  1728. 
His  son,  John  Greenoak,  located  on  the  farm  near  Hallett's  Cove,  now  owned 
by  the  Messrs.  Higgins,  carpet  manufacturers.  He  married  first,  Jemima  d.iugh. 
ter  of  Samuel  Hallett,  secondly,  Elizabeth  Fish,  an  aunt  of  the  late  Bishop 
Moore,  and  thirdly,  Rebecca  Clement,  who  survived  him.     He  died  in  1792, 
having  four  sons,  John,  Edward,  Nathaniel,  and  Samuel,  and  three  daughters, 
viz.  Mary  who  married  Ludiam  Haire,  Frances  who  married  Mr.  Dotten,  and 
Sarah  who  married  Melancton  Lawrence.     Samuel  and  Nathaniel  Greenoak 
both  died  single.     Edward  succeeded  to  the  paternal  farm,  married  Sarah 
daughter  of  Richard  Hallett,  and  had  several  children,  of  whom  two  survive, 
namely,  David-Titus  and  Eliza.    John  Greenoak,  last  mentioned,  acquired  an 
estate  at  Hallett's  Cove,  now  the  residence  of  H.  F.  Blackwell.    He  married 
June  8th,  1775,  Lydia,  daughter  of  Robert  Hallett,  and  died,  aged  68  years, 
Auc.  22d,  1821,  his  widow  surviving  nine  years.    Their  children  were  ElizO' 
beth,  who  married  Chas.  Welling;  Sarah,  who  married  Thos.  Paynter;  John; 
Phebe,  widow  of  Jeromus  I.  Rapelyo ;  Lydia,  the  wife  of  Thos.  F.  Fish,  of 
Newburgh ;  Deborah,  who  died  single ;  Matilda,  married  successively  to  Jas. 
Suydara  and  Rev.  Wm.  Cruickshank ;  and  Maria,  who  m.  Thos.  Lawrence. 


162  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

of  whom  were  slaves,  one  belonging  to  Jolin  Way  and  the 
other  to  John  Burroughs. 

The  existence  of  slavery  in  this  town,  hitherto  but  incident- 
ally mentioned,  demands  a  more  direct  notice.  It  originated 
in  the  scarcity  and  consequent  high  price  of  white  labor.  Its 
introduction  was  coeval  with  the  planting  of  the  town,  and  ex- 
tended not  only  to  the  negro  but  to  the  free-born  Indian, 
brought  hither  from  the  South.  None  seemed  to  view  it  as 
wrong,  and  slaves  were  found  even  in  the  ministers'  families. 
But  while  they  were  bought  and  sold  as  a  chattel,  and  though 
several  instances  of  bru,tality  towards  them  are  recorded,  their 
lives  were  protected  by  law,  and  to  the  credit  of  our  fathers 
be  it  said,  they  usually  treated  their  slaves  with  much  hu- 
manity. In  infancy  they  were  baptized,  and  at  a  suitable  age 
were  allowed  to  marry,  the  bans  being  regularly  performed 
by  a  minister  or  magistrate,  and  often  solemnized  by  a  very 
respectable  wedding.  They  were  well  fed  and  clothed,  and  ex- 
empted from  labor  on  Sundays  and  holydays.  Indeed,  in  a 
majority  of  cases  they  were  taught,  both  by  precept  and  ex- 
ample, to  love  the  ways  of  virtue  and  religion.  At  almost 
every  marriage  a  male  or  female  slave  was  the  immediate  por- 
tion of  the  young  folks  on  the  commencement  of  house-keep- 
ing, and  thus  attachments,  which  had  been  formed  in  childhood, 
subsisted  between  master  and  slave,  which  tended  greatly  to 
favor  the  latter  in  his  servitude.  Under  these  circumstan- 
ces slavery  had  increased.  At  this  date,  1755,  according  to 
returns  made  by  the  commanders  of  the  two  militia  districts, 
Captains  Jeromus  Eapelje  and  Jacob  Blackwell,  the  town  con- 
tained 163  slaves  above  the  age  of  fourteen  years — that  is, 
ninety-one  males  and  seventy-two  females. 

From  the  foregoing  review  of  the  characteristics  of  this 
time,  we  turn  to  consider  that  exciting  drama,  the  French  and 
Indian  war,  a  seven  years  conflict  between  the  Anglo-American 
colonies  and  the  French  of  Canada ;  in  whose  incidents  and  conse- 
quences Newtown  was  so  far  involved  as  to  require  some  account 
of  it  to  be  given.  The  encroachments  of  the  French  upon  our 
northern  frontier  led,  in  1755,  to  the  planning  of  several  expe- 
ditions for  their  chastisement.  Of  two  of  these  I  will  briefly 
speak,  that  against  Nova  Scotia,  and  that  which  under  Maj.  Gen. 
William  Johnson  was  designed  to  reduce  Crown  Point,  a  for- 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  163 

midable  post  of  the  enemy  on  Lake  Ohamplain.  In  addition 
to  the  regular  troops  employed  in  the  latter  enterprize,  this 
province  furnished  a  regiment  of  eight  hundred  men,  who 
were  enlisted  during  the  months  of  May  and  June  in  New- 
York  city,  "  and  in  the  towns  adjacent."  Hence  it  is  supposed 
that  Newtown  contributed  her  quota  toward  this  regiment, 
which,  in  command  of  Col.  William  Cockroft,  of  New- York, 
proceeded  to  join  Gen.  Johnson,  who  had  taken  post  at  the 
south  end  of  Lake  George.  On  Sept.  8th,  Johnson  was  imex- 
pectedly  attacked  by  a  powerful  French  army,  under  Baron 
Dieskau,  but  they  were  repulsed  and  routed  with  heavy  loss, 
Dieskau  himself  being  wounded  and  captured.  The  New- 
York  regiment  acted  with  distinguished  bravery,  and  lost 
several  men  in  the  engagement.  News  of  the  battle  of  Lake 
George  was  received  at  New- York  with  applause,  and  the  in- 
habitants of  Queen's  county  signified  their  approbation  by 
sending  a  thousand  sheep  to  the  army. 

The  design  against  Crown  Point  was  suspended  for  the 
present,  but  the  expedition  which  had  proceeded  to  Nova 
Scotia,  under  Winslow  and  Monckton,  was  successfully  prose- 
cuted. And  of  its  stern  consequences,  the  citizens  of  New- 
town were  to  have  an  impressive  exhibition.  The  French  in- 
habitants of  that  province  were  a  simple,  industrious  and 
pious  people,  unalterably  attached  to  their  religion  and  king. 
When  ceded  to  Great  Britain,  in  1713,  they  were  permitted  to 
hold  their  lands  under  a  simple  oath  of  allegiance,  it  being 
agreed  that  they  should  be  exempt  from  bearing  arms,  and  be 
regarded  as  neutrals.  But  now  not  only  were  they  accused  of 
secretly  furnishing  intelligence  and  supplies  to  the  hostile 
French  and  Indians,  but  300  of  them  actually  joined  the 
French  forces  at  Fort  Beau-sejoar,  and  those  who  had  not 
taken  up  arms,  refused  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance.  For  this 
rebellion  the  British  government  resolved  to  inflict  a  severe 
chastisement,  namely,  to  strip  them  of  all  their  possessions  ex- 
cept their  money  and  household  goods,  and  send  them  in  exile 
to  the  English  colonies.  Accordingly,  the  forces  of  Winslow 
and  Monckton  seized  and  imprisoned  the  inhabitants  to  the 
number  1900,  and  laid  waste  their  country  to  prevent  their 
subsistence,  devoting  their  farm-houses  and  villages  to  the 
flame.     Many  fled,  terror-stricken,  to  the  woods,  either  to  die 


164  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

from  starvation,  or  avoid  such  a  fate  by  a  voluntary  return 
and  surrender  to  their  conquerors.  At  the  point  of  the  bayo- 
net they  were  embarked  in  British  transports,  and  turned  a 
last  look  on  their  loved  but  now  desolate  homes.  A  hundred 
and  fifty  of  them  arrived  at  New- York,  in  May,  1756,  to  be 
distributed  in  the  several  towns  in  the  province.  Among 
these  wretched  exiles  was  one  Seres  Etben,  who  with  his  wife 
and  eight  children  found  an  asylum  in  Newtown.  The  jus- 
tices took  them  in  charge,  and  procured  them  board  in  the 
village,  at  the  inn  of  Samuel  Fish,  Jun.  better  known  as  "  the 
corner  house,"  where  they  were  sustained  for  a  considerable 
time,  at  the  public  expense,  strangers  in  a  strange  land,  the 
objects  of  deep  commiseration  to  the  humane  inhabitants,  and 
the  dejected  victims  of  a  cruel  state  policy.  The  justices  were 
subsequently  authorized  to  bind  out  as  apprentices  such  of 
them  as  were  of  proper  age. 

Thus  did  Newtown  share  the  results  of  the  opening  cam- 
paign against  the  French.  At  the  time  the  neutrals  arrived, 
preparations  were  making  for  another,  and  Captains  Williams 
and  Potter  were  engaged  in  raising  companies  in  the  counties 
of  Suffolk  and  Queen's.  These  repaired  to  the  military  posts 
near  Lake  George,  but  the  season  Avas  spent  in  erecting  or 
strengthening  Fort  William  Henry,  at  the  head  of  the  above 
lake,  and  Fort  Edward,  on  the  Hudson. 

While  the  rude  alarms  of  war  were  thus  agitating  the  pro- 
vince, a  destructive  tornado  swept  over  Newtown,  as  if  nature 
vied  with  man  in  presenting  a  picture  of  utter  devastation.  It 
occurred  on  Saturday,  July  4th,  at  about  six  o'clock,  in  the 
afternoon.  Beginning  near  Hellgate,  it  ran  south,  straight 
across  the  entire  island,  some  fifteen  miles,  its  path,  in  breadth, 
not  exceeding  eighty  rods.  It  made  terrible  havoc,  destroy- 
ing nearly  everything  in  its  course.  The  largest  oak  and 
hickory  trees  were  torn  up  by  the  roots,  split  into  innumera- 
ble pieces,  and  many  large  limbs,  of  several  hundred  weight, 
carried  the  distance  of  nearly  half  a  mile  from  the  woods. 
Several  houses  were  damaged,  six  barns  destroyed,  and  up- 
wards of  eighty  acres  of  timber  ruined.  A  grindstone  near 
Capt.  Eichard  Langdon's,  in  Newtown,  weighing  over  a  hun- 
dred and  fifty  pounds,  was  removed,  with  its  frame,  twelve  or 
fifteen  feet,  and  thrown  into  his  garden.    Capt.  Langdon's  barn 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  165 

was  shattered  to  pieces,  and  even  the  heavy  timbers  carried  to 
an  incredible  distance.  Limbs  of  trees,  leaves,  shingles,  &c. 
fell  in  showers,  in  some  places,  nearly  a  mile  from  the  course 
of  the  wind ;  two  apple-trees,  with  a  great  quantity  of  earth 
sticking  to  their  roots,  were  removed  whole  upwards  of  thirty 
rods.  The  tornado  did  not  last  to  exceed  half  a  minute,  but 
the  damage  done  by  it  was  estimated  at  between  two  and  three 
thousand  pounds.  No  gale  so  violent  had  ever  been  known 
in  this  part  of  America.  It  was  "  a  great  harricain  of  wind," 
writes  one  of  the  people  of  Newtown. 

The  winter  succeeding  the  fruitless  campaign  of  1756,  a 
detachment  of  the  king's  regulars  was  quartered  at  Newtown, 
and  their  presence  was  not  agreeable  to  the  people,  who  were 
"  of  divers  opinions  "  as  to  the  mode  of  billeting  them.  At 
the  return  of  the  season  for  military  operations,  these  troops 
left  the  town,  and  probably  formed  a  part  of  the  force  that 
soon  after  sailed  from  New- York,  on  an  intended  expedition 
against  Louisburg,  in  the  island  of  Cape  Breton.  At  this  date, 
the  fate  of  war  had  thrown  into  our  hands  a  considerable 
number  of  French  officers,  who  were  permitted  to  enjoy  their 
liberty,  within  certain  limits,  on  parole  of  honor.  Several  of 
them  arrived  at  Jamaica,  in  August,  1757,  under  conduct  of 
the  sheriff  of  the  county,  and  some  were  provided  with  board 
at  Hinchman's  tavern,  while  others  were  sent  to  Newtown, 
whither  they  and  their  baggage  were  conveyed  by  Benjamin 
Waters,  the  constable.  The  next  month,  those  at  Hinchman's 
were  distributed  in  private  families.  Nathaniel  Moore  took 
two  of  them,  with  their  baggage,  to  his  residence,  in  Newtown, 
and  Eichard  Penfold  and  William  Lawrence  received  each 
the  same  number  into  their  houses.  Others  continued  to  come, 
and  in  this  and  the  succeeding  year  the  families  of  Cornelius 
Berrien,  William  Sackett,  William  Sackett,  Jun.  Joseph  Law- 
rence, Thomas  Hallett,  Joseph  Betts,  and  Andrew  Eiker,  were 
the  abode  of  French  officers,  for  a  longer  or  shorter  period. 
Their  expenses  were  borne  by  the  government,  which  allowed 
seven  shillings  a  week  for  their  board,  embracing  simply 
lodgings  and  victuals.  Some  of  them  whiled  away  their  cap- 
tivity by  hunting  the  game  in  which  the  township  abounded, 
and  which  was  little  regarded  by  the  inhabitants. 

The  year  1758  was  signalized  by  a  grand  but  ill-fated  at- 


166  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

tempt  of  Gen.  Abercrombie,  witb  sixteen  thousand  soldiers,  to 
reduce  Fort  Ticonderoga,  on  Lake  Champlain.  Two  hundred 
and  ninety  men  from  the  several  towns  in  Queen's  county, 
were  engaged  in  this  expedition ;  in  the  company  of  Capt. 
Eichard  Hewlett,  Ephraim  Morse  of  Newtown,  and  Dow 
Ditmars  of  Jamaica,  held  commissions  as  first  and  second  lieu- 
tenants. Abercrombie  attacked  the  French  fortress,  on  July 
8th,  but  was  repulsed  with  the  loss  of  two  thousand  killed  and 
wounded,  including  many  of  the  New- York  provincials.  The 
dishonor  of  this  defeat  was  in  a  measure  retrieved  by  the  suc- 
cess of  Col.  Bradstreet,  who  immediately  after  was  detached 
with  three  thousand  men,  including  all  the  New-York  troops, 
against  Fort  Frontenac,  (now  Kingston,)  on  Lake  Ontario. 
That  fortress  surrendered  to  Bradstreet,  on  Aug.  27th,  the 
achievement  being  greatly  facilitated  by  the  daring  and  ala- 
crity of  Col.  Isaac  Corsa,'  of  Queen's  county,  who  had  been 
recently  promoted,  having  shown  much  activity  in  the  three 
previous  campaigns.  He  volunteered,  with  his  Long  Island 
men,  to  erect  a  battery  on  the  night  of  the  26th,  in  the  midst 
of  the  enemy's  fire,  which  opened  in  the  morning,  cannonaded 
the  fort,  and  forced  a  capitulation.  The  fortress  was  demo- 
lished, and  the  victors,  laden  with  booty,  returned,  by  way  of 
Oswego,  to  the  Oneida  great  carrying  place,  (now  Rome,) 
where  part  of  the  New- York  troops  and  others  had  remained 
to  erect  Fort  Stanwix.  With  their  aid  the  works  were  com- 
pleted by  the  end  of  November,  and  an  important  military 
post  established.  In  this  campaign,  nearly  every  fifth  man  in 
the  province  had  performed  actual  service.  Owing  to  their 
severe  duties  and  hardships  very  many  lost  their  lives,  and 
the  New- York  battalions  reached  their  homes  greatly  broken 
down  and  reduced  in  numbers.  The  regular  troops  went  into 
winter  quarters;  the  44th,  or  Gen.  Abercrombie's  regiment, 
Lieut.  Col.  Ayres,  commandant,  at  Newtown.  This  num- 
bered not  far  from  eight  hundred  men,  and  their  presence 

^  Col.  Corsa  was  small  of  stature  and  juvenile  in  appearance,  though  an 
intrepid  officer.  In  the  Revolution  he  was  a  loyalist,  and  at  its  close  resided 
some  years  at  the  English  Kills,  on  the  estate  of  his  deceased  brother-in-law, 
Walter  Franklin,  whose  sister  Sarah  he  had  married.  He  died  at  Fhishing, 
in  his  80th  year,  May  3d,  1807,  beloved  as  a  man  and  a  Christian.  His  only 
child,  Maria-Franklin,  married  John  I.  Staples,  who  is  yet  living. 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  167 

causing  tlie  inhabitants  "heavy  charges  and  unequal  burdens," 
the  assembly  passed  an  act  authorizing  a  tax  upon  the  whole 
of  Queen's  county,  for  the  relief  of  this  town  and  Jamaica, 
where  Col.  Frazier's  Highlanders  were  quartered. 

Among  the  important  victories  of  1759,  the  reduction  of 
Fort  Niagara,  an  ancient  stronghold  of  the  French,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Niagara  river,  deserves  our  particular  notice, 
because  there  were  there  three  hundred  men  from  Queen's 
county,  one  third  of  whom  were  under  the  command  of 
Ephraim  Morse,  of  Newtown,  who  received  a  captain's  com- 
mission, on  April  30th  of  this  year.  His  lieutenants  were 
George  Dunbar  and  Roelof  Duryea,  and  exclusive  of  these 
three  officers  the  company  consisted  of  97  men,  the  majority 
of  whom  were  foreigners  by  birth.  In  March,  the  44th  regi- 
ment left  their  cantonment  in  Newtown,  and  embarked  for 
Albany,  whither  Capt.  Morse  and  his  command  followed  about 
the  middle  of  May.  From  there  the  whole  army  took  up  its 
march  through  the  western  forests,  and  being  joined  on  the 
way  by  Sir  William  Johnson,  with  a  large  body  of  Indians, 
arrived  at  Fort  Niagara.  They  invested  the  works  on  all 
sides,  and  though  an  accidental  explosion  killed  Gen.  Pri- 
deaux,  the  commander-in-chief,  Johnson  vigorously  prose- 
cuted the  siege,  and  forced  the  garrison  to  surrender,  on  July 
25th,  first  defeating  a  large  French  force,  which,  under  Gen, 
D' Aubrey,  had  hastened  to  its  relief  from  the  neighboring 
posts.  But  the  victory  was  not  gained  without  a  severe  loss ; 
the  colonel  of  one  of  the  New-York  battalions  was  killed,  and 
the  commander  of  the  other  wounded,  and  of  the  privates  in 
both,  nine  were  killed  and  forty-two  wounded.  During  the 
siege,  Capt.  Morse  and  his  company  did  important  service, 
working  at  night  in  the  trenches,  standing  guard,  &c.  A  few 
of  his  men  were  drafted  with  those  left  to  garrison  the  fort, 
the  rest  of  the  provincials  returned,  and  were  discharged,  on 
Nov.  10th,  About  six  hundred  prisoners  were  brought  to 
New- York.  The  recent  victories  were  the  theme  of  general 
rejoicing,  and  were  publicly  celebrated  at  Jamaica,  by  the  peo- 
ple of  Queen's  county,  on  Tuesday,  the  6th  of  November. 

Capt,  Morse  held  a  command  of  a  hundred  and  ten  men  in 
the  campaign  of  1760,  and  Roelof  Duryea  and  Abraham  Rem- 
sen  were  his  lieutenants.     They  were  present  at  the  surrender 


168  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

of  Montreal,  Sept.  Stli  of  that  year,  wliicli  event  completed 
the  conquest  of  Canada,  The  next  year,  a  large  armament, 
fitted  out  at  New- York,  subdued  the  French  power  in  the 
West  Indies,  and  thus  terminated  the  old  French  war.  The 
favorable  issue  of  this  struggle,  and  the  return  of  fathers,  bro- 
thers, and  sons,  to  the  bosom  of  their  families  and  the  pursuits 
of  peace,  must  have  awakened  grateful  sensations  in  the  do- 
mestic circles  of  Newtown.  But  ah !  some  there  were,  tenderly 
loved,  long  and  fondly  expected,  who  returned  not.  They 
went  to  rest  on  the  battle  plains  of  the  north,  their  requium 
was  the  clangor  of  arms,  or  the  moaning  winds  that  swept 
those  dense  and  dreary  forests. 

The  ultimate  history  of  the  French  neutrals,  who  had  been 
thrown  upon  the  charities  of  the  Newtown  people,  has  not 
been  ascertained.  They  had  continued  to  experience  the  pub- 
lic sympathy ;  and  at  the  annual  town  meeting  in  1758,  the 
justices  were  authorized  to  "fix  the  place  to  build  a  house  for 
the  neutral  French."  But  they  drooped  under  their  misfor- 
tunes, and;  within  a  short  period,  death  made  several  breaches 
in  their  number ;  Doctor  Thomas  Sackett  attending  them  dur- 
ing sickness.  One  of  them,  called  "  French  John,"  was  acci- 
dentally drowned  June  28th,  1761.  Of  these  neutrals  in  gene- 
ral, it  is  recorded  that  "after  they  had  been  dispersed  in  these 
provinces,  they  were  watched  with  a  jealous  eye,  and  often 
suspected  during  the  war  of  communicating  intelligence  to 
their  friends.  It  was  found  difficult  to  assimilate  them  to  our 
population ;  their  antipathy  to  our  people,  our  religion,  man- 
ners, and  even  our  language,  was  unconquerable.  Many  of 
them  pined  away  and  died,  some  found  opportunity  to  escape 
to  France,  and  all  who  remained  continued  strangers  and  ex- 
iles among  us,  till  death  relieved  their  sufferings." 

The  effects  of  the  French  war  was,  in  some  respects,  very 
deleterious  upon  the  habits  and  morals  of  this  town.  Not  only 
did  it  excite  a  martial  and  a  restive  spirit  in  the  minds  of 
youth,  but  the  influence  exerted  by  the  foreign  soldiery  and 
the  French  officers  was  most  pernicious — the  former  exhibit- 
ing all  the  vices  that  usually  prevail  in  a  camp,  the  latter 
breathing  the  poisonous  breath  of  infidelity.  Wonder  not, 
then,  that  horse-racing — a  thing  hitherto  unknown  in  this 
town — was  introduced,  nor  that  the  simple  manners  of  the  peo- 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  169 

pie  should  liave  been  mucli  perverted  and  corrupted.  It  can- 
not be  questioned,  however,  that  a  new  spirit  of  enterprize, 
and  an  increased  thirst  for  knowledge,  was  awakened.  An 
English  and  classical  school  was  established  at  Hallett's  Cove, 
under  the  patronage  of  the  leading  inhabitants  there.  The  fol- 
lowing is  the  teacher's  card,  as  published  in  the  New- York 
Mercury  of  April  26th,  1762: 

TO  THE  PUBLIC. 

This  is  to  give  notice  to  all  whom  it  may  concern,  That  William  Rudge, 
late  of  the  city  of  Gloucester,  in  Old  England,  still  continues  his  school  at 
Hallett's  Cove,  where  he  teaches  Writing  in  the  diflerent  hands.  Arithmetic 
in  its  different  branches,  the  Italian  method  of  Book-keeping  by  way  of 
Double  Entry,  Latin,  and  Greek.  Those  who  choose  to  favor  him  may  de- 
pend upon  having  proper  care  taken  of  their  children,  and  he  returns  thanks 
to  those  who  have  already  obliged  him.  The  school  is  healthy  and  pleasantly 
situated,  and  at  a  very  convenient  distance  from  New-York,  from  whence 
there  is  an  opportunity  of  sending  letters  and  parcels,  and  of  having  remit- 
tances almost  every  day  by  the  pettiaugers.  Letters  will  be  duly  answered, 
directed  to  the  said  William  Rudge,  at  Hallett's  Cove. 

We,  who  have  subscribed  our  names,  being  willing  to  continue  the  school- 
master,  as  we  have  hitherto  found  him  a  man  of  close  application,  sobriety, 
and  capable  of  his  office,  are  ready  to  take  in  boarders  at  j£l8  per  annum. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  John  Greenoak,  Richard  Berrien, 

Jacob  Hallett,  Jun.  Samuel  Hallett,  Jun.  Richard  Penfold, 

Thomas  Hallett,  William  Hallett,  William  Hallett, 

Jacob  Hallett,  Richard  Hallett,  John  McDonnaugh. 
Jacob  Rapelje, 

The  yet  unsettled  question  of  boundary  between  the  towns 
of  Newtown  and  Bushwick  now  excited  attention.  While  the 
limits  of  the  said  townships  were  controverted  and  unsettled, 
no  private  suit,  involving  the  right  to  property  located  within 
the  disputed  tract,  could  be  determined  by  a  course  of  law  in 
the  ordinary  courts  of  justice.  Mainly  upon  this  considera- 
tion, and  through  the  influence  of  Bushwick,  a  bill  was  pre- 
sented to  the  assembly  on  Sept.  27th,  1764,  to  authorize  cer- 
tain gentlemen,  named  therein,  to  agree  upon  and  run  out  the 
division  line  of  King's  and  Queen's  county,  so  far  as  related  to 
the  townships  of  Bushwick  and  Newtown.  A  copy  of  the  bill 
was  sent  to  Philip  Edsall,  Esq.  clerk  of  Newtown,  who  was  di- 
rected to  present  the  objections  to  its  passage,  if  any  existed. 
Mr.  Edsall  soon  after  acquainted  the  assembly  that  he  had 


170  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

many  reasons  to  offer  against  the  bill,  and  requested  time  to 
prepare  them.  This  was  given,  and  he  again  appeared  in  the 
assembly  chamber  on  the  9th  of  October,  with  the  documents 
deemed  necessary  to  vindicate  his  assertion  and  the  rights  of 
his  town.  Deputies  from  Bushwick  were  also  there.  The  two 
were  widely  at  issue,  but  finally  agreed  to  defer  the  matter  till 
the  next  session  of  the  assembly.  Mr.  Edsall,  on  his  return, 
consulted  with  his  colleague  in  the  magistracy,  Thomas  Betts, 
Esq.  and  the  two  called  the  town  together  October  16th,  "  to 
fall  upon  measures  to  defend  themselves  against  the  unreason- 
able pretences  of  the  people  of  Bushwick."  A  board  of  trus- 
tees was  appointed  to  defend  the  town,  consisting  of  Nathaniel 
Fish,  Samuel  Fish,  Jun.  James  Way,  Philip  Edsall,  Joseph 
Lawrence,  and  James  Culver. 

The  subject  was  resumed  in  the  assembly  during  the  fall  of 
1765,  and  again  postponed.  On  Dec.  23d,  1767,  Abraham 
Schenk,  Esq.  a  member  from  King's  county,  who  had  presented 
the  former  bill,  introduced  another  of  similar  import,  which, 
after  amendment,  became  a  law  on  Jan.  13th,  1768.  It  was 
entitled,  "  An  Act,  authorizing  certain  persons  therein  named, 
to  settle  the  line  of  division  between  the  counties  of  King's 
and  Queen's,  as  far  as  the  townships  of  Bushwick  and  Newtown 
extend."  The  commissioners  specified  were  the  Hon.  John 
Watts,  William  Nicoll,  and  William  Nicoll,  Jr.  Esqrs.  who 
were  fully  empowered  to  summon  the  parties  in  controversy 
before  them,  examine  their  evidences,  and  ascertain,  agree 
upon,  and  run  out  the  said  division  line,  within  a  year  from 
the  passage  of  the  bill,  and  thence  within  six  months  to  cause 
a  survey  thereof  to  be  recorded  in  the  secretary's  ofiice ;  and 
which  should  for  ever  thereafter  be  deemed  and  taken  as  the 
division  line  between  the  said  two  towns,  and  the  counties  in 
which  they  were  respectively  located ;  provided,  moreover, 
that  nothing  contained  in  this  act  should  be  construed  to  affect 
any  person's  title,  any  more  than  if  the  said  act  had  never 
passed. 

The  above  gentlemen  fulfilled  their  commission  within  the 
specified  time.  Having  reviewed  the  proceedings  of  former 
years,  they  approved  and  adopted  the  arbitration  made  in 
1672.  Their  report,  with  a  survey  of  the  line,  is  still  on  file  in 
the  secretary  of  state's  office.     "  William  Nicoll,  the  elder, 


ANKALS     OF     NEWTOWN, 


171 


agreed  to  this  report,  but  died  before  the  execution  thereof," 
It  was  as  follows : 

Pursuant  to  an  act  of  the  governor,  council,  and  general  assembly,  ap- 
pointing John  Watts,  William  Nicoll,  and  William  Nicoll,  Jun.  Esqrs.  or  the 
major  part  of  them,  or  the  survivors  or  survivor  of  them,  commissioners  to 
settle,  run  out,  and  ascertain  a  line  of  division  between  the  counties  of  King's 
county  and  Queen's  countj',  as  far  as  the  townships  of  Bushwick  and  New- 
town extend: — we  the  said  commissioners  having  called  the  parties  before 
us,  and  duly  heard  and  considered  their  several  proofs  and  allegations,  do 
adjudge  and  determine  that  the  division  line  aforesaid  shall  be  and  begin  at 
the  mouth  of  Maspeth  Kills  or  Creek,  over  against  Dominie's  Hook,  in  the 
deepest  part  of  the  creek,  and  so  run  along  the  same  to  the  west  side  of 
Smith's  Island,  and  so  along  the  creek  on  the  west  side  of  that  island,  to  and 
up  a  branch  leading  out  of  the  creek  to  the  pond  or  hole  of  water  near  the 
head  of  Mr.  Schenk's  mill-pond,  and  from  thence  easterly  to  a  certain  rock, 
commonly  called  the  Arbitration  Rock,  and  marked  N.  B.,  a  little  westward 
of  the  house  of  Mr.  Joseph  Woodward,  [now  of  James  Schoonmaker,  dec.,] 
and  from  the  said  rock  running  south,  twenty-seven  degrees  east,  to  a  henp  of 
stones  with  a  stake  in  the  middle,  known  by  the  name  of  the  Arbitration 
Heap,  and  from  thence  in  the  same  direct  line  up  the  hills  or  mountains  until 
it  meets  the  line  of  Flatbush,  as  the  same  is  described  by  the  survey  and 
card  hereunto  annexed.  In  witness  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands 
and  seals  this  tenth  day  of  January,  Anno  Domini,  1769. 

Jno.  Watts,     [seal.] 

Sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  of  us,  W.    NiCOLL.         [SEAL.] 

W.    WiCKHAM, 

John  S.  Roome, 

The  survey  was  performed  on  Jan.  7th,  by  Francis  Mars- 
chalk,  and  thus  describes  the  boundaries: — "Beginning  at  a 
certain  rock,  commonly  called  the  Arbitration  Rock,  marked 
N.  B.,  said  rock  lies  N.  16''  3'  W.  4  chains  50  Hnks  from  the 
northerly  corner  of  the  house  formerly  the  house  of  Frederick 
Van  Nanda,  and  now  in  possession  of  Moses  Beegel/  running 
from  said  rock  S.  27'^  E.  155  chains,  to  a  noted  heap  of  stones, 
with  a  stake  in  the  middle,  known  by  the  name  of  Arbitration 
Heap,  and  from  thence  in  the  same  direct  line  up  to  the  hill 
or  mountain  until  it  meets  the  line  of  Flatbush." 

'  This  house  is  that  now  occupied  by  Mrs.  Onderdonk.  Arbitration  Rock 
has  disappeared.  It  stood  in  the  meadow  lying  opposite  this  house,  on  the 
other  side  of  the  road,  and  early  in  the  present  century  was  blown  to  pieces, 
and  removed,  by  individuals  who  probably  knew  not  its  value  as  an  ancient 
and  important  landmark. 


172  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN, 

And  thus  ended  a  dispute  which  had  continued  for  more 
than  a  century.  The  bitterness  of  feeling,  and  the  expensive 
litigation  tliat  it  occasioned,  was  scarce  to  be  compensated  for 
by  any  benefit  that  might  accrue  to  either  party.  The  result 
was  not  very  unwelcome  to  the  people  of  Newtown,  who, 
years  before,  had  expressed  a  willingness  to  accede  to  the 
arbitration  of  1672.  Their  untiring  efforts  to  settle  the  land 
probably  gave  them  the  advantage  in  the  end.^ 

Several  incidents  of  this  period  may  be  added.  In  1768,  the 
dwelling  of  widow  Kapelje  (now  E.  J.  Woolsey's)  was  burnt. 
On  Mar.  10th,  1770,  Capt.  Samuel  Hallett's  house,  near  the 
Cove,  was  destroyed  by  fire;  loss,  £1800.  On  Mar.  5th,  1772, 
snow  fell  two  feet  and  a  half  deep,  and  was  followed  by  three 
or  four  severe  storms'  This  had  scarce  been  equalled  in  the 
history  of  the  town  since  1740-1,  a  winter  excessively  cold, 
when  snow  fell,  Dec.  16th,  and  lay  till  April.  Extreme 
droughts  occurred  in  1761  and  '62,  a  very  wet  season  in  1763, 
and  on  July  3d,  1766,  "  the  greatest  rain  that  had  been  known 
in  that  age."  Earthquakes  were  felt  here  Dec.  7th,  1737,  Nov. 
18th,  1755,  and  June  18th,  1773.  The  first  was  "attended 
with  a  very  great  noise,"  says  Mr.  Pumroy,  who  calls  it  "  a 
great  earthquake,"  but  adds,  "  through  the  wonderful  goodness 
of  God  to  us,  no  great  damage  was  done  by  it  in  this  town." 
After  the  French  war  several  young  men,  Avho  were  carpenters, 
removed  from  Newtown  to  Santa  Cruz,  in  the  West  Indies, 
where  they  found  a  profitable  business.  Among  these  were 
Richard  Gosline,  Gilbert  Woodward,  Vernon  Moore,  and  Wil- 
liam and  Joseph  Hallett,  all  of  whom  died  in  that  island.  A 
singular  fatality  attended  the  two  latter,  who  were  cousins,  one 
being  crushed  by  the  fall  of  his  house,  "  on  the  ever  memorable 
31st  of  August,  1772 ;"  the  other,  Joseph,  much  respected  in 
the  island  for  his  modesty  and  diligence  in  business,  died  Jan. 
25th,  1775,  from  an  accidental  blow  of  a  lever,  received  the 
day  previous  while  working  at  a  wind-mill. 

'  A  re-survey  of  this  partition  line  was  made  by  Hendric-k  Beegel,  after 
the  Revolution,  and  only  a  few  years  since  was  repeated,  and  nionunients 
erected,  by  the  supervisors  of  the  several  towns,  Mr.  Debevoise  being  at  that 
time  the  supervisor  of  Newtown.  Guided  in  this  work  by  the  recollections 
of  aged  persons,  one  of  whom  had  ass-isted  at  Beegel's  survey,  and  having  no 
knowledge  of  the  survey  of  1769,  it  remains  to  be  seen  how  well  they  agree. 


CHAPTER    X. 

Remote  and  immediate  causes  of  the  American  Revolution. — The  colonies  forced 
into  resistance. — First  Continental  Congress — Newtown  adopts  its  recommenda- 
tions.— Appoint  a  committee  of  correspondence. — They  pass  a  series  of  resolu- 
tions.— A  portion  of  the  inhabitants  disown  these  measures. — Call  to  elect 
delegates  to  a  Provincial  Convention. — Whigs  carry  the  election. — Bloodshed 
at  Lexington. — Increasing  opposition  of  Queen's  county  to  liberty. — The  chief 
loyalists  summoned  to  appear  before  the  Convention. — It  is  disregarded. — The 
Convention  declares  them  put  out  of  its  protection,  and  lays  the  state  of  Queen's 
county  before  Congress. — Action  of  the  latter  thereupon. — Col.  Heard  marches 
through  Newtown  to  disarm  the  Tories. — Carries  several  of  their  leaders  to 
Philadelphia. — They  are  sent  back  and  confined  at  New- York. — Lt.  Col.  Seers 
pursues  the  disaffected  in  Queen's  county. — Gives  an  oath  to  leading  Tories  at 
Newtown. — Organization  of  the  militia. — Officers'  names. — Capt.  Riker  recruit- 
ing.— Militia  provided  with  ammunition. — A  fast  day. — John  Moore,  Jun.  "  in- 
sults the  United  Colonies." — He  is  taken  to  New-York. — Soon  discharged. — 
Declaration  of  Independence. — Militia  called  out  to  protect  the  stock. — New- 
town militia  march  to  Brooklyn. — British  land  on  the  Island. — Gen.  Woodhull 
engaged  driving  off  the  stock. — His  perilous  situation. — He  is  taken  prisoner  by 
the  enemy. — Some  of  the  troop  captured. — Narrow  escape  of  Garret  Remsen. — 
British  Light  Horse  enter  Newtown. — Cruel  fate  of  Jonathan  Coe. — The  Light 
Horse  pursue  Dr.  Riker. — He  escapes. — Tory  animosity — Most  of  the  British 
forces  encamp  in  Newtown. — Cannonading  at  Hellgate. — Farmers  plundered 
and  Whigs  seized. — Newtown  militia  return. — The  officers  in  exile. — Anecdote. 
— Movements  of  the  British  troops. — They  leave  Newtown  and  pursue  the 
American  army.  1774  to  1776. 

The  American  Eevolution  now  opened,  during  which,  for 
the  space  of  seven  years,  Newtown  was  to  be  ravaged  and 
made  desolate  by  a  scourge  as  dreadful  as  a  visitation  of  fam- 
ine or  pestilence.  Her  fertile  territory  a  prey  to  hostile  armies, 
but  not  the  scene  of  battles,  she  nevertheless  heard  with  anxi- 
ous interest  every  rumble  from  the  fields  afar,  where  freedom 
gained  its  triumphs.  To  the  simple  detail  of  her  history  du- 
ing  this  period  let  us  proceed. 

The  Revolutionary  spirit  was  not  the  creature  of  a  day, 
nor  an  impulse  of  mushroom  growth.  "  Those  principles  and 
feelings,"  says  an  eminent  statesman,  "ought  to  be  traced  back 
for  two  hundred  years,  and  sought  in  the  history  of  the  coun- 
try from  the  first  plantations  in  America."  The  observation  is 

12 


174  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

just,  and  the  local  causes  wLicli  in  every  part  of  tlie  country  con- 
tributed to  awaken  the  spirit  of  bold  resistance  to  the  oppres- 
sions of  England,  are  fairly  represented  in  the  annals  of  that 
community  whose  history  we  are  reviewing.  Their  repeated 
endeavors  to  cast  off  the  burdens  imposed  by  their  royally- 
constituted  rulers,  were  but  the  first  feeble  throbbings  of  inde- 
pendence. These  strengthened  with  every  defeat,  and  every 
fresh  indignity  that  they  sustained.  Thus  was  fostered,  slowly 
and  insensibly,  but  by  a  sure  process,  a  tenacious  regard  for 
their  rights,  a  watchful  desire  for  their  preservation,  a  jealousy 
of  and  a  lessened  afiection  for  the  mother  country,  eminently 
calculated  to  prepare  them  to  enter  with  spirit  into  the  contro- 
versy with  Great  Britain  that  led  to  the  war  of  Independence. 
The  policy  of  England  toward  her  American  colonies,  from 
the  first,  humiliating  and  oppressive,  became,  in  the  course  of 
years,  more  and  more  crushing.  Already  the  restrictions  upon 
their  manufactures  and  the  control  of  their  commerce  poured 
a  large  revenue  into  her  coffers,  but  this  was  too  meager  for 
greedy  royalty,  and  it  was  resolved  to  enhance  it  by  resorting 
to  a  system  of  taxation.  This  iniquitous  policy,  introduced  in 
1764,  resulted  in  a  series  of  parliamentary  acts  that  sapped  the 
prosperity  of  the  colonies  and  created  a  general  consternation. 
Some  of  these  acts  so  effected  navigation  as  nearly  to  destroy 
their  lucrative  trade  with  the  West  Indies.  Duties  were  im- 
posed upon  refined-sugar,  tea,  coffee,  indigo,  glass,  paints, 
writing-paper,  parchment,  and  many  other  articles  of  foreign 
produce  imported  by  the  colonists.  Other  laws  passed,  equally 
calculated  to  retrench  the  privileges  and  harass  the  feelings  of 
the  Americans.  The  excitement  produced  by  these  measures 
■was  immense ;  every  house-keeper  deprecated  the  wanton  in- 
crease in  the  price  of  articles  of  domestic  consumption ;  the 
merchant  was  sorely  affected  by  the  stagnation  of  trade,  and 
the  fatal  blow  given  to  commerce ;  while  the  farmer,  mechanic, 
and  men  of  every  profession,  were  involved  in  the  general  dis- 
aster, and  beheld  with  indignation  the  baleful  effect  of  Britain's 
assumed  right  to  bind  and  tax  them  at  her  will.  From  north 
to  south  went  forth  the  cry  of  injured  justice,  and  petitions  and 
remonstrances,  almost  numberless,  were  sent  to  the  king  and 
parliament,  praying  redress.  These  were  unheeded,  nay,  spurn- 
ed ;  and  as  a  necessary  report,  a  continental  congress,  composed 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  175 

of  delegates  from  the  several  provinces,  was  convened  at  Phila- 
delphia,  Sept.  4th,  1774,  to  concert  suitable  measures  of  resist- 
ance to  the  oppressions  of  the  mother  country.  This  patriotic 
body  entered  into  an  association  by  which  they  pledged  them- 
selves, in  the  name  of  the  freemen  they  represented,  not  to  im- 
port or  consume  tea,  or  any  articles  from  the  British  possessions 
until  the  repeal  of  the  revenue  acts,  and  advised  the  appoint- 
ment of  committees  in  the  several  counties  and  towns,  to  aid 
by  mutual  correspondence  and  otherwise,  in  carrying  out  the 
objects  of  the  association.' 

This  date  found  the  people  of  Newtown  split  into  two 
parties.  It  is  difficult  to  say  which  of  these  was  loudest  in 
protestations  of  loyalty  to  King  George  III.  whom  all  acknow- 
ledged as  their  rightful  sovereign.  Furthermore,  few,  if  any, 
were  found  to  deny  the  existence  of  the  grievances  before  re- 
cited. But  the  widest  difference  of  opinion  prevailed  as  to  the 
proper  means  of  obtaining  redress.  The  weaker  party  (re- 
spectable, nevertheless,  both  in  number  and  character,)  urged 
the  most  pacific  measures,  and  condemned  the  formation  of 
congresses  and  committees,  as,  not  only  illegal,  but  disrespect- 
ful toward  their  representatives,  composing  the  general  assem- 
bly of  the  province,  in  whom  alone  they  reposed  the  business 
of  vindicating  the  popular  rights. 

But  a  majority  of  the  inhabitants  scouted  at  such  modera- 
tion at  a  crisis  which  threatened  their  dearest  liberties.  In  their 
view,  forbearance  had  truly  ceased  to  be  a  virtue,  and  hence, 
no  sooner  had  the  resolves  of  the  congress  been  received  at 
Newtown,  than  these  hastened  at  the  call  of  their  supervisor, 
Jeromus  Eemsen,  Jun.  to  testify  their  approbation  of,  and  to 
adopt  their  recommendations.  On  December  10th,  a  very  large 

1  The  following  incident  shows  the  firmness  and  spirit  with  which  even 
the  matrons  of  Newtown  espoused  the  cause  of  king  or  country.  Mrs.  Fish, 
mother  of  the  Rev.  Peter  Fish,  spending  a  social  afternoon  with  her  neighbor 
the  wife  of  Capt.  Jeromus  Rapelje,  at  the  tea  table  the  good  hostess  had 
prepared  to  serve  up  a  dish  of  her  choicest  tea,  not  acknowledging  the  right 
of  congress  to  deprive  her  of  her  much  loved  beverage,  But  her  guest, 
having  opposite  views,  declined  to  take  any  tea,  and  on  its  being  insisted 
upon,  replied: — "Cousin  Wyntie,  I  cannot  do  it,  it's  against  my  principles." 
Overcome  by  a  sense  of  their  unhappy  position,  both  fell  to  weeping.  Mrs. 
Fish  swerved  not  from  her  purpose,  though  the  two  friends  lived  to  drink  tea 
together  in  more  auspicious  times. 


176  ANNALS     OF     NEWTO"WN. 

number  of  respectable  freeholders  assembled  in  the  town- 
house  at  Newtown.  A  series  of  "  spirited  and  well-adapted 
resolves,"  passed  a  few  days  previous  by  their  neighbors  of 
Jamaica,  were  read  by  one  of  the  gentlemen  and  unanimously 
responded  to,  after  which  they  appointed  the  following  persons 
to  act  as  a  committee  of  correspondence,  and  to  observe  that 
the  association  formed  by  congress  be  strictly  adhered  to  with- 
in the  limits  of  the  town.  The  said  persons  were  Jacob  Black- 
well,  Eichard  Alsop,  Esq,  Daniel  Kapelje,  Esq,  Philip  Edsall, 
Thomas  Lawrence,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Jonathan  Lawrence, 
Samuel  Moore,  William  Furman,  William  Howard,  Jeromus 
Remsen,  Jun,  Samuel  Riker,  John  Alburtis,  Abraham  Brinck- 
erhoflf,  James  Way,  Samuel  Morrell,  and  Jonathan  Coe,  After 
some  delay,  occasioned  by  the  small  pox  in  Col.  Blackwell's 
family,  this  committee  met  at  Newtown,  and  adopted  the  fol- 
lowing : — 

QueerCs  County,  29<A  Bee.  1774. 
At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  chosen  by  the  freeholders  of  the  town- 
ship of  Newtown,  the  said  committee  having  seriously  considered  the  conse- 
quences that  must  evidently  flow  from  the  several  acts  of  the  British  Parlia- 
ment to  raise  revenue  in  America ;  and  likewise  that  of  having  power  to  bind 
the  people  of  these  colonies,  by  statute,  in  all  cases  whatsoever;  that  of  extend- 
ing the  limits  of  the  admiralty  court,  whereby  the  judges  of  said  court  are 
empowered  to  receive  their  salaries  and  fees  from  effects  to  be  condemned 
by  themselves,  and  his  Majesty's  American  subjects  deprived  of  the  right  of 
trial  by  jury ;  that  of  requiring  oppressive  security  from  the  claimants  of 
ships  or  goods  seized,  before  they  shall  be  allowed  to  defend  their  property; 
that  of  empowering  the  commissioners  of  customs  to  break  and  enter  houses 
without  the  authority  of  any  civil  magistrate ;  that  of  stopping  the  port  of 
Boston,  and  changing  the  form  of  government  in  Massachusetts  Bay,  and 
the  Quebec  bill ;  ^  all  of  which,  as  appears  to  us,  are  intended  absolutely  to 
deprive  his  Majesty's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  subjects,  the  inhabitants  of  the 
American  colonies,  of  their  most  inestimable  rights  and  privileges,  by  subju- 
gating them  to  the  British  Parliament,  and  driving  them  to  the  dire  necessity 
of  submitting  to  have  their  property  taken  from  them  without  their  consent ; 

1  Owing  to  the  destruction  of  several  cargoes  of  tea  by  the  indignant  people  of 
Boston,  the  Parliament,  in  retaliation,  passed  the  Boston  Port  Bill,  an  act  precluding 
that  port  from  the  privilege  of  discharging  or  shipping  any  kinds  of  merchandize. 
By  another  bill  they  essentially  altered  the  charter  of  Massachusetts,  making  the 
appointment  of  the  council,  justices,  judges,  &c.  dependent  upon  the  crown. 

The  Quebec  Bill  extended  tiie  limits  of  Canada  so  as  to  border  on  the  western 
frontiers  of  the  United  Colonies  ;  and  was  especially  designed  to  prevent  the  Cana- 
diaos  from  having  any  sympathy  with  the  political  movements  in  these  colonies. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 


177 


which  we  conceive  is  one  of  the  most  deplorable  situations  to  which  a  free 
people  can  be  reduced,  and  absolutely  repugnant  to  the  constitution  of  Great 
Britain ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  1,  That  we  consider  it  as  our  greatest  happiness  and  glory  to 
be  governed  by  the  illustrious  House  of  Hanover,  and  that  we  acknowledge 
and  bear  true  and  faithful  allegiance  to  King  George  the  Third,  as  our  right- 
ful sovereign,  and  under  his  protection  have  a  right  to  enjoy  the  privileges 
of  the  constitution  of  Great  Britain,  as  founded  on  the  Revolution  principles, 
in  as  full  and  ample  a  manner  as  our  fellow  subjects  residing  there ;  that  we 
consider  ourselves,  one  people,  connected  by  the  strongest  ties  of  interest  and 
affection,  and  that  we  lament,  as  our  greatest  misfortune,  any  occurrence 
which  shall  have  a  tendency  to  destroy  that  mutual  confidence  which  the 
mother  country  and  her  colonies  should  repose  in  each  other. 

Resolved,  2,  That  we  conceive  it  to  be  a  fundamental  part  of  the  British 
constitution  that  a  man  shall  have  the  disposal  of  his  own  property,  either 
by  himself  or  representatives;  and  as  we  are  not,  and,  from  our  local  cir- 
cumstances, cannot  be  represented  in  Parliament,  we  consider  all  acts,  by 
them,  imposing  taxes  on  the  colonies,  as  subversive  of  one  of  the  most  valu- 
able privileges  of  the  English  constitution,  and  having  a  direct  tendency  to 
alienate  the  affections  of  the  colonists  from  their  parent  state. 

Resolved,  3,  That  it  is  our  indispensable  duty  to  transmit,  unimpaired,  to 
posterity,  all  our  most  valuable  rights  and  privileges,  as  we  receive  them 
from  our  ancestors ;  particularly  that  most  inestimable  right  of  disposing  of 
our  own  property,  either  by  ourselves  or  representatives. 

Resolved,  4,  That  as  some  mode  of  opposition  to  acts  of  Parliament,  im- 
posing taxes  in  America,  has  been,  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  different  colonies 
on  this  continent,  thought  necessary,  to  secure  our  invaded  rights  and  pro- 
perties; which  mode  has  been  left  to  the  determination  of  the  delegates, 
sent  by  each  colony,  and  met  in  congress,  at  Philadelphia,  in  September  last ; 
they  having,  among  other  articles  of  their  association,  recommended  that  a 
committee  be  chosen  in  every  county,  city,  and  town,  whose  business  it 
should  be  to  observe  the  conduct  of  all  persons,  touching  said  association; 
and  as  we  are  willing  to  establish  harmony  and  union,  we  will,  so  far  as  our 
influence  extends,  endeavor  that  the  measures,  adopted  and  recommended  by 
said  congress,  be  strictly  adhered  to  in  this  town. 

Resolved,  5,  As  we  highly  approve  of  the  wise,  prudent,  and  constitu- 
tional mode  of  opposition,  adopted  by  our  worthy  delegates  in  general  con- 
gress, to  the  several  late  tyrannical  and  oppressive  acts  of  the  British  Parlia- 
ment, we  therefore  render  our  sincere  and  hearty  thanks  to  those  gentlemen, 
for  their  patriotic  spirit,  in  so  cheerfully  undertaking  the  difficult  and  arduous 
task ;  for  their  faithfulness  in  council,  and  great  wisdom  in  drawing  conclu- 
sions, which,  through  the  influence  of  Divine  Providence,  we  trust  will  be 
the  means  of  securing  to  us  our  liberties  and  privileges,  as  freeborn  English- 
men, and  again  restore  harmony  and  coufidenGe  throughout  the  British  em- 
pire, which  is  the  hearty  wish  of  all  the  friends  to  liberty  and  foes  to 
oppression.         Signed,  by  order  of  the  committee, 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Chairman. 


178 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 


Some  of  the  gentlemen  composing  the  ahove  committee 
declined  serving ;  Col.  Blackwell  was  soon  after  called  to  fill 
a  more  elevated  station,  and  from  these  and  other  causes  the 
committee  became  reduced  to  seven  persons,  namely-j  Jonathan 
Lawrence,  chairman,  Mr.  Edsall,  deputy  chairman,  and  Messrs. 
Riker,  Morrell,  Moore,  Remsen,  and  Furman.  These  gentle- 
men discharged  with  vigor  the  delicate  and  responsible  duties 
assigned  them,  till  their  services  ceased  to  be  needed  in  that 
capacity. 

The  publication  of  their  manly  resolutions,  the  energetic 
tone  in  which  these  asserted  the  public  rights,  the  injuries 
which  those  rights  had  sustained,  and  the  determination  to 
enforce  redress,  aroused  the  loyal  feelings  of  the  advocates  of 
peace.  Though,  too  impotent  to  arrest  the  course  of  things, 
they  resolved  to  publish  to  the  world  their  unqualified  disap- 
proval of  the  late  rash  proceedings,  from  which  they  appre- 
hended the  most  disastrous  consequences.  Only  a  few  days 
elapsed  when  the  following  appeared  in  Rivington's  Gazette : — 


Newtown,  on  Long  Island,  Jan.  12th,  1775. 
Mr.  Rivington: — 

Reading  in  Mr.  Holt's  last  Thursday's  paper,  certain  resolves  signed  by 
Jacob  Blackwell,  chairman,  entered  into  by  some  inhabitants  of  Newtown, 
approving  of  the  proceedings  of  the  continental  congress;  you  are  hereby 
requested  to  inform  the  public  that  we  the  subscribers  were  no  way  con- 
cerned in  those  resolves,  neither  do  we  acknowledge  any  other  representa- 
tives but  the  members  of  the  general  assembly  of  the  province. 


John  Shoals, 
William  Weyman, 
John  Mooke,  Jun. 
Hendrick  Brinckerhoff,' 
Jeronimus  Rapelje, 
Daniel  Rapelje, 
Cornelius  Rapelje, 
Martin  Rapelje, 
Oliver  Waters,* 
D.  Rapelje, 
Abraham  Rapelje, 
Daniel  Luyster, 
Garret  Luyster, 
Jacobus  Lent, 
Jacobus  Riker, 
Nathaniel  Moore, 
John  Moore, 
W.  Cornell, 
James  IIallett, 


John  McDonnaugh,  Jun. 
John  McConnell, 
John  Parcell, 
William  Hallett,  Jun. 
Richard  Hallett, 
Albert  Brinckerhoff, 
John  McDonnaugh,  Sen. 
Isaac  Van  Alst, 
Bragaw  Van  Alst, 
Silas  Pratt, 
John  Van  Alst,  Jun. 
John  Van  Alst,  Sen. 
George  Van  Alst, 
Peter  Bragaw,  Sen. 
Isaac  Meserole, 
""  Abraham  Polhemus,  Sen. 
^Abraham  Polhemus,  Jun* 
Charles  De  Bevoise, 
John  De  Bevoise, i 


Richard  Alsop,* 
Richard  Bragaw, 
Hendrick  Jacobs, 
Tunis  Brinckerhoff, 
John  Bragaw, 
John  Morrell,  Sen. 
Nathaniel  Provost, 
Daniel  Rapelje, 
Samuel  Moore,  Sen.« 
Bernardus  Bloom, 
Dow  Van  Duyn, 
Jer.  Remsen, 
John  Suydam, 
George  Rapelje,  Jun. 
Abraham  Rapelje,  Jun. 
Joseph  Burroughs, 
Daniel  Rapelje,  4th. 
Samuel  Moore,  3d. 


*  Those  with  a  star  affixed,  were  justices  of  the  peace. 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 


179 


Undaunted  by  the  clamor  of  opposition,  the  friends  of  li- 
berty in  Newtown  responded  to  a  call  of  the  New- York  com- 
mittee, inviting  them  to  send  a  representative  to  a  convention 
to  be  held  in  that  city,  for  the  purpose  of  choosing  delegates 
to  a  second  general  congress.  The  loyalists  exerted  themselves 
to  defeat  the  election  of  deputies,  and  industriously  circulated 
a  paper  entitled  the  "Queen's  County  Freeholder,"  which  "le- 
velled its  whole  force  at  the  very  essence  of  a  continental  con- 
gress." The  whigs,  on  the  other  hand,  were  not  idle.  In  order 
to  counteract  the  pernicious  influence  of  the  above  publication, 
and  incite  the  people  to  action  at  this  momentous  time,  the 
following  eloquent  appeal  "  To  the  Freeholders  of  Newtown," 
was  prepared  and  issued  on  April  3d,  1775,  the  day  of  election. 

My  Friends  and  Felloio-  Townsmen, 

We  are  now  called  upon  to  oppose  the  encroachments  which,  for  some 
time  past,  have  been  made  upon  our  rights  and  liberty.  The  question  before 
us  is,  whether,  or  not,  we  shall  elect  a  deputy  to  represent  us  in  our  p'-ovincial 
convention,  to  be  held  at  New-York,  on  the  20th  inst.  with  the  deputies  from 
the  different  towns  and  counties  in  this  colony,  for  the  purpose  of  appointing 
delegates  to  meet  on  the  10th  of  May  next,  at  Philadelphia,  in  another  conti- 
nental congress,  as  recommended  by  the  last,  and  adopt  such  constitutional 
measures  as  they  shall  judge  most  efficacious  to  frustrate  the  tyrannical  and 
wicked  designs  of  a  corrupt  and  arbitrary  ministry.  But  if  we  join  those 
hirelings  and  tools  of  state,  who  aim  at  preventing  the  choice  of  delegates  to 
the  congress,  our  conduct  may  rivet  the  chains,  not  only  upon  ourselves,  but 
on  our  posterity,  to  whom  we  should  strive,  if  possible,  to  leave  a  better  in- 
heritance than  that  we  received  from  our  ancestors.  Let  us  give  generations 
yet  unborn  no  cause  to  curse  the  transactions  of  this  day. 

My  dear  Feliow-Townsmen,  think  and  act  for  yourselves.  Be  not  led 
away  by  designing  men.  Beware  of  the  delusive  arguments  of  that  base, 
mercenary  writer  who  styles  himself  a  "  Queen's  County  Freeholder,"  and 
with  the  treachery  of  the  old  serpent,  endeavors  by  false  hopes  of  imaginary 
advantages  to  tempt  you  into  a  breach  or  neglect  of  duty,  which  will,  in  its 
consequences,  entail  destruction  upon  yourselves  and  your  offspring.  Let  not 
the  fair  speeches  and  specious  pretences  of  an  insidious  enemy  in  the  disguise 
of  a  friend,  amuse  you  to  neglect  the  present  opportunity  of  preserving  your- 
selves  and  your  country,  or,  as  it  was  fabled  of  the  Syrens  of  old,  lull  you 
by  their  singing,  to  rest  upon  your  oars  in  a  tempestuous  ocean,  and  listen  to 
their  voices,  at  the  only  time  when  you  might  escape  shipwreck  and  death. 

"  The  Syrens'  music  charms  the  sailor's  ear, 
"  Yet  he  is  ruined  if  he  stops  to  hear." 

This  pretended  Freeholder's  attachment  to  that  party  who  are  in  fact 
mere  tools  to  the  ministry,  induced  him  to  avoid  touching  on  the  merits  of 


180 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 


the  cause ;  but  to  dissuade  you  from  adopting  the  measures  recommended  by 
the  late  general  congress,  was  not  ashamed  to  have  recourse  to  those  arts, 
the  flimsy  texture  of  which  has  often  been  exposed.  He  tells  you  our  gene- 
ral assembly  has  petitioned  his  Majesty.  But,  my  abused  countrymen,  do 
you  I<now  what  they  have  petitioned  for?  Surely  he  cannot  mean  that  they 
have  petitioned  for  the  redress  of  American  grievances,  felt  to  be  such  by 
every  British  colony,  and  so  voted  unanimously  by  the  continental  congress. 
My  dear  Fellow-Tovi'nsmen,  the  enemies  of  our  devoted  constitution  have 
long  considered  it  as  an  obstacle  to  their  design  of  establishing  an  arbitrary 
government  over  the  whole  British  empire,  the  first  essay  of  which  they  are 
now  attempting  in  the  colonies.  Bribery  and  corruption  are  become  so  pre- 
dominant, that  every  patriot  ought  to  be  always  on  his  guard,  lest  seducers 
should,  in  this  grand  conflict  against  the  iron  hand  of  tyranny,  find  means  to 
mislead  him.  It  is  not  attempted  to  brand  with  opprobious  epithets,  and  to 
name  the  few  individuals  who,  deluded  by  selfish  motives,  have  raised  the 
cry  against  the  generous  asserters  of  our  rights ;  those  men  are  left  to  the 
justice  of  the  great  Disposer  of  events.  But  we  anxiously  look  for  that  time 
when  a  test  of  distinction  will  be  drawn  between  the  friends  to  the  Hanove- 
rian line  of  British  kings,  and  the  tools  of  state,  who  would,  by  one  single 
stroke,  destroy  our  liberty  and  deprive  us  of  our  property. 


In  the  spirit  of  tliis  soul-stirring  appeal,  the  whig  inhabi- 
tants attended  the  poll  to  the  number  of  exactly  one  hundred, 
forming  a  large  majority  of  the  freeholders,  and  elected  Col. 
Jacob  Blackwell  deputy  from  said  town.  The  following  are 
the  names  of  the  voters  : — 


Nathaniel  Bailey, 
William  Bailey, 
Cornelius  Berbien, 
Richard  Berrien, 
Anthony  Betts, 
James  Betts, 
Richard  Betts, 
Thomas  Betts, 
William  Betts, 
Charles  Boerum, 
Jacob  Boerum, 
Joseph  Boss, 
Abram.  Brinckebhoff, 
Geo.  Brinckerhoff,  Jun. 
James  Burroughs, 
John  Burroughs, 
Thomas  Burroughs, 
John  Burtis, 
Paul  Burtis, 
Samuel  Burtis, 
Benjamin  Coe, 
Benjamin  Coe,  Jun. 
John  Coe, 
Jonathan  Coe, 
Robert  Coe, 
Samuel  Coe, 


Johannes  Cornell, 
Benjamin  Cornish, 
John  Culver, 
Thomas  Cumbebson, 
Abraham  Devine, 
Philip  Edsall,  Esq. 
Philip  Edsall,  Jun. 
Samuel  Edsall. 
Benjamin  Field, 
Benjamin  Field,  Jun. 
Robert  Field, 
Stephen  Field, 
John  Fish, 
Jonathan  Fish, 
Samuel  Fish, 
ezekiel  furman, 
Gabriel  Furman, 
Howard  Furman, 
Jonathan  Furman, 
William  Furman, 
James  Gosline, 
John  Gosline, 
LUDLAM   Haire, 
Jacob  Hallett,  Jun. 
Samuel  Hallett, 
Morris  Hazard, 


Rev.  Simon  Hoeton, 
Edwabd  Howard, 
William  Howard, 
Capt.  Daniel  Lawrence, 
Capt.  Jona'n  Lawrence, 
Joseph  Lawrence, 
Richard  Lawrence, 
Samuel  Lawrence, 
Capt.  Thomas  Lawrence, 
William  Lawrence, 
Elnathan  Levebich, 
John  Leverich,  Jun. 
Abraham  March, 
John  McDonnaugh,  Jun. 
Capt.  Samuel  Moobe,'^ 
Jonathan  Morrell, 
Joseph  Morrell, 
Samuel  Morrell, 
Benjamin  North, 
Thomas  North, 
Jacob  Parcell, 
John  Parcell, 
Nathaniel  Pettit, 
Stephen  Pettit, 
Richard  Rapelje, 
Christopher  Remsen, 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  181 

Jeromus  Remsen,  Jonathan  Roberts,  William  Van  Duyn, 

Jekomus  Remsen,  Jun.  William  Sackett,  Samuel  Waldron, 

Luke  Remsen,  John  Shannan,  James  Way, 

Rem  Remsen,  John  Suydam,  John  Way, 

Samuel  Renne,  Edward  Titus,  John  Way,  Jun. 

Abraham  Riker,  Francis  Titus,  Lambert  Woodward,  Jun. 

Peter  Riker,  Dow  Van  Duyn,  Philip  Woodward, 
Samuel  Riker, 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact,  that  while  the  body  of  the  ^STew- 
town  people  were  in  favor  of  deputies,  every  other  town  in 
Queen's  gave  its  voice  against  deputies.  Owing  to  this  cir- 
cumstance, Mr.  Blackwell,  and  the  other  deputies,  were  not 
deemed  entitled  to  a  vote  in  the  convention,  but  were  privi- 
leged to  give  advice;  in  which  they  themselves  cheerfully 
concurred.  Accordingly,  they  gave  in  their  written  assent  to 
the  delegation  to  congress,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  those 
freeholders  of  Queen's  county  at  whose  request  they  had  at- 
tended the  convention. 

Meanwhile,  events  tended  to  a  crisis  ;  actual  hostilities  had 
commenced,  and  blood  been  shed  at  Lexington.  The  opposi- 
tion of  the  loyalists  in  Queen's  county  grew  formidable.  At  the 
poll,  opened  at  Jamaica,  Nov.  7th,  for  the  election  of  deputies 
to  another  convention,  the  county  declared  three  to  one  against 
deputies.  Not  only  so,  but  the  leaders  among  the  disaffected 
began  to  utter  threats,  and  to  procure  guns  and  ammunition, 
and  array  themselves  in  arms,  to  oppose  the  measures  taken 
by  the  United  Colonies  for  the  preservation  of  their  liberties. 

The  convention  having  met  at  New-York,  received  the  re- 
sult of  the  election,  and  intelligence  of  the  hostile  attitude  of 
the  inhabitants,  with  marked  displeasure,  and  resolved  that 
such  conduct  was  inimical  to  the  common  cause  of  the  colo- 
nies, and  ought  not,  by  any  means,  to  be  suffered.  They  sum- 
moned the  inhabitants  of  the  county  to  appear,  by  committee, 
before  them,  on  the  19th  of  December,  to  give  satisfaction. 
They  also  directed  a  special  summons  to  twenty-six  persons, 
charged  as  leaders  among  the  disaffected,  requiring  them  to 
appear  and  answer  on  the  above  date.  Among  the  latter 
were  seven  of  the  inhabitants  of  Newtown,  namely,  Nathaniel 
Moore,  John  Moore,  Sen.  Capt.  Samuel  Hallett,  John  Moore, 
Jun.  William  Weyman,  John  Shoals,  and  Capt.  Jeromus  Ea- 
pelje. 

No  regard  being  paid  to  these  summons,  the  convention  re- 


182  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

solved,  Dec.  21st,  that  tlie  persons  voting  against  deputies  had 
been  guilty  of  a  breacli  of  the  general  association,  and  were 
thereby  put  out  of  their  protection ;  and  it  was  further  ordered 
that  their  names  be  given  to  the  public  in  printed  handbills. 
Hesitating  themselves  to  use  force  against  the  delinquents,  the 
convention  transmitted  a  list  of  them  to  congress,  asking  its 
advice  and  assistance.  On  Jan.  3d,  1776,  that  body,  after  ex^ 
pressing  its  high  disapproval  of  the  course  pursued  by  the  de- 
linquents, resolved  that  as  they  had  refused  to  defend  their 
country,  they  should  be  excluded  from  its  protection,  and  pre- 
vented from  doing  it  injury.  They  therefore  directed  Col. 
Heard,  of  Woodbridge,  N.  J.  to  take  with  him  a  competent 
force,  and  disarm  every  person  in  Queen's  county  who  voted 
against  sending  deputies,  and  also  apprehend  and  secure  the 
twenty-six  persons  named  as  principal  men  among  the  dis- 
affected. 

In  pursuance  of  these  orders.  Col.  Heard  left  Woodbridge, 
on  Jan.  17th,  with  about  six  hundred  militia,  and  was  joined 
at  New- York  by  Stirling's  battalion  of  near  three  hundred. 
On  Friday  morning,  the  19th,  they  crossed  at  Hellgate  ferry, 
and  proceeded  through  the  township,  scouring  the  several 
roads,  visiting  the  farmhouses  and  dwellings  of  the  disaffected, 
and  disarming  such  as  they  could  find  of  those  who,  by  voting 
against  deputies,  had  declared  themselves  enemies  to  their 
country.  Numbers  of  the  inhabitants  were  deprived  of  their 
side-arms,  guns,  powder,  and  lead,  and  required  to  subscribe 
an  oath  that  those  delivered  up  were  all  they  possessed,  and  a 
declaration  that  they  would  obey  the  orders  of  the  congress, 
and  act  in  conjunction  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  provinces, 
in  the  defence  of  American  liberty.  This  was  done  in  some 
instances  with  great  reluctance,  though  the  troops  met  with  no 
direct  opposition.  At  Middletown,  the  schoolboys  were  drawn 
up  by  their  teacher  at  the  roadside,  and  made  their  obeisance 
to  the  soldiers  as  they  passed ;  an  incident  calculated  to  excite 
their  parental  feeling,  turn  their  thoughts  to  the  group  that 
encircled  their  own  domestic  hearth,  and  impel  them  to  do 
their  duty.  Arriving  at  Jamaica,  they  took  into  custody  some 
of  the  principal  tories,  disarmed  others,  and  thence  proceeded 
on  their  mission  through  the  county. 

Col.  Heard  was  indefatigable,  treated  the  inhabitants  with 


ANNALS     OF    NEWTOWN.  183 

the  utmost  civility,  and  displayed  great  skill  and  prudence  in 
the  execution  of  his  duty.  He  secured  the  persons  of  Nathaniel 
Moore,  Capt.  Samuel  Hallett,  William  Weyman,  and  John 
Shoals,  of  Newtown,'  whom  he  conveyed,  with  other  prison- 
ers, nineteen  in  all,  to  Philadelphia,  and  on  Feb.  6th,  presented 
them  before  congress.  This  body  sent  them  back  to  be  exam- 
ined by  the  New- York  convention;  Arriving  again  at  New- 
York,  they  were  put  under  guard  in  a  house  of  their  own 
selecting  in  the  city,  under  surveillance  of  Col.  Lasher,  and 
letters  were  sent  to  the  town  committees  to  collect  the  evi- 
dence of  their  guilt.  Soon  after,  they  petitioned  for  their 
liberty,  stating  that  they  had  been  at  great  expense  in  their 
journey  to  and  from  Philadelphia,  and  were  now  confined  at 
their  own  charge,  and  denied  the  pleasure  of  visiting  their 
families ;  they  were  willing  to  give  security  and  pledge  their 
honor  to  appear  before  the  convention  when  desired  to  do  so. 
Their  case  was  deferred  for  several  days,  when  renewing  their 
petition,  they  were  discharged  from  custody,  on  Feb.  16th, 
after  paying  all  expenses  and  giving  bonds  for  their  peaceable 
deportment  and  appearance  if  summoned. 

But,  notwithstanding  the  vigilance  of  Col.  Heard,  in  his 
attempt  to  disarm  the  loyalists  of  Queen's  county,  he  was  but 
partially  successful,  for  many  concealed  their  best  guns  and 
gave  up  the  poorer  ones,  while  other  persons  fled  or  secreted 
themselves.  In  March,  it  was  resolved  to  secure  the  whole 
body  of  tories  on  Long  Island,  in  order  to  put  the  city  of 
New- York  and  its  environs  in  a  state  of  defence,  it  being 
greatly  apprehended  that  the  king's  troops  would  attempt  to 
get  possession  of  the  province  in  the  course  of  the  spring. 
Accordingly^  by  Gen.  Lee's  order,  Lt.  Col.  Seers  made  an  ex- 
pedition into  Queen's  county.  On  March  6th,  he  arrived  at 
Newtown^  with  a  captain's  company,  and  "  tendered  the  oath 
to  four  of  the  greater  tories,  which  they  swallowed  as  hard  as 
if  it  were  a  four-pound  shot  they  were  trying  to  get  down." 
The  next  day  he  proceeded  on  to  Jamaica. 

In  further  prosecution  of  the  defensive  measures  above 
alluded  to,  the  convention,  on  March  7  th,  advised  the  irame- 

'  Inquiries  were  made  after  Capt.  Jeromus  Rapelje,  one  of  the  proscribed, 
but  he  had  died  four  days  before  Heard  landed  in  Newtown.  It  is  said  that 
his  family>  apprehensive  of  violence  to  his  remains,  buried  him  in  great  haste. 


184  ANNALS     OP     NEWTOWN. 

diate  organization  of  the  militia,  under  competent  of&cera. 
Newtown  consisted  of  two  beats,  the  north  and  south.  In  the 
former  a  company  was  formed  under  Capt.  Jonathan  Law- 
rence, and  in  the  latter  another  under  Capt.  Abraham  Eemsen, 
the  first  containing  107,  and  the  other  86  men,  subject  to  bear 
arms/  The  Newtown  troop  of  light  horse,  consisting  of  44 
men,  was  commanded  by  Capt.  Eichard  Lawrence,  and  after- 
wards by  his  brother,  Capt.  Daniel  Lawrence,  who  was  now 
first  lieutenant;  Samuel  Kiker  was  second  lieutenant,  Jona- 
than Coe,  cornet,  and  Peter  Kapelje,  quarter-master.  On  the 
resignation  of  Capt.  E.  Lawrence,  from  infirmity,  some  time 
after,  and  his  brother  taking  the  command,  Eiker  and  Coe 
were  promoted  one  grade,  and  Thomas  Betts  succeeded  to  the 
cornetcy.  Capt.  Abraham  Eiker,  of  the  New- York  conti- 
nental line,  who,  the  previous  fall,  at  the  storming  of  Quebec, 
had  held  a  command  composed  in  part  of  Newtown  men,  was 
now  busy  raising  a  company,  and  several  months  of  the  spring 
and  summer  were  consumed  in  completing  it.  Being  very  im- 
perfectly equipped,  the  Jamaica  committee  furnished  them  with 
thirty  old  muskets,  which  were  put  in  order  at  Newtown,  un- 
der the  direction  of  Capt.  Eiker.  This  company  was  attached 
to  the  regiment  of  Col.  Eitzema,  which  formed  a  part  of  the 
brigade  of  Maj.  Gen.  Lord  Stirling.  The  militia  of  Queen's 
county  being  destitute  of  ammunition,  Capt.  Jonathan  Law- 
rence was  furnished  with  10,000  cartridges  and  1000  flints,  to 
be  distributed  among  them.  Newtown  began  to  resound  with 
the  din  of  warlike  preparation. 

While  these  military  demonstrations  were  making,  the 
town  committee  was  doing  its  utmost  to  quell  the  turbulent 
spirits  of  the  disaffected,  and  maintain  the  authority  of  con- 
gress. That  body  had  appointed  May  17th,  as  a  general  fast 
day,  but  when  the  whigs  of  Newtown  sought  in  humility  to 

'  The  subaltern  commissioned  officers  of  the  north  heat  company,  were 
William  Sackett,  1st  lieut.  William  Lawrence,  2d  lieut.  and  Jesse  Warner, 
ensign ;  but  on  the  promotion  of  Capt.  Jonathan  Lawrence  to  a  majority,  on 
Aug.  10th,  1776,  William  Lawrence  succeeded  to  the  command  of  the  com- 
pany. The  subalterns  in  the  south  beat  company,  were  Benjamin  Coe,  1st  lieut. 
Robert  Furman,  2d  lieut.  and  Benjamin  North,  ensign.  Capt.  Abraham  Rem- 
sen  was  raised  to  the  rank  of  major  soon  after,  when  Coe,  Furman  and  North 
were  each  elevated  one  grade,  and  Jonah  Hallett  received  the  ensigncy. 


ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN.  185 

supplicate  the  favor  of  Heaven  on  their  efforts  for  freedom, 
there  was  seen  upon  the  premises  of  John  Moore,  Jun.  one  of 
the  persons  accused  of  taking  a  prominent  stand  with  the  loy- 
ahsts,  a  king's  standard  hoisted  on  a  pole,  as  if  in  derision  of 
the  solemn  occasion.  Notice  was  taken  of  it,  and  complaints 
of  this  "fresh  insult"  to  the  United  Colonies,  were  made  to 
the  town  committee  by  Waters  Smith,  Esq.  Capt.  Nathaniel 
Woodward,  and  several  other  inhabitants.  The  committee 
waited  upon  Mr.  Moore,  on  the  27th,  and  beheld  for  them- 
selves the  verification  of  the  charge ;  the  emblem  of  royalty 
still  floated  in  the  breeze.  It  was  taken  down,  and  secured, 
with  the  person  of  Moore,  whom  they  examined,  but  obtain- 
ing no  satisfaction,  they  ordered  Capt.  Abraham  Kemsen  to 
conduct  him  under  guard  to  the  convention  at  New- York. 
Moore  was  accordingly  taken  to  the  city  a  prisoner  and  pre- 
sented to  the  convention,  together  with  the  flag  in  question, 
and  a  letter  from  Capt.  Lawrence  setting  forth  his  offence.  On 
his  examination  Moore  stated  that  a  parcel  of  schoolboys, 
who  went  to  school  in  Newtown,  hoisted  the  colors  on  his 
field;  he  first  saw  them  hoisted  on  a  fast  day,  and  the 
boys  told  him  that  they  got  the  colors  of  a  lad  from  New- 
York,  now  in  Newtown,  whose  name  is  Moore ;  that  he  order- 
ed them  down  on  the  fast  day,  but  not  afterwards ;  as  children 
put  them  up,  he  did  not  imagine  that  men  would  notice  it ; 
that  he  had  not  signed  the  general  association,  nor  was  it  offer- 
ed to  him  to  sign.  Being  asked  if  he  would  defend  the  United 
Colonies  by  force  of  arms,  he  answered  that  he  did  not  choose 
to  fight,  and  never  meant  to,  if  he  could  avoid  it,  and  would 
avoid  it  as  long  as  he  could.  On  a  consideration  of  his  case, 
the  convention  permitted  him  to  go  upon  parole  in  the  city, 
he  promising  to  attend  at  the  city  hall  from  day  to  day,  ready 
to  obey  their  direction,  and  not  to  depart  the  city  without 
leave.  The  next  day,  on  his  request,  his  parole  was  extended 
to  his  own  house,  and  he  returned  home.  The  convention  or- 
dered a  letter  of  thanks  to  be  signed  by  the  president,  and 
forwarded  to  the  Newtown  committee. 

The  excitement  which  at  this  juncture  pervaded  all  circles, 
was  heightened  by  the  news  that  the  general  congress  at  Phi- 
ladelphia, had,  on  the  4th  of  July,  dissolved  their  connection 
with  the  mother  country,  renounced  the  authority  of  both  king 


186  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

and  parliament,  and  declared  the  colonies  Free  and  Independent 
States^  binding  themselves,  by  a  solemn  compact,  to  defend 
their  liberties  with  their  lives,  fortunes,  and  sacred  honors. 
Copies  of  this  important  document  were  received,  and  read  at 
the  head  of  each  company  in  Newtown.  It  was  a  scene  of 
varied  emotions  and  absorbing  interest.  Hitherto  the  cause  of 
the  colonies  had  been  that  of  British  subjects  contending  for 
the  honor  and  preservation  of  the  English  constitution  against 
a  corrupt  parliament.  Now  all  kingly  allegiance  was  renounced, 
and  the  contest  was  to  be  waged  for  an  absolute  independence 
of  Great  Britain.  Wholly  unprepared  for  so  ultra  a  step,  num- 
bers turned  their  backs  upon  liberty,  while  others  clenched 
more  firmly  their  muskets,  ready  to  seal  with  their  blood,  if 
need  be,  their  attachment  to  freedom's  cause. 

That  blood  must  soon  flow  was  now  evident,  for  the  British 
troops  had  made  a  landing  on  Staten  Island,  and  their  nearer 
approach  was  expected.  The  convention,  on  July  20th,  or- 
dered out  one-fourth  of  the  militia  of  Long  Island,  for  the 
purpose  of  collecting  the  stock  into  convenient  places,  so  as 
to  be  driven,  when  necessary,  from  the  coast  into  the  interior 
of  the  Island,  to  prevent  its  falling  into  the  enemies'  hands, 
and  thus  afford  them  supplies.  Five  days  after,  in  compliance 
with  this  order,  a  quarter  of  the  Newtown  militia  was  drafted, 
under  Capt.  Benjamin  Coe,  of  the  south  beat  company ;  the 
light  horse  with  the  foot,  a  circumstance  which  they  did  not 
relish,  having  been  to  the  expense  of  equipping  themselves  as 
troopers.  The  company  thus  formed  numbering  forty-four 
men,'  was  attached  to  the  regiment  of  Col.  Josiah  Smith,  of 
Brookhaven,  of  which  Capt.  Abraham  Eemsen,  of  Newtown, 
had  been  appointed  major ;  and  forming  part  of  Gen.  Na- 
thaniel Woodhull's  brigade,  to  whom  the  duty  of  protecting 
the  stock  on  Long  Island  had  been  particularly  assigned. 

Information  that  the  enemy  were  reembarking,  v^ith  evi- 
dent intent  to  land  on  Long  Island,  induced  the  convention  to 
order  Col.  Smith  to  march  with  his  regiment  and  join  the 
brigade  of  Gen.  Greene,  at  Brooklyn,  and  these  instructions 
were  communicated  to  Col.  Smith,  on  the  9th  of  August.    The 

'  For  their  names  see  section  103  of  Onderdonk'a  Revolutionary  Incidents, 
a  valuable  repository  of  facts  pertaining  to  Long  Island  during  the  Revolution, 
and  from  which  I  have  drawn  largely  in  preparing  this  portion  of  my  work. 


ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN.  187 

day  following,  one-half  of  the  militia  of  King's  and  Queen's 
was  directed  immediately  to  be  formed  into  one  regiment,  un- 
der command  of  Col.  Jeromus  Eemsen,  of  Newtown,  and  re- 
pair to  the  same  place.  Both  of  these  orders  were  promptly 
executed,  and  the  two  regiments,  which  included  within  their 
ran.ks  nearly  all  the  Newtown  militia,  took  up  positions  with- 
in the  American  lines,  at  Brooklyn,  where  they  were  employed 
in  throwing  up  entrenchments  and  standing  guard  at  the  out- 
posts and  ferries. 

The  British  forces  had  now  landed  at  New  Utrecht,  and 
their  assault  upon  our  troops  being  hourly  expected,  (the  issue 
of  which  seemed  very  dubious,)  the  convention,  on  August 
24th,  ordered  the  whole  militia  of  Queen's  county,  with  the 
troop  of  horse,  to  be  called  out,  and  all  diligence  to  be  used  to 
prevent  the  stock  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy ; 
that  the  captain  of  the  King's  county  troop  (Lambert  Suydam) 
join  them,  and  that  the  inhabitants  of  Queen's,  not  subject  to 
militia  duty,  assist  when  ordered.  Gen.  Woodhull  hastened 
to  forward  the  execution  of  these  orders,  and  early  on  the  day 
of  the  disastrous  battle  of  Long  Island,  (Aug,  27th,)  with  a 
command  of  less  than  a  hundred  men  furnished  him  the  day 
previous  by  Col.  Potter,  of  Huntington,  was  scouring  New- 
town, and  collecting  the  cattle,  three  hundred  head  of  which 
he  took  off  the  same  day  to  Jamaica,  whence  they  were  driven 
eastward  to  the  Hempstead  plains.  His  party  was  reinforced 
during  the  day  by  forty  militia  of  the  regiment  of  Queen's, 
and  fifty  troopers  from  Newtown  and  King's  county.  His  po- 
sition was  now  becoming  critical.  The  American  army  were 
driven  within  their  lines  at  Brooklyn,  scouting  parties  of  the 
enemy  were  not  far  distant,  and  his  force  was  constantly  di- 
minishing, because  of  the  anxiety  of  the  militia  to  reach  their 
homes  and  protect  or  remove  their  families.  He  had  expected 
that  the  regiments  of  Smith  and  Remsen  would  be  detached 
to  his  aid,  but  this  was  now  become  impracticable,  as  the 
British  troops  had  cut  off  his  communication  with  the  camp 
at  Brooklyn. 

The  next  day,  being  the  28th,  Woodhull  ordered  the  rem- 
nant of  his  men,  about  ninety  in  number,  to  move  off  to  the 
eastward  with  the  stock,  while  he  remained  at  Jamaica,  in  ex- 
pectation every  moment  of  further  orders  from  the  convention, 


188  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

for  whicli  he  had  despatched  his  brigade-major,  Jonathan  Law- 
rence. But  alas !  he  lingered  too  long.  In  the  afternoon,  no 
word  arriving,  he  followed  slowly  on  after  his  men,  but  halted 
during  a  heavy  shower  two  miles  east  of  Jamaica.  The  late  Ma- 
jor Robert  Moore,  of  Newtown,  who  was  then  a  young  man,  and 
had  been  with  Gen.  Woodhull,  was  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Cebra, 
in  Jamaica,  keeping  the  females  company  during  the  shower, 
when  a  detachment  of  the  17th  Light  Dragoons,  under  Capt. 
Oliver  Delancey,  entered  the  village,  amid  thunder,  lightning, 
and  a  violent  rain,  in  pursuit  of  Woodhull's  party.  They 
reined  up  at  Mrs.  Cebra's  to  inquire  for  Col.  Robinson,  an  ac- 
tive whig  partizan.  Moore  came  to  the  door,  when,  mistaking 
him  for  the  colonel,  they  nearly  cut  off  his  hand  with  a  sabre 
blow.  On  finding  their  prey  had  escaped,  they  hastened  on 
eastward.  At  Carpenter's  inn  they  took  Gen.  Woodhull  pri- 
soner, cruelly  wounding  him  with  their  swords.  But  the  un- 
timely fate  of  this  gallant  officer  is  too  well  known  for  rehearsal 
here.  Several  of  the  citizens  of  Newtown,  namely,  Richard 
Bragaw,  George  Brinckerhoff,  Abraham  Devine,  and  Ludlam 
Haire,  all  of  whom  had  been  with  Gen.  Woodhull,  driving 
stock,  were  also  surprised  and  captured  at  Hinchman's  tavern, 
Jamaica,  and  taken  from  thence  to  a  British  prison-ship,  where 
they  were  urged  to  enlist,  but,  by  bribing  a  friend  to  govern- 
ment, were  released. 

Newtown  was  now  open  to  the  enemy,  and  many  of  the 
whig  families,  alarmed  at  their  defenceless  condition,  fled  in 
the  utmost  confusion,  taking  with  them  such  of  their  effects 
as  were  of  most  value  or  could  be  gathered  in  the  haste  of  the 
moment.  A  number  of  scattering  troops  had  posted  them- 
selves, the  previous  day,  on  the  ridge  of  hills  between  New- 
town and  Jamaica ;  entered  many  houses,  taking  victuals  and 
drink,  but  as  yet  had  not  plundered.  About  three  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon  of  the  28th,  and  while  it  was  raining,  two  High- 
land foot  soldiers,  armed  with  muskets,  and  conducted  by 
James  Marr,  a  Scotchman  and  loyalist  living  at  Dry  Harbor, 
approached  the  house  of  Jeromus  Remsen,  Sen.  at  Hempstead 
Swamp,  (now  James  Weeden's,)  who,  with  his  family  and  his 
daughter,  the  wife  of  Barent  Johnson,  of  Brooklyn,  was  sit- 
ting at  the  front  door.  They  said  they  had  come  to  search  for 
rebels,  and  being  told  that  there  were  none  there,  they  replied 


ANNALS       OP       NEWTOWN,  189 

with  a  profane  epithet  that  tliere  ivere  rebels  there,  (alluding 
to  Mrs.  Johnson  and  her  children,)  and  if  they  continued  to 
harbor  them,  they  would  come  again  and  plunder  the  house. 
All  this  while,  Garret  Kemsen,  who  was  one  of  the  troop,  lay 
asleep  with  his  uniform  on,  in  an  adjoining  bed-room.  Hav- 
ing been  Avith  Woodhull,  driving  stock,  he  had  come  in  about 
eleven  o'clock,  overcome  with  fatigue,  and  had  lain  down  to 
obtain  some  rest.  His  wife  woke  him  after  the  Highlanders 
left,  and  warned  him  of  his  danger.  Hastily  putting  on  a 
great  coat,  he  went  out  of  the  back  door,  escaped  to  Harlem, 
and  was  seven  years  in  exile. 

Early  the  following  morning,  Aug.  29th,  the  British  light 
dragoons,  from  Jamaica,  entered  the  town.  They  overtook 
Lieut.  Jonathan  Coe  and  Hezekiah  Field,  of  the  troop,  who 
the  day  before  had  returned  from  driving  stock  to  White  Pot, 
and  were  now  starting  to  cross  the  Sound.  They  were  pasS' 
ing  through  a  field,  probably  to  elude  observation,  and  Lieut. 
Coe  had  thrown  his  epaulet fc  in  the  bushes,  but  they  were  re- 
cognized ;  the  light  horse  leaped  the  fence  and  seized  them. 
They  were  mounted  behind  their  captors,  and  amid  a  profusion 
of  insult  and  abuse,  were  carried  to  Flatbush  jail,  where  the 
unfortunate  Coe  died  of  dysentery,  having  suffered  much  for 
want  of  food  and  attention.  His  body  was  thrown  in  a  hole, 
and  refused  the  rites  of  Christian  burial,  though  his  friends 
requested  it  for  that  purjDose. 

The  light  horse  scoured  the  town,  and  while  it  was  yet 
early,  guided  by  one  George  Eapelye,  a  loyalist,  came  along 
the  Poor  Bowery,  and  halted  at  Jacobus  Lent's  (late  Isaac  Ra- 
pelye's,)  to  get  some  bread.  Brandishing  their  naked  swords, 
they  declared  that  they  were  in  pursuit  of  that  d — d  rebel, 
Doctor  Eiker.  The  doctor  had  spent  the  night  in  visiting 
different  sections  of  the  town,  tearing  down  Howe's  proclama- 
tions, that  none  might  be  misled,  and  induced,  at  this  critical 
juncture,  to  remain  and  accept  British  protection,  instead  of 
hasting  to  the  support  of  the  American  arms.  The  females  at 
Mr.  Lent's  were  terrified  at  the  ferocious  appearance  of  the  light 
horse,  and  observing  the  haste  and  greediness  with  which  they 
broke  and  ate  the  dry  bread,  Balche,  a  colored  bondwoman, 
innocently  inquired  of  her  mistress  whether  they  would  not 
eat  them.     They  dashed  on  towards  Hellgate,  but  the  doctor 

13 


190  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

had  escaped  in  a  boat  to  Barn  Island,  and  tlins  eluded  tliese 
demons  in  human  form. 

The  tories,  in  the  excess  of  their  triumph,  assuming  the 
character  of  informers  against  their  whig  neiglibors,  made 
themselves  greatly  helpful  to  the  invading  foe.  They  were 
to  be  distinguished  by  a  badge  of  loyalty  which  they  wore ; 
a  red  ribbon  tied  around  their  hat,  or  a  red  flannel  rag  tucked 
under  the  hat-band.  Estranged  by  the  violence  of  party  strife, 
and  as  if  animated  by  the  very  author  of  evil,  they  vented 
their  malice  in  open  persecution  of  those  with  whom  they  had 
before  lived  in  neighborly  intercourse.  On  the  night  of  Aug. 
29th,  the  horses  of  Mrs.  Johnson,  before  named,  were  taken  out 
of  her  father's  pasture,  in  Hempstead  Swamj^.  The  next 
morning,  Aert  Van  Duyn  and  his  brothers  passed  the  door, 
and  Mrs.  J.  asked  Aert  what  he  had  done  with  her  horses, 
(for  the  blacks  had  told  her  that  he  took  them.)  He  replied, 
that  they  were  d — d  rebel  horses,  and  he  had  entered  them 
into  the  British  service.  They  were  never  recovered.  That 
day,  Abraham  Eemsen,  of  Brooklyn,  visited  the  house,  and 
Mrs.  Johnson,  fearing  to  remain  after  the  threats  of  Marr  and 
the  soldiers,  embraced  the  occasion  to  return  with  him  in  the 
afternoon,  to  Brooklyn.  At  the  Quaker  meeting-house,  near 
Maspeth,  they  met  a  portion  of  the  British  army,  under  Maj. 
Gen.  Eobertson,  coming  from  Brooklyn  through  Bedford  and 
Cripplebush,  on  their  way  to  Hellgate,  to  oppose  Gen.  Lee, 
reported  to  be  landing  there  with  an  army.  The  troops  drove 
before  them  large  quantities  of  cattle,  collected  on  the  road, 
which  they  took  to  Newtown  village.  Here  the  army  en- 
camped for  the  night  on  a  tract  of  vacant  land  owned  by 
Benjamin  Betts,  up  the  Dutch  lane.  But  that  first  night  of 
their  presence  was  stained  by  excesses  perpetrated  by  the  sol- 
diery, for  which  Gen.  Eobertson  the  next  day  issued  the  fol- 
lowing apology: — "Major  Gen.  Eobertson,  responsible  for  the 
actions  of  those  he  commands,  takes  upon  himself  the  respon- 
sibility of  satisfying  the  people  of  the  village  for  the  depreda- 
tions committed  last  evening  by  part  of  the  1st  brigade,  who 
came  for  water.  He  hopes  for  the  future  his  troops  will  ab- 
stain from  a  crime  which  disgraces  even  victory,  and  defeats 
the  king's  intention  to  protect  and  reclaim  his  American 
subjects," 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  101 

Continuing  his  march  to  Hallett's  Cove,  and  finding  no 
enemy,  Robertson  took  up  bis  quarters  at  William  Lawrence's 
(late  Whitfield's,  and  now  S.  A.  Halsej's)  for  two  weeks,  and 
encamped  his  army  of  10,000  men,  in  tents,  on  the  hill  and  in 
Hallett's  lot.  The  loyalists  furnished  wagons  to  transport  the 
baggage  and  cannon  towards  Newtown  or  Hellgate,  and  other 
teams  were  impressed  by  the  British,  who  kept  pouring  into 
the  town,  till,  with  the  exception  of  two  brigades  of  Hessians, 
left  on  the  heights  of  Brooklyn,  under  Gen,  De  Heister,  and 
one  brigade  of  British,  at  Bedford,  nearly  the  whole  English 
army  were  in  the  town.  In  the  neighborhood  of  the  village, 
Lord  Perc}^,  who  had  commanded  part  of  the  right  wing  of 
the  royal  army  in  the  late  battle  at  Brooklyn,  was  encamped ; 
also.  Gen.  Grant,  with  the  4th  brigade.  Gen.  Sir  William 
Howe,  Knight  Baronet,  commander-in-chief  of  the  king's 
forces,  had  his  quarters  in  the  village,  at  the  "Big  House"  of 
Samuel  Eenne,  now  Bretonniere's.  Here,  on  Sept.  8d,  he 
wrote  a  letter  to  Lord  Germain,  in  England,  giving  him  a  par- 
ticular account  of  the  battle  of  Long  Island,  with  returns  of 
the  killed  and  wounded  of  the  royal  army,  and  the  prisoners 
and  ordnance  captured  from  the  Americans.  Howe  had  im- 
mediate command  of  the  23d  regiment,  or  Royal  Welsh  Fusi- 
leers.  The  hill  in  the  rear  of  his  quarters  was  covered  with 
his  tents,  and  vestiges  of  an  encampment  yet  remain. 

But  another  considerable  portion  of  the  army,  consisting 
of  the  entire  first  division,  took  up  its  position  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Newtown  Creek.  It  embraced  the  light  infantry,  un- 
der Brig.  Gen.  Leslie,  the  British  reserve,  under  Lt.  Gen.  Earl 
CoruAvallis  and  Gen.  A^aughan,'  and  the  Hessian  grenadiers, 
and  chasseurs,  under  Col.  Donop ;  the  whole  commanded  by 
Lt.  Gen.  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  K.  B.  whose  quarters  were  at  the 
house  of  Nathaniel  Moore,  (now  S.  B.  Townsend's)  on  the  road 

>  The  light  infantry  consisted  of  four  battalions,  under  Majors  Musgrave, 
Straubenzee,  Maitland,  and  Johnstone.  The  British  reserve  included  all  the 
grenadiers  of  the  array,  (i.  e.  four  battalions  under  Colonels  Moncton,  Mea- 
dows, Major  March,  and  Major  Stewart,)  together  with  the  33d  regiment, 
Cornwallis's,  and  the  distinguished  42d,  or  Royal  Highland  regiment,  Lt.  Co!. 
Sterling,  wliom  I  shall  have  occasion  especially  to  notice  hereafter.  Major 
March  encamped  his  batt^ilion  on  the  farm  of  John  Morrell,  now  owned  by 
his  grandson  of  the  same  name. 


192  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

from  Middletown  to  tlie  Poor  Bowery.  Clinton'^s  regiment 
was  tlie  84tli,  or  Eoyal  liigliland  Emigrants. 

The  East  river  now  only  separated  between  these  hos- 
tile legions  of  Britain  and  the  army  of  Washington.  Two 
such  combatants  were  not  calculated  to  remain  inactive  in 
such  close  juxtaposition,  longer  than  was  required  to  recover 
from  the  confusion  of  the  recent  battle.  Indeed  no  sooner  had 
Gen.  Kobertson  made  an  encampment  at  Hellgate,  and  his  can- 
non arrived,  than  a  battery  was  erected  on  a  point  of  land  at 
Hallett's  Cove,  which  opened  on  Sunday,  Sept.  1st.  at  Horn's 
Hook,  on  New-York  Island,  and  being  returned  in  a  spirited 
manner,  an  incessant  firing  was  kept  up  on  both  sides  the 
"w^hole  day,  during  which  the  enemy  threw  above  a  hundred 
shells,  killing  one  of  our  men  and  wounding  several.  Some 
of  the  American  shot  fell  on  the  land  of  William  Lawrence,, 
but  it  is  not  known  what  damage  the  British  sustained.  This 
cannonading  continued  for  several  days,  by  which  the  enemy 
was  so  emboldened  that  on  Tuesday  they  crossed  in  considera- 
ble numbers  to  Blackwell's  Island,  but  the  shot  from  our  bat- 
teries proving  too  warm  for  them^  they  soon  recrossed  the  river. 

In  the  meantime,  squads  of  soldiers  penetrated  every  bye- 
toad  and  visited  each  farm-house  in  search  of  plunder,  and  to 
secure  the  persons  of  the  leading  whigs.  A  band  of  these 
marauders  from  the  encampment  of  Gen.  Eobertson,  dressed 
in  uniform,  but  unarmed,  entered  the  door-yard  of  Jacobus 
Eiker,  (since  Charles  Eapelye's)  for  whom  they  inquired,  but 
he  was  not  at  home.  One  of  them  then  cried  out  that  Lieut. 
Eiker  was  a  d — d  rebel,  mistaking  this  for  the  residence  of 
Lt.  Samuel  Eiker,  who,  as  an  active  committeeman,  had  in- 
ciirred  the  hatred  of  the  tories.  Then  they  proceeded  to  kill 
the  fowls,  and  toss  them  into  a  riding-chair  that  stood  under  a 
shed  in  the  door-yard,  and  completing  the  load  with  a  valua- 
ble fish-seine,  milk-jDans,  &c.  they  drew  the  whole  off  to  the 
camp.  While  the  soldiers  were  thus  employed,  an  English 
surgeon  was  pacing  back  and  forth  in  the  room,  who  said  to 
Mrs.  E.  "  You  see,  I  take  nothing,  madam."  But  after  he  was 
gone,  they  missed  the  silver  buckles  from  a  pair  of  high-heeled 
shoes  that  hung  upon  the  cupboard.  By  and  b}^,  a  party  re- 
turned, and  proceeded  down  into  the  cellar,  where  Mr.  Eiker, 
who  was  now  at  home,  quickly  followed  them,  and  seized  one 


AXNALS       OF       NKWTOWN.  193 

by  the  collar,  sajdng,  "  Out  of  tliis,  you  liave  no  right  here," 
at  the  same  time  warmly  remonstrating  with  the  sergeant, 
who  was  sitting  leisurely  on  the  cellar-door  without.  After  a 
parley,  the  latter  called  the  men  out,  and  they  left,  Mr.  E. 
then  repaired  to  the 'camp,  and  was  fortunate  enough  to  re- 
cover his  chaise  and  some  other  articles,  but  not  the  poultry. 
Thomas  Cumberson  was  employed  at  his  wood-pile,  when 
a  party  of  soldiers  was  observed  approaching  the  house.  His 
wife  entreated  him  to  come  in  to  avoid  difficulty.  He,  how- 
ever, preferred  to  continue  his  work,  hoping  that  his  san^j  froid 
would  save  him.  But  not  so,  they  seized  him,  with  two  of  his 
horses,  and  stript  the  premises  of  every  eatable,  leaving  his 
family  destitute  of  bread.  He  was  carried  a  little  beyond 
Middletown,  and  put  under  guard  in  a  hen-coop.  From  thence 
he  was  taken  to  Flatbush,  but  was  released  by  order  of  Sir 
Henry  Clinton,  through  the  entreaties  of  Mrs,  Cumberson,  who 
in  person  applied  to  the  general,  at  his  quarters,  at  N.  Moore's. 
Of  course  Mr.  C.  saw  no  more  of  his  horses.  Eichard  Law- 
rence, who  had  been  captain  of  the  troop,  was  seized  and 
incarcerated  in  the  Provost  jail,  at  New- York,  where  he  was 
kept  for  a  long  time,  contracting  an  illness  which  caused  his 
/death.  William  Sackett  was  arrested  and  taken  to  the  "cor- 
\ner  house"  in  Newtown,  but  contriving  to  make  the  guard 
arunk,  he  slipt  away,  and  was  not  again  called  upon.  Benja- 
min Cornish  was  suspected  of  being  a  whig,  (as  in  truth  he 
was,)  and  this  was  accounted  sufficient  reason  for  robbing  him 
of  his  cattle  and  stock. 

The  Newtown  militia  had  nearly  all  returned  to  the  town. 
After  the  retreat  to  New- York  from  the  battle  of  Long  Island, 
Col,  Smith's  regiment  was  ordered  to  Horn's  Hook,  opposite 
Hallett's  Cove,  to  await  further  orders,  and  Col,  Eemsen  was 
authorized  to  grant  furloughs  to  his  men  to  visit  or  remove 
their  families  from  Long  Island — none  to  carry  arms  with 
them.  But  owing  to  their  impatience  to  get  home  and  shield 
their  families  from  abuse,  their  term  of  enlistment  had  no 
sooner  expired  (Aug.  31st,)  than  these  regiments  disbanded 
themselves,  and  nearly  all  crossed  to  Long  Island,  reaching 
their  homes  in  time  to  save  their  property  from  confiscation. 
Personal  safety  compelled  the  officers  to  act  otherwise,  and 
thus  their  families  remained  exposed  to  the  insolence  of  the 


194  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

enemy,  or  effected  tlieir  escape  as  best  tliey  could,  and  rejoined 
tlieir  Imsbands  and  fathers  within  the  American  lines.  Capt. 
"William  Lawrence,  of  the  north  beat  militia,  was  an  excep- 
tion. He  was  ill  at  his  own  house  when  the  enemy  took  pos- 
session of  the  town.  The  loyalists  insisted  he  was  playing 
sick,  and  had  him  examined  by  a  Hessian  surgeon,  who  pro- 
nounced it  no  sham,  exclaiming  in  reference  to  the  false 
charge,  "  How  much  people  lie  in  dis  country."  Capt.  Coe, 
in  distressed  circumstances,  followed  the  convention  to  Fish- 
kill,  whence  he  proceeded  to  Warwick,  in  Orange  county,  and 
there  resided  with  his  family  during  the  war.  Daniel  Law- 
rence, captain  of  the  light  horse,  was  also  in  exile  seven  years, 
and  lived  at  Milford,  Major  Eemsen  fled  to  Eockland  county, 
Col.  Eemsen  and  Dr.  Eiker  to  New  Jersey,  and  Major  Jona- 
than Lawrence  to  Dutchess  county.  Col  Blackwell  had  fled  to 
New  Jersey,  and  at  the  venerable  stone  house,  in  Eavenswood, 
then  his  residence,  aTid  now  belonging  to  the  Heyer  estate, 
may  still  be  seen  the  mark  of  the  broad  arrow  /f\  branded 
upon  the  front  door  by  the  British,  to  denote  that  it  was  the 
property  of  a  rebel,  and  as  such,  confiscated  to  the  crown. 
Col.  Blackwell  returned  under  Howe's  proclamation,  but  he 
suffered  much  indignity.  Many  other  whigs,  more  or  less 
noted,  exchanged  the  comfort  and  all  the  endeared  attach- 
ments of  home,  for  penurj^  and  a  tedious  exile. 

The  British  forces  now  prepared  to  remove  from  Newtown, 
Gen.  Howe  intending  to  make  a  demonstration  against  New- 
York.  On  the  15th  of  Sept.  in  the  morning,  three  ships  of  war 
passed  up  the  North  river,  to  draw  the  attention  of  the  Ame- 
ricans to  that  side,  while  the  British  first  division  under  Clin- 
ton, embarked  in  flatboats,  at  the  head  of  Newtown  creek,  and 
landed  about  noon  at  Kip's  Bay,  protected  by  the  fire  of  two 
forty  gun  ships  and  three  frigates.  The  same  day,  the  Ameri- 
can army  retreated  to  Harlem,  and  the  enemy  were  in  posses- 
sion of  the  city  of  New- York,  to  hold  it  for  seven  years.  Soon 
after  this  movement,  and  in  part  execution  of  the  plan  to  cut 
off  the  retreat  of  the  American  army.  Gen.  Eobertson's  forces 
took  up  their  march  from  Hellgate,  passed  around  the  Head 
of  the  Fly,  to  Flushing,  and  thence  to  Whitestone,  preparatory 
to  crossing  to  Westchester.  His  position  at  Hellgate  was  taken 
up  by  the  Hessians,  under  Gen.  De  Heister.     He  and  Gen. 


ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN.  195 

Clark  were  quartered  at  the  liouse  of  William  Lawrence.  These 
Hessians  made  use  of  Jacobus  Eiker's  oven,  (in  whose  house 
one  of  their  number,  Ensign  De  Sacken,  aid-de-camp  to  Maj. 
Gen.  De  Bischausen,  was  billeted,)  and  there  baked  great  quan- 
tities of  bread  for  their  men,  being  sometimes  thus  emjjlojed 
several  days  and  nights  in  succession. 

The  Hessians  remained  three  Aveeks,  when  the  hostile  troops 
were  again  put  in  motion.  On  the  12th  of  October  the  guards, 
light  infantry,  and  reserve,  together  with  Col.  Donop's  corps  of 
Hessian  grenadiers  and  chasseurs,  embarking  in  boats  at  Tur- 
tle Bay,  on  New- York  Island,  passed  up  the  East  river,  and 
pressing  through  the  dangerous  navigation  of  Hellgate,  enve- 
loped in  a  thick  fog,  landed  on  Throg's  Neck  at  about  nine 
o'clock  in  the  morning.  The  same  day  the  Hessians,  under 
Gen.  De  Heister,  embarked  at  Hellgate  in  flatboats  and  other 
craft,  and  proceeded  to  the  same  place,  while  the  1st,  2d,  and 
6th  brigades  crossed  from  Whitestone  and  joined  the  gathering 
forces.  On  the  28th  of  the  same  month  occurred  the  battle 
of  White  Plains.  Generals  Clinton  and  Heister  led  on  the 
royal  forces,  and  met  with  a  brave  resistance  from  the  Ameri- 
cans, under  Gen.  Washington.  Several  hundred  fell  of  both 
parties,  but  neither  could  claim  any  decided  advantage.  But 
we  must  leave  the  hostile  armies  in  their  sanguinary  career, 
and  confine  our  attention  to  events  more  particularly  connected 
with  the  territorial  limits  assigned  us. 


CHAPTEE     Xi. 

Queen's  county  petitions  for  a  restoration  to  royal  favor. — Granted. — It  affords  tio 
great  protection. — Presbyterian  church  desecrated  and  finally  demolished. — A 
deserter  executed. — The  Dutch  church  spared  for  a  time. — Dominie  Froeligh, 
being  a  Whig,  is  forced  to  flee. — The  Episcopal  church  respected. — Friends  dis- 
turbed while  in  silent  meeting. — Camp  fever  prevails. — The  militia  reorganized. 
— Officers'  names. — James  Marr  ;  how  he  filled  his  pockets. — Officers  of  the 
Troop. — Their  excursions. — Delancey's  Brigade. — Refugee's  occupy  the  farms 
of  exiled  Whigs. — Villany  of  the  new-raised  corps. — They  rob  William  Furman. 
— Incident  of  Bergoon  Van  Alst. — Joseph  Hallett's  house  robbed. — Vessels 
winter  in  Newtown  Creek. — Notices  of  the  Maryland  Loyalists,  and  the  Royal 
Highlanders. — Address  to  the  latter  on  their  leaving  the  town. — The  reply. — 
They  winter  in  Newtown  afterwards. — Trouble  Samuel  Waldron. — One  of 
them  shot  by  Cor.  Rapelye. — Precautions  of  the  farmers. — Refugees  steal  cattle 
in  Westchester. — Hessians. — Incidents  of  the  hard  winter. — Col.  Willard. — Loss 
of  the  Huzza  frigate. — British  forces  in  Newtown.^-Visits  from  Whaleboatmen. 
— Highlanders  and  other  troops  in  the  town. — Notice  of  several  Refugees  of  cha- 
racter.— Tho.  Cumberson  mortally  wounds  a  robber. — Tho.  Woodward  kills  a 
soldier. — A  highway  robbery. — Daring  robbery  at  Dominie's  Hook. — Petty 
thefts. — Martial  law  in  force. — Severe  trials  of  the  farmers. — Their  troubles 
end. — Joy  of  the  Whigs  at  the  prospect  of  Independence. — Alarm  of  the  Loyal- 
ists.— Many  of  them  retire  to  Nova  Scotia. — Newtown  evacuated  by  the  Bri- 
tish troops. — Public  rejoicing. — Town  officers  regularly  chosen  during  the  war.^^ — 
The  first  election  after  the  Peace. — Physical  and  moral  effects  of  the  Revo- 
lution. 177G  to  1783. 

Newtown  witli  its  environs  was  now  in  tlie  power  of  an 
inliuman  foreign  soldiery,  its  leading  whig  inhabitants  were 
in  prison  or  exile,  and  their  property  seized  by  the  enemy,  to 
be  ravaged  at  their  will.  Under  these  adverse  circumstances 
the  remainder  were  constrained  to  join  with  the  loyalists  in  a 
petition,  now  being  circulated,  that  Queen's  county  might  be 
restored  to  royal  favor.  Prudence  indeed  suggested  that  steps 
should  be  taken  to  conciliate  the  inflamed  feelings  of  the  royal 
troops,  when  they  should  return  to  winter  quarters  on  the 
Island.  Their  brief  stay  had  been  marked  with  j)illage  and 
devastation ; '  what  would  a  winter  residence  effect,  if  nothing 

'  I  cannot,  perhaps,  better  illustrate  this  than  by  inserting  the  following, 
found  among  the  Alsop  papers.  This,  be  it  remembered,  is  but  a  single 
case : — 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 


197 


Sea  and 


were  done  to  secure  their  friendship  ?  Nearly  thirteen  hundred 
freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  county  signed  the  said  pe- 
tition, setting  forth  their  loyal  disposition,  and  praying  that 

Losses  and  Damage  Richard  Alsop,  Esq.  sustained  by  Ms  Majesty's 
Land  Forces,  betioeen  y'  \sL  and  24//i  of  Sept.  A.  D.  1776,  vizt 

8  Grown  Cattle,  worth  £6  pr,  ps. 

7  oi  a  smaller  size,  at  £4  10s.  pr.  ps.      . 
6  Calves,  at  £l  10s.  pr.  ps.  ... 
4  Horses,  2  at  £15,  and  2  at  £12  pr.  ps. 

8  Large  Hogs,  at  £2  10s.  pr.  ps. 
.      7  Shotes,  at  16s.  pr.  ps.  and  6  Pigs,  at  6s.  pr.  ps 

Poultry, 

1000  Rails,  at  30s.  pr.  hundred,    .... 
180  Posts,  at  50s.  pr.  hundred. 

Damage  to  a  Riding  Chair  and  2  Wagons,  . 
10  bushels  of  Wheat,  at  8s.  pr.  bushel, 
30  ditto  of  Rye,  at  5s.  pr.  bushel,     . 
12  loads  of  Straw,  at  10s.  pr.  load, 
6  tons  of  Clover  and  Timothy  Hay,  at  £6  pr.  ton, 
20  bushels  of  Indian  Corn,  at  5s.  pr.  bushel, 
20  bushels  of  Onions,  at  5s.  pr.  bushel,    . 
40  bushels  of  Potatoes,  at  4s.  pr.  bushel,      . 
Boards  and  Garden  Fence,  . 
Fruit  of  sundry  kinds,     .... 
6  Iron  Pots,  £3,  and  1  Frying  Pan,  9s,  . 
12  Pewter  Plates,  24s.  and  1  Dripping  Pan,  20s.    . 
2  Large  Knot  Bowls,  30s.    4  Pails,  iron  hoop'd,  24s 
2  Wash  Tubs,  12s.    1  Lye  Tub,  16s.    1  Table,  20s, 
10  Bowls,  Queen's  ware,  7s.  6c?.    6  Drinking  Glasses,  9s 
1  pr.  Stockings,  8s.    1  Woman's  Cap,  12s.  . 

1  Handkerchief,  13s 

4  Silver  Tea-spoons,  20s.    1  Silver  Table-spoon,  16s. 
1  Hive  of  Bees,  20s.    1  Smoothing  Iron,  4s.    . 
1  Wheat  Sieve,  14s.   5  Bags,  15s. 
1  Calico  Gown,  30s.    1  Apron,  10s.    1  Blanket,  8s. 
1  pr.  Leather  Breeches,  20s.    1  Great  Coat,  16s.  . 
1  Petticoat,  20s.   Sundry  Children's  Clothes,  20s.   . 
1  Large  China  Bowl,  10s.    3  Wood  Axes,  20s.     . 
Cabbages,  30s.   Turnips,  40s 

£326  15  6 

This  list  is  valuable,  as  exhibiting  the  prices  of  produce  and  other  articles 

at  the  opening  of  the  war.    It  is  computed  in  New-York  provincial  currency, 

a  shilling,  being  as  now,  the  eighth  of  a  dollar,  and  a  pound,  two  dollars  and 

a  half. — Compiler. 


£. 

J.  d. 

48 

0  0 

.  31 

10  0 

9 

0  0 

.  64 

0  0 

20 

0  0 

.   7 

8  0 

3 

0  0 

.  15 

0  0 

4 

10  0 

.   7 

0  0 

4 

0  0 

.   7 

10  0 

6 

0  0 

.  36 

0  0 

5 

0  0 

.   5 

0  0 

8 

0  0 

.   2 

0  0 

25 

0  0 

.   3 

9  0 

2 

4  0 

.   2 

14  0 

2 

8  0 

.   0 

16  6 

1 

0  0 

.   0 

13  0 

1 

16  0 

.   1 

4  0 

1 

9  0 

.   2 

8  0 

1 

16  0 

.   2 

0  0 

1 

10  0 

.   3 

10  0 

198  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

the  county  might  be  declared  at  the  king's  peace.  It  bore 
date  Oct.  21st,  and  was  presented  to  the  commissioners  for 
restoring  peace  to  his  Majesty's  colonies,  from  whom  it  met 
with  a  very  gracious  reception. 

But  the  proffered  protection  much  resembled  that  of  the 
wolf  to  the  lamb.  All  the  ancient  prejudices  and  inveterate 
hatred  toward  the  Presbyterians  were  revived.  Their  uniform 
adhesion  to  the  cause  of  liberty  drew  down  upon  them,  as  a 
religious  sect,  the  particular  virulence  of  the  British  and  to- 
ries.  The  leading  men  of  the  Presbyterian  congregation  in 
Newtown  had  fled  within  the  American  lines,  and  public  wor- 
ship was  suspended  in  their  sanctuary.  Embracing  the  occa- 
sion to  vent  their  hatred,  a  few  young  tories,  shortly  after  the 
British  got  possession,  went  one  night  with  a  saw,  and  a  rope 
taken  from  the  well  of  Alexander  Whaley,  and  actually  sawed 
off  the  steeple  of  the  church.'  The  edifice  was  then  devoted 
to  the  purpose  of  a  prison  and  guard-house,  the  pews  being 
removed,  and  while  thus  used,  an  English  soldier  was  con- 
fined there  for  desertion,  and  afterwards  hung  upon  a  pear- 
tree  in  a  neighboring  orchard,  now  owned  by  John  Leverich. 
At  length  the  building  was  demolished,  and  the  siding,  &c. 
used  for  making  huts  for  the  soldiers  on  Eenne's  place.  A 
pillar  on  which  the  pulpit  had  stood  was  converted  into  a 
horse-post  at  the  town-house.  Thus  despoiled  of  their  sanc- 
tuary, many  of  the  Presbyterians,  during  the  war,  attended 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Burnet's  church,  at  Jamaica. 

The  Dutch  congregation  were  more  favorably  treated  by 
the  British  and  Hessian  troops,  and  it  was  owing  probably  to 

1  j)r,  w******  51****  J****  ]y£****  Q*****  \y*****  and  D****  V** 
W*****,  were  the  leaders  in  this  transaction.  Some  years  after  the  peace,  a 
tall  steeple  in  New-York  required  to  be  cut  off  and  lowered.  So  critical  an 
operation  naturally  elicited  remark,  and  happened  to  become  the  subject  of 
conversation,  one  evening,  in  a  circle  where  the  doctor  was  present.  One  of 
the  company,  Capt.  Rutgers,  venturing  a  joke  at  the  expense  of  his  medical 
friend,  observed  that  he  knew  a  person  that  could  do  the  job  in  question. 
"Who  is  if?"  asked  another.  "Why,  Dr.  M."  was  the  reply.  "But  he  is 
not  a  carpenter,"  returned  the  other.  "  No  matter  for  that,"  said  Capt.  Rut- 
gers, "  only  give  him  a  hand-saw  and  a  well-rope,  and  he'll  have  it  off  while 
you  are  asleep."  The  joke  was  too  keen  to  be  relished  by  the  doctor,  whose 
face  colored  at  the  allusion,  and  he  simply  remarked  of  tlie  act  referred  to, 
that  some  persons  imputed  it  to  him. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  199 

the  influence  of  certain  Dutcli  families,  wlio  were  loyalists, 
that  tlieir  church  escaped  for  a  time  their  polluting  hands. 
Service,  however,  was  not  very  regularly  performed.  Domi- 
nie Froeligh,  the  pastor,  had  been  an  ardent  whig,  and  in  his 
public  ministrations  often  prayed  the  Almighty  to  strike  the 
fleets  of  our  invaders  with  his  bolts  and  sink  their  soldiers 
in  the  seas,  so  that  they  might  never  set  hostile  foot  on  our 
shores.*  On  the  approach  of  the  British,  he  fled  from  his  resi- 
dence in  Jamaica  to  Newtown,  and  lay  concealed  one  night  in 
the  house  of  Mr.  Eapelje,  at  Hellgate,  who  set  him  across  to 
the  Main.  During  the  earlier  part  of  the  war.  Do.  Boelen 
ofiiciated  in  Newtown,  and  after  him.  Dominies  Schoonmaker 
and  Rubell  occasionally  preached,  in  making  the  tour  of  the 
county,  and  performed  the  ordinances  of  baptism  and  mar- 
riage as  required.  But  at  a  later  period  in  the  war  the  British 
forgot  their  former  lenity  to  the  Dutch.  Being  in  want  of  a 
powder  magazine,  they  took  possession  of  their  church,  and 
stored  there  a  large  quantity  of  gunpowder  in  barrels.  While 
it  was  thus  used,  the  family  of  the  widow  Wainwright,  who 
kept  the  town-house,  opposite,  was  in  constant  fear,  and  espe- 
cially when  a  thunder-storm  occurred,  lest  the  lightning  should 
set  the  church  on  fire,  and  cause  an  explosion. 

The  Episcopal  church  was  seriously  affected  by  the  com- 
motions which  immediately  preceded  the  entrance  of  the  ene- 
my. After  the  visit  of  Col.  Heard,  Mr.  Bloomer  administering 
the  sacrament  at  Newtown,  "had  but  four  or  five  male  com- 
municants, the  rest  having  been  driven  off,  or  carried  away 
prisoners."  Independence  being  declared,  Mr.  B.  was  enjoined 
to  omit  the  customary  prayers  for  the  king  and  royal  family. 
Knowing  the  consequence  of  a  refusal  to  do  this,  and  in  pros- 
pect of  relief  from  the  king's  troops,  who  were  at  Staten  Is- 
land, he  closed  his  churches  for  five  Sabbaths,  when  the 
expected  relief  came.  Thence  Mr.  Bloomer  officiated  regu- 
larly, and  the  congregation  was  sustained  by  the  attendance 
of  British  officers  and  prominent  loyalists. 

The  quiet  demeanor  and  peaceful  principles  of  the  Quaker 

1  It  is  a  noteworthy  fact,  that  a  British  fleet  of  43  sail,  five  days  out  from 
Cork,  and  bound  for  Boston,  with  2500  troops,  met  with  a  terrible  storm, 
Feb.  18th,  1776,  which  dispersed  the  vessels,  and  forced  them  to  seek  the 
nearest  ports.     This  delay  was  altogether  favorable  to  the  Americans. 


200  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

could  not  shield  him  from  insult.  On  one  occasion,  when 
the  Friends  were  in  meeting  at  Maspeth,  the  British  soldiers 
amused  themselves  with  firing  several  shots  through  the 
house,  one  of  which  came  near  kilHng  Mrs.  Sarah  Betts. 
She  had  just  taken  her  seat,  when  a  ball  whistled  over  her 
head  and  pierced  the  weatherboard  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  house.  The  bullet-holes  were  long  to  be  seen.  Such  were 
some  of  the  indignities  to  which  the  good  people  of  Newtown 
were  subjected.  Added  to  the  wide-spread  confusion  and  dis- 
tress which  the  enemy  introduced,  the  camp  fever  broke  out 
among  the  troops  the  first  winter,  and  being  communicated  to 
the  inhabitants,  numbers  of  them  died. 

Now  that  the  British  had  possession  of  Long  Island,  it  be- 
came necessary  to  guard  agaitist  predatory  incursions  of  the 
Americans,  to  which  the  Island  would  be  peculiarly  exposed 
in  the  summer  season,  Avhen  the  English  troops  were  absent 
upon  service.  The  defence  of  the  Island  must  necessarily 
depend  in  a  good  degree  upon  the  militia,  and  they  were 
therefore  organized  and  placed  under  suitable  regulations.  In 
Newtown  the  following  new  ofiicers  were  chosen.  In  the 
north  beat,  George  Rapelye,  (son  of  John,)  captain;  Daniel 
Eapelye,  (son  of  Abraham,)  lieutenant;  and  Jeromus  Kapelye, 
(son  of  Jeromus,)  ensign.  The  south  beat  comjjany  was  com- 
manded by  Capt.  Dow  Van  Duyn,  of  Hempstead  Swamp,  one 
of  whose  subalterns  was  James  Marr,  before  noticed,  who  after- 
wards succeeded  Van  Duyn  in  the  command.  Marr  was  a  hot- 
brained  loyalist,  beyond  which  he  had  little  to  recommend 
him  even  to  the  British.  At  a  later  period  of  the  war,  the 
militia  of  Long  Island  were  called  out  to  aid  in  constructing 
fortifications  at  Brooklyn,  and  Marr  commanded  a  detachment 
from  Newtown.  But  not  a  few  of  the  militia  commuted  with 
him  for  their  time,  and  for  a  clever  fee  were  permitted  to  stay 
at  home,  by  which  means  the  crafty  Scotchman  considerably 
increased  the  size  of  his  purse. 

The  commissioned  officers  of  the  Newtown  light  horse, 
under  the  British,  were  Cornelius  Rapelye,  (son  of  Daniel,)  cap- 
tain ;  Daniel  Rapelye,  (son  of  John,)  lieutenant ;  Daniel  Lent, 
cornet ;  and  Cornelius  Rapelye,  (son  of  Jeromus,)  quarter-mas- 
ter. The  troop  made  occasional  tours  down  the  Island,  dur- 
ing the  war,  to  protect  the  inhabitants  against  the  attacks 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  201 

of  tlie  wlialeboatmen  and  otliers.  One  of  these  was  in  De- 
cember, 1777,  when  news  having  been  received  that  200. 
Americans  from  Connecticut  had  landed  at  Setauket,  on  a 
hostile  visit,  a  considerable  force  was  despatched  to  give  them 
battle.  Col.  Hamilton,  who  commanded  the  militia  of  Queen's, 
proceeded  thither  from  Newtown,  at  the  head  of  the  troop  of 
horse,  but  the  enemy  had  departed.  These  excursions  proved 
a  mere  pastime  with  the  young  troopers,  and  the  only  victories 
of  which  they  are  known  to  have  boasted  were  those  achieved 
over  the  feathered  gentry  of  the  farmers'  barn-yards.  The 
officers  of  militia  above  named,  (foot  and  horse,)  were  not  in 
the  end  benefitted  by  their  commissions,  for  having  thereby 
become  active  partizans  of  royalty,  they  nearly  all  found  it 
prudent  to  leave  the  country  at  the  peace,  though  the  most  of 
them  returned  again. 

Not  only  was  the  militia  of  Long  Island  organized  for  its 
defence,  but  measures  were  taken  immediately  after  the  Island 
was  captured  by  the  British,  to  raise  a  brigade  of  provincials 
from  among  the  numerous  loyalists  who  had  left  their  homes 
in  New-York  and  New  England,  and  taken  refuge  here,  from 
the  apprehended  vengeance  of  the  whigs.  This  brigade  was 
commanded  by  Gen.  Oliver  Delancey,  and  its  special  duty  was 
to  defend  the  Island,  apprehend  or  drive  off  all  concealed 
rebels,  and  reestablish  order  and  government.  Fitting  instru- 
ments, truly !  for  they  had  the  name  of  being  preeminently 
lawless  and  notorious  thieves.  In  the  winter  of  1777-8,  they 
were  stationed  at  Newtown,  or  the  Head  of  the  Fly,  and  then 
numbered  over  600  men,  in  three  battalions.  Several  of  their 
officers  were  Newtown  men,  and  at  a  certain  time,  the  corps 
occupied  the  huts  back  of  Bretonniere's.  These  huts  were 
also  used  as  a  hospital  for  invalid  soldiers. 

Newtown  not  only  swarmed  with  troops,  but  she  became 
the  abode  of  many  of  the  refugees  who  had  fled  to  Long  Is- 
land, as  before  stated.  Being  generally  in  destitute  circum- 
stances, such  as  did  not  enlist  in  the  military  service  found 
employment  in  other  ways,  as  best  they  could.  In  autumn,  1778, 
they  petitioned  the  king's  commissioners  for  permission  "to 
enclose  and  cultivate,  for  their  OAvn  benefit,  portions  of  the 
cleared  woodlands  and  other  uncultivated  land  of  persons  not 
under  protection  of  government,  on  Long  Island,  and  to  erect 


202  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

temporary  habitations  thereon."  The  execution  of  this  busi- 
ness, and  the  obtaining  of  signatures  in  Queen's  county,  was 
intrusted  to  Col.  Moses  Kirkland,  an  influential  refugee  from 
South  Carolina,  who,  in  October  attended  at  the  inn  of  Abra- 
ham Kapelye,  the  "corner  house,"  in  Newtown,  to  receive  the 
names  of  the  refugees.*  The  petition  was  granted,  and  the 
following  spring  permits  were  issued  on  their  presenting  a  cer- 
tificate of  character  at  the  ofiice  of  police  in  New-York.  In 
1780  Philip  J.  Livingston,  himself  a  refugee,  and  occupying 
the  farm  of  Major  Jonathan  Lawrence,  at  Hell  gate,  was  ap- 
pointed to  answer  applications  of  this  nature. 

Large  numbers  of  the  refugees  enlisted  in  the  New-raised 
Corps,  as  were  called  the  provincial  forces,  embodied  by  order 
of  Sir  William  Howe  "  to  suppress  the  unnatural  rebellion." 
In  not  a  few  cases  they  proved  themselves  consummate  vil- 
lains, ready  for  plunder  and  blood.  An  illustration  or  two 
may  be  adduced.  One  night  a  brace  of  refugees  entered  the 
house  of  William  Furman,  Sen.  at  the  Head  of  the  Fly, 
(late  Abiathar  Ehodes'  residence,)  who  being  an  executor  of 
Robert  Coe's  estate,  was  supposed  to  be  in  possession  of  a 
large  sum  of  money.  He  was  robbed  of  $1600,  and  badly 
beaten  as  he  lay  in  bed  (where  he  was  ordered  to  remain)  to 
force  him  to  make  farther  disclosures.  The  villains  then  ab- 
sconded, while  Mr.  Furman,  covered  with  blood,  ran  to  a 
neighbors  to  spread  the  alarm,  but  the  robbers  escaped.  They 
were  detected  at  Brooklyn  ferry,  from  the  peculiarity  of  the 
coin.  Mr.  Furman  appeared  before  the  British  authorities  at 
New-York,  and  identified  some  of  the  pieces,  yet  none  of  the 
money  was  ever  restored.     After  the  peace,  he  was  sued  by 

'  Col.  Kirkland  is  described  as  a  stout,  corpulent  man,  about  five  feet  ten 
inches  high,  swarthy  complexion,  and  then  aged  between  fifty  and  sixty.  He 
had  been  the  owner  of  a  plantation  and  some  forty  slaves,  in  the  back  country 
of  South  Carolina,  but  being  proscribed  for  his  active  loyalty,  he  fled  from 
his  estate,  and  sailed  for  Boston.  On  the  passage  he  was  captured  (Dec. 
1775)  by  an  American  armed  vessel,  sent  to  Philadelphia,  and  lodged  in 
prison,  where  he  remained  till  the  7th  of  May  succeeding,  when  he  broke 
jail  in  the  evening,  and  evading  all  pursuit,  found  safety  among  the  king's 
forces.  It  is  stated  in  Holt's  Journal,  that  at  the  capture  of  a  part  of  De- 
lancey's  1st  battalion,  which  was  taken  near  Savannah,  Sept.  30th,  1779, 
through  a  daring  stratagem  of  Col.  White,  of  the  Georgia  line,  Kirkland  was 
found  among  the  prisoners.     His  ultimate  fate  I  have  not  learned. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  203 

tlie  heirs  of  Coe,  and  acquitted  in  tlie  court  of  errors.  At 
another  time,  a  party  of  a  new-raised  corps,  then  occupying 
huts  on  John  Bragaw's  j^lace,  visited  the  pig-pen  of  Bergoon 
Van  Alst,  at  the  Dutch  Kills.  Van  Alst  was  aroused  from 
his  bed,  for  it  was  night,  and  repairing  to  the  garret,  fired 
upon  them  from  the  window.  They  returned  a  volley,  and 
renewed  their  efforts  to  get  the  pigs  out  of  the  pen,  but  Van 
Alst,  nothing  daunted,  fired  again  and  again,  drawing  aside 
as  he  discharged  his  piece,  and  actually  drove  them  off  before 
they  had  secured  the  bacon.  On  another  occasion,  the  house 
of  Joseph  Hallett  was  broken  open  by  six  persons,  who  car- 
ried off  a  purse  of  ten  guineas,  with  a  gold  and  a  silver  watch. 
This  robbery  was  committed  on  the  night  of  Oct.  15th,  1778. 
Thieves  and  burglars  infested  the  township. 

The  succeeding  winter  Newtown  presented  an  unusually 
animated  appearance.  Fears  being  excited  that  Gen.  Wash- 
ington meditated  an  attack  upon  New-York,  Sir  Henry  Clin- 
ton took  active  measures  to  strengthen  that  place.  For  the 
preservation  of  the  shipping,  as  well  as  the  safety  of  the  city, 
he  directed  all  vessels  intending  to  winter  at  New- York,  and 
not  in  the  service  of  government,  to  be  removed  to  Newtown 
Creek.  Here  a  great  many  craft  found  a  secure  harbor  for 
the  winter.  In  the  township  a  large  number  of  British  troops 
were  barracked.  There  was  the  17th  regiment  of  Light  Dra- 
goons, the  same  that  so  inhumanly  murdered  Gen.  Woodhull, 
and  who,  during  the  preceding  summer,  had'been  engaged  at 
the  battle  of  Monmouth.  The  Maryland  Loyalists,  Lt.  Col. 
Chalmers,  lay  at  the  Head  of  the  Fly,  and  the  •±2d  regiment, 
or  Eoyal  Highlanders,  Avere  at  Hempstead  Swamp,  their 
guard-house  being  at  Capt.  Van  Duyn's,  now  D.  S.  Mills'. 

The  Maryland  Loyalists  were  encamped  divers  times  in 
Newtown.  On  one  occasion,  two  of  their  officers,  Lieut.  Levin 
Townsend  and  Adjutant  James  Henly,  quartered  at  William 
Leverich's,  (since  Wm.  Sackett's  property.)  The  festivities 
which  were  indulged  in  during  the  winter  months,  and  served 
to  relieve  the  tedium  of  the  camp,  are  thus  warmly  alluded  to 
some  years  after,  by  the  commanding  ofiicer,  then  in  Ireland, 
in  a  letter  to  a  friend  in  America : — "  I  felt,"  he  remarks, 
"great  regret  at  leaving  New-York,  where  I  had  enjoyed  the 
pleasures  of  social  friendship,  amid  a  circle  of  worthy  inhabi- 


204  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN, 

tants — yes,  I  look  back  often  with,  heartfelt  satisfaction,  on  the 
delightful  scenes,  the  heightened  joys  that  filled  np  every  day, 
even  in  the  severity  of  winter  months,  in  the  sweet  village  of 
Newtown,  on  Long  Island,  where  we  frequently  had  our  quar- 
ters and  cantonments.  I  hope  I  may  be  indulged  this  small 
tribute  of  grateful  remembrance  and  affection  for  many  agree- 
able families  of  that  place ;  to  the  Moorea^  of  that  neighbor- 
hood, I  am  particularly  indebted,  a  family  ancient  and  respect- 
able; to  the  charms  of  their  company,  to  the  hospitable 
attentions  of  their  numerous  connections,  I  owe  many  happy 
hours  of  festivity  and  innocent  mirth.  The  Eev.  Benjamin 
Moore  had  been  long  eminent  in  his  pastoral  functions,  as  a 
minister  of  the  Episcopal  church ;  he  is  a  clergyman  of  most 
amiable  manners,  humane,  benevolent,  affectionate;  as  much 
revered  in  private  life  as  he  is  admired  and  distinguished  in 
the  pulpit.  You  will  pardon  this  honest  warmth  of  a  suscep- 
tible heart.  I  could  not  omit  this  small  tribute  of  gratitude 
for  numerous  proofs  of  affectionate  esteem  conferred  on  me 
by  a  worthy  people." ' 

The  Eoyal  Highland  Regiment,  Lt.  Col.  Thomas  Sterling, 
commandant,  had  seen  long  and  arduous  service  in  America, 
during  the  French  and  Indian  war.  Early  in  1776,  after  re- 
cruiting in  Scotland,  it  took  ship  at  Cork  for  America,  being 
composed  of  1168  men,  and  wearing  a  red  uniform  faced  with 
blue,  with  belted  plaid  and  hose.  They  formed  part  of  the 
reserve  at  the  battle  of  Long  Island,  shared  in  the  capture  of 
Fort  AVashington,  and  also  in  that  of  Fort  Montgomery,  and 
during  the  last  campaign,  1778,  accompanied  the  expedition 
of  Maj.  Gren.  Gray,  down  the  Sound,  to  annoy  the  settlements 
along  the  Connecticut  shore.  Part  of  the  regiment  helped  to 
form  a  detachment  which  attacked  Elizabethtown,  in  Febru- 
ary, 1779,  of  which  enterprise  Col.  Sterling  had  the  command. 
Being  chosen  soon  after  to  go  on  a  predatory  expedition  to 
Virginia,  the  Highlanders  prepared  to  break  up  their  winter 
encampment  in  Newtown.     On  the  morning  before  this  took 

1  This  regiment  left  New- York,  Sept.  16th,  1783,  in  the  transport  ship 
Mcartha,  for  St.  John,  in  the  B.ay  of  Fundy,  but  being  wreclied  near  Cape 
Sable,  on  the  night  of  the  21st,  more  than  half  the  corps  perished  in  the 
waves.  The  particulars  are  fearfully  depicted  in  the  letter  above  quoted,  as 
published  in  the  New-York  Museum  of  February,  1800. 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN.  205 

place,  the  principal  inhabitants  presented  the  following  address 
to  tlieir  commander,  April  28tb. 

"  The  inhabitants  of  Newtown  beg  leave  to  make  their 
hearty  and  grateful  acknowledgements  to  Col.  Sterling  and 
the  ofiicers  of  the  42d  regiment,  for  their  very  equitable,  po- 
lite, and  friendly  conduct,  during  their  winter  stay  among 
them.  They  will  ever  entertain  an  affectionate  esteem  and 
regard  for  them,  and  will  never  forget  that  they  have  been 
treated  with  all  the  justice  and  cordiality  due  to  fellow-subjects 
and  citizens.  They  at  the  same  time  request  the  favor  of  Col. 
Sterling  to  return  their  sincere  thanks  to  the  regiment  in  gen- 
eral, for  their  regular,  orderly,  and  honorable  behavior,  so  con- 
formable to  the  true  character  of  gentlemen  and  soldiers. 
They  part  with  the  42d  regiment  with  regret,  and  wish  them 
glory  and  success."* 

After  embarkation,  Col.  Sterling  indited  the  following  re- 
ply, dated  on  board  the  Nestor  transport,  May  1st. 

"  Gentlemen  : — It  gives  me  a  very  sensible  pleasure  to 
find  the  orderly  and  good  behavior  of  the  42  d  regiment,  under 
my  command,  during  their  winter  quarters  in  Newtown,  has 
drawn  so  honorable  an  acknowledgement  from  the  inhabitants 
of  that  district.  It  has  ever  been  my  wish  and  study  to  pro- 
tect the  peaceable  subject  to  the  utmost  of  my  power,  at  a 
time  when  the  civil  law,  owing  to  this  unhappy  rebellion,  is 
suspended  from  giving  that  protection  so  enviable  and  so  much 
to  be  wished  for,  by  every  one  who  has  tasted  the  sweets  of  it. 
I  beg  to  assure  the  inhabitants  of  Newtown  of  every  protec- 
tion in  my  power  as  a  soldier,  and  of  every  good  wish  as  a 
fellow-citizen,  for  their  welfare  and  happiness." 

The  above  address  of  the  inhabitants  doubtless  emanated 
from  the  loyalists,  who,  during  this  seven  years'  reign  of  ter- 
ror, had  everything  in  their  own  way.  And  it  is  pitiful  to 
observe  among  the  names  appended  to  the  address,  not  a  few 
who  are  known  to  have  been  undoubted  whigs,  at  heart,  and 
who  could  not  utter  a  serious  aspiration  for  the  glory  and  suc- 
cess of  their  country's  enemies,  but  in  this,  as  in  other  in- 
stances, were  forced  into  mortifying  concessions  to  the  wishes 
and  movements  of  the  tories. 

'  To  this  address  93  names  were  appended,  for  which,  see  Onderdonk's 
Revolutionary  Incidents  of  Queen's  Co.  p.  135. 

14 


206  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

The  Highlanders  proceeded  with  the  forces  under  Sir  Geo. 
Collier  and  Gen.  Matthews,  to  Virginia,  spreading  ruin  where- 
ver they  went,  by  burning  houses,  vessels,  naval  stores,  and 
magazines  of  provisions.  They  then  returned  to  New-York, 
satiated  with  "glorj'-  and  success,"  but  toward  the  close  of  the 
same  year  again  embarked  with  Gen.  Clinton  for  South  Caro- 
lina, shared  in  the  reduction  of  that  province,  and  returned  to 
New-York  the  next  summer. 

This  regiment  wintered  in  Newtown  subsequently,  and 
circumstances  are  related  which  show  that  they  were  given  to 
the  same  lawless  practices  that  disgraced  the  foreign  troops  in 
general.  During  one  of  their  encampments  at  Hempstead 
Swamp,  some  of  them  were  billeted  in  the  house  of  Samuel 
Waldron,  now  the  residence  of  Edward  Tompkins,  Esq.  They 
were  insolent  and  annoying  in  the  highest  degree.  Whenever 
they  had  occasion  to  shoe  their  horses,  they  would,  without 
ceremony,  enter  the  blacksmith-shop,  and  make  free  use  of 
the  forge  and  iron,  not  allowing  Mr.  Waldron  any  compensa- 
tion for  his  serious  interruptions  and  loss.  They  stole  all  of 
his  cows  but  one,  which  was  saved  only  by  shutting  it  up  in 
a  bed-room  in  the  house.  Of  course  he  got  nothing  for  them. 
In  one  instance,  the  enclosure  was  broken  open  at  night,  and 
a  cow  taken.  It  was  driven  a  short  distance,  killed,  and  the 
quarters  carried  to  the  camp.  The  next  day  Waldron  traced 
them  by  the  blood,  and  entered  a  complaint.  "Point  them 
out,"  said  the  officer,  "  and  I  will  flog  them."  Waldron  told 
him  this  was  impossible,  as  he  did  not  witness  the  deed, 
though  the  trail  of  blood  made  it  evident  that  some  of  his 
men  were  the  offenders.  He  requested  pay  for  his  cow,  which 
the  Scotchman  refused,  but  offered  him  a  dollar  for  the  head, 
to  feed  his  dog.  Indignant  at  such  villany,  Waldron  retraced 
his  steps  homeward,  but  was  .followed  by  a  servant,  who  threw 
down  a  dollar,  and  carried  away  the  cow's  head. 

It  seems  that  these  Highlanders  were  addicted  to  cow- 
stealing,  but  in  another  instance  one  of  their  number  met 
with  an  awful  retribution.  At  the  time  referred  to,  they  lay 
in  Trains  Meadow,  on  the  land  of  John  Leverich,  (where  the 
widow  of  Eichard  now  lives,)  and  occupied  huts  back  of  the 
barn.  Two  of  the  soldiers,  on  a  certain  night,  crossed  the 
meadow,  and  entered  the  barn-yard  of  Cornelius  Eapelye,  (now 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  207 

Purdy's,)  for  tlie  purpose  of  stealing  his  cattle.  Tliey  were 
heard  by  the  negroes,  and  they  alarmed  their  master,  who  went 
out  with  his  carbine,  (for  he  commanded  the  troop  of  horse,) 
and  ordered  them  off.  To  this  they  gave  no  heed,  when  Ea- 
pelye  fired,  but  without  effect,  and  hastened  to  the  house  to 
reload.  With  this,  one  of  the  S.cotchmen  jumped  over  into 
the  road,  wliere  the  blacks,  Sam  and  Fronce,  were  stationed, 
the  latter  armed  with  an  old  Queen  Anne's  piece.  Sam  im- 
mediately clenched  him,  and  being  the  best  fellow,  began  to 
force  the  soldier  towards  the  house,  a  j^risoner,  Fronce  aiding 
by  pushing  him  with  the  breech  of  his  gun.  At  this  moment, 
his  accomplice  ran  to  his  rescue,  and  with  an  uplifted  hatchet 
was  about  to  split  the  skull  of  Fronce,  when  the  latter  turned, 
presented  the  muzzle  of  his  gun  to  the  Scotchman's  breast, 
and  fired.  The  ball  pierced  his  heart,  and  he  fell  dead  upon 
his  face.  The  other  was  secured,  and  in  the  morning  taken 
before  the  commanding  officer,  who  justified  Eapelye  and  his 
men,  but  expressed  a  wish  that  the  survivor  had  been  the 
victim,  as  he  was  a  noted  scamp,  while  the  one  shot  had  pre- 
viously sustained  a  good  character.  If  this  were  so,  what  a 
lesson  it  conveys.  The  first  indulgence  of  bad  company  may 
prove  one's  ruin.' 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  stern  justice  sometimes  arrested 
these  plunderers  in  the  very  act  of  their  villany.  The  farmers 
indeed  soon  learned  to  be  prepared  for  them.  Each  kept 
loaded  guns  in  his  house,  often  a  number ;  the  utmost  precau- 
tion was  used  to  secure  their  out-buildings  and  barn-yards,  and 
a  watch  placed  at  night  over  their  crops  approaching  to  matu- 
rity. An  alarming  sense  of  insecurity  prevailed,  for  none 
knew  at  what  unsuspecting  hour  of  night  a  band  of  maraud, 
ing  soldiery  might  steal  upon  them,  to  rob,  perhaps  to  murder. 
Much  of  the  crime  perpetrated  was  justly  chargeable  upon  the 
refugees.  And  their  depredations  were  not  always  confined  to 
midnight  theft;  occasionally  they  sallied  forth  upon  a  more 
open  and  daring  expedition.     On  June  29th,  1779,  a  party  of 

^  The  Royal  Highlanders  remained  in  America  till  the  peace.  In  1801 
their  regiment  formed  one  of  those  that  repulsed  the  Frencli  on  the  shores 
of  Aboukir,  in  Egypt,  and  covered  the  landing  of  the  English  army  under 
Sir  Ralph  Abercrorabie.  They  were  recently  stationed  in  Bermuda,  where 
their  precision  in  militaiy  tactics  during  parade  excited  special  admiration. 


208  ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN. 

them  crossed,  to  Westcliester,  and  "witli  the  assistance  of  a  guard 
ship  below  City  Island,  and  without  sustaining  any  injury, 
brought  off  50  milch  cows,  12  or  14  horses,  and  150  sheep,  which 
they  drove  to  Jamaica  Plains.  On  another  occasion,  as  the  owner 
of  a  fine  meadow  arose  in  the  morning,  she  found  15  horses 
turned  into  it  to  graze,  which  had  been  stolen  from  the  Main. 

We  have  beheld  the  proj^erty  of  exiled  whigs  given  up  to 
the  use  of  refugees.  Of  course  the  British  commanders  did 
not  hesitate  to  appropriate  to  the  use  of  the  army  anything 
their  premises  afforded.  In  the  fall  of  1779,  the  Prince  of 
Hesse's  Infantry,  Capt.  Aldenberg,  were  quartered  at  John 
Morrell's,  Dutch  Kills,  and  another  corps  of  Hessians  near  Ja- 
cobus Piker's.  These  last  had  orders  to  cut  fuel  on  the  wood- 
land of  William  Lawrence  and  Peter  Rapelje,  both  of  whom 
had  been  rebel  officers.  The  season  which  succeeded  was,  from 
its  inclemency,  denominated  the  "  hard  winter."  Snow  covered 
the  ground  to  a  great  depth,  concealing  the  fences,  and  there 
was  a  beaten  road  from  Lawrence's  (now  Woolsey's)  Point, 
across  the  Sound  to  Westchester.  Taking  advantage  of  this 
easy  communication,  the  British  crossed  to  the  Main,  and  made 
the  farmers  bring  over  their  hay  to  Long  Island.  At  this  time 
Col.  Abijah  Willard,  a  commissary  in  the  British  service, 
quartered  at  J.  Biker's,  kept  two  men  with  a  horse  and  sled 
employed  during  the  winter  cutting  and  drawing  wood  from 
the  swamp  of  Major  Jonathan  Lawrence.  He  kept  a  prodi- 
gious fire  burning  in  his  room. 

Col.  Willard  was  in  person  large  and  portly.  He  had  been 
a  man  of  some  distinction  in  Lancaster,  Mass.  but  having  ac- 
cepted a  seat  in  the  council  of  that  province  by  royal  appoint- 
ment, it  gave  such  offence  to  the  people,  that  they  assembled, 
seized  Willard,  and  condemned  him  to  Newgate  prison,  in 
Simsbury,  as  a  traitor  to  his  country,  bat  finally  released  him 
on  his  promise  under  oath  not  to  sit  or  act  in  the  said  council. 
When  the  crisis  came  which  put  every  man's  sentiments  to 
the  test,  Col.  Willard  clung  to  royalty,  accepted  a  command  in 
the  British  service,  and  proved  himself  an  active  partizan  be- 
fore he  came  to  Long  Island.  Here  he  held  the  post  of  com- 
missary, and  drew  large  pay.  He  is  represented  as  a  gentle- 
man in  manners  and  character,  though  fully  imbued  with  that 
deep  hatred  against  the  anti-loyalists  which  his  principles  and 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  209 

former  treatment  were  calculated  to  produce.  During  the 
campaign  of  1779,  he  accompanied,  as  a  volunteer,  an  expedi- 
tion of  the  Associated  Loyalists,  which  ravaged  the  shore  of 
Connecticut,  making  incursions  upon  the  villages  of  Norwalk, 
Green  Farms,  Mill  River,  &c.  "occasioning,"  say  they,  "new 
troubles  to  our  enemies."  It  may  be  added,  that  Col.  Willard 
settled  in  New  Brunswick,  at  the  peace ;  was  a  member  of  the 
council  of  that  province,  and  died  in  1789,  aged  67.  His 
family  afterwards  returned  to  Massachusetts. 

Among  the  incidents  of  1780,  may  be  mentioned  the  loss 
of  the  English  frigate  Huzza,  which  in  attempting  to  pass 
Hellgate,  late  in  the  fall,  bound  for  New  England,  with  pay 
for  the  British  army,  struck  the  Pot  Rock,  and  floating  as  far 
as  Morris's  Island,  there  filled  and  sunk  in  deep  water,  carry- 
ing down  several  of  the  crew,  who  were  drowned.' 

This  fall  and  winter  Newtown,  as  usual,  presented  the  scene 
of  a  military  camp.  The  Royal  Artillery,  with  their  cannon 
and  horses,  were  here,  as  they  had  also  been  in  the  previous 
year.  So  was  the  33d  regiment.  Lord  Cornwallis's.  This 
regiment  is  known  to  have  occupied  huts  on  the  land  of  John 
Bragaw,  (now  Wm,  Gosman's,)  near  the  Dutch  Kills,  and  it 
was  probably  at  this  time ;  for  there  is  an  order  dated  Dec. 
20th,  1780,  directing  John  Bragaw  and  five  of  his  neighbors 
to  cart  the  provisions  of  said  regiment  till  further  orders. 
Very  likely,  too,  they  were  the  grenadiers  called  Macaronis, 
from  their  neatness,  who,  according  to  Mr.  Onderdonk,  lay  at 
the  Kills.  They  are  represented  as  large,  noble  looking  fel- 
lows ;  one  of  their  captains,  Hildebrand  Oakes,  was  billetted 

'  Since  the  Revolution  several  attempts  have  been  made  to  raise  or  searcli 
this  vessel,  under  tlie  impression  that  the  military  chest  had  not  been  re- 
moved. As  far  as  disclosed,  nothing  has  been  recovered  except  fragments  of 
the  wreck,  a  few  pieces  of  cannon,  some  cases  of  bottled  wine  spoiled  by 
sea  water,  &c.  A  specimen  of  cannister-shi  t  taken  up  from  the  ruins  is  in 
possession  of  the  compiler,  who  visited  the  spot  during  a  recent  attempt  to 
explore  the  wreck.  She  lies  in  very  deep  water,  has  fallen  to  pieces,  and 
is  nearly  imbedded  in  mud.  It  is  said  that  this  vessel  lay  anchored  in  Hal- 
lett's  Cove  one  or  two  days  before  she  attempted  to  pass  the  Gate,  and  that 
circumstances  favored  the  belief  that  the  money  she  contained  was  smuggled 
ashore  during  that  time,  and  then  the  vessel  j)urposely  run  upon  the  rocks  to 
sink  her  and  conceal  the  embezzlement.  If  this  be  true,  much  useless  labor 
has  been  expended  upon  the  wreck. 


210  AKNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

i  fi  Mr,  Bragaw's  family,  a  portly,  handsome  man,  wlio,  after 
the  war,  returned  to  England,  and  became  a  distinguished 
officer  in  the  British  service.  This  regiment  was  destitute  of 
the  usual  facings  upon  their  coats,  of  which  they  had  been 
deprived,  as  was  said,  for  having  lost  their  colors  in  an  en- 
gagement. Their  huts  were  fifty  feet  long  and  of  a  rectangular 
form,  thus,  j  |  being  open  at  the  south  to  admit  the  sun's 

rays,  the  roof  thatched,  and  the  three  sides  sodded  up  to  the 
eaves,  to  keep  off  the  north-west  wind.  The  inner  wall  was 
of  square  hewn  logs,  and  in  the  centre  of  the  enclosure  formed 
by  the  huts,  the  soldiers  were  wont  to  parade  and  perforin 
military  evolutions.  Those  huts  were  also  occupied  for  a  time 
by  the  new-raised  corps. 

The  87th  regiment,  grenadiers.  Col.  Sir  Eyre  Coote,  K.  B. 
which  was  encamped  at  Hellgate  in  the  spring  of  1780,  lay 
the  succeeding  winter  at  Capt.  Thomas  Lawrence's,  on  Flush- 
ing Bay,  now  Daniel  Lent's.  This  shore  had  to  be  closely 
guarded  to  prevent  the  approach  of  whaleboatmen,  and  other 
hostile  vessels,  from  the  north  side  of  the  Sound.  The 
whaleboatmen  were  Americans,  living  on  the  Connecticut 
shore,  (many  of  them  refugees  from  Long  Island,)  who  had 
commissions  from  the  governors  of  New- York  and  Connecti- 
cut to  cruise  against  British  vessels  in  Long  Island  Sound. 
The  number,  boldness,  and  dexterity  of  these  soon  made  them 
a  formidable  foe.  Their  boats  were  sharp  at  each  end,  of  the 
lightest  material,  and  exactly  fitted  to  their  employment.  In- 
festing the  bays  and  inlets,  and  always  on  the  look-out,  they 
would  dart  out  of  their  lurking-places  and  board  market-boats, 
and  even  cut  off  the  detached  vessels  of  a  convoy.  They  ex- 
tended their  visits  to  the  shores  of  Long  Island,  for  the  jDurpose 
of  carrying  off  British  goods,  or  seizing  the  persons  of  noted 
loyalists,  so  as  to  exchange  them  for  whig  prisoners. 

But  this  species  of  warfare  at  length  degenerated  into 
downright  robbery ;  families  living  near  the  shore  on  Long 
Island,  whether  whig  or  loyalist,  were  indiscriminately  plun- 
dered of  their  money  and  goods,  and  often  cruelly  treated  to 
force  them  to  tell  where  their  treasure  was  secreted.  As  a  de- 
fence against  them,  a  British  guard  ship  was  usually  stationed 
at  or  near  Hiker's  Island,  and  the  Newtown  shore  was  further 
secured  by  guards  posted  at  Lawrence's  Point  and  the  Bowery 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  211 

Bay.  Notwithstanding  this,  the  whaleboats  would  often  ven- 
ture into  Flusliing  Bay  at  night.  Twice  they  made  fruitless 
visits  to  the  premises  of  John  Fish,  who  kept  the  mill,  now 
Jackson's.  Once  they  were  driven  oif  by  his  son-in-law,  Wil- 
liam Palmer,  who  fired  upon  them  through  the  door.  On 
another  occasion  they  entered  the  house  and  demanded  from 
Fish  his  money.  He  denied  having  any,  upon  which  they  tied 
the  old  man  to  a  chair,  placed  the  shovel  in  the  fire,  and  were 
about  to  torture  him  into  a  confession,  but  before  they  had 
effected  their  purpose,  an  alarm  was  given  to  certain  British 
officers  quartered  on  the  other  side  of  the  creek,  when  the 
robbers  decamped  and  took  to  their  boat.  They  were  said 
to  be  refugees  from  Morrisania.'  In  June,  1781,  two  >vhale- 
boats,  commanded  by  Blacker  and  Jones,  appeared  off  Barn 
Island,  but  on  seeing  a  signal  given  to  Adjutant  Dunn  of  the 
Royal  Garrison  Battalion,  posted  at  Hellgate,  they  thought 
proper  to  steer  off,  which  they  did  under  a  fire  from  several 
Hessian  grenadiers  belonging  to  Col.  De  Linsing's  regiment  du 
Corps,  and  a  party  of  refugees  on  Barn  Island.  Newtown 
was  visited  by  these  depredators  less  frequently  than  the  more 
easterly  towns  on  the  Island,  as  she  was  better  protected 
against  their  approaches,  by  the  presence  of  British  troops. 
In  the  fall  of  1781  the  Royal  Highland  Regiment  was 
quartered  at  Newtown,  also  the  Associated  Refugees  or  King's 
American  Regiment,  Col.  Edmund  Fanning,  a  corps  of  loyal 
refugees,  as  their  title  indicates.^  The  Garrison  of  Pensacola 
wintered  at  the  same  place.  The  Royal  Garrison  Battalion, 
(composed,  I  believe,  of  invalid  soldiers,  unfit  for  field  service,) 
having  been  transferred,  in  July,  to  Brooklyn  fort,  the  Royal 

'  It  was  a  common  practice  to  bury  money  to  save  it.  Mr.  Fish  buried 
part  of  his  in  the  cellar.  It  was  forgotten,  and  accidentallv  discovered  a  few 
years  since.  Several  years  ago  a  pot  of  coin  was  found  on  the  premises 
now  of  Mr.  Kneeland,  which  was  believed  to  have  been  buried  during  the 
Revolution  by  the  Brinckerhoff's,  who  then  resided  there. 

^  This  corps  of  460  men  was  raised  in  1777,  at  an  expense  of  over  £2500, 
subscribed  by  New-York  city,  King's,  Queen's,  and  Richmond  counties.  The 
late  David  Purdy,  of  Newtown,  received  an  ensign's  commis^^ion  in  this  regi- 
ment, and  afterwards  arose  to  a  captaincy.  They  were  engaged  at  the  battle 
of  Rhode  Island,  Aug.  29th,  1778,  when  Ensign  Purdy  was  wounded  in  the 
shoulder  by  a  musket-ball.  The  next  year  they  raviiged  the  shore  of  Con- 
necticut, as  I  have  before  noticed. 


212  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

Forresters,  Lt.  Col.  Jolin  Conolly,  commandant,  were  stationed 
near  Hellgate,  where  they  passed  the  winter.  One  of  their  offi- 
cers, Lieut.  Barry,  died  of  a  violent  fever,  in  October,  and  was 
interred  at  Hallett's  Cove,  with  the  honors  of  war.  A  part  of 
the  British  Legion  lay  at  Hellgate  this  fall,  and  a  division  of 
the  Queen's  Eangers  wintered  on  the  farm  of  George  Brincker- 
hoif,  now  William  Bragaw's. 

Of  the  loyal  refugees  who  took  shelter  in  Newtown,  it  is 
but  justice  to  say  that  some  were  most  worthy  men.  Of  this 
number  was  Dr.  Samuel  Cutler,  a  ph3^sician  from  New  Eng- 
land, who  had  travelled  extensively  in  Europe,  in  pursuit  of 
knowledge,  and  had  been  a  member  of  the  faculty  at  Edin- 
burgh ■  Hospital.  His  learning,  combined  with  great  benevo- 
lence, acquired  for  him  a  considerable  practice  in  Newtown 
during  the  war,  at  the  close  of  which  he  returned  to  New 
England.  Zacheus  Cutler,  a  cousin  of  the  former,  was  also 
a  refugee  in  Newtown.  His  estate  in  New  Hampshire  had 
been  confiscated  to  the  cause  of  freedom.  Being  a  merchant, 
he  went  to  London  before  the  peace,  to  purchase  a  stock  of 
goods,  with  a  view  to  establish  himself  in  trade  in  the  city  of 
New- York,  but  he  perished  at  sea  on  his  returning  voyage. 
Dr.  Josiah  Pomeroy,  a  proscribed  refugee  from  Hatfield,  Mass. 
also  came  to  Newtown,  and  followed  his  profession  of  medi- 
cine. Another  refugee  of  character  boarding  here,  was  Capt. 
James  Cox,  an  Englishman,  who  had  lived  in  Virginia.  At 
the  peace  he  went  to  Nova  Scotia,  and  was  the  proprietor  of 
a  line  of  schooners  which  ran  between  Shelburn  and  New- 
York.  He  afterwards  returned  to  the  latter  city,  and  died 
of  yellow  fever.  Another  refugee  was  Peter  Fitzsimmons,  a 
merchant,  who,  after  the  war,  retired  to  St.  John,  New  Bruns- 
wick. In  the  spring  of  1782  he  opened  a  tavern  at  the  house 
of  widow  Betts,  at  Hallett's  Cove,  (now  Grant  Thorburn's,) 
which  was  announced  in  an  advertisement  in  Eivington's  Ga- 
zette.  He  informed  the  public  that  "  he  also  has  the  ferry  on 
the  opposite  side  of  Horn's  Hook,  and  keeps  horse-boats  and 
small  boats  for  passengers.  Ferriage  for  man  and  horse,  25. 
horse  and  chair  4s.  cattle  2s.  passengers  Is."  This  tavern, 
and  another  at  the  English  Kills  landing,  called  the  Queen's 
Head,  and  "the  corner  house,"  at  Newtown  village,  were  much 
resorted  to  by  the  soldiery,  refugees,  and  other  loyalists. 

A  striking  instance  of  the  manner  in  which  the  perpetrator 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 


213 


of  crime  is  often  "suddenly  destroyed,  and  that  witliout  reme- 
dy^" occurred  a  little  before  the  peace.  Thomas  Cimiberson' 
was  awakened  by  a  knocking  at  his  door,  by  some  persons 
who  asked  the  way  to  Hallett's  Cove.  They  then  wanted  to 
come  in  and  get  something  to  eat,  but  this  he  refused,  as  the 
hour  was  unseasonable.  They  left  the  door,  uttering  threats. 
Suspecting  they  might  return  again,  Cumberson  dressed  him- 
self, and  stood  his  loaded  gun  by  the  bed.  In  a  short  time, 
without  notice,  the  door  was  forced  open  by  a  stone  as  large 
as  a  man  could  well  manage.  The  robbers  then  rushed  in 
upon  him,  and  one  cried  out,  "Now,  you  rascal,  we've  got 
you."  He  fired  instantly,  and  lodged  the  load  in  the  fellow's 
abdomen,  and  sung  out  as  to  a  friend  present,  "Hand  the 
other  gun,  or  fire  yourself."  Thereupon  all  three  decamped. 
The  wounded  man  essayed  to  mount  his  horse,  but  failed.  He 
however  snapped  his  pistol  at  Cumberson,  who  had  followed 
him  out  of  doors  and  was  looking  on.  Finally,  he  begged  to 
be  led  into  the  house.  Cumberson  told  him  he  had  been  in 
once.  "  Yes,  to  my  sorrow,"  said  the  wounded  man,  throwing 
down  his  pistol,  and  falling  on  the  ground.  He  at  first  refused 
to  give  the  names  of  his  associates ;  but  on  being  told  by  a 
British  surgeon  who  had  been  sent  for,  that  he  had  but  a  short 
time  to  live,  he  confessed  all.  His  name  was  Michael  Hagan, 
and  he  was  about  eighteen  years  of  age.  Three  of  them  had 
deserted  from  the  British  camp  at  Flatbush,  and  come  over  to 
the  English  Kills,  where  they  broke  open  the  king's  stables, 
(on  the  premises  late  of  Judge  Jones,)  and  stole  three  wagon- 
er's horses.  His  two  accomplices,  Docharty  and  Lyons,  rode 
off  to  Hallett's  Cove,  where,  stealing  a  boat,  they  crossed  the 
river,  and  were  never  heard  of  afterwards.  The  next  morn- 
ing the  wagoners  came  in  pursuit  of  their  horses,  and  found 

^  Thomas  Cumberson  (whose  father  emigrated  from  England)  occupied 
the  place  owned  of  late  by  his  son  Thomas,  though  the  house  has  been  re- 
built since  the  Revolution.  He  married,  in  1759,  Elizabeth,  the  daughter  of  Ben- 
jamin Cornish,  and  died  in  1784,  aged  48.  His  children  were  Philetus,  Jemima, 
Nathaniel,  Elizabeth,  Cornelius,  Thomas,  Benjamin,  Catharine,  and  Jonah. 
Philetus  entered  the  American  naval  service  in  the  Revolution,  was  taken  by 
the  enemy,  and  carried  to  the  West  Indies.  His  fate  remains  a  mystery.  His 
brother  Thomas,  whose  accurate  memory  supplied  more  than  one  page  in 
these  annals,  was  a  rare  example  of  good  sense,  integrity,  and  respectability 
in  an  humble  sphere.     He  died  March  31st,  1849,  in  his  74th  year. 


214  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

the  one  still  tied  to  the  door-yard  fence.  They  proceeded  to 
Hallett's  Cove,  where  they  recovered  the  others,  and  returned 
to  their  quarters.  The  wounded  man  having  survived  about 
eight  hours,  died  in  great  agony,  and  was  sewed  up  in  a  blanket 
of  Mrs.  Cumberson's,  and  buried  north  of  the  house,  in  the 
woods,  by  several  soldiers  who  were  sent  for  the  purpose  from 
a  neighboring  encampment. 

Other  instances  occurred  where  a  similar  retribution  over- 
took the  guilty.  The  barn  of  Thomas  Woodward,  a  Avorthy 
inhabitant,  who  lived  where  Mr.  Vietor  now  does,  in  Newtown 
village,  was  used  by  the  enemy  as  a  hospital  for  the  sick  sol- 
diery. On  a  winter's  night  Mr.  Woodward  was  aroused  by  a 
noise  among  his  ducks,  at  the  rear  of  the  house.  Opening  the 
back  door,  he  could  see  no  one,  for  the  night  was  foggy.  He 
however  discharged  his  gun  at  a  venture,  expecting  only 
to  frighten  the  intruder,  but  the  next  morning  a  soldier  was 
found  dead  a  short  distance  from  the  house,  with  a  duck  under 
his  coat.  The  soldiers  were  so  exasperated  at  Woodward,  that 
he  continued  to  be  in  great  fear  for  his  life.  It  has  been  said 
that  he  was  not  called  to  account  for  this  deed,  but  from  the 
nature  of  the  act,  and  the  wrath  excited,  such  an  omission 
would  have  been  extraordinary.  Besides,  I  find  him  arraigned 
"a  prisoner"  before  a  court-martial,  April  26th,  1782,  though 
unfortunately  the  offence  is  not  stated.  He  was  favored  in 
this  case  by  the  intercession  of  Serj.  Major  B.  Rathbone,  of 
the  grenadiers,  who  had  quartered  at  his  house. 

The  boldness  of  robbers  rendered  travelling  by  night  par- 
ticularly dangerous.  On  the  evening  of  Christmas,  in  1782,  a 
couple  of  young  men,  John  Rapelye  and  William  Garden, 
returning  homeward  with  ladies  in  a  sleigh,  were  stopped  near 
Newtown  village,  somewhere  between  the  residences  of  John 
Penfold  and  William  Leverich,  by  two  men  supposed  to  be 
soldiers,  and  the  gentlemen  robbed  of  their  money  and  a  silver 
watch.  Alarm  was  given,  and  a  party  went  out  in  pursuit  of 
the  robbers,  but  they  were  not  found.  Capt.  George  Rapelye, 
father  of  one  of  the  young  men,  offered  a  reward  for  their  de- 
tection, but  without  success.  Another  robbery  equally  daring 
occurred  on  April  2d  of  the  following  year.  As  Jacob  Bennet, 
who  lived  on  the  hill  at  Dominie's  Hook,  was  rowing  home- 
ward from  market,  his  negro  observed  a  strange  boat  on  the 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  215 

shore,  a  little  way  from  the  house,  and  said  to  his  master, 
"  There  must  be  robbers  at  our  house,  let's  scuttle  the  boat." 
It  was  no  sooner  said  than  done.  As  they  drew  near  the 
house,  the  robbers  (who  had  already  tied  up  the  aged  father, 
and  forced  him  to  show  his  money,)  came  out,  and  ordered 
them  to  land,  or  they  would  be  fired  on.  Disregarding  the 
threat,  Bennet  put  about  for  the  Bushwick  shore,  and  gave 
the  alarm.  The  robbers  now  fled  to  their  boat,  to  escape,  but 
as  they  put  off  she  filled.  They  then  made  for  the  meadows, 
and  hid  in  the  sedge  £1000  they  had  taken,  being  the  property 
of  Mr.  Bennet  and  his  son-in-law,  Capt.  Geo.  Hunter.  The 
robbers  were  refugees,  and  one  of  them  was  taken  up  a  day 
or  two  after,  and  lodged  in  the  main  guard.  Capt.  Hunter 
offered  fifty  guineas  for  the  arrest  of  the  others. 

Instances  of  petty  theft,  such  as  the  following,  were  almost 
innumerable.  Howard  Furman  had  a  heifer  stolen  and  found 
her  fifty  yards  off,  with  her  hind  quarters  cut  out,  the  rest 
being  left.  Aaron,  his  son,  lost  some  ducks,  but  on  complain- 
ing and  pointing  out  the  thief,  he  was  punished!  which  was 
the  extent  of  the  satisfaction  obtained  in  such  cases.  J.  Rem- 
sen,  who  lived  a  mile  and  a  half  south  of  Newtown  village, 
hearing  some  soldiers  in  his  cow-yard,  fired,  and  put  shot  into 
three  of  them.  William  Howard  had  his  cows  penned  up  be- 
fore his  house,  bars  wedged,  the  front  door  open,  and  a  person 
sitting  up  all  night  to  watch,  and  yet  they  were  stolen !  Sam- 
uel Waldron  one  night  discovered  some  soldiers  digging  his 
potatoes.  He  went  out  with  his  gun,  but  no  one  was  to  be 
seen.  Thereupon,  to  assure  them  that  he  was  armed,  he  dis- 
charged his  piece  in  the  air,  when  up  jumped  the  potatoe 
thieves  from  among  the  bushes,  and  scampered  off  at  a  speed 
that  defied  pursuit.  When  soldiers  lay  near,  corn  and  pota- 
toes were  often  watched  at  night.  In  the  woods  of  John 
Alburtis,  near  Newtown  village,  (now  J.  Penfold's,)  the  sol- 
diers had  barrels  sunk  in  the  ground,  for  the  reception  of  stolen 
articles,  as  has  been  supposed,  though  others  are  of  opinion 
that  they  were  water  casks.  Their  dexterity  in  stealing  eluded 
detection  in  most  cases.  Farmers  were  even  forced  to  take 
in  their  rail-fences  in  winter,  to  save  them  from  being  stolen 
for  fuel. 

Thus  was  Newtown  a  prey  to  depredation,  alarm,  and  cru- 


216  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

eltj,  for  the  space  of  seven  long  years.  The  civil  courts  were 
suspended,  and  martial  law  prevailed,  as  crime  emanated  to  a 
great  extent  from  the  soldiery.  In  other  cases  complaints  of 
a  civil  or  criminal  nature  were  entered  to  the  British  authori- 
ties, at  New- York.  But  as  this  was  found  to  occasion  the  in- 
habitants serious  inconvenience  and  delays.  Gov.  Robertson, 
in  1780,  established  a  police  on  Long  Island,  having  an  ofl&ce 
at  Jamaica,  open  weekly,  on  Tuesdays  and  Wednesdays,  for 
the  administration  of  justice  "  on  principles  of  equity."  It  was 
seldom,  however,  that  justice,  in  its  true  sense,  could  be  obtain- 
ed by  the  down-trodden  and  oppressed  inhabitants.  It  is  true, 
that  for  the  encouragement  of  farmers  to  raise  plentiful  sup- 
plies of  produce  for  his  Majesty's  service,  the  British  generals 
Howe  and  Clinton  had  both,  by  proclamation,  forbid  all  per- 
sons damaging  or  destroying  fences,  or  taking  away  cattle, 
stock,  or  other  produce,  from  their  owners,  under  penalty  of 
severe  punishment,  on  complaint  being  made  to  the  nearest 
commanding  officer.  Yet  when  complaints  were  entered  against 
the  soldiery,  how  seldom  was  the  guilt  of  the  offender  esta- 
blished, in  the  estimation  of  the  officer.  Ever  ready  to  screen 
their  men,  they  winked  at  their  crimes,  insomuch  that  it  became 
a  by -word  among  them,  "  You  are  not  punished  for  stealing, 
but  for  being  found  out."  Still  rarely  was  the  loss  of  the 
farmer  repaired. 

As  a  security  against  midnight  marauding,  the  farmers 
were  glad  to  have  the  British  officers  quarter  in  their  houses, 
for  they  were  usually  attended  by  one  or  more  soldiers  as  a 
safeguard,  one  of  whom,  during  the  day,  constantly  paraded 
with  his  loaded  musket  to  and  fro  before  the  door.  At  night 
they  slept  in  the  kitchen,  barn,  or  other  parts  of  the  premises, 
and  protected  them  from  robbers.  And  though  an  officer  was 
entitled  to  one  or  more  of  the  best  rooms  in  the  house,  he 
usually  paid  well  for  his  board,  the  customary  price  being  205. 
per  week,  and  his  rations,  which  latter  helped  to  supply  the 
table.  And  payment  was  in  gold  and  silver.  These  conside- 
rations served  to  make  their  presence  tolerable.'   The  billeting 

'  In  addition  to  those  already  noticed,  Gen.  Warren  was  quartered  in  the 
house  at  the  English  Kills  recently  occupied  by  Hon.  D.  S.  Jones;  Maj. 
Humphreys  at  the  town-house;  Capt.  Raymond  at  D.  Van  Duyn's;  (now  D. 
S.  Mills,)  Maj.  Thomas  Barclay,  of  the  Loyal  Americans,  at  Rich.  Berrien's, 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  217 

of  privates  in  the  whig  families  was  a  great  nuisance.  The 
troops  were  accustomed,  on  the  approach  of  winter,  to  strike 
their  tents,  and  take  shelter  in  huts,  or  else  in  neighboring 
farm-houses.  The  mode  of  billeting  was  as  follows.  The  com- 
manding officer  having  obtained  from  the  magistrates  or  other 
intelligent  sources,  a  list  of  the  inhabitants,  together  with  in- 
formation as  to  how  many  persons  each  family  could  accom- 
modate, the  soldiers,  in  squads  of  the  proper  number,  usually 
from  ten  to  twenty,  were  furnished  with  tickets  directing  them 
to  the  quarters  assigned  them.  The  first  notice  you  had  that 
your  house  would  be  wanted,  was,  "  Well,  madam,  I've  come 
to  put  a  billet  on  your  house."  And  it  was  of  no  use  to  ob- 
ject. The  family  was  allowed  one  fireplace.  The  soldiers 
i  generally  selected  the  kitchen  as  their  apartment.  Then  some 
fence  or  out-building  was  stript  of  its  boards,  and  hammocks 
constructed  around  the  room,  commonly  in  three  tiers,  one 
above  the  other.  And  from  this  beginning  the  family  became 
subject  to  a  series  of  losses  and  annoyances  which  were  hard 
to  be  borne  and  yet  unsafe  to  murmur  at.  The  effect  was 
most  pernicious  upon  the  slaves,  who  either  ran  away  or  be- 
came less  respectful  to  their  owners,  when  they  saw  them 
lorded  over  by  British  officers.  And  it  is  pitiable  to  think, 
how,  under  the  domination  of  these  petty  tyrants,  the  spirit 
of  the  man  was  crushed,  and  a  feeling  of  inferiority,  and  a 
demeanor  nearly  allied  to  a  crawling  servility,  substituted. 
For  these  officers  expected  the  utmost  condescension.  In  ad- 
dressing one,  your  head  must  be  uncovered  and  your  hat  held 
under  the  arm.  And  if  a  farmer  in  passing  should  neglect 
to  doff  his  beaver,  he  might  depend  on  a  caning,  though  the 
Britain  would  scarcely  deign  to  notice  him,  much  less  return 
the  civility.  Oppressed,  sometimes,  beyond  the  power  of  en- 
durance, collisions  would  happen  between  the  inhabitants  and 
the  officers.  Once  an  altercation  took  place  between  Howard 
Furman  and  a  Hessian  officer.  The  latter  called  Furman  a 
d — d  rebel,  and  he  retorted,  when  the  Hessian  drew  his  sword. 

(now  Mrs.  Denton's,)  and  at  W.  Leverich's,  (now  Wilcox's,)  Trains  Meadow. 
At  the  latter  place,  Col.  Richmandt,  a  German,  was  also  quartered.  Lieut. 
Thompson,  of  one  of  the  new-raised  corps,  was  at  J.  Riker's  ;  Dr.  Harper,  sur- 
geon of  the  Garrison  Battalion,  at  Joseph  Burroughs',  (now  Jona.  Randel's,) 
in  1780. 


218  ANNAL8       OF       NEWTOWN. 

Furman,  who  had  done  service  in  the  French  war,  was  not  to 
be  frightened,  and  picking  up  a  stick  of  wood,  at  it  they  went. 
But  the  affray  was  happily  checked,  yet  not  till  Furman  had 
lost  a  forefinger  by  a  stroke  of  the  sword.  In  general,  how- 
ever, the  Hessians,  of&cers  as-  well  as  soldiers,  were  much 
better  disposed  towards  the  inhabitants  than  the  British,  or 
new-raised  corps,  who  were  insolent,  domineering,  and  blood- 
thirsty. 

Farmers  were  also  subject  to  many  severe  regulations  and 
burdens,  imposed  by  the  higher  authorities.  They  were  re- 
quired to  furnish  from  year  to  year,  for  the  use  of  the  army, 
the  greater  portion  of  their  hay,  straw,  rye,  corn,  oats,  vege- 
tables, and  fresh  provisions,  »nder  pain  of  being  imprisoned, 
and  having  their  crops  confiscated.  And  the  haste  with  which 
they  were  sometimes  obliged  to  thrash  out  and  deliver  their 
grain  or  straw  at  the  forage  magazine,  was  peculiarly  embar- 
rassing. But  it  was  for  his  Majesty's  service;  and  to  this 
every  consideration  of  individual  comfort  or  economy  must 
yield  unhesitatingly.  In  like  manner,  those  who  owned  wood- 
land, were  obliged  to  cut  and  deliver  their  share  of  fuel,  and 
if  they  were  unwilling,  others  were  authorized  to  do  it,  and 
the  owner  was  fortunate  if  he  got  paid  for  it.  Such  as  de- 
clined to  sell  their  wood  were  in  danger  of  having  it  seized 
and  confiscated.'  And  the  farmer  being  thus  forced  to  a 
delivery  and  sale  of  his  produce,  the  commissary  or  bar- 
rack-master weighed  or  measured  it,  and  then  rendered  pay- 
ment according  to  the  prices  fixed  by  the  king's  commissioners. 
K  he  demanded  more,  it  was  at  the  risk  of  losing  the  whole. 
Owing  to  the  great  and  constant  demand  of  the  army,  the 
necessaries  of  life  often  became  exceedingly  scarce  and  high. 
In  the  hard  winter,  when  the  magazines  became  nearly  ex- 
hausted, wheat  brought  265.  a  bushel,  rye  and  corn  10s.  and 
buckwheat  8s.  Potatoes  ran  up  to  18s.  and  half  a  guinea  per 
bushel,  butter  to  8s.  and  10s.  per  pound.  Turkeys  sold  for 
half  a  guinea.  Wheat  flour,  80s.  or  $10  per  hundred  weight. 
Other  eatables  in  proportion.      But  high  prices  were  of  but 

-  Capt.  Geo.  Rapelye  served  as  commissary  of  fuel  from  the  earlier  part 
of  the  war  till  its  close,  under  whose  directions  immense  quantities  of  timber 
was  cut  to  supply  the  wood-yard  at  Newtown,  whence  it  was  carted  to  the 
encampments  as  required. 


ANNALS     OF    NEWTOWN.  219 

little  avail  to  tlie  farmer,  whose  supplies  had  already  perhaps 
been  reduced  by  pilferers  or  foraging  parties  of  the  enemy  to 
less  tlian  enough  to  meet  the  wants  of  his  own  family.  Fur- 
thermore, the  inhabitants  were  obliged,  when  called  upon,  to 
furnish  teams  to  cart  wood,  or  perform  other  public  service, 
sometimes  under  pay,  but  often  without  receiving  any  compen- 
sation. And  then  it  became  necessary  to  obtain  written  per- 
mission to  do  this  and  do  that  The  small  craft  in  which  the 
farmers  were  accustomed  to  send  their  produce  to  market,  were 
required  to  have  a  pass  from  the  commanding  officer  on  Long 
Island,  or  the  military  colonel  of  the  county.  Neither  were 
they  permitted  to  sail  after  dark  or  before  sunrise  in  the  morn- 
ing, as  the  guard  boats  were  directed  to  seize  all  such  as  did 
so.  Neither  could  they  purchase  and  carry  home  for  family 
use  any  goods,  wares,  or  provisions,  without  first  obtaining  a 
permit  at  the  superintendent's  office.  New- York.  It  is  not  to 
be  wondered  at,  that  smarting  under  such  indignities  as  have 
been  enumerated,  and  oppressed  with  the  conviction  that  the 
authors  of  them  were  subverting  their  liberties  and  spreading 
devastation  and  death  over  their  beloved  land,  feelings  of  fixed 
and  bitter  enmity  should  have  been  engendered,  which  were 
only  stifled  from  conscious  impotence  and  want  of  power  to 
resent  them.  But  the  period  of  their  deliverance  was  now  at 
hand. 

It  is  not  within  my  province  to  detail  the  military  opera- 
tions of  the  glorious  Revolution,  which  resulted  in  the  inde- 
pendence of  the  United  States.  The  anguish,  the  sacrifices, 
the  self-devotion,  the  brilliant  achievements,  are  fresh  in  our 
memories,  and  engraven  on  the  heart  as  with  a  pen  of  iron. 
Newtown  had  some  faithful  rej3resentatives  in  the  council-hall, 
and  in  camp,  and  battle-field,  who  eagerly  looked  forward  to 
the  joyful  termination  of  their  toils  and  sufferings.  One  of 
these,  a  surgeon  in  the  army,  in  reviewing  the  untoward  oc- 
currences which  had  expelled  him  and  his  companion  from 
their  native  town,  thus  consoles  her  by  a  letter.  "  The  great 
Disposer  of  all  events  has  wisely  excluded  our  aspiring  natures 
from  sifting  the  designs  of  His  providence,  but  has  given  us 
sufficient  encouragement  while  in  the  line  of  duty,  to  rest  our 
humble  dependence  thereon,  assuring  us  that  all  things  work 
together  for  good  to  them  that  believe.     Let  iis  therefore  be 


220  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN, 

zealous  in  our  endeavors  to  answer  the  great  objects  of  our 
creation,  and  be  resigned  to  the  will  of  Heaven  in  all  things ; 
and  I  make  no  doubt,  when  He  has  answered  His  divine  pur- 
poses for  which  these  trials  have  been  sent,  that  we  shall  be 
again  restored,  and  our  property  secured  to  us."  Again,  under 
brighter  prospects,  he  writes — "  I  now  begin  to  anticipate  the 
pleasure  of  revisiting  our  native  place  in  triumph,  with  credit 
and  applause.  Independence,  gloriously  obtained,  will  make 
ample  restitution  for  all  the  toil  and  labor,  the  blood  and  trea- 
sure, that  have  been  expended  in  the  purchase." 

Such  were  the  bright  expectations  that  the  Newtown 
whigs,  both  at  home  and  in  exile,  began  to  cherish  at  the 
prospect  of  American  Independence.  On  the  other  hand,  that 
portion  of  the  inhabitants  who  from  honest  motives  but  false 
views  had  been  led  to  take  a  decided  and  active  part  in  sup- 
port of  royal  authority,  were  sunk  in  the  depths  of  despond- 
ency at  the  utter  prostration  of  their  hopes.  And  when,  about 
the  first  of  August,  1782,  news  arrived  that  Great  Britain  had 
virtually  acknowledged  our  independence,  it  fell  upon  their 
ears  like  the  knell  of  death.  They  were  seized  with  conster- 
nation at  an  event  which  pronounced  upon  them  the  sentence 
of  banishment.  In  their  espousal  of  the  British  cause,  some, 
with  indiscreet  zeal,  had  pursued  an  uncalled  for  severity  to- 
ward their  rebel  neighbors,  directly  calculated  to  imbitter  their 
feelings ;  all  had  made  themselves  too  conspicuous  to  hope  to 
escape  the  retributive  vengeance  of  the  exasperated  whigs, 
into  whose  hands  the  preponderance  of  power  was  now  thrown 
by  the  reverse  of  fortune.  Where  would  be  their  safety  when 
the  king's  troops  should  have  gone  ?  In  this  dilemma,  num- 
bers of  these  individuals  in  Newtown  set  about  the  arrange- 
ment of  their  affairs,  and  prepared  to  leave  the  land  of  their 
birth  and  take  up  a  residence  in  the  British  dominions,  the 
province  of  Nova  Scotia  having  been  especially  designated 
by  the  English  government  as  a  home  for  their  loyal  Ameri- 
can subjects.  A  brig,  schooner,  and  other  vessels  received 
their  effects,  and  bidding  adieu  to  kindred  and  home,  they 
embarked  at  New-York,  passed  down  the  Sound,  and  bent 
their  course  for  the  barren  and  inhospitable  shores  of  Nova 
Scotia,  whither  thousands  of  loyalists  from'  this  and  other 
states  retired  the  same  year.     The  departure  of  the  foreign 


ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN.  221 

troops  had  been  delayed  tliat  the  embarkation  of  the  loyalists 
might  be  first  effected,  and  late  in  1783  the  king's  army  pre- 
pared to  take  its  final  leave.  The  troops  in  Newtown  gradu- 
ally drew  off  towards  Bushwick,  making  their  last  encamp- 
ment in  the  Cedar  Lots  on  the  road  to  the  Penny  Bridge,  or 
Waterville,  where  the  ground  was  left  strewed  with  rubbish. 
The  Hessian  regiment  de  Knoblauch,  Col.  De  Porbeck,  had 
recently  removed  from  Herrick's,  in  North  Hempstead,  and 
was  encamped  at  the  Fly,  where  they  held  a  court-martial,  in 
the  month  of  August,  to  wind  up  the  affairs  of  the  regiment. 
They  now  took  up  their  line  of  march,  and  proceeded  through 
Newtown,  their  blue  uniform,  with  white  facings,  and  unique 
equipments,  attracting  the  gaze  of  the  inhabitants  for  the  last 
time ;  a  people  more  deserving  of  pity  than  resentment,  be- 
cause they  had  been  basely  sold  into  a  service,  of  the  demerits 
of  which  they  were  quite  ignorant.  On  the  evacuation  of 
New-York,  Nov.  25th,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Jun.  and  other 
young  men  of  Newtown,  rode  down  to  that  city,  and  joined 
the  escort  of  Gen.  Washington,  on  his  taking  possession  of 
the  town  with  the  American  army. 

It  was  a  proud  day  for  Newtown  when  her  patriotic  sons 
were  permitted  to  return  to  her  embrace  from  a  tedious  exile ; 
what  inexpressible  emotions  were  enkindled  at  that  first  re- 
cognition of  long-separated  friends.  The  warm  grasp  of  the 
hand  given  in  silence,  the  tear  on  the  careworn  cheek,  alone 
told  their  mutual  joy  and  gratitude.  They  met  on  freedom's 
soil;  this  gave  it  zest.  Heartfelt  were  the  rejoicings  at  the 
consummation  of  our  liberty.  On  Monday,  Dec.  8th,  the 
whigs  of  Newtown  joined  with  others  from  all  parts  of  the 
county  in  celebrating  the  event  at  Jamaica.  The  day  was 
observed  with  appropriate  ceremonies ;  it  was  pleasing  to 
view  the  different  expressions  of  joy  and  gratitude  visible  in 
every  countenance.  The  residents  of  the  Dutch  Kills  also 
celebrated  the  peace  at  the  stone-house,  then  a  tavern,  late 
Abraham  Rapelye's.  Thirteen  lamps,  corresponding  in  num- 
ber to  the  states,  illumined  the  room,  and  other  preparations, 
in  keeping  with  the  occasion,  testified  to  the  universal  joy 
that  the  event  had  inspired.  It  was  indeed  a  season  for  mu- 
tual congratulation  and  thanks  to  the  God  of  battles,  who  had 
crowned  the  American  arms  with  ultimate  success,  and  con- 

15 


222  ANNALS     OF    NEWTOWN. 

ferrecl  upon  these  States  the  blessings  of  civil  and  religio"us 
liberty.  But  observe  and  see,  some  of  Newtown's  most  wor- 
thy citizens  are  not  present  to  participate  in  these  rejoicings. 
They  occupy  no  place  at  the  festive  board,  nor  lend  their 
voices  to  swell  the  loud  huzza.  In  the  pride  of  manhood,  and 
with  a  devoted  patriotism,  they  entered  the  conflict  with  the 
hostile  legions  of  Britain.  Where  are  they  ?  Hark !  from 
sickly  dungeon,  the  camp,  and  the  field  of  deadly  strife,  the 
answer  comes  back  with  a  solemn  cadence,  "  Here  they  per- 
ished." Noble  hearts,  sacrificed  on  freedom's  altar,  and  yet 
no  monumental  stone  testifies  the  exalted  estimation  and  the 
undying  gratitude  which  attaches  to  their  memory  ! 

Municipal  government  was  maintained  in  Newtown  (at 
least  in  form)  during  the  whole  period  of  the  war,  the  annual 
election  of  town  officers  being  regularly  observed.  On  the 
22d  of  Dec.  1783,  the  first  town  officers  were  chosen  in  the 
name  of  the  people  of  the  state  of  New-York.  Samuel  Eiker 
was  elected  supervisor;  John  Morrell  and  Joseph  Gosline, 
trustees ;  William  Howard,  John  Gosline,  William  Lawrence, 
and  Richard  Bragaw,  assessors;  John  Gosline,  constable  and 
collector ;  Philip  Edsall,  town  clerk  ;  &c.  all  to  remain  in  office 
till  the  next  annual  meeting  in  April,  As  may  be  supposed, 
the  town's  finances  had  suffered,  and  the  following  year  the 
old  trustees  were  called  to  account  respecting  the  moneys  that 
had  accrued  during  the  war,  from  renting  the  town-house  and 
land.  It  was  also  resolved  that  all  contracts  entered  into  by 
individuals  while  the  British  had  possession  should  remain 
binding,  and  a  committee  was  chosen  to  examine  such  as  were 
of  a  public  nature,  and  see  them  duly  executed.  By  the  adop- 
tion of  wise  and  prudent  measures  adapted  to  the  peculiar  state 
of  their  affliirs,  the  people  of  Newtown  sought  to  repair  the 
ruin  that  on  every  side  prevailed,  and  restore  good  order  and 
prosperity  to  the  township,  happy  in  the  reflection  that  they 
were  a  free  people. 

Only  years  of  toil  and  much  expense  could  make  good  the 
damage  inflicted  on  tlie  premises  of  the  whigs  while  in  exile. 
Their  dwellings  and  outhouses  dilapidated,  fences  destroyed, 
and  acres  upon  acres  of  valuable  timber  cut  and  removed. 
Biker's  Island  was  stript  of  a  grove  of  fine  trees,  not  one  then 
remaining.     Few  were  fortunate  enough  to  obtain  any  indem- 


ANNALS       OF       N  K  W  T  O  W  N  .  228 

nification  for  tlioir  losses.  The  rarm  of  the  late  Judge  Coe 
(now  Abraham  Wliitson's)  was,  from  the  year  1777  to  1783, 
in  possession  of  the  family  of  Lieut.  Alex.  Grant,  of  the  42d 
regiment,  who  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Fort  Montgomery. 
But  as  Grant  fortunately  left  property  in  New- York,  the  state, 
in  1785,  allowed  Mr.  Coe  to  tile  a  declaration  against  Grant's 
heirs,  so  that  Coe  was  compensated  for  the  waste  and  injury 
of  his  farm.  Numerous  prosecutions  for  trespass  took  phice 
and  some  of  the  inhabitants  were  fined  for  having  by  order 
of  the  British  cut  timber  on  tlicir  neighbors'  woodlands,  not 
being  permitted  to  plead  the  military  order  of  the  enemy  in 
extenuation.  This  was  obviousl}'-  unjust.  The  only  property 
in  Newtown  confiscated  by  the  state  was  the  farm  of  Capt. 
Dow  Van  Duyn.  It  was  sold  by  the  commissioners  of  for- 
feiture, in  178-1,  to  Thomas  McFarran,  a  merchant  of  New- 
York,  was  afterwards  bought  by  Dr.  Isaac  Ledj^ard,  and  is 
now  the  property  of  David  S.  Mills. 

But  the  demoralizing  effect  of  the  Revolutionary  period 
was  more  to  be  deplored  than  the  waste  of  property.  Says 
one,  religion  was  entirely  down.  Its  movement  was  rather 
retrograde  than  otherwise,  while  a  loose  rein  was  given  to 
passion.  The  Sabbath  was  desecrated ;  that  sacred  day  was 
often  ushered  in,  not  by  the  solemn  peal  of  the  church  bell, 
but  by  the  beat  of  the  reveille,  and  the  tramp  of  British  rank 
and  file.  In  the  camp  profimity  and  debauchery  prevailed. 
A  body  of  troops  which  in  the  summer  before  the  evacuation 
occupied  the  rising  ground  east  of  A.  Paynter's,  at  the  Dutch 
Kills,  were  accustomed  to  drink  a  hogshead  of  rum  every 
three  days.  The  moral  contagion  spread,  and  many  learned 
to  imitate  the  dissipation  to  which  they  thus  became  familiar- 
ized. And  then  the  malignancy  of  party  feeling  which  ex- 
isted was  most  lamentable.  AVcU  was  it  that  the  active  lo3'al- 
ists  retired,  for  the  long-smothered  anger  of  the  whigs  burst 
forth  like  a  volcanic  eruption,  and  sent  its  torrents  of  popular 
indignation  as  burning  lava  over  the  land.  It  was  not  till  the 
fury  of  the  storm  was  spent  that  many  of  the  objects  of  it 
ventured  to  return  to  the  States.  But  the  whigs  could  not 
easily  forget  the  wrongs  they  endured  in  the  day  of  their 
weakness,  while  the  loyalists,  chagrined  and  mortified  at  their 
defeat,  cherished  in  their  hearts  much  of  their  former  ani- 


224  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

mosity.  This  asperity  of  feeling  was  not  confined  to  the  arena 
of  politics,  but  was  "carried  into  private  life,  and  produced 
grievous  alienations  among  kindred,  severing  all  the  tender 
ties  of  friendship  and  neighborly  kindness.  The  social  and 
domestic  circles  of  Newtown  felt  for  years  the  blighting  influ- 
ence of  these  deep-seated  feuds ;  indeed  the  alienations  thus 
cherished  only  terminated  in  many  instances  at  the  grave,  and 
died  as  the  generation  itself  passed  away.  "  Tantx  molis  erat 
Bomanam  condere  gentem." 


CHAPTER     XII, 


Presbyterian  Church. — Its  Iiistory  under  the  Reverend  Samuel  Pumroy,  George 
Macnish,  Simon  Ilorton,  Andrew  Bay,  James  Lyon,  Peter  Fish,  Elihu  Pal- 
mer, Nathan  Woodhull,  Peter  Fish,  William  Boardman,  John  Goldsmith. — 
Presbyterian  Church  organized  at  Astoria;  Rev.  Frederick  G.  Clark.— Re- 
formed Dutch  Church. — Its  ministers,  Dominie  Van  Basten,  Johannes  H. 
Goetschius,  Thomas  Romeyn,  Hermanns  L.  Boclen,  Solomon  Froeligh,  Rynier 
Van  Nest,  Zachariah  H.  Kuypers,  Jacob  Schoonmaker,  Garret  J.  Garretson, 
Thomas  C.  Strong. — Sister  Church  at  Astoria  ;  Rev.  A.  H.  Bishop. — EpiscorAi. 
Church. — Its  rectors,  Rev.  William  Urquhart,  Thomas  Poyer,  Thomas  Colgan, 
Samuel  Seabury,  Joshua  Bloomer,  William  Hammel,  Henry  Van  Dyke,  Abra- 
ham L.  Clarke,  William  E.  Wyatt,  Evan  M.  Johnson,  George  A.  Shelton. — 
Sister  Church  at  Astoria ;  Rev.  Samuel  Seabury,  John  W.  Brown,  Tapping  R. 
Chipman. — New  Episcopal  Churches  at  Maspeth  and  Ravenswood. — Notices 
of  the  Friends,  Baptists,  and  Methodists. 

No  candid  mind  can  review  the  preceding  history  without 
discerning  that  the  people  of  Newtown  owed  much  of  the  pros- 
perity, social  and  public,  which  they  enjoyed,  to  the  conserva- 
tive influence  of  religious  principles  in  their  society.  Religion 
and  her  institutions  were  dear  to  them,  as,  witness  the  concern 
manifested  when  unhallowed  rulers  endeavored  to  invade 
them.  Piety  had  been  nurtured  with  tender  care,  when,  amid 
the  hardships  of  a  wilderness,  they  most  needed  its  solace.  It 
exerted  a  controling  influence  over  the  morals  of  the  commu- 
nity in  succeeding  times ;  gave  a  healthful  tone  to  their  public 
acts,  and  in  all  their  checkered  history  is  happily  visible.  If 
BO,  it  becomes  important  to  take  a  view  of  the  religious  his- 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  225 

torj  of  the  town  subsequent  to  tlie  time  when  it  ceased  to  be 
treated  of  in  connection  with  the  civil  annals. 


HISTORY  OF   THE   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH. 

At  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Pumroy  his  church  comprised 
only  eight  members  in  full  communion,  but  it  was  eminently 
increased  and  prospered  under  the  ministry  of  that  gentleman. 
After  his  union  with  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  Mr. 
Pumroy  exerted  himself  in  connection  with  other  clerical 
brethren  for  the  dissemination  of  Presbyterianism  on  Long 
Island,  and  when  the  growth  of  that  denomination  in  this 
country  required  the  formation  of  additional  presbyteries,  he 
united,  in  1717,  with  Messrs.  Macnish  of  Jamaica,  and  Phillips 
of  Setauket,  in  organizing  Long  Island  Presbytery ;  the  first 
association  of  the  kind  in  this  province,  and  to  which  all  the 
Presbyterian  churches  of  Westchester  and  New-York  city,  as 
well  as  Long  Island,  were  for  many  years  subject. 

As  yet,  however,  the  church  at  Newtown  was  destitute  of 
that  distinctive  feature  of  Presbyterianism,  the  office  of  ruling 
elder  ;  and  the  sole  charge  of  its  spiritual  concerns  rested  upon 
the  pastor.  This  continued  till  1724,  when,  at  the  suggestion 
of  Mr  Pumroy,  three  ruling  elders  were  chosen,  and  of  which 
he  gives  us  the  following  account.  "  Whereas,  some  time  ago 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Pumroy,  pastor  of  the  church  of  Christ, 
in  Newtown,  did  complain  to  the  church,  of  his  wanting  some 
assistance  in  the  business  of  governing  thereof;  there  was  by 
him  nominated  to  the  church  and  congregation  Content  Titus, 
James  Renne,  and  Samuel  Coe,  to  serve  in  the  affairs  relating 
to  the  church,  as  ruling  elders ;  and  desired  if  there  were 
any  person  or  persons  that  had  anj^thing  to  object  against  any 
of  them,  their  taking  upon  them  that  office,  and  their  subjec- 
tion to  them  as  officers  of  authority  in  the  business  of  govern- 
ment, that  they  would  signify  it  to  the  said  Mr.  Pumroy,  in 
some  convenient  time.  This  was  repeated  afterwards.  After 
a  considerable  time,  (nothing  being  objected,)  Mr.  Pumroy, 
upon  the  Lord's  day,  after  the  evening  sermon,  did  rehearse 
the  above  declaration,  and  not  one  person  opposing  the  mo- 
tion and  purpose,  did  propose  to  the  men  in  nomination 
whether   they  were   freely  willing   to  undertake   the   office. 


226 


AnrJALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 


They  answered  they  were  willing  to  do  what  service  they 
were  able  to  do  for  Christ  in  his  church.  Upon  which,  after 
prayer,  they  were  solemnly  appointed  to  the  office  of  ruling 
elders,  and  did  engage  and  promise  to  take  care  of  this  branch 
of  the  Lord's  vine,  as  far  as  God  should  enable  them.  The 
members  of  the  church  were  also  required  and  exhorted  to 
acknowledge  them  as  men  in  authority,  and  to  subject  to  them 
in  their  government  in  the  Lord.  This  was  done  upon  the 
28th  June,  1724.'" 

The  session  met  for  the  first  time  on  July  15th,  and  their 
earliest  care  was  to  admonish  the  wayward  and  encourage  the 
faithful.  On  their  recommendation  the  22d  of  the  same  month 
was  observed  by  the  congregation  as  a  day  of  public  thanks- 
giving, "  having  been  blest  with  a  good  and  great  harvest 
and  a  plentiful  rain  immediately  after."    Thence  it  continued 


'  The  following  is  a  list  of  the  eld 


Content  Titus. 
Samuel  Coe. 
James  Renne. 
Silas  Titus. 
Cornelius  Berrien. 
Philip  Edsall. 
Samuel  Fish. 
John  Alburtis. 
Benjamin  Coe. 
Jacob  Palmer. 
Richard  Bragaw. 
Jesse  Leverich. 
Edward  Howard. 
William  Leverich. 
Charles  Palmer. 
Adrian  Van  Sinderen. 
William  Howard. 
Simeon  Benjamin. 
Benjamin  Howard. 
Jacob  Palmer  Leverich 
Andrew  B.  Ryerson. 
Samuel  Leverich. 
Abel  Sam  mis. 
Thomas  Divine. 
William  Raiman. 
John  L.  Riker. 
Julius  C.  Wrio-ht. 


Chosen  1724. 


Serving,  1740. 
"       1742. 

"       1756. 

"       1767. 
<i  » 

Chosen  1791. 

"       1794. 
Serving  1812. 

Chosen  1820. 


1824. 
1830. 
1833. 

1835. 
1838. 

1843. 
1849. 


ers  of  this  church  : — 

Died  Jan.  17,  1730,  aged  86. 
Rem'd  to  Rockland  co.  N.  Y.  1734. 

Died  Aug.  5,  1759.    aged  — 

"     Nov.  2,  1748.       "  — 

"     Jan.   14,   1758,      "  50. 

"     Feb.  21,  1791,      "  78. 

"     July  9,  1767,        "  78. 

"     Oct.  6,  1780,         "  46. 

"     Mar.  9,  1821,        "  79. 

"     Aug.  5,  1819,        «  79. 

"     Mar.  27,  1818,      "  70. 

«     Oct.  3,  1829,         "  73. 

"     M:iy  14,  1815,      "  48. 

"     May  20,  1831,      "  71. 

"     Aug.  30,  1822,      "  32. 

"     Aug.  27,  1843,     "  71. 
Now  serving. 

Removed  to  Elmira,  N.  Y.  1829. 

Died  Sept.  14,  1833,  aged  61. 
Now  serving. 

Removed  to  Southport,  N.  Y.  1837. 
Died  Aug.  26,  1843,  aged  56. 
Now  serving. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  227 

to  be  the  custom  of  the  church  once  a  year,  near  the  holydays, 
and  sometimes  oftener,  to  keep  a  thanksgiving  day,  with  reli- 
gious services,  and  a  suitable  discourse  by  the  pastor.  The 
state  of  the  church  was  much  improved,  as  its  affairs  pro- 
ceeded more  orderly.  Better  to  secure  the  regular  and  decent 
observance  of  Christian  ordinances,  and  that  a  record  thereof 
might  be  kept,  it  was  ordered,  in  session,  Aug.  30th,  1725, 
"that  James  Kenne'  take  care  to  have  a  book  bought  for  the 
church  records,  also  that  he  buy  a  small  bason,  two  platters, 
and  a  napkin,  for  the  use  of  the  church ;  and  that  with  the 
money  of  the  church  that  is  in  his  hands."  The  book  was 
procured,  is  yet  extant,  and  contains  valuable  records. 

Mr,  Pumroy  sustained  the  character  of  a  systematic,  learned 
and  eminently  pious  man.  He  is  said  to  have  prepared  a 
number  of  youth  for  admission  into  college,  and  he  labored 
with  "approbation  and  great  satisfaction"  to  his  people.  Dur- 
ing his  ministry  the  Lord's  Supper  was  celebrated  once  in 
about  four  months,  accom.panied  by  a  sermon,  and  preceded 
by  preaching  on  Friday  evening.  Days  set  apart  for  fasting 
and  prayer,  (Wednesday  being  usually  selected,)  were  also 
observed  from  time  to  time,  which  occasions  Mr.  Pumroy 
endeavored  to  improve  to  the   spiritual   good  of  his  flock. 

Mr.  Pumroy's  pecuniary  support  was  the  contributions  of 
his  people,  and  the  profits  of  the  parsonage  property,  which 
at  this  time  consisted  of  the  dwelling-house,  bought  of  Mr. 
Coe  in  1695,  and  an  adjoining  farm,  fifty  acres  "  laid  out  for 
the  parsonage"  in  1678,  but  increased  to  seventy-four  acres  in 
1700.  During  Mr.  Pumroy's  settlement,  these  premises,  by 
authority  of  the  town,  were  secured  to  the  Presbyterian 
church,  by  two  several  deeds,  one  from  Mr.  Coe,  the  other 
from  the  purchasers.     Here  Mr.  Pumroy  resided  during  his 

-  James  Renne,  whose  descendants  are  yet  to  be  found  among  us,  was  of 
French  birth  or  extraction,  and  by  trade  a  tailor.  He  was  one  of  the  first 
trustees  of  this  church,  as  well  as  an  elder,  and  in  both  capacities  he  served 
long  and  faithfully.  For  seventeen  years  he  was  a  trustee  of  the  town.  Mr. 
Renne  died  Aug.  5th,  1759.  He  was  twice  married,  and  by  his  first  wife, 
Sarah,  daughter  of  Jonathan  Hazard,  had  issue  James,  John,  Peter,  Margaret, 
who  married  John  Burroughs ;  Elizabeth,  who  married  Joseph  Burroughs ; 
Mary,  who  married  Eliakim  Anderson  ;  and  Hannah,  who  married  Alexander 
Sloan.     Peter  Renne  settled  in  Dutchess  county. 


228  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

ministry.  Losing  his  wife  Lydia,  Feb.  8d,  1722,  lie  married, 
three  years  after,  Elizabeth  the  daughter  of  Eev.  Joseph 
"Webb,  of  Fairfield,  Ct.  who  survived  him  twenty-four  years.* 
Mr.  Pumroy,  (says  a  notice  of  his  death,)  "  preached  his  last 
sermon  on  the  20th  day  of  May,  1744,  his  text  was  in  the 
first  of  John,  2d  chapter  and  the  15th  verse.  He  was  taken 
amiss  the  same  evening,  departed  this  life  the  30th  day  of 
June  following,  about  8  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  was  in- 
terred the  first  day  of  July,  at  the  burying-place  in  Newtown, 
and  has  left  his  dear  bosom  friend  and  congregation  to  bewail 
an  unspeakable  loss."  His  tombstone  in  the  old  public  grave- 
yard bears  the  following  inscription : — 

Here  lies  the  body  of  y^  Reu"* 

Mr.  Samuel  I'uinroy  who  dep''. 

This  life  the  30"'  of  lune  1744, 

In  the  67"'  year  of  his  age. 

Kind  earth  keep  safe  my  sleeping  dust, 

Till  Christ  shall  raise  it  with  the  lust; 

My  ministerial  work  is  done 

For  you  dear  people  of  Newtown. 

Years  almost  thirty-six  I  try'd 

To  spouse  you  for  Christ  lesus  bride. 

If  you  do  still  refuse  to  hear, 

Gainst  you  at  last  I  must  appear, 

When  Christ  shall  come  to  raise  the  Dead 

And  call  me  from  this  gloomy  bed. 

The  Eev.  George  Macnish,  an  only  son  of  the  former  pas- 
tor of  Jamaica,  of  that  name,  was  called  the  same  year  to 
supply  the  place  made  vacant  by  the  demise  of  Mr.  Pumroy. 
Mr.  Macnish  occupied  the  parsonage  house.  He  labored  about 
two  years  in  this  congregation,  but  subsequently  settled  in  the 
town  of  Walkill,  Orange  (then  Ulster)  county,  N.  Y.  at  which 
place  his  father  had  owned  an  extensive  tract  of  land. 
There  he  ended  his  days,  in  1779,  aged  about  65  years,  having 
ministered  for  a  time  in  the  church  at  Goshen.     His  wife  was 

^  Mr.  Pumroy's  children  were  Catharine,  born  May  4th,  1708,  who  married 
Jacob  Riker,  Abigail,  born  July  8th,  1710,  who  married  Jonathan  Hazard; 
Noah,  born  Nov.  20tli,  1712,  who  died  in  infancy;  Lemuel,  born  May  23d, 
1716,  wiio  died  in  the  Island  of  Curacoa,  Oct.  lltli,  1737;  and  Elizabeth,  born 
Nov.  leth,  1717,  who  married  Philip  Edsall,  Esq. 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  229 

Mary  Fitcli,  whom  lie  married  in  1738,  aud  their  descendants 
are  yet  residents  of  Orange  county. 

Mr.  Macnish  was  succeeded  at  Newtown  by  the  Eev.  Si- 
mon Horton,  who  was  installed  pastor  of  this  church  in  1746. 
He  was  the  son  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Horton,  daughter  of  Simon 
Grover,  a  resident  of  Southold,  L.  I.  who  died  in  1706,  and 
from  whom  he  derived  his  name.  He  was  born  (probably  at 
the  above  place)  on  March  30th,  1711,  graduated  at  Yale  Col- 
lege in  1731,  and  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
by  the  Presbytery  of  East  Jersey,  in  1734.  The  union  of  this 
presbytery  and  that  of  Long  Island  in  1738,  under  the  name 
of  the  New- York  Presbytery,  probably  led  Mr,  Horton  to  form 
an  acquaintance  with  the  Newtown  congregation,  and  opened 
a  door  for  his  subsequent  settlement  here,  previous  to  which 
he  was  located  at  Springfield  and  Connecticut  Farms,  N.  J. 
He  was  a  man  of  unquestioned  piety,  and  always  sustained  a 
good  character  and  standing.  But  after  a  ministry  here  of 
more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century,  and  having  spent  the  ardor 
of  his  youth,  a  portion  of  his  charge  began  to  complain  that 
his  preaching  had  become  dull  and  unattractive.  Others,  it  is 
said,  murmured  at  his  close  attention  to  the  employments  of 
the  farm.  Mr.  Horton  was  apprised  of  this  discontent,  and  it 
is  a  fact  very  creditable  to  him,  that  upon  making  this  dis- 
covery, he  prudently  took  his  dismission,  and  removed  from 
the  parsonage  to  a  residence  of  his  own  adjoining.' 

He  was  succeeded  by  the  Eev.  Andrew  Bay,  from  Albany, 
in  1773.  Mr.  Bay  is  represented  as  "a  broad  Scotchman," 
but  it  is  uncertain  whether  he  was  licensed  and  ordained  at 
home  or  in  this  country,  where  he  first  appears  in  1748,  as  a 
member  of  the  New  Side  Presbytery  of  New  Castle.  Thence 
for  nearly  twenty  years  he  was  settled  successively  at  Marsh 

•  Mr.  Horton  lost  his  wife  Abigail  May  5tl),  1752,  and  on  Jan.  7th,  1762, 
he  married  Elizabeth,  daugliter  of  Samuel  Fish,  Esq.  who  also  died  Jan.  13th, 
1767.  Phebe,  his  only  child  who  arrived  to  years  of  maturity,  married  the 
late  Hon.  Benjamin  Coe,  of  Newtown.  Mr.  Horton  was  in  exile  during  the 
Revolution,  living  with  his  son-in-law  at  Warwick,  Orange  county,  with 
whom  he  returned  to  Newtown  in  the  fall  of  1783.  Here  he  closed  his  life 
at  the  residence  of  Judge  Coe,  May  8th,  1786,  aged  75  years.  In  person 
Mr.  Horton  was  of  a  middle  size;  and  of  a  solemn  deportment.  He  enjoyed 
good  health  till  the  close  of  life. 


230  ANKALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

Creek,  Pa,  and  Deer  Creek,  (now  Churcliville,)  Maryland.  In 
1768,  he  was  requested  by  the  synod  to  spend  six  Sabbaths  in 
the  vicinity  of  Albany,  the  Scotch  settlements  in  Montgomery 
and  Washington  counties.  His  services  in  these  parts  proved 
so  acceptable,  that  he  was  retained  at  Albany,  where  he  con- 
tinued five  years,  and  at  their  expiration  entered  upon  his 
labors  at  Newtown,  as  above  stated,  where  he  was  duly  in- 
stalled pastor.  Several  authorities  agree  in  pronouncing  Mr. 
Bay  a  highly  talented  and  eloquent  j^reacher.  But  his  mi- 
nistry at  Newtown  ended  unfortunately.  Falling  into  discredit 
with  his  people,  an  application  was  made  to  the  New- York 
Presbytery  for  his  dismissal.  "  The  congregation  generally 
seemed  disaffected  with  Mr.  Bay,  and  for  various  reasons  urged 
his  removal."  On  June  20th,  1775,  the  presbytery  met  at 
Newtown,  to  examine  the  grounds  of  complaint,  but  Mr.  Bay 
evaded  such  an  inquiry  by  agreeing  to  submit  to  a  decision  of 
the  congregation.  The  next  day  a  ballot  being  taken  it  was 
found  "  that  more  than  two  to  one  voted  for  his  dismission ; 
and  that  some  of  those  who  chose  his  continuance  for  them- 
selves, seemed  of  opinion  that  it  would  not  be  for  the  edifi- 
cation of  the  congregation  that  he  should  be  continued  with 
them."  The  presbytery  thereupon  dissolved  his  pastoral  rela- 
tion the  same  day.  On  reflection,  Mr.  Bay  thought  proper  to 
appeal  from  this  judgment  to  the  synod  ;  but  that  body  sus- 
tained the  action  of  presbytery,  on  which  Mr.  Bay  appeared 
in  synod  May  28th,  1776,  and  "in  a  solemn  manner"  re- 
nounced their  connection. 

While  his  case  was  before  the  presbytery,  "  many  charges 
were  implied  against  Mr.  Bay's  prudential  and  moral  charac- 
ter," though  the  elders  declined  to  prefer  a  formal  complaint. 
There  is  much  reason  to  believe  that  he  indulged  to  excess  in 
the  intoxicating  cup,  thereby  tarnished  his  good  name  and  de- 
stroyed his  usefulness.  He  is  said  to  have  died  soon  after,  at 
the  parsonage,  where  his  family  continued  to  reside  after  the 
church  was  broken  up  and  dispersed  by  the  Revolutionary 
troubles.  How  appropriate  the  divine  injunction,  "Let  him 
that  thinketh  he  standeth  take  heed  lest  he  fall." 

At  the  close  of  the  struggle  for  Independence  the  church 
was  re-gathered.  Only  five  members  appeared  at  their  first 
meetings.     These  were  Benjamin  Coe,  Philip  Edsall  and  his 


ANNALS     OF    NEWTOWN. 


231 


wife,  and  Benjamin  Cornish  and  his  wife.  The  enemy  having 
destroyed  their  meeting-house,  the  Dutch  congregation  kmdly 
gave  them  the  use  of  their  edifice  once  a  fortnight,  the  Dutch 
rarely  having  service  as  often  as  this.  The  church  was  now  in- 
corporated conformably  to  the  terms  of  a  law  passed  April  6th, 
1784,  entitled  "  An  act  to  enable  all  religious  denominations 
in  this  state,  to  appoint  trustees,  who  should  be  a  body  corpo- 
rate, for  the  purpose  of  taking  care  of  the  temporalities  of 
their  respective  congregations,  and  for  other  purposes  therein 
mentioned."  On  May  4th,  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  the 
congregation  met  (two  justices  of  the  peace,  William  Law- 
rence and  Daniel  Lawrence  presiding,)  and  elected  a  board 
of  trustees,  consisting  of  Capt.  Thomas  Lawrence,  WiUiam 
Sackett,  Peter  Alburtis,  William  Leverich,  and  Dr.  John  B. 
Riker,  to  whom  were  intrusted  the  management  of  the  revenue 
and  real  estate  of  the  church. 

The  Rev.  James  Lyon,  from  New  Jersey,  was  engaged  to 
supply  the  Newtown  pulpit  after  the  peace.  Mr.  Lyon,  who 
is  thought  to  have  been  of  Irish  birth,  was  graduated  at  Prince- 
ton College  in  1759  ;  was  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel  by  the 
Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  in  1762,  and  ordained  by  the 
same  body  Dec.  5th,  1764,  to  go  to  Nova  Scotia,  where  he 
labored  in  the  ministry  for  several  years,  and  then  returned. 
His  engagement  at  Newtown  was  not  protracted,  though  he  is 
still  spoken  of  with  kind  regard,  and  left  behind  him  at  least 
one  soul  to  date  her  conversion,  under  God,  to  his  faithfulness. 
He  left  in  the  spring  of  1785,  and  his  after  history  I  have  not 
been  able  to  learn. 

He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Peter  Fish,  who  commenced 
preaching  at  Newtown  in  May,  1785.  He  was  the  son  of  Na- 
thaniel Fish,  of  this  town,  where  he  was  born  Nov.  23d,  1751. 
Says  one,  "  he  was  an  Abijah  from  his  youth ;"  manifesting  an 
early  piety  that  seemed  to  point  to  the  gospel  ministry  as  a 
most  befitting  vocation.  His  first  religious  impressions  were 
received  under  the  preaching  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Whitefield,  when 
he  was  about  thirteen  years  of  age.  He  graduated  at  New 
Jersey  College  in  1774,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the 
Presbytery  of  New- York  in  1779.  On  Oct.  20th,  1785,  he 
was  appointed  by  the  same  presbytery  stated  supply  at  New- 
town.    It  was  owing  probably  to  the  feebleness  of  his  health 


232  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

that  he  was  not  a  settled  pastor  until  after  he  left  this  town. 
The  congregation  here  were  from  the  first  very  solicitous  that 
he  should  assume  the  pastoral  relation,  but  he  declined,  though 
he  continued  to  serve  their  pulpit  till  November,  1788,  and 
with  his  family  occupied  the  parsonage  house.  It  was  during 
his  ministry,  namely,  in  1787,  that  the  present  church  edifice 
was  begun  to  be  erected,  under  the  direction  of  John  Ketcham, 
builder,  but  before  its  completion  the  people  were  left  desti- 
tute of  a  minister  by  the  removal  of  Mr,  Fish  to  Connecticut 
Farms,  N,  Jersey,  where  he  was  ordained  and  installed  March 
25th,  1789. 

During  an  interval  that  ensued,  the  congregation  enjoyed 
the  preaching  of  Elihu  Palmer.  He  was  born  in  1763,  in  or 
near  Norwich,  Conn,  and  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College  in 
1787,  having  sustained  a  good  reputation  for  integrity  and 
literary  proficiency.  He  studied  divinity  a  short  time  with 
the  Rev,  Dr.  John  Foster,  of  Massachusetts,  and  soon  after 
made  an  engagement  to  preach  at  Newtown.  He  displayed 
good  qualifications  for  the  sacred  office;  a  strong,  musical 
voice,  eloquent  and  solemn  in  his  address,  and  evincing  much 
ardor  and  sincerity.  But  it  was  soon  discovered  that  his  views 
were  far  from  orthodox.  While  staying  a  short  time  at  the 
house  of  Dr.  Riker,  during  the  operation  of  an  inoculation, 
he  was  engaged  one  evening  in  study,  when  he  repeated  the 
lines  of  Dr.  Watts  which  begin  with 

"  Lord  I  am  vile,  conceived  in  sin, 
"  And  bora  unholy  and  unclean  ;" 

setting  forth  the  doctrine  of  original  sin.  Then  turning  to 
Mrs.  R.  he  declared  that  he  did  not  believe  a  word  of  it,  no, 
not  one  word,  he  repeated  with  emphasis.  Surprised  at  this 
announcement,  she  advised  him  not  to  give  utterance  to  such 
sentiments  in  public,  for  the  people  would  not  hear  him.  His 
preaching,  however,  soon  gave  dissatisfaction,  and  after  a  stay 
of  six  months  he  not  only  left  the  congregation,  but  renounced 
the  Presbyterian  ministry,  and  associated  himself  with  the 
Universalists,  and  next  became  an  avowed  Deist.  The  asser- 
tion formerly  made  that  Palmer  was  converted  to  Deism  while 
in  Newtown,  by  Dr.  Led3^ard,  is  said  to  be  incorrect. 

After  an  attempt  to  preach  against  the  divinity  of  our  Sa- 
vior, in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  from  which  he  was  forcibly 


AKNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  283 

restrained  by  the  good  people  of  that  place,  Palmer  relinquished 
his  profession  as  preacher  for  that  of  the  law,  and  after  due 
preparation  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Philadelphia,  But  ere 
long  Providence  visited  him  in  judgment.  In  1793,  the  yel- 
low fever  swept  over  that  city,  causing  the  death  of  his  wife 
and  the  total  loss  of  his  sight.  Now  being  obliged  to  quit  the 
practice  of  law,  he  resumed  his  oflice  as  a  preacher  of  Deism, 
and  travelled  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States,  dissemi- 
nating his  views  with  great  zeal  and  boldness,  and  acquiring 
the  unenviable  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  most  notorious 
advocates  of  Deism  that  has  ever  appeared  in  this  country. 
His  career  was  terminated  by  death  in  his  42d  year,  April, 
1806,  at  Philadelphia.  It  has  been  asserted  that  Palmer  bore 
a  good  moral  character,  but  however  true  this  may  have  been, 
his  case  affords  a  melancholy  instance  of  perverted  talents  and 
shameful  apostacy. 

The  Newtown  church  were  more  fortunate  in  the  choice  of 
their  next  minister,  the  Kev.  Nathan  WoodhuU,  who  was  called 
on  the  recommendation  of  Mr.  Fish.  He  was  the  son  of  Capt. 
Nathan  Woodhull,  of  Setauket,  where  he  was  born,  April  28th, 
1756,  his  mother,  Joanna,  being  a  sister  of  the  Eev.  William 
Mills,  minister  at  Jamaica.  Mr.  Woodhull  graduated  at  Yale 
College  in  1775,  and  entered  upon  agriculture  at  Southold, 
but  giving  his  mind  to  theology,  he  was  ordained  and  settled 
at  Huntington,  Dec.  22d,  1785.  From  here  he  took  his  dis- 
mission in  1789,  and  in  February,  1790,  received  an  invitation 
to  preach  for  one  year  in  Newtown,  which  he  accepted.  He 
was,  however,  regularly  installed  as  pastor  of  that  church  on 
Dec.  1st  of  that  year.  The  new  edifice  for  public  worship  was 
finished  the  year  after,  and  dedicated  on  Dec.  21st,  1791,  by  a 
day  of  public  thanksgiving  and  religious  exercises.  The  Rev. 
Dr.  Rogers,  of  New- York,  who  ever  manifested  a  special  inte- 
rest in  this  church,  preached  on  the  occasion  from  the  first 
verse  of  the  97th  Psalm, 

Here  Mr.  "Woodhull  labored  for  twenty  years.  He  was 
much  admired  on  account  of  his  fine  personal  appearance,  his 
gentlemanly  and  winning  manners,  his  vivacity  in  conversa- 
tion, and  his  talent  for  popular  pulpit  address.  He  also  pos- 
sessed great  purity  of  character,  was  faithful  in  pastoral  duty, 
"  given  to  hospitality,"  and  enjoyed,  in  a  high  degree,  the  con- 


234  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

fidence  and  affections  of  his  parishioners.  Being  of  a  suscep- 
tible nervous  temperament,  there  were  occasions,  during  the 
later  years  of  his  life,  when  this  physical  infirmity  partially 
unfitted  him  for  official  duty.  He  died,  universally  regretted, 
March  13th,  1810.  By  his  wife  Hannah,  daughter  of  Stephen 
Jagger,  of  Westharapton,  who  survived  him  nine  years,  he  had 
seven  children,  now  all  deceased,  one  of  whom,  Ellen,  married 
the  Kev.  John  Goldsmith.  His  only  son,  Ezra  C.  Woodhuil, 
was  born  at  Newtown,  May  11th,  1790 ;  married  a  daughter 
of  Joseph  Howland,  Esq.  of  New-York,  and  died  in  Brooklyn, 
March,  17th,  1831,  leaving  issue. 

The  Rev.  Peter  Fish,  who  had  formerly  preached  here,  suc- 
ceeded Mr.  Woodhuil  as  a  supply.  Mr.  Fish  having  preached 
ten  years  at  Connecticut  Farms,  removed  to  the  Holland  Pa- 
tent, state  of  New- York,  where  he  labored  for  a  season,  but 
being  in  poor  health,  he  purchased  a  place  in  Newtown  and 
removed  hither  in  the  spring  of  1807,  with  the  intention  of 
seeking  repose  from  the  arduous  duties  of  the  ministry.  But 
on  the  death  of  Mr.  Woodhuil  it  was  agreed.  May  1st,  1810, 
to  engage  him  to  preach  for  the  congregation  till  presbytery 
met,  or  longer  if  necessary.  Mr.  Fish  accepted  the  invitation, 
but  the  labors  of  this  good  man  were  suddenly  terminated  by 
his  death,  on  Nov.  12th,  1810,  in  his  59th  year.  He  possessed 
through  life  a  delicacy  of  constitution  that  greatly  restricted 
his  usefulness.     In  person  he  was  tall  and  spare. 

The  Rev.  William  Boardman  was  the  next  pastor  of  this 
church.  He  was  born  at  Williamstown,  Mass.  Oct.  12th,  1781, 
and  was  educated  at  the  college  in  that  place.  He  was  or- 
dained and  installed  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  church  at  Du- 
anesburgh,  N.  Y.  in  1803,  from  whence  he  removed  to  this 
cliurch,  in  which  he  was  installed  Oct.  22d,  1811.  Immedi- 
ately after  his  settlement  the  church  was  blessed  with  a  revival 
of  religion,  in  which  a  large  number  of  persons  became  hope- 
fully converted.  He  was  a  man  of  ardent  and  active  piety,  and 
died  deeply  lamented  by  his  people,  March  4th,  1818.  His 
wife,  whom  he  married  in  1804,  was  Rachel,  daughter  of 
Abraham  Bloodgood,  Esq.  of  Albany.  It  was  during  his  mi- 
nistry that  the  parsonage  farm  which  Mr.  Woodhuil  and  his 
predecessors  had  occupied  for  more  than  a  century,  was  sold, 
having  been  found  a  serious  burden  to  their  pastors,  consum- 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  2o5 

ing  mucli  of  the  time  and  labor  required  by  the  duties  of  their 
sacred  calling.  The  trustees  were  empowed  to  dispose  of  this 
property  by  a  special  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  March  8th, 
1811.  It  is  now  owned  by  Robert  Thompson.  The  church 
then  purchased,  May  3d,  1817,  the  "  Union  Hotel,"  commonly 
called  the  "  corner  house,"  with  eleven  acres  of  land  attached, 
which  became,  for  a  certain  time,  the  parsonage  house,  and 
here  Mr.  Boardman  resided. 

After  the  trial  of  several  candidates,  the  congregation  unit- 
ed in  a  call  to  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  (now  Dr.)  John 
Goldsmith,  who  was  born  April  10th,  1794,  being  the  son  of 
the  Rev.  Benjamin  .Goldsmith,  of  Riverhead.  He  graduated 
at  Princeton,  in  1815,  and  was  installed  over  this  congregation 
Nov.  17,  1819,  having  now  officiated  in  this  charge  thirty-two 
years,  with  much  acceptance  and  numerous  marks  of  divine 
favor  upon  his  labors. 

After  Mr.  Goldsmith's  settlement  the  "corner  house"  waa 
disposed  of,  the  church  retaining  a  portion  of  the  land,  on 
which  the  present  parsonage  house  was  erected,  in  or  about 
the  year  1821.'  It  is  a  fact  really  remarkable,  that  eight  minis- 
ters of  this  church  have  here  terminated  their  labors  and  their 
lives,  and  the  monuments  of  five  of  them,  namely,  Pumroy, 
Horton,  Woodhull,  Fish,  and  Boardman,  are  yet  remaining  in 
the  burial  grounds  of  the  town. 

Within  a  few  years  a  Presbyterian  church  has  been  orga- 
nized at  Astoria,  and  a  church  edifice  erected,  the  corner  stone 
of  which  was  laid  on  Nov.  30th,  1816,  with  an  appropriate  ad- 
dress by  the  the  pastor  elect,  the  Rev.  Frederick  Gorham  Clark, 
who  was  afterwards  installed,  and  still  retains  the  charge. 

THE   REFOPvMED   DUTCH   CHURCH. 

No  church  of  this  denomination  was  organized  in  Newtown 
till  nearly  four  score  years  after  its  settlement ;  a  circumstance 
explained  by  the  fact  that  the  Dutch  inhabitants  were  lew,  and 

'  It  was  in  an  orchard  which  covered  the  ground  now  occupied  by  this  par- 
sonage, that  that  eminent  .ind  godly  divine,  the  Rev.  George  Whiteficld, 
preached,  on  his  visit  to  Newtown  in  the  summer  of  1764.  He  is  s;iid  to 
have  had  a  very  numerous  auditory  on  that  occasion,  who  were  powerfully 
affected  by  his  discourse. 


236  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

nearly  all  located  on  the  northern  and  western  borders  of  the 
town,  whence  they  found  easy  access  by  water  to  the  churches 
at  New-York,  Bushwick,  or  Ilarlem,  In  the  year  1686  the  fami- 
lies of  Arnout  Webber,  Ilendrick  Wiltsee,  Abraham  Rj^cken, 
Ilarck  Krankheyt.  and  Tennis  Cornelissen,  all  residing  at  or 
near  the  Poor  Bowery,  attended  the  ministrations  of  Dominie 
Selyns  in  New-York.  Such  families  as  lived  more  inland, 
though  not  possessing  equal  facilities  for  attending  divine  ser- 
vice, were  no  neglecters  of  the  sanctuary,  for  our  Dutch  fathers 
valued  the  institutions  of  religion  not  less  than  their  puritan 
townsmen.  And  the  writer  has  been  assured  that  it  was  no 
rare  occurrence  for  those  devout  Dutchmen,  and  the  practice 
of  his  own  ancestor  with  the  rest,  to  set  out  on  Sabbath 
morning,  each  with  his  good  vroiv,  and  perhaps  an  infant  child, 
and  proceed  afoot  to  the  distant  village  of  Flatbush  to  join  in 
religious  service,  and  even  then  esteeming  it  a  precious  privi- 
lege. When  a  congregation  was  formed  at  Jamaica  many  of 
the  Dutch  residents  within  the  Newtown  limits  were  connected 
with  it  and  contributed  toward  the  erection  of  the  church 
there  in  1715.  Thence  they  enjoyed  the  preaching  of  the  col- 
legiate pastors  of  King's  county,  who  supplied  this  church  for 
many  years. 

But  in  the  increase  of  population  it  became  desirable  to 
form  a  church  at  Newtown.  The  precise  date  when  this  was 
done  is  not  ascertained,  though  "it  is  probable  the  organiza- 
tion did  not  take  place  until  shortly  before  measures  were 
adopted  for  the  erection  of  a  building."  The  year  1731  wit- 
nessed the  first  efforts  to  effect  the  latter  object,  as  appears 
from  the  following  record  of  a  meeting  called  for  that  purpose. 
"  In  the  year  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  1731,  on  the  2d  of  De- 
cember, the  members  of  the  Reformed  Low  Dutch  congrega- 
tion of  Newtown,  in  Queen's  county,  on  Nassau  Island,  and 
some  others,  have  convened  in  the  house  of  Samuel  Fish,  Jun. 
and  have  resolved  in  peace  and  love  to  build  a  church  or  house 
of  God,  50  feet  in  length  and  40  feet  in  breadth,  in  said  town, 
on  the  ensuing  year,  (provided  the  necessary  funds  be  raised,) 
and  that  the  said  church  shall  be  built  on  the  land  of  Peter 
Berrien,  near  the  town-house,  he  having  promised  to  convey  a 
plot  of  ground  to  the  congregation,  of  70  feet  in  length  and  60 
in  breadth,  for  their  use.     Therefore,  to  carry  the  above  into 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  237 

effect,  certain  persons  have  been  appointed  by  the  said  meet- 
ing to  go  round  and  obtain  from  individuals  iu  said  congre- 
gation subscriptions  for  the  above  mentioned  purpose,  request- 
ing earnestly  the  members  of  said  congregation  and  others 
who  may  be  pleased  to  further  this  object,  to  be  liberal  and 
generous  in  their  subscriptions  and  promises ;  to  the  end  said 
work  may  be  speedil}''  commenced  and  finished." 

Encouraging  advance  having  been  made  in  obtaining  sub- 
scriptions, (amounting  in  the  end  to  £277  125.)  the  congrega- 
tion, on  May  27th,  1732,  appointed  "  their  brothers  and  faith- 
ful friends"  Abraham  Kemsen,  Isaac  Bragaw,  Joris  Eapelje, 
Abraham  Lent,  Nicholas  Berrien,  and  Abraham  Brinckerhoff, 
a  committee  to  superintend  the  building  of  the  church,  who 
forthwith  entered  upon  arrangements  for  the  work.  On  the 
8d  of  April,  1733,  Peter  Berrien  made  good  his  offer,  and  con- 
veyed by  deed,'  to  Elbert  Luyster  and  Abraham  Eiker,  Jun. 
trustees  on  behalf  of  the  congregation,  the  before  named  plot 
of  ground,  as  a  site  for  the  edifice.  The  undertaking  progress- 
ed as  fast  as  a  work  of  that  kind  was  wont  to  do  in  those  days, 
when  much  depended  on  the  voluntary  labor  of  the  members 
of  the  congregation  in  preparing  and  transporting  materials ; 
and  on  the  30th  of  August,  1735,  the  building  committee  re- 
ported that  they  had  brought  the  edifice  to  a  state  of  comple- 
tion, and  readiness  for  divine  service.  The  singular  architecture 
of  this  church,  which  was  taken  down  only  a  few  years  since, 
is  yet  familiar  to  many.  It  was  built  of  wood,  and  in  shape 
an  octagon,  the  favorite  style  for  a  church  among  the  Dutch 
at  that  day,  and  a  form  confessedly  suited  for  easy  speaking. 
The  roof  ascended  from  all  sides  to  a  point  in  the  centre,  which 
was  surmounted  by  a  cupola.  Inside,  at  the  back  end  of  the 
building,  stood  the  high  narrow  pulpit,  with  its  sounding  board 
projecting  above  it,  while  rows  of  seats  or  chairs  extended 
across  the  main  body  of  the  church,  for  the  convenience  and 
comfort  of  the  worshipers. 

The  building  committee  also  submitted  the  following  curi- 
ous but  sensible  rules  for  the  disposal  and  occupancy  of  the 
seats.  "  The  inhabitants  of  Newtown  shall  have  the  first  choice 
of  the  seats,  the  highest  subscribers  and  payers  towards  the  said 

1  Recorded  in  "  Newtown  Great  Book  of  Records,"  pp.  297,  298. 

16 


238  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

buildino-  having  the  preference  and  first  choice  in  said  seats, 
and  in  the  same  manner  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest  sub- 
scriber and  payer  in  regular  order,  until  every  one  is  pro- 
vided with  two  seats;  and  in  cases  where  equal  sums  have 
been  paid",  lots  shall  be  drawn  for  the  first  chjoice,  unless 
friendly  arrangements  be  made  between  themselves,"  "  "When 
there  shall  be  preaching  in  the  church,  those  who  own  seats 
shall  move  and  give  room  for  one  another,  the  first  seated 
moving  and  giving  room  for  those  Avho  come  in  after  them, 
(both  males  and  females,)  in  order  to  preserve  love,  politeness 
and  friendship  in  our  said  church.".  Accordingly  the  allot- 
ment of  seats  was  made  in  March,  1736.  On  the  26th  of 
June  following,  the  first  "kerck-meesters,"  or  church  wardens, 
were  chosen,  consisting  of  Thomas  Skillman,  Peter  Berrien, 
and  Petrus  Schenk. 

Owing  either  to  the  difficulty  of  procuring  a  minister  of 
the  gospel,  or  an  inability  to  sustain  one,  this  church,  during 
several  years,  was  destitute  of  a  pastor,  and  dependent  for  oc- 
casional preaching  and  administration  of  the  sacraments  upon 
the  Dutch  ministers  of  King's  county  and  the  city  of  New- 
York.  But,  at  a  meeting  held  at  Flatbush,  July  23d,  1739, 
the  congregation  united  with  three  other  churches  of  Queen's 
county,  those  of  Jamaica,  Success,  and  Oyster  Bay,  in  engaging 
the  ministerial  services  of  Dominie  Van  Basten,  for  one  year, 
at  the  salary  of  £75.  From  this  period  these  churches  con- 
tinued to  form  one  collegiate  charge  till  the  year  1802. 

Nothing  is  known  of  the  transient  services  of  Mr.  Yan 
Basten.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Johannes  Henricus 
Goetschius,  of  Pennsylvania,  to  whom  a  call  was  given  in  Oc- 
tober, 1740.  Early  in  the  following  year  Mr.  Goetschius  was 
settled  over  these  churches,  and  on  Sept.  1st  succeeding,  agents 
appointed  by  the  four  congregations  (Abraham  Lent  and  John 
Wyckoff,  from  Newtown)  united  in  buying  a  parsonage  house 
at  Jamaica,  being  the  premises  opposite  the  residence  of  Dr. 
Schoonmaker,  and  still  known  as  the  old  parsonage.  On  No- 
vember 1st,  of  the  same  year,  Mr.  Goetschius  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  the  members  of  the  Newtown  church  and 
other  christian  brethren  from  the  adjacent  towns,  for  the  first 
time.  Ninety  communicants  were  present,  and  their  names  are 
yet  treasured  up  in  the  archives  of  the  church. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  239 

Mr.  Goetscliius  was  a  native  of  Zurich,  in  Switzerland,  and 
wlien  quite  young  emigrated  to  this  country  with  his  fatiier, 
Henricus  Goetschius,  who  was  also  a  clergyman.  His  know- 
ledge of  the  learned  languages  was  acquired  at  the  University 
of  his  native  place,  but  his  education  was  finished  after  his 
arrival  here,  under  the  tuition  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dorsius,  and 
he  was  licensed  and  ordained  to  the  gospel  ministry  by  the 
the  German  Reformed  Church  in  Pennsylvania.  After  his 
ordination  he  preached  for  a  time  with  much  acceptance  in  the 
Reformed  Dutch  churches  of  North  and  Southampton,  in  that 
state,  whence  he  was  called  to  of&ciate  in  Queen's  county. 

Soon  after  his  settlement  here  a  revival  of  religion  com- 
menced, but  it  excited  violent  opposition  from  some  who 
denominated  Mr.  Goetschius  an  enthusiast.  Special  offence 
was  taken  at  a  discourse  which  he  delivered  from  the  words 
of  Paul  in  Acts  17th  chapter  and  23d  verse.  *'  Shall  this 
young  stripling,"  asked  some  of  the  seniors  in  the  church, 
"  come  and  tell  us  that  we  have  so  long  served  an  unknown 
God  ?"  His  opponents  also  disputed  the  validity  of  his  ordi- 
nation, because  it  had  been  performed  neither  in  nor  by  au- 
thority from  Holland,  for  at  that  time  there  was  existing  in 
the  Dutch  Church  an  unhappj^  controversy  upon  this  subject, 
which  gave  birth  to  what  were  called  the  coetus  and  confer- 
entie  parties.  The  latter  upheld  the  authority  long  claimed 
and  exercised  by  the  classis  of  Amsterdam  over  the  American 
churches,  in  the  ordination  and  settlement  of  their  pastors, 
while  the  coetus  maintained  that  in  consequence  of  the  incon- 
venience of  sending  to  Holland  for  ministers,  and  the  increase 
of  the  churches  in  this  country,  this  power  should  be  exercised 
by  the  ministers  here.  To  the  coetus  party  was  imputed  the 
better  piety,  and  to  that  Mr.  Goetschius  belonged.  The  oppo- 
sition to  him  became  violent,  the  church  door  was  shut  upon 
him  in  Jamaica,  and  he  preached  for  some  time  in  barns,  pri- 
vate houses  and  under  shad^^  trees.  It  is  said  that  to  quiet  the 
minds  of  the  people  he  consented  to  be  ordained  a  second 
time.  But  he  finally  removed,  and  in  1748  took  charge  of  the 
churches  of  Hackensack  and  Schraalenburgh  in  New  Jersey. 
Here  his  labors  were  blessed  with  a  special  out-pouring  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  the  gracious  effects  of  which  are  visible  in  those 
churches  to  this  day;  and  here  he  died  in  1774,  in  the  57th 


240  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

year  of  liis  age.  He  was  thrice  married,  and  liad  sixteen  chil- 
dren, one  of.  whom,  named  Salome,  became  the  wife  of  the  Eev. 
Henrj  Schoonmaker,  and  was  the  mother  of  the  present  vener- 
able Eev.  Dr.  Schoonmaker.  In  person,  Mr.  Goetschius  was  a 
little  below  the  middle  size,  and  of  a  vigorous  constitution.  He 
was  somewhat  inclined  to  be  abrupt  in  speaking,  but  his  lan- 
guage was  clear  and  expressive ;  and  though  a  Boanerges  when 
denouncing  the  curses  of  the  law,  his  addresses  to  the  saints 
were  tender  and  full  of  consolation. 

Doubts  had  arisen  in  the  minds  of  some  of  the  members  of 
the  church  at  Newtown,  as  to  the  validity  of  the  baptisms  per- 
formed by  Do.  Goetschius,  and  it  appears  that,  after  his  depar- 
ture, the  Rev.  Henricus  Boel,  of  New- York,  visited  NcAvtown 
and  re-baptized  many  of  the  children  that  Do.  Goetschius  had 
baptized,  in  some  instances  seven  years  before.  Do.  Boel  offi- 
ciated in  Newtown  repeatedly  for  several  j^ears,  when  the  Eev. 
Thomas  Eomeyn  was  called  to  the  four  associated  churches. 
He  was  the  son  of  Nicholas  Eomeyn  of  Pompton,  N.  J.  where 
he  was  born  March  9tli,  1729.  He  began  to  study  theology  in 
1747,  and  graduating  three  years  after  at  Princeton  college, 
went  to  Europe  and  was  ordained  by  the  classis  of  Amsterdam 
Sept.  3d,  1753.  Eeturning  to  New-York,  August  29th,  1754, 
he  immediately  accepted  a  call  from  Queen's  county.  Faith- 
fully he  labored  in  this  part  of  his  master's  vineyard  till  Sep- 
tember, 1760,  when  he  removed  to  Minisink,  on  the  Delaware, 
and  thence,  eleven  years  after,  to  Caughnawaga,  N.  Y.  and 
remained  pastor  of  that  church  till  his  death,  Oct.  22d,  1794, 
departing  with  a  firm  reliance  upon  the  promises  of  God,  and 
in  the  truths  of  the  gospel  he  had  for  more  than  forty  years 
proclaimed. 

The  Eev.  Hermanus  Lancelot  Boelen,  from  Holland,  be- 
came minister  of  the  collegiate  churches  of  Queen's  in  the  year 
1766.  He  was  a  man  of  small  stature,  a  widower,  and  accom- 
panied by  his  daughter.  He  was  regarded  as  a  talented  and 
sincere  man,  but  being  a  pure  Dutchman,  his  language  was  not 
easily  understood  by  the  people,  and  it  is  said  that  this  was 
eventually  a  cause  of  his  leaving  here.  His  voice  was  so 
powerful,  that  on  a  still  day  his  preaching  could  be  distinctly 
heard  at  the  house  of  Charles  Eoach,  now  the  premises  of  Al- 
mond D.  Fisk.     During  Mr.  Boelen 's  ministry,  the  unhappy 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 


241 


breach  which  had  long  existed  between  the  coetus  and  confer- 
entie  parties,  to  the  great  distraction  of  the  churches,  was 
finally  healed  by  a  convention  of  ministers  and  elders,  who 
met  at  New  York,  October  15th,  1771,  and  adopted  a  plan 
of  union  and  church  government,  by  which  confidence  and 
peace  were  again  restored.  At  this  convention  Jacob  Ra- 
pelje,  an  elder  of  the  Newtown  church,  was  the  lay  repre- 
sentative of  the  collegiate  churches  of  Queen's.  Do.  Boelen 
did  not  attend  the  convention,  and  probably  disapproved  of 
the  separation  from  the  mother  church.  He  appears  to  have 
given  up  his  charge  in  1772,  and  after  living  a  few  years  in 
Flatlancls,  being  somewhat  advanced  in  life  and  unwilling  to 
leave  his  daughter  in  a  strange  land,  in  case  of  his  demise,  he 
returned  to  Holland,  carrying  with  him  the  esteem  of  many 
friends. 

During  the  vacancy  which  followed  the  departure  of  Do. 
Boelen,  the  Newtown  church  enjoyed  occasional  preaching 
by  Messrs.  Rubel  and  Van  Sinderen,  of  King's  county,  and 
De  Ronde  and  Livingston,  of  New- York.  The  associated 
churches  extended  a  call  to  the  Rev.  Rynier  Van  Nest,  Dec. 
13th,  1773,  which  was  not,  however,  accepted.  In  1775,  the 
year  previous  to  the  commencement  of  the  Revolutionary  war, 
the  services  of  the  Rev.  Solomon  Froeligh  were  secured.  In 
the  origin  of  this  contest  Mr.  Froeligh  openly  avowed  whig 
principles.  He  was,  therefore,  forced  to  flee  his  pulpit  on  the 
entrance  of  the  British  army  in  Sept.  1776,  and  during  the 
period  of  revolution  which  succeeded,  the  church  was  without 
a  settled  pastor,  but  enjoyed  the  services  of  their  former  mi- 
nister. Do.  Boelen,  with  some  degree  of  regularity  from  1777 
to  1780.  Thence,  for  nearly  two  years,  public  worship  seems  to 
have  been  suspended,  at  least  there  are  no  baptisms  recorded 
during  that  time,  and,  no  doubt,  it  was  then  that  the  church 
was  used  as  a  powder  magazine.  After  this  there  were  occa- 
sional services  by  Schoonmaker,  Rubel  and  Van  Sinderen,  till 
peace  took  place.  In  1783,  Do.  Froeligh  visited  his  churches, 
but  declined  to  remain.  He  settled  in  the  churches  of  Hacken- 
sack  and  Schraalenburgh,  as  successor  of  Mr.  Goetschius,  and 
was  appointed  professor  of  divinity  by  the  general  synod  of  the 
Reformed  Dutch  Church,  in  which  capacity  he  trained  many 
young  men  for  the  ministry.     He  was  for  many  years  a  man 


242  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

of  high  standing  and  influence,  and  died  Oct.  8th,  1827,  in  the 
78th  year  of  his  age,  and  the  58d  of  his  ministry. 

The  Eev.  Eynier  7an  Nest  was  the  next  pastor  after  the 
Ee volution.  He  was  born  in  Somerset  county,  N.  J.  in  1738, 
being  the  son  of  Peter  Van  Nest,  a  man  known  throughout 
that  region  for  his  deep  toned  piety.  Blessed  with  the  influ- 
ence of  such  a  parent,  i^ynier  early  became  the  subject  of  di- 
vine grace,  and  gave  himself  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  He 
was  educated  chiefly  under  the  care  of  his  pastor,  the  Eev. 
John  Frelinghuysen,  obtained  licence  to  preach  in  or  about 
17(30,  and  was  first  settled  at  Shawangunk,  Ulster  county, 
where  he  married  Catherine,  widow  of  the  Eev,  Mauritius 
Goetschius.  From  there  he  was  called  to  Queen's  county  in 
1785,  where  he  continued  to  officiate  till  1797,  proving  himself 
"  a  good  man  and  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  He  removed  from 
here  to  the  church  at  Schoharie,  N.  Y.  in  which  place  he  con- 
cluded his  active  public  life.  Finding  his  labors  too  heavy  for 
his  advanced  years,  he  resigned  his  charge  and  retired  to  his 
native  place,  where  he  closed  his  life,  July  9th,  1813,  in  his 
76th  year.  Mr.  Van  Nest  is  worthy  to  be  classed  among  the 
good.  The  principle  of  grace  was  so  exhibited  in  his  actions 
as  to  excite  the  respect  and  confidence  of  all.  He  held  a  repu- 
table position  in  the  Dutch  Church,  often  appearing  in  her 
councils-,  and  for  a  long  time  occupied  the  post  of  trustee  in 
Queen's,  now  Eutger's  College.  His  j^reaching  was  of  an  in- 
structive and  impassioned  cast,  and  though  he  does  not  seem 
to  have  succeeded  so  well  with  the  English  as  with  his  mother 
tongue,  the  lovers  of  Dutch  preaching  always  spoke  of  his  ef- 
forts with  the  kindest  interest. 

In  1794  the  churches  of  Queen's  procured  the  Eev.  Zacha- 
riah  H.  Kuypers  as  a  co-laborer  with  Mr.  Van  Nest,  and  he 
was  ordained  at  Success,  on  July  13th  of  the  above  year.  He 
was  the  son  of  Eev.  Warmoldus  Kuypers,  of  Hackensack, 
N.  J.  and  was  born  at  Ehinebeck,  N.  Y.  Feb.  19th,  1771.  He 
ofiiciated  in  Newtown  till  1802,  and  at  Success  till  1825,  and 
then  removed  to  New  Jersey,  where,  after  some  years  of  labor, 
he  laid  aside  the  duties  of  the  ministrj^  He  died  in  the  city  of 
New-York,  Oct.  4.th,  1850,  in  the  ripeness  of  age  and  fullness 
of  joy,  having  walked  as  a  consistent  and  amiable  minister  of 
Christ. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  243 

•  On  the  20tli  of  April,  1802,  at  the  desire  of  the  four  colle- 
giate churches,  the  classis  of  New-York  dissolved  the  com- 
bination that  had  existed  between  said  churches,  and  on  the 
same  date  approved  a  call  which  the  congregations  of  New- 
town and  Jamaica  had  extended  to  the  Eev.  (now  Dr.)  Jacob 
Schoonmaker,  who  had  served  their  pulpits  since  February  of 
that  year.  Mr.  Schoonmaker  was  ordained  at  Newtown  on 
the  2-ith  of  October  succeeding.  He  had  graduated  at  Colum- 
bia College  three  years  previous.  lie  was  born  May  11th, 
1777,  at  Acquacknonk,  N.  J.  where  his  father,  the  Rev.  Henry 
Schoonmaker,  was  a  pastor  for  more  than  forty  years. 

The  Rev.  Garret  J.  Garretson  was  settled  as  a  co-laborer 
with  Dr.  Schoonmaker  in  the  two  collegiate  churches,  on  Jan. 
6th,  1835.  Mr.  Garretson  was  born  at  Hillsborough,  N.  J. 
June  29th,  1808,  being  son  of  John  Garretson,  Esq.  of  that 
place.  He  graduated  at  Rutger's  College  in  1829,  and  study- 
ing divinity  with  Dr.  Philip  Milledoler,  settled  in  1830  as  first 
pastor  of  the  Dutch  church  at  Stuyvesant,  Columbia  co.  N.  Y. 
from  whence  he  came  to  Newtown.  His  first  wife  was  Miss 
Ellen  Van  Liew  ;  at  Newtown  he  married  his  second,  and  pre- 
sent wife,  Catharine,  daughter  of  Daniel  Rapalje.  •  In  June, 
18-19,  he  resigned  his  charge  here,  and  accepted  a  call  from  the 
Reformed  Dutch  church  at  Lodi,  N,  Y.  whither  he  removed, 
carrying  with  him  the  affections  and  well»wishes  of  his  people. 
His  resignation  was  soon  followed  by  the  withdrawal  of  his 
venerable  associate,  Dr.  Schoonmaker,  from  his  pastoral  charge 
in  Newtown,  owing  to  the  desire  of  this  church  to  be  separate 
from  that  of  Jamaica,  %  measure  evidently  demanded  by  the 
great  increase  of  the  congregation.  And  it  is  gratifying  to 
know  that  this  separation  between  pastor  and  people  was  made 
from  proper  motives  and  with  mutual  good  feeling.  Dr.  Schoon- 
maker delivered  his  farewell  discourse  at  Newtown,  on  Sun- 
day morning,  October  1-lth,  1849,  from  the  text,  "In  all  places 
where  I  record  my  name  I  will  come  unto  thee  and  I  will  bless 
thee."  The  occasion  was  deeply  afiecting,  as  "vvould  naturally 
be  the  severing  of  a  pastoral  tie  of  nearly  a  half-century's  con- 
tinuance. How  great  and  solemn  the  changes  of  such  a  period. 
Dr.  Schoonmaker  has  out-lived  all  the  church  officers  and 
members  who  first  welcomed  him  here.    Not  a  single  one  sur- 


244  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

vives.  Many  of  the  living  wi]!  remember  Avith  gratitude  lii^ 
prudent  counsels  and  his  faithful  labors. 

The  congregation,  after  their  disunion  from  that  of  Jamaica, 
called  their  present  pastor,  the  Eev.  Thomas  C.  Strong,  late  of 
Ulster  county,  IST.  Y.  who  was  duly  installed  Dec.  12th,  1849. 
He  is  a  son  of  the  Eev.  Dr.  Thomas  M.  Strong,  of  Flatbush. 
Preparations  are  now  making  to  enlarge  the  church  edifice. 
Early  in  the  ministry  of  Dr.  Schoonmaker,  the  old  church  was 
repaired,  but  it  was  finally  taken  down  on  the  4th  of  Sept. 
1831,  having  stood  ninety-eight  years,  and  the  corner  stone  of 
the  new  one  laid  on  the  16th  Sept,  by  Mr.  Francis  Duryea,  one 
of  the  elders  of  the  church,  with  an  appropriate  address  by  the 
pastor.  The  new  edifice  was  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God 
on  Sunday,  July  29th,  1832,  a  discourse  being  delivered  by  Dr. 
Schoonmaker,  from  1st  Chronicles,  29th  chapter,  16th  and  17th 
verses.  The  bell  of  this  church  was  cast  at  Amsterdam,  in 
Holland,  in  1792,  as  appears  by  an  inscription  upon  it. 

With  a  view  of  promoting  religion  in  their  midst,  a  few  re- 
residents  at  Hallett's  Cove,  belonging  to  several  denominations 
of  christians,  erected  there  a  house  of  worship,  in  which  they 
were  generously  sustained  by  the  contributions  of  the  friends 
of  religion  round  about.  The  corner  stone  was  laid  Oct.  6th, 
1836,  and  the  building  dedicated  June  11th,  1837.  Messrs. 
Goldsmith  and  Garreteon,  of  Newtown,  supplied  the  pulpit  al- 
ternately on  the  afternoon  of  each  Sabbath  for  a  length  of  time. 
After  two  years  the  few  christians  who  had  been  wont  to  at- 
tend here,  resolved  themselves  into  a  Reformed  Dutch  congre- 
gation, and  making  application  to  the  classis  July  2d,  1839,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  organize  a  church,  which  was  ac- 
complished on  July  11th  succeeding,  and  consisted  of  eight 
members,  three  of  whom  were  from  the  Newtown  congrega- 
tion, and  the  rest  chiefly  from  New- York.  The  Rev.  A.  Ha- 
milton Bishop  was  ordained  its  pastor  Nov.  11th,  1840,  and 
yet  remains  in  the  charge. 

THE  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

At  the  first  efforts  under  the  governors  Fletcher  and  Corn- 
bury  to  introduce  the  Church  of  England  in  this  province,  the 
religious  preferences  of  the  people  were  of  quite  another  cast, 
and  clearly  averse  to  the  forms  and  doctrine  of  the  established 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  245 

churcli.  Hence,  so  little  progress  was  made  for  some  years, 
that,  but  for  the  countenance  and  support  rendered  by  the  go- 
vernment, the  enterprise  must  have  failed ;  at  the  same  time, 
the  harsh  means  used  by  the  provincial  governors  to  force  the 
people  into  conformity,  only  "alarmed  the  dissenters,  and  in- 
creased their  prejudices  against  the  Church." 

The  Eev.  Mr.  Urquhart,  of  the  Jamaica  parish,  whose  mi- 
nistry began  in  1704,  had  the  most  difficult  task  of  any  Episco- 
pal missionary  in  the  province,  for,  though  accounted  a  very 
good  man  and  unusually  industrious  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duties,  yet  "  having  a  Presbyterian  meeting-house  on  the  one 
hand,  and  the  Quakers  on  the  other,"  and  receiving  very  little 
assistance  from  his  parish,  his  work  went  on  very  heavily.  "  He 
gained  not  many  converts,"  says  Col.  Morris,  "  yet  his  conduct 
was  so  good  that  I  don't  think  he  lost  any."  His  chief  support 
was  an  allowance  of  £50  per  annum  from  the  Society  for  Pro- 
pagating the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  under  whose  patronage 
and  direction  were  the  several  Episcopal  rectors  in  this  country 
down  to  the  close  of  the  American  Kevolution. 

The  ministry  of  his  successor,  the  Kev.  Thomas  Poyer,  who 
was  inducted  July  18th,  1710,  was  marred  by  unhappy  conten- 
tions respecting  the  church  and  parsonage  at  Jamaica,  as  well 
as  the  salary  authorized  by  law  to  be  paid  him  by  the  parish ; 
the  continuance  of  which  dispute,  till*  near  the  close  of  his 
ministry,  hindered  the  mission,  though  the  members  of  the 
congregation  wrote  to  the  venerable  society,  expressing  their 
joy  that,  notwithstanding  these  events,  their  congregation  had 
very  considerably  increased,  through  "  the  singular  care,  pains, 
and  industry  of  their  laborious  minister,  Mr.  Poyer."  And  it 
appears  that  during  the  first  five  years  of  his  ministry,  the 
communicants  doubled  in  number,  and  now  amounted  to  above 
sixty  in  the  three  towns  where  he  officiated  alternately.  There 
is  happy  evidence  that  Mr.  Poyer  was  a  diligent,  self-denj-ing 
christian.  He  spent  his  strength  in  this  field,  and  oppressed  by 
the  peculiar  trials  of  his  station  and  the  infirmities  of  old  age, 
death  aftbrded  him  sweet  relief  Jan.  15th,  1732. 

His  successor  was  the  Eev.  Thomas  Colgan,  who  had  ar- 
rived here  from  England  in  1726,  sent  out  by  the  society  to  of- 
ficiate at  Rye.  He  entered  upon  his  mission,  but,  at  the  earnest 
desire  of  the  congregation  of  Trinity  Church,  New-York,  who 


246  ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN. 

were  "  very  much  pleased  with  his  preaching,  and  reading  di- 
vine service,"  the  society  authorized  his  removal  to  that  city, 
where  he  became  catechist  to  the  colored  people,  and  assis- 
tant to  the  Eev.  Mr.  Vesey,  rector  of  that  parish.  In  1732  he 
was  transferred  to  the  mission  at  Jamaica,  through  the  recom- 
mendations of  the  rector  and  vestry  of  Trinity  Church,  receiv- 
ing thereafter  the  same  allowance  from  the  venerable  society 
as  his  predecessors  had  enjoyed.  He  found  the  parish  sadly 
declining,  not  more  than  twenty  or  thirty  persons  attending 
divine  worship,  but  in  the  course  of  a  year  the  attendance  in- 
creased to  two  hundred,  or  more,  Mr.  Colgan  proving  himself 
to  be  "  a  laborious  and  worthy  missionary."  Two  j^ears  after 
his  settlement,  he  himself  writes  to  the  venerable  society  after 
this  wise:  "Now  our  church  is  in  a  flourishing  state,  and  by 
the  blessing  of  God,  many  are  added  to  it ;  now  we  are  at 
peace  with  those  several  sectaries  that  are  round  about  us,  and 
I  hope  that,  by  God's  help,  peace  will  subsist  amongst  us.  To 
sow  the  seeds  thereof  shall  be  my  endeavour  ;  to  be  of  a  lov- 
ing charitable  demeanour  to  all  men,  of  whatever  persuasion  in 
matters  of  religion,  shall  be,  by  God's  help,  my  practice,  that 
so  discharging  my  duty  herein,  I  may  contribute  my  mite  to 
the  good  of  the  Church  of  Christ."  It  is  easy  to  foretell  the 
result  of  labors  prosecuted  in  this  truly  Christian  spirit,  hence 
the  distinguished  success  which  attended  his  ministry.  Prac- 
tical piety  was  materially  promoted,  and  Mr.  Colgan,  in  speak- 
ing of  his  flock  at  Newtown,  remarks,  "  They  are  a  people 
who,  by  their  lives  and  conversation,  adorn  their  religion  and 
profession,  and  I  have  hopes  that  others,  seeing  their  good 
works,  will  be  induced  to  follow  their  example." 

The  members  of  the  congregation  increased  so  much  in 
number  and  means  in  the  three  towns  embraced  within  his 
parish,  as  to  be  able  to  erect  churches  in  the  several  villages 
of  Jamaica,  Newtown  and  Flushing.  The  prudent  bearing 
of  Mr.  Colgan  seems  to  have  done  much  to  reconcile  opposing 
sects  and  dissipate  denominational  prejudices.  And  it  is  gra- 
tifying to  know  that  this  was  so  far  effected,  that  when  the 
Episcopalians  contemplated  the  erection  of  a  church  edifice  in 
Newtown,  and  applied  to  the  town  for  a  piece  of  ground  as  a 
site  for  their  edifice,  the  people  willingly  complied  with  their 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN.  247 

application.  A  deed'  for  a  part  of  tlie  town  lot  was  drawn 
up,  April  19tli,  1733,  to  which  the  signatures  of  ninety  of  the 
freeholders  were  secured.  These  were  obtained  by  Joseph 
Moore,  a  gentleman  of  known  liberality,  who,  at  the  desire  of 
the  church,  spent  three  days  in  riding  about  the  town  for  that 
purpose.  Two  years  elapsed  before  the  building  was  com- 
menced, but  subscriptions  were  obtained  to  the  amount  of 
£221  2s.  4d  Early  in  the  spring  of  1735,'''materials  being  pro- 
cured, the  builders  began  the  work,  and  on  the  8th  of  May 
the  frame  was  raised,  on  which  occasion  a  table  was  spread  out, 
and  good  cheer  marked  the  pleasure  caused  by  the  circum- 
stance. News  of  the  erection  of  the  church  was  transmitted 
to  the  society  in  England  by  Mr.  Colgan  the  same  year.  The 
interior  of  the  building  was  not  immediately  completed,  and 
five  years  passed  before  it  was  furnished  with  pews.  A  meet 
ing  was  held,  March  10th,  1740,  to  consider  this  deficiency, 
the  following  record  of  which  is  taken  from  a  memorandum 
book  of  Joseph  Moore,  above  named,  who  was  on  the  build- 
ing committee.^  "  At  a  meeting  at  the  church  at  Newtown, 
of  the  overseers  of  the  church  and  the  most  part  of  the  church 
people  belonging  to  that  society,  met  about  seating  of  the 
church ;  it  was  agreed  upon  by  all  that  w^ere  there  that  the 
seats  should  be  made  through  the  four  quarters  of  the  house, 
and  then  the  overseers  had  liberty  to  choose  their  seats,  and 
so  they  did,  and  all  the  rest  that  were  entitled  to  a  seat,  and 
numbered  them.  James  Hazard,  Esq.  on  the  right  hand  as 
you  go  in  at  the  door,  number  one,  Joseph  Moore  number  tioo, 
William  Sackett  number  three^  Benjamin  Moore  number /owr, 
Kichard  Alsop  number /ve;  this  is  the  first  quarter.  The  se- 
cond quarter  is  the  north-east  corner  of  the  house ;  Joseph 
Sackett,  Esq.  his  seat  is  number  one,  John  McDonnaugh  and 
Charles  Palmer  and  Thomas  Morrell's  seat  is  number  tioo^  Sam- 
uel Washburn,  and  Samuel  Moore  younger's  seat  is  number 
three^  Samuel  Hallett  Jun's  seat  is  number  four,  Capt.  Samuel 

1  This  deed  is  recorded  in  "  Newtown  Great  Book  of  Records,"  p.  332. 

"  Mr.  Moore's  bill  of  refreshments  at  the  raising  runs  thus :  "  The  charge 
of  raishig  tlie  church  was  to  me  one  gammon  that  weighed  nineteen  pound, 
four  loaves  of  bread  and  five  gallons  of  cider,  and  one  quarter  of  veal  with 
crust,  and  three  fowls,  and  one  bottle  of  mustard,  and  a  pound  and  a  half  of 
butter." 


248  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

Moore's  seat  is  number  five.  The  third  quarter  is  the  north 
nor'west  part  of  the  house ;  William  Moses  Hallett's  seat  is 
number  one,  John  Hallett's  seat  is  number  two,  Thomas  Hal- 
lett's seat  is  number  three,  Jacob  Blackwell's  seat  is  number 
four,  Joseph  Hallett,  Esq.  his  seat  is  number  five.  There's  no 
more  seats  nor  ground  taken  up  in  the  church." 

In  1741,  Mr.  Colgan  reported  to  the  society  that  the  three 
churches  under  his  care  were  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and 
the  members  of  them  leading  a  good  life  and  conversation. 
Years  rolled  on,  and  while  Mr.  Colgan  was  still  able  to  bear 
testimony  to  the  continued  prosperity  of  his  churches,  death 
ended  his  labors  in  December,  1755,  causing  gseat  sorrow,  for 
he  was  "a  gentleman  that  was  much  esteemed  by  all  his  ac- 
quaintance." He  appears  to  have  been  a  truly  good  man,  and 
his  death  was  regarded  as  a  great  loss  to  the  church.  His  clear, 
distinct  and  loud  voice  never  failed  to  reach  the  remotest  hear- 
er in  the  largest  assembly,  and  he  was  withal  a  pleasing  and 
popular  preacher.' 

At  the  death  of  Mr.  Colgan,  the  old  feud  which  had  ex- 
isted in  the  Jamaica  parish  between  the  Episcopalians  and 
dissenters  was  partially  revived.  The  latter  forming  still  a 
majority  in  the  vestry,  made  choice  of  the  Eev.  Simon  Horton, 
of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  presented  his  name  to  Gov. 
Hardy,  for  induction  into  the  parish.  "  But  the  governor, 
in  obedience  to  his  instructions  from  his  Majesty,  would  not 
admit  him  into  that  cure,  because  he  could  not  procure  a  cer- 
tificate under  the  Episcopal  seal  of  the  Bishop  of  London  of 
his  conformity  to  the  Church  of  England ;  and  when  no  per- 
son thus  qualified,  had  been  presented  to  the  governor,  after 
more  than  six  months,  his  excellency  was  pleased  to  collate  to 
the  cure  of  the  church,  the  Eev.  Samuel  Seabury,  Jun."  He 
was  also  in  the  employ  of  the  society,  and  the  first  rector  of 

'  Mr.  Colgan  left  a  widow,  Mary,  (whose  maiden  name  was  Reed,)  and 
children,  Reed  Colgan  who,  in  1764,  was  in  the  West  Indies;  John,  who 
died  unmarried  in  1758;  Fleming,  Thomas;  Mary,  who  married  Christopher 
Smith ;  Jane,  who  married  Wynant  Van  Zandt,  and  Sarah,  who  married 
Thomas  Hammersley.  Thomas  and  Fleming  Colgan  lived  at  Jamaica  till 
after  the  Revolution.  The  Rev.  Colgan  had  two  brothers  in  this  country, 
namely,  John  and  Fleming ;  the  last,  a  sea  captain,  lived  in  New-York,  and 
died  childless  in  1771,  leaving  his  estate  to  his  eldest  brother,  John,  and  the 
childrea  of  his  brother  Thomas.     This  name  still  exists  in  New-York  city. 


ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN 


249 


American  birth,  being  a  native  of  New  London,  and  the  son 
of  Eev.  Samuel  Seabury.  He  was  born  in  1728,  graduated  at 
Yale  College,  took  holy  orders  at  London  in  1753,  and  on  his 
return  to  this  country,  settled  at  New  Brunswick,  but  removed 
hither  in  1757  as  above  stated. 

It  seems  that  Mr.  Seabury's  labors  did  not  meet  with  the 
success  that  he  desired.  In  1759  he  writes,  "  Preaching  once 
in  three  weeks  at  a  place,  I  find  by  experience,  will  do  little 
more  than  keep  up  the  present  languid  sense  of  religion,  and 
was  it  not  for  the  steady  tho'  slow  increase  of  the  congregation 
at  Newtown,  I  should  be  almost  discouraged,"  The  irregular 
observance  of  divine  worship  had  been  a  source  of  regret  to 
the  Episcopalians  at  Newtown,  so  much  so,  that  it  was  now 
resolved  to  obtain  an  act  of  incorporation  by  which  they  might 
be  empowered  to  call  a  clergyman,  separate  from  the  rest  of 
the  parish.  With  this  intent  a  petition  was  presented  to  the 
governor  in  council  on  the  2d  of  September,  1761,  signed  by 
thirty-four  members  of  the  congregation,'  and  setting  forth  that 
the  inhabitants  of  Newtown,  in  communion  of  the  Church  of 
England,  had  long  labored  under  great  inconvenience  from 
the  want  of  a  due  and  regular  administration  of  divine  service 
in  the  said  town,  and  that  it  had  been  found,  by  experience, 
very  discouraging  to  the  cause  of  religion,  that  the  public  wor- 
ship of  Almighty  God  had  so  seldom  been  performed  there, 
one  pastor  having  hitherto  ofiiciated  to  the  different  Ej^iscopal 
congregations  in  the  three  towns  of  Jamaica,  Newtown  and 
Flushing.  That  the  aforementioned  inhabitants  had,  therefore, 
at  a  very  great  expense,  erected  a  decent  church  in  the  said 
town  and  dedicated  the  same  to  the  worship  of  God,  according 


'  James  Hazard, 
Richard  Alsop, 
William  Sackett, 
Samuel  Moore, 
Jacob  Blackwell, 
William  Hazard, 
Jacob  Hallett, 
Richard  Alsop,  4th, 
John  Moore, 
John  Moore,  Jun. 
Samuel  Moore,  Jun. 


Charles  Palmer, 
William  Sackett,  3d, 
Thomas  Sackett, 
Samuel  Renne, 
Samuel  Culver, 
Robert  Morrell, 
William  Weyman, 
William  Hallett,  Jun. 
James  Hallett, 
Thomas  Hallett, 
Sam.uel  Hallett,  Jun. 
Thomas  Morrell,  Jun. 


Joseph  Hallett, 
Samuel  Hallett, 
John  Greenoak, 
Richard  Hallett, 
William  Hallett, 
John  McDonnaugh, 
Robert  Hallett, 
Samuel  Washburn, 
Nathaniel  Moore, 
Samuel  Moore,  3d, 
Nathaniel  Moore, 


250  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

to  the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by 
law  estabHshed,  bj  the  name  of  St.  James'  Church,  and  obtained 
about  a  quarter  of  an  acre  of  land  adjoining  thereto  for  the 
use  of  a  cemetery,  and  were  determined  to  make  a  suitable  pro- 
vision for  the  support  of  a  minister  or  pastor,  to  be  called  and 
appointed  to  the  care  of  the  said  church,  that  religious  duties 
for  the  time  to  come  may  be  duly  and  regularly  celebrated 
therein ;  but  that  they  cannot  carry  on  this  good  design  to  ad- 
vantage except  they  be  incorporated,  and  thus  empowered  to 
receive,  dispose  of  and  improve  the  donations  and  contribu- 
tions that  may  be  given  for  this  purpose  by  pious  and  cha- 
ritable people. 

Under  these  representations,  Lt.  Gov.  Colden  granted  them 
letters  patent,  dated  Sept.  9th,  1761,  constituting  them  a  body 
politic,  with  the  following  privileges,  namely :  joower  to  call 
a  minister  of  the  Church  of  England,  who,  with  two  church- 
wardens and  six  vestrymen,  annually  chosen  on  Tuesday  in 
Easter,  and  entering  immediately  on  their  respective  offices, 
should  superintend  the  affairs  of  the  church,  the  minister  and 
wardens,  or  any  two  of  them,  with  a  majority  of  vestrymen, 
forming  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business  ;  and  to  have, 
moreover,  a  common  seal,  with  power  to  break  or  change  the 
same ;  their  real  estate,  or  property,  not  to  exceed  the  yearly 
rent  of  £500  above  the  present  church  and  cemetery  property ; 
their  said  property  to  be  held  in  free  and  common  socage,  pay- 
ing to  the  government  an  annual  rent  of  one  shilling,  in  lieu 
of  all  other  demands  on  the -premises;*  not,  however,  exempt- 
ing any  from  paying  a  share  towards  the  support  of  the  cler- 
gyman of  the  parish  of  Jamaica,  as  required  by  law.  Further- 
more, James  Hazard  and  Richard  Alsop  were  appointed  ward- 
ens, and  Samuel  Moore,  Jacob  Blackwell,  William  Hazard, 
Jacob  Hallett,  Richard  Alsop,  fourth,  and  William  Sackett, 
third,  vestrymen,  to  serve  till  the  annual  election  should  occur. 

Only  a  few  days  after,  namely,  on  Sept.  29th,  1761,  Dr. 
Jacob  Ogden,  of  Jamaica,  gave  the  church  a  deed  for  the  house 
and  ground  previously  occupied  by  AVilliam  Sackett,  Esq.  who 

^  Probably  out  of  courtesy  this  quit  rent  was  never  collected,  and  the 
charter  was  finally  relieved  of  the  obligation,  pursuant  to  a  law  of  1815,  by 
which  the  comptroller  was  authorized  to  cancel  on  his  books  the  quit  rent 
charged  on  all  patents  to  churches. 


OF      NEWTOWN, 


251 


had  recently  deceased,  leaving  the  same,  by  will,  to  Dr.  Og- 
den,  obviously  in  trust  for  tlie  church.     These  premises  now 
contain,  with  other  buildings,  the  present  Episcopal  parsonage 
house  and  the  new  church.     But  it  appears  that  for  some  rea- 
son, the  church  failed  at  that  time  to  prosecute  the  design  of 
calling  a  separate  minister,  though  the  distribution  of  the  rec- 
tor's services  continued  to  be  the  source  of  much  dissatisfaction, 
and  finally  causing  a  separation  of  the  churches.  Mr.  Seabury 
continued  over  the  parish  till  1766,  when  he  removed  to  St. 
Peter's  Church, Westchester.    He  had  long  been  of  opinion  that 
without  a  resident  bishop,  the  churches  in  America  could  not 
prosper.     After  the  Revolution  he  was  elected  to  the  episco- 
pate, went  to  Europe,  obtained  ordination  in  Scotland,  and  then 
returned  home  to  resume  his  parish  duties  at  New  London, 
where  he  had  been  settled,  being  the  first  Episcopal  bishop  in 
the  United  States.     He  died  in  his  68th  year,  Feb.  2oth,  1796. 
The  society  in  England  had  paid  £50  a  year  to  the  suc- 
cessive rectors  up  to  Mr.  Seabury,  and  the  ministry  act  al- 
lowed them  £60  per  annum  from  the  parish.     But  as  great 
trouble  had  been  experienced  in  collecting  the  latter,  the  so- 
ciety at  first  refused  either  to  provide  a  successor  to  Mr.  Sea- 
bury or  make  any  allowance  for  one.      Eventually,   at   the 
request  of  a  few  influential  persons  in  Jamaica,  the  society 
appointed  the  Rev.  Joshua  Bloomer  to  the  station,  the  three 
congregations  having  agreed,  prior  to  his  departure  from  Eng- 
land, to  pay  him  £50  per  annum.    The  society  consented  to 
allow  him  £30.    He  arrived  and  was  inducted  into  this  parish 
May  23d,  1769. 

Mr.  Bloomer  had  graduated  at  King's  College,  New-York, 
in  1758,  and  the  following  year  accepted  a  captaincy  in  the 
provincial  forces  raised  in  Westchester  county,  for  operation 
against  Canada.  His  services  in  this  campaign  gained  for  him 
a  majority,  and  in  that  rank  he  participated  in  the  military 
scenes  of  1760.  After  the  war  he  became  a  merchant  in 
New- York,  but  relinquished  that  pursuit  for  the  study  of  divi- 
nity, and  in  1765  Avent  to  England  for  ordination.  On  entering 
upon  his  duties  in  the  Jamaica  parish  he  sent  home  to  the 
society  a  favorable  report  of  his  people,  and  again,  more  than 
a  year  after,  he  wrote  that  he  had  been  happy  in  their  afiec- 
tions  since  the  day  of  his  arrival,  that  they  were  constant  in 


252  .  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

their  attendance  on  public  worship,  and  lived  in  the  fear  of 
God,  that  he  officiated  in  course  at  the  three  churches,  and 
expounded  the  scriptures  in  the  week,  and  endeavored  to  cul- 
tivate peace  and  love  with  the  other  denominations.  In  1778 
he  wrote  that  his  congregations  were  in  a  prosperous  condition 
and  had  entered  into  a  voluntary  contribution  for  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  churches  of  Newtown  and  Flushing.  Soon  after 
this  began  the  stormy  period  of  the  Eevolution,  but  except  the 
slight  interruption  which  took  place  just  before  the  entrance  of 
the  enemy,  Mr.  Bloomer  remained  in  the  constant  discharge  of 
his  duties,  officiating  regularly  in  the  three  churches,  being 
assisted  at  Newtown  in  1780  by  the  Eev.  John  Sayre,  from 
Fairfield,  Ct.  He  reported  to  the  society,  in  1782,  that  the  at- 
tendance upon  his  ministrations  was  good.  After  the  war  the 
venerable  society  withdrew  its  support  from  the  missions  in 
this  country,  and  Mr.  Bloomer  was  left  dependent  on  his  parish- 
ioners. At  the  first  meeting  in  the  United  States  to  form  the 
Episcopal  churches  into  one  body  he  was  present  and  took  part. 
Mr.  Bloomer  died  at  Jamaica,  June  23d,  1790,  aged  55  years. 
He  was  of  a  large  commanding  figure,  and  his  surplice  is  still 
preserved  in  the  Newtown  church.  His  immediate  successor 
was  the  Rev.  William  Hammel,  to  whose  salary  the  Newtown 
congregation  contributed  £40.  But  becoming  very  infirm  in 
health,  and  losing  his  sight,  he  was  compelled  to  resign  in  Au- 
gust, 1795,  though  he  survived  till  a  few  years  since,  support- 
ed in  part  by  the  benevolence  of  Trinity  Church,  N.  Y. 

During  the  Revolution  the  churches  had  purchased  a  glebe 
in  the  village  of  Jamaica,  about  which  some  dissatisfaction 
now  arose,  and  this  with  other  causes  eventuated  in  a  disunion 
of  the  parish;  Newtown  withdrew  from  the  other  churches  and 
put  in  execution  the  long  cherished  design  of  calling  their  own 
rector.  The  Rev.  Henry  Van  Dyke  was  obtained  and  induct- 
ed into  this  parish  in  1797,  where  he  officiated  for  five  years, 
and  then  removed  in  1802.  In  April,  1803,  the  churches  of 
Newtown  and  Flushing  formed  a  union  and  called  the  Rev, 
Abraham  L.  Clarke,  of  Rhode  Island,  who  had  graduated  at 
Yale  College  in  1785.  Each  was  to  raise  £150  for  his  sup- 
port. He  served  the  two  congregations  till  1809,  when  the 
connection  between  these  parishes  was  dissolved  and  Mr, 
Clarke  continued  at  Newtown.     He  died  after  a  lingering  ill- 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN. 


253 


ness,  Dec.  31st,  1810,  aged  42  years.  The  vacancy  was  filled 
in  1812  by  the  Rev.  (now  Dr.)  William  E.  Wyatt,  a  graduate 
of  Columbia  College  in  1809.  But  he  was  soon  after  called  to 
the  rectorship  of  St.  Paul's  church,  Baltimore,  which  connec- 
tion he  yet  sustains  with  honor  and  ability. 

The  Rev.  Evan  Malbone  Johnson  was  the  next  rector; 
born  at  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  June  Gth,  1792.  He  complet- 
ed his  education  at  Brown  University  in  1812.  In  1814  he 
settled  here  and  remained  till  1827,  when  he  removed  to  St. 
John's  church,  Brooklyn,  which  he  had  caused  to  be  erected 
in  the  preceding  year,  and  where  he  has  ever  since  continued. 
His  first  wife  was  Maria  L.  daughter  of  Rev.  John  B.  John- 
son, and  his  second  is  Maria,  daughter  of  David  Purdy,  de- 
ceased, of  Newtown. 

The  present  rector.  Rev.  George  A.  Shelton,  was  born  in 
1800,  being  the  son  of  the  late  Rev.  Philo  Shelton,  of  Trinity 
church,  Fairfield,  Conn.  Having  graduated  at  Yale  in  1820, 
he  settled  here  March  18th,  1827.  The  old  church  edifice 
erected  in  1735  was  repaired  in  1760,  and  the  steeple  rebuilt 
from  the  ground,  at  a  considerable  expense.  The  church  was 
enlarged  just  before  the  Revolution,  and  was  again  repaired 
in  1816.  But  of  late,  becoming  unsuited  to  the  wants  and 
feelings  of  the  congregation,  it  was  decided  to  build  another ; 
and  divine  service  was  held  in  it  for  the  last  time  on  Sunday, 
July  16th,  1848,  upon  the  morning  of  which  day  an  approi)ri- 
ate  historical  discourse  was  delivered  by  the  pastor.  The  new 
building,  then  just  finished,  was  immediately  opened  for  divine 
service,  though  it  was  not  formally  consecrated  till  Thurs- 
day, Nov.  15th,  1849.  This  edifice,  built  in  the  gothic  style 
of  architecture,is  an  ornament  to  the  village.  A  town  clock 
occupies  one  of  its  spires. 

A  sister  church  was  erected  at  Hallett's  Cove  in  1828,  and 
incorporated  several  years  after  by  the  title  of  St.  George's 
church.  Its  first  pastor  was  the  Rev.  Samuel  Seabury,  who 
left  after  a  brief  stay,  and  is  now  rector  of  the  church  of  the 
Annunciation,  in  the  city  of  New- York.  The  congregation 
being  too  feeble  to  sustain  a  pastor,  Mr.  Shelton,  of  Newtown, 
consented,  in  1832,  to  devote  to  them  a  portion  of  his  labors, 
and  officiated  for  between  four  and  five  years,  when  the  church 
having  increased,  were  enabled  to  call  the  Rev.  John  W.  Brown, 

17 


254  ANNALSOFNEWTOWN. 

who  was  inducted  into  this  charge  Oct.  1st,  1837.  Mr.  Brown 
was  the  son  of  John  Brown,  of  Schenectady,  N.  Y.  and  a  gra- 
duate of  Union  College.  lie  was  a  man  of  high  intellectual 
attainments,  and  was  greatly  beloved  by  his  congregation  for 
his  fervent  but  unobtrusive  piety.  But  disease  stole  upon  him, 
and  to  recover  his  health  he  left  home  in  November,  1848, 
on  a  voyage  to  the  Mediterranean.  At  Malta  his  illness  in- 
creased, and  he  died  in  that  island  April  9th,  1849,  aged  nearly 
35  years.  The  vacancy  in  the  rectorship  of  the  Astoria  church 
occasioned  by  this  afflictive  event,  has  been  filled  by  the  indue 
tion  of  the  Bev.  Tapping  Eeeves  Chipman,  from  Le  Eoy,  N.  Y 
Within  several  years  an  Episcopal  society  has  been  orga 
nized  at  Maspeth,  and  a  chapel  erected,  under  the  name  of  St, 
Saviour's  church.  The  Rev.  Wm.  Walsh  is  rector.  The  late 
Judge  Jones  contributed  greatly  to  the  establishment  of  this 
church,  of  which  he  was  senior  warden  at  the  time  of  his  de- 
cease. A  neat  Episcopal  chapel,  called  St.  Thomas's  church, 
has  been  lately  built  at  Ravenswood,  and  is  under  the  charge 
of  the  Rev.  E.  R.  T.  Cook. 

The  FRIENDS  or  QUAKERS,  as  before  stated,  erected  a 
meeting  house  in  1722,  in  the  village  of  Newtown,  on  the  pre- 
mises now  owned  by  Mr.  Robert  Mack,  which  they  occupied 
many  years  as  a  place  of  worship,  and  the  adjoining  ground  as 
a  repository  for  their  dead.  It  was  in  this  edifice  that  Capt. 
Thomas  Chalkley  (a  Avorthy  successor  of  Fox,  if  we  may  judge 
from  his  arduous  labors  in  different  parts  of  the  world,) 
preached  on  several  occasions.  His  first  visit  was  made  in  the 
summer  of  1724,  when  he  attended  "  the  general  meeting  of 
Friends,"  held  at  Newtown.  It  "  was  so  large  that  the  meet- 
house  could  not  contain  the  people."  Chalkley  revisited  the 
Island  in  the  year  following,  and  arriving  at  the  house  of 
Richard  Hallett,  at  the  Kills,  there  held  an  evening  assemblage, 
and  the  next  day  "  a  large  meeting  at  Newtown,  to  the  edifi- 
cation of  Friends  and  other  sober  people."  He  also  held  services 
at  Hellgate  and  at  the  widow  Stevenson's,  likewise  at  the  widow 
Way's  and  widow  Alsop's,  at  the  Kills.  He  was  last  in  New- 
town in  1735,  and  died  at  Tortola  in  1741,  aged  66  years.  To 
the  encouragement  afforded  by  his  visits  and  labors  must  be 
attributed  in  some  degree  the  firm  hold  which  the  Quakers 
maintained  in  thifi  town  for  a  considerable  period. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  255 

As  the  Friends  mostly  resided  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Eng- 
lish Kills,  they  concluded  to  change  their  place  of  worship. 
The  meeting-house  at  Newtown  was  sold,  and  on  May  16th, 
1760,  James  Way  presented  the  society  with  a  plot  of  land 
eight  rods  square,  near  the  English  Kills,  where  they  erected 
a  house  of  worship,  which  was  occupied  as  such  during  the 
war  of  the  Eevolution,  and  for  a  long  time  after,  by  a  respec- 
table congregation.  But  now  they  are  reduced  to  nothing, 
and  nearly  half  a  century  has  elapsed  since  stated  meetings 
were  held  at  the  Maspeth  meeting-house.  In  reflecting  upon 
this  sad  decline,  and  the  forlorn  condition  of  the  venerable 
edifice,  still  standing,  and  quite  unused  except  as  a  school- 
house,  one  whose  life  has  been  passed  in  this  vicinity,  and  with 
sympathies  entwined  about  this  interesting  spot,  thus  re- 
marks, "  And  what  if  I  say  that  the  present  state  of  the  pre- 
mises is  a  shame  and  reproach  to  the  society — forsaken — deso- 
late— a  common — a  prey — a  melancholy  ruin  :  the  unhappy 
result  may  be  ascribed  to  internal  discord,  or  a  partial  disre- 
gard of  that  laconic,  yet  all  important  injunction,  mind  the 
light;  which  is  most  emphatically  enjoined  by  the  worthy 
founder  of  the  principles  that  they  openly  professed  to  follow." 
A  tale  not  less  sad  may  be  told  of  the  old  meeting-house  and 
premises  in  Newtown  village.  The  house  having  stood  122 
years,  and  been  long  used  as  a  dwelling,  was  consumed  by  fire 
Dec.  21st,  1844.  The  burying  ground  attached  is  desecrated, 
and  the  spot  where  repose  the  bones  of  many  of  the  patriarchs 
of  this  sect  in  this  town,  is  now  undistinguishable  and  almost 
forgotten. 

The  BAPTIST  society  of  Newtown,  like  that  of  the 
Friends,  has  become  extinct,  after  a  career  more  brief  than 
the  former.  Its  history  affords  few  items  of  special  interest. 
The  society  was  formed  in  1809,  and  a  house  of  worship  erect- 
ed soon  after.  But  the  church  did  not  prosper,  seldom  enjoyed 
stated  preaching,  and  the  voice  of  praise  and  prayer  may  be 
said  to  have  wholly  ceased  in  their  sanctuary. 

The  METHODISTS  erected  their  first  church  upon  Long 
Island  in  the  year  1785,  in  the  southern  part  of  this  town,  at 
what  is  now  called  Middle  Village.    It  is  yet  standing,  though 


256  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

converted  into  a  dwelling.  In  1836  a  new  edifice  was  built 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  former  site,  and  directly 
upon  the  Williamsburgb  and  Jamaica  turnpike  road.  This 
was  effected  chiefly  through  the  liberality  and  personal  effort 
of  Mr.  Joseph  Harper,  (father  of  Mr.  Harper,  late  mayor  of 
New- York,)  who  was  born  and  resided  over  80  years  in  this 
immediate  vicinity,  till  his  decease  several  years  since.  In 
1839  a  small  Methodist  Episcopal  church  was  erected  at  New- 
town village,  and  in  1843  a  house  of  worship  of  the  same  de- 
nomination was  built  at  Astoria,  which  was  dedicated  on  Sept. 
21st  of  that  year.  For  a  certain  period  the  three  churches 
above  enumerated  formed  one  circuit  or  combined  charge,  but 
that  of  Astoria  withdrew  several  years  since.  Those  of  Mid- 
dle Village  and  Newtown  are  still  connected,  the  pastor  resid- 
ing at  the  latter  place. 

"  Gratice  Deo  pro  luce  verhisui^  et  lahorihus  servorum  suorum 
doctorum  et  piorumJ^ — Rev.  Wm.  Leverich. 


CONCLUSION. 


The  era  subsequent  to  the  Revolution  has  been  prolific  of 
instructive  and  pleasing  incident  connected  with  the  locality 
under  notice;  but  aside  from  the  continuation  of  its  church 
history,  and  other  facts  too  closely  linked  to  preceding  times 
to  be  omitted,  it  has  been  deemed  inexpedient  to  attempt  a 
detail  of  events  during  this  comparatively  recent  period. 
A  mere  glance,  therefore,  at  some  of  the  changes  of  later 
days,  and  the  present  condition  and  prospects  of  the  town- 
ship, will  close  this  division  of  the  volume. 

The  intelligent  farmer,  who  places  a  due  estimate  upon 
the  service  rendered  his  profession  by  modern  science  and  art, 
must  experience  great  satisfaction,  whether  he  review  the  pro- 
gress of  the  past,  or  scan  the  prospective  advance  and  success 
of  this  noble  department  of  human  enterprise.  In  this  town 
a  marked  improvement  in  agriculture  was  observable  within  a 
few  years  after  the  war  of  Independence ;  but  the  more  recent 
achievements  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  culture  of  the  soil  have 
wrought  a  surprising  change.  Through  a  more  enlightened 
mode  of  husbandry,  including  the  introduction  and  skilful  use 
of  foreign  manures,  the  improved  construction  of  farming  im- 
plements, and  the  process  of  sub-soil  draining,  not  only  has 
every  department  of  vegetation  been  greatly  accelerated,  but 
considerable  tracts  of  marshy  land,  once  regarded  as  unsuscep- 
tible of  cultivation,  have  been  reclaimed  and  made  highly 
productive.  And  consequently,  out  of  16,800  acres,  which 
the  township  is  computed  to  contain,  some  11,000  have  been 
made  arable.  The  remainder,  apart  from  the  woodland,  is 
chiefly  low  swampy  soil,  unfit  for  present  cultivation,  but  in 


258  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

some  instances  furnishing  a  superior  quality  of  turf  or  peat, 
heretofore  extensively  used  as  fuel.  This  article  came  into  use 
after  the  Eevolution,  owing  to  the  woodland  having  been  des- 
troyed by  the  British.  In  later  years  the  re-growth  of  the 
woods  and  the  introduction  of  coal  have  caused  turf  to  fall  into 
disuse,  though,  on  the  failure  of  these,  it  would  necessarily  re- 
sume its  importance,  and  it  is  even  now  valuable  as  a  manure 
after  being  reduced  to  ashes.  The  peat  bogs  of  Newtown  are 
allowed  to  be  the  most  valuable  of  any  on  the  west  end  of 
Long  Island, 

Although  a  large  share  of  attention  has  been  paid  for  a 
long  time,  by  the  farmers  of  this  town,  to  the  raising  of 
garden  and  field  vegetables  for  the  New-York  market,  this 
department  of  husbandry  has  been  much  enhanced  of  late 
years,  both  in  the  amount  and  variety  of  produce  raised.  In- 
deed the  importance  of  this  town  to  the  great  metropolis,  as 
aiding  to  supply  its  inhabitants  with  wholesome  vegetables 
in  their  season,  cannot  be  overrated.  Husbandry  is  not,  how- 
ever, necessarily  restricted  to  this  branch,  as  the  town  affords  a 
superior  location  for  florists  and  dairymen.  The  milk  estab- 
lishment of  Mr.  David  S.  Mills,  one  of  the  most  extensive  in 
the  country,  has  been  in  successful  operation  for  years,  and 
commends  this  as  a  profitable  mode  for  the  application  of 
rural  enterprise. 

The  introduction  of  turnpike  roads,*  the  establishment  of 
daily  stages  and  steamboat  communication  with  the  city  of 
N.  York,  have  increased  the  facilities  for  travel  and  the  trans- 
portation of  produce  to  a  remarkable  degree  beyond  the  for- 
mer sluggish  locomotion  over  poor  roads,  or  in  scows,  horse- 
boats,  and  market  craft.  And  the  present  year,  the  construc- 
tion of  a  plank  road  from  Newtown  village  to  William sburgh 
has  greatly  facilitated  communication  with  New- York,  and 
must  prove  a  highly  important  and  beneficial  work,  answer- 

>  The  Flushing  and  Newtown  Turnpike  and  Bridge  Company,  chartered 
May  21st,  1801,  was  the  first  within  the  limits  of  this  town.  In  the  course  of 
several  years  they  constructed  a  bridge  over  Flushing  creek,  (the  first  which 
crossed  it,')  and  laid  a  turnpike  thence  to  Newtown  village.  This  was  follow- 
ed  by  the  Newtown  and  Bushwick  Bridge  Company,  which  continued  the 
line  of  road  to  Williamsburgh.  Since  that  period  several  other  turnpikes 
have  been  constructed  in  various  sections  of  the  town. 


ANNALS     OF    NEWTOWN.  259 

ing  valuable  purposes,  even  though,  a  railway  should  be  laid 
through  this  town,  for,  in  the  progressive  spirit  of  this  age,  the 
day  is  perhaps  not  far  distant  when  the  iron-horse  will  traverse 
the  township,  conveying  its  business-men  and  its  products  in 
a  few  brief  minutes  into  the  very  centre  of  trade. 

The  proximity  of  New-York  city  has  ever  operated  favor- 
ably for  the  wealth  and  prosperity  of  this  town.  A  distin- 
guished visitor  in  1804,  observed  this  effect  as  "  abundantly 
conspicuous  in  the  wealth  of  the  farmers  and  in  the  beauty  of 
the  villas."  Yet,  at  this  date,  there  existed  but  few  of  those 
costly  mansions  that  now  adorn  the  township,  and  particu- 
larly the  northern  and  western  borders  of  it,  the  result  chiefly 
of  the  taste  and  enterprise  of  New-York  merchants.  One  of 
the  first,  if  not  the  very  first  of  these  erected  in  the  vicinity 
of  Hellgate,  was  that  built  in  1792,  by  Mr.  John  Delafield,  a 
distinguished  merchant  of  New- York,  who,  in  the  preceding 
year,  had  purchased  the  Blackwell  farm.  This  building,  fash- 
ioned after  the  English  style,  was  recently  occupied  by  the 
"  Sisters  of  the  Sacred  Heart,"  a  catholic  order,  but  it  is  now 
the  residence  of  Mr.  Brooks. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  present  century,  the  settlement  at 
Hallett's  Cove  did  not  exceed  half  a  dozen  buildings.  But 
the  increase  of  population  and  business  at  this  place,  within  a 
few  years,  has  been  quite  remarkable.  Its  local  advantages,  both 
for  residence  and  various  business  purposes,  are  indeed  sufficient 
to  ensure  its  growth,  yet  its  prosperity  must  be  greatly  attribut- 
ed to  the  enterprise  of  certain  leading  inhabitants,  whose  untir- 
ing efforts  to  build  it  up  are  worthy  of  special  praise.  The  vill- 
age was  incorporated  under  the  name  of  Astoria,  April  12th, 
1839,  the  charter  providing  that  the  corporation  consist  of  five 
trustees,  three  assessors,  a  treasurer,  collector  and  clerk ;  with 
powers  and  privileges  corresponding  to  those  previously  granted 
by  charter  to  the  village  of  Angelica,  in  this  state.  The  erection 
of  several  imposing  church  edifices,  the  laying  out  of  streets 
and  avenues,  adorned  with  many  neat  and  even  beautiful  pri- 
vate residences,  has  greatly  added  to  the  convenience,  attract- 
iveness and  importance  of  the  place.  And  consequently  its 
population,  which  in  1840  was  750,  has  since  tripled,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  last  year's  census  was  2,250,  within  the  charter- 
ed limits.     The  recent  opening  of  several  new  streets,  south 


260  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

of  the  village,  and  the  offer  of  desirable  building  lots  upon 
moderate  terras,  must  ensure  a  more  rapid  growth  of  this  place 
during  the  years  to  come.  In,  or  near  the  village  are  several 
floral  gardens  and  nurseries,  an  extensive  carpet  factory,  and 
other  manufacturing  establishments  ;  most  of  the  manufactures 
of  the  town  centring  here,  the  principal  exceptions  being  the 
essence  and  chocolate  factory  of  Mr.  Eey  at  Middle  Village,  the 
rope-walk  of  Mr.  Murch  at  Newtown,  and  the  iron  foundry  of 
A.  D.  Fisk  near  the  English  Kills,  where  are  made  the  some- 
what celebrated  metallic  coflEins.  For  manufacturing  purposes, 
so  far  as  steam  power  can  be  applied,  Astoria  is  unequalled  in 
situation ;  while  to  men  of  wealth  seeking  retired  country  re- 
sidences, in  a  pure  atmosphere,  amid  a  delightful  scenery,  and 
easy  of  access  from  their  places  of  business,  this  village  and 
that  of  Ravenswood,  with  their  environs,  offer  some  of  the 
most  inviting  localities  to  be  found  around  New- York.  These 
villages  are  also  furnished  with  good  schools,  while,  in  respect 
to  the  important  matter  of  health,  not  only  this  vicinity,  but 
the  town  at  large,  will  compare  favorably  with  any  in  this 
state.  According  to  the  last  census,  the  number  of  deaths  that 
occurred  in  the  town  during  the  twelve  months  next  preceding 
the  time  of  taking  the  census,  was  only  seventeen^  less  than  one 
quarter  per  cent  of  the  population !  a  smaller  ratio  than  was 
exhibited  by  any  other  town  in  the  whole  southern  district  of 
New- York,  except  Southold  in  Suffolk  county.  The  bill  of 
ordinary  mortality  being  allowed  to  be  proper  data  from  which 
to  judge  of  the  salubrity  of  a  place,  the  above  result  leaves 
this  town  with  scarce  a  rival  in  this  respect. 

Growth  and  enterprise  are  visible  upon  the  whole  surface 
of  this  township.  The  pleasant  hamlets  of  Middle  Village  and 
Maspeth  are  of  comparitively  recent  origin  ;  the  former  is  no- 
ted as  containing  the  first  Methodist  church  erected  on  Long 
Island.  Maspeth  is  classic  ground,  in  times  past  the  nursery 
of  poetry  and  genius.  Here,  in  a  "  sweetly  rural  calm  retreat, 
isecure,  secluded,"  was  produced  the  clever  poem  of  "  Eural 
Hours."  And  here  is  another  spot  at  which  to  linger  for  a  mo- 
ment, the  residence  of  the  late  Judge  Jones.  At  an  early  day 
it  was  the  abode  of  Joseph  Sackett,  Esq.,  a  worthy  judge  of 
common  pleas,  who  died  at  a  venerable  age  twenty  years  be- 
fore the  Revolution ;    then  of  Walter  Franklin,  an  opulent 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 


261 


New- York  merchant,  till  his  death  in  1780,  and  after  him  Col. 
Isaac  Corsa,  renowned  for  his  chivalry  in  the  French  war. 
And  then  the  eminent  statesman,  Hon.  De  Witt  Clinton,  hav- 
ing married  the  daughter  of  Mr.  Franklin,  and  niece  of  Col. 
Corsa,  made  this  favored  mansion  his  country  residence  for  a 
considerable  portion  of  his  life,  and  here  "planned  for  matur- 
ing the  stupendous  undertaking  of  uniting  the  waters  of  the 
Erie  with  the  Ocean."  I  need  not  name  other  sterhng  men 
who  have  honored  Maspeth  as  their  residence ;  nor  dwell 
upon  the  new  interest  imparted  by  the  recent  establish- 
ment here  of  the  beautiful  cemetery  of  Mount  Olivet.  Tliis 
locality  has  had  its  changes.  Once  it  was  a  community  of 
Quakers;  now  has  this  sect  scarce  a  representative.  Their 
meeting-house  deserted  by  those  who,  half  a  century  since, 
were  wont  to  gather  in  pious  concourse  here,  stands  their  only 
monument  and  a  melancholy  witness  of  earthly  mutability. 
One  cannot  contemplate  these  and  similar  changes  without 
deep  interest.  What  a  revolution  has  been  produced  in  the 
customs  of  social  and  domestic  life,  by  the  abolition  of 
slavery,^  the  introduction  of  foreign  fabrics  and  luxuries,  of 
new  implements,  machinery  and  forms  of  industry,  the  disuse 
of  the  Dutch  language,  the  spread  of  education-    and  intelli- 

*  Slavery  did  not  cease  in  this  state  till  July  4th,  1827,  though  emancipation 
began  soon  after  the  Revolution.  Most  of  the  slaves  hailed  the  event  with  joy, 
many  of  them  deserting  their  homes  in  anticipation  of  it.  Others  preferred  to  stay 
with  their  masters.  "  I  shall  never  forget,"  says  Judge  Furnian,  "the  quaint  re- 
mark of  two  aged  slaves,  when  my  grandfather  went  to  the  kitchen  and  informed 
them  that  they  were  now  both  free  and  at  liberty  to  go  where  they  pleased.  The 
poor  old  woman  began  to  shed  tears,  while  old  Simon,  who  sat  quietly  smoking  his 
pipe,  began,  '  Why  Dinah,  what  are  you  crying  about?  Old  massa  wont  turn  us 
out  doors;  will  you  old  massa?'  '  Why  Simon,  you  are  now  as  free  as  I  am,  but 
if  you  both  wish  to  continue  with  me,  this  shall  be  a  home  for  you.'  On  which 
Simon,  laughing  and  displaying  his  ivory,  replied  very  significantly,  '  Well,  old 
massa,  you  have  had  de  flour,  I  guess  you  must  hab  de  bran  too.'  The  old  gentle- 
man could  not  help  smiling,  or  crying,  or  perhaps  both,  as  he  left  the  kitchen." 

2  The  cause  of  education  was  much  promoted  after  the  Revolution  by  the 
erection  of  school-houses  in  various  districts,  and  the  establishment  of  academies  of 
a  higher  grade  at  Newtown,  the  latter  under  the  charge  respectively  of  the  Pres- 
byterian and  Episcopal  clergymen.  Since  1814,  when  commissioners  and  inspec- 
tors of  common  schools  were  first  chosen,  and  the  town  divided  into  school  districts, 
it  has  enjoyed  the  advantages  of  the  present  excellent  common-school  system  of 
this  state.  Mr.  Charles  Cook  has  served  the  town  as  superintendent  of  schools 
since  1844. 


262  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

gence,  the  increased  means  of  intercourse,  the  wonderful  im- 
petus given  to  benevolent  and  religious  as  well  as  secular  enter- 
prise, and  the  influx  of  inhabitants.  The  population  of  the 
town  has  been  greatly  augmented  within  a  few  years.  At  the 
first  general  census  in  1790,  the  inhabitants  numbered  but 
2,111,  and  for  forty  years  thereafter  the  increase  was  only  499. 
But  for  the  next  twenty  years,  namely,  from  1830  to  1850,  the 
additional  increase  was  4,597;  the  population  at  the  latter  date 
amounting  to  7,207,  having  more  than  doubled  within  fifteen 
years. 

In  review  of  the  past,  truly  marvelous  does  the  progress 
appear,  and  with  the  inventive  spirit  of  the  present  who  can 
predict  what  the  teeming  future  shall  develop.  But  mere 
change  is  not  improvement,  though  it  oft  usurps  the  name ;  nor 
every  novelty  a  real  good,  though  so  eagerly  grasped  at ;  and 
while,  in  every  sphere  of  life,  progress  should  be  the  watch- 
word, we  should  not  only  be  wary  of  rampant  speculation,  but 
deprecate  innovation  upon  the  wholesome  customs  of  the  olden 
time,  where  the  motive  is  a  love  of  novelty,  or  the  demand  of 
fashion,  and  the  utility  doubtful.  The  annals  of  our  fathers 
teach  us  exemplary  lessons  of  industry,  simplicity,  prudence, 
and  piety  ;  let  us  emulate  their  good  deeds  and  virtues,  and 
our  reward  shall  be  ample,  even  an  approving  conscience,  the 
respect  of  men,  and  Heaven's  benediction. 


ANNALS    OF    NEWTOWN. 


Scconlr  |3  art. 


ITS    GENEALOGICAL    HISTORY. 


EXPLANATIONS. 


In  order  to  condense  the  matter  embraced  in  the  following  genealogies, 
certain  abbreviations  have  been  used,  namely, 

cli.  for  child  or  children. 

b.  for  horn. 

m.  for  married. 

unm.  for  unmarried. 

d.  ibr  died. 

dec.  for  deceased. 

dau.  for  daughter. 

a.  for  aged, 

JT.  or  yrs.  for  year  or  years. 

The  genealogies  are,  for  convenience,  divided  into  sections,  indicated  by 
numbers.  A  section  generally  mentions,  first,  the  parents;  secondly,  the 
names  of  the  children,  and  who  the  daughters  married;  and  thirdly,  such  of 
the  sons  and  their  descendants  as  require  but  brief  notice.  When  several 
sons  are  thus  treated  of  in  the  same  section  their  names  are  usually  put  in 
italic  letters,  to  denote  the  relationship.  The  other  sons,  if  again  mentioned, 
have  each  a  numeral  affixed  to  his  name,  indicating  the  section  where  he  is 
further  noticed.  By  attending  to  these  numbers  which  point  to  the  recur- 
rence of  the  name  in  a  new  section,  and  also  those  used  in  the  latter  to  refer 
back  again  to  the  parent,  the  lineage  can  be  readily  traced  either  backward 
or  forward. 

Many  of  the  original  Dutch  settlers  in  this  country  were  destitute  of 
family  or  surnames,  while  others  who  had  them,  frequently  neglected  to  use 
them,  and  instead  adopted  their  patronymic,  or,  in  other  words,  formed  a  sur- 
name of  the  christian  name  of  the  father,  usually  (but  not  always)  adding  to 
it  either  sen,  se,  s,  sz,  or  z,  all  of  which  when  thus  used  had  the  same  mean- 
ing and  signified  son.  Hence,  for  example,  the  name  Joris  Jansen  was  un- 
derstood to  mean  Joris  the  son  of  Jan,  and  Pieter  Claesz,  Pieter  the  son  of 
Claes.  The  effect  of  this  custom,  after  the  ^econd  generation,  was  to  create 
confusion  by  producing  as  many  surnames  or  patronymics  in  the  several 
branches  of  a  family  as  they  had  baptismal  names.  It  was  probably  to  cor- 
rect this  evil  and  preserve  the  identity  of  fjimilies  that  the  Dutch  inhabitants, 
about  the  beginning  of  the  eighteenth  century,  dropped  this  custom,  and 
either  resumed  their  proper  surname,  or  adopted  one,  or  else  retained  the  pa- 
tronymic then  in  use  by  the  family,  as  a  permanent  name  for  themselves  and 
offspring.     These  remarks  will  serve  to  explain  much  of  what  follows. 


266 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN 


Names  have  commonly  been  spelled  as  the  persons  themselves  wrote 
them,  60  far  as  that  could  be  ascertained,  from  their  signatures,  or  other  re- 
liable  sources.    This  will  exhibit  the  changes  they  have  undergone. 

As  Dutch  christian  names  have  in  many  cases  been  retained,  a  list  of  thos^ 
most  used,  is  annexed,  with  their  corresponding  iilnglish. 


Adriaen,  or 
Arien, 
Aeltie, 
Aert. 
Andries, 
Angeiiietie, 
Anuekeii,       i 
Anuetie,  or     > 
Antie,  ) 

Antony,  or      ) 
Teunis,  $ 

Barent, 
Belitie,     . 
Carel, 

Catrina,  ^ 
CatrjDtie,  f 
Trj-utie,  or  C 
Tryn,  ) 

Christina,  ) 

Christyntie,  or    / 
Styntie,  j 

Christoffel.  or  ) 
Stoffei,  S    ' 

Claes, 


Claesie, 


J  feminine 
(  of  Claes. 


Comelie, 
Dirck,  or  ) 
Derick,      ^ 
Elizabet,  or   } 
Betie,  S     * 

Engeltie, 
Eytie, 
Feirimetie, 
Gerardieiia.        i 
Gerardientie,  or  /■ 
Dientie,  ) 


Adrian. 

.  Aleita. 

Arthur. 

Andrew. 

Agnes. 
I  Ann, 
<  Anne,  or 
f  Anna. 

Anthony. 

.  Bernard. 
Isabella. 
.  Charles. 

Catharine. 


Christiana. 

,  Christopher 
Nicholas. 

Cornelius. 
Richard. 

Elizabeth. 

Angeline. 

Ida. 

Phebe. 

Diana. 


Geertie,  .         .         .         • 

Geesie, 

Gysbert, 

Hans,     (abbreviation    of 

Latin  Johannes,)   . 
Harck, 
Hendrick, 
Heyltie,  or  \ 
Hilletie,      i     '      ' 
Jacobus,    . 

omina,  or  )   « 
Jacomyntie,   ) 
Jan, 

Jannetie,  or  } 
Janneken,    ^ 

Joost, 

Joris, 

Metie,  or 

Machteltie 

Margrietie,  or  } 

Grietie,  ^ 

Maria,  or  i 

Marritie,  S 

Matthys,  or  \ 

Thys,  ^     • 

Neeltie,  (Nelly,)    • 

Pieter, 

Pietertie,  or  )  fem.  of 

Pieterneila,  \  Pieter. 

Sara,     ... 

Seytie, 

Willem  or     ? 

Wilhelmus,  S 

Willemtie,  or  )  fem.  of 

Wilhelmiua,  ^  Willem. 


Gertrude. 
.  Grace. 

Gilbert. 
the 
.     John 

Hercules. 
.     Henry. 

Hellen. 
.     James. 

Jemima. 
.     John. 

Jane. 

i  George,  or 
I  Justus. 
.     George. 

Matilda. 
.     Margaret. 
Mary. 

.     Matthias. 

Cornelia. 
.     Peter. 

Sarah. 
Cynthia. 

William. 


THE    EAPELYE    FAMILY. 


This  numerous  and  reputa- 
ble family  is  descended  from 
tliat  of  de  Eapalie,  wliich,  as 
early  as  the  eleventh  century 
possessed  large  estates  in  Bre- 
tagne,  and  ranked  among  the 
arriere-ban  of  the  French  nobi- 
lity. Some  of  its  members  were 
distinguished  as  military  leaders 
in  the  crusades,  others  were  ce- 
lebrated for  political  eminence 
and  professional  talent.  But  in 
the  religious  wars  of  the  sixteenth  century,  being  known  as 
Protestants,  they  became  the  victims  of  Papal  animosity  and 
were  scattered  and  expelled  from  France.  The  family  subse- 
quently gained  prominence  in  Switzerland  and  Belgium,  where 
they  acquired  large  possessions  and  continue  to  the  present 
time.  Their  ancient  coat  of  arras,  above  given,  are  intended 
to  represent  the  noble  birth  and  origin  of  the  family,  and  their 
reputation  for  firmness  and  fidelit}^ 

1.  Joris  Jansen  de  Eapalie,  one  of  this  proscribed  Hugue- 
not race,  "  from  Eochelle  in  France,"  was  the  common  ances- 
tor of  all  the  American  ftimilies  of  this  name.*  He  came  to 
this  country  with  other  colonists  in  1623,  in  the  Unity,  a  ship 
of  the  West  India  Company,  and  settled  at  Fort  Orange,  now 
Albany,  where  he  continued  three  years.  In  1626  he  removed 
to  New  Amsterdam,  and  resided  there  till  after  the  birth  of  his 
youngest  child.    On  June  16,  1637,  he  bought  from  the  Indians 

*  The  practice  which  afterwards  obtained,  of  writing  the  final  syllable  of 
this  name  with  a  j,  was  a  Dutch  perversion  of  the  original  orthography. 

Some  assert  that  Joris  Jansen  de  Rapalie,  and  Antony  Jansen  Van 
Salee,  of  Gravesend,  were  brothers,  and  their  family  name,  Jansen.  Our 
early  records  do  not  corroborate  this  statement,  but  go  very  far  to  disprove 
it.     The  whole  seems  to  be  a  mere  assumption  from  the  occurrence  of  Jansen 


268  ANNALS     OP     NEWTOWN. 

a  tract  of  land  computed  at  835  acres,  called  Eennegaconck, 
now  included  within  the  town  of  Brooklyn,  and  comprehend- 
ing the  lands  occupied  by  the  U,  S.  Marine  Hospital.  Here 
Mr.  Eapalie  finally  located,  and  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life. 
He  was  a  leading  citizen,  acted  a  prominent  part  in  the  jjublic 
affairs  of  the  colony,  and  served  in  the  magistracy  of  Brook- 
lyn. He  died  soon  after  the  close  of  the  Dutch  administration, 
his  widow,  Catalyntie,  dau.  of  Joris  Trico,  surviving  him  many 
years.  She  was  born  in  Paris,  and  died  Sep.  11,  1689,  a.  84. 
Their  ch.  as  taken  from  the  original  family  record  preserved 
in  the  library  of  the  New- York  Historical  Society,  were  as 
follow,  to  wit,  Sara,  b.  June  9,  1625,  m.  successively  to  Hans 
Hansse  Bergen  and  Tennis  Gysberts  Bogart  ;*  Marritie,  b.  Mar. 
11,  1627,  m.  Michael  Vandervoort;  Jannetie,  b.  Aug.  18,  1629, 
m.  Rem  Vanderbeeck ;  Judith,  b.  July  5,  1635,  m.  Pieter  Van 
Nest;  Jan,  b.  Aug.  28,  1637,  m.  but  died  in  1662  without  sur- 
viving issue  ;  Jacob,  b.  May  28,  1639,  who  was  killed  by  the 
Indians;  Catalyntie,  b.  Mar.  28,  1641,  m.  Jeremias  Westerhout; 

in  their  names ;  which,  however,  proves  not  a  family  identity,  but  simply  in- 
dicates that  the  father  of  each  had  borne  the  common  name  of  Jan  or  John. 
It  has  also  been  set  down  as  veritable  history,  that  said  Antony  Jansen  Van 
Salee  was  the  progenitor  of  a  large  family  of  Johnsons  upon  Long  Island 
and  elsewhere.,  of  which  is  Hon.  Jeremiah  Johnson  of  Brooklyn.  This  is  an 
error.  Gen.  Johnson,  as  clearly  appears  from  existing  records,  is  a  descend- 
ant, in  the  fourth  generation,  of  Jan  Barentsen  van  Driest,  who  came  in  1657 
from  Zutphen  in  Guelderland,  and  settled  at  Gravesend.  See  an  article  on 
Antony  Jansen  van  Salee  in  the  Brooklyn  Daily  Eagle  of  Feb.  20,  1851. 
The  valuable  work  on  American  Genealogy,  by  Holgate,  contains  very  se- 
rious mistakes  respecting  the  Johnson  and  Rapelye  families,  which  only  those 
acquainted  with  the  ditficulties  of  genealogical  investigation  will  know  how 
to  excuse. 

*  This  lady,  say  our  early  records,  was  "  the  first-born  Christian  daughter 
in  New  Netherland."  In  honor  of  this,  the  Dutch  authorities  presented  her 
a  tract  of  land  at  the  Wallabout.  This  circumstance  has  probably  given  rise 
to  the  belief  that  she  was  born  at  the  latter  place,  but  the  statement  in  the 
text  (based  upon  the  N.  Y.  Documentary  Hist,  iii,  60,  and  other  records,) 
shows  that  her  parents  were  living  at  Albany  at  the  time  of  her  birth ;  nor 
did  they  settle  at  the  Wallabout  till  more  than  twenty-five  years  after.  Sara 
early  became  a  church  member  in  New- York,  but  united  with  the  church  at 
Brooklyn  by  cortificate  in  1661.  Shed.  a.  about  60.  Her  lineal  descendants 
are  numerous,  and  include  the  Polhemus  family  of  Newtown,  the  Bergens  of 
King's  county,  and  a  part  of  the  Bogart  family. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  269 

Jeronimus,2  b.  June  27,  1643  ;  Annetie,  b.  Feb.  8,  1646,  m. 
Marten  Reyerse  and  Joost  Fransz ;  Elizabet,  b.  Mar.  28,  1648* 
m.  Dirck  liooglandt;  and  Daniel,^"  b.  Dec.  29,  1650. 

^  2.  Jeronimus  Rapalje  became  a  man  of  some  prominence 
a  justice  of  the  peace  and  a  deacon  of  the  Brooklyn  church! 
He  m.  Anna,  dau.  of  Teunis  Denys,  and  had  ch.  Joris,  b.  Nov*. 
5,  1668 ;  Teunis,^  b.  May  5, 1671 ;  Jan.«  b.  Dec.  14, 1673 ;  Fem- 
metie,  b.  Oct.  5,  1676,  m.  Jan  Bennet ;  Jacob,  b.  June  25,  1679  • 
Jeronimus,  b.  Mar.  31,  1682  ;  Catalina,  b.  Mar.  25,  1685,  m! 
Peter  Dumond,  of  Raritan,  N.  J.  Sarah,  b.  Nov.  4,  1687,  m' 
Hans  Bergen  ;  and  Cornelius,  b.  Oct.  21,  1690.  Of  these  JwL 
m.  July  27,  1694,  Nelly,  dau.  of  Jan  Couwenhoven,  and  d.  at 
Cripplebush  in  1697;  issue  Antie,  b.  1696,  who  m.  Johannes 
Lott.  Jacob  m.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Abm,  Brinckerhoff,  settled  at 
Raritan,  N.  J.  and  had  sons,  Abraham,  George,  Jacob,  and  per- 
haps others.  Cornelius  m.  Joanna,  dau,  of  the  Rev.  Vincentius 
Antonides,  resided  in  New- York,  and  left  only  female  issue. 
His  dau.  Title,  m.  Hendrick  Smith,  and  Catalina  m.  John  De 
Graw.  Jeronimus  m.  Hilletie,  dau.  of  Hendrick  Van  Vechten 
and  served  twenty-five  years  as  a  trustee  of  the  town  of  Brook, 
lyn  ;  occupying  the  ancestral  farm  at  the  Wallabout,  which  he 
sold  to  his  son-in-law,  Martin  Schenck,  in  1755.  He  d.  Feb.  8 
1762,  and  his  widow,  a.  91  yrs.  July  10,  1775.  They  had 
ch.  Antie,  m.  Martin  Schenck,  Catalina,  m.  Johannes  Alstyne, 

Jannetie,  m.  Aris  Remsen, m.  Rem  Remsen,  and  Jero- 

mus,  who  married  Jane,  daughter  of  Jacobus  Lefferts,  and  d. 
1754,  having  issue  Jeromus,  who  d.  childless,  and  Jane,  who 
married  Thorn. 

3,  Teunis  Rapalje,  son  of  Jeronimus,^  m.  Sarah  Van  Vech- 
ten, and  lived  upon  the  farm  in  the  town  of  Brooklyn,  now 
owned  by  the  heirs  of  Folkert  Rapelye.  He  was  a  deacon  of 
the  Brooklyn  church,  and  d.  in  1723,  a.  62.  He  had  ch.  Jer- 
omus, George,''  Derick,  Teunis,  Folkert,-^  Jane  m.  Remsen,  and 
Sarah,  who  m.  Jacobus  Van  Nuyse.  Teunis  was  a  blacksmith  at 
Bushwick,  and  d.  in  1734,  leaving  issue,  Sarah,  Ann,  and  Jane. 
Jerorims  m.  in  1719  Aeltie,  dau.  of  Cornelius  Van  Arsdalen,  and 
with  his  brother  Derick,  or  Richard,  settled  near  New  Bruns- 
wick, N.  J.  Jeromus  d.  there  in  1775.  His  ch.  were  Cornelius, 
Teunis,  and  Sarah.  Richard  d.  during  the  Revolution,  having 
by  his  wife  Antie,  sons  George,  and  Jeromus. 

18 


270  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

4.  George  Eapalje,  son  of  Teunis,^  m.  Elizabetli  dau.  of 
Joris  Eemsen,  of  Brooklyn,  and  died  upon  liis  farm  at  Bedford 
in  1732  ;  issue,  Sarah,  b.  May  12,  1722,  m.  George  Jansen  ; 
George,  b.  June  14,  1724 ;  Teunis,  b.  May  22,  1726 ;  Rem  b. 
Aug.  3, 1728  ;  and  Phebe,  b.  Oct.  9,  1731.  Teunis  m.  Catharine 
Stockholm,  Mar.  12, 1757,  and  had  ch.  Elizabeth,  m.  Jacob  Ker- 
sliow ;  Margaret,  m.  John  Ditmars ;  Catharine,  m.  Stimpson  ; 
and  Sarah,  who  m.  John  Sprainger.  Rem  m.  Mar.  14,  1751, 
Ellen,  dau.  of  Abel  Hardenbrook,  and  amassed  a  fortune 
in  mercantile  pursuits  in  New- York.  He  d.  at  Pelham,  West- 
chester CO.,  in  1805,  in  his  77th  yr.  He  was  the  father  of 
the  late  George  Rapelje  of  New- York,  distinguished  for  his 
wealth.  The  latter  was  b.  in  Ne^y-York,  Aug.  9, 1771,  educated 
at  Columbia  College,  and  m.  July  19, 1798,  Susan-Eliza,  dau.  of 
Bishop  Provost.     He  published  a  book  of  travels  in  1834. 

5.  Folkert  Rapalje,  son  of  Teunis,-^  was  b.  in  1719,  m.  Oct. 
19, 1742,  Matilda,  dau.  of  Cornelius  Polhemus,  and  remained  on 
the  paternal  farm  at  Cripplebush.  He  had  ch.  Teunis  ;  Sarah, 
m.  Charles  Titus ;  Cornelia,  m.  Johannes  Eemsen ;  and  Ann,  who 
m.  Nicholas  Wyckoff.  Teunis  m.  Susan,  dau.  of  Joseph  Hege- 
man,  and  had  issue,  Folkert ;  and  Sarah,  who  m.  the  Hon.  Jere- 
miah Johnson,  of  Brooklyn.  Folkert,  last  named,  had  by  his 
wife  Agnes,  dau,  of  Charles  Debevoise,  sons,  Charles,  John, 
Joseph,  and  Jeremiah- Johnson. 

6«  Jan  Rapalje,  son  of  Jeronimus,^  m.  Annetie,  dau.  of 
Coert  Van  Voorhees,  and  was  a  farmer  on  a  portion  of  the 
family  estate  in  Brooklyn,  which,  at  his  death  in  1733,  he  left 
to  his  eldest  son,  George.'^  He  had  other  ch.  Jeromus,^  and  John, 
to  the  first  of  whom  he  gave  a  farm  in  Flushing,  and  to  the  lat- 
ter a  share  of  his  personal  estate.  John  Eapalje  (believed  to 
be  the  same)  m.  Maria  Van  Dyke  in  1737. 

7.  George  Eapalje,  son  of  Jan,^  m.  Diana,  dau.  of  Gerrit 
Middagh.  He  d.  prior  to  1764,  and  she  in  1789,  a.  91.  Their  ch. 
were  John,  Garret,  Cornelia,  m.  Abraham  Lott,  and  Anna,  who 
m.  Gerardus  Duyckinck.  Garret  was  b.  at  Brooklyn,  May  31, 
1730,  and  m.  Hellen  Denys,  of  New  Utrecht.  He  was  a  New- 
York  importing  merchant,  and  finally  removed  to  New  Or- 
leans. He  had  ch.  Isaac,  Diana,  m.  John  Fisher  and  Lemuel 
Sawyer,  and  Anna,  who  m.  Jacob  Wilkins  and  Charles  Smith. 
t/oAn,  elder  son  of  George,  was  b.  in  1727,  m.  June  29,  1748, 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN.  271 

Catrina,  dau.  of  Rutgert  Van  Brunt,  of  New  Utreclit,  and  arose 
to  some  importance,  enjoying  a  seat  in  the  Provincial  Assem- 
bly, and  sustaining  a  character  highly  upright  and  respectable. 
But  adhering  to  the  British  cause  in  the  Revolution,  his  valu- 
able lands,  lying  between  Fulton-street  and  the  navy  yard, 
Brooklyn,  were  confiscated  and  sold  by  the  state.  At  the 
peace,  Mr.  Rapalje,  after  petitioning  in  vain  for  a  revision 
of  his  attainder,  retired  to  England  and  was  compensated  for 
his  losses  by  the  British  government.  He  d.  at  Kensington, 
in  his  74th  yr.  Jan.  19,  1802.  He  had  ch,  John,  who  d.  a  ba- 
chelor in  1819,  at  Brooklyn ;  and  Jane,  who  m.  in  1777,  Lt. 
Col.  Edward  G.  Lutwyche,  of  the  British  army.  She  d.  at 
Brooklyn  in  1783,  a.  23  yrs.  and  her  dau.  Catharine  Lutwyche, 
m.  George  Weltden,  late  of  the  city  of  London. 

8.  Jeromus  Rapalje,  son  of  Jan,^  inherited  a  farm  at  Flush- 
ing, as  before  stated,  w^here  he  d.  m  175-4.  He  was  twice  m. 
and  left  ch.  John,9  Richard,  Stephen,  Ann,  Ida,  and  Elizabeth. 
Richard  m.  Ann,  dau.  of  Samuel  Waldron,  of  Newtown,  and 
d.  in  his  58th  yr.  Sep.  8, 1789,  leaving  no  ch.  Stephen^  his  half 
brother,  became  a  freeman  of  New- York  in  1769,  and  a  pros- 
perous merchant.  In  the  Revolution  he  was  an  active  friend 
of  his  country.     He  d.  in  New-York,  Aug.  30,  1812,  a.  65. 

9.  John  Rapalje,  son  of  Jeromus,^  was  b.  in  1722,  and  d.  at 
Jamaica,  at  about  the  age  of  50  years.  He  was  m.  twice,  and 
by  his  first  wife,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Abm.  Brinckerhoflf,  had  ch, 
Catharine,  m.  Teunis  Brinckerhoff,  Jeromus,  Abraham-Brinck- 
erhoflP,  Aletta,  m.  James  Debevoise,  and  Richard.  The  sons 
settled  at  Fishkill,  N.  Y.  where  some  of  their  descendants  re- 
main. Richard  had  issue  Richard  and  Catharine.  Abraham 
B.  was  the  father  of  Abraham  B.  and  William  Rapalje.  ot 
Onondaga  co.  N.  Y.  Stephen,  surgeon  in  the  navy,  and  Rich- 
ard, of  Louisville,  Ky.  Jeromus  had  issue  Sarah,  John,  of 
Fishkill,  Abraham  B.  and  Sylvanus  Rapalje,  Esq.  of  New-York. 

10.  Daniel  Rapalje,  the  youngest  child  of  Joris  Jausen  de 
Rapalie,^  was  b.  in  the  city  of  New- York,  Dec.  29,  1650,  and 
m.  May  27,  1674,  Sarah,  dau.  of  Abraham  Klock.  He  was  a 
man  of  high  respectability,  and  an  elder  of  the  Brooklyn 
church.  He  d.  at  Brooklyn  Dec.  26,  1725,  and  his  widow  on 
Feb.  28,  1731,  a.  79.  Their  ch.  were  Joris,^!  Daniel,  Catharine, 
m.-  Joseph  Van  Cleef,  Annetie,  Mary,  m.  Elbert  Hegeman,  and 


■^72  ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN. 

Sarah,  who  m.  Peter  Lujster.  Daniel,  last  named,  was  b.  Mar. 
5,  1691,  and  m.  Oct  17,  1711,  Aeltie,  dau.  of  Johannes  Cornell, 
at  which  time  he  lived  in  Brooklyn,  but  he  afterwards  removed 
to  Newtown,  and  bought  the  farm  on  Flushing  Bay,  now  oc- 
cupied by  Mrs,  Aletta  Strong.  He  d.  here  Mar.  19,  1737,  his 
wife  having  d.  on  May  20,  1736,  a.  44.  Their  ch,  were  Daniel, 
Johannes,  Joris,  Lammetie,  m.  Hendrick  Brinckerhoff,  Sarah, 
m.  Isaac  Brinckerhoff,  Margaret,  m.  Jacobus  Lent,  Aletta,  Mary, 
Catharine,  and  Ann.  Daniel  Rapalje,  the  eldest  son,  bought  the 
paternal  farm  in  1745,  and  became  a  leading  man  and  a  magis- 
trate of  Newtown.  He  was  twice  married,  and  by  his  first 
wife,  Ruth,  dau.  of  Samuel  Fish,  whom  he  m.  Nov.  11,  1737, 
had  an  only  ch.  Aletta,  b.  Oct.  10,  1753,  who  inherited  all  his 
estate  and  m.  Simon  Remsen,  father  of  Mrs.  Strong  above- 
named.  The  aforesaid  Johannes  Rapalje,  second  son  of  Daniel 
and  Aeltie,  was  the  father  of  Major  Daniel  Rapalje,  who  was 
b.  in  1748,  m.  Agnes,  dau.  of  Johannes  Bergen,  and  became  a 
farmer  at  New  Lots.  On  the  opening  of  the  Revolution  he 
espoused  the  whig  cause,  served  as  a  lieutenant  of  the  Kings 
CO.  troop  of  horse,  and  was  in  exile  during  the  war.  Mr.  Ra- 
palje d.  at  New  Lots  in  1796.  His  ch.  were  John,  Daniel,  Simon, 
and  Michael.  John  m.  Charity,  dau.  of  Abm.  Van  Sickelen, 
and  had  issue,  Cornelia,  wife  of  Stephen  I.  Lott,  and  Daniel  L 
Simon  Rapalje  m.  Hellen,  dau,  of  Nich.  Williamson ;  issue, 
Williamson  Rapalje,  now  occupying  the  old  homestead  of  Ma- 
jor Rapalje  at  New  Lots ;  Daniel,  who  d.  a  young  man,  and 
Eliza,  wife  of  Walter  Bowne,  of  Flushing.  Daniel  Rapalje,  son 
of  Major  Daniel,  was  b.  Aug.  26,  1772,  and  for  forty  years  past 
has  been  a  resident  of  Newtown  and  proprietor  of  the  mill  on 
Flushing  Creek,  formerly  owned  by  David  Titus,  and  pre- 
viously for  more  than  a  century,  by  the  Coe  family.  His  wife  is 
Rensie,  dau.  of  Joost  Wyckoff,  and  their  ch.  are  Daniel-Luys- 
ter;  Sarah-Luyster,  m,  to  Benj,  F,  Willett;  Agnes;  Cathar- 
ine, wife  of  Rev.  Gr.  J.  Garretson ;  and  John  D.  Rapalje. 

11.  Joris  Rapelje,  (as  he  wrote  his  name,)  the  son  of  Daniel,^" 
was  b.  at  Brooklyn,  Mar.  4,  1675,  at  which  place  he  followed 
the  business  of  a  brewer,  and  held  the  office  of  "  lieutenant  of 
his  Majesty's  forces."  He  m.  Agnes,  dau.  of  Cornelius  Berrien, 
of  Newtown,  to  which  town  Mr.  Rapelje  removed  about  1711, 
and  bought  the  farm  of  his  dec.  brother-in-law,  John  Berrien, 


ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN.  273 

at  the  head  of  Flushing  Bay,  then  comprising  some  200  acres, 
but  since  cut  up  and  divided,  Mr.  C.  Hendrickson  now  occu- 
pies the  house  in  which  Joris  Eapelje  lived.  He  conducted  a 
large  brewer}^  here.  He  d.  Jan.  19,  1741,  and  his  widow  Nov. 
3. 1756,  a.  81.  Their  ch.  were  Daniel  ;i~  Cornelius  ;i'^  Abraham  ;i^ 
Jane,  m.  John  Debevoise;  John  ;^'-^  Jacob  ;~~  and  Jeromus.^^ 

12.  Daniel  Eapelje,  the  eldest  son  of  Joris,^^  was  b.  Nov.  12, 
1699,  and  m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Cornelius  Luyster,  who  dying  Sep. 
80,  1782,  a.  SQ,  he  m.  secondly.  Eensie,  widow  of  Peter  G. 
Wyckoff,  and  dau.  of  Martin  Schenck.  She  d.  in  her  o8th  yr. 
Sep.  26,  1760.  After  living  at  Ilellgate  and  in  Flatlands,  Mr.- 
Eapelje  settled  upon  the  fiirm  in  Newtown,  now  of  Dow  D. 
Eapelje,  and  was  for  many  years  an  elder  of  the  Dutch  church. 
He  d.  Oct.  18,  1776.  His  ch.  were  George,  b.  Jan.  28,  1722 ; 
Sarah,  b.  Ap.  8,  172-4,  m.  Isaac  Bogart ;  Agnes,  b.  May  28, 
1727,  d.  Aug.  22,  1740 ;  Mary,  b.  Nov.  10,  1729,  m.  Isaac  Bra- 
zier; Cornelius,  b.  Jan.  16,  1732;  Martin,!^  b.  May  23,  1784; 
Jane,  b.  Mar.  14,  1736,  m.  Hendrick  Eiker ;  Daniel,  b.  Aug.  81, 
1738,  d.  Aug.  31,  1757 ;  Nelly,  b.  July  4,  1740,  m.  Jeremiah 
Eemsen ;  and  Agnes,  b.  May  9,  1744,  who  d.  Oct.  17,  1767. 
George  became  a  farmer  at  New  Lots,  where  he  d.  in  1779, 
leaving  a  son  Daniel,  who  d.  single,  and  dau.  Mar}'-,  wife  of 
Elbert  Snediker,  and  Phebe,  wife  of  Martin  Johnson.  Cornelius 
m.  May  25,  1756,  Cornelia,  dau.  of  John  Wyckoff,  of  Newtown, 
and  in  1758  bought  the  farm  of  his  dec.  father-in-law,  being 
that  now  occupied  by  Cornelius  Purdy.  Capt.  Eapelye,  a  ge- 
nerous neighbor  and  esteemed  citizen,  d.  in  his  51st  yr.  Feb.  9, 
1782,  but  his  widow  survived  till  Jan.  26, 1824,  when  she  d.  in 
her  91st  yr.  Their  ch.  were  Mary,  b.  Aug.  5,  1757,  m.  David 
Purd}^,  and  Adriana,  b.  Aug.  16, 1766,  who  ra.  Jacobus  Suy dam. 
13.  Martin  Eapelye,  son  of  Daniel,^-  m.  Jan.  28,  1763,  Eli- 
zabeth, dau.  of  John  Lequier,  and  OAvned  the  paternal  farm, 
now  that  of  Dow  D.  Eapelje.  He  d.  Feb.  4,  1816,  in  his  82d 
yr.  his  wife  having  d.  in  her  49th  yr.  Sep.  18,  1791.  His  ch. 
who  reached  maturity  were  Elizabeth,  b.  May  22,  1766,  m. 
Peter  Cortelyou ;  John,  b.  Dec.  16,  1768 ;  Eensie,  b.  Jan.  7, 
1771,  ra.  Daniel  Lent  and  Bernard  Eapelye ;  Abraham,  b.  Feb. 
17,  1774,  did  not  marry ;  Agnes,  b.  June  20,  1779,  m.  Nathan- 
iel Lawrence,  and  Daniel,  b.  Sep.  30,  1781,  who  d.  single.  John 
m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Daniel  Lawrence,  May  3,  1798,  and  d.  in  his 


274  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

58th  yr.  Aug.  11,  1826,  being  the  father  of  Martin  Rapelye,  of 
Harlem,  and  John  L.  Rapelye,  of  Astoria. 

14.  Cornelius  Rapelje,  second  son  of  Joris,^^  was  born  in 
1702,  and  m.  Nov.  30, 1727,  Aletta,  dau.  of  Joris  Brinckerhoflf. 
He  owned  and  occupied  the  farm  at  Hellgate,  late  of  Squire 
John  Lawrence,  and  now  of  Edward  J.  Woolsey.  He  was  for 
some  years  in  the  commission  of  the  peace,  and  d.  July  25, 
1760.  Mrs.  Rapelje  d.  in  her  85th  yr.  Jan.  22,  1790.  Their 
ch.  were  Agnes,  b.  Oct.  5,  1728 ;  George,  b.  Sep.  5,  1730 ; 
Daniel,  b.  Mar.  19,  1733 ;  Abraham,  b.  Nov.  5,  1735 ;  Corne- 
lius, b.  June  9, 1738,  (all  of  whom  except  Daniel  d.  unm.)  Ann, 
b.  Aug.  21, 1741,  m.  Col.  Jeromus  Remsen ;  and  Jane,  who  m. 
John  Duryea,  of  Jamaica. 

15.  Abraham  Rapelje,  third  son  of  Joris,^^  was  b.  May  19, 
1705,  and  m.  May  14,  1731,  Anna,  dau.  of  Joris  Brinckerhoff. 
In  1737  he  bought  the  farm  near  Fish's  Point,  now  divided 
between  his  grandsons  Abraham  and  John  I.  Rapelye,  on  which 
he  resided  till  his  death,  Feb,  7,  1777,  having  served  as  a  dea- 
con and  elder  of  the  Dutch  church.  Mrs,  Rapelje  d.  a.  64,  Oct. 
8,  1776.  Their  ch.  were  thirteen  in  number,  eleven  of  whom 
survived  infancy,  namely :  George, ^^  b.  Feb.  18,  1732  ;  Abra- 
ham, b.  Dec.  1,  1732  ;  Anna,  b.  Feb.  12,  1738,  m.  George  De- 
bevoise ;  Agnes,  b.  Ap.  21,  1740,  m.  Martin  Schenck ;  Sarah, 
b,  Ap.  3,  1742,  m,  Johannes  Debevoise ;  Jannetie,  b.  July  2, 
1744,  d.  July  27,  1763  ;  DanieV^  b.  Mar.  24,  1746  ;  Isaac/s  ^^ 
Feb.  5,  1748 ;  Aletta,  b.  June  2,  1750,  m,  Abraham  Polhemus ; 
Jacob,  b.  Oct.  17,  1752  ;  and  Susannah,  b.  May  17,  1754,  who 
d.  of  camp  fever,  Dec.  28,  1776.  Abraham  m.  Jane,  dau.  of 
Elbert  Luyster,  but  had  no  issue.  He  lived  on  the  place  owned 
by  the  late  Aaron  Furman,  and  d.  of  camp  fever,  Dec.  8, 1776. 
His  widow  d.  in  her  64th  yr.  Sep.  13,  1799.  Jacob  m.  Maria, 
dau.  of  Dow  Ditmars,  of  Jamaica,  and  d.  in  his  57th  yr.  Sep. 
2,  1809.  His  only  ch.  that  reached  maturity  was  Susan,  who  m. 
the  Rev.  Gabriel  Ludlow,  now  of  Shannock,  N.  J. 

16.  George  Rapelye,  son  of  Abraham,i^  m.  Oct.  18,  1753, 
Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Roelof  Schenck,  of  Cow  Neck,  at  which 
place  he  settled.  He  d.  in  his  83rd  yr.  Jan.  12,  1815,  and  his 
widow  on  Nov,  5,  same  yr,  also  in  her  83d  yr.  Their  ch,  were 
Susannah,  b,  Oct.  20,  1754,  d.  June  16,  1777  ;  Anna,  b,  Sep. 
7, 1756,  m.  Hendrick  Brinckerhoflf ;  Ehzabeth,  b.  July  21,  1759, 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  275 

m.  John  Luyster;  Abraliam,  b.  Jan.  25,  1763  ;  Jane,  b.  Mar.  3, 
1765,  ra.  Joseph  Hegeman ;  Sarah,  b.  Feb.  3,  1767,  m.  George 
Onderdonk;*  Roelof,  b.  Oct.  30, 1770 ;  aad  Jacob,  b.  Aug.  24, 
1772,  who  m.  Aletta  Brinckerhoff,  but  d.  without  issue,  Aug.  23, 
1825.  Roelof  m.  Phebe  Snediker,  and  d.  Ap.  22,  1823,  leaving 
ch.  Abraham  ra.  Maria,  dau  of  Martin  Schenck,  and  secondly 
Ida  Monfort.  He  d.  in  his  63d  yr.  Feb.  23,  1826,  and  his 
son  Cornelius  now  occupies  his  estate  in  North  Hempstead. 

*  The  Onderdonk  family  is  descended  from  Adriaen  Onderdonk,  a  Dutch 
emigrant  to  New  Castle,  Del.  His  son  Andries  removed,  with  others  of  the 
family,  to  Long  Island,  and  m.  Nov.  11,  1683,  Maria,  dau.  of  Dirck  Janse  Van 
der  Vliet;  settled  in  the  town  of  Jamaica;  had  issue,  Adriaen  and  Andries, 
and  dying  soon  after,  his  widow,  in  1687,  m.  Jacob  Vanderbilt.  Adriaen  b. 
1684,  m.  Sarah  Snediker  and  had  issue,  Andries,  Gerrit,  Abraliam,  Adriaen, 
Isaac,  Jacob,  Elsie,  Hendrick,  Maria,  John,  and  Sarah,  most  of  whom  settled 
in  Rockland  co.  and  N.  Jersey,  and  left  a  numerous  posterity.  Andries  On- 
derdonk, b.  1686,  m.  in  1706,  Gertrude  Lott,  and  d.  in  1758;  issue,  1  Maria 
m.  Jacobus  Monfort,  2  Catharine,  m.  Daniel  Hegeman,  3  Andries,  4  Ger- 
trude, m.  Jacobus  Hegeman,  5  Annetie,  6  Dorothy,  ni.  Adrian  Hegeman, 
7  Sarah,  m.  Thomas  Dodge,  8  Hendrick,  9  Adrian,  10  Peter.  These  were  of 
the  second  generation  born  on  Long  Island. 

3d  Generation. 

Andries,'^  b.  1711,  m.  in  1732,  Sarah  Remsen,  and  removed  to  Tappan  ; 
issue,  1  Andrew,  2  Aeltie,  3  Gertrude,  m.  Adrian  Smith,  4  Phebe,  m.  Onder- 
donk, 5  Maria,  m.  John  Riker,  6  Antie,  m.  John  Gesner.  Hendrick,'  b.  1724, 
m.  1750,  Phebe  Tredwell;  issue,  1  Benjamin,  2  Gertrude,  m.  Lambert  Moore> 
3  Phebe,  4  Andrew,  m.  Mary  Magdalen  Moore,  5  Sarah,  m.  D.  R.  Floyd 
Jones,  6  Henry,  7  Maria,  8  John,  9  Phebe,  10  William,  11  Samuel,  12.  Ben- 
jamin.  Adrian,^  b.  1726,  m.  1755,  Maria  Uegemnn;  issue,  1  Gertrude,  m.  Peter 
Luyster,  2  Sarah,  3  Sarah,  m.  Tliomas  Thorne,  4  George,  5  Maria,  m.  Abm. 
Hoogland,  6  Joseph,  7  Lott,  8  Phebe,  9  Catharine,  10  Susannah,  m.  Dan  Ma- 
ther, 11  Andrew.  Peter,^°  b.  1730,  m.  1751,  Elizabeth  Schenck;  issue,  iMa- 
aria,  m.  Daniel  Bogart,  2  Andrew,  3  Gertrude,  m.  Abm.  Brinckerhoff,  4  Eliza- 
beth,  5  Minne,  6  Jane,  7  Catharine,  m.  Jacobus  Hegeman,  8  Antie,  9  Peter. 

4lh  Generation. 

Andrew,^  b.  1734,  at  Tappan,  m.  Rider;  issue,  Sarah,  ni.  Cornelius  Bogart. 
Henrij,'^  b.  1760,  m.  1795,  Sarah  Van  Kleek;  issue,  Henry-Livingston.  John,« 
(Doctor)  b.  1763,  m,  1788,  Deborah  Ustick ;  issue,  1  Henry-Ustick,  2  William, 
3  Susannah,  4  Benjamiii-Treadwell,  5  Elizabeth,  6  Phoebe,  7  Mary.  George,* 
b.  1761,  m.  1796,  Sarah  Rapelye  ;  issue,  1  Catharine,  m.  Dow  J.  Dit-^ 
mars,  2  Jacob,  3  Maria-Hegeman,  m.  her  cousin  Henry  Onderdonk,  Jr. 
4Elizabeth-Schenck,  m.  her  cousin  Horatio  G.  Onderdonk.  Joseph,*^  b.  1766, 
m.  1789,  Dorothy  Monfort;  issue,  1  Maria,  m.  Elbert  Hegeman,  2  Catharine, 
m.  Thomas  Skill  man,  3  Adrian,  4  George,  5  Andrew-Lott,  6  Elizabeth. 
1  Ramy,  Junior,  8  Andrew-Lott,  9  Horatio-Gates,  10  James-Monfort.  Lott,^ 


276  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

17.  Daniel  Kapelje,  son  of  Abraham,^^  m.  Dec.  11,  1772, 
Elizabetli,  dau.  of  Abraham  Polhemus,  and  resided  on  the 
place  now  of  William  Levericli.  He  d.  in  his  -tSth  yr.  Jan. 
19,  1794,  and  his  widow  Aug.  29,  WU,  in  her  89th  yr.  Their 
ch.  were  Anna,  b.  Dec.  26,  1773,  m.  Jacob  Eapelje;  Margaret, 
b.  Nov.  12,  1775,  m.  Abraham  Snediker  and  Hendrick  Suy- 
dam;  Abraham,  b.  Dec.  14,  1777;  Elizabeth,  b.  Dec.  11,  1780, 
m.  Abraham  Eemsen ;  and  Isaac,  b.  Dec.  23, 1782.  The  latter 
m.  his  cousin,  Margaret,  dau.  of  Jacob  Polhemus,  and  for  nearly 
half  a  century  occupied  the  farm  at  the  Poor  Bowery,  formerly 
in  the  Lent  family,  where  he  d.  Oct.  20,  1850.  His  surviving 
ch.  are  Ann  E.  Gertrude,  Jacob  P.  and  Aletta  V.  His  brother 
Abraham,  m.  Agnes,  dau.  of  Martin  Schenck,  and  resided  at  the 
Dutch  Kills.  He  d.  Feb.  1,  1837,  his  wife  having  d.  in  her  52d 
yr.  Oct.  13,  1832.  Their  ch.  were  Daniel,  Martin,  Polhemus, 
Isaac,  Agnes,  Elizabeth,  and  Maria. 

b.  1768,  m.  1794,  Susannah  Schenck;  issue,  I  Catharine,  m.  Abni.  Ditmars, 
2  Abin.-Sehenek,  m.  Ann  Tredvvell,  3  Maria,  4  Henry,  5  Andrew.  Minne,^  b. 
1764,  m.  first,  1794,  Catharine  Schenck;  issue,  1  Elizabeth,  m.  Eldert  AHen, 
2  Peter,  3  A^ra.-Schenck,  4 Maria,  ra.  William  Hoogland  ;  then  m.  Phebe 
Piatt,  widow  of  Daniel  Hegeman ;  issue,  5  Catharine,  m.  Warren  Mitchell, 
6  Jane,  m.  Martin  Schenck,  7  Matilda,  m.  Rev.  Wm.  R.  Gordon. 

5/^  Generation. 

Henry-Livingslon,h.  1196,  m.  1817,  Charlotte  Foot;  isswe, Henrj'-Livings- 
ton.  Henry-Ustick,  b.  1789,  and  elected  Bishop  of  Penn.  1827,  m.  1811, 
Elizabeth  Carter;  issue  John-Henry,  Anne  C,  Susan,  Elizabeth,  Mary,  Jane 
M.,  Gertrude  P.,  Hellen.  William,^  b.  1790,  m.  1814,  Maria  Holmes,  issue,  J. 
Remsen,  William  U.,  Maria  H.,  Andrew,  drowned  1843,  Henry,  and  Catharine 
F.  BenJa?nin-TreadweU,*h.  1792  and  elected  Bishop  of  New- York  1830,  m. 
1813,  Eliza  H.  Moscrop;  issue,  Elizabeth  C,  Henry  M.,  William  H.,  John  C, 
Benjamin  A.,  and  Hobart.  Adrian,^  b.  1795,  m.  1819,  Ann  Wyekoff;  issue, 
Dorothy-Ann,  Gertrude.  Henry  Onderdonk,  Jr?  b.  1804;  principal  of  Union 
Hall  Academy,  Jamaica,  and  author  of  Revolutionary  Incidents  of  Long  Isl- 
and, m.  1828,  his  cousin,  Maria  Hegeman  Onderdonk ;  issue,  Elizabeth,  and 
Adrian.  Horatio-Gates?  b.  1808,  m.  1830,  his  cousin  Elizabeth  Sciienck  On- 
derdonk; issue,  Sarah,  Maria,  Josephine-Dorothy,  Anna,  Catharine-Elizabeth, 
Andrew.  James-Monforl,^"  b.  1811,  m.  1837,  Jane  Hegeman;  issue,  Joseph, 
John,  Mariana,  Dorothea,  Cornelia.  Henry,*  b.  1802,  m.  1839,  widow  Mary 
Webb;  issue  Mary-Matilda,  Henrietta-Virginia.  Peter,^  b.  1798,  m.  1823,  Eliza 
Hoogland;  issue,  Cornelia,  Caroline,  Benjamin,  William,  Peter.  Abraham- 
Schenck,^  h.  lS01,m.  1824,  Phebe  Remsen,  issue;  Sarah-Jane,  Minne,  and 
Margaretta. 

N.  B.  The  plan  of  this  genealogy,  as  will  be  seen,  differs  from  that  observed  in 
other  cases.     On  a  little  examination,  however,  it  will  appear  quite  simple. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 


277 


18.  Isaac  Rapelye,  son  of  Abraliam,^^  m.  Jane,  dau.  of  Carel 
Debevoise,  and  lived  on  the  paternal  farm  at  Fish's  Point, 
where  he  d.  in  his  89th  yr.  Dec.  20,  1836,  Mrs.  Rapelye  hav- 
ing d.  in  her  63d  yr.  Aug.  30,  1816.  Their  ch.  were  Abraham,^ 
Charles,  John  I.,  Isaac,  Anna,  Ellen,  Agnes,  Jane  and  Eve.  Of 
these  Abraham  and  John  I.  occupy  portions  of  the  paternal 
farm.  Isaac,  late  a  physician  at  Brooklyn,  is  now  dec.  Charles 
b.  Aug.  12,  1786,  m.  Catharine  M.  Pearsall,  of  N.  Hempstead, 
who  dying,  he  m,  secondly,  Lavinia,  dau.  of  David  Purdy.  In 
1830  he  bought  the  farm  previously  owned  by  Daniel  Riker, 
Esq.  where  he  d.  Jan.  6, 1834,  his  estate  being  now  in  the  pos- 
session of  his  ch.  namely,  David  P.,  Isaac  C,  Catharine  M., 
and  Lavinia  P.  Rapelye. 

19.  John  Rapelye,  fifth  child  of  Joris,'^i  was  b.  June  11, 
1711,  and  m.  Jan.  12,  1733,  Maria,  dau.  of  Abraham  Lent.  In 
1743  he  and  his  brother  Jeromus  bought  the  paternal  estate, 
which  they  divided,  John  retaining  the  farm  now  occupied 
bv  Robert  Willett.  He  d.  of  consumption,  Feb.  11,  1756.  His 
widow  d.  a.  90  yrs.  Nov.  21,  1800.  Their  ch.  were  George,2i  b. 
Oct.  27,  1733  ;  Anna  Catrina,  b.  Aug.  10,  1736,  m.  Jacobus 
Riker ;  Abraham,^"  b.  Nov.  21,  1739 ;  and  Daniel,  b.  Aug.  15, 
1745.  The  latter  m.  in  1785,  Ellen,  dau.  of  William  Livesay, 
and  d.  in  New- York,  Jan.  9,  1828  ;  his  wife  having  d.  in  1815. 
Their  ch.  were  John ;  George,  of  New- York ;  Harriet,  the 
wife  of  John  I.  Staples ;  Catharine ;  and  Ellen,  wife  of  Gen. 
John  Lloyd,  of  New-York. 

20.  Abraham  Rapelye,  son  of  John,!^  m.  June  22,  1/64, 
Nelly,  dau.  of  John  Bragaw,  and  kept  the  inn  at  Newtown 
village,  known  as  the  "  corner  house."  He  d.  a.  59,  Nov.  2, 
1798,  and  his  widow  in  her  63d  yr.  Feb.  7, 1807.  Their  ch.  were 
Jane,  m.  William  Garden,  afterwards  Col.  Garden,  of  York 
CO.  N.  B. ;  Maria,  m.  Isaac  Schenck ;  John,  Margaret,  Abraham, 
Daniel,  George,  (all  five  of  whom  d.  unm.)  Isaac,  d.  an  infant, 
Andrew  b.  Oct.  11,  1782,  who  left  issue;  and  William-Garden 
b.  July  4,  1785,  now  a  resident  of  New-York. 

31.  George  Rapelye,  eldest  son  of  John,i^  ni.  May  19, 1756, 
Mary,  dau.  of  Bernard  Bloom,  of  Newtown.  After  the  Revo- 
lution he  settled  at  Communipau,  and  on  Mar.  22,  1791,  was 
accidentally  drowned  in  coming  to  New-York.  His  remains 
were  recovered,  and  buried  at  Communipau.    His  widow  d. 


278  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

June  4,  1819,  a.  86,  and  was  interred  at  Newtown.  Their  ch. 
were  Jolin,  b.  Feb.  7,  1767 ;  Bernard,  b.  Aug.  27,  1759 ;  and 
George,  b.  Mar.  14,  1763.  The  latter  m.  Anne,  dau.  of  Paul 
Vandervoort,  and  being  knocked  overboard  by  the  boom 
of  a  vessel,  was  drowned  in  the  East  river,  May  28,  1789, 
leaving  issue  two  sons,  George  and  Paul,  the  first  of  whom 
was  also  drowned  at  New- York  several  years  after.  Thus, 
by  a  singular  fatality,  a  father,  son,  and  grandson,  each 
bearing  the  same  name,  met  a  watery  grave.  Paul  Kapelye 
occupies  the  farm  upon  Newtown  creek,  formerly  Thomas 
Alsop's.  John  m.  Lemma  Boice.  He  bought  and  occupied 
the  farm  of  Capt.  William  Weyman,  in  Newtown,  being  that 
now  divided  between  his  son  George  I.  Rapelye  and  son-in- 
law,  Benjamin  Moore.  He  d.  a.  72,  April  5,  1829,  and  his  con- 
sort a,  68  yrs.  Sept.  15,  1832.  Their  ch.  are  George  I. ;  Jacob, 
living  in  Brooklyn  ;  Jane,  wife  of  Benjamin  Moore ;  and  Mary. 
Bernard  m.  Nov.  23,  1783,  Deborah,  dau.  of  Joshua  Gedney, 
at  whose  death  he  m.  secondly  Eensie,  dau.  of  Martin  Eapelye 
and  widow  of  Daniel  Lent.  He  d.  a.  78,  in  1837,  having  had 
by  his  first  marriage  two  ch.  who  attained  maturity,  to  wit, 
George-Bernard,  now  of  New-York  city,  and  Charles,  dec. 

33.  Jacob  Kapelje,  sixth  child  of  Joris,^^  was  b.  Mar.  18, 
1714,  and  m.  Catharine  Lott,  May  16,  1740.  He  resided  at 
Hellgate,  on  the  premises  now  owned  by  Mrs.  Polhemus,  and 
erected  the  stone- house  yet  standing  on  that  farm.  Mr.  Eapelje 
was  a  leading  man  both  in  civil  and  church  affairs.  He  was 
supervisor  of  Newtown  for  eighteen  years  in  succession,  and 
long  served  in  the  eldership  of  the  Dutch  church.  At  the 
opening  of  the  Revolution,  though  all  his  brothers  then  living 
were  loyalists,  he  warmly  advocated  the  rights  of  his  country, 
but  did  not  live  to  witness  its  triumph.  He  d.  May  18,  1776, 
and  his  widow  on  July  7th  following,  in  her  56th  yr.  His  ch. 
who  reached  adult  years,  were  Agnes,  b.  Mar.  15, 1746,  m.  Martin 
Schenck ;  Peter,  b.  Dec.  19,  1750;  George,  b.  Feb.  10, 1753,  d.  a 
young  man ;  Sarah,  b.  Feb.  17,  1755,  m.  George  Brinckerhoff ; 
Jacob,  b.  May  21, 1757;  and  Catharine,  b.  Jan.l8,  1760,  m.  Isaac 
Snediker.  Peter  was  a  whig,  and  quarter-master  of  Newtown 
troop  of  horse  at  the  opening  of  the  Revolution.  He  m.  Dec. 
29,  1791,  Bregie,  dau.  of  Dow  Ditmars,  and  settled  at  New  Lots, 
where  he  d,   Ap.  25,  1802,  having  had  issue  Jacob,   Peter, 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  279 

and  Dow-Ditmars,  the  last  of  whom  resides  in  Newtown,  and 
the  two  former  at  New  Lots.  Jacob  Rapelje,  son  of  Jacob^ 
m.  Ann,  dau.  of  Daniel  Rapelye.  He  lived  upon  the  farm  now 
occupied  by  his  son,  Peter  Eapelje,  in  Hellgate  Neck,  where  he 
d.  in  his  63d  yr.  Jan.  23, 1820.  His  widow  still  survives.  Their 
eh.  who  reached  maturity,  were  Catharine,  b.  Sep.  26,  1791 ; 
Elizabeth,  b.  May  9,  1793  ;  Maria,  b.  Aug.l6,  1796;  Daniel,  b. 
Dec.  2,  1798,  d.  Nov.  1, 1828 ;  Sarah- Ann,  b.  Mar.  2,  1801 ; 
Peter,  b.  June  28,  1805 ;  Jacob,  b.  Ap.  20,  1807,  d.  en  route 
for  California,  June  29,1849  ;  George,  b.  Jan.  7,  1809  ;  and 
Margaret,  b.  Aug.  27,  1815. 

23.  Jeromus  Rapelje,  the  youngest  child  of  Joris,^^  was  b. 
Sep.  14,  1717,  and  m.  Dec.  1,  1738,  Wyntie,  dau.  of  Abraham 
Lent.  As  before  stated  he  bought  the  homestead,  half  of 
the  paternal  farm  on  Flushing  Bay,  his  part  including  the 
lands  now  in  the  possession  of  Cornelius  Hendrickson  and 
the  heirs  of  Col.  Williams.  He  continued  the  brewery  dur- 
ing his  life,  and  his  son  Jeromus  after  him,  but  the  build- 
ing has  since  been  removed.  He  held  a  commission  as 
captain  of  militia,  was  a  resolute,  energetic  man,  and  a  warm 
loyalist.  He  d.  Jan.  15,  1776,  and  his  widow  Sep.  7,  1796,  a. 
80.  Capt.  Rapelje  is  said  to  have  been  a  person  of  large 
and  heavy  frame,  and  his  consort  as  remarkable  for  her  di- 
minutiveness.  Their  ch.  were  George,  b.  Dec.  12,  1739 ;  Abra- 
ham b.  Dec.  10, 1741 ;  Daniel,  b.  Nov.  27,  1743,  d.  Sep.  9, 1762 ; 
Jacobus,  b.  Feb.  15,  1746,  and  killed  by  the  fall  of  a  limb  in 
the  woods  Nov.  27,  1767 ;  Cornelius,  b.  Aug.  10,  1748 ;  Jero- 
mus,2'i  b.  Aug.  23,  1751 ;  and  John,  b.  Mar.  9,  1755,  and  d.  Sep. 
9,  1776.  George  m.  Nov.  23, 1764,  his  cousin,  Aletta,  dau.  of 
Jacobus  Lent,  He  d.  in  his  50th  yr.  Aug.  4,  1789,  and  his 
widow  Dec.  23,  1810,  in  her  64th  yr.  They  had  issue  Jeromus ; 
Margaret,  m.  David  Springsteen  ;  Jacobus-Lent,  living  at  New 
Lots ;  and  Daniel,  who,  with  his  brother  Jeromus,  removed  to 
Canada.  Abraham  m.  Dec.  6,  1767,  Cynthia,  dau.  of  Abraham 
Bogart,  of  Bushwick,  and  bought  the  farm  of  his  father-in-law 
in  that  town,  where  he  settled,  and  d.  aged  39,  Dec.  24,  1780, 
leaving  two  ch.  Abraham,  who  m.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Peter  Wyc- 
koflf,  and  Wyntie,  who  m.  Henry  Van  Allen.  .  Cornelius  m.  Nov. 
17,  1780,  Maria  dau.  of  his  cousin  Jacobus  Riker,  and  was  a 
man  of  exemplary  life  and  an    office-bearer  in  the  Dutch 


280  ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN. 

cliurch.  He  d.  at  Hallett's  Cove,  in  his  80tli  yr.  Jan.  81, 
1828,  and  liis  pious  and  amiable  widow  July  24,  1832,  in 
her  71st  yr.  Their  eh.  were  Grace,  b.  Aug.  20,  1782,  widow 
of  John  Trafford;  Jeromus,  b.  May  27,  1788,  d.  Sep.  12,  1818; 
Jamcs-Eiker,  b.  Jan.  3,  1790,  now  of  New- York  city ;  and 
George,  b.  Feb.  15,  1793,  who  d.  in  New-York,  April  18, 1850. 

24.  Jeromus  Eapelye,  son  of  Capt.  Jeromus,^^  m.  Sep.  1, 
1775,  Heyltie,  dau.  of  John  Bragaw,  who  dying  Mar.  28, 
1788,  in  her  35th  yr.  he  m.  secondly  Lanah,  dau.  of  John 
Folk.  He  remained  on  the  paternal  farm  till  his  mother's 
death,  afterwards  lived  at  Newtown,  d.  in  his  80th  yr.  Mar. 
10;  1831,  and  his  widow  on  Oct.  13th  succeeding,  a.  63.  His 
ch.  by  his  first  marriage  were  Jeromus  I ;  Jane,  wife  of  Syl- 
vanus  Morris ;  John,  of  Hopewell,  N.  Y. ;  and  Wyntie-Lent, 
who  m.  first  John  Wiltsee,  and  is  now  the  widow  of  John 
Storm.  By  his  second  marriage  Jeromus  had  issue,  Abra- 
ham, George,  Hellen-Bragaw,  and  Joseph-Ford,  all  living. 
Jeromus  I.  Eapelye  m.  Ap..  14,  1804,  Phebe,  dau.  of  John 
Greenoak,  and  d.  in  his  67th  yr.  Feb.  26,  1843.  His  ch. 
were  Jerome,  now  of  Astoria,  and  John-Greenoak,  dec. 

In  closing  this  genealogy  it  will  be  appropriate  to  add  a 
remark  written  sixteen  years  ago,  by  a  learned  gentleman, 
concerning  this  family.  He  says  "  Their  general  character 
for  honesty,  hospitality,  industry,  sagacity,  talent,  and  perse- 
verance, stands  pre-eminent  in  the  estimation  of  their  fellow 
citizens ;  indeed  they  seem,  in  a  great  measure,  to  have  re- 
tained through  the  lapse  of  more  than  two  centuries  the 
characteristic  gaiety,  tact,  and  intelligence  of  their  French 
origin,  combined  with  the  good  sense,  economy  and  neat- 
ness of  their   Dutch  progenitors." 


THE    LAWRENCE    FAMILY. 


Altliougli  extended  and  well 
written  accounts  of  this  family 
have  already  appeared  in  Thomp- 
son's Long  Island  and  Hoi  gate's 
American  Genealogy,  it  is  deem- 
ed indispensable  that  a  memoir 
of  the  family  be  presented  here, 
inasmuch  as  they  have  occupied 
a  very  important  place  in  the 
history  of  this  town.  The  follow- 
in  o-  is  mainly  drawn  from  the 
above  sources,  containing,  how- 
ever, important  amendments  and  additions. 

The  first  ancestor  of  this  family,  of  which  we  have  any 
knowledge,  was    Sir    Robert   Laurens,    of  Ashton  Hall,  m 
Lancastershire,  England.     It  was  this  individual  who  accom- 
panied Richard  Cc^ur  de  Lion  in  his  famous  expedition  to 
Palestine,  and  who  signalized  himself  in  the  memorable  siege 
of  St.  Jean  d'Acre,  in  1191,  by  being  the  first  to  plant  the 
banner  of  the  cross  on  the  battlements  of  that  town,  for  which 
he  received  the  honors  of  knighthood  from  King  Richard,  and 
also,  at  the  same  time,  the  coat  of  arms  above  represented. 
After  this  the  family  became  eminent  m  England.    In  Faulk- 
ner's History  of  Chelsea,  &c.  he  says,  "The  Lawrences  were 
allied  to  all  that  was  great  and  illustrious;  cousins  to  ^le  am-^ 
bitious  Dudley,  Duke  of   Northumberland,  to   the   Earl   of 
Warwick,  to  Lord  Guilford  Dudley,   who  expiated  on    he 
scaffold  the  short  lived  royalty  of  Lady  Jane  Gray ;  to  the 
brilliant  Leicester,  who  set  two  queens  at  variance,  and  to  Sir 
Philip  Sidney,  who  refused  a  throne." 

A  large  number  of  the  families  bearing  this  name  m  the 
United  States  are  descended  from  three  brothers,  John,  Wil- 
liam and  Thomas  Lawrence,  who  emigrated  from  Grea  St. 
Albans,  in  Hertfordshire,  during  the  political  troubles  that  led 
to  the  dethronement  and  death  of  Charles  I.  In  corroboration 
of  their  descent  from  Sir  Robert  Laurens  we  find  on  the 
seals  appended  to  some  of  their  wills  now  on  file  at  New-York, 


282  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN, 

and  on  old  plate  still  possessed  by  their  descendants,  the 
same  coat  of  arms  as  were  granted  to  that  knight. 

John  and  William  Lawrence  were  the  first  to  emigrate. 
The  former,  then  a  youth  of  seventeen,  with  his  said  brother, 
aged  twelve,  and  his  sister  Maria,  a  child  of  nine  years,  em- 
barked in  the  ship  Planter,  April,  1635,  and  landed  in  Massa- 
chusetts. Thence  they  subsequently  came  to  this  province. 
John  was  one  of  the  six  persons  to  whom  the  patent  of  Hemp- 
stead was  granted  by  Gov.  Kieft  in  1644.  In  the  following 
year  he  and  his  brother  Williani,  with  several  others,  obtained 
the  patent  of  Flushing,  at  which  place  John  Lawrence  estab- 
lished his  residence,  but  soon  after  removed  to  New  Amster- 
dam, where  he  held  important  public  stations,  both  under  the 
Dutch  and  English.  He  was  appointed  an  alderman  of  New- 
York  when  the  English  government  was  first  established  in 
that  city,  in  1665  ;  was  afterwards  mayor,  and  for  a  long  term 
of  years  a  member  of  the  council.  In  1692  he  was  appointed 
a  judge  of  the  supreme  court,  which  office  he  held  till  his  death 
in  1699.  His  will,  on  file  in  New- York,  written  in  his  own 
hand,  states  that  he  was  then  more  than  eighty  years  old.  He 
had  six  ch.  to  wit,  Joseph,  John,  Thomas,  Susannah,  Martha 
and  Mary ;  all  of  whom,  except  Thomas,  married,  but  none 
left  issue  that  reached  maturity,  save  Mary,  who  m.  William 
Whittingham,  and  was  the  mother  of  Mary,  wife  of  Gov. 
Saltonstall,  of  Connecticut,  a  lady  distinguished  for  her 
literary  acquirements,  and  the  gifts  she  bestowed  upon 
Harvard   and   Yale   Colleges. 

William  Lawrence,  the  next  younger  brother  of  John 
Lawrence,  also  left  Flushing,  and  resided  for  a  season  in  Mid- 
delburg  or  Newtown,  of  which  he  was  a  purchaser  in  1656, 
but  he  returned  several  years  after  to  the  first  named  town, 
and  bought  Lawrence's  or  Tew's  Neck,  where  he  continued  to 
reside  during  life.  His  letters  addressed  to  Stuy  vesant  and  his 
council  in  1662  and  '3  are  ably  written,  evincing  his  energy 
and  decision  of  character,  and  are  evidently  the  production  of 
a  man  of  superior  mind  and  liberal  education.  He  served  in 
the  magistracy  under  the  Dutch  ;  while  under  the  English  he 
held  both  civil  and  military  offices  upon  Long  Island.  Capt. 
Lawrence  d.  in  1680,  a.  57,  and  the  inventory  of  his  estate  on 
file  in  New- York  shows  that  his  sword,  plate  and  other  person- 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  283 

als  alone  amounted  to  £4,432  sterling.  He  was  twice  married. 
By  his  first  wife  he  left  issue  William,  John,  and  Elizabeth, 
who  m.  in  1672  Thomas  Stevenson,  of  Newtown.  In  1664 
he  m.  for  his  second  wife  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Richard  Smith, 
Esq.  patentee  of  Smithtown,  by  whom  he  had  issue  Mary, -- 
Thomas,  Joseph,  Richard,  Samuel,  Sarah,  and  James.  After 
his  decease  his  widow  m.  Sir  Philip  Carteret,  governor  of  New 
Jersey.  His  eldest  son,  Major  William  Lawrence,  d.  at  Flush- 
ing in  1719,  leaving  several  sons,  of  whom  the  youngest, 
Stephen  Lawrence,  was  the  father  of  Leonard  and  grand-fa- 
ther of  Gilbert  Lawrence,  now  occupying  the  old  family  man- 
sion upon  Lawrence's  Neck.  Joseph  Lawrence,  the  fourth  son 
of  Capt.  William  Lawrence,  was  the  father  of  Richard  Law- 
rence, father  of  the  late  Effingham  Lawrence  who  was  b.  Feb. 
11, 1785,  and  removed  to  the  city  of  London,  where  he  d.  May 
17,  1806,  leaving  issue  William  E.,  John,  Effingham,  Edward- 
Billop,  and  Catharine-Mary,  who,  in  1816,  m.  Sir  John  T.  Jones, 
Bart.  His  brother,  Joseph  Lawrence,  b.  Aug.  23,  1741,  was  a 
member  of  the  New- York  assembly  in  1785,  and  was  the  father 
of  the  late  Judge  Effingham  Lawrence,  of  Flushing,  and  of 
Henry  Lawrence,  the  father  of  Hon.  Cornelius  W.  Lawrence, 
of  New- York.  John  Lawrence,  the  brother  of  Joseph,  last 
named,  was  b,  Feb.  22,  1732,  and  his  son  Effingham  Lawrence, 
was  the  father  of  Watson  E.  Lawrence,  Esq.  of  New  Haven, 
and  Judge  Effingham»W.  Lawrence,  and  the  Hon.  John  W. 
Lawrence,  of  Flushing.  For  a  fuller  account  of  the  poste- 
rity of  Capt.  William  Lawrence,  of  Flushing,  see  the  works 
cited  at  the  beginning  of  this  memoir. 

1.  Thomas  Lawrence,  the  youngest  of  the  three  brothers 
first  named  in  this  article,  not  being  mentioned  among  the 
passengers  of  the  ship  in  which  his  brethren  came  to  this 
country,  is  supposed  to  have  joined  them  after  their  emi- 
gration hither.  He  lived  awhile  at  Flushing,  but  in  1656 
bought  a  house  and  lot  in  Newtown,  to  which  place  he 
removed  and  took  part  in  buying  the  town  lands  from  the 
Indians  that  same  year.  Afterwards,  by  purchase  from  the 
Dutch  settlers,  he  became  proprietor  of  a  number  of  cultivated 
farms  extending  along  the  East  River  from  Hellgate  Cove  to 
the  Bowery  Bay.  On  receiving  the  news  of  the  Revolution  in 
England  of  1688,  and  the  removal  of  Sir   Edmund  Andross 


284  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

as  governor  of  Massachusetts,  the  family  of  Thomas  became 
decided  actors  in  asserting  the  principles  which  had  prompted 
his  departure  from  England.  Though  advanced  in  years, 
Capt.  Lawrence  accepted  the  command  of  the  forces  of 
Queen's  county,  to  which  he  was  commissioned  by  Gov. 
Leisler,  with  the  rank  of  major,  Dec.  80,  1689.  In  Feb. 
following  he  was  intrusted  with  the  raising  of  troops  in 
Queen's  county  to  aid  in  defending  Albany  against  the 
French,  and  again  in  July  of  the  same  year,  he  was  commis- 
sioned to  proceed  to  Southold  with  a  military  force,  to  protect 
his  Majesty's  subjects  there  against  the  apprehended  attacks  of 
French  cruisers.  Major  Thomas  Lawrence  d.  at  Newtown  in 
July,  1703.  His  descendants  are  very  numerous,  residing  in 
Connecticut,  New- York,  New  Jersey,  and  other  states  of  the 
Union.  He  left  a  wid,ow,  Mary,  and  live  sons,  to  wit,  Thomas, 
William,  John,  Daniel  and  Jonathan.  His  dau.  Sarah  m.  Joseph 
Winslow  and  Charles  Le  Bross ;  Elizabeth,  another  dau.  m. 
John  Saunders.  Of  the  sons  Thomas  and  Jonathan,  and  their 
descendants,  an  account  is  given  in  Bolton's  History  of  West- 
chester. William  was  appointed  one  of  the  council  of  the  pro- 
vince under  Gov.  Leisler ;  an  office  which  he  subsequently 
held  from  1702  to  1706,  by  a  commission  from  Queen  Anne, 
The  sad  fall  of  Leisler,  involving  the  members  of  his  council 
in  its  effects,  Wm.  Lawrence,  with  the  rest  of  them.,  was  seized 
and  committed  on  a  charge  of  high  treason.  John  Lawrence, 
his  uncle,  who,  from  the  caution  of  age,  or  a  disapprobation 
of  Leisler's  proceedings,  had  never  countenanced  his  eleva- 
tion, was  appointed  on  the  commission  with  Sir  Thomas 
Robinson,  Col.  William  Smith,  and  others,  to  try  those  poli- 
tical offenders.  These  proceedings  do  not  appear,  however, 
to  have  interrupted  the  mutual  confidence  and  affection  of  the 
uncle  and  nephew.  William  Lawrence  m.  in  1676,  Anna  dau. 
of  Samuel  Edsall,  Esq.  and  left  a  son,  William.  The  latter 
owned  the  farm  now  of  Geo.  Kouwenhoven,  m.  May  26,  1727, 
Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Samuel  Hallett,  and  had  issue  William, 
Samuel,  and  John.  He  d.  Dec.  11,  1731. 

3.  John  Lawrence,  son  of  Major  Thomas  Lawrence,^  was 
captain  of  the  Newtown  troop  of  horse  in  Leisler's  time,  with 
his  brother  Daniel  as  cornet ;  and  was  soon  after  appointed 
high  sheriff  of  the  county,  to  which  place  he  was  also  chosen 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  285 

in  1698.  Of  all  the  brothers  he  alone  permanently  remained 
at  Newtown.  He  m.  Deborah,  dau.  of  Richard  Woodhull,  one 
of  the  patentees  of  Brookhaven.  He  d.  Dec.  17,  1729,  and  his 
widow  Jan.  6,  1742  a.  about  83.  They  left  three  sons,  Thomas, 
John,3  and  Nathaniel.  Thomas  m.  Jan.  5,  1730,  Deborah,  dau, 
of  Teunis  Wiltsee,  of  Newtown,  and  removed  to  Westches- 
ter county,  where  he  left  sons,  Thomas  and  Nathaniel.  His 
brother  Nathaniel^  who  also  left  Newtown,  m.  on  May  23, 
1728,  Susannah,  dau.  of  Thomas  Alsop,  of  the  last  named 
place,  and  had  sons,  Nathaniel,  Richard,  and  John. 

3.  John  Lawrence,  son  of  Capt.  John  Lawrence,^  was  b.  at 
Newtown,  Sep.  9,  1695,  and  m.  Dec.  8,  1720,  Patience,  dau.  of 
Joseph  Sackett,  Esq.  He  was  a  wealthy  farmer,  possessing 
great  perseverance  and  intelligence,  and  served  in  the  magis- 
tracy of  the  county  for  many  years.  He  d.  May  7,  1765,  and 
his  widow  in  her  72d  yr.  Oct.  24,  1772.  Their  ch.  who  reach- 
ed maturity  were  John,  b.  Sep.  22,  1721 ;  Joseph,^  b.  Mar.  21, 
1723  ;  Richard,  b.  June  20,  1725  ;  Nathaniel,  b.  July  13,  1727  ; 
■Wiiliam,5  b.  July  27,  1729  ;  Anna,  b.  Nov.  20,  1731,  who  m. 
William  Sackett ;  Thomas,^  b.  Nov.  21,  1733  ;  Samuel,  b.  Sep. 
27,  1735  ;  Jonathan,''  b.  Oct.  4,  1737;  and  Daniel,  b.  Nov.  26, 
1739.  Of  these,  Nathaniel  d.  unm.  a.  34,  Oct.  24,  1761,  at  St. 
Eustatia,  in  the  West  Indies,  where  he  was  settled  and  success- 
fully engaged  in  trade.  John  became  an  eminent  and  wealthy 
merchant  in  New-York.  He  m.  Catharine,  dau.  of  the  Hon. 
Philip  Livingston,  but  had  no  issue  by  this  marriage.  He  d. 
Aug.  5,  1764,  in  his  43d  yr.  being  at  the  time  alderman  of  the 
Dock  ward.  His  funeral  was  attended  by  the  different  clergy, 
and  the  celebrated  Whitefield,  then  in  this  country,  pro- 
nounced his  funeral  sermon  and  seemed  to  be  particularly 
affected  himself,  a  friendship  having  long  subsisted  between 
them.  His  brother  Richard  m.  Amy,  dau.  of  Cornelius  Ber- 
rien, but  had  no  issue.  In  1776  he  held  a  commission  as 
captain  of  the  Newtown  troop  of  horse,  and  falling  into  the 
hands  of  the  royalists,  was  sent  to  the  Provo',  where  he  was 
for  a  long  time  confined,  and  there  contracted  a  fatal  illness. 
The  devotedness  to  their  cause  which  pervaded  the  body  of 
whigs,  is  illustrated  by  the  closing  scene  of  this  gentleman. 
The  capture  of  Cornwallis  occurred  but  a  short  time  before 
his  decease,  and  while  languishing  upon  his  sick  bed,  the  news 

19 


286  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

of  the  capitulation  was  communicated  to  him.  Assuring  him- 
self of  the  truth,  he  declared  his  readiness  to  die,  now  that  the 
ultimate  triumph  of  his  country  was  secured.  His  death  took 
place  at  Newtown,  Nov.  21,  1781,  in  his  57th  yr.  His  brother 
Samuel  was  a  man  of  great  probity  and  imperturbable  courage, 
united  with  much  goodness  of  heart,  but  the  early  loss  of  his 
wife  (Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Jonathan  and  Letitia  Hazard,)  the 
death  of  his  only  child,  and  the  confinement  and  bodily  injury 
which  he  was  subjected  to  during  the  possession  of  Long 
Island  by  the  Britsh  troops,  probably  tended  to  increase  the 
peculiarities  that  strongly  marked  his  character.  These  politi- 
cal injuries  left  in  him  a  deep-rooted  hostility  towards  the 
British  government,  which  time  had  no  effect  in  softening, 
and  none  of  his  prayers  were  more  unfeigned,  nor  probably 
more  frequent,  than  those  for  its  overthrow.  He  was  drown- 
ed in  Hellgate,  Aug.  22,  1810,  a.  75.  His  brother,  Col.  Dayiiel 
Lawrence,  also  a  zealous  whig,  was  an  exile  from  his  home 
from  1776  to  1783 ;  and  served  as  a  member  of  assembly  from 
Queen's,  by  appointment  of  the  convention  of  1777,  from  that 
year  till  the  termination  of  the  war.  He  m.  Miss  Eve  Van 
Horn,  a  lady  of  a  highly  respectable  family  in  the  city  of 
New- York,  and  d.  on  his  estate,  at  Lawrence's  Point,  Nov.  7, 
1807,  a.  68.  His  ch.  were  John,  d.  unm. ;  Nathaniel,  m.  Agnes, 
dau.  of  Martin  Rapelye  ;  Daniel,  d.  unm. ;  Abraham  ;  Catha- 
rine, m.  Elbert  Luyster;  Anna,  m.  Thomas  Bloodgood,  and 
Mary,  who  m.  John  M.  RajDelye. 

4.  Joseph  Lawrence,  son  of  John  Lawrence,^  m.  Patience, 
dau.  of  Benjamin  Moore,  and  aunt  of  the  late  Bishop  Moore, 
of  New-York',  and  was  universally  respected.  He  d.  at  New- 
town, Jan.  28,  1793,  in  his  70th  yr.  His  son  Kichard,  b.  Mar. 
3, 1764,  went  to  Edinburgh  to  complete  his  medical  education, 
and  after  his  return  m,  Mary,  dau.  of  John  Moore  of  Newtown, 
where  he  practised  his  profession.  He  d.  without  issue,  July 
26,  1804.  His  sister  Anna,  b.  Nov,  27,  174:9,  m.  Samuel 
Riker,  Esq. 

5.  William  Lawrence,  son  of  John  Lawrence,^  m.  May  14, 
1752,  Anna,  dau.  of  Isaac  Brinckerhofif ;  after  whose  death 
he  m.  April  14,  1771,  Mary,  dau.  of  Charles  Palmer.  He  was 
for  many  years  a  magistrate,  and  filled  the  station  with  useful- 
ness.    On  the  capture  of  Long  Island,  in  1776,  part  of  his 


ANNALS     OF    NEWTOWN.  287 

house  in  Newtown  was  made  the  head-quarters  of  the  British 
and  Hessian  generals,  and  himself  and  family  were  subjected 
to  many  of  the  exactions  and  vexations  which  those  who  had 
rebel  predilections  experienced  from  the  invaders.  He  d.  in 
his  65th  yr.  Jan.  13,  1794.  He  had  issue  (with  six  that  d.  in 
childhood,)  Dientie,  b.  Mar.  19,  1756,  m.  Abraham  Lent ;  John, 
b.  July  5,  1758 ;  Catharine,  b,  April  26,  1763,  now  widow  of 
Cornelius  Luyster;  Richard,  b.  July  11,  1765;  Isaac,  b.  Feb. 
8,  1768  ;  AViiliam,  b.  May  17, 1770  ;  and  Jane,  b.  Aug.  3,  1783, 
who  m.  Hendrick  Suydam.  William  d.  on  his  plantation  in 
Demarara  ;  issue,  James  Van  Horn  Lawrence.  Isaac  was  the 
late  president  of  the  U.  S.  Bank  in  New-York.  As  an  exam- 
ple of  unassuming  wealth  and  a  kind  hearted  liberal  em- 
ployment of  it,  this  gentleman  stood  eminent  in  the  communi- 
ty. He  was  educated  at  Princeton,  and  was  destined  for  the 
church,  but  a  feebleness  of  constitution  obliged  him  to  adopt 
a  more  active  life.  Entering  upon  commerce  in  New-York  he 
became  one  of  our  most  prosperous  merchants.  In  1817  he 
was  selected  as  president  of  the  N.  Y.  branch  of  the  late  bank 
of  the  United  States,  which  office  he  held  till  the  expiration 
of  its  charter  in  1836.  He  d.  July  12, 1841,  a.  74.  His  wife 
was  Cornelia,  dau.  of  the  Rev.  Abm.  Beach,  D.  D  and  his  oh. 
were  William-Beach,  now  lieutenant-governor  of  Rhode  Isl- 
and ;  Cornelia  A.  m.  James  A,  Ilillhouse  ;  Harriet,  m.  Dr.  John 
A.  Pool;  Isaphene  C,  m.  Dr.  Benj.  McVickar;  Julia  B.  m. 
Thomas  L.  Wells ;  Maria  E.  m.  Rev.  W.  I.  Kip  ;  and  Hannah 
E.  m.  Henry  Whitney.  Eichard,  usually  styled  Major  Law- 
rence, m.  his  cousin,  Sarah,  dau.  of  Capt.  Thos.  Lawrence.  He 
was  an  eminent  merchant  in  New- York,  but  becoming  blind, 
he  retired  to  Newtown,  and  d.  upon  his  farm  at  Hellgate,  Sept. 
21,  1816,  a.  51.  His  ch.  who  reached  maturity  were  Thomas, 
William,  Peter-Manifold,  dec,  Ann-Eliza,  wife  of  Lambert 
Suydam,  Esq. ;  Richard,  dec.,  and  Isaac.  John  Laivrence^ 
(familiarly  called  the  commodore^  from  his  having  served  as  an 
officer  on  board  the  American  frigate  Confederacy,  Capt, 
Harding,)  m.  Elizabeth,  widow  of  Nath.  Lawrence,  and  dau. 
of  Judge  John  Berrien  ;  and  secondly  Patience,  dau.  of  Samuel 
Riker,"Esq.  He  d.  in  New- York,  Aug.  29,  1817,  a.  59,  and 
she  in  her  73d,  yr.  Feb.  22,  1851.  His  ch.  were  Madison, 
Samuel-Riker,  Louisa,    m.  John    Campbell;   Jane-Riker,  m. 


288  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

Benj.  F.  Lee ;  Julia,  m.  John  P.  Smith,  and  Patience,  who  m. 
Timothy  G.  Churchill. 

6.  Capt.  Thomas  Lawrence,  son  of  John  Lawrence,^  was 
appointed  at  about  the  age  of  twenty-five,  to  the  command  of 
the  ship  Tartar,  of  eighteen  guns,  and  made  several  cruises  in 
her  from  New-York  during  the  old  French  war.  His  wife  was 
Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Nathaniel  Fish,  whom  he  m.  Aug.  81,  1760. 
Possessed  of  wealth,  he  settled  on  a  farm  on  the  shore  of 
Flushing  Bay,  previously  owned  by  his  father-in-law.  He  was 
appointed  a  judge  in  1784,  and  was  distinguished  for  great 
decision  of  character,  and  by  all  the  punctilious  observances 
which  characterize  the  eleves  of  the  old  school.  He  d.  Dec.  3, 
1817,  a,  84,  His  ch.  who  reached  maturity  were  Nathaniel,  b. 
July  11,  1761 ;  Sarah,  b.  Sept.  20,  1765,  m.  Major  Eichard 
Lawrence ;  Thomas,  b.  Jan.  12,  1770  ;  Mary,  b.  Aug.  15,  1773, 
m.  Adrian  Van  Sinderen,  Esq. ;  Elizabeth,  b.  Sept.  16,  1775, 
m.  John  Wells,  Esq. ;  John  T.  b.  Aug.  18,  1780 ;  William,  b. 
Feb.  11,  1788,  d.  unm.  and  Jane-Fish,  b.  Aug.  6,  1785,  who  d. 
unm.  John  T.  m.  Eliza,  dau.  of  Simon  Remsen.  Thomas  m. 
Maria,  dau.  of  Rev.  Nathan  Woodhull.  Nathaniel,  after  he  had 
left  Princeton  college,  and  while  under  lawful  age,  entered  the 
North  Carolina  line  of  the  regular  American  army,  as  a  lieute- 
nant. He  was  made  prisoner  by  the  enemy  after  behaving 
with  great  gallantry.  In  1788  he  was  chosen  from  Queen's  to 
the  convention  which  ratified  the  constitution  of  the  United 
States.  He  also  held  the  of&ce  of  attorney -general  of  this  state 
from  Dec.  24,  1792  to  Nov.  30, 1795  ;  and  represented  Queen's 
county  in  the  assembly  in  1791,  '2,  '5  and  '6.  He  d.  at  Hemp- 
stead, July  5,  1797,  a.  86.  His  wife  was  Elizabeth,  dau.  of 
John  Berrien,  Esq.  and  his  only  ch.  Margaret,  is  the  wife 
of  Rev.  Philip  Lindsley,  D.  D.  president  of  Nashville  Uni- 
versity. 

7.  Jonathan  Lawrence,  son  of  John  Lawrence,^  having 
acquired  wealth  in  mercantile  pursuits  in  New- York,  retired 
from  business  at  about  the  age  of  thirty-four,  and  purchased  a 
residence  at  Hellgate,  which  had  belonged  to  his  great-grand- 
father. Major  Thos.  Lawrence,  and  since  comprising  the  farms 
of  Squire  John  and  Major  Richard  Lawrence.  (See  page  87.) 
On  the  opening  of  the  Revolution  Mr.  Lawrence  espoused 
with  much  zeal  the  cause  of  his  oppressed  country,  and  his 


A  K  N  A  L  8      OF      K  E  W  T  0  W  N  .  289 

efforts  and  tlie  influence  of  his  brotliers  and  relatives  in  New- 
town, essentially  contributed  to  redeem  tlie  town  from  tlie  ill- 
timed  loyalty  which  distinguished  most  of  the  other  portions 
of  the  county.  In  1775  he  was  apjDointed  a  member  of  the 
provincial  convention  which  met  at  New- York,  and  the  next 
year  he  was  again  deputed  to  that  body,  and  was  afterwards 
elected  to  the  convention  which  formed  the  first  constitution  of 
this  state.  On  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  and  organiza- 
tion of  the  state  government  in  1777,  Mr.  Lawrence  was  ap- 
pointed one  of  the  senators  for  the  southern  district,  in  which 
capacity  he  served  during  the  remainder  of  the  war,  when  not 
absent  upon  any  other  service.  The  various  appointments  and 
commissions  executed  by  him  during  his  connection  with  the 
legislature  were  of  the  most  valuable  character.  At  the  peace 
he  returned  to  his  native  town,  much  impoverished  by  the 
casualties  of  the  war.  He  again  commenced  business  in  New- 
York,  in  a  degree  repaired  his  fortunes,  and  enjoyed  the  con- 
fidence and  respect  of  his  fellow-citizens  till  his  death,  Sept.  4, 
1812,  a.  75.  A  more  full  and  interesting  memoir  of  Mr.  Law- 
rence is  contained  in  Thompson's  Long  Island.  He  was  twice 
m.  first  on  Mar.  16,  1766,  to  Judith,  dau.  of  Nath'l  Fish,  who 
d.  a  18  yrs.  Sept.  28, 1767 ;  secondly,  on  Aug.  7, 1768,  to  Kuth, 
dau.  of  Andrew  Eiker,  who  survived  him,  and  d.  a.  nearly  72  yrs. 
Oct.  9, 1818.  His  ch.  were  Jonathan,  b.  June  20,  1767;  Judith, 
b.  June  27,  1769,  m.  John  Ireland ;  Margaret,  b.  Jan.  13,  1771 ; 
Samuel,  b.  May  23, 1773,  who  d.  at  his  residence  at  Cayuta  Lake, 
N.  Y.  Oct.  20,  1837,  having  been  a  representative  both  in  the 
state  assembly  and  in  congress,  and  in  1816  a  presidential 
elector ;  Andrew,  b.  July  17,  1775,  who,  while  in  command  of 
a  merchant  vessel,  d.  at  Factory  Island,  one  of  the  Isles  de 
Los,  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  April  18,  1806 ;  Eichard  M.  b.  Jan. 
12,  1778 ;  Abraham-Riker,  b.  Dec.  18,  1780,  late  of  the  board 
of  aldermen.  New- York ;  Joseph,  b.  May  5,  1783 ;  John  L.  b. 
Oct.  2,  1785 ;  and  William-Thomas,  b.  May  7,  1788,  now  of 
Tompkins  co.  N.  Y.  late  a  member  of  congress,  and  formerly 
a  judge  of  the  county  court;  m.  Margaret,  dau.  of  Eembrandt 
F.  MuUer.  Jonathan,  now  dec.  m.  Elizabeth  Eogers;  issue, 
Henry  W.,  William  A.,  Jonathan,  Eichard,  Isabella,  d.  unm., 
Judith,  d.  young,  Margaret,  m.  Barzillai  Schlosson,  and 
Adriana,  who  m,  Wm.  S.  Whittemore.     Joseph  m.  July  6, 


290 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN, 


1812,  Mary,  dau.  of  Capt.  John  Sackett,  and  d.  at  Blooming- 
burgh,  N.  Y.  on  his  way  to  his  family  residence  at  Cayuta 
Lake,  April  28, 1817.  His  widow  and  children  reside  at  New- 
town, the  latter  being  Andrew,  Elizabeth  A,  m.  Jas.  Moore, 
Mary  E.  widow  of  Dr.  J.  P.  Stryker,  and  Joseph  A.  John  L. 
Lawrence,  an  ornament  to  the  legal  profession,  was  recently  a 
member  of  the  state  senate,  and  at  the  time  of  his  decease,  July 
24, 1849,  was  city  comptroller.  He  m.  in  1816,  Sarah* Augusta, 
only  dau.  of  Gen.  John  Smith  of  Mastic,  L.  I.  and  grand- 
daughter of  the  lamented  Gen,  Nath'l  Woodhull ;  issue,  John 
S.,  Elizabeth,  m.  Alfred  N.  Lawrence ;  Margaret,  m.  Jas.  W. 
Walsh ;  Sarah,  Anna  M.,  Eichard,  d.  unm.,  "William  T., 
Charles  W.,  Abraham  E.,  Lydia,  and  Mary,  dec. 


THE    BEIKCKEEHOFF    FAMILY. 


This  respectable  and  extensive 
family  is  of  Flemish  extraction,  and 
was  anciently  located  in  the  city  of 
Ghent,  in  the  Netherlands,  where  its 
members  are  mentioned  as  free  born 
citizens  or  patricians  of  that  city, 
and  among  whom  Andries  Brinck- 
erhoff,  senator  and  syndic  in  1307, 
is  particularly  noticed  in  the  annals 
of  those  times.  From  Ghent  the  fami- 
ly extended  itself  in  the  sixteenth 
century  to  Holland,  Friesland,  and  Lower  Saxony,  probably 
compelled  to  make  this  remove  by  the  galling  severity  of 
the  Spanish  government,  which,  during  that  century,  forced 
into  exile  thousands  of  the  inhabitants  of  Ghent  and  other 
places  in  Flanders.  In  the  above-mentioned  provinces  the 
Brinckerhoflfs  became  established,  and  their  descendants  enjoy 
much  distinction  there  at  the  present  day. 

1.  Joris  Dericksen  BrinckerhofF,  the  ancestor  of  the  entire 
American  family,  was  from  the  county  of  Drent  or  Drenthe, 
in  the  United  Provinces,  and  having  lived  some  time  at 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  201 

Flushing,  a  sea-port  in  Zealand,  emigrated  to  this  country  in 
1638,*  and  with  his  wife  Susannah,  (whose  maiden  name  was 
Dubbels,)  settled  in  Brooklyn,  where  Mr.  Brinckerhoff  obtain- 
ed a  grant  of  land  by  brief  dated  Mar.  23,  1640.  He  was  a 
man  of  Avorth,  and  was  an  elder  of  the  Brooklyn  church  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  which  happened  Jan.  16,  1661.  Ilis 
widow  survived  many  yrs.  His  ch.  were  Derick,  Hendrick, 
Abraham,-''  and  Aeltie,  who  m.Wm.  Van  Couwenhoven.  Berick 
was  slain  by  the  Indians  and  left  no  issue.  Hendrick  m.  Claesie 
Boomgaert  and  settled  on  the  eastern  bank  of  the  Hackensack 
river,  in  New  Jersey,  where  he  bought  a  tract  of  land  June  17, 
1685.  He  did  not  long  survive  his  purchase.  He  left  sons, 
Cornelius,  Derick,  and  Jacobus,  whose  descendants,  now  con- 
siderably scattered,  write  their  name  Brinkerhoff ;  omitting  the 
letter  c,  which  was  dropped  by  this  branch  of  the  family  many 
years  ago,  and  is  now  also  disused  by  a  few  others  not  of  this 
branch.  Of  the  three  sons  above-named,  Cornelius,  the  eldest, 
settled  at  Communipau,  and  d.  in  1770,  leaving  sons,  Hendrick, 
and  Hartman,  who  were  ancestors  to  the  B.  families  of  Bergen. 
Derick  and  Jacobus  bought  the  paternal  estate.  The  former 
has  descendants  at  Hackensack  and  Schraalenburgh. 

2.  Jacobus  Brinckerhoff,  like  his  grandfather  Joris,^  was  a 
person  of  character,  and  a  member  of  the  Dutch  church.  He 
d.  in  1769  or  '70.  ]^y  his  wife  Agnietie,  he  had  issue  Hen- 
drick, George,^  Jacob,  and  Maria,  who  m.  Elias  Houseman, 
Hendrick  d.  in  1760,  having  had  five  ch.  namely,  Jacobus, 
(grandfather  of  the  Rev.  James  C  Brinkerhoff,)  Nicausie, 
(grandfather  to  the  wife  of  Rev.  Cor.  T.  Demarest,  of  English 
Neighborhood,)  George,  (grandfather  of  George,  formerly  she- 
riff of  Bergen  co.)  Hendrick,  and  Ann,  who  m.  Henry  Ver- 
bryck.  Jacob  d.  in  1771,  having  had  issue  Agnietie,  m.  Daniel 
Haring ;  Lucas  ;  Nautie  (Hannah)  m.  John  Christie  ;  Jacobus, 
Hendrick,  Albert,  and  George.  Jacob,  a  son  of  Albert,  now 
occupies  the  old  homestead  of  the  family  on  the  Hackensack 
river,  nearly  two  miles  below  the  village  of  that  name. 

3.  George  Brinkerhoff,  son  of  Jacobus,-  was  born  near 

*  The  places  of  their  residence  in  Europe,  and  date  of  emigration  are  de- 
rived from  a  MS.  account  of  the  family,  compiled  more  than  thirty  years  since 
by  the  late  Is:iac  Brinckerhoff,  Esq.  of  Troy,  who  appears  to  have  drawn  hia 
information  from  authentic  sources. 


292  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

Hackensack,  Oct.  9,  1719,  m.  Martina  Bogart,  and  prior  to  the 
Revolution  removed  to  Adams  co.  Pa.  His  wife  d.  Feb.  5, 
1782,  a.  54,  and  lie  at  a  very  advanced  age,  Jan.  3,  1810.  Tlieir 
ch.  were  James,  Roelof,  Henry,  d.  unrn.,  Gilbert,  Jacob,^  Jobn, 
and  George,  the  latter  a  clergyman  of  the  Dutch  church,  and 
father  of  Hon.  Geo.  H.  Brinkerhoff,  of  Niles,  N.  Y.  John 
left  descendants  in  Adams  co.  Pa.  Oilhert  also  had  issue. 
James  d.  in  Niles,  where  two  of  his  sons,  George  and  James, 
now  reside.  Roelof  di.  at  Owasco,  N.  Y.  His  ch.  were  David 
R.  a  member  of  the  convention  which  revised  the  constitu- 
tion of  this  state  in  1821,  and  who  d.  at  Auburn,  greatly 
respected ;  George  R.  late  of  Owasco,  a  justice  of  the  peace ; 
Henry  R.  a  major-general  of  militia  and  member  of  assem- 
bly of  this  state,  who  removed  to  Huron  co.  Ohio,  was 
elected  to  congress  in  1843,  but  d.  before  taking  his  seat ; 
James  R.  d.  unm. ;  Martina,  m.  Col.  JohnL.  Hardenbergh,  of 
Auburn ;  Margaret,  m.  Richard  Parsell ;  and  Hannah,  who  m. 
Dr.  Josiah  Bevier,  late  of  Owasco. 

4.  Jacob  Brinkerhoff,  son  of  George,^  was  b.  Feb.  25,  1756, 
and  m.  Hannah  Demarest,  of  Hackensack,  Feb.  25,  1779.  He 
served  in  the  Revolutionary  army.  In  1793  he  removed 
from  Pennsylvania  to  Owasco,  N.  Y.  where  he  d.  Nov,  13, 
1829.  His  widow  d.  April  1,  1840,  a.  81.  They  had  issue 
George  J. ;  Margaret,  m.  Peter  Seborn  ;  David  J.  d.  unm, ; 
Martina,  m.  Geo.  Post ;  Henry  J. ;  Isabella,  m.  John  Decker  ; 
James ;  Jacob,  dec. ;  Peter ;  Maria,  d.  unm. ;  and  John  J,  of 
Owasco,  formerly  member  of  assembly.  Henry  J.  d.  at  Ply- 
mouth, Ohio,  and  was  the  father  of  Hon.  Jacob  Brinkerhoff, 
of  Mansfield,  in  the  above  state,  late  a  member  of  congress. 

5.  Abraham  Jorisz  'Brinckerhoflf,  son  of  Joris,^  was  b.  at 
Flushing,  in  Holland,  in  1632,  as  we  learn  from  the  MS. 
account  of  the  family  before  mentioned.  He  obtained  a  pa- 
tent for  land  at  Flatbush,  but  located  in  Flatlands,  where 
he  served  as  an  elder  of  the  church,  and  was  chosen  a  ma- 
gistrate in  1673.  He  had  m.  May  20,  1660,  Aeltie,  dau.  of 
Jan  Stryker  and  sister  to  the  wife  of  Cor.  J.  Berrien ;  and 
about  the  time  that  Mr.  Berrien  came  to  Newtown  Mr. 
Brinckerhoflf  removed  hither  also,  having  bought  the  large 
farm  on  Flushing  meadow,  now  owned  by  W.  T.  Hendrick- 
son.     Here  he  d.  about  1714.     His  ch.   were  Joris,^    John^ 


ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN.  293 

Derick,^!  Garret,  Ida,  m.  John  Monfort ;  Susannah,  m.  Martin 
li.  Schenck;  Sarah,  m.  successively,  Jacob  Rapelje  and  Ni- 
cholas Berrien  ;  Margaret  m.  Theodorus  Van  Wyck,  and 
Lammetie,  who  m.  Johannes  Cornell.  Oarret,  b,  1681,  set- 
tled on  a  farm  in  Flushing,  given  him  by  his  father  in  1711, 
but  his  descendants  are  not  clearly  traced,  though  they  are 
believed  to  have  located  in  Oyster  Bay.  John  settled  in  Flush- 
ing, and  d.  in  1707.  His  son  John,  b.  Mar.  15,  1703,  resided 
near  Newtown  village,  and  d.  Aug.  31,  1758.  His  ch.  were 
(by  his  first  wife  Marritie  Ryder,)  John,  b.  July  15,  1728; 
Stephen,  b.  Mar.  6, 1731 ;  Catharine,  b.  Feb.  6,  1734,  m.  Abra- 
ham Lent ;  Elizabeth,  b.  July  23,  1741,  m.  John  A.  Briucker- 
hoff;  and  (by  his  second  wife  Anna,  dau.  of  Abm.  Lent,) 
Mary,  b.  Nov.  15,  1742,  who  m.  Baldwin.  I  believe  this  entire 
family  removed  to  New  Hackensack.  Stephen  m.  Maria  Wal- 
dron  in  1755,  and  d.  in  Dutchess  co.  between  1776  and  '79 ; 
issue,  John,  Mary,  and  Aletta. 

6.  Joris  Brinckerhoff,  son  of  Abraham,^  was  b.  Mar.  1,  1664, 
and  early  joined  the  Flatlands  church.  He  succeeded  to  the  pa- 
ternal estate  on  Flushing  Bay,  and  acquired  several  other  farms 
which,  by  deeds  dated  Mar.  2,  1726,  he  distributed  ^ong  his 
sons.  He  d,  Mar.  27,  1729.  His  wife,  Annetie,  dau,  of  Tennis 
Jansz  Coevers,*  d.  June  11,  1750,  a.  nearly  85.  Their  ch.  were 
Sarah,  b.  Dec.  18,  1691,  m.  Rem  Adriaense;  Susannah,  b.  Mar. 
4,  1693  ;  Abraham,  b.  Dec.  10,  1694 ;  Teunis,^  b.  Mar.  29,  1697 ; 
Isaac,8  b.  April  26,  1699  ;  Aeltie,  b.  April  13,  1704,  m.  Cor. 
Rapelje;  Neeltie,  b.  July  22,  1706;  Hendrick,^  b,  Jan.  2, 
1709;  and  Antie,  b.  Oct.  4,  1712,  who  m.  Abm.  Rapelje. 
Abraham  had  a  farm  now  owned  by  Mrs.  McMurray  and 
others.  He  d.  May  6,  1767,  a.  72.  His  ch.  were  Abraham, 
m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Abm.  Brinckerhoff,  but  d.  without  issue 

*  This  was  the  common  ancestor  of  the  Covert  family  in  this  country. 
He  emigrated  in  1651  from  Heemstede,  in  Holland,  and  settled  at  Bedford, 
L.  I.  subsequently  serving  as  an  elder  in  the  Brooklyn  church.  He  and  his 
consort,  Barbara  Lucas,  were  both  living  in  1690.  Their  children  (all  church 
members,  with  possibly  one  exception,)  were  Hans,  Lucas,  Maurits,  Marritie, 
who  in.  Jean  MesuroUe,  (whose  father  Jean,  ancestor  of  the  Meserole  family, 
came  from  Picardy,  France,  in  1663  ;)  Aeltie,  m.  Wm.  Post ;  Sarah,  m.  Arent 
Fredericks,  and  Annetie,  who  m.  Joris  Brinckerhoff.  Each  of  the  sons  left 
issue,  and  their  descendants  are  now  numerous  and  scattered  over  several 
states  of  the  Union. 


294  ANNALS     OF       NEWTOWN. 

in  1780,  a.  53  ;  Ann,  m.  Theodorus  Polhemus ;  Sarah,  m. 
Johannes  BrinckerhofF;  Elizabeth,  m.  John  Eapelje,  and  Mary, 
who  m.  William  Bloodgood. 

7.  Tennis  Brinckerhoff,  son  of  Joris,*^  m.  Elizabeth  Ryder, 
Nov.  24,  1721,  and  occupied  the  farm  now  of  Mr.  Knecland, 
at  Dutch  Kills.  He  became  an  elder  of  the  Dutch  church  in 
1748,  and  for  many  years  was  a  justice  of  the  peace.  He  d.  at 
the  Kills,  Jan.  16,  1784,  in  his  87th  yr.  his  wife  having  d.  in 
her  46th  yr.  Oct.  24th,  1745.  His  ch.  were  Elizabeth,  b.  May 
10,  1724,  m.  John  Fish ;  and  George,  b.  October  17,  1726,  who 
ra.  Dec.  18, 1746,  Catharine,  dan.  of  Elbert  Herring  and  grand- 
daughter of  Abraham  Lent.  He  had  issue,  Elizabeth,  b.  Oct. 
6,  1747,  m.  Simon  Bloom ;  Elbert,  b.  Jan.  4,  1751 ;  Tunis, 
b.  Dec.  27,  1757 ;  and  George,  b.  Jan.  18,  1765.  Mr.  Brincker- 
hoff owned  the  farm  now  of  Samuel  Waldron,  but  after  the 
Revolution  he  removed  to  Hopewell,  Dutchess  co.  and  left  this 
farm  to  his  grandson  George,  son  of  Elbert,  He  d.  Dec.  5, 
1797,  and  his  widow  July  11,  1807,  in  her  79th  yr.  His 
sons  Tunis  and'  George  moved  to  Dutchess  co.  in  1783. 
Tunis  m.  Jane,  dau.  of  John  Bragaw,  and  d.  Feb.  3,  1790,  in 
his  33d  3».  His  descendants  live  in  the  town  of  La  Grange, 
in  the  above  county.  Qeorge  m.  Jan.  9,  1785,  Elizabeth,  dau. 
of  John  Wiltsie,  d.  a.  69,  July  8,  1834,  and  had  issue,  Marga- 
ret, Avho  m.  Isaac  Adriance,  and  sons,  Tunis  and  John,  re- 
siding at  Fishkill ;  the  former,  who  was  b.  May  12,  1791, 
and  m.  Sept.  28,  1814,  Maria  Van  Wyck>  is  the  father  of  T. 
Van  Wyck  Brinkerhoff  of  that  place.  This  gentleman,  whose 
praiseworthy  efforts  have  done  much  to  preserve  the  history 
of  the  B.  family,  is  in  possession  of  an  antique  writing  desk, 
to  which  tradition  ascribes  a  Holland  origin,  it  being  said 
to  have  been  brought  over  by  Joris  Derickscn  Brinckerhoff 
himself  Elbert  m.  Antic  Storm,  and  d.  on  the  paternal  form 
Jan.  23,  1780,  a,  29,  leaving  issue  George,  and  Catharine,  now 
widow  of  Cor.  R.  Remsen.  George  m.  Rebecca,  dau.  of  Abm. 
Berrien,  and  d.  June  26,  1808,  a.  35,  and  his  widow  Oct.  6, 
1843,  a.  67.  Their  ch.  were  Mary  B.  b.  Mar.  30,  1795,  m. 
David  Moore ;  Ann  S.  b.  Dec.  25,  1797,  widow  of  James  H. 
Kolyer;  Catharine  R.  b.  Oct.  15,  1798,  m.  Wm.  L.  Riker 
and  Jeremiah  Simonson;  Grace  B.  b.  Aug.  25,  1800,  wife 
of  Charles    Cook;    Pelatiah   W.  b.  Sept.  22,  1802,   wife   of 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN, 


295 


And.  B.  Ryerson  ;  and  George-Borricn,  b.  June  29,  1806.  The 
latter,  Geo.  B.  Brinckerhoff,  Esq.  of  Newtown,  m.  Sarali-Ann, 
dau.  of  Johannes  Kolyer. 

8.  Isaac  Brinckerhoff,  son  of  Joris,*^  m.  his  cousin  Diana, 
dau.  of  Derick  Brinckerhoff.  He  occupied  a  farm  conveyed  to 
him  by  his  father,  Mar.  2,  1726,  being  that  now  owned  by 
Wm.  Bragaw,  near  the  Narrow  Passage.  lie  d.  suddenly 
June  4,  1745,  in  his  47th  yr.  His  widow  d.  Sept.  13,  1749. 
Their  ch.  were  Anna,  b.  May  6,  1733,  m.  Wra.  Lawrence ; 
Aeltie,  b.  June  18,  1735,  m.  Cor.  Van  Wyck ;  Sarah,  b.  May 
11,  1738,  m.  Thos.  Carman,  and  George,  b.^Oct.  18,  1739.  The 
latter  succeeded  to  the  paternal  farm  and  was  thrice  married ; 
first,  to  Susannah  Fish,  -vvho  d.  July  18,  1772,  a.  30  ;  secondly, 
to  Sarah,  dau.  of  Jacob  Eapelje,  who  d.  Mar.  17,  1787,  a.  32 ; 
and  thirdly,  to  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Charles  Palmer,  who  survived 
him,  and  d.  in  her  96th  yr.  Mar.  16,  1847.  Mr.  Brinckerhoff 
was  a  well  esteemed  citizen,  and  was  a  whig  during  the  Re- 
volution. British  troops  often  encamped  on  his  premises.  He 
d.  April  17,  1802,  in  his  63d  yr.  He  had  issue  (by  his  first 
wife,)  Susannah,  m.  John  Storm,  (and  by  his  second  wife,)  Ca- 
tharine, m.  Thomas  Alsop,  and  Diana,  who  m.  Jacob  Storm. 

9.  Hendriek  Brinckerhoff,  son  of  Joris,''  m.  Lammetie,  dau. 
of  Daniel  Rapalje,  and  succeeded  to  the  homestead  on  Flush- 
ing Bay,  (now  W.  T.  Hendriekson's,)  where  he  resided  till  his 
death,  in  1777,  a.  68.  He  was  a  pious  and  exemplary  man,  an 
elder  of  the  Dutch  church  at  Newtown,  and  a  magistrate  for 
many  years.  His  ch.  were  George,  Daniel, ^°  Abraham,  Tunis, 
Jacob,  d.  unm.  Johannes,  Isaac,  and  Aeltie,  who  m.  Richard 
Cooper.  Oeorge,  b.  1732,  m.  in  1753,  Ida  Monfort,  and  had  is- 
sue, Hendriek,  Lammetie,  d.  unm.,  and  Abraham.  The  latter 
b.  1760,  ra.  in  1793,  Hannah  Laton,  and  d.  Sept.  23,  1823 ; 
issue,  George,  David,  Abraham,  Henry,  and  Ida,  who  m.  John 
Chapman.  Abraham  m.  Sarah  Onderdonk,  and  had  eh.  John, 
Isaac,  Lammetie,  Cornelius,  who  m.  but  had  no  issue,  and  Ann, 
who  m.  John  Ludlum.  John  m.  Rebecca  Lott  in  1791,  and 
had  issue,  Margaret,  b.  1792  ;  Sarah,  b.  1794 ;  Abraham,  b. 
1798 ;  John,  b.  1803  ;  Cornelius,  b.  1806  ;  Hendriek,  b.  1808  ; 
Isaac,  b.  1810  ;  and  Ann-Eliza,  b.  1813  ;  all  living  and  married. 
Tunis  m.  Catharine,  dau.  of  John  Rapelye,  and  had  ch.  Hen- 
driek, John,  Elizabeth,  Ann,  Aletta,  Jacob,  and  James.  Johannes 


296  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

m.  Sarali,  dau.  of  Abraham  Brinckerhoflf,  settled  at  New 
Hackensack,  in  Dutchess  co.  and  d.  Nov.  23,  1764,  in  his  28th 
yr.  His  widow,  a  pious  and  excellent  woman,  returned  to 
Newtown  with  her  only  child,  Hendrick,  and  afterwards  m. 
Elbert  Adriance.  Hendrick  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Eem  Hege- 
man,  and  had  issue,  Elbert  A.  now  of  New-York ;  Sarah,  m. 
Abm.  Snediker ;  Ida,  m.  Isaac  T.  Eeeves ;  Eliza,  m.  David 
Hendrickson,  and  Aletta,  who  m.  Jason  Beebe.  Isaac  b.  1743, 
m.  Annetie  Bennet,  and  was  a  farmer  at  the  Head  of  the  Fly. 
He  was  constable  of  Newtown  from  1775  till  '80,  and  served 
as  an  elder  in  the  Dutch  church,  Jamaica.  He  d.  Dec.  6,  1815, 

a.  72,  and  his  widow  in  her  75th  yr.  Dec.  11,  1820.  They  had 
ch.  Annetie,  b.  Feb.  7,  1772,  m.  Jacob  Brinckerhoff ;  Aletta, 

b.  Jan.  12, 1776,  d.  unm.,  and  Hendrick,  b.  Sept.  15,  1780,  who 
succeeded  to  the  paternal  farm,  was  also  an  elder  of  the  Jamaica 
church,  and  d.  Sept.  22, 1828.  He  had  issue,  (by  his  first  wife 
Sarah  Snediker,)  Isaac,  Elbert,  and  Anna,  (and  by  a  second  wife 
Phebe  Bloom,)  Hendrick,  Sarah-Maria,  and  Aletta- Magdalene. 

10.  Daniel  Brinckerhoff,  son  of  Hendrick,^  was  b.  Oct.  26, 
1734,  m.  April  3,  1756,  Ann  Monfort,  and  d.  Sept.  28,  1781. 
His  widow  d.  Oct.  8,  1793,  a.  61.  Their  ch.  were  Hendrick,  b. 
June  19,  1757 ;  Abraham,  b.  Mar.  27,  1760 ;  Jacobus,  b.  June 

,  5, 1762,  d.  Dec.  4,  '62  ;  Sarah,  b.  Mar.  17,  1764,  m.  Wm.  Baton  ; 
Jacob,  b.  Aug.  27,  1766 ;  Lammetie,  b.  Dec.  5,  1768,  d.  Oct. 
15,  '69 ;  Daniel,  b.  Aug.  26,  1770  ;  Peter,  b.  Jan.  21,  1774 ;  and 
Aletta.  b.  Oct.  8,  1779,  who  m.  Jacob  Rapelye.  Hendrich  m. 
but  d.  without  issue.  Abraham  I),  m.  in  1782,  Gertrude,  dau. 
of  Peter  Onderdonk,  and  secondly  Deborah,  dau.  of  .John 
Lawrence,  a  grandson  of  William,  son  of  Major  Thos.  Law- 
rence, of  Newtown.     He  d.  Mar.  30,  1843,  a.  83,  having  had 

^ssue,  (by  his  first  wife,)  Elizabeth,  m.  Griffin  Sands ;  Ann,  m. 
John  Wright ;  Jane  ;  Daniel,  now  of  Williamsburgh,  L.  I.  ; 
Sarah,  m.  Derick  Brinckerhoff:  Gertrude;  Peter  d.  young; 
Hendrick,  d.  unm. ;  (and  by  his  second  marriage,)  Aletta,  and 
Charlotte  who  m.  Styles  P.  York,  Tarrytown.  Jacob  succeed- 
ed to  the  paternal  farm  at  Manhassett,  L.  I.  being  that  now 
owned  by  his  only  surviving  child,  Daniel.  He  m.  in  1793,  An- 
netie,'dau.  of  Isaac  Brinckerhoff,  and  d.  July  28,  1841,  in  liis 
75th  yr.  having  been  an  elder  of  the  Manhassett  church. 
Daniel  m.  in  1792  Maria,  dau.  of  John  Luyster,  and  d.  Sept. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  297 

20,  1828,  a.  58  ;  issue,  John,  and  Jane-Smith,  who  m.  Nicholas 
Bennet.     Peter  resides  at  Lakeville,  L  I. ;  no  issue. 

11.  Derick  BrinckerhofF,  son  of  Abraham,^  was  b.  Mar.  16, 
1677,  m.  in  1700,  Aeltie,  dau.  of  John  Couwenhoven,  and  be- 
came a  farmer  in  Flushing,  where  he  enjoyed  a  commission  as 
justice  of  the  peace.  He  was  connected  with  the  Dutch  church 
at  Newtown,  His  wife  d.  in  her  62d  yr.  Mar.  9,  1740,  after 
which  he  again  m.  but  had  no  further  issue.  He  d.  April  26, 
1748.  His  ch.  were  Abraham,^^  John,  Joris,^^  Jacob  and  Isaac, 
twins,  Diana,  m.  Isaac  Brinckerhofi" ;  Aeltie,  m.  Wra.  Hoog- 
land,  and  Susannah,  who  m.  Cornelius  Luyster.  Of  these  sons, 
Abraham,  John,  Isaac  and  Jacob  settled  in  Eombouts  Precinct, 
now  Fishkill,  Dutchess  co.  on  1000  acres  of  land  purchased  of 
Madam  Brett.  Jb/m,  styled  colonel,  m.  Jane,  dau.  of  Johannes 
Van  Voorhees,  and  d.  in  1785,  a.  81.  He  gave  his  farm  to  his 
grandson,  John  B.  Van  Wyck,  son  of  his  dau.  Aeltie,  wife  of 
Dr.  Theodoras  Van  Wyck.  He  left  another  farm  to  his  grand- 
son Adrian  Brinckerhoff.  Jacob  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Abra- 
ham Lent,  and  d.  at  Fishkill,  in  1758,  a.  44,  leaving  issue  Ann- 
Catharine,  m.  Johannes  De  Witt,  and  Derick.  The  latter  m. 
Catharine  Van  Vlack  and  located  at  the  Dutch  Kills,  His  ch. 
were  Elizabeth,  m.  Abm.  Paynter ;  Aaron  ;  Catharine,  m.  Eay- 
nor  Willett ;  and  Jacob,  now  of  New- York.  Aaron  was  the 
father  of  Andrew  Bragaw  Brinckerhoff,  of  New-York,  lumber 
dealer.  Isaac^  b.  Jan.  12,  1714,  m,  Feb.  28,  1737,  Sarah,  dau.  of 
Daniel  Rapalje.  He  d.  on  his  farm  at  Fishkill,  April  22, 1770. 
His  widow  d,  in  1793,  a.  74.  Their  ch.  were  Derick,  and  Aletta 
who  m.  Gen.  Jacobus  Swartwout.  Derick,  b.  May  21,  1739, 
became  a  merchant  in  New-York  city,  and  m.  May  20, 1761, 
Rachel,  dau.  of  Cor.  Van  Ranst.  He  was  a  member  of  the 
Dutch  church,  and  at  the  Revolution,  being  a  whig,  fled  to 
Fishkill,  and  d.  Nov.  17,  1780.  His  ch.  were  Isaac,  Cornelius, 
Jacobus,  d.  in  infancy,  John,  Sarah,  m.  Gerrit  H.  Van 
Wagenen;  Gertrude,  d.  unm. ;  Catharine,  who  alone  survives  ; 
and  Mary-Godby,  who  d.  single.  Of  these,  Isaac,  b.  Mar.  14, 
1762,  m.  Sophia  Quackenbush,  and  d.  at  Troy,  Dec.  29,  1822, 
having  had  ten  children,  one  of  whom  is  Walter,  of  New- York 
city,  and  another,  Isaac,  is  a  surgeon  in  U.  S.  navy,  Corne- 
lius, b.  Mar,  5,  1770,  m,  Mary,  dau.  of  Dr,  Jos,  Chapman,  and 


298  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

d.  Mar.  10,  1813 ;  his  son,  William  C.  now  residing  in  New- 
York.  John,  b.  Oct.  17,  1778,  m.  Gertrude,  dan.  of  Abm. 
Schuyler,  of  Albany,  where  Mr.  B.  d.  Mar.  10,  1835.  His  son, 
Dr.  John  BrinckerhofF,  lives  at  Chicago,  111. 

12.  Joris  BrinckerhofF,  son  of  Derick,^^  was  b.  in  1705,  and 
became  a  merchant  in  New- York.  He  joined  the  Dutch  church 
in  1726,  and  subsequently  served  for  ten  years  as  a  m.ember  of 
the  city  council.  He  was  twice  married,  and  d.  in  1768,  a.  63, 
leaving  ch.  Derick,  Abraham,  and  Lucretia,  who  m.  Jacobus 
LefFerts.  Derick^  b.  1729,  a  merchant,  church-member,  and 
alderman,  m.  in  1766,  Catharine,  dau.  of  Christopher  Abeel, 
and  d.  at  Fishkill,  in  1775  ;  issue,  George,  Elizabeth,  m.  Fash, 
and  Catharine,  who  m.  Harry  Peters.  Abraham,  b.  1745,  half 
brother  of  Derick,  was  a  merchant,  and  m.  Dec.  17,  1772, 
Dorothy,  dau.  of  Peter  Remsen ;  he  d.  in  Broadway,  Mar.  7, 
1823,  in  his  78th  yr.  His  ch.  were  Peter,  (several  of  Avhose 
children  reside  at  Albany ;)  Maria,  m.  John  H.  Remsen ; 
George ;  Abraham,  (whose  family  mostly  reside  at  Free- 
hold, New  Jersey ;)  Lucretia  L.  m.  John  S.  Schermerhorn ; 
James,  and  Jane. 

13.  Abraham  BrinckerliofF,  eldest  son  of  Derick,^^  pre- 
deceased his  father,  but  the  date  of  his  death  is  not  ascertain- 
ed. By  his  wife,  Femmetie,  he  had  issue,  Derick,  John  A., 
Abraham,  d.  without  ch. ;  Elizabeth,  m.  Abm.  Brinckerhoff"; 
Aeltie,  m.  Abm.  Adriance ;  Diana,  m.  Rudolphus  Swartwout, 
and  Antie,  who  m.  Abm.  Lent.  John  A.  m.  Elizabeth,  dau. 
of  John  Brinckerhoff,  and  d.  in  the  Revolution  ;  issue,  Phebe, 
m.  James  Humphrey  ;  Abraham  ;  Elizabeth,  m.  Smith ; 
George ;  Isaac,  d.  unm.,  and  Derick.  The  latter  left  sons, 
John,  Abraham,  Isaac,  George,  and  William.  Deride,  entitled 
colonel,  m.  Aug.  27,  1747,  Geertie  WyckoflP,  of  Flatlands,  and 
was  an  extensive  miller  at  Fishkill.  His  ch.  were  Abraham, 
Jacob,  and  Phebe,  who  m.  Col.  Aaron  Stockholm.  Abraham 
m.  Sarah  Brett;  issue,  Gertrude,  m.  Gen.  John  Van  Wyck ; 
Catharine,  m.  James  Bailey  ;  and  Derick,  who  m.  twice  and  had 
issue  Abraham,  Robert,  Sarah,  Matthew,  James,  and  Catharine. 
Jacob,  son  of  Col.  Derick,  was  b.  June  7,  1754,  m.  Oct.  23, 
1774,  Dientie  Van  Wyck,  and  d.  Aug.  12,  1818.  His  ch.  were 
Gertrude,  Aletta,  Maria,  Elizabeth,  Derick,  Hannah,  Phebe, 
and  Diana ;  of  whom  Derick,  b.  Oct.  19,  1786,  ra.  Mar.  24, 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 


299 


1813,  Sarah,  dau.  of  Abraham  D.  Brinckerhoff,  and  resides 
at  Fishkill,  having  had  issue  Gertrude,  Diana,  Kichard-Henry, 
Sarah-Jane,  Cordelia  and  xYbrahain. 


THE    RIKER    FAMILY 


We  arc  informed  by  writers 
on  European  genealogy,  that 
the  Hikers  were  originally  a 
German  family,  located  at  a 
very  remote  period  in  Lower 
Saxony,  where  they  enjoyed  a 
state  of  allodial  independence, 
at  that  day  regarded  as  consti- 
tuting nobility.  They  there  pos- 
sessed the  estate  or  manor  of 
Rycken,  from  which  they  took 
their  name,  then  written  von 
Rycken,  indicating  its  territorial  derivation.  Subsequently 
the  name  suffered  various  changes,  being  found  written  de 
Rycke^  de  Ryk,  Rieclce,  &c.  and  in  America  finally  assuming 
its  present  form. 

Hans  von  Rycken,  the  lord  of  the  above  manor,  and  a 
valiant  knight,  Avith  his  cousin,  Melchior  von  Rycken,  who 
lived  in  Holland,  took  part  in  the  first  crusade  to  the  Holy 
Land,  in  1096,  heading  800  crusaders  in  the  army  of  Walter 
the  Penniless.  Melchior  lived  to  return,  but  Hans  perish- 
ed in  that  ill-fated  expedition.  The  coat  of  arms  first  borne 
by  the  family  are  represented  above,  and  are  thus  to  be  ex- 
plained ;  the  color  of  the  shield  (azure)  is  emblematic  of  the 
knighthood,  the  horns  indicate  physical  strength,  the  golden 
stars  a  striving  for  glory,  and  the  white  roses  are  symbols  of 
discretion  and  fidelity.  But  in  the  year  1225  the  descendants 
of  Hans  von  Rycken  adopted  as  a  new  coat  of  arms  the  es- 
cutcheon of  their  fee-farm,  Barrenhop,  which  name  signifies  in 
Low-Saxon  a  heap  of  bears,  and  hence  there  were  bears'  heads 


300  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

in  their  arms  and  crest.  Their  posterity  is  now  most  numerous 
in  Lower  Saxony,  Holstein  and  Hamburg.  In  time  the  descen- 
dants of  Melchior  von  Rycken  extended  themselves  from  Hol- 
land to  the  region  of  the  Ehine,  and  into  Switzerland,  and  from 
these  originated  a  branch  of  the  family  which  became  distin- 
guished in  the  city  of  Spire,  to  one  of  whom,  a  patrician  of 
that  city,  the  emperor,  Lewis  Fifth,  in  the  year  1329,  in 
consideration,  as  we  are  told,  of  the  self-acquired  honors  and 
estates  of  his  family,  presented  a  new  armorial  device,  the 
shield  bearing  crossed  spears  and  a  fish.  This  branch  of 
the  family  wrote  its  name  Richer^  by  which  as  well  as  by 
its  escutcheon,  it  continued  to  be  distinguished. 

As  regards  the  American  portion  of  the  Riker  family,  I 
am,  with  present  information,  disposed  to  believe  them  de- 
scended from  a  branch  of  the  family  of  considerable  wealth 
and  importance  at  Amsterdam,  where  they  had  occupied 
places  of  public  trust  for  two  centuries,  until  the  Spanish 
war  occasioned  a  great  reverse  in  their  fortunes.  In  this 
war  Capt.  Jacob  Simonsz  de  Rycke,  a  wealthy  corn  mer- 
chant of  the  above  city,  and  a  warm  partizan  of  the  Prince 
of  Orange,  distinguished  himself  by  his  military  services.  Jt 
has  been  conjectured  that  he  was  the  grandfather  of  Abra- 
ham de  Rycke,  the  head  of  the  family  in  America,  from  the 
early  occurrence  of  the  name  of  Jacob  in  the  family  here,* 
and  since  tradition  states  that  their  ancestor  was  an  early 
and  zealous  supporter  of  William  of  Nassau,  when  that 
prince  took  up  arms  in  defence  of  Dutch  liberty,  and  that 
the  family,  for  several  successive  generations,  during  the  long 
and  sanguinary  struggle  with  Spain,  followed  a  military  career. 

*  Notices  of  the  Riker  family,  contained  in  Knapp's  Treasury  of  Know- 
ledge and  Thompson's  Long  Island,  state  that  the  father  of  Abraham  was 
named  Gysberl,  who  locating  early  at  the  Poor  Bowery,  obtained  a  grant  of 
land,  &c.  I  have  failed  to  tind  a  particle  of  documentary  evidence  in  favor 
of  this  statement,  which  probably  refers  either  to  Hendrick  Harmensen,  the 
father-in-law  of  Abraham,  (see  pages  21,  22,)  or  to  Abraham  himself  who 
afterwards  settled  there ;  and  though  a  Gysbert  Riker  appears  among  the 
early  emigrants  to  New  Netherland,  our  records  warrant  the  belief  that  he 
was  not  the  father  of  Abraham.  If  we  may  judge  from  that  almost  unerring 
guide  among  the  Dutch  at  that  day,  the  names  of  the  elder  grandsons,  we 
may  conclude  with  much  confidence  that  the  father  of  Abraham  was  named 
Jacob,  who  probably  never  came  to  America. 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  301 

But  it  remains  for  future  research  to  remove  the  uncertainty 
which  envelopes  this  era  of  the  family  history. 

When  New  Netherland  invited  the  virtuous  and  the  dar- 
ing to  seek  a  home  in  her  wilds,  several  of  the  Rikers  joined 
the  adventurers  coming  hither.  These  were  Abraham,  Grys- 
bert,  Rynier,  and  Hendrick  Rycken^  the  last  of  whom  came 
out  a  few  years  after  the  others,  and  was  the  ancestor  of  the 
Suydam  family,  his  sons  assuming  that  name.  Gysbert  owned 
land  at  the  Wallabout,  and  is  last  named  in  1640,  and  Rynier 
was  an  intelligent  merchant  in  New  Amsterdam,  named  as  a 
ohurch  member  in  1649,  and  living  in  the  Waal  Slraat  in  1665  ; 
but  it  is  not  known  that  either  of  these  two  left  issue.  In  ad- 
dition to  these,  our  records  mention  "  Hendrick  Rycken,  skip- 
per, under  God,  of  the  ship  Sphiera  Munda,"  who,  trading  on 
this  coast  in  1658,  was  compelled  by  misfortune  to  touch  at 
New  Amsterdam,  where  he  shipped  a  quantity  of  beavers  and 
tobacco  for  the  European  market.  There  is  no  further  notice 
of  this  skipper,  and  though  possible,  it  is  hardly  to  be  suppos- 
ed that  he  afterwards  abandoned  the  sea,  took  up  a  residence 
here,  and  was  identical  with  the  Suydam  ancestor. 

1.  Abraham  Rycken,  or  de  Rycke,  as  his  name  is  indiscri- 
minately written  in  our  early  records,  was  the  progenitor  of 
the  present  Riker  families  in  New- York,  New  Jersey,  and 
other  parts  of  the  Union ;  his  descendants,  in  the  third  gene- 
ration, having  assumed  the  present  mode  of  spelling  the  name. 
He  is  presumed  to  have  emigrated  in  1638,  as  he  received  in 
that  year  an  allotment  of  land  from  Gov.  Kieft,  for  Avliich  he 
afterwQirds  took  out  a  patent,  dated  Aug.  8, 1640.  This  land  was 
situated  at  the  Wallabout,  and  now  either  joins,  or  is  included 
within  the  farm  of  the  Hon.  Jeremiah  Johnson.  In  1642  Riker 
is  found  in  New  Amsterdam,  where  he  continued  to  live  many 
years  upon  premises  of  his  own,  on  the  Heeren  Gracht,  now 
Broad-street.  He  was  probably  engaged  in  trade,  for  it  appears 
.that  in  1656  he  made  a  voyage  to  the  Delaware  river  for  the 
express  purpose  of  purchasing  beaver  skins,  then  a  leading 
article  of  traffic.  The  voyage  proved  an  unlucky  one,  for,  as 
they  were  ascending  the  Delaware  at  night,  the  bark  stranded 
near  the  falls  of  that  river.  She  was  unloaded  and  after  some 
time  got  afloat,  during  which  operation  the  passengers  abode 
in  tents  on  shore.  Riker  visited  Fort  Casimir,  near  the  present 

20 


302  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

New  Castle,  and  returned,  unable  to  get  any  peltry.  He  and 
his  wife,  Grietie,  a  dau.  of  Hendrick  Harmensen,  were  members 
of  the  Dutch  church,  as  appears  by  a  list  dated  1649,  and  most  of 
their  children  were  baptized  in  the  church  within  Fort  Amster- 
dam. In  1654  Riker  obtained  a  grant  of  land  at  the  Poor 
Bowery,  to  which  he  subsequently  removed,  afterwards  adding 
to  his  domain  the  island  known  as  Riker's  Island.  (See  pages 
36,  64,  65.)  Having  attained  to  more  than  three  score  years 
and  ten,  he  d.  in  1689,  leaving  his  farm  by  will  to  his  son 
Abraham.*  His  ch.  were  Ryck-Abramscn,  the  eldest,  who 
adopted  the  name  of  Lent,  (see  Lent  genealogy ;)  Jacob,  b. 
1640,  d.  in  infancy;  Jacob,  b.  1643;  Hendrick,  b.  1646,  d. 
^  young;  Mary,  b.  1649,  m.  Sibout  H.  Krankheyt,  afterwards 
of  the  manor  of  Cortlandt ;  John,  b.  1651 ;  Aletta,  b.  1653,  m. 
Capt.  John  Harmense,  also  of  the  manor  of  Cortlandt ;  Abra- 
ham,2  b.  1655,  and  Hendrick,  b.  1662.  The  latter  also  adopt- 
ed the  name  of  Lent.  John  m.  in  1691,  Sarah  Schouten,  widow 
of  Paulus  Vanderbeeck,  and  their  son  Abraham,  b.  1695,  set- 
tled in  Essex  co.  N.  J.  where  his  descendants  are  to  be  found. 
Jacob  united  with  his  brother  Eyck  and  others  in  buying 
Ryck's  Patent,  in  Westchester  co.  but  sold  his  interest  in  1715 
to  his  nephew  Hercules  Lent.  He  was  then  living  at  "  Upper 
Yonkers,"  and  is  said  to  have  d.  without  issue. 

2.  Abraham  Riker,  son  of  Abraham,^  was  b.  in  1655,  in 
New  Amsterdam,  and  on  Jan.  10,  1682,  m.  Grietie,  dau.  of  Jan 
Gerrits  Van  Buytenhuysen,  of  New- York,  by  his  intermarri- 
age with  Tryntie,  dau.  of  Jan  Van  Luyt,  of  Holland.  He 
proved  to  be  a  man  of  intelligence,  and  inheriting  the  pater- 
nal estate,  added  considerably  to  the  extent  of  his  lands,  his 
most  important  purchase  being  that  of  a  third  of  the  Tuder 
patent,  on  Nov.  2,  1688.  (See  page  114.)  His  estate  he  settled 
on  his  sons,  Abraham  and  Andrew,  Nov.  10,  1733,  and  hav- 
ing been  for  a  number  of  years  entirely  blind,  he  suddenly  re- 
covered his  sight,  and  almost  immediately  expired,  Aug.  20, 

*His  will,  dated  Mar.  9,  1688-9,  and  the  inventory  of  his  personal  estate, 
taken  on  April  5,  succeeding,  are  recorded  in  the  county  clerk's  office,  Jamaica, 
in  Deeds,  liber  A.  page  36.  An  ancient  copy  of  the  will,  and  also  the  origi- 
nal Dutch  patents  to  Riker  for  his  said  farm  and  island,  are  still  in  posses- 
sion of  his  descendant,  John  L.  Riker,  Esq.  through  whose  kindness  I  have 
inspected  thera. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  5503 

17-16,  in  his  91st  yr.  A  rude  slab  marks  his  grave  in  the  family 
cemetery  at  the  Poor  Bowery.*  Mrs.  liiker  d.  Nov.  15,  1732, 
a.  71.  Their  ch.  were  Catharine,  Margaret,  Mary,  Abraham,^ 
John,^  Hendrick,^  Andrew,^"  and  Jacob.  Of  the  daughters, 
Mary  m.  Hasuelt  Van  Keuren,  of  Kingston.  Margaret  m.  in 
succession  Peter  Braisted,  Thomas  Lynch,  and  Anthony 
Duane,  father  of  the  Hon,  James  Duane,  afterwards  mayor  of 
New- York.  She  had  no  ch.  and  d.  Jan.  8,  1775,  in  her  90th 
yr.  An  interesting  obituary  of  this  lady  is  contained  in  Riv- 
ington's  N.  Y.  Gazette,  of  Jan.  12,  '75.  Jacoh^  the  youngest 
son,  b.  in  1702,  m.  May  25, 1729,  Catharine,  dau.  of  Rev.  Sam'l 
Pumroy,  and  settled  in  New- York,  where  for  many  years  he 
conducted  a  bakery  in  Beekman-street.  When  that  city  be- 
came a  prey  to  the  enemy  in  the  Revolution,  he  retired,  first 
to  Lono;  Island  and  then  to  Rhinebeck,  where  he  d.  in  1778. 
His  ch.  who  attained  to  adult  years,  were  Lydia,  b.  1732,  ra. 
Capt.  Isaac  Sheldon;  Abraham,  b.  1734;  Margaret,  b.  1710, 
m.  Capt.  Abm.  Riker;  Catharine,  b.  1742,  m.  successively 
Capt,  Dennis  Candy,  and  Cornelius  Bradford ;  and  Elizabeth, 
who  m.  Capt.  Geo.  Collins.  Abraham,  the  only  son,  pursued 
his  fjxther's  occupation,  and  m,  Oct,  29,  1757,  Sarah,  dau,  of 
Henry  Rousby,  a  son  of  Christopher  Rousby  by  his  intermar- 
riage, in  1703,  with  Sarah,  widow  of  the  noted  Capt,  Wm. 
Kidd.  Mr.  Riker  d.  respected,  during  the  Revolution.  His 
widow,  a  lady  of  intelligence  and  exemphiry  piety,  (as  was  also 
her  grand-mother,  Sarah,)  d.  in  1802,  a.  62.  They  left  issue, 
Sarah,  b.  1768,  m.  John  Walgrove,  ornamental  painter,  and 
father  of  Effingham  W.  Walgrove,  of  Dobb's  Yqvvj,  N.  Y.  ; 
Emma,  b,  1772,  m.  AVm.  Whitehead,  Esq.  late  president  of  the 
Commercial  Bank,  of  Perth  Amboy ;  and  John,  b.  1780,  who 
removed  to  Philadelphia. 

3.  Abraham  Riker,  son  of  Abraham,^  was  b.  in  1691,  m. 
Geesie,  dau.  of  Johannes  Van  Alst,  of  the  Dutch  Kills,  and 
located  upon  that  part  of  his  father's  estate  which  included  a 

*  This  yard  was  early  appropriated  by  the  Rikers  and  Lents,  and  in  all 
subsequent  sales  of  the  farm  on  which  it  is  located,  it  has  been  duly  roserv- 
ed  to  those  families.  The  late  worthy  owner  of  the  farm,  Mr.  Isaac  Rapelye, 
generously  enlarged  the  ground  by  the  gift  of  a  strip  of  land  adjoining.  The 
premises  now  contain  many  graves  of  the  departed ;  may  no  ruthless  hand 
ever  disturb  their  gentle  repose. 


304  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

third  of  the  Tuder  patent.  The  tenement  which  he  erected 
yet  remains,  and  forms  the  centre  room  of  the  house  standing 
on  these  premises,  now  owned  by  the  heirs  of  Chas.  Rapelye, 
dec.  Mr.  Riker  took  an  active  part  in  the  erection  of  the  first 
Dutch  church  built  at  Newtown,  and  was  one  of  the  trustees 
to  whom  the  deed  for  the  church  plot  was  executed.  Of  this 
church  he  and  his  wife  were  members,  and  he,  subsequently,  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  a  ruling  elder.  He  was  a  consistent 
christian,  and  noted  for  the  uniform  gentleness  of  his  man- 
ners. His  wife  d.  Oct.  20,  1758,  and  he  Feb.  23,  1770,  in  his 
79th  yr.  He  had  ten  ch.  to  wit,  Aletta,  d.  unm.  Nov.  30,  1752, 
a.  33 ;  Johannes,  d.  1741:,  a.  23 ;  Margaret,  m.  John  Bragaw ; 
Abraham,  Peter,  Grace,  m.  Richard  Berrien ;  Andrew,''  Joris, 
d.  Feb.  8,  1753,  a.  20 ;  Jacobus,^  and  Hendrick.*^  Abraham^ 
who  d.  Sep.  17,  1758,  a.  33,  is  reputed  to  have  possessed  un- 
usual talents  and  a  remarkable  flow  of  humor  and  wit.  He 
devoted  a  part  of  his  life  to  teaching.  Peter  acquired  consi- 
derable property  in  New- York  as  a  ship-blacksmith,  and  was 
a  gentleman  highly  respected.  Being  devoted  to  liberty,  he 
spent  the  period  of  the  Revolution  within  the  American  lines. 
For  some  years  before  his  death  he  was  an  elder  of  the  Brick 
church,  now  Dr.  Spring's.  He  m.  successively,  Esther  Brasher, 
and  Jane,  dau.  of  Daniel  Bonnett,  but  left  no  issue.  He  d, 
during  a  temporary  abode  at  the  house  of  Jesse  Leverich,  Esq. 
Oct.  29,  1799,  a.  72.    Mrs.  R.  d.  Jan.  25,  1808,  a.  76. 

4.  Andrew  Riker,  son  of  Abraham,'^  was  b.  in  1730,  re- 
moved to  New- York,  and  wrought  successfully  at  the  anvil. 
He  m.  May  9,  1755,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Peter  0.  WyckofP,  of 
Flatlands.  She  d.  Mar.  5,  1779,  in  her  48th  yr.  Two  years 
after  the  peace  of  1783  Mr.  Riker  bought  the  half  of  Riker's 
Island,  erected  a  house  there,  and  made  it  his  residence,  sub- 
sequently purchasing  the  other  half  of  tlie  Island.  Here  he 
d.  in  his  86th  yr.  Nov.  14,  1815,  leaving  the  Island  to  his  sons 
Abraham  and  Peter,  who,  with  a  dau.  Elizabeth,  who  m.  Henry 
Lent,  were  his  only  ch.  Abraham,,  b.  May  10,  1756,  was  em- 
ployed during  the  Revolution  as  an  artificer  in  the  continental 
shops  at  Peekskill.  Here  he  m.  Mar.  9,  1779,  Mary,  dau.  of 
John  Delanoy.  The  latter  part  of  his  life  was  spent  on  Riker's 
Island,  where  he  d.  Jan.  28, 1843,  and  his  wife  Apr.  12, 1841, 
in  her  82d  yr.     He  had  issue,  Peter,  d.  unm.  Nov.  10,  1829,  a. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  305 

49 ;  Elizabeth,  m.  successively,  Beuj.  Welch  and  And.  Van 
Horn ;  John,  d.  unm.  Feb.  14,  1823,  a.  87 ;  and  Abraham.  The 
latter,  b.  Nov.  30,  1789,  m.  Harriet,  dau.  of  Thos.  Dickerson, 
and  d.  in  New-York,  Mar.  14,  1823  ;  issue,  Harriet,  Hannah, 
and  William.  Pet&\  b.  May  25,  1760,  m.  May  19, 1782,  jMary, 
dau.  of  Capt.  Edward  Kelly,  who  d.  in  the  south  seas  while 
commanding  a  whaleman.  Peter  removed  with  his  father  to 
Riker's  Island,  where  he  lived  nearlj'-  sixty  years.    His  Avife  d. 

a.  64,  May  25,  1827,  and  he  on  Feb.  5,  1851,  in  his  91st  yr. 
being  at  the  time,  I  believe,  the  oldest  member  of  the  Riker 
family.  His  ch.  were  Andrew,  b.  April  1,  1784,  d.  at  Wil- 
liamsburgh,  L.  I.  June,  15,  1851 ;  Hannah,  b.  June  16,  1787, 
m.  Jacob  I.  Mott,  of  Tarrytown,  N.  Y ;  Edward,  b.  Sep.  4, 
1789,  a  resident  of  New- York  city ;  Henrj^,  b.  Jan,  3,  1792, 
now  of  Newtown;  Wm.-Charles,  b.  Aug,  22,  1795,  d  Aug. 
11,  1837,  without  issue ;  and  Robert,  b.  Sept.  18,  1798,  and 
living  at  Tarrytown, 

5.  Jacobus  Riker,  son  of  Abraham,''  was  b,  in  1736,  and 
named  after  his  uncle.  Jacobus  Van  Alst.  He  remained  on 
the  paternal  farm  at  Newtown,  m.  Feb.  20, 1761,  Anna-Catrina, 
dau.  of  John  Rapelje,  dec.  and  after  his  father's  death  bought 
the  homestead.  May  1,  1770.  In  the  Revolution  Mr.  R.  de- 
sired to  take  no  part,  and  only  b}^  circumstances  and  influ- 
ences peculiarly  adA'crse  was  he  forced,  like  many  others, 
to  yield  an  apparent  compliance  with  loyalist  measures. 
But  his  observation  and  own  bitter  experience,  during  that 
reign  of  terror,  had  the  effect  of  attaching  him  firmly  to  the 
republican  party,  with  which,  from  the  peace  of  1783,  he 
uniformly  acted  in  exercising  the  right  of  suffrage.  He  was 
a  man  of  considerable  ingenuity,  and  thoroughly  Dutch  in  lan- 
guage and  habits.  Living  in  the  practice  of  useful  industry, 
prudence,  and  strict  integrity,  he  enjoyed  the  respect  and  con- 
fidence of  his  fellow-townsmen.  Truly  pious,  he  served  several 
years  in  the  eldership  of  the  Dutch  church  at  Newtown,  Death 
overtook  him  suddenly  in  his  73d  yr.  Aug.  26,  1809.  His  wi- 
dow, an  amiable  christian,  d.  July  1,  1815,  a,  80  yrs,  save  one 
month.  They  had  issue,  Maria,  b.  Mar,  29,  1762,  m.  Cor,  Ra- 
pelye ;  Grace,  b.  Aug.  9,  1764,  d.  Oct.  6,  1776  ;  John-Rapelye, 

b.  Dec.  24,  1766,  d.  upon  the  homestead  unm.  Dec.  8,  1796; 
Abraham,  b.  May  6,  1769,  d,  Oct.  22,  1774;  and  Daniel,  b. 


306  ANNALS       OF        NEWTOWN. 

Mar.  7,  1771.  The  latter  was  named  after  his  maternal  uncle, 
Daniel  Rapelje.  While  a  youth  his  father  entertained  some 
thought  of  giving  him  a  medical  education,  Dr.  Samuel  Cutler, 
then  a  boarder  at  their  house,  offering  to  furnish  him  letters  of 
introduction  to  eminent  physicians  in  Great  Britain,  but  the 
offer  was  at  length  declined,  and  Daniel  was  destined  to  an 
agricultural  rather  than  a  professional  life.  He  m.  in  Feb. 
1791,  Deborah,  dau.  of  William  Leverich,  and  (with  the  excep- 
tion of  two  years,  between  1795  and  1797,  when  he  resided 
successively  at  Middletown  and  Bushwick,)  continued  to  live 
on  the  paternal  estate,  which  became  his  own  at  the  demise  of 
his  father.  On  June  7,  1808,  he  was  appointed  a  justice  of  the 
peace  for  Queen's  county  by  a  special  commission,  and  for 
nearly  eighteen  years  performed  its  duties  without  having  a 
single  decision  reversed  by  a  higher  court.  In  Jan.  1827,  he 
sold  his  farm  (now  owned  by  the  heirs  of  Chas.  Eapelye,)  and 
removed  to  the  city  of  New- York,  where  he  resided  till  his 
death.  Having  lost  his  wife  Apr.  9,  1818,  in  her  46th  yr.  Mr. 
Eiker  m.  May  1,  1831,  Ann-Eliza,  dau.  of  Isaac  Martin,  dec. 
He  d.  suddenly  on  Sept.  16,  1850.  His  ch.  Avere  James,  b. 
Dec.  25,  1791 ;  William-Leverich,  b.  Dec.  8,  1793  ;  Maria-Ea- 
pelye,  b.  Dec.  22,  1795,  m.  Nov.  2,  1825,  Samuel  Valentine, 
and  d.  Mar.  3,  1828;  Patience-Stanton,  b.  Feb.  25,  1798,  m. 
Mar.  4,  1841,  John  T.  Welling ;  John-Eapelye,  b.  Jan.  26, 1800 ; 
Ann-Catharine,  b.  May  1,  1803,  d.  unm.  Oct.  31,  1826;  Joseph- 
Lawrence,  b.  Aug.  17,  1805,  d.  unm.  Oct.  27,  1823;  Hannah- 
Eliza,  b.  Mar.  20,  1807,  m.  May  17,  1826,  George  Elder ;  Susan- 
Ann,  b.  Jan.  10,  1832,  m.  Nov.  13,  1850,  Isaac  Webb ;  and 
Daniel,  b.  July  26,  1836,  who  d.  Dec.  7,  1844.  John  E.  Eiker 
d.  Feb.  4,  1824,  a.  24,  leaving  issue,  Maria,  and  John.  "William 
L.  Eiker,  m.  Feb.  16,  1819,  Catharine-Eemsen,  dau.  of  George 
Brinckerhoff,  and  d.  Mar.  8,  1828,  in  his  35th  yr.  His  ch.  are 
Daniel,  Evelina,  and  William  L.  James  Eiker,  the  eldest  child 
of  Daniel  Eiker,  Esq.  entered  upon  a  clerkship  in  New- York 
in  1806,  and  in  1813  began  business  in  Pearl-street  as  a  grocer, 
which  he  continued  at  various  locations  till  1846,  when  he  re- 
tired ;  the  next  year  built  a  residence  at  Harlem  and  removed 
thither  in  1848.  In  1832  Mr.  E.  enjoyed  a  seat  in  the  city 
council.     He  m.  Dec.  29,  1814,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  John  Van 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  307 

Arsdale,*  a  discreet,  amiable  and  pious  companion,  who  d.  in 
her  44th  yr,  Oct.  10,  1834  ;  by  which  marriage  Mr.  R.  has  six 
ch.  namely,  Mary-Jane,  Ann-Catharine,  James,  John-Lafay- 
ette, Daniel  J.  and  Charles-Bodle.     Ann  C.  m.  Nov.  6,  1839, 

*  The  Van  Arsdale  family  derive  their  origin  from  Jan  Van  Arsdale,  a 
knight  of  HoUand,  who,  in  1211,  erected  the  castle  (now  county  house)  Ars- 
dale,  and  from  it  took  his  name.  His  armorial  bearings  now  constitute  the 
public  arms  of  the  bailiwick  of  Arsdale.  From  him  descended  "  Symon 
Jansen  Van  Arsdalen,"  (as  his  signature  is,)  who  emigrated  to  New  Amster- 
dam in  1653,  and  located  at  Flatlanda,  where  he  served  as  a  civil  magistrate 
and  an  elder  of  the  Dutch  church  ;  and  our  records  prove  him  to  have  been  a 
person  of  means,  education,  and  influence.  He  d.  about  1710,  leaving  sons 
Cornelius  and  John,  from  whom  theentirc  Van  Arsdale  fiimily  in  this  coun- 
try have  sprung.  Cornelius  left  six  sons,  who  all  removed  to  New  Jersey, 
and  one  of  whom,  named  Philip,  was  the  grandfather  of  the  late  Elias  Van 
Arsdnle,  Esq.  of  Newark,  N.  J.Vnd  also  of  the  })resent  Dr.  Peter  Van  Ars- 
dale  of  New- York  city;  anotTier  named  John,  was  the  father  of  Simon,  grand- 
father of  the  Rev.  Cor.  C.  V;in  Arsdale.  John  Van  Arsdale,  the  son  of  Sy- 
mon Jansen,  was  a  leading  member  of  the  Dutch  cliurch,  and  d.  in  the  town 
of  Jamaica,  leaving  also  six  sons,  one  of  whom,  Christopher,  removed  with 
several  of  his  brothers  to  New  Jersey,  and  had  three  sons,  John,  Okie,  and 
Cornelius.  Of  these  the  first  was  b.  on  Long  Island,  and  d.  at  Murderer's 
Creek,  Orange  co.  N.  Y.  in  1798,  a.  76.  His  son  John,  the  person  named  in 
the  text,  and  the  great-grent-trrandson  of  Symon  Jiinsen  Van  Arsdalen,  was  b. 
at  the  latter  place,  Jan.  5,  1756.  He  served  in  the  American  army  during  nearly 
the  whole  of  the  Revolution.  Being  wounded  and  miide  a  prisoner  at  the 
battle  of  Fort  Montgomery,  he  endured  a  distressing  captivity  of  nine  months 
in  New-York,  from  which  lie  was  relieved  by  exchange,  July  20,  177^.  The 
next  year  he  accompanied  Gen.  Clinton's  expedition  against  the  Iiidinns  in 
western  New-York,  and  served  in  every  successive  c;imp;iign  till  1782,  in 
which  year  he  was  nearly  eight  months  a  sergeant  under  Cnpt.  Hardenbergh 
of  Weisenfelt's  regiment,  with  which  he  closed  his  service.  He  m.  June  16,' 
1783,  Mary,  dau.  of  David  Crawford,  a  respectable  farmer  of  Orange  co. 
whose  father,  James' Crawford,  came  to  America  in  1718,  with  certificate  of 
recommendation  from  the  Presbyterian  church  of  Golan,  in  Ireland.  Mr.  Van 
Arsdale,  after  his  marri.ige,  sailed  a  packet  on  the  North  and  Enst  rivers  for 
thirty  years,  then  served  for  twenty  as  wood  inspector  in  the  city  of  New- 
York.  Having  survived  his  partner  four  years,  he  d.  Aug.  14,  1836,  and  was 
interred  with  military  honors  by  the  veteran  corps,  of  which  he  w;is  then  first 
captain-lieutenant.  He  was  n  man  of  singular  bodily  activity,  of  great  re- 
solution, and  generous  even  to  a  fault.  His  ch.  who  survived  childhood  were 
Eliztibeth,  b.  in  New-York,  April  10,  1791,  who  m.  Jnmes  Riker;  David,  b^ 
Sept.  1,  1796;  Deborah,  b.  Aug.  12,  1801,  now  widow  of  John  Phillips; 
Jane,  b.  Mar.  20,  1804,  widow  of  Jacob  G.  Theall ;  and  Mary,  b.  Oct.  9,  1808/ 
who  m.  Capt.  Andrew  Dorgan,  of  Mobile,  Ala.  and  d.  Oct.  4,  1849. 


308  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

William  W.  Bodle,   son  of  the  late  Hon.  Charles  Bodle,  of 
Bloomingburgh,  N.  Y.* 

6.  Hendrick  Kiker,  son  of  Abraham,^  was  b.  1738,  m.  Apr. 
26,  1760,  Jane,  dau.  of  Daniel  Kapelje,  by  his  intermarriage 
with  Kensie,  widow  of  Peter  Gr.  Wyckoff,  and  mother  of  Eliza- 
beth, wife  of  And.  Kiker,  The  same  year  of  his  marriage  he 
became  a  freeman  of  New-York,  and  for  many  years  was 
a  cabinet-maker  in  Pearl-street,  In  the  Eevolution,  being 
known  to  have  rebel  predilections,  he  did  not  escape  ill- 
treatment  by  the  enemy.  In  1788  he  was  made  a  com- 
missioner of  the  alms-house  and  bridewell,  which  office  he  re- 
tained for  a  series  of  years.  Hendrick  Eiker  was  extensively 
known  and  respected ;  a  good  hearted,  upright  man,  and  a  ge- 
nuine Dutchman.  His  wife  d.  July  13,  1803,  a.  67,  and  he 
Mar.  16,  1807,  a.  69.  His  ch.  were  Eensie,  (called  Nancy,)  b. 
Oct.  23,  1762,  d.  unm. ;  Abraham,  b.  Dec.  27,  1764,  d.  unm.  ; 
Grace,  b.  Mar.  13,  1769,  m.  Mar.  28,  1795,  Cornelius  Hert- 
tell ;  Daniel,  b.  July  17, 1771 ;  Jane,  b.  Apr.  3,  1774,  m.  Aug.  2, 
1793,  Capt.  John  O'Brian,  (and  were  the  parents  of  Jane  K. 
widow  of  the  late  distinguished  artist  Henry  Inman,)  and  Peter, 
b.  Feb.  8,  1777.  The  latter,  a  silversmith,  m.  May  24,  1806, 
Sarah,  dau.  of  Col,  Edward  Meeks.  He  d.  of  apoplexy  May 
28,  1821,  and  his  widow  Oct.  11,  1830,  a.  48  ;  issue,  Joseph- 
Lopaz  Dias,  Sophia-Josephine,  dec.  and  Sarah- Ann.     Daniel, 

*  This  gentleman  was  the  grandson  of  Daniel  Bodle.  who  emigrated  from 
Armagh  co.  Ireland,  in  1742,  and  settled  at  Little  Britain,  Orange  co.  N.  Y. 
where  he  m.  Elizabeth,  widow  of  Jas.  Graham,  and  dau.  of  Wm.  Thompson. 
This  lady  was  an  own  cousin  to  the  mother  of  Gov.  George  Clinton.  By 
this  marriage  Mr.  Bodle  had  issue,  William,  Patrick,  Samuel,  and  Alexander, 
whence  come  all  the  Bodies  of  this  state.  He  d.  aiiout  1786,  a.  94.  Hi» 
son  William,  b.  Mar.  31,  1746,  m.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Jonathan  Owen,  and  became 
a  leading  citizen  of  Orange,  for  a  long  period  serving  both  as  a  civil  magis- 
trate and  an  elder  of  the  Goshen  Presbyterian  church.  He  was  generally 
respected  for  his  integrity  and  high  moral  excellence.  In  1826  he  re- 
moved to  Tompkins  county,  N.  Y.  where  he  d.  Jan.  23, 1838  ;  his  sons  Jona- 
than, William  and  James,  having  also  located  in  that  county.  His  dau.  Mary 
is  now  the  widow  of  Nath"!  Tuthill.  His  son,  Charles  Bodle,  was  b.  July  1, 
1788,  and  m.  Esther,  dau.  of  Samuel  Wood.  As  a  civil  magistrate,  an  ami- 
able friend  and  christi.in,  Mr.  Bodle  was  endeared  to  all  his  acquaintances. 
He  represented  his  district  (the  counties  of  Ulster  and  Sullivan)  in  the  first 
session  of  the  twenty-third  congress,  was  prevented  by  illness  from  appear- 
ing at  the  second  session,  and  d.  much  lamented,  Oct.  31,  1835. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  309 

son  of  Hendrick,  visited  France  and  Copenhagen  in  1795,  with 
his  brother-indaw,  Capt.  O'Brian,  afterwards  became  a  mer- 
chant in  New- York,  and  m.  Apr.  28, 1804,  Helen,  dau.  of  Abm. 
Polhemus.  In  1819  he  was  appointed  overseer  of  the  alms- 
house, which  post  he  filled  with  credit  till  his  death  in  his  67th 
yr.  Mar.  24,  1828.  His  ch.  were  Jane  E.  m,  Eobert  M.  DeWitt, 
Abraham  P.,  Christina  T.  m.  Wm.  B.  Kellum,  Henry,  Edgar, 
Elizabeth,  m.  Altheus  Y.  Stocking,  Ann  P.  and  Helen,  m.  to 
Harvey  Stocking. 

7.  John  Piker,  son  of  Abraham,-  m.  Geertie,  dau.  of  Teunis 
Wiltsee  of  Newtown,  and  after  living  some  years  at  the  latter 
village  removed,  in  1744,  to  Closter,  then  Rockland  co.  N.  Y. 
and  now  Bergen  co.  N.  J.  where  he  had  bought  a  farm.  The 
next  year  he  erected  a  house  on  the  spot  where  his  grandson, 
Jacob  Riker,  now  resides.  Mr.  Riker  and  his  partner  were 
members  of  the  Dutch  church,  and  they  yet  live  in  the  memo- 
ry of  their  descendants  as  devout  christians.  He  survived  his 
partner  two  years,  and  d.  in  1783,  a.  over  90.  He  left  issue, 
Abraham,^  John,  Gerardus,  Deborah,  m.  Dan'l  Martine,  Mar- 
garet, m.  Cor.  Blauvelt,  Mary,  m.  John  Bell,  Elizabeth,  m.  Abm. 
Blauvelt,  and  Catharine,  who  m.  John  Lawrence  and  John  Ry- 
der. Gerardus  m.  and  before  his  father's  death,  removed  to 
Kentucky ;  he  has  descendants  living  in  Indiana.  John,  b. 
Oct.  25,  1736,  served  both  in  the  French  war  and  as  a  patriot 
in  the  Revolution.  At  the  age  of  fifty  he  m.  Margaret  Blauvelt. 
He  owned  the  paternal  farm,  was  a  kind  and  worthy  gentleman, 
and  d.  Oct  6,  1828,  a.  92.  His  ch.  were  Jacob  and  Gertrude, 
twins,  and  Abraham.  Gertrude  m.  Michael  Hines.  Abraham 
m.  Grace  Gracie.  Jacob,  b.  Aug.  19,  1786,  m.  Leah,  dau.  of 
Martin  Paulas,  and  resides  on  the  ancestral  estate  at  Closter. 

8.  Abraham  Riker,  son  of  John,"^  was  b.  Nov.  25,  1721,  and 
inherited  that  part  of  his  father's  estate  now  owned  by  Peter 
R.  Haring.  In  the  war  of  Independence  he  was  a  warm  friend 
of  liberty,  and  most  of  his  sons  did  service  in  the  militia.  He 
was  withal  an  eminent  christian,  and  d.  Feb.  9,  1820,  at  the 
patriarchal  age  of  98  yrs.    By  his  wife,  Elizabeth  Concklin,  he 

had  issue,  John,  b. — ;  Sophia,  b.  Oct.  20,  1750,  m.  John 

Johnson ;  Elizabeth,  b.  Nov.  9,  1751,  m.  John  Nagle  ;  Abra- 
ham, b.  May  22,  1753 ;  Margaret,  b.  Nov.  24,  1754,  m.  John 
Sneden ;  Matthias,  b.  Sep.  10, 1756  ;  Gerardus,  b.  Apr.  13, 1758 ; 


310  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

Maria,  b.  Jan.  29, 1760,  m.  John  Banta ;  James,  b.  Oct.  5, 1761 ; 
Henr}^  b.  July  25,  1764 ;  Peter,  b.  Sep.  3,  1766 ;  Samuel,  b. 
May  19,  1768  ;  and  Tunis,  b.  Aug.  10,  1770.  Of  these  John 
m.  Maria,  dau.  of  Andries  Onderdonk,  of  Tappan ;  he  and  his 
only  son  Henry,  are  now  dec.  Abraham  removed  to  New- 
York  after  the  Revolution,  as  did  all  his  brothers  except  Peter. 
He  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Jacobus  Van  Valen,  and  d.  at  Hoboken, 
May  21,  1825,  a.  72.  He  had  issue,  John,  Sarah,  ra.  John  Y. 
W.  Warner,  Abraham,  and  James,  who  d.  without  issue. 
Abraham  m.  Sarah  J.  Vincent,  and  d.  June  19,  1825,  a.  42, 
having  ch.  Margaret,  Abraham,  Elizabeth,  and  Sarah.  John 
m.  Esther  Davis,  and  d.  in  New- York  a  few  years  since ;  issue, 
John,  formerly  chief  engineer  of  the  fire  department,  Henry, 
Edgar,  now  of  New  Haven,  Augustus,  James,  William,  Eliza- 
beth, d.  young,  Sarah,  m.  Henry  Mallory,  and  Mary,  who  m. 
Westwood  W.  Wright.  Matthias  m.  Ann,  dau.  of  Henry 
Nagle.  He  d.  in  New-York,  Sep.  8,  1837,  a.  81.  His  children 
were  Henry,  and  John  ;  the  latter  m.  Mary,  dau,  of  Thos.  Dema- 
rest,  and  d,  in  New-York,  Aug.  28,  1828,  a.  50,  having  issue,  an 
only  dau.  Ann.  Gerardus  d.  in  New-York,  Oct.  31,  1833,  in 
his  76th  yr.  By  his  wife  Margaret,  dau,  of  Wm.  Nagle,  he  had 
but  one  ch.  that  reached  mature  years,  namely,  William,  who 
m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Jacob  Woolsey,  and  distinguished  him- 
self in  the  war  of  1812  by  his  attempts  to  blow  up  the  British 
armed  vessels  in  Long  Island  Sound.  He  d.  in  New- York,  Jan. 
20,  1827,  a.  49,  and  left  one  son,  Gerardus.  James  m.  first 
Ann-Dorotli}^,  dau.  of  And,  Zimmerman,  and  secondl}^,  Mary, 
dau.  of  David  Hustace  and  widow  of  Gabriel  Briggs.  He  is 
living  at  a  venerable  age,  having  had  issue  as  follows, 
John  J.,  Ann  D.  m.  Cor.  Haring ;  Sophia,  m,  Wm,  Berrien ; 
Susan,  Abigail,  James,  William  H,  and  Elijah  H,  John  J.  m. 
Eliza  W.  dau,  of  Wm.  Berrien,  and  d,  Sep,  2,  1850,  a,  57,  leav- 
ing several  ch.  Henry  came  to  New-York,  but  afterwards  re- 
moved to  North  Carolina,  m.  and  d,  at  Beaufort.  His  only  ch. 
Abraham,  is  thought  to  be  living  in  Savannah,  Geo.  Peter  re- 
mained on  the  paternal  farm  at  Cioster,  and  m.  Margaret  Mabie. 
He  d.  April  21,  1844,  in  his  78th  yr.  and  his  only  ch.  Elizabeth, 
m.  Jacob  D.  Haring,  Samuel  m,  Rachel  Moore,  of  English 
Neighborhood.  He  d.  at  New-York,  of  yellow  fever,  Oct.  8, 
1799,  in  his  32d  yr.  having  issue,  Mary,  and  Elizabeth,  who 


ANNALS     OP    NEWTOWN.  311 

botli  m.  Tunis  m,  Ellen  Moore,  sister  of  Samuel's  wife.  Many- 
years  since  he  removed  from  New-York  city  to  Tioga  co,  in 
this  state,  where  he  is  still  living,  or  was  recently.  In  the  war 
of  1812  he  held  the  commission  of  major  in  the  militia.  He 
has  had  issue,  Abraham,  Thomas,  Samuel,  Anthony,  Perry, 
James,  Maria,  Jane  and  Eliza. 

9.  Hendrick  Riker,  son  of  Abraham,^  removed  to  New- 
York,  where  he  m.  Oct.  20, 1722,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  John  Peek. 
He  was  a  blacksmith  at  Burling  slip,  where  he  owned  property. 
He  was  connected  with  the  Dutch  church,  and  in  1756  was 
elected  alderman  of  the  Out  ward,  but  soon  after  resigned.  He 
d.  July  27,  1761,  a.  about  65.  His  widow  d.  at  a  country  seat 
on  Chatham  square,  north  side  of  James  street,  Aug.  6,  1791,  a. 
92  yrs.  Their  ch,  who  attained  adult  years,  were  Abraham,  b. 
1723,  d.  Sep.  8,  1742;  John,  b.  1725;  Henry,  b.  1740,  and 
James,  b.  1742.  James  studied  law  and  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  Apr.  3,  1763.  On  June  5,  succeeding,  he  m.  Mary,  dau.  of 
Capt.  Viner  Leaycraft,  but  had  no  issue.  Mr.  Riker  pursued 
his  legal  vocation  in  New-York,  having  his  office  at  the  corner 
of  James  and  Chatham  streets.  He  d.  Feb.  20,  1792,  a.  50. 
Emry  chose  "  a  life  on  the  ocean  wave,"  and  long  commanded 
a  New-York  merchantman.  He  m.  but  had  no  issue  that  sur- 
vived infancy.  Where  he  d.  is  uncertain;  his  will,  dated  June 
8,  1781,  was  proved  Feb.  15,  1790.  John  m.  Dec.  10,  1747, 
Dorothy,  dau.  of  Rem  Remsen,  and  wrought  many  years  at 
the  anvil  at  Burling  slip,  and  having  amassed  a  fortune  retired 
to  the  country  seat  on  Chatham  square.  His  wife  d.  Nov.  2, 
1785,  and  he  Jan.  23, 1806,  in  his  81st  yr.  He  was  a  good  man, 
and  was  sincerely  respected.  At  family  devotion  it  was  his 
custom  to  read  two  chapters  from  the  scri})tures,  one  in  Dutch, 
the  other  in  English.  Of  his  ten  children  but  five  reached  ma- 
turity, namely  ,Henry,  b.  1748,  John,  b.  1755,  Jeromus,  b,  1760, 
James,  b.  1763,  and  George,  b.  1768.  Henry  received  the  com- 
mand of  a  vessel,  and  it  is  said  d.  in  the  West  Indies.  George 
removed  in  1818  from  Chatham  square  to  Greenwich,  on  New- 
York  island,  where  he  d.  unm.  Sep.  8,  1827,  a.  59.  James  m. 
in  1793,  Margaret,  dau.  of  Lamb  Turner,  and  was  for  a  time 
a  merchant,  and  then  a  clerk  in  the  Naval  and  Surveyor's  offi- 
ces. He  d.  in  1800,  or  the  year  preceding,  leaving  issue,  Mar- 
garet, and  John-Turner.     Jeromus,  though  at  first  engaged  in 


312  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

mercantile  business  witli  James,  spent  most  of  his  life  in  the 
easy  enjoyment  of  the  wealth  derived  from  his  father.  He  re- 
sided with  his  brother  George,  and  d.  at  Greenwich  unm.  Apr. 
6, 1824,  a.  63.  His  brother  John,  a  sail-maker,  m.  Martha,  dau. 
of  Henry  Eelyea,  an  amiable  woman,  who  survived  him  many 
years.  He  d.  of  yellow  fever,  Oct.  11,  1795,  in  his  4:1st  yr. 
His  ch.  were  John^  Dorothy,  m.  James  Patton,  Elizabeth,  m. 
Capt.  John  Hacker,  Phebe,  m.  John  Wade,  and  Ann  who  m. 
John  I.  Decker. 

10.  Andrew  Eiker,  son  of  Abraham,"  was  named  after  his 
uncle,  Andrew  Buytenhuysen.  He  inherited  the  homestead  at 
the  Bowery  Bay,  and  m.  Nov.  13,  1733,  Jane,  widow  of  Capt. 
Dennis  Lawrence  and  dau.  of  John  Berrien,  Esq.  Both  were 
members  of  the  Dutch  church,  and  their  house  was  much  fre- 
quented by  the  dominies.  Mr.  Biker  d.  Feb.  12,  1763,*  in  his 
64th  yr.  and  his  widow  in  her  73d  yr.  Sep.  26,  1775.  Their 
ch.  were  Margaret,  who  d.  unm.  Apr.  3,  1760,  a.  25  ;  John-Ber- 
rien,  Abraham,  SamueV^  and  Buth,  who  m.  Major  Jona.  Law- 
rence. John  Berrien  Biker,  b.  in  1738,  received  an  education 
at  Princeton  College  and  became  eminent  as  a  physician.  He 
located  in  Newtown,  and  m.  in  Nov.  19,  1771,  Susannah,  dau. 
of  Nath'l  Fish.  In  the  difficulties  with  Great  Britain  he  es- 
poused the  cause  of  his  oppressed  country,  and  before  hostili- 
ties began  exerted  himself  to  promote  the  measures  of  resistance 
to  British  tyranny.  He  fled  from  Newtown  when  the  enemy 
entered,  and  joined  the  army  under  Washington,  with  which  he 
continued  as  surgeon  during  the  entire  period  of  the  war.  On 
several  occasions  he  performed  most  valuable  service  as  a  guide 
to  the  army.  His  commission  as  surgeon  of  the  4th  battalion 
of  New  Jersey  troops,  bearing  date  Feb.  18,  1777,  is  yet  pre- 
served. At  the  peace  he  resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession 
in  his  native  town,  where  he  lived  respected  and  eminently 
useful  till  his  death  on  Sep.  5, 1794,  in  his  57th  yr.  Dr.  Biker's 
widow  d.  in  New- York,  Dec.  6,  1836,  in  her  83d  yr.  His  ch. 
neither  of  whom  married,  were  John,  b.  Sep.  29,  1772,  who 
commanded  a  merchant  ship,  and  d.  at    Hamburg,  Nov.  3, 

*The  tomb-stone  of  Andrew  Riker  dates  his  death  on  April  11,  1762, 
but  the  Presbyterian  church  record,  doubtless  a  more  reliable  authority,  gives 
it  as  in  the  text. 


ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN.  313 

1797  ;  Nathaniel,  b.  Apr.  17,  1775,  who  practised  as  a  physi- 
cian both  in  Newtown  and  New- York,  and  d.  at  sea  in  return- 
ing from  the  West  Indies,  Aug.  24,  1802  ;  Jane,  b.  June  24, 
1780,  and  Abraham,  b.  Feb.  4,  1785,  for  eighteen  years  a  re- 
spected druggist  in  New- York,  where  he  d.  Feb.  6,  1826. 
Abraham  Biker  was  b.  in  1740,  and  m.  Sep.  2,  1766,  his  cousin 
Margaret,  dau.  of  Jacob  Riker.  He  remained  in  Newtown  till 
the  Revolution,  when  he  received  a  captaincy  in  the  American 
army,  and  was  present  at  the  fall  of  Montgomery,  at  Quebec. 
The  next  year  he  was  placed  at  the  head  of  a  company  in  the 
2d  New-York  continental  regiment,  and  in  several  engagements 
acquired  the  reputation  of  an  active  and  intrepid  officer.  His 
regiment  sustained  the  brunt  of  the  action  and  a  heavy  loss  at 
the  battle  of  Saratoga.  The  next  spring,  at  Valley  Forge, 
Capt,  Riker  was  seized  with  the  spotted  fever,  which  termi- 
nated fatally.  May  7,  1778,  in  his  38th  yr.  His  death  scene 
was  affecting.  He  signified  his  willingness  to  die,  but  express- 
ed with  great  feeling  his  regret  that  he  could  not  live  to  wit- 
ness the  freedom  of  his  country.  His  widow  d.  at  Orange, 
N.  J.  Nov.  19,  1835,  a.  95  yrs.  Their  only  child,  Jane,  b. 
1768,  m.  June  8,  1791,  the  Rev.  (since  Dr.)  Asa  Hillyer. 

11.  Samuel  Riker,  son  of  Andre w,^*^  was  b,  Apr.  8,  1743. 
After  serving  a  clerkship  at  mercantile  business  in  New- York, 
he  returned  to  the  family  estate,  which  he  ultimately  purchas- 
ed. He  was  justly  esteemed  for  his  integrity,  usefulness  and 
love  of  liberty,  having,  from  the  first,  taken  part  against  the 
usurpations  of  the  crown.  In  1774  he  was  chosen  as  one  of 
the  Newtown  committee  of  correspondence,  in  which  capacity 
he  was  actively  engaged  till  forced  to  flee  before  the  approach 
of  the  British  troops.  He  ventured  to  revisit  the  town  with 
an  intention  of  rejoining  the  American  army,  but  while  con- 
cealed at  the  house  of  his  father-in-law,  finding  himself  disco- 
vered, he  saved  himself  from  violence  by  a  voluntary  sun^en- 
der  to  the  commanding  officer.  After  the  war  he  was  much 
engaged  in  public  life,  and  for  several  years  held  the  supervi- 
sorship.  He  was  in  the  state  assembly  in  1784,  and  the  last 
public  act  of  his  life  was  to  represent  his  district  in  congress, 
in  1808-9,  having  also  on  a  previous  occasion  had  a  seat  in  that 
national  body.  He  possessed  a  well-informed  and  vigorous 
mind,  and  a  memory  remarkably  retentive.     He  was  exceed- 


314  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

ingly  careful  in  his  attentions  and  kindness  to  his  friends  and 
the  poor.  Mr.  Kiker  d.  in  the  full  possession  of  his  mental  facul- 
ties, May  19,  1823,  a.  80.  His  wife  was  Anna,  dau.  of  Joseph 
Lawrence,  whom  he  m.  Jan.  17,  1769.  She  d.  Jan.  5,  1833,  a. 
83.  Their  ch.  were  Joseph-Lawrence,  b.  Mar.  26,  1770,  who 
adopted  a  maritime  life,  and  d.  unm.  at  the  Island  of  Jamaica, 
July  20,  1796;  Andrew,  b.  Sep.  21,  1771 ;  Kichard,  b.  Sep.  9, 
1773  ;  Abraham,  b.  May  24, 1776 ;  Patience  L.  b.  May  10, 1778, 
m.  John  Lawrence  ;  Samuel,  b.  Mar.  3,  1780  ;  Jane-Margaret, 
b.Apr.  4,  1782,  m.  first  John  Tom,  and  secondly  Dr.Wm,  James 
Macneven;  Anna-Elvira,  b.  May  1, 1785,  wife  of  Dr.  Dow  Dit- 
mars,  and  John  L.  b.  Apr.  9,  1787.  Andrew  commanded  a 
vessel,  and  was  successively  in  the  European  and  East  India 
trade.  In  the  last  war  with  England  he  engaged  in  privateer- 
ing, and  in  command  of  the  Saratoga  and  the  Yorktown  was 
eminently  daring  and  successful,  but  in  the  end  was  himself 
captured  oflp  New-Foundland.  He  was  soon  parolled.  After 
the  war  he  continued  his  sea  life,  but  while  absent  on  a  voyage 
to  St,  Domingo  he  d.  at  that  island,  Oct.  17,  1817,  a.  46.  By  his 
wife,  Margaret,  dau.  of  Nath'l  Moore,  whom  he  m.  Feb.  6, 
1802,  he  had  issue  Nathaniel  M.,  Samuel  and  Andrew,  both 
dec.  Martha  M.,  Anna,  Abraham,  dec.  and  Margaret.  The  re- 
sidence of  Capt.  Riker,  in  Newtown,  is  now  owned  by  his  son- 
in-law,  J.  C.  Jackson,  and  appropriately  called  Oak  Hill. 
Richard  was  educated  chiefly  under  the  tuition  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Witherspoon,  of  Nassau  Hall,  N.  J.  In  1791  he  entered  the 
office  of  the  elder  Jones,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1795. 
He  received  the  appointment  of  district  attorney  of  New- York 
in  1802,  and  in  1815  was  made  recorder  of  the  city,  which  he  re- 
tained, with  short  intermissions,  till  1837.  "  Of  the  eminent 
talents  and  profound  judicial  knowledge  of  the  late  recorder  lit- 
tle need  be  said ;  they  are  both  extensively  known  and  univer- 
sally acknowledged.  The  able  manner  with  which  he  presided 
for  so  long  a  period  in  the  court  of  sessions  in  New- York,  and 
the  extraordinary  qualities  he  displayed  in  the  discharge  of  his 
onerous  and  important  duties,  are  conclusive  evidence  of  his 
great  attainments  and  high  moral  worth."  He  enjoyed  uncom- 
mon health  through  a  long  life,  and  d.  Sep.  26,  1842,  in  his 
70th  yr.  On  Apr.  23, 1807,  he  m.  Jennet,  dau.  of  Daniel  Phoe- 
nix, Esq.  and  left  issue,  Daniel  P.,  Ann  E.,  Elizabeth  P.,  Jennet, 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  315 

yohn  H.,  and  Kebecca  P.  Riker.  Abraham  remained  on  the 
paternal  farm.  In  the  war  of  1812  he  held  the  command  of 
captain  of  marines  under  his  brother  Andrew.  He  was  ac- 
cidentally drowned  in  the  East  river,  Aug.  25,  1821,  in  his 
56th  yr.  By  his  wife  Hannah  Pierson,  he  had  issue,  Han- 
nah, Alpheus  B.,  Mary  B.,  and  Abriana.  Samuel  was  educa- 
ted at  Columbia  College,  and  pursued  the  legal  profession  for 
some  ten  years  in  New- York,  but  his  hopes  of  usefulness  and 
eminence  were  arrested  by  consumption,  which  terminated  his 
life  Sep.  17, 1811,  in  his  32d  yr.  He  was  m.  but  left  no  issue. 
John  L.  Riker,  the  youngest  of  these  brothers,  received  his 
education  at  Erasmus  Hall,  L.  I.  at  sixteen  entered  the  ofiice 
of  his  brother  Richard,  with  whom  he  studied  law  five  years, 
and  then  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  New- York, 
which  he  yet  continues,  enjoying  the  confidence  and  esteem  of 
his  fellow-citizens.  He  resides  at  Newtown,  upon  the  paternal 
estate.  Mr.  Riker  m.  in  succession  Maria  and  Lavinia,  daugh- 
ters of  Sylvanus  Smith,  Esq.  of  North  Hempstead,  and  has  is- 
sue, Henry,  Sylvanus  S.,  Mary  A.,  Lavinia,  John,  Samuel, 
Richard,  Daniel  S.,  Jane,  William  J.  and  Julia  L.  Riker. 


THE    LENT    FAMILY. 

This  family  is  of  common  origin  with  the  preceding  one, 
being  descended  from  Ryck  and  Hendrick,  the  eldest  and 
youngest  sons  of  Abraham  Rycken,  who,  for  some  reason  not 
clearly  ascertained,  renounced  their  own  cognomen  and  assum- 
ed that  of  Lent.  It  may  be  the  latter  was  suggested  because 
of  some  connection  existing  with  an  old  noble  family  of  Bruns- 
wick bearing  that  name,  or  perhaps  some  portion  of  their 
family  had  resided  in  a  place  so  called,  and  the  name  have 
been  adopted  for  this  reason,  as  was  quite  customary  in  those 
days.  The  last  idea  accords  with  a  tradition  to  that  effect 
current  in  the  family  fifty  years  ago,  and  which  receives 
strength  from  the  fact  that  in  certain  old  records  that  have 
been  consulted,  the  above  names  appear  written  Hendrick  van 
Lent,  &c.  the  Dutch  van  signifying  of  or  from.     And  there  is 


31^  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

also  some  reason  for  the  belief  that  it  was  their  maternal  grand- 
father  who  came  from  Lent,  and  that  he  is  the  person  intended 
in  a  letter  to  Gov.  Stuyvesant,  in  165-i,  from  his  superiors  in 
Holland,  where  allusion  is  made  to  one  "  Hendrick  Harmensen 
van  Lent,"  a  soldier  sent  to  Curacoa,  but  who  was  not  to  be 
found  there,  (see  page  22,  note.) 

Hendrick  Lent,  the  youngest  son  of  Abraham  Rycken,  was 
b.  in  1662,  m.  Catriua,  dau.  of  Jan  Van  Texel,  (now  Van 
Tassel,)  and  removed  to  AVestchester  co.  His  descendants  are 
still  to  be  found  in  the  town  of  Yonkers.  His  ch.  were  Abra- 
ham, John,  Hendrick,  Anna,  Margaret,  Cornelia,  and  Aletta, 
Abraham,  b.  1684,  m.  Maria  De  Pew,  and  had  sons,  Hendrick, 
b.  1707,  Abraham,  b.  1713,  John,  b.l718,  and  Jacob,  b.  1725. 
Hendrick  m.  Sarah  Beesley,  and  had  sons,  Hendrick,  b.  1718, 
John,  b,  1723,  and  Abraham,  b.  1726.  Jb/iw,  m.  Mary  De 
Ronde,  and  their  sons  were  Hendrick,  b.  1716,  "William,  b. 
1717,  John,  b.  1718,  and  Jacob,  b.  1723. 

1.  Ryck  Abramsen  Lent,  eldest  son  of  Abraham  Rycken, 
m.  Catrina,  dau.  of  Harck  Siboutsen,*  and  in  1685,  in  union 
with  several  others,  bought  from  the  Indians  an  extensive  tract 
of  land  in  the  upper  part  of  Westchester  co.  He  settled  upon 
this  tract  which  thence  took  the  name  of  Ryck's  Patent.  From 
the  fact  that  in  his  will  he  is  styled  a  miller,  it  is  supposed  that 
he  became  engaged  in  milling  operations.  He  served  as  an 
elder  of  the  Sleepy  Hollow  church,  was  much  respected,  and 
d.  at  a  good  old  age»  His  will  was  made  Mar.  30,  1720  and 
was  proved  Mar.  28,  1723.  His  children  were  Elizabeth,  m. 
Thomas  Heyert,  Abraham,-  Ryck,  Harck,  Margaret,  m.  Tho- 
mas Benson,  and  Catharine,  who  m.  Joseph  Jones,  liyck^  b. 
1678,  m.  Mary  Blauvelt  and  predeceased  his  father,  leaving 


*  Harck  Siboutsen  m.  at  New  Amsterdam,  in  1642,  Wyntie  Teunis,  from 
Naerden.  He  owned  prbperty  near  the  Heeren  Gracht,  adjoining  Abra. 
Rikcr.  In  or  about  1650  he  removed  to  the  Poor  Bowery,  where  he  d.  be- 
tween 1681  and  '84.  (See  pages  36  and  236.)  His  widow  survived  him 
many  years.  They  had  sons  Sibout,  Teunis,  John  and  Jacobus,  the  last  of 
whom  obtained  the  paternal  farm  in  Newtown,  and  m.  but  dying  without  is- 
sue Feb.  J8,  1729,  in  his  70th  yr.  left  his  farm  to  his  nephew,  Abm.  Lent,  by 
testamentary  devise.  His  three  brothers  settled  in  the  manor  of  Cortlandt, 
Westchester  co.  assumed  the  name  of  Krankheyt,  (now  written  Kronkhite  or 
Cronkhite,)  and  have  many  descendants  there. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  ,      317 

sons  John,  b.  1705,  Hercules,  b.  1707,  and  Ryck,  b.  1709. 
Harck^  or  Hercules,  b.  1681,  m.  Cornelia,  dau.  of  Jacob  Van 
Wart,  and  by  several  purchases  became  the  owner  of  the 
whole  of  Eyck's  Patent,  which  before  his  death  he  divided 
between  his  children.  He  d.  in  1766,  being  blind  and  aged. 
His  ch.  were  Jacob,  b,  1701,  Eachel,  b.  1703,  m.  James  Lamb, 
Catharine,  b.  1705,  m.  Henry  De  Eonde,  Christiana,  b.  1708,  m. 
John  Lamb,  Elizabeth,  b.  1710,  Hendrick,  b.  1712,  and  Abra- 
ham, b.  1715.  The  descendants  of  these  arc  now  numerous  in 
Cortlandtown. 

2.  Abraham  Lent,  son  of  Eyck,^  was  b.  Mar.  10,  1674, 
and  m.  late  in  1698,  Anna-Catrina,  dau.  of  Adolpli  Meyer, 
Esq.*  After  living  some  years  in  Westchester  he  returned  to 
Newtown  in  1729,  and  took  possession  of  a  farm  left  him  by 
his  uncle,  Jacobus  Krankheyt,  being  that  now  forming  the  es- 
tate of  Isaac  Eapelye,  dec.  Mr.  Lent  was  a  leading  member 
of  the  Dutch  church.  He  d.  Feb.  5,  1746,  and  his  widow,  July 
21,  1762,  in  her  86th  yr.  Their  ch.  were  Eyck,^  Adolph,  Isaac, 
Abraham,  Jacob,  Jacobus,^  Catrina,  m.  Elbert  Herring,  Eliza- 
beth, m.  Jacob  Brinckerhoff,  Maria,  m.  John  Eapelje,  Wvntie 
m.  Jeromus  Eapelje,  and  Ann,  who  m.  John  Brinckerhoff.  Of 
these,  Abraham  m.  Margaret,  dau.  of  John  Snediker.  Isaac  m. 
Sarah,  dau.  of  Peter  Luyster,  and  probably  settled  in  Fishkill. 
Adolph^  b.  1703,  removed  to  Eockland  co.  where  his  descen- 
dants are  still  found. 

3.  Eyek  Lent,  son  of  Abraham,^  m.  Dec.  26,  1722,  Corne- 
lia Waldron,  of  Harlem,  He  d.  in  Westchester,  in  1732,  leav- 
ing issue,  Abraham,  John,  Catharine,  m.  John  Deits,  and  Mar- 
garet, who  m.  Theodorus  Snediker.  Abraham  settled  in  Duchess 
CO.  m.  Ann,  dau.  of  Abm.  Brinckerhoff,  and  had  ch.  Abraham, 
and  Cornelia,  who  m.  Isaac  Lent,  of  Tuckahoe.  Abraham,  last 
named,  m.  Margaret  Waldron,  of  Harlem,  was  for  many  years 
associated  with  David  Barkins  in  mercantile  business  at  Fish- 

*  Adolph  Meyer  came  from  Ulfon,  in  Westphalia,  and  locating  at  Harlem, 
m.  in  1671,  Maria,  dau.  of  Johannes  Vervcelcn,  of  that  phice,  a  young  lady 
born  at  Amsterdam.  He  was  much  in  public  life,  and  in  1694,  sat  in  the 
common  council.  He  d.  in  1711  or  '12.  His  ch.  were  Johannes,  Hendrick, 
Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacob,  Adolph,  Anna-Catrina,  aforesaid,  Maria,  m.  Samson 
Benson,  and  Anneke  who  m.  Zachariah  Sickels.  These  have  a  numerous 
posterity  at  Harlem  and  elsewhere,  including  the  families  of  Myers,  Benson, 
Sickels,  and  by  intermarriage  those  of  Adriance,  Kenyon,  &e. 

21 


318  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

kill,  and  had  sons,  John- Abraham,  David-Barkins,  of  Pough- 
keepsie,  and  Peter  Waldron  Lent,  of  New -York.  John  was  a 
captain  in  Braddock's  expedition  during  the  old  French  war. 
He  was  also  present  at  the  fall  of  Wolf,  and  is  represented  as 
possessing  great  energy  and  resolution.  His  old  cutlass  is  still 
preserved.  Going  to  North  Carolina,  in  the  prosecution  of  his 
business,  as  a  master-builder,  he  there  d.  in  or  about  1768.  By 
his  wife  Ann,  dan.  of  Adrian  Hoogland,  of  New- York,  he  had 
issue,  Ann,  m.  John  Lawrence,  Cornelia,  m,  Edward  T.  Young, 
of  N.  Carolina,  Catharine,  m.  Wm.  Eayburgh,  of  Baltimore, 
James- Webber,  and  John.  The  latter,  a  silversmith,  m.  Sarah, 
dau.  of  Thos.  Oglevie,  and  left  sons,  Abraham  and  John. 
James  W.  Lent,  aforesaid,  b,  Aug.  24,  1761,  served  his  coun- 
try during  the  Eevolution,  after  which  he  engaged  in  mercan- 
tile business  in  New- York.  In  1784  he  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of 
Nath'l  Macaul.  For  nine  years  he  was  inspector  of  pot  and 
pearl  ashes,  and  for  about  the  same  period  held  the  office  of 
county  register.  He  d.  Aug.  4,  1849,  and  his  only  surviving 
son  is  Geo.  W.  Lent  of  New- York. 

4.  Jacobus  Lent,  son  of  Abraham,^  was  b.  July  3,  1714,  and 
m.  Margaret,  dau.  of  Daniel  Eapalje.  He  succeeded  to  the 
paternal  farm,  and  was  a  much  esteemed  citizen  and  an  elder 
of  the  Newtown  Dutch  church.  He  d.  Dec.  13,  1779,  and  his 
widow  in  her  74th  yr.  Sep.  11,  1794.  Their  ch.  were  Abra- 
ham,5  b.  Feb.  15,  1745,  Aletta,  b.  Apr.  24,  ;1747,  m.  Geo.  Rap- 
elye,  and  Daniel,  b.  May  31, 1754.  The  latter  m.  Dec.  9, 1792, 
Rensie,  dau.  of  Martin  Rapelye,  and  was  the  last  of  the  family 
who  occupied  the  Lent  estate  at  the  Poor  Bowery.  It  was  sold 
just  prior  to  his  death,  which  happened  Apr.  20,  1797.  Daniel, 
his  only  child  that  survived  infancy,  was  b.  Aug.  30,  1797,  m. 
June  6,  1821,  Jane-Catharine,  dau.  of  Cor.  R.  Remsen,  and  now 
resides  upon  the  estate  on  Flushing  Bay  formerly  owned  by 
Capt.  Thos.  Lawrence.  His  ch.  are  James-Rapelye,  (now  a 
minister  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  church,)  Cornelius-Remsen, 
Charles-Henry,  and  Eliza-Catharine. 

5.  Abraham  Lent,  son  of  Jacobus,'*  m.  Diana,  dau.  of  Wm. 
Lawrence,  Esq.  and  occupied  for  some  years  a  portion  of  the  pa- 
ternal farm,  but  d.  at  the  residence  of  his  son-in-law,  in  Trains 
Meadow,  Apr.  13,  1816,  a.  71  yrs.  His  widow  d.  Mar.  20, 
1833,  a.  77.     They  had  issue,  James,  Anna,  m.  Anthony  Bar- 


ANNALS     OF     NKWTOWN.  319 

clay,*  and  Margaret,  wlio  d.  single.  James  Lent  was  b.  at 
Newtown  in  1782,  and  m.  Miss  Jane  Bull  of  Connecticut 
Having  been  for  some  years  a  merchant  in  New  York,  he  re- 
tired to  his  native  town,  and  bought  the  estate  of  Col.  Daniel 
Lawrence,  dec.  now  Woolsey's  Point.  Possessing  fair  talents 
and  a  reputation  for  strict  integrity,  Mr.  Lent  ofl&ciated  for 
some  years  as  first  judge  of  Queen's  co.  and  in  1829  was  chosen 
to  represent  his  district  in  congress,  to  which  being  elected 
for  the  third  time,  he  d.  at  the  city  of  Washington,  while  dis- 
cEarging  the  duties  of  that  responsible  station,  Feb.  22, 1833, 
in  his  51st  year. 


THE    SUYDAM    FAMILY. 

It  appears  from  Dutch  annals,  that  there  is  a  family  bear- 
ing this  name,  of  great  antiquity  in  Holland  or  the  Nether- 
lands, where,  as  early  as  the  eleventh  century,  they  held  large 
estates.  But  no  evidence  is  as  yet  presented  to  favor  the  be- 
lief that  the  American  family  of  Suydam  is  descended  from 
the  former,  as  the  latter  appear  to  owe  their  name  to  a  custom 
in  vogue  among  our  Dutch  fathers  of  assuming  the  title  of  the 
place  in  Europe  whence  the  family  had  emigrated.  Their  first 
ancestor  in  this  country  was  Hendrick  Eycken,  as  his  name  is 

*  Anthony  Barclay  d.  in  Newtown,  where  he  had  resided]  many  years, 
Aug.  23,  1805,  a.  43.  He  was  the  father  of  the  present  Henry  Barclay  of 
this  town,  and  the  grandson  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Barclay,  from  Scotland, 
who  settled  at  Albany  in  1708  as  missionary  of  the  Society  for  Propagating 
the  Gospel.  Henry,  son  of  the  latter,  took  holy  orders,  and  after  a  ten  years' 
ministry  among  the  Mohawk  Indians,  succeeded  to  the  rectory  of  Trinity 
Church,  N.  Y.  in  1746,  where  he  labored  with  assiduity  till  his  death,  sus- 
taining a  most  excellent  character.  He  was  honored  with  the  title  of  doctor 
of  divinity.  His  death  took  place  in  his  53d  yr.  Aug.  20,  1764,  By  his  wife 
Mary,  dau.  of  Anthony  Rutgers,  he  had  issue,  Thomas,  Anthony,  Ann.n- 
Dorothea,  m.  Col.  Beverley  Robinson,  Cornelia,  m.  Col.  Stephen  De  Lancey, 
and  Catharine.  The  youngest  son  was  Anthony  Barclay  of  Newtown,  before 
named,  and  the  elder  was  the  late  highly  esteemed  Thomas  Barclay,  British 
Consul  General  in  the  United  States,  which  ofBce  is  now  ably  filled  by  his 
son  Anthony. 


320  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

usually  written,  or,  as  his  own  signature  is,  "  Heyndryck 
Rycken,"  a  member  of  the  Riker  family,  as  stated  on  page  301, 
and  who  came  hither  in  1663.  He  was  "from  Suydam,"  our 
early  records  inform  us ;  but.  unless  either  Schiedam  or  Saar- 
dam  be  intended,  (which  is  perhaps  to  be  questioned,)  I  am  in 
doubt  as  to  its  locality. 

1.  Hendrick  Eycken  was  a  smith,  and  located  in  the  sub- 
urbs of  New  Amsterdam,  at  what  was  called  the  Smith's  Fly, 
where  he  purchased  a  house  and  land  in  1678.  But  being  an- 
noyed (as  tradition  in  the  Suydam  family  states)  by  the  snakes 
which  then  infested  the  low  lands  in  that  vicinity,  he  removed 
to  Flatbush,  and  with  his  wife,  Ida  Jacobs,  united  with  the 
church  there  in  April  1679 ;  afterwards  disposing  of  his  city 
property  to  Dirck  Van  der  Cliff,  from  whom  Cliff  street  took 
its  name.  Rycken  subsequently  acquired  a  large  estate  at 
Flatbush  and  other  places,  and  enjoyed  a  very  respectable 
standing  among  men  of  that  day.  He  d.  in  1701.  In  his  will 
he  enjoins  upon  his  wife  a  careful  attention  to  the  religious 
education  of  his  children.  These  were  Jacob,-  Hendrick,*' 
Ryck,8  Ida,  Gertrude,  and  Jane.  It  is  a  curious  though  well 
established  fact,  that,  about  the  year  1710,  the  sons  of  Hen- 
drick Rycken  adopted  the  name  of  Suydam,  and  from  these 
three  persons  all  the  Suydams  in  this" and  the  adjoining  states 
are  descended. 

2,  Jacob  Suydam,  son  of  Hendrick,^  was  b.  in  1666,  re- 
mained a  farmer  and  smith  at  Flatbush,  and  lived  where  the 
old  brewery  stood,  near  that  village.  His  wife  was  Seytie 
Jacobs.  He  was  a  person  of  intelligence  and  influence,  and 
served  as  supervisor  in  1706  and  1717.  He  d.  in  1738,  a. 
71,  having  issue  Jacob,  Hendrick,'*  Johannes,  Jan,*  Ryck,  Cor- 
nelius,^ Dow,  Ida,  Adriana,  Gertrude,  Isabella,  Jane,  and  Sey- 
tie. Of  these,  Jacob  left  no  issue.  Jan  had  a  son  Jacob,  who 
d.  childless.  Johannes  settled  at  Bay  Side,  in  Flushing,  and  d. 
in  1791,  in  advanced  yrs.  having  by  his  wife  Cornelia,  issue, 
Seytie,  m.  Areson ;  Jane,  m.  Eldred ;  Ida,  m.  Thorne ;  and 
Jacob,  b.  1731,  who  fell  heir  to  his  father's  farm,  which  is  be- 
lieved to  be  now  possessed  by  his  descendants.    Rych  removed 

*  The  names  of  Jan  and  Johannes,  though  in  fact  the  same,  one  being 
the  Dutch  and  the  other  the  Latin  for  John,  were  sometimes  borne  by 
brothers,  as  in  the  above  case  and  several  others  which  I  have  noticed. 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN 


32J 


to  Somerset  co.  N.  J.  where  he  d.  in  1798,  a.  95,  having  by  his 
wife  Mary,  issue,  Peter,  Jacobus,  Abraham,  Isaac,  Eyck,  Mary, 
m.  Lawrence  Van  Cleef,  and  Ida  who  m.  Peter  Pumyea.     Of 
wliom  Eyck  d.  unm. ;  Isaac  had  issue  Peter,  John,  and  Ann  ; 
Abraham  had  issue  Joseph,  Peter,  Maria,  and  Ann ;  Jacobus 
had  issue  John,  Peter,  Ryck,  Joseph,  Jacob,  and  Jane;  and 
Peter  had  issue  Ryck,  Lawrence,  Peter,  Abraham,  Ann,  and 
Jane.      Dow  Suydam  m.   Sarah  Vanderveer,  and  settled  at 
Hempstead  Swamp,  in  Newtown,  on  land  obtained  of  his 
father  in  1736,  being  now  the  estate  of  Rem  Suydam,  dec. 
He  was  the  first  of  the  name  who  located  in  this  town.     Prior 
to  the  Revolution,  he  sold  his  farm  to  his  nephew  John  Suy- 
dam, and  left  Newtown,  living  in  various  parts'of  the  Island 
during  the  war,  and  suffering  on  account  of  his  whig  prin- 
ciples?   Having  survived  his  consort  37  yrs.  he  d.  at  the  house 
of  his  son  John,  in  Jamaica,  in  1794,  a.  87.    His  ch.  were  Sey- 
tie,  m.  Garret  Martence,  Jacob,  and  John.     Jacob  m.  Mary, 
widow  of  Peter  Totten,  but  left  no  issue.     John,  b.  1740,  m. 
Phebe,  dan.  of  David  Sprong,  and  in  1783  bought  the  farm  of 
Dow  Ditmars  of  Jamaica,  where  he  resided  till  his  death  m 
1789.     His  widow  d.  in  1822,  in  her  76th  yr.     His  farm  is 
now  divided  between  his  two  ch.  Sarah,  wife  of  Hendnck 
Lott,  and  Barnard  Vandewater  Suydam,  the  last  of  whom  m. 
Leah,  dau.  of  Minne  Suydam,  and  has  one  surviving  child, 
namely  Sarah,  wife  of  Daniel  Rapelye  Suydam,  of  Jamaica. 

3.  Cornelius  Suydam,  son  of  Jacob,^  settled  m  Oyster  Bay, 
and  d    in  1759,  his  wife  Margaret,  dau.  of  Ferdinand  Van 
Sickelen,  surviving  him.     His  ch.  were  Jacobus,  Ferdinand, 
Jan  Minne,  Johannes,  Cornelius,  Hendrick,  Seytie,  Geertie,  m. 
Jacob  Voorhees;  Jane,  m.  Wm.  Simonson  ;  Adriana,  m.  John 
Williamson,  and  Ida.     All  of  these  sons  married,  except  Fer- 
dinand, and  most  of  them  have  posterity  at  Oyster  Bay.   Minne 
m    Catharine,  dau.  of  Mouris  Simonson,  and  d.  at  the  above 
place.  Mar.  12,  1818,  in  his  81st  yr.     His  ch.  were  Cornelms, 
b  1769  ;  Cornelia,  b.  1771,  m.  Rev.  AVm.  P.  Kuypers  ;  Marga- 
ret  b    1775,  d.  unm. ;    Leah,  b.  1778,  m.  Barnard  V.  buy- 
dam,  and  Mouris,  b.  1782,  some  of  whose  children  now  occupy 
the  homestead  at  Oyster  Bay.     His  elder  brother  Corne  lus 
m    in  1799,  Ida  dau.  of  Daniel  Rapelye,  and  had  issue  Catha- 
rine m.  first,  Hewlett  T.  Coles,  and  is  now  wife  of  Daniel 


322  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

Smith ;  Sarah- Ann,  m.  Hanmer  Ludlow,  of  Newtown ;  Cor- 
nelia, wife  of  Isaac  Hendrickson ;  and  Daniel  E.  of  Jamaica. 

4.  Hendrick  Suydam,  son  of  Jacob,-  was  b.  in  1696,  and 
m.  in  1719,  Geertie  dau.  of  Evert  Van  Wicklen.  He  lived  at 
Flatbush,  and  d.  in  1774.  His  ch.  were  Evert,  Jacob,  who  d. 
a  bachelor,  Hendrick,  John,^  Seytie,  m.  Evert  Hegeman ;  Me- 
tie,  m.  Samuel  Garretson ;  Pieternella,  m.  Jacobus  Vanderveer, 
and  Geertie.  Hendrick  m,  Maria  Ammerman,  and  d.  on  his 
farm  in  Flatbush,  May  16,  1791,  in  his  61st  yr.  having  issue 
Jane,  m.  Abm.  Ditmars,  and  Gertrude  who  m.  Cor.  Bergen. 
Evert^  b.  Mar.  25, 1720,  m.  Maria  Bogart  of  the  Wallabout,  and 
lived  as  a  farmer  in  New  Utrecht,  where  he  d.  Oct.  14,  1797. 
His  ch.  were  Hendrick,  b.  June  4,  1751,  was  twice  m.  and  d. 
at  Bedford,  Dec.  15,  1819 ;  Catharine,  b.  July  26,  1753,  m. 
Jacques  Barkuloo  ;  Tunis,  b.  Nov.  21,  1755  ;  Geertie,  b.  May 
21,  1758,  m.  Jacob  Stellenwerf ;  Evert,  b.  Jan.  8,  1760,  who 
m.  and  d.  at  New  Lots ;  and  Anne,  b.  Mar.  18,  1764,  who  m. 
Ferdinand  Bennet.  The  said  Tunis  m.  Ida  Voorhees,  and  d. 
in  New  Utrecht,  Aug.  7,  1828,  his  son  Evert  now  occupying 
his  estate. 

5.  John  Suydam,  son  of  Hendrick,^  was  b.  1737,  m.  Fem- 
metie  dau.  of  Kem  Hegeman,  and  became  a  farmer  at  Hemp- 
stead Swamp,  having  bought  the  farm  of  his  uncle,  Dow 
Suydam.  He  was  a  good  man,  and  repeatedly  served  as  an 
elder  in  the  Dutch  church  at  Newtown.  His  wife  d.  in  her 
62d  yr.  Mar.  16,  1799,  and  he,  a.  nearly  72  yrs.  Jan.  11,  1809. 
Their  ch.  were  Nelly,  m.  Capt.  Johannes  Lott ;  Hendrick,  d. 
unm. ;  Geertie,  m.  Timothy  Nostrand,*  and  Eem.  Rem  was 
b.  Jan.  22,  1767,  and  remained  on  the  paternal  farm,  now  oc- 
cupied by  his  widow,  Maria,  dau.  of  Martin  Johnson,  whom 
he  m.  Nov.  30,  1798.  He  d.  Nov.  22,  1829.  His  ch.  (except 
three  who  d.  young)  were,  Phebe-Hegeman,  b.  Sep.  18,   1799, 

*  The  family  of  Nostrand,  or  Van  Nostrand,  on  Long  Island,  derive  origin 
from  Hans  Jansen,  who  came  over  in  1640  from  Noortstrandt  in  Holstein, 
and  whose  sons  adopted  the  name  of  tlie  place  whence  iheir  ftither  emigrat- 
ed, which  time  has  reduced  to  the  present  orthography.  Hans  m.  in  1652 
Janneken  Gerrits  van  Loon,  and  d.  at  Flatlands  in  1690.  His  will  is  record- 
ed both  in  New- York  and  Brooklyn.  He  left  sons  John,  Gerrit,  Peter,  and 
Folkert,  whose  descendants,  now  greatly  multiplied,  form,  in  point  of  means 
and  respectability,  a  valuable  part  of  our  population. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  323 

m.  Dorainicus  Snediker  and  Jona.  Burnet ;  Catalina-Johnson, 
b.  Aug.  25,  1803,  wife  of  Dow  D.  Eapelje ;  John,  b.  Feb.  7, 
1806,  d.  unm.  Mar.  3,  1844 ;  Maria-Johnson,  b.  Aug.  18,  1808, 
m.  Matthew  Van  Zandt ;  Nelly,  b.  Nov.  29,  1810,  m.  Ansel 
H.  Concklin ;  Martin-Johnson,  b.  Apr.  7,  1813,  m.  Henrietta, 
dau.  of  Eev.  Dr.  J.  Schoonmaker ;  Gertrude,  b.  Mar.  17,  1817, 
m.  John  E.  Briggs ;  George  and  Henry,  twins,  b.  Dec.  11, 
1821,  the  last  of  whom  m.  Ellen,  dau.  of  Benj.  Hegeman. 

6.  Hendrick  Suydam,  second  son  of  Hendrick  Eycken,^ 
became  a  farmer  at  Bedford,  in  Brooklyn,  where  he  bought  a 
farm  of  his  father  in  1698.  He  died  subsequent  to  1743.  By 
his  wife,  Bennetie,  he  had  ch.  Lambert,  Hendrick,'''  and  Elsie, 
who  m.  John  Lott,  of  Platlands.  Lambert,  the  eldest  son,  re- 
mained a  farmer  at  Bedford,  and  m.  Abigail  Lefferts.  In 
1749,  he  was  commissioned  captain  of  the  King's  co.  troop  of 
horse.  He  d.  in  1767,  and  his  widow  m.  Nicholas  Veghte, 
Esq.  in  1772.  Capt.  Suydam's  ch.  were  Hendrick,  d,  at  Bed- 
ford, unm.  Dec.  26,  1789  ;  Bennetie,  d.  single,  in  her  90th  yr. 
Feb.  1,  1826 ;  Jane,  m.  Gilliam  Cornell ;  Ida,  m.  Martin 
Schenck ;  and  Jacobus,  who  was  b.  at  Bedford,  Dec.  4,  1758, 
and  m,  Adriana,  dau.  of  Capt.  Cor.  Eapelye.  Having  en- 
gaged successfully  in  commerce  in  the  city  of  New  York,  he 
finally  retired,  and  resided  several  years  at  Bedford ;  but,  in 
1794,  bought  the  estate  of  Wm.  Lawrence,  dec,  in  Newtown, 
(late  Whitfield's,  and  now  S.  A.  Halsey's  property,)  where  he 
lived  respected  till  his  death,  June  11,  1825,  having  served  as 
an  elder  in  the  Dutch  church.  Mrs.  S.  d.  in  her  74th  yr.  Oct.  13, 
1840.  Their  ch.  were  Cornelia,  now  widow  of  Abm.  Polhemus, 
Lambert,  Cornell us-Eapelye,  Abigail,  Adriana,  James,  Jane- 
Maria,  m.  Geo.  Eapelye,  and  Henry.  Of  these,  Lambert,  b.  at 
Bedford,  Mar.  5,  1791,  m.  in  1818,  Anne  E.  dau.  of  Maj.  Eich. 
Lawrence,  and  is  now  the  president  of  the  Union  Mutual  In- 
surance Co.  in  the  city  of  New  York.  Cornelius  E.  b.  July 
31,  1793,  m.  Jane  E.  dau.  of  the  late  Cornelius  Heyer,  and  d. 
lamented,  Nov.  12,  1845.  James,  b.  Mar.  12,  1798,  m.  Char- 
lotte A.  second  dau.  of  Cor.  Heyer ;  and  Henry,  b.  May  23, 
1803,  ra.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  the  late  Nath'l  L'Hommedieu. 

7.  Hendrick  Suydam,  son  of  Hendrick,^  was  b.  Dec.  2,  1706, 
m.  Geertie  Eyerson,  of  the  Wallabout,  and  was  a  farmer  and 
smith  at  Bedford,  where  he  d.  July  16,  1768.     His  widow  d. 


S24  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

Dec.  7,  1770,  a.  64.  Their  cb.  were  Hendrick,  Jacob,  Lam- 
bert, and  Christiana,  who  d.  unm.  Lambert  was  b.  Aug.  30, 
1743,  and  lived  at  Bedford.  Like  his  uncle  Lambert,  he  was 
commandant  of  the  King's  co.  horse,  and  at  the  opening  of  the 
Eevolution,  being  a  whig,  did  essential  service.  He  m,  Apr. 
10,  1766,  Sarah,  dau.  of  Joseph  Hegeman,  who  dying  in  her 
40th  yr.  July  28,  1784,  he  m.  secondly,  Sep.  20,  1786,  Anna, 
widow  of  Barent  Johnson,  of  the  Wallabout.  She  d.  Oct.  26, 
1793.  Capt.  Suydam  d.  Apr.  1,  1833,  a.  89.  His  ch.  who 
reached  maturity,  were  Hendrick,  b.  Mar.  13,  1767 ;  Ger- 
trude, b.  Mar.  23, 1771,  now  widow  of  Peter  Wyckoff;*  Maria, 
b.  Nov.  25,  1782,  m.  Daniel  Lott ;  and  Anna,  b.  May  15,  1789. 
Hendrick,  last  named,  m.  Gertrude,  dau.  of  Rem  Van  Pelt ; 
issue  a  son  Lambert.  He  then  m.  secondly,  Margaret  dau.  of 
D.  Eapelj-e,  and  widow  of  Abm.  Snediker ;  further  issue, 
Abraham,  Charity,  Hendrick,  Sarah  A.  and  Daniel  R.  Jacob 
was  b.  Feb.  3,  1740,  settled  at  Bushwick,  and  m.  Elizabeth 
Leaycraft,  Apr.  14,  1764.  Mr.  S.  was  a  worthy  and  respected 
citizen,  and  d.  in  the  above  town,  July  27,  1811,  a.  7L  His 
ch.  who  attained  mature  age  were  George,  b.  June  20.  1767, 
m.  Jane  Voorhees,  and  d.  at  Gravesend ;  Gertrude,  b.  June  25, 
1770,  m,  Adrian  Martence ;  Jacob,  b.  Mar.  3,  1773,  m.  Corne- 
lia Farmer,  of  Brunswick,  N.  J. ;  and  Hendrick,  b.  May  1^, 
1778,  who  m.  Helen,  dau.  of  John  Schenck.  Hendrick^  eldest 
son  of  Hendrick,  was  b.  in  1732,  and  m.  June  15,  1753,  Re- 
becca Emans  of  New  Utrecht.  He  removed  from  Bedford  to 
Flatbush  in  1759,  and  lived  in  good  repute  till  his  death,  July 
9,  1805,  a.  73.  His  wife  d.  Oct.  25,  1797,  a.  68.  They  had 
sons  Hendrick  and  Andrew,  the  first  of  whom  d.  in  his  74th 
yr.  May  24,  1828,  having  issue  Rebecca,  Ida,  wife  of  John 
Vanderveer,  Jeromus,  Henry,  dec,  and  Cornelius.    Andrew, 

*  The  common  ancestor  of  the  Wyckoff  family  in  this  country  was 
Pieter  Claesz  Wyckoff,  who  emigrated  from  Holland  in  1636,  and  settled  at 
Flatlands.  Of  this  town  he  was  a  magistrate  in  1662,  and  also  one  of  the 
patentees  named  in  the  town  charters  in  1667  and  1686.  His  wife  was 
Grietie,  dau.  of  Hendrick  Van  Ness,  and  his  sons  were  Claes,  Hendrick,  Cor- 
nelius, John,  Gerrit,  Martin,  and  Peter  Wyckoff.  It  is  not  in  my  plan  to 
trace  the  descendants  of  these,  now  as  the  stars  for  multitude  ;  though  It 
would  be  no  very  difficult  matter  to  form,  from  existing  materials,  quite  a 
complete  history  of  this  highly  respectable  family. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  325 

above-named,  d.  Dec.  11, 1831,  in  his  74tli  yr.  and  bis  only  cb. 
is  Sarab,  wife  of  Jobn  Ditmars  of  Flatbusb. 

8.  Eyck  Suydani,  youngest  son  of  Hendrick  Rycken,i  was 
b.  in  1675,  and  resided  at  Flatbusb.  From  1711  till  bis  death, 
be  served  repeatedly  as  supervisor  of  tbat  town,  and  was  also 
for  some  years  a  judge.  He  was  m.  twice,  and  d.  in  1711.  Ili.s 
cb.  were  Hendrick,  Jobn,»  Ryck,  Ida,  Anna,  Gertrude,  Jane, 
Cbristiana  and  Mary.  Byck,  usually  called  Ricbard,  settled  in 
Freebold,  Monmoutb  co.  N.  J.  m.  Sarab  dau.  of  Jobannes 
Luyster,  and  d.  in  1750.  His  cb.  were  Ricbard,  Elizabeth, 
Jane,  Lucretia,  and  Sarab.  Ricbard  m.  Jemima  Wall,  resided 
near  wbat  is  now  Keyport,  and  d.  in  1799,  leaving  sons  Ricb- 
ard, wbo  lived  in  New-York ;  Garret,  who  retained  the  bomo- 
btead,  and  Humphrey,  wbo  removed  to  Canada.  Hendrick  is 
believed  to  have  been  the  father  of  Cornelius  Suydam,  wbo  d. 
in  Somerset  co.  N.  J.  in  1771,  having  sons  Charles,  Hendrick, 
Cornelius,  and  Jacob.  Cornelius  inherited  the  homestead  on 
the  Raritan  river.  Charles  located  in  Piscataway,  Middlesex  co. 
and  d.  in  1799.  He  bad  sons  Okie,  Cornelius,  Charles,  Jacob, 
and  Henry ;  the  first  of  whom  was  the  father  of  the  late  emi- 
nent lawyer,  Jobn  Suydam  of  Kingston,  N.  Y. 

9.  John  Suydam,  son  of  Ryck,^  d.  in  Brooklyn  about  the 
close  of  the  Revolution.  He  had  issue  Ryck,  Ferdinand,  Hen- 
drick, ^^  Rynier,  and  Maria,  who  m.  successively  Crawley, 
Freeke,  and  Bell,  and  was  the  mother  of  the  late  John  C. 
Freeke  of  Brooklyn.  Ryck  d.  at  Red  Hook  in  1761 ;  issue 
Catharine,  m.  John  Reid,  (grandfather  of  Rev.  Jobn  Reid  Mo- 
sier,  of  Geneva,  N.  Y.)  and  Jane,  who  d.  unm.  Ferdinand  was 
supervisor  of  Brooklyn  from  1784  till  1800,  m.  Maria  dau.  of 
Geo.  Debevoise,  and  had  cb.  John  F.  dec,  Maria,  d.  unm., 
Phebe,  m.  Henry  J.  Wyckoff,  Ida  wbo  d.  single,  and  Jane. 
Rynier  m.  Elizabeth  dau.  of  Peter  Clopper,  Esq.  and  d.  in  1833, 
in  bis  91st  yr.  having  issue  several  daughters. 

10.  Hendrick  Suydam,  son  of  John,^  was  b.  in  1736.  Prior 
to  the  Revolution,  be  removed  to  Hallett's  Cove,  and  bought 
the  mill  on  Sunswick  Creek,  which  be  conducted  during  the 
rest  of  his  Hfe.  Mr.  Suydam  served  as  an  elder  of  the  Dutch 
church,  Newtown.  "  Urbanity  of  manners,  '  using  hospitality 
without  grudging,'  characterized  bis  life ;  he  lived  esteemed, 
loved,  revered,"^ill  his  death,  Feb.  9,  1818,  a.  81.     He  was 


326  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

thrice  m. ;  first  on  Aug.  30,  1762,  to  Letitia  Sebring,  who  d. 
Feb.  14,  1765;  secondly  to  Harmtie  Lefferts,  who  d.  childless; 
and  lastly,  on  Aug,  3, 1770,  to  Phebe  dau.  of  Sam'l  Skidmore. 
She  d.  Apr.  11,  1832,  a.  87.  Mr.  S.  had  thirteen  ch.  of  whom 
the  following  reached  maturity,  namely :  John,  b.  May  14, 
1763;  Letitia,  b.  Sep.  30,  1771,  m.  Capt.  Peter  Manifold; 
Samuel,  b.  May  21,  1773,  d.  Sep.  23,  1797  ;  Jane,  b.  Mar.  9, 
1776,  now  widow  of  Isaac  Heyer,  late  a  distinguished  mer- 
chant; Hendrick,  b.  Mar.  22,  1779  ;  Mary,  b.  Sep.  5,  1780,  m. 
Henry  Whitney  and  Adrian  Van  Sinderen,  Esq. ;  Harriet,  b. 
Sep.  1,  1782,  now  Mrs.  Stephen  Whitney  of  New-York ;  Rich- 
ard,  b.  Aug.  4, 1784;  Ferdinand,  b.  Sep,  13,  1786,  and  James, 
b.  Mar.  9,  1788.  Of  the  above  sons,  all  became  merchants  in 
New- York,  except  James ^  who  remained  on  the  paternal  estate 
at  Hallett's  Cove,  m.  Matilda,  dau.  of  John  Greenoak,  and  d. 
Sep.  17,  1834,  without  issue.  Ferdinand^  one  of  the  late  firm 
of  Suydam,  Sage  k  Co.  m.  Eliza  dau.  of  Anthony  L.  Under- 
hill,  and  d.  Mar.  24,  1851,  having  issue  Henry  L.,  Ferdinand, 
and  Charles.  Richard  m.  in  1811,  Rachel  E.  Henderson  of 
Lancaster,  Pa.  and  has  ch.  Mary  A.,  Caroline,  Adaline,  Jane, 
and  Louisa.  Hendrick  m.  in  1802,  Jane  dau.  of  Wm.  Law- 
rence, Esq.,  and  has  issue  Mary,  Aletta,  Samuel,  Elizabeth, 
William  L.  dec,  Julia,  Cornelia,  and  Margaret.  John  m.  in 
1800,  Jane  Mesier  of  Poughkeepsie,  amassed  a  fortune,  and  d. 
much  lamented,  some  3'^ears  since,  leaving  issue  Maria,  m.  to 
Philip  M.  Lydig,  Henry,  Peter-Mesier,  John  R.,  Letitia,  Eliza, 
dec,  David  L.,  James  A.,  and  Jane,  now  Mrs.  William  Remsen. 


A^^  ^^j^c-n  M^c-d, 


Fac-simile  of  tie  signature  of  Heyndrvck  Ryckkn,  ancestor  of  the  SuTDAM  FAifitY. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN 


327 


THE    MOORE    FAMILY. 


The  several  families  of  English  ex- 
traction bearing  this  name,  are  said  to 
find  a  common  head  in  Thomas  De 
Moore,  who  came  from  Normandy  with 
William  the  Conqueror  in  the  year  1066, 
and  whose  name  is  enrolled  in  the  ancient 
list  taken  at  their  embarcation  at  St. 
Valery,  and  also  in  the  list  of  those  who 
survived  the  memorable  battle  of  Hast* 
ings,  fought  on  October  14th,  in  the 
above  year,  in  which  he  had  a  consider- 
able command.  From  him  two  English 
families  of  distinction  claim  descent, 
namely,  those'  of  the  Earls  of  Mount-Cashell  and  Drogheda. 
1.  Eev.  John  Moore,  the  more  immediate  ancestor  of  the 
Newtown  family,  was,  doubtless,  of  English  birth,  though  it  is 
unknown  when  or  from  whence  he  emigrated.  He  was  an  In- 
dependent, and  the  first  minister  of  the  town,  having  been 
"  permitted  in  New  England  to  preach,  but  not  authorized  to 
administer  sacraments."  After  this' mode  he  officiated  "for 
many  years,"  till  his  death  in  1657.  He  was  reputed  a  good 
preacher.  In  consequence  of  his  interest  in  the  purchase  of 
Newtown  from  the  Indians,  the  town  awarded  eighty  acres  of 
land  to  his  children,  thirty  years  after  his  decease.  For  more 
of  his  history  see  the  preceding  pages.  Soon  after  his  death 
his  widow  m.  Francis  Doughty,  son  of  the  Eev,  F.  Doughty. 
Mr.  Moore  left  issue  John,  Gershom,  Samuel,-  Joseph,  and 
Elizabeth,  who  m.  Content  Titus.*    Joseph  removed  to  South- 


*  Capt.  Content  Titus  was  b.  ut  Weymouth,  Mass.,  Mar.  28,  1643,  be- 
ing the  son  of  Robert  Titus,  a  respectable  husbandman,  who,  with  his  wife 
Hannah,  emigrated  from  near  Stansted  Abbey  in  Hertfordshire,  Eng.  in  1635, 
and  settled  first  at  Weymouth,  and  then  at  Seekonk,  whence  they  removed, 
in  or  about  1650,  to  Oyster  Bay,  L.  I.  From  Robert,  through  his  sons  John, 
Edmund,  Samuel,  Abie),  and  Content,  has  descended  a  numerous  posterity 
on  Long  Island  and  elsewhere.  Content,  having  lived  at  Huntington,  came 
to  Nowtown  in  1672,  and  in  the  aforesaid  year  bought  the  nrcmUo.:  oriv^n  to 


328  ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN. 

ampton,  L.  I.  where  he  d.  in  1726,  his  posterity  still  remaining 
at  that  place.  Gershoin  m.  Mary,  the  widow,  I  believe,  of 
Jonathan  Fish.  He  was  a  useful  man,  and  d.  in  or  about  1691, 
leaving  sons  Gershom  and  Jonathan.  John  left  sons  John,  b. 
1668,  and  Thomas,  b.  1670.  Several  of  the  sons  of  Gershom 
and  John  Moore  are  believed  to  have  removed  to  New- Jersey. 
2.  Samuel  Moore,  son  of  Eev.  John,i  became  a  grantee  of 
land  at  Newtown  village  in  1662,  and  afterwards  purchased  an 
adjacent  tract,  previously  owned  by  his  father,  and  which  is 
now  included  in  the  premises  of  John  J.  Moore.  In  1684  he 
bought  from  Wm.  Hallett,  Sen.  a  farm  near  the  Poor  Bowery, 
(part  of  which  is  now  the  property  of  S.  H.  Moore)  to  which 
■he  removed.  Capt.  Moore  held  various  public  offices,  and 
served  in  the  magistracy  for  a  series  of  years.  He  d.  July  25, 
1717,  and  his  widow,  whose  maiden  name  was  Mary  Reed,  d. 
May  4,  1738,  a.  87.  His  ch.  were  Samuel,^  Joseph,^^  Benja- 
min,s  Nathaniel,  Mary,  m.  Nath'l  Woodward;  Margaret,  ra. 
Pretton ;  Elizabeth,  m.  Hicks,  and  Sarah,  who  m.  Daniel  Coe. 
Nathaniel  settled  at  Hopewell,  N.  J.  where  his  posterity  yet 
remain,  as  I  am  informed. 

his  father-in-law,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Moore.  At  his  death  Mr.  Titus  left  this  property 
to  his  son  Robert,  who  sold  it  in  1731  to  Wm,  Sackett,and  it  afterwards  be- 
came the  Episcopal  parsonage.  (See  the  history  of  these  premises,  pp.  40,45, 
49,  75,  250.)  Mr.  Titus  proved  a  most  valuable  citizen,  and  so  vigorous  were 
his  faculties  at  fourscore  years,  that  he  was  then  chosen  an  elder  of  the  Presby- 
terian church.  He  d.  Jan.  17,  1730.  In  the  southwest  corner  of  the  ancient 
public  burial  ground  at  Newtown,  stands  a  rude  stone  that  marks  his  grave, 
bearing  the  simple  inscription,  "  Content  Titus."  He  left  issue  Robert, 
Silas,  John,  Timothy,  Hannah,  d.  unm. ;  Phebe,  m.  Jonathan  Hunt ;  and  Abi- 
gail, who  m.  George  Furniss.  Robert  removed,  in  1731,  to  New  Castle  co. 
Del. ;  and  Timoihy  settled  at  Hopewell,  N.  J.,  where  his  posterity  is  still 
found.  Silas  remained  in  Newtown,  m.  in  1715,  Sarah  dau.  of  Edw.  Hunt, 
and  having  served  as  a  trustee  of  the  town  and  an  elder  of  the  Presb.  church, 
d.  Nov.  2,  1748.  His  ch.  were  Ephraim,  who  settled  at  Hopewell,  afore- 
said ;  Edward,  John,  Sarah,  m.  Francis  Cornish  and  John  Leverich;  and  Su- 
sannah,  who  m.  Nowell  Furman.  Edward  m.  in  1741,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of 
Benj.  Cornish,  and  d.  in  1780  on  his  estate  at  Fresh  Ponds,  now  Nicholas 
WyckofTs.  He  had  issue  Susannah,  m.  Jona.  Furman ;  Abigail,  m.  Daniel 
Wiggins ;  Hannah,  m.  Daniel  North ;  Amy,  m.  Richard  Leverich ;  Judith, 
m.  Luke  Remsen ;  and  James,  who  m.  Jane  dau.  of  John  Debevoise,  and  had 
issue  Edward,  b.  1800,  and  late  of  Williamsburgh,  L.  I.  dec;  Eliza-Jane,  b. 
1801 ;  and  John  Titus,  b.  1803,  and  now  living  at  the  last  named  place. 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  329 

3.  Samuel  Moore,  son  of  Samuel,-  also  dntitled  captain,  m. 
Apr.  1,  1705,  Charity,  dau.  of  Wm.  Hallett,  Esq.  and  occupied 
the  farm  now  of  Sam'l  B.  Townsend,  which  passed  out  of  the 
family  but  a  few  years  since.  Capt.  Moore  d.  Jan.  3,  1758, 
leaving  issue  SamueV  b.  Apr.  22,  1709;  Charit}^,  b.  Feb.  19, 
1713,  m.  Fitch;  Sarah,  b.  Dec.  25,  1714,  m.  Tucker;  William, 
b.  Feb.  20,  1717;  Mary,b.  July  15,  1719,  m.  Eichard  Williams; 
John,5b.  Dec.  23,  1721;  Nathaniel,  b.  Apr.  8,  1723;  Augus- 
tine, b.  Apr.  28,  1724 ;  Pelatiah,  b.  June  9,  1726,  m.  Joseph 
Titus;  and  Elizabeth,  b.  May  17,  1729,  who  married  Benjamin 
Moore  of  Pennington.  William^  a  schoolmaster  and  surveyor, 
d.  single  in  1752.  Augustine  m.  and  had  issue  only  Augus- 
tine, who  d.  unm.  Nathaniel  m.  Mrs.  Rebecca  Barnwell,  dau. 
of  Jacob  Blackwell,  and  succeeded  to  the  paternal  farm,  now 
S.  B.  Townsend's.  He  d.  Apr.  3,  1802,  a.  79,  his  wife  having 
d.  June  6,  1790,  a.  67.  Their  ch.  were  Charity,  m.  Daniel 
Hallett;  Mary,  m.  Abm.  Berrien;  Nathaniel,  and  Rebecca, 
who  became  the  wife  of  Stephen  Hallett.  Nathaniel  m.  June 
19,  1783,  Martha,  dau.  of  Joshua  Gedney,  and  had  issue 
Samuel,  d.  unm. ;  Joseph  W.  now  a  merchant  at  Mobile,  Ala. ; 
Margaret,  m.  successively  Capt.  Andrew  Riker  and  James 
Perrott;  Rebecca,  m.  Cornelius  Purdy,  and  Elizabeth,  who 
m.  Robert  Blackwell. 

4.  Samuel  Moore,  son  of  Samuel,^  m.  his  cousin  Sarah,  dau. 
of  Benj.  Moore,  who,  dying  Mar.  22,  1750,  he  m.  xinna  Bates, 
Dec.  6,  1755.  He  was  some  years  in  the  commission  of  the 
peace,  and  d.  Dec.  11,  1767,  in  his  59th  yr.  His  ch.  by  his 
iirst  wife  were  Samuel,  Vernon,  and  Thomas;  and  by  his 
second.  Amy,  Anna,  Daniel,  Sarah,  Elizabeth,  and  Richard; 
all  of  whom  d.  unm.,  except  Samuel,  Richard,  and  Sarah.  The 
latter  m.  Thompson.  Richard  m.  Catharine,  dau.  of  Cor. 
Berrien,  was  by  occupation  a  cooper,  and  resided  in  New- 
York.  His  ch.  who  survived  infancy  were  Anna,  m.  Zebulon 
Grant;  Cornelius,  m.  but  had  no  issue;  Jane-Eliza,  Strong- 
Vernon,  and  William-Bates.  The  latter  m.  Elizabeth  Cortel- 
you,  and  had  issue  William-Berrien,  Catharine,  Richard-Riker, 
Elizabeth,  Virginia,  Angeline,  Edward  C.  Henry,  and  Cor- 
nelius. Strong  V.  Moore,  aforesaid,  m.  Martha  Jadwin ;  issue 
Jane  E.,  Anna  M.,  Strong  V.,  Richard  P.,  Rebecca  J.,  Martha 
A.,  Charles  L.,  Sarah  C,  and  Cornelius  B.     Samuel^  usually  de- 


330  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

signated  as  Samuei  Moore  8d,  m.  Jan.  18,  1769,  Amy,  dau.  of 
Wm.  Leverich,  after  whose  death,  he  m.  Anna  Lawrence.  He 
was  an  intelligent  man,  and  devoted  his  life  to  school-teaching. 
For  fifteen  years  he  was  clerk  of  Newtown,  his  father  having 
previously  filled  that  ofiice  nine  years.  His  sons  by  his  second 
marriage  were  Samuel  and  James-Lawrence ;  and  by  his  first, 
William ;  now  all  dec.  and  only  the  latter  leaving  issue. 

5.  John  Moore,  son  of  Samuel,^  m.  Patience,  dau.  of  Joseph 
Moore.  He  d.  Mar.  7,  1806,  a  84.  His  ch.  were  Joseph,  b. 
Feb.  12,  1750 ;  Augustine,  b.  Apr.  9,  1752,  d.  Nov.  23,  '69 ; 
David,  b.  Sep.  10,  1756 ;  and  Jemima,  b.  Jan.  21,  1763,  who 
m.  Jesse  Fish.  Joseph  m.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Benj.  Moore  of  Tren- 
ton, and  had  issue  Mary,  d.  single;  and  Catharine,  who  m. 
Benjamin  Titus.  David  m.  May  24,  1780,  Jemima,  dau.  of 
Capt.  Samuel  Hallett,  and  succeeded  to  his  father's  estate,  now 
owned  by  S.  H.  Moore.  Here  he  d.  Jan.  12,  1823,  a.  66,  and 
his  widow,  June  20,  1846,  a.  86.  They  had  twelve  ch.  to  wit, 
Patience,  b.  Aug.  15,  1781,  d.  Jan.  1,  '82 ;  Susannah,  b.  Mar. 
28,  1783 ;  Thomas,  b.  June  12,  1784,  d.  Sep.  21,  1828,  being 
the  father  of  David  and  Cornelius  Luyster  Moore ;  Anna,  b. 
Mar.  16,  1786,  m.  Peter  Luyster ;  Samuel-Hallett,  b.  Jan.  11, 
1788,  d.  unm.  June  26,  1813 ;  Joseph,  b.  May  15, 1790,  has  no 
issue;  David,  b.  Aug.  22,  1791,  m.  Mary  B.  dau.  of  Geo. 
Brinckerhoff,  and  resides  at  Brooklyn ;  Patience,  b.  Dec.  30, 
1793,  now  widow  of  Col.  E.  Leverich ;  Sarah,  b.  Nov.  12, 1796, 
present  wife  of  Peter  Luyster,  Esq.  aforesaid;  John,  b.  Sep. 
26,  1798 ;  Martha,  b.  Apr.  26,  1800,  d.  unm.  Aug.  21,  1824[; 
and  Elbert-Luyster,  b.  Jan.  4,  1802,  d.  single,  Dec.  13,  1822. 
John  Moore,  last  named,  m.  Martha- Ann,  dau.  of  Gerdon  Man- 
warring,  and  has  surviving  ch.  Samuel-Hallett,  Yan-Zandt- 
Mumford,  Elbert-Luyster,  and  Mary- Ann. 

6.  Joseph  Moore,  son  of  Samuel  Moore,"  was  b.  Dec.  11, 
1679,  and  came  in  possession  of  that  part  of  his  father's  estate 
near  the  Poor  Bowery,  which  was  subsequently  purchased  by 
John  Moore,  the  great-grand-father  of  S.  H.  Moore,  its  present 
owner.  He  m.  successively  Elizabeth  and  Sarah,  daughters 
of  Jos.  Sackett.  He  d.  suddenly  July  10, 1756,  and  his  widow 
Sep.  25,  1760,  a.  71.  His  ch.  were  seven  by  his  first  marriage, 
and  eight  by  his  second,  to  wit,  Sarah,  b.  Sep.  29,  1706,  m. 
Benjamin   Fish;   Joseph,  b.   Sep.   28,    1708,    d.  (unm.  it  is 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  331 

believed,)  Nov.  10,  1757 ;  Nathaniel,  b.  Jan.  1, 1710,  d.  young ; 
Mary,  b.  Nov.  14,  1712,  m.  John  Davis ;  Abigail,  b.  Apr.  10, 
1715,  m.  Samuel  Washburn ;  Sackett  and  Benjamin,'''  twins,  b. 
Sep.  3,  1716;  Anna,  b.  Mar.  21,  1718,  died  single  Dec.  1, 
1769;  EUzabeth,  b.  Mar.  28,  1720,  m.  Joseph  Baldwin; 
Patience,  b.  Feb.  5,  1722,  m.  John  Moore ;  Samuel,  b.  Jan.  15, 
1724;  Martha,  b.  Mar.  20,  1726,  m.  Joseph  Titus;  Nathaniel, 
b.  Jan.  15,  1728 ;  Phebe,  b.  Mar.  28,  17S0,  m.  Burroughs ;  and 
Jemima,  b.  October  18,  1732,  who  d.  unm.  Apr.  11,  1758. 
Nathaniel  m.  Joanna  Hall,  and  d.  Sep.  29,  1781,  in  his  54th 
yr.  having  issue  Nathaniel,  who  ra.  but  had  no  ch. ;  and  Sarah, 
who  m.  Benjamin  Waite.  Sackett  m.  and  removed  to  Hope- 
well, N.  J.  where  he  d.  in  his  37th  yr.  Aug.  18,  1753.  His 
ch.  were  Joanna,  m.  Smith;  Joseph,  Jesse,  and  Sackett. 
Samuel,  entitled  captain,  m.  Abigail,  dau.  of  Eobert  Field.  He 
espoused  the  whig  cause  in  the  Revolution,  and  was  an  active 
member  of  the  Newtown  committee.  He  managed  to  remain 
after  the  British  came,  and  d.  in  or  about  1782.  His  widow 
d.  Jan.  15, 1805.  Their  ch.  were  Robert  (Major),  d.  a  bachelor 
Feb.  2,  1843,  in  his  86th  yr. ;  and  Sarah,  who  m.  Samuel 
Blackwell. 

7.  Benjamin  Moore,  son  of  Joseph,^  m.  Mary  Hart  of  New 
Jersey,  to  which  state  he  removed,  and  settled  in  Trenton 
township.  Mrs.  Moore  d.  Dec.  5,  1789,  and  he  on  June  5, 
1792,  in  his  76th  yr.  Their  ch.  were  Israel,  Wilham-Sackett, 
and  Sarah,  who  m.  Joseph  Moore.  Israel  m.  Catharine  Car- 
penter, and  d.  Mar.  8,  1829,  in  his  78th  yr. ;  issue  Sarah,  d. 
single ;  Elizabeth,  who  m.  Josiah  Hart ;  and  Aaron,  residing 
in  N.  Jersey.  William  S.  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Benj.  Moore 
of  Hopewell,  N.  J.  by  his  intermarriage  with  Eliz.,  dau.  of 
Sam'l  Moore  of  Newtown.  He  d.  at  Trenton,  Feb.  3,  1825,  a. 
65  yrs.  His  ch,  are  Benjamin;  Maria,  now  Mrs.  Benj.  Fish 
of  Trenton;  Ann,  m.  Capt.  Lewis  Parker;  Eliza.,  and  William 
I.  Moore,  residing  at  Danville,  111. 

8.  Benjamin  Moore,  son  of  Samuel,^  came  in  posses- 
sion of  the  property  near  Newtown  village,  previously  owned 
by  his  grand-father,  Rev.  John  Moore,  and  now  the  resi- 
dence of  John  J.  Moore.  He  m.  Dec.  27,  1710,  Anna,  dau. 
of  Joseph  Sackett,  and  d.  Mar.  22,  1750.  His  widow  d.  Sep. 
30,  1757,  a.  QQ.    Their  ch.  were  SamueV"  b.  Dec.  5,  1711 ; 


332  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

Marj,  b.  Jan.  10,  1714,  ra.  James  Eenne,  2d ;  Anna,  b.  Nov. 
5,  1715,  m.  Thos.  Hallett;  Sarah,  b.  May  17,  1718,  m.  Samuel 
Moore ;  Benjamin,  b.  Mar.  23,  1720 ;  John,  b.  June  28,  1723, 
d.  young;  Elizabeth,  b.  Jan.  10,  1725,  m.  Wm.  Hazard;* 
Patience,  b.  Oct.  18,  1727,  m.  Jos.  Lawrence,  and  John,^  b. 
July  5,  1730.  Benjamin,  a  young  physician  of  promise,  d.  in 
-the  West  Indies  in  or  about  1745. 

9.  John  Moore,  son  of  Benjamin,^  remained  on  the  home- 
stead, and  m.  May  2,  1752,  Hannah  dau.  of  Thos.  Whitehead. 
She  d.  in  her  44th  yr.  Aug.  4,  1772.  Mr.  Moore  survived  till 
Oct.  18,  1827.     He  was  in  his  98th  yr.     His  ch.  were  Eliza- 

*  The  Hazards  were,  prior  to  the  Revolution,  one  of  the  most  promi- 
nent  families  in  Newtown.  Their  ancestor,  Thomas  Hazard,  came  from 
Wales,  and  was  admitted  to  freemanship  at  Boston  in  1636:  in  1652,  he  be- 
came one  of  the  founders  and  first  magistrates  of  Newtown.  He  had  several 
sons,  one  of  whom,  Robert,  settled  in  Rhode  Island,  and  originated  the  Haz- 
ards, so  highly  distinguished  in  the  annals  of  that  state.  Jonathan,  another 
Bon,  remained  at  Newtown,  m.  Hannah,  dau.  of  Jas.  Lauronson,  acquired  a 
larwe  property,  and  filled  various  offices.  He  d.  in  1711,  having  had  issue 
Thomas,  James,  Nathaniel,  Elizabeth,  m.  Edward  Hunt,  and  Sarah,  who  m. 
James  Renne.  Thomas,  styled  captain,  was  supervisor  of  Newtown  from 
1720  till  his  death,  which  occurred  Aug.  31, 1733,  at  the  age  of  51,  occasioned 
by  a  fall  from  his  horse.  By  his  wife  Mercy,  dau.  of  Thos.  Betts,  he  had  ch. 
Thomas,  Daniel,  Samuel,  John,  and  Jonathan ;  the  last  of  whom  settled  in 
Orange  co.,  N.  Y.  Daniel,  a  sea  captain,  d.  in  New-York  in  1747,  and  his 
only  son,  Thos.  Hazard,  Esq.  d.  in  the  same  city  in  1787,  a.  43.  His  ch.,  as 
their  births  are  recorded,  were  William-Howard,  b.  1770  ;  Charles-Smith,  b. 
1772  ;  Frances  S.  b.  1773,  and  Benjamin,  b.  1774.  James,  for  fifteen  years 
a  judfe  of  common  pleas,  occupied  the  farm  now  of  John  Duryea,  in  New- 
town. The  family  vault  on  this  estate  fell  into  decay,  and  was  filled  up  a 
few  years  since.  Judge  Hazard  d.  Apr.  25,  1765.  His  ch.  were  Rebecca, 
m.  Robert  Morrell ;  William,  and  Jonathan  :  the  latter  m.  Abigail  Pumroy, 
and  left  a  son  James,  b.  in  1752.  William  was  a  prominent  citizen  of  New- 
town,  m.  Miss  Moore,  as  above,  and  d.  Aug.  25,  1773,  a.  68.  He  left  several 
daughters,  and  a  son  Morris,  who  was  the  grandfather  of  Mr.  Wm.  H.  Haz- 
ard, of  New-York,  shipping  merchant.  Nathaniel,  a  merchant,  finally  remov- 
ed to  Philadelphia,  and  d.  in  1749.  He  had  issue  Njithaniel,  Samuel,  Hannah, 
m.  Rev.  Sani'l  Sackett,  and  Sarah,  who  m.  Capt.  Dan'l  Hazard.  Nathaniel 
was  a  successful  merchant  in  New-York,  d.  in  or  about  1764,  and  left-  sons 
Nathaniel,  Samuel,  and  Joseph,  besides  daughters,  one  of  whom,  Elizabeth, 
m.  Joseph  Hallett,  father-in-law  of  the  late  Major  John  Delafield.  Nathaniel, 
last  named,  m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Col.  Jos.  Robinson,  and  d.  in  1798  ;  issue,  Ma- 
ria'and  Nathaniel.  Samuel,  son  of  Nathaniel,  was  the  father  of  the  late  Eben- 
ezer  Hazard,  Esq.  of  Philadelphia,  a  former  Post-master  General  of  thft 
United  States  and,  editor  of  valuable  contributions  to  American  history. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  333 

beth,  b,  Apr.  23,  1753,  d.  unm.  Aug.  25,  1827 ;  James,  b.  July 
24,  1754 ;  Daniel,  b.  July  19,  1756,  cl.  Sep.  25,  '61 ;  Anna,  b. 
Mar.  11,  1761,  m.  John  McVickar,  father  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
McVickar,  of  New-York;  Patience,  b.  Nov.  9,  1762,  m.  John 
Charlton  Dongan ;  Mary,  b.  Mar.  19,  1764,  m.  Dr.  Rich.  Law- 
rence and  Wm.  Stewart ;  Benjamin,  b.  Jan.  25,  1766 ;  Daniel- 
Sackett,  b.  June  17,  1768,  and  Abigail,  b.  Jan.  11,  1770,  who 
m.  Thomas  Billopp,  a  New- York  merchant,  who  afterwards 
perished  in  the  Miranda  expedition,  in  1806.  Benjamin  had 
issue  James,  Uretta,  and  Richard.  James  m.  Elizabeth,  dau. 
of  Capt.  Sam'l  Hallett,  and  d.  Feb.  25,  1799,  a.  44,  having  ch, 
Maria,  Eliza,  Jane,  John,  and  Hannah.  Daniel- Sackett  owned 
the  paternal  residence  near  Newtown  village.  He  chose  a  sea 
life,  and  was  for  many  years  a  successful  and  respected  ship- 
master. Capt.  Moore  d.  in  his  61st  yr.  Sep.  20,  1828.  He  m. 
successively  Hannah,  dau.  of  David  Titus,  and  Hannah,  dau. 
of  Jacob  Moore,  and  by  the  latter  had  issue  Elizabeth,  m. 
Jacob  P.  Leverich ;  John-Jacob,  William,  Sarah,  now  Mrs. 
Henry  Barcla}^ ;  Mary,  m.  Charles  Judson  ;  James,  Frances, 
and  Benjamin," 

10.  Samuel  Moore,  (styled  lieut.)  son  of  Benjamin,^  was  a 
respected  farmer  near  Newtown  village,  owning  the  property 
now  of  John  Penfold,  (south  side  of  the  high- way,)  on  which 
he  erected  the  house  still  standing.  He  m.  Sarah  Fish,  who 
survived  him,  and  d.  a.  79,  June  17,  1796.  He  d.  Apr.  7,  1788, 
in  his  77th  yr.  His  ch.  were  Benjamin,^^  Jacob,  Williamj^- 
Sarah,  m.  Thomas  Barrow ;  Patience,  m.  David  Titus ;  and 
Judith,  who  m.  the  Rev.  Thos.  L.  Moore.  Jacob  m.  in  succes- 
sion Hannah  and  Elizabeth  Waters,  the  latter  on  June  2,  1781. 
He  d.  July  22,  1825,  a.  74,  having  (by  his  last  wife)  issue  Han- 
nah, m.  Capt.  D.  S,  Moore;  Benjamin,  and  John,  who  d,  a 
young  man.  Benjamin  m.  Jane,  dau.  of  John  Rapelye,  and 
owns  part  of  the  farm  of  his  late  father-in-law  in  Newtown. 
His  ch.  are  Mary-Jane,  Elizabeth,  John,  and  Lemma- Ann. 

11.  Benjamin  Moore,  son  of  Samuel, ^"^  was  b.  at  Newtown, 
Oct.  5,  1748,  and  received  a  liberal  education  at  King's  (now 
Columbia)  College,  N.  Y.  of  which  institution  he  afterwards 
became  an  honored  president.  After  pursuing  theological  stu- 
dies, he  went  to  England,  in  1774,  and  was  ordained  to  the 
Episcopal  ministry ;  and,  after  his  return,  officiated  as  assistant 

22 


S34  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

minister  of  Trinity  Church,  till,  on  the  resignation  of  Bishop 
Provost,  he  was  appointed  rector,  in  1800.  The  next  year  he 
was  elected  bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
state  of  New-York,  and  continued  to  perform  the  duties  of 
this  high  vocation  till  his  death,  Feb.  27,  1816,  in  his  68th  yr. 
He  was  a  man  of  deep  learning,  true  benevolence,  and  exem- 
plary piety.  Bishop  Moore  m.  Apr.  20,  1778,  Charity,  dau.  of 
Maj.  Clement  Clark,  of  NcAV-York,  and  his  only  child  is 
Clement  C.  Moore,' Esq.  of  this  city. 

13.  William  Moore  son  of  Samuel, ^°  and  brother  of  the 
bishop,  was  b.  at  Newtown,  Jan.  17,  1754.  Adopting  the 
study  of  physic,  he  went  to  Europe  in  1778,  and  two  years 
after  graduated  at  Edinburgh  doctor  of  medicine.  He  returned 
home,  and,  for  more  than  forty  years,  continued  unremittingly 
engaged  in  the  arduous  duties  of  an  extensive  practice.  For 
many  years,  he  was  president  of  the  New-York  Medical  So- 
ciety, and  a  trustee  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons, 
as  well  as  a  vestryman  of  Trinity  Church.  "  Seldom,  indeed," 
remarks  Dr.  Francis,  "  has  it  happened  that  the  two  professions 
were  adorned  with  such  attainments,  and  such  private  excel- 
lence, as  were  exhibited  in  the  instances  of  Dr.  Moore  and 
his  brother  Benjamin,  the  late  pious  and  venerable  bishop  of 
the  church."  Dr.  Moore  d.  in  his  71st  yr.  Apr.  2,  1824.  He 
m.  Feb.  4,  1782,  Jane,  dau.  of  Nathaniel  Fish,  of  Newtown, 
and  had  issue  Nathaniel  F.  late  president  of  Columbia  Col- 
lege ;  Maria-Teresa  m.  Henry  C.  De  Eham,  merchant ;  Samuel 
W.,  physician  ;  Jane,  m.  Henry  Major,  merchant ;  Susan,  dec, ; 
Benjamin,  also  dec. ;  Sarah,  m.  Edward  Hodges,  prof  of  mu- 
sic ;  and  William,  of  the  mercantile  firm  of  De  Eham  &  Moore, 
New-York. 


THE    ALSOP    FAMILY. 

Writers  on  English  surnames  inform  us,  that  this  family 
derive  their  name  from  the  village  of  Alsop,  in  Derbyshire ; 
where,  says  a  la^e  English  work,  "  there  are  numerous  Alsops 
of  every  grade  in  society."  Some  distinguished  persons  of  the 
name  lived  in   the   seventeenth   century,  and  among  these, 


,v<~ 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  335 

several  Episcopal  divines  Avho  were  ejected  from  tlieir  cures  >:;.  i 
under  the  act  of  uniformity.  Of  a  period  somewhat  eailier  "^  \J 
was  Richard  Alsopp,  lord  mayor  of  London,  in  1597.  A  name- 
sake of  the  latter,  and  perhaps  a  descendant,  Richard  Alsop,  ^  -^ 
was  the  originator  of  the  Newtown  family,  who  Avas  induced  "~^  Vf^ 
by  his  uncle,  Thomas  Wandell,  to  locate  in  this  town.  Mr. 
Wandell,  according  to  reminiscence  in  the  Alsop  family,  had 
been  a  major  in  Cromwell's  army ;  but,  having  some  dispute 
with  the  protector,  was  obliged  to  flee  for  safety,  first  to  Hol- 
land, and  thence  to  America.  But  some  doubt  of  this  may  be 
justly  entertained;  because  Mr.  Wandell  was  living  at  Mespat 
Kills  in  1648,  which  was  prior  to  the  execution  of  King 
Charles,  and  when  Cromwell  enjoyed  but  a  subordinate  com- 
mand in  the  parliamentary  army.  Mr.  Wandell  m.  the  widow 
of  Wm.  Herrick,  whose  plantation  on  Newtown  Creek,  (origi- 
nally patented  to  Richard  Brutnell,)  he  bought  in  1659,  after- 
wards adding  to  it  fifty  acres,  for  which  Richard  Colefax  had 
obtained  a  patent  in  1652.  On  this  property,  since  composing 
the  Alsop  farm,  Mr.  Wandell  resided.  He  was  selected,  in 
1665,  as  one  of  the  jury  for  the  trial  of  Ralph  Hall  and  his  wife 
for  witchcraft,  (the  only  trial  for  witchery  in  this  colony,)  and 
shared  the  honor  of  acquitting  the  accused.  Some  years  later, 
he  made  a  voyage  to  England,  returning  by  way  of  Barbadoes, 
and,  it  is  supposed,  brought  with  him  from  England  his  sister's 
son,  Richard  Alsop,  who,  about  this  time,  came  to  America, 
and  was  adopted  by  Mr.  Wandell  as  his  heir,  he  having  no 
issue.  He  d.  in  1691,  and  was  interred  on  the  hill  occupied  by 
the  Alsop  cemetery.  Many  years  [after  his  death,  the  silver 
plate  of  his  cofiin  was  discovered,  in  digging  a  new  grave. 

1.  Richard  Alsop,  while  yet  under  age,  received  a  commis- 
sion in  the  Newtown  troop  of  horse.  Inheriting  the  estate  of 
his  uncle  Wandell,  he  continued  to  reside  upon  it  during  life. 
He  d.  in  October,  1718,  a.  about  58 ;  but  his  widow,  Hannah, 
(who,  tradition  saith,  was  a  Dutch  lady,  whom  he  courted 
through  an  interpreter,)  attained  her  91st  yr.  and  d.  Aug.  23, 
1757.  Their  ch.  were  Thomas,  Richard, "*  John, 2  Hannah,  m. 
Jos.  Sackett ;  Deborah  m.  Capt.  John  Sipkins  and  Nath'l  Haz- 
ard ;  Amy,  m.  Jona.  Wright ;  Elizabeth,  m.  Phineas  Mcintosh, 
and  Susannah,  who  m.  Nath'l  Lawrence.  Thomas  was  b.  Sep. 
7,  1687,  and  m.  Feb.  5,  1708,  Susannah  dau.  of  Robert  Black- 


336  ANNALSOFNEWTOWN. 

well.  He  served  for  some  years  as  a  magistrate  in  Newtown, 
but  subsequently  entered  into  mercantile  pursuits  in  New- 
York,  where  he  d.  in  Sep.  1743,  having  the  previous  year  lost 
his  wife  and  three  of  his  daughters.  He  left  ch,  Eichard,  Kob- 
ert,  Thomas,  '.Mary,  wife  of  James  Way,  Lydia,  and  Sarah, 
who  m.  John  Leggett  of  Westchester,  The  three  sons  became 
Quakers.  Kobert  remained  many  years  at  Newtown ;  Thomas 
located  in  Hempstead,  and  Eichard,  at  Oyster  Bay. 

2.  John  Alsop,  son  of  Eichard,^  m.  in  Dec.  1718,  Abigail 
dau.  of  Jos.  Sackett.  He  adopted  the  profession  of  law,  and 
located  at  New  AVindsor,  in  Orange  co. ;  but  afterwards  re- 
turned to  New- York,  became  a  freeman  of  that  city,  in  1749, 
and  there  continued  his  legal  pursuits  during  life.  He  d.  Apr, 
8,  1761,  a.  64. .  Mrs.  A.  d.  in  her  57th  yr.  Dec.  8,  1752.  Of 
their  two  daughters,  Euphemia  and  Frances,  the  first  m.  Tho- 
mas Stevenson,  and  the  latter  d.  single.  Their  tAVO  sons,  John 
and  Eichard,-^  were  bred  as  merchants,  and  were  successfully 
engaged  together  in  the  cloth  and  dry  good  line.  John  be- 
came eminent  as  a  politician,  represented  the  city  in  the  colo- 
nial legislature,  and  was  a  delegate  to  the  first  continental 
congress  in  1774.  He  was  not  in  congress,  as  has  been  sup- 
posed, when  the  independence  of  the  American  colonies  was 
declared,  but  was  at  that  time  a  member  of  the  New- York 
convention,  and,  on  the  adoption  of  the  above  measure  by 
the  latter  body,  he  resigned  his  seat.  He  survived  the  Eevolu- 
tion ;  was  for  several  years  a  vestryman  of  Trinity  Church, 
and  d.  Nov.  22,  1794.  Mr.  Alsop  m.  June  8,  1766,  Mary  Fro- 
gat,  who  d.  Apr,  14,  1772,  a,  28,  and  by  whom  he  had  an  only 
ch,  Mary,  a  most  estimable  lady,  who  m.  Mar,  30, 1786,  the  dis- 
tinguished Eufus  King,  father  of  the  Hon.  John  A,  King,  and 
Charles  King,  president  of  Columbia  College. 

3,  Eichard  Alsop,  the  younger  son  of  John  Alsop,-  after 
serving  his  time  in  the  mercantile  house  of  Philip  Livingston, 
and  engaging  in  business  on  his  own  account,  as  before  men- 
tioned, removed  to  Middletown,  Ct.  and  m.  Miss  Mary  Wright, 
by  whom  he  had  eight  children.  He  d,  at  that  place,  Apr,  10, 
1776,  in  his  50th  yr.  His  sons  were  Eichard,  Joseph- Wright, 
and  John,  the  last  of  whom  d.  a  bachelor,  JRichard,  b.  Jan.  23, 
1761,  was  bred  a  merchant,  but  devoted  himself  chiefly  to 
literary  pursuits,  and  excelled  as  a  poet.     He  d,  at  Flatbush, 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  337 

Aug.  20,  1815.  (See  Thompson's  Hist.  Long  Isl.  ii.  212.)  His 
cb.  were  two  daughters,  (the  younger  of  Avhom  m.  Francis  J. 
Oliver,  Esq.  of  Boston,)  and  one  son,  Richard,  an  eminent 
merchant  of  Philadelphia,  and  founder  of  the  well  known 
houses  of  Alsop  &  Co.,  Valparaiso,  Chili,  and  Lima,  Peru.  He 
d.  May  29,  1842,  without  issue.  Joseph  W.  Alsoji,  b.  Mar.  2, 
1772,  d.  Oct.  16,  184-1.  His  [ch.  are  Lucy  W.  m.  to  Henry 
Chauncey,  of  the  firm  of  Alsop  &  Chauncey,  New- York ; 
Charles  R.,  Esq.  of  Middletown,  Ct.  formerly  mayor  of  that 
city  ;  Joseph  W.  of  the  commercial  firm  above-named  ;  Clara 
P. ;  Elizabeth  W.  m.  to  Geo.  H.  Hoppiu  of  Providence,  R.  I. ; 
and  Mary  W.  wife  of  Dr.  Thos.  D.  Mutter,  of  the  Jefferson 
Medical  College,  Philadelphia. 

4.  Richard  Alsop,  son  of  Richard,^  was  b.  in  1695,  and  en- 
tered into  mercantile  life  in  New-York,  where  he  was  admitted 
to  freemanship  in  1727.  He  subsequently  bought  the  paternal 
farm  in  Newtown,  on  which  he  afterwards  resided ;  and  for 
twenty  years  was  a  justice  of  the  peace.  He  m.  Elizabeth,  dau. 
of  John  Crooke,  Esq.  through  whom  he  became  possessor  of  a 
share  in  the  Great  Nine  Partners,  in  Dutchess  co.  He  d.  sud- 
denly, Nov.  21,  1764,  in  his  70th  yr.  and  his  widow  in  her  73d 
yr.  Mar.  29,  1776.  Their  ch.  who  attained  maturity  were 
Richard,^  Elizabeth,  d.  unm.,  Hannah,  m.  Dr.  Jos.  Sackett,  and 
Mary,  who  m.  George  Willocks  Leslie,  a  Scotch  gentleman  of 
distinction,  whose  death  occurred  at  Jamaica,  Apr.  26,  1774. 

5.  Richard  Alsop,  son  of  Richard,"*  was  b.  Oct.  6,  1730,  and 
was  usually  designated  as  Richard  4th.  He  fell  heir  to  his 
father's  estate,  and  became  a  highly  respected  and  influential 
citizen  of  Newtown,  serving  in  the  magistracy  many  years. 
On  Nov.  22,  1766,  he  m.  Abigail  dau.  of  Thos.  Whitehead. 
He  d.  in  his  60th  yr.  Apr.  5,  1790,  and  Mrs.  A.  in  her  81st  yr. 
Jan.  12,  1821.  Of  nine  ch.  only  five  survived  infancy,  to  wit, 
Elizabeth,  b.  Nov.  20,  1772,  d.  Jan.  26,  '94 ;  Richard,  b.  Sept. 
2,  1774,  d.  Aug.  8,  '98;  John,  b.  Feb.  5,  1779;  Hannah,  b. 
Sep.  22,  1780,  m.  Patrick  G.  Hildreth,  of  New- York,  lawyer ; 
and  Thomas,  b.  Mar.  25,  1785.  Thomas,  who  alone  survives, 
shared  his  father's  estate,  being  that  portion  now  owned  by 
Paul  Rapelye.  After  leaving  Newtown  and  living  some  years 
in  New- York,  he  removed  in  1848,  to  Jacksonville,  East  Flo- 
rida, to  reside  with  his  son  William,  a  merchant  at  that  place. 


338 


ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN. 


Bj  his  wife,  Catharine,  dau.  of  Geo.  Brinckerhoff,  Mr,  Alsop 
has  had  issue,  Eliza,  m.  first  Joseph  A¥ood,  and  now  the  wife 
of  Alex.  Leaird  of  N.  Y. ;  Eichard,  dec. ;  George  B.  of  Ala- 
bama; John,  of  N.  y. ;  Thomas  E.  d,  young;  Catharine  M. 
wife  of  Dr.  Marinas  H.  Van  Dyke,  a  grandson  of  Eev.  Henry 
Van  Dyke,  and  William,  before  named.  John  Alsop  succeeded 
to  the  paternal  dwelling,  and  was  supervisor  of  Newtown  in 
1821.  He  d.  Apr.  23,  1837,  a.  58.  His  wife  was  Ann  N.  dau. 
of  the  late  Jos.  Woodward,  but  he  left  no  issue.  Mrs.  Alsop, 
(since  m.  to  S.  G.  Raymond,  attorney-at-law,)  having  sold  the 
farm  and  removed  from  the  town,  the  name  of  Alsop  thereby 
became  extinct  in  Newtown.  A  considerable  part  of  this  farm 
has  been  converted  into  a  Catholic  burial-place,  and  is  known 
as  Calvary  Cemetery. 

The  arms  of  the  Alsops  are :  on  a  field  sable,  three  doves 
argent,  wings  expanded,  legs  and  beak  gules.  Crest,  a  dove 
argent,  wings  expanded,  holding  in  his  beak  un  ear  of  wheat. 


THE   BERRIEN   FAMILY. 


All  testimony  unites  in  as- 
cribing to  this  family  a  French 
origin,  and  it  is  made  probable 
that  the  seat  of  their  ancestors 
was  at  Berrien,  now  a  consi- 
derable town  in  the  department 
of  Finisterre.  Concurrent  tra- 
ditions existing  in  diverse 
branches  of  the  family  declare 
that  their  ancestor  was  a  Hu- 
guenot, who,  during  the  civil 
wars  of  France,  was  forced  to 
flee  and  take  refuge  in   Holland. 

1.  Cornells  Jansen  Berrien,  as  appears  by  reference  to  our 
early  records,  was  the  first  of  the  name  that  emigrated  to  this 
country,  and  the  common  progenitor  of  the  family  here.     He 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  339 

settled  ill  Flatbusb  as  early  as  1669,  there  m.  Jannetie,  dau.  of 
Jan  Stryker ;  and,  being  a  person  of  character  and  education, 
enjoyed  offices  in  the  town  government,  and  was  likewise  a 
deacon  of  the  Dutch  church.  In  1683,  by  appointment  of  the 
colonial  assembly,  he  formed  one  of  a  commission  to  levy  a 
special  tax  in  this  province.  In  1685  he  removed  his  resi- 
dence to  Newtown,  where  during  the  previous  year,  he  and 
his  brother-in-law,  Abm.  Brinckerhoff,  had  bought  over  400 
acres  of  land  at  the  head  of  Flushing  Bay,  which  they  after- 
wards divided.  Mr.  Berrien  d.  here  in  1689.  Samuel  Edsall, 
Esq.  afterwards  m.  his  widow.  His  ch.  were  John,~  Petcr,^ 
Nicholas,  Catharine,  m.  Jeromus  Remsen,  and  Agnes  who  m. 
Lieut.  Joris  Rapelje.  Nicholas  was  an  intelligent  farmer,  and 
for  a  time  a  magistrate.  His  farm  on  Flushing  Bay  he  had 
bought  in  1712  of  Wm.  Stevenson,  it  having  been  owned  at 
an  earlier  day  by  John  Ramsden.  He  married  his  cousin  Sa- 
rah, dau.  of  Abm.  Brinckerhoff  and  widow  of  Jacob  Rapelje, 
but  dying  without  issue  Dec.  27,  1737,  a.  56,  he  bequeathed  his 
farm  to  the  children  of  his  brother  John,  who  sold  it  to  Nath'l 
^Fish,  and  it  is  now  owned  by  Daniel  Lent. 

2.  John  Berrien,  eldest  son  of  Cornelius,^  was  a  farmer  and 
brewer  on  the  paternal  estate  at  the  head  of  Flushing  Bay,  be- 
ing that  afterwards  in  the  Rapelye  family.  (See  p.  272.)  He 
m.  Apr.  5,  1697,  his  step-sister  Ruth  Edsall,  served  for  some 
years  as  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  d.  in  April  1711.  Samuel 
Fish  m.  his  widow.  His  ch.  were  Cornelius,^  b.  Jait  8,  1698; 
Samuel,  b.  Aug.  30,  1700 ;  Jane,  b.  Mar.  1,  1703,  m.  Dermis 
Lawrence  and  Andrew  Riker ;  Richard,  b.  Sep.  11,  1706; 
Catharine,  b.  Nov.  13,  1709,  m.  Rem  Remsen  ;  and  a  twin-sis- 
ter, Agnes,  b.  Nov.  14,  1709,  who  m.  Capt.  Sam'l  Fish.  Samuel 
and  Richard  were  "  mariners,"  or,  as  the  term  then  meant, 
masters   of  vessels.     The   former,  it  is   said,  d.  in  the   West 

Indies. 

3.  Cornelius  Berrien,  son  of  John,^  m.  Dec.  29,  1719,  Sa- 
rah, dau.  of  Samuel  Hallett.  In  1727,  he  bought  from  Timo- 
thy Wood,  the  island  since  called  Berrien's  Island,  with  ad- 
joining property,  now  composing  the  farm  of  Ezra  N.  Ber- 
rien. ""(See  p.  36.)  Here  Mr.  Berrien  d.  Mar.  30,  1767,  a.  69. 
His  widow  d.  Jan.  11,  1797,  a.  93.  Their  ch.  were  John,  Sam- 
uel, Richard,*  Nicholas,  Cornelius, ^'eter,  Jacob,  Phebe,  m. 


340  AXNALS       OF       NEWTOWN. 

Wm.  Warner,  and  Kutli  who  ni.  Jacob  llallett.  Jacoh  Berrien 
d.  on  a  voyage  to  the  Bay  of  Honduras.  Nicholas  and  Samuel 
settled  in  "Westchester  co.  where  both  left  fiimilies.  The  lat- 
ter, b.  1723,  m.  Dorcas,  dau.  of  Geo.  Tippett,  became  proprie- 
tor of  Tippett's,  no^Y  Berrien's  Neck,  and  had  sons  Cornelius, 
George,  James,  Richard,  and  William,  one  of  whom,  Richard, 
b.  April  29, 17G5,  was  the  father  of  the  Rev.  William  Berrian, 
D.  D.,  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  K  Y.,  who  m.  Oct.  27,  1812, 
Jane,  dau.  of  Col.  Elias  B.  Dayton  of  Elizabethtown,  N.  J. 
John^  b.  Sep.  27,  1720,  m.  Ellen  Brasher,  and  it  is  said  became 
a  merchant  in  N.  York,  though  he  appears  at  one  time  to  have 
commanded  a  vessel.  He  d.  Dec.  2(5,  177o,  and  his  widow  in 
her  75th  yr.  Sep.  17,  180G.  Both  were  interred  in  Trinity 
Church  yard.  Their  ch.  Avho  survived  infancy,  were  x\bi- 
gail,  b.  Jan.  8,  1754,  m.  Capt.  Alexander  Cameron;  John,  b. 
Dec.  20,  175G;  Sarah,  b.  Dec.  31,  1758,  m.  Jacob  liegeman, 
and  Daniel,  b.  Aug.  20,  1762.  The  latter,  a  ship  builder,  d.  of 
yellow  fever  in  1795,  and  was  the  fother  of  the  late  Daniel 
Berrien  of  N.  Y.  brush-dealer,  who  d.  Feb.  2,  1849,  a.  03,  his 
business  being  now  conducted  by  his  son  Daniel. 

4.  Richard  Berrien,  son  of  Cornelius,^  m.  Dec.  2-1,  1748, 
Grace,  dan.  of  Abraham  Riker,  of  Newtown,  and  occupied 
the  form  since  of  Jesse  Leverich,  Esq.,  and  where  the  widow 
of  B.  Denton,  now  resides.  In  the  Revolution,  being  a  "whig, 
he  was  an  exile  in  Connecticut,  though  his  family  remained. 
His  wife  had  d.  Dec.  12,  1771,  a.  42.  lie  d.  in  1802,  a.  about 
70,  having  served  as  an  office  bearer  in  the  Presb.  church. 
His  ch.  were  Abraham,  b.  July  21,  1751 ;  Sarah,  b.  Mar.  31, 
1754,  m.  Sam'l  Leverich,  and  Grace,  b.  Nov.  24,  1759,  wdio  m. 
Jesse  Leverich,  above  named.  Abraham  removed  to  West- 
chester, and  in  1796  bought  from  his  uncle  Samuel,  the  estate 
of  Tippett's  Neck,  near  Kingsbridge.  He  m.  Feb.  18,  1775, 
Mary,  dau.of  Nath'l  Moore,  who  dying  Feb.  13, 1788,  a.  33,  he 
m.  secondly,  Pelatiah  Williams,  Feb.  4,  1794.  He  d.  Oct.  1, 
1830,  and  his  widow  Oct.  26,  1839,  both  a.  79  yrs.  and  both 
buried  in  Newtown.  Mr.  Berrien's  ch.  who  reached  adult 
yrs.  were  all  by  his  first  marriage,  namely,  Abraham,  d.  1851, 
a.  71 ;  Nathaniel,  d.  1847,  a.  65  :  Richarda)lind,  d.  1827,  a  40 ; 
Rebecca,  m.  Geo.  Brinckerhoff ;  Grace-Moore,  m.  Maj.  Leonard 
Bleecker;  Charity,  m.  John  Ilooghind,  and  Marj'. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  341 

5.  Cornelius  Berrien,  son  of  Cornelius,^  was  b.  Jan.  30, 
1735,  remained  on  the  paternal  farm,  and  m.  Jane  dau.  of 
Charles  Warner,  of  Westchester.  She  d.  in  her  40th  yr.  Feb. 
22,  1777,  and  he  on  July  17,  1810.  They  had  twelve  ch.  of 
whom  the  following  attained  maturity,  viz.  Elizabeth,  h.  Nov. 
20,  1753,  m.  John  Bogart;  Sarah,  b.  Mar.  29,  1755,  m.  her 
cousin,  Samuel,  son  of  Nich.  Berrien,  of  Fordham ;  Jane,  b. 
Dec.  24,  1757,  m.  John  Deacon  and  Daniel  Farrington ;  Sam- 
uel, b.  June  7,  1760,  m.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Ezra  Newman,  of  Conn. ; 
Lydia,  b.  Apr.  8,  1708,  m.  Wm.  Lawrence  ;  Catharine,  b.  Mar. 
30, 1772,  m.  Richard  Moore;  James,  b.  Aug.  18, 1773,  m.  Char- 
lotte, dau.  of  Jos.  Cooper,  and  Cornelius,  b.  Oct.  13,  1775,  who 
obtained  the  paternal  farm  in  llellgate  Neck,  and  dying  unm. 
Aug.  6,  1833,  left  it  to  his  kindred ;  his  nephew,  Ezra  N.  Ber- 
rien, son  of  Samuel,  now  occupying  the  same. 

6.  Peter  Berrien,  son  o^  Cornelius,^  was  b.  in  1072,  and  m. 
Aug.  10,  1706,  his  step-sister  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Samuel  Edsall, 
Esq.*  lie  was  a  surveyor  by  profession,  and  became  a  large 
landholder.  (See  p.  160.)  IIo  served  several  years  as  super- 
visor, and  enjoyed  a  large  measure  of  public  confidence.     lie 

*  Samuel  Edsall,  whose  descendants  are  now  found  in  New-York, 
New  Jersey,  and  other  states,  was  a  native  of  Reading,  in  Berkshire,  Eng. ; 
and  after  his  arrival  at  New  Amsterdam,  m.  in  1655,  Jannetie  Wessels,  from- 
Aernhem.  Here  he  pursued  the  business  of  a  beaver-maker  or  hatter.  lie 
acquired  large  plantations  at  Bergen  and  Hackensack,  in  New  Jersey,  to  the  , 
former  of  which  places  he  removed  "in  Col.  NicoU's  time,"  and  in  1668  was 
appointed  one  of  the  council  for  that  province.  Through  a  long  term  of 
years  he  was  an  active  public  man.  His  zealous  support  of  the  unfortunate 
Leisler,  incurred  the  hatred  of  the  opposite  party,  though  he  enjoyed  in  a 
large  degree  the  respect  of  the  people  of  Newtown,  among  whom  he  had  pre- 
viously fixed  his  residence.  He  here  m.  his  second  wife,  Jannetie,  widow  of 
Cor.  Berrien.  He  was  still  sers'ing  in  the  magistracy  at  Newtown  in  1700  ; 
but  the  time  and  place  of  his  decease  is  uncertain.  His  sons,  John  and  Rich- 
ard, settled  at  Hackensack,  where  the  former  d.  in  1714,  a.  54,  leaving  sons 
Samuel  and  John.  Richard  m.  in  1712,  Kezia,  dau.  of  Philip  Ketcham,  of 
Newtown,  by  his  intermarriage  with  Martha  dau.  of  Capt.  Rich.  Betts.  His 
son,  Philip  Edsall,  inherited  half  of  his  grandfatlierKetcham's  estate  in  New- 
town,  m.  Dec.  11,  1734,  Elizabeth  dau.  of  Rev.  Mr.  Pumroy,  and  served  long 
and  faithfully  both  as  a  civil  magistrate  and  an  elder  of  the  Prcsb.  church. 
'He  d.  Feb.  21,  1791,  a.  78,  and  was  buried  on  that  part  of  his  firm  at  Fresh 
Ponds,  now  held  by  his  grand-daughter,  Mrs.  Liiar.  His  dau.  Elizabeth  ra. 
Judge  Coe,  and  his  son  Samuel,  who  d.  Oct.  11,  1806,  in  his  62d  yr.  has 
Beveral  ch.  living. 


342  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

presented  the  ground  on  which  the  first  Dutch  church  in  New- 
town was  erected.  The  coat-of-arms  at  the  head  of  this  account 
is  taken  from  an  impression  of  the  seal  carried,  by  this  gentle- 
man. He  d.  very  suddenly,  while  riding  from  Newtown  vil- 
lage to  his  own  house,  Apr.  5,  1737.  His  widow  d.  May  6, 
1763.  Their  ch.  except  two  that  d.  in  infanc}^,  were  Corne- 
lius,^ b.  May  24,  1707 ;  Samuel,  b.  Sep.  29,  1709,  d.  Aug.  29, 
1742;  John,9b.  Nov.  19,  1711;  Peter,  b.  Feb.  6,  1714;  Jane, 
b.  Sep.  29,  1716,  m.  Nath'l  Fish ;  Nicholas,  b.  Aug.  3,  1720, 
and  Jacob,  b.  Apr.  10,  1723.  The  last  two  became  merchants 
in  New- York,  but  onl}'-  Nicholas  married.  Peter  settled  on  a 
farm  in  Somerset  co.  N.  J.,  where  he  d.  in  1781,  a.  67.  By  his 
wife,  Anna  Emmons,  he  had  sons  Henry  and  John,  and  daugh- 
ters Elizabeth,  m.  Col.  Van  Dyck ;  Sarah,  m.  Schureman,  and 
Ann,  who  m.  Eichard  Betts.  The  sons  m.  Van  Dycks,  of  dif- 
ferent families,  but  only  Henry  ha^  issue. 

7.  Cornelius  Berrien,  son  of  Peter, "^  remained  in  Newtown, 
and  in  1740  bought  the  paternal  farm,  being  that  afterwards 
owned  by  Rich.  Berrien,  and  now  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Den- 
ton. He  m.  Amy  Smith,  served  as  a  civil  magistrate,  and  in 
the  eldership  of  the  Presb.  church,  and  d.  Jan.  14,  1758,  in  his 
61st  yr.  His  widow,  a  woman  of  intelligence  and  education, 
d.  Dec.  22,  1793.  Their  ch.  were  Cornelius,^  John,  Peter,  Eliz- 
abeth, m.  Rich.  Betts ;  Amy,  m.  Rich.  Lawrence  ;  Jane,  m.  Wm. 
Nicoll,  and  Catharine  who  m,  Nathan  Fish.  Peter,  a  shipmas- 
ter and  member  of  the  Marine  Society,  sailed  a  vessel  owned 
by  his  brother  Cornelius,  and  lost  his  life  on  the  Spanish  main 
in  1777.  John  studied  medicine,  but  relinquished  this  for  a 
mercantile  life,  in  which  he  was  prosperous.  He  m.  Apr.  27, 
1763,  Sarah  dau.  of  Elnathan  Fish,  by  whom  he  had  an  only 
child,  Rachel,  who  m.  Col.  John  Jameson  of  Virginia.  In  1775 
Mr.  Berrien  was  chosen  on  the  committee  of  safety  for  the  city 
of  New-York ;  and  throughout  the  war  of  independence  gave 
strong  evidence  of  faithfulness  and  ability  in  legislative  and 
other  offices.  His  private  life  was  adorned  by  many  virtues. 
He  d.  Sep.  25,  1784,  in  his  49th  yr. 

8.  Cornelius  Berrien,  son  of  Cornelius,'^  was  b.  Oct.  14, 
1734,  and  m.  in  1765,  Elizabeth  dau.  of  Rich.  Penfold.  In  the 
French  war  he  served  as  first-lieutenant  on  board  the  privateer 
Tartar,  Capt.  Thos.  Lawrence ;  and  at  the  termination  of  their 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  343 

successful  cruises  against  the  French,  he  cngnged  in  commerce, 
owning  and  commanding  several  vessels.  In  1777,  he  despatch- 
ed three  vessels  to  the  West  Indies,  in  command  of  his  brother 
Peter,  his  brother-in-law  John  Penfold,  and  Capt.  Richardson. 
On  the  Spanish  main,  while  obtaining  a  shipment  of  mules, 
they  were  attacked  by  the  natives,  and  of  the  three  crews  only 
two  seamen  escaped  to  reveal  the  tragedy.  After  the  war, 
Capt.  Berrien  resided  on  the  Penfold  farm  at  Hellgate,  and 
followed  husbandry  till  his  death,  Dec.  12,  1805,  in  his  72d  yr. 
nis  widow  d.  Sep.  10,  1817,  a.  70.  Their  ch.  who  reached  ma- 
ture age  were  Richard-Penfold  and  Cornelius-Penfold,  twins, 
b.  Oct.  5,  1779,  the  latter  of  whom  m.  Elizabeth  B.  dau.  of  John 
Morris,  and  d.  Apr.  3,  1828,  having  had  issue  Sarah,  John  M., 
Cornelius  A,,  Mary,  Elizabeth,  and  Jane.  Rich.  P.  Berrien, 
now  of  NcAV-York,  m.  Elizabeth  dau.  of  Sol.  Vanderbeck.  His 
ch.  are  Eliza  P.,  Cornelius  P.,  Richard  P.,  William  E.,  and 
Gertrude  A. 

9.  John  Berrien,  son  of  Peter,^  became  a  merchant  at  Rocky 
Hill,  in  Somerset  co.,  N.  J.,  and  m.  Margaret  Eaton  of  that 
state.  From  1763  till  his  death,  he  was  one  of  the  trustees  of 
Princeton  College,  besides  holding  other  responsible  public 
stations.  On  his  tombstone,  at  Princeton,  is  the  following: 
"  Sacred  to  the  memory  of  the  honorable  John  Berrien,  Esq., 
one  of  the  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Judicature  of  the 
Province  of  New  Jersey,  who  died  much  lamented  on  the  22d 
day  of  April,  A.  D.  1772,  in  the  61st  year  of  his  age."  His  ch. 
were  John,  William,  Samuel,  Thomas,  Eliza,  m.  Nath'l  Law- 
rence and  John  Lawrence,  and  Mary  who  m.  Dr.  Thos.  Mont- 
gomery. William,  a  physician,  d.  at  Arneytown,  New  Jersey, 
and  his  brothers  Samuel  and  Thomas  are  or  were  recently  liv- 
ing in  the  above  state.  John  emigrated  to  Georgia  in  1775, 
commanded  a  company  in  the  regular  service  at  the  age  of 
seventeen,  and  at  eighteen  was  commissioned  a  brigade-major, 
in  which  capacity  he  made  the  campaign  of  the  Jerseys,  and 
was  engaged  at  the  battle  of  Monmouth  and  elsewhere.  At  the 
close  of  the  war,  he  m.  Margaret  Macpherson  of  Philadelphia, 
dau.  of  Capt.  John  Macpherson,  an  officer  in  the  provincial 
navy,  and  a  sister  of  John  and  Wilham  M.  both  distinguished 
in  the  revolutionary  struggle ;  the  former  an  aid-de-camp  to 
Gen.  Montgomery,  with  whom  he  fell  in  battle  at  Quebec.  Mr. 


344  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOAVN. 

Berrien  returned  to  Georgia,  and  settled  in  Savannali,  where 
he  d.  in  1815,  having  held  the  office  of  survej'or  of  that  port 
for  many  years,  and,  for  a  shorter  period,  that  of  state  trea- 
surer. His  son,  the  present  Hon,  John  Macpherson  Berrien,  is 
a  native  of  Georgia.  Having  graduated  at  Princeton  College, 
and  engaged  in  the  study  of  law,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
before  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age.  His  first  public  office  was 
that  of  recorder  of  the  city  of  Savannah,  and  his  next  that  of 
solicitor-general.  At  the  age  of  twenty-nine  he  was  called  to 
the  state  bench,  which  office  he  held  for  ten  years,  and  resign- 
ing in  1822,  served  in  the  state  senate  the  two  succeeding 
years.  In  1825,  he  took  his  seat  in  the  senate  of  the  United 
States,  where  he  remained  till  1829,  when  he  was  appointed 
U.  S.  attorney-general.  In  the  same  year  the  mission  to 
England  was  offered  him,  and  declined  chiefly  from  domestic 
considerations.  He  resigned  the  office  of  attorney -general 
in  1831,  and  resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Savan- 
nah ;  but  in  18-10  was  again  called  to  the  U.  S.  senate,  and  yet 
holds  a  seat  in  that  bod}^  These  numerous  marks  of  public 
favor  are  very  creditable  to  their  worthy  recipient. 


THE    SACKETT    FAMILY. 

Among  the  early  puritan  emigrants  to  New  England,  was 
Mr.  Simon  Sackett,  who,  about  the  year  1628  or  '29,  came 
from  the  Isle  of  Ely,  Cambridgeshire,  Eng.,  and  located  at 
Cambridge,  Mass.,  where  he  d.  in  1635.  His  sons  Simon  and 
John  removed  in  1653  to  Springfield,  on  the  Connecticut  river, 
where  they  took  the  oath  of  fidelity,  Liar.  23,  1656.  John  af- 
terwards removed  to  Northampton,  and  thence  to  "Westfield, 
where  he  d.  in  1719,  a.  87.  His  posterity  have  been  numerous 
in  Westfield  and  its  vicinitj-,  and  are  also  found  in  western 
New-York.  His  brother,  Simon  Sackett,  d.  at  SjDringfield,  July 
9,  1659,  a.  29,  his  wife  Sarah,  dau.  of  Wm.  Bloomfield,  surviv- 
ing him.  His  only  child,  as  far  as  known,  was  Joseph,  the 
progenitor  of  the  Newtown  family. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  345 

1.  Josepli  Sackett,  son  of  Simon  2d,  was  b.  at  Springfield, 
Feb.  23,  1656.  Left  fatherless  at  a  tender  age,  it  is  probable 
he  was  taken  into  the  family  of  his  grandfather  Bloomfield, 
and  accompanied  the  latter  on  his  removal  to  Xewtown  in 
1662.  However,  Sackett  was  here  in  167-1,  and  for  many  j-ears 
enjoyed  a  prominent  standing  in  the  town.  By  his  own  exer- 
tions and  favor  shown  him  by  his  bachelor  uncle,  Daniel  Bloom- 
field,  he  accumulated  a  large  estate  in  iSre^\i;own  and  elsewhere. 

.^^f^Q  m.  thrice ;  first,  Elizabeth  dau.  of  Capt.  Rich.  Betts ;  se- 
condly, Anna  ,  and  lastly  to  Mercy,  widow  of  Thos. 

Betts,  Esq.,  who  survived  him.  Capt.  Sackett  d.  near  the 
close  of  1719,  in  his  6-lth  yr.  His  ch.  were  Simon,  Joseph,3 
Eichard,  John,-  "William,  Samuel,  Elizabeth  and  Sarah,  who, 
in  succession,  m.  Jos.  Moore ;  Anna,  m.  Benjamin  Moore ; 
Abigail,  m.  John  Alsop ;  and  Patience,  who  m.  John  Lawrence. 
Simon  d.  at  Hopewell,  N.  J.  in  1718,  leaving  no  issue.  Richard 
m.  and  d.  at  Greenwich,  Ct.  William  remained  at  ISTewtown, 
and  in  1727  w^as  appointed  by  the  town  the  "  general  whipper." 
In  1729  he  m.  wddow  Mary  Janes,  but  had  no  issue.  Having 
served  some  years  in  the  magistracy,  and  survived  his  consort, 
he  d.  Aug.  29,  1761,  in  his  61th  yr.  He  occupied  the  premises 
since  known  as  the  old  Episcopal  parsonage.  Samuel  studied 
divinity,  and  was  settled  over  the  Presbyterian  church  at  Bed- 
ford, Westchester  co.  in  1713,  ministered  there  for  ten  years, 
and  then  removed  to  the  congregation  at  Yorktown,  in  the 
same  county,  where  he  d.  June  5,  1784.  His  grave  is  in  the 
village  of  Crompond,  the  scene  of  his  labors.  He  was  a  judi- 
cious, laborious,  and  successful  minister  of  Christ.  He  m.  Apr. 
6, 1732,  Hannah  dau.  of  Nath'l  Hazard,  and  left  sons  Nathaniel 
and  James,  besides  daughters. 

2.  John  Sackett,  son  of  Joseph,  ^  remained  in  Newtown, 
owning  the  farm  now  belonging  to  the  estate  of  John  A.  Kelly, 
dec.  He  m.  Jan.  11,  1719,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Elnathan  Field, 
after  whose  death,  he  m.  her  sister  Susannah.  He  d.  Dec.  31, 
1728,  and  his  widow  m.  John  Leverich.  Mr.  Sackett  left  two 
ch.  namely,  Elizabeth  and  William,  the  first  of  whom  m.  her 
step-brother, 'John  Leverich.  Milliam,  b.  Dec.  29,  1727,  m. 
Feb.  14,  1749,  Anna,  dau.  of  John  Lawrence.  He  occupied  the 
paternal  farm,  and  there  d.  Apr.  28, 1802,  his  wife  having  d. 
Apr.  11, 1798,  in  her  67th  yr.     Their  ch.  who  reached  matui'ity 


346  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

were  John,  b,  July  27,  1755  ;  Daniel,  b.  Mar.  29,  1759,  m. 
Martha  Green,  but  d.  at  Old  Milford,  Ct.  without  issue,  Jan.  7, 
1822  ;  Jonathan,  b.  Sep.  28,  1761,  and  Nathaniel  L.,  b.  Aug 
23  1764,  Avho  d.  unm.  Mar.  26,  1797.  Jonathan  m.  Sarah, 
dau.  of  Capt.  Jacob  Banks,  and  had  issue  Jacob  B.,  b.  June  4, 
1786 ;  Anna  L.,  b.  May  17,  1789  ;  William,  b.  Sep.  28,  1792, 
d.  July  3,  1802  ;  John  L.,  b.  Nov.  7,  1794,  and  Jonathan,  b. 
May  9,  1801.  Capt.  John  Sackett,  son  of  William  and  Anna, 
m.  Elizabeth  Gibbs,  of  Conn.,  and  remained  in  Newtown, 
where  he  d.  May  12,  1819,  in  his  64th  yr.,  and  his  widow,  a. 
71,  May  27,  1836.  Their  ch.  were  AVilliam,  b.  Feb.  28,  1784, 
m.  Gertrude,  dau.  of  John  Meserole,  and  d.  Feb.  4,  1849  ;  Law- 
rence, b.  Sep.  14,  1786  ;  Anna,  b.  Feb.  24, 1791,  m.  Peter  Gors- 
line  •*  Mary,  b.  Apr.  28,  1793,  the  widow  of  Jos,  Lawrence ; 
Patience,  b.  July  21,  1795  ;  Elizabeth  G.,  b.  Dec.  18,  1799,  and 
Amy  L.,  b.  Jan.  6, 1804.     The  last  three  d,  single. 

3.  Joseph  Sackett,  son  of  Joseph,^  received  a  considerable 
property  from  his  father,  and  resided  at  the  English  Kills,  on 
the  premises  late  Judge  Jones'.  He  was  a  man  of  probity,  a 
justice  of  the  peace,  and  a  judge  from  1749  till  his  death, 
which  occurred  at  an  advanced  age,  Sep.  26,  1755.  His  wife 
Hannah,  dau.  of  Richard  Alsop,  survived  till  June  17,  1773. 

*  The  family  of  Gorsline  is  of  French  extraction.  The  name  dates  back 
to  a  period  of  great  antiquity  ;  and,  besides  being  mentioned  in  an  honorable 
connection  by  the  annalists  of  France,  is  also  found  enrolled  upon  the  tables 
of  nobility  in  that  country.  Branches  of  the  family  now  reside  in  Alsace, 
Brabant,  Switzerland,  and  England.  Jacob  Gosseline,  a  respectable  French 
emigrant,  came  to  Newtown  near  the  close  of  the  seventeenth  century.  Hav- 
ino-  means,  or  acquiring  it  in  the  prosecution  of  his  trade  as  a  weaver,  he 
purchased  a  fiirm,  which  he  cultivated  till  his  death, in  or  about  1722.  He  left 
sons  Jacob,  Jose,  John,  and  Samuel.  Jose  owned  the  f:irm  now  of  William 
Leverich,  near  Newtown  village,  and  was  also  a  weaver.  For  nine  years  he 
was  constable  of  the  town.  He  m.  in  succession  Elizabeth  Alburtis  and 
Martha  Smith,  and  d.  Nov.  20,  1772.  His  ch.  were  Samuel,  Jacob,  John, 
William,  Joseph,  James,  Daniel,  Richard,  Elizabeth,  Mary,  Judith,  Thomas, 
and  Benjamin.  Of  these,  Samuel  left  a  family  in  Dutchess  co.  Richard  d.  in 
the  Island  of  St.  Croix,  in  1771,  leaving  Richard,  who  settled  at  Delhi,  N.  Y,, 
and  Ann,  who  m.  Capt.  (afterwards  Gen.)  ^neas  Shaw,  of  the  British  army. 
Joseph  m.  successively  Sarah  Leverich,  and  widow  Hannah  Underbill,  and  d. 
in  his  86th  yr.  Mar.  30,  1822.  His  sons  were  James  and  John,  the  last  of 
whom  ra.  Helen  Conselyea,  and  was  the  father  of  the  present  Andrew  and 
Peter  Gorsline,  of  Newtown. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  34T 

Their  cli.  were  Joseph,^  Jolin,  James,  Samuel,^  Thomas,  "Wil- 
liam, Elizabeth,  who  m.  Jonathan  Fish ;  Hannah,  m.  Thomas 
Whitehead ;  Frances,  m.  Jacob  Blackwell ;  and  Deborah,  wlio 
m.  Jas.  Stringham.  Of  the  sons,  William  continued  in  New- 
town, and  was  a  vestryman  of  the  Episcopal  church.  He  m. 
Sarah,  dau.  of  Capt.  Sam'l  Fish,  who  after  his  death  m.  John 
Woods,  of  New-York,  attorney  at  law.  Mr.  Sackett  left  a  son, 
William,  who  removed  west.  Thomas  practiced  medicine  in 
Newtown  for  many  years,  where  he  m.  Sep.  21,  1762,  Phebe, 
dau.  of  Sam'l  Alburtis.  He  d.  June  27,  1769,  a.  40,  and  his 
only  ch.  Hannah  m.  John  Ruggles,  and  settled  in  Nova  Sco- 
tia. James  was  associated  with  his  brother  Samuel  in  mercan- 
tile business  in  New-York,  where  he  m.  Frances  DeKay,  Nov. 
2,  1749,  and  d.  during  the  Revolution.  His  only  ch.  Frances 
m.  William  Laight,  father  of  Mr.  Edward  W.  Laight,  of  New- 
York. 

4.  Joseph  Sackett,  son  of  Joseph,^  m.  Mar.  23,  1731,  Milli- 
cent,  dau.  of  Samuel  Clowes,  of  Jamaica.  After  doing  busi- 
ness in  New- York  as  a  merchant  for  some  years,  he  removed 
to  Orange  co.  where  he  held  a  large  tract  of  land.  His  son 
Joseph  was  b.  Feb.  16,  1733,  old  style,  became  a  physician  and 
practiced  in  Newtown,  for  a  considerable  period,  before  the 
Revolution.  During  this  war,  being  a  whig,  he  lived  at  Peram- 
us,  N.  J.  He  d.  in  New- York,  July  27,  1799.  His  widow, 
Hannah,  dau.  of  Richard  Alsop,  whom  he  m.  Apr.  9,  1752,  d. 
at  the  same  place,  May  31,  1817,  in  her  82d  yr.  Of  twelve 
ch.  most  d.  in  infancy  or  early  life,  nnm.  James,  b.  Mar.  20, 
1755,  a  surgeon  in  the  navy,  d.  single;  Peter,  b.  Mar.  4,  1757, 
went  to  England  ;  Elizabeth-Crooke,  b.  Jan.  16,  1772,  m.  Capt. 
Daniel  Tingley,  of  N,  York,  and  Joseph,  b.  Aug.  6,  1774,  has 
several  daughters  residing  in  the  last  named  place. 

5.  Samuel  Sackett,  son  of  Joseph,^  was  b.  in  1728,  and  after 
eno-aging  in  business  in  New- York  retired  to  Jamaica,  Avhere 
he^m'.  his  wife,  Mary  Bctts.  There  he  d.  Sep.  29,  1780,  a.  52, 
and  his  widow  Apr.  20,  1784,  a.  43.  They  had  issue  Samuel, 
Richard,  Augustus,  and  Sophia,  wife  of  Oliver  Goodwin  of 
Ohio.  Richard  never  married  ;  after  the  Revolution  he  served 
many  years  in  the  British  navy.  Augustus  ra.  June  19,  1795, 
Minerva,  dau.  of  Elisha  Camp,  of  Cat£kill,.and  enjoyed  some 
prominence  in  New- York.     In  1802  he  removed  to,  and  began 


348 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 


the  settlement  of  Sackett's  Harbor,  wliicli  took  his  name,  and 
where  he  has  sons  residing,  Samuel  Sachett,  b,  1765,  m.  Nov. 
9,  1786,  Ehzabeth,  dan,  of  Daniel  Kissam,  Esq.  He  d.  at 
Brooklyn,  in  his  57th  yr.  Mar.  7,  1822,  leaving  issue,  Edwin 
K.  now  dec,  Clarence  D.  and  Grenville  A.  both  of  New- 
York,  laAvyers,  and  Elizabeth  K.  wife  of  Thos.  W.  Titus,  of 
Brooklyn. 


THE    POLHEMUS    FAMILY, 


For  a  long  period  this  name 
has  held  a  distinguished  place 
among  officers  of  state  and  men 
of  letters,  in  the  Netherlands, 
where  the  family  originated. 
Anciently  some  of  its  members 
enjoyed  celebrity  in  the  citicg 
of  Antwerp  and  Ghent,  in  the 
first  of  which  Eleazar  Polhc- 
mus,  a  learned  jurist,  held  the 
office  of  burgomaster  as  early 
as  1310.  The  annexed  cut 
represents  the  family  arms. 
1.  Johannes  Theodorus  Polhemus,  a  minister  of  the  Ee- 
formed  Church  of  Holland,  was  the  progenitor  of  the  entire 
American  family.  He  came  to  New- Amsterdam  in  1654  from 
Itamarca  in  Brazil,  where  he  had  been  settled.  He  immedi- 
ately accepted  a  call  from  Flatbush,  and  took  up  his  residence 
there,  where,  in  1662,  he  received  a  patent  for  a  part  of  the 
premises  now  owned  by  Jeremiah  Lott,  Esq.  In  1665,  his 
connection  with  this  church  ceased,  from  which  time  his  ser- 
vices were  given  to  the  Brooklyn  congregation  till  his  decease, 
June  9,  1676.  In  recording  the  death  of  their  "  worthy 
and  beloved  pastor,"  they  deplore  the  loss  of  "  his  pious  in- 
structions, godly  example,  and  edif3ang  preaching."  His 
widow,  whose  maiden  name  was  Catharine  Van  Werven,  sur- 
vived him  several  years.     His  ch.  Avere  Theodorus,-  Daniel, 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  349 

Elizabeth,  m.  Denjs  Teunisz,  Adriana,  m.  John  R.  Seubering, 
Anna,  m.  Cornelius  B.  Van  Wyck,  and  Margaret,  Avho  m.  Wm. 
Guilliamse  Cornell  Daniel  m.  Aug.  13,  1685,  Neeltie,  dau.  of 
Cor.  Vanderveer.  He  was  captain  of  the  King's  co.  troop,  and 
supervisor  of  Flatbush  in  1705.  lie  was  afterwards  county 
judge.  He  d.  in  or  just  prior  to  1730,  having  sons,  Cornelius, 
Daniel,  Hendrick,  and  Jacob.  The  latter  settled  at  Haver- 
straw  ;  Hendrick  in  Somerset  co.  N.  J. ;  Daniel  in  New-York, 
and   Cornelius  in  Hempstead,  L.  I.    All  left  families. 

2.  Theodorus  Polhemus,  el'dest  son  of  Johannes,^  was  b. 
on  the  Island  of  Tamarica  in  Brazil.  He  m.  Oct.  14,  1677, 
Aertie,  dau.  of  Teunis  G.  Bogart,  by  his  intermarriage  with 
Sarah,  dau.  of  Joris  Janscn  de  Rapalie.  Soon  after  this,  Mr. 
Polhemus  was  chosen  a  deacon  of  the  Flatbush  church,  in 
which  he  served  two  years.  Prior  to  1692,  he  removed  to  the 
town  of  Jamaica,  where  he  d.  in  1722,  leaving  sons,  Teunis, 
Johannes,  and  Abraham.^  Teunis  returned  to  Flatbush,  where 
he  d.  leaving  sons,  Theodorus,  b.  1720,  and  Andries,  b.  1722. 
Johannes  had  male  issue,  Theodorus,  b.  1718,  Hendrick,  b. 
1730,  and  Eldert,  b.  1740. 

3.  Abraham  Polhemus,  youngest  son  of  Theodorus,-  was  b. 
in  1697,  and  m.  Gertrude,  dau.  of  Jacob  and  Gertrude  Rem- 
sen.  He  and  his  wife  were  respected  members  of  the  Dutch 
church.  They  had  sons,  Theodorus,  b.  1719,  Jacob,  b.  1725, 
and  Abraham,"*  b.  1727.  Theodorus  m.  Ann,  dau,  of  Abm. 
Brinckerhoff,  and  settled  in  BusliAvick,  where  he  d.  in  1781,  in 
his  63d  yr.  His  ch.  Avere  Abraham,  Theodorus,  Jacob,  George, 
d.  a  bachelor,  Aletta,  m.  Thomas  Stagg,  and  Gertrude,  who  m. 
Paul  Vandervoort.  Of  these  sons,  1,  Abraham  m.  Christina, 
dau.  of  Francis  Titus,  and  d.  in  New-York,  Sep.  11,  1826,  a. 
84,  having  had  issue,  Ann,  Elizabeth,  who  m.  Jacob  Stagg, 
Helen,  now  the  widow  of  Daniel  Biker,  Theodore,  and  Francis  ; 
2,  Theodorus,  m.  Maria  Johnson,  and  d.  at  Gowanus,  May  29, 
1820,  a.  70,  leaving  issue,  Garretta,  wife  of  Adrian  Van  Brunt, 
Cornelia,  now  widow  of  Jacob  Van  Wyck,  and  Theodorus,  of 
Gowanus;  3,  Jacob  resided  in  Newtown,  m,  his  cousin,  Gertrude, 
dau.  of  Abm.  Polhemus,  and  dying  Apr.  13, 1791,  a.  37,  his  widow 
m.  James  Larrcmore.  Jacob's  ch.  were  Anne,  m.  Garret  Stryker, 
Ksq.,  (father  of  the  late  esteemed  Dr.  Jacob  Polhemus  Stryker,) 
Margaret,  widow  of  Isaac  Eapelye,  Aletta,  who  m.  John  G.  Van 
Alst,  and  Jacob.  23 


350  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOVrN. 

4.  Abraham  Polhemus,  son  of  Abraham, ^  m.  Margaret 
Schenck,  and  settled  in  Newtown,  where  he  d.  Sep.  8,  1809  in 
his  83d  yr.  He  had  issue,  Abraham,  Elizabeth,  who  m,  Dan'I 
Eapelye,  Gertrude,  m.  Jacob  Polhemus  and  Jas.  Larremore, 
and  Peter  who  d.  a  young  man.  AhraJiam  m.  Alctta,  dau.  of 
Abm.  Eapelye,  and  secondly,  his  cousin  Elizabeth  Bogart.  He 
d.  in  his  80th  yr.  May  24, 1831,  having  ch.  Anne,  who  m.  Isaac 
Snediker,  and  Abraham.  The  latter  m.  in  1811,  Cornelia,  dau. 
of  Jacobus  Suydam.  He  d.  in  his  59th  yr.  Aug.  28,  1843,  but 
his  widow  still  occupies  his  estate  at  Hellgate.  (See  p.  37.) 
His  son,  James  S.  is  a  merchant  of  New-York,  and  another,  the 
Kev.  Abraham  Polhemus,  of  the  Eef.  Dutch  church,  is  settled 
at  Hopewell,  in  Dutchess  co. 


THE    LEVEEICH    FAMILY. 

The  learned  and  reverend  William  Leverich,  than  whom 
his  descendants  need  wish  no  better  ancestry,  first  appears  as 
a  student  at  Emanuel  college,  Cambridge,  where  he  graduated, 
taking  his  degree  of  A.  B.  in  1625,  and  that  of  A.  M.  in  1629. 
From  his  autograph  in  the  college  register  at  Cambridge,  and 
in  the  town  records  of  Newtown,  it  appears,  unquestionably, 
that  he  wrote  his  name  as  above,  though  a  few  of  his  descend- 
ants now  write  Leveridge.  Engaging  to  become  the  minister  of 
Dover,  in  New  Hampshire,  he  embarked  at  London  in  the  ship 
James,  and,  after  a  passage  of  eight  weeks,  arrived  at  Salem, 
Oct.  10,  1633.  He  immediately  entered  upon  his  work  at 
Dover ;  but,  after  a  stay  of  less  than  two  years,  he  left,  and 
came  to  Boston,  where  he  united  with  the  church,  Aug.  9, 
1635.  His  residence  here  was  also  brief,  for  he  soon  became 
an  assistant  to  the  Eev.  Mr.  Partridge  at  Duxbury,  where,  in 
1637,  a  house-lot  was  assigned  him.  Three  years  later,  we  find 
him  in  ofiice  at  Sandwich,  on  Cape  Cod,  and  here  he  remained 
a  good  many  years,  engaged  in  imparting  religious  truth  to  the 
Indians,  and  proving  himself  a  worthy  cotemporary  of  the 
apostle  Eliot.  In  1653  he  became  a  purchaser  and  settler  of 
Oyster  Bay,  L.  I.  the  inhabitants  agreeing  to  give  him  £15  per 
year  as  minister  among  them.   At  this  place,  Huntington,  and 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  351 

Newtown,  be  spent  tlie  rest  of  his  life,  as  has  been  before  re- 
lated. He  left  sons  Caleb  and  Eleazer,  the  former  of  whom 
took  out  letters  of  administration  on  his  estate,  June  19,  1677. 
Eleazer  m.  Kebeeca,  dau.  of  Nicholas  Wright,  but  had  no  issue. 
Caleb  Leverich  came  with  his  father  to  Newtown,  at  his  first 
settlement  here.  He  acquired  much  land  in  difterent  sections 
of  the  town,  eujojed  the  esteem  of  his  townsmen,  and  was  one 
of  the  original  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  He  d.  in 
1717,  a.  79,  having  survived  his  wife  Martha.  His  ch.  were 
John,i  Mary,  m.  Job  Wright ;  and  Eleanor,  m.  Jos,  Reeder. 

1.  John  Leverich,  son  of  Caleb,  and  grandson  of  the  Rev. 
Wm.  Leverich,  d.  in  or  shortly  prior  to  1705,  leaving  a  widow 
Hannah,  and  ch.  John,-  William,  Benjamin,  Hannah,  who  m. 
Jas.  Way,  and  Martha,  who  m.  John  Way.  William  m.  July 
23,  1722,  Martha,  dau.  of  Jas.  Way.  He  was  by  trade  a  car- 
penter, but  from  1732  owned  and  occupied  the  farm  now  of 
Geo,  Kouwenhoven,  in  Hellgate  Neck.  He  d.  Mar.  25,  1754, 
leaving  issue  Martha,  m.  Sam'l  Gosline ;  Mary,  m.  Richard 
Penfold  ;*  Ruth,  m.  Robert  Hallett ;  and  Sarah,  who  m.  Jos. 
Gosline,  Benjaviin  Leverich  d.  in  Newtown,  in  or  about  1732, 
his  wife,  Mary,  surviving.  Their  son,  Caleb,  early  began  busi- 
ness in  New-York,  as  a  painter,  and  m,  Susannah,  dau.  of  Wm. 

*  William  Penfold,  the  father  of  Richard,  was  an  English  sea-captainv 
whom.  June  18, 1713,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  John  Lawrence,  and  in  1719  bought 
the  estate  at  Hellgate,  now  owned  by  Dr.  Ditmars,  then  comprising  75  acres. 
Here  his  family  resided.  Capt.  Penfold  perished  on  one  of  his  voyages.  His 
widow  d.  Aug.  11,  1751.  Their  ch.  were  Richard,  Elizabeth,  (probably  d. 
unm.)  Deborah,  who  m.  Thos.  Parcel!,  and  Edmund.  The  latter  m.  in  1760, 
Catharine  Talman,  of  Flushing,  and  settled  at  Whitestone.  He  had  issue 
Elizabeth,  who  in,  Geo.  Farrington ;  and  Peter,  who  m.  but  left  no  ch* 
Richard,  named  in  the  text,  remained  on  the  paternal  form,  where  he  d.  Jan. 
7,  1764.  By  his  wife,  Miss  Leverich,  whom  he  m.  about  1745,  he  had  issue 
Elizabeth,  who  m.  Capt.  Cor.  Berrien;  William  L.,  Mary,  m.  John  Lawrence; 
Edmund,  John,  murdered  by  the  natives,  while  trading  on  the  Spanish  main; 
Martha,  m.  John  Cooper ;  Richard,  and  Thomas.  Edmund  and  Thomas  m. 
but  d.  without  issue.  Richard  ra.  Catharine  Bogart,  and  d.  in  1806,  a.  -15. 
His  ch.  were  Catharine-Ann,  who  m.  Wm.  Tilton ;  Thomas,  dec,  jtnd 
Nicholas  B.  now  of  New-York.  Thomas  has  three  daughters  living,  namely, 
Catharine,  wife  of  Edmund  Charles ;  Eliza-Jane,  wife  of  Dan'l  Riker,  and 
Ann-Maria.  William.  L.  Penfold  m.  Mar.  9, 1785,  Catharine,  dau.  of  John 
Fish.  He  d.  at  Newtown,  in  his  81st  yr.  Aug.  22,  1828.  His  ch.  all  living, 
are  John,  Samuel,  Edmund,  and  William. 


352  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

Burch.  Being  induced  to  enlist  in  the  service  during  the 
French  war,  he  lost  his  life,  July  6,  1758,  at  Sabbath-day 
Point,  on  Lake  George,  while  accompanying  the  ill-fated  ex- 
pedition of  Gen.  Abercrorabie.  His  widow  d.  Sep.  11,  1814, 
a.  88.  Their  ch.  were  Benjamin  and  John,  the  first  of  whom 
became  an  officer  in  the  British  navy,  and  d.  near  Dublin,  a 
few  years  since.  His  brother,  John  Leveridge,  b.  Sep.  4,  1758, 
resided  in  New-York,  m.  Ann  Chase,  and  d.  July  28,  1812. 
His  ch.  are  Susan,  now  the  widow  of  John  Ball ;  John  Leveridge 
of  New- York  city,  counsellor-at-law  ;  Benjamin  C.  of  the  same 
place,  physician ;  Sarah,  widow  of  Jos.  Lamson,  and  Ann-Eliza, 
wife  of  Elias  0.  Taylor. 

2.  John  Leverich,  son  of  John,i  was  b.  in  1696.  He  m.  first 
on  Dec.  14,  1720,  Amy  Moore  ;  secondly,  Susannah,  widow  of 
John  Sackett ;  and  thirdly,  Sarah,  widow  of  Francis  Cornish 
and  dau.  of  Silas  Titus.  By  the  latter  he  had  no  issue.  He  d. 
in  1780,  a.  84,  and  was  interred  in  the  family  cemetery  in 
Trains  Meadow,  his  widow  surviving  many  years.  His  ch. 
were  John,  William,"*  Samuel,-'  Benjamin,  and  Elnathan,  the 
latter  by  the  second  marriage.  Benjamin  d.  Mar.  80,  1750,  a. 
18.  Elnathan  m.  May  2,  1767,  Mary,  dau.  of  John  Coe,  and 
d.  Apr.  25,  1784,  in  his  43d  yr.  He  was  the  father  of  William, 
(the  mason,)  and  Susannah,  who  m.  Thos.  Burroughs.  John, 
the  eldest  son,  m.  May  ,22,  1743,  his  step-sister,  Elizabeth 
Sackett.  He  pursued  his  father's  occupation,  that  of  a  mason, 
and  for  a  season  resided  at  Fishkill  on  the  Hudson.  He  d.  in 
Newtown,  Sep.  18,  1780,  a.  59,  and  his  widow  Sep.  6,  1809,  a, 
89.  Their  ch.  were  Amy,  Sackett,  and  Kichard,  of  whom  the 
first  two  d.  single.  Eichard,  best  known  as  Deacon  Leverich, 
and  much  esteemed  in  his  time,  m.  Amy,  dau.  of  Edward 
Titus ;  and  secondly,  Nancy,  dau.  of  Jacob  Lane,  and  by  the 
latter,  who  is  yet  living,  had  issue  Amy-Eliza,  and  Susan. 
He  d.  at  his  residence  in  Trains  Meadow,  May  21,  1836,  a.  79. 

3.  Samuel  Leverich,  son  of  John,-  remained  in  Newtown, 
and  m.  Dec.  29,  1749,  Deborah,  dau.  of  Sam'l  Wright.  He  and 
others  were  frozen  to  death  in  the  South  Bay,  Jan.  21,  1754. 
(See  p.  161.)  His  widow  d.  Dec.  4,  1759.  Their  ch.  were 
Benjamin,  Samuel,  and  Gabriel.  The  first  d.  unm.  in  the  West 
Indies.  Gabriel  m.  Hannah,  dau.  of  Samuel  Thorp,  of  Bridge- 
port, Ct.  and  d.  Sep.  3,  1828,  a.  75.    His  ch.  were  Deborah, 


ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN.  353 

Susan,  Sarah,  Hannah,  Elizabeth,  Ann,  Samuel,  Sackett, 
Benjamin,  and  Gabriel,  nearly  all  dec.  Samuel,  the  only  sur- 
viving son,  is  a  respected  farmer  at  Southport,  Chemung  co. 
N.  Y.  Samuel  Leverich  m.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Richard  Berrien.  He 
d.  Jan.  24,  1816,  a.  Qb.  His  ch.  were  Eichard  B.,  and  Deborah, 
who  m.  her  cousin,  Nath'l  Berrien.  Richard  B.  m.  Aletta,  dau. 
of  Paul  Vandervoort.  His  death  occurred  in  his  oOth  yr.  May 
23, 1826,  he  having  had  issue  Sarah  B.  b.  June  22, 1800 ;  Paul  V. 
b.  June  1,  1802,  d.  Apr.  2,  '26  ;  Aletta  P.  b.  Sep.  17, 1804,  now 
Mrs.  Smith ;  Samuel,  b.  Dec.  11,  1806,  d.  Oct.  8,  '31 ;  Richard 
B.  b.  May  23,  1809,  and  Peter  V.  b.  Aug.  5,  1811. 

4.  William  Leverich,  son  of  John,"  was  b.  Oct.  5,  1723,  and 
m,  Dec.  13,  1747,  Hannah,  dau.  of  John  Way,  and,  secondly,  on 
Sep.  15,  1751,  Dorothy,  dau.  of  Ephraim  Morse,  and  sister  of 
Capt.  E.  Morse  of  the  French  war.  He  occupied  the  place  on 
the  south  side  of  Trains  Meadow,  afterwards  the  residence  of 
his  son  William,  and  now  owned  by  Mr.  Wilcox.  Here  he 
closed  his  life,  June  13,  1787,  his  death  resulting  from  a  cold 
taken  while  assisting  to  draw  stone  for  the  foundation  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  of  which  he  was  a  trustee.  His  widow 
d.  Apr.  17,  1814,  in  her  87th  yr.  Their  ch.  now  all  dec.  were 
John,  b.  Sep.  26,  1748,  d.  unm.  Mar.  18,  '72 ;  Amy,b.  Oct.  30, 
1749,  m.  Sam'l  Moore ;  Abigail,  b.  July  16,  1752,  m.  Alex- 
ander Whaley ;  Hannah,  b.  Feb.  11,  1754,  m.  Jas.  McDon- 
ough ;  Jesse,  b.  Feb.  13,  1756;  Patience,  b.  Dec.  2,  1757,  m. 
Henry  Stanton ;  William,  b.  Jan.  29,  1760 ;  Edward,  b.  Dec. 
3,  1763 ;  Elizabeth,  b.  Mar.  23,  1765,  m.  Jas.  Hedenberg ; 
James,  b.  June  13,  1767  ;  Sarah,  b.  Nov.  22,  1769,  ni.  Fred- 
erick Devoo,  and  Deborah,  b.  June  4,  1772,  who  m.  Daniel 
Riker,  Esq.  of  Newtown.  William^  a  justice  of  the  peace, 
m.  Cornelia,  dau.  of  Jacob  Duryea,  but  had  no  issue.  He  d. 
May  20,  1831.  James  m.  Hannah  Mott,  whom  he  survived, 
and  d.  Jan.  24,  1811.  His  ch.  were  Cornelia,  m.  Jos.  Duryea; 
Sackett,  and  James.  Jesse  m.  Grace,  dau.  of  Richard  Berrien, 
and  was  a  man  of  exemplary  life  and  an  elder  of  the  Presb. 
church.  He  d.  Oct.  3,  1829,  having  had  issue,  Richard  B., 
William,  Patience,  widow  of  Peter  Bonnett,  John,  Grace  R. 
now  wife  of  Andrew  Gorsline,  Peter  R.,  Sarah,  m.  Sam'l  Lev- 
erich, James,  and  Mary  B.  Col.  Edward  Leveridi  m.  Eliza- 
beth dau.  of  Jacob  Palmer,  and  secondly  Patience,  dau.  of  Da- 


54 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN 


vid  Moore,  the  last  of  whom  survives.  He  was  much  known 
and  respected  in  his  day.  His  death  occurred  June  14,  1833, 
in  his  72 d  yr.  His  ch.  all  by  his  first  marriage,  except  two, 
were  Jacob-Palmer,  William  H.,  James  H.,  Henry  S.,  Charles 
P.,  Ann  P.  m,  Wm.  Luyster,  Abigail,  Eliza  F.  now  wife  of 
Eev.  John  Goldsmith,  Jane  P.,  Aletta,  Ann,  and  Sarah. 


THE    BLACKWELL    FAMILY. 


This  family  is  of  English  ori- 
gin. That  the  name  was  one  of 
some  importance  in  England  ap- 
pears from  the  fact  that  no  less  than 
six  towns  in  that  kingdom  bear  the 
name  of  Blackwell.  But  nothing  has 
been  ascertained  respecting  the  im. 
mediate  European  ancestry  of  the 
Newtown  family. 

1.  Eobert  Blackwell,  the  progen- 
itor of  the  latter  family,  is  first 
found  engaged  as  a  merchant  at 
Elizabethtown,  N.  J.,  from  which 
place  he  removed  to  this  province  in  1676,  being  then  a 
widower  with  several  children.  Contracting  a  marriage,  in  the 
above  year,  with  Mary  Manningham,  of  Manning's  Island,  in  the 
East  Eiver,  he  established  his  residence  on  said  island,  which 
took  his  name.  It  originally  bore  the  name  of  Verken  (or 
Hog)  Island,  and  was  first  granted  in  1651  to  Capt.  Francis 
Fyn,  a  Dutch  officer,  who  several  years  after  acquired  near  a 
hundred  acres  of  land,  lying  opposite  the  said  island,  in  New- 
town. After  the  conquest  of  the  country  by  the  English,  this 
form  and  island  were  confiscated  as  belonging  to  a  subject  of 
Holland,  and  in  1668,  the  whole  was  granted  to  Capt.  John 
Manning,  the  person  whose  sword  was  broken  over  his  head 
for  surrendering  New-York  to  the  Dutch  in  1673.  Of  the  above 
island  and  farm  Mr.  Blackwell  became  the  piroprietor,  and  they 
remained  in  the  family  until  a  few  years  since.  He  d.  in  or 
about  1717.     His  ch.  (all  by  his  second  marriage  except  the 


AKNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  355 

first  two)  were  Robert,  Ann,  who  m.  Jacob  Reeder,  Bridget, 
m,  Samuel  llallett,  Thomas,  Francis,  Walter,  Henry,  Lydia, 
m.  Jos.  Hallett,  Sarah,  m.  John  Elsworth,  Susannah,  m.  Thos. 
Alsop,  Jacob,"  and  Mary.  Robert  (see  p.  81)  removed  to  Hope- 
well, N.  J.  where  he  d.  in  1757,  leaving  issue  Robert,  Francis, 
Thomas,  Jacob,  Mary,  Ann,  and  Elizabeth. 

2.  Jacob  Blackwell,  the  youngest  son  of  Robert,^  w^as  b. 
Aug.  4,  1692,  succeeded  to  the  paternal  estate,  and  occupied 
the  stone  house  on  the  form  near  Astoria,  (see  p.  194,)  which 
he  is  believed  to  have  erected.  He  d.  here,  Dec.  1,  1744:,  in  his 
63d  yr.  He  was  a  man  of  extraordinary  size  and  strength, 
and  it  is  credibly  stated  that  at  his  death,  it  was  found  neces- 
sary to  remove  the  door-jamb,  to  allow  his  coffin  to  pass.  In 
an  obituary  which  appeared  in  the  Weeldy  Post-Boy^  it  is  stated 
that  he  "  was  six  foot  two  inches  high,  and  weighed,  about 
three  years  before  he  died,  429  pounds,  and  by  all  appearance 
increased  much  more  in  weight  before  his  death  ;  how  much  is 
not  known,  because,  though  often  solicited,  he  would  not  con- 
sent to  be  weighed  a  second  time."  His  wife,  Mary,  dau.  of 
Capt.  Wm.  Hallett,  whom  he  m.  May  10,  1711,  d.  Aug.  26, 
1743,  a.  nearly  56.  Their  ch.  were  Mary  and  Sarah,  twins,  b. 
Aug.  6,  1712,  the  first  of  whom  m.  Moses  Hallett,  and  the  sec- 
ond, John  Hallett;  Jacob,^  b.  Nov.  20, 1717;  Lydia,  b.  Oct.  20, 
1720,  m.  James  Hallett ;  Rebecca,  b.  June  5,  1723,  m.  Barnwell 
and  Nath'l  Moore  ;  Robert,  b.  Dec.  5,  1725,  d.  Sep.  5,  '45  ;  and 
Bridget,  b.  Feb.  16,  1731,  who  d.  Apr.  1738. 

3.  Jacob  Blackwell,  son  of  Jacob,-  m.  Frances,  dau.  of  Jos. 
Sackett,  Esq.,  who,  dying  Feb.  3,  1754,  a.  34,  he  m.  Feb.  19, 
1755,  Lydia,  dau.  of  Jos.  Hallett.  She  survived  him,  and  d. 
Feb.  26,  1812,  in  her  80th  yr.  He  was  an  enterprising  man, 
and  with  his  brother-in-law,  Jos.  Hallett,  erected  the  grist-mill 
on  Sunswick  Creek.  Prior  to  the  French  and  Indian  war,  Mr- 
Blackwell  held  a  captaincy  in  the  Newtown  militia,  and  after- 
wards became  a  colonel.  On  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, he  stood  prominent  among  the  whigs,  but  being  forced  to 
flee  at  the  invasion  of  the  British,  his  large  estate  was  seized 
and  despoiled  by  the  enemy.  Deeming  his  presence  in  the  pro- 
vincial convention  (of  which  he  was  a  member)  to  be  of  little 
importance,  now  that  Queen's  co.  was  overrun  by  foreign 
troops,  he  returned  to  Newtown,  trusting  to  the  assurances  of 


856  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

protection  contained  in  the  proclamation  of  Lord  Howe,  but 
tlie  privations  and  pecuniary  losses  which  he  continued  to  suf- 
fer from  the  enemy,  are  believed  to  have  hastened  his  death, 
which  occurred  Oct,  23,  1780,  in  his  63d  yr.  Col,  B,'s  ch.  who 
survived  infancy,  were  Joseph,  Robert,  and  James,  by  his  first 
wife;  and  by  his  second,  Jacob,  Samuel,  Josiah,  Lydia,  m. 
Capt,  John  Hazard,  and  Mary,  who  d.  single.  Of  the  sons, 
Jacob  and  Josiah  d.  unm.  Joseph  m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Nath'l 
Hazard,  and  had  issue  Joseph,  Harriet,  now  Mrs,  Howell, 
Francis,  and  William-Drayton,  dec,  Robert  was  the  late  Eev. 
Dr.  Blackwell,  of  Philadelphia,  He  m.  Mrs.  Benezet,  and  his 
only  child  is  Mrs.  Geo,  Willing,  of  that  city,  James  m,  Eliza- 
beth, dau.  of  Jas.  Hallett,  of  New-York,  and  d.  Nov,  25,  1831, 
a.  83.  Their  ch.  were  Eliza  H.  now  widow  of  Lemuel  Wells  ; 
James,  of  Yonkers,  N.  Y. ;  Jacob  A,  d,  in  Florida ;  Eobert 
also  dec, ;  Julia,  wife  of  Wm.  Ray;  Lydia,  since  Mrs.  Shepherd ; 
Harriet,  wife  of  Dr.  Hursey  Baylies,*  of  Astoria ;  and  Sidney, 

*  Dr.  Gustavtjs  Baylies,  father  of  this  gentleman,  was  for  many  years  a 
resident  of  Newtown,  and  is  associated  with  the  earliest  recollections  of  most 
of  those  now  living.  He  was  the  son  of  Nicholas  Baylies,  and  was  born  July 
6,  1761,  at  Uxbridge,  Mass.,  which  had  been  the  seat  of  the  family  since  their 
emigration,  several  generations  previous,  from  Colebrook  Dale,  Shropshire, 
Eng.  Gustavus,  at  sixteen  years  of  age,  with  the  ardor  of  youthful  devotion, 
entered  the  military  service  of  his  country,  in  her  struggle  for  freedom,  and 
served  two  successive  periods  of  enlistment.  Returning,  after  a  season  of 
severe  illness,  to  the  paternal  roof,  he  began  a  course  of  preparation  for  col- 
lege, entered  Harvard  in  1784,  and,  having  graduated,  studied  medicine  with 
the  celebrated  Dr.  Spring,  of  Watertown.  At  the  conclusion  of  his  course, 
he  commenced  practice  in  Bristol,  R.  I.  where  he  married  Hannah,  daughter 
of  the  Hon.  William  Bradford,  of  Mount  Hope,  a  descendant  of  the  finst  gov- 
ernor  of  Plymouth  Colony,  of  that  name.  This  lady  died  in  1811,  and  her 
many  but  unpretending  virtues  yet  live  in  the  memory  of  her  friends.  Dr. 
Baylies,  after  practising  some  years  in  Bristol  and  Newport,  was  induced,  in 
1805,  through  the  urgent  solicitation  of  some  friends,  to  locate  in  Newtown 
where  his  practice  soon  became  extensive,  he  being  frequently  called  into 
the  neighboring  towns,  and  performing  with  skill  some  of  the  capital  opera- 
tions in  surger)'.  After  the  death  of  his  father-in-law,  Gov.  Bradford,  he  re- 
turned to  Bristol,  read  law,  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  attained  to  some 
distinction  in  the  courts  of  Rhode  Island  ;  but  such  was  his  attachment  to 
medicine,  the  profession  of  his  early  choice,  that  he  soon  re-entered  upon  its 
practice  with  renewed  ardor  and  devotion.  In  the  w.ar  with  England,  of  1812, 
he  enjoyed  a  commission  as  surgeon  in  the  American  army,  iind  his  surgical 
skill  was  called  into  requisition  at  the  surrender  of  Little  York,  &c.    On  his 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  357 

residing  at  Yonkers.     Samuel  m.  Sarah,  dan.  of  Samuel  Moore, 

^and  secondly,  Mary,  dau.  of  Jacob  Field.  He  d.  Nov.  27, 1832, 

a.  73  yrs.  His  ch.  were  Sarah,  (only  ch.  by  first  wife,)  ni.  Ca])t. 

return  to  New-York,  his  friends  in  Newtown  were  anxious  that  he  should  re- 
sume his  practice  among  them.  Entertaining  a  just  approciatiun  of  the  integrity 
and  constancy  so  characteristic  of  its  inhabitants,  he,  without  much  hesitation, 
complied  with  their  wishes,  though  many  of  his  professional  and  other 
friends  believed  him  eminently  qualified  for  a  successful  career  in  the  city 
of  New-York.  His  practice  in  Newtown  again  became  extensive,  and  he 
continued  to  enjoy  a  large  share  of  public  confidence  during  the  residue  of 
his  life.  He  had  married  here,  in  1815,  his  second  wife,  Catharine,  daughter 
of  Col.  Barnardus  Bloom.  His  de.ath,  which  occurred  on  Mar.  5th,  1834,  in  the 
73d  year  of  his  age,  was  occasioned  by  an  attack  of  pneumonia  typhoidcs,  in- 
duced by  exposure  while  attending  to  the  duties  of  his  profession  in  that  in- 
clement season  of  the  year.  In  the  latter  period  of  his  existence,  after  a  life 
of  gre.it  usefulness,  we  find  him  confessing  his  entire  unworthiness,  and 
relying  solely  on  the  all-sufficient  merits  of  the  Redeemer. 

Dr.  Baylies  was  about  five  feet  nine  inches  high,  well  formed,  and  very 
erect,  with  a  countenance  expressive  of  intellectuality  and  firmness  of  pur- 
pose, and  marked  with  sympathy  for  human  suffering.  His  deportment  in 
the  sick  room  won  the  confidence  of  the  patient  and  friends,  and  his  success 
confirmed  it.  As  his  perceptions  were  acute  and  judgment  excellent,  with 
almost  unexampled  celerity  he  marked  the  distinguishing  features  of  disease, 
and  his  practice  was  equally  prompt  and  effectual.  Not  restricted  to  the 
narrow  views  of  such  as  fabricate  theories  on  unstable  hypotheses,  his  were 
the  result  of  observation:  his  inductions  were  deduced  from  facts,  agieeable 
to  that  most  ration.al  system  of  Lord  Bacon  ;  though  he  never  yielded  sub- 
serviency to  the  opinions  of  other  men,  he  preferred  the  lucid  and  forcible 
opinions  of  Dr.  Cullen  to  tlie  unfledged  notions  of  John  Brown  and  the  fan- 
ciful theories  of  the  more  gifted  Darwin.  In  his  practice,  he  seldom  resorted 
to  the  lancet  in  the  treatment  of  local  inflammations  involving  the  lungs  or 
other  organs  within  the  thorax,  the  prevalent  practice  of  the  day.  Yet  was 
he  singularly  successful,  such  diseases  very  speedily  yielding  to  his  judicious 
application  of  remedial  agents.  His  success  in  dropsies,  which  earned  for 
him  a  degree  of  celebrity  attained  by  few,  may  be  ascribed  in  a  great  meas- 
ure to  ills  directing  his  .attention  to  organic  lesions  and  a  system  of  depura- 
tion  most  thorough  in  its  course.  In  fevers  and  other  diseases,  where 
periodicity  held  superlative  sway,  he  was  always  .at  his  post,  ready  to  repel 
renewed  .assaults  with  most  efficient  means  ;  and  his  success,  I  may  safely 
affirm,  was  seldom  equalled.  As  he  most  ardently  loved  his  profession,  so 
did  he  most  assiduously  apply  the  powers  of  a  mind  naturally  strong  and 
perfected  by  mature  culture,  to  the  great  object  of  his  mission, — the  cure  or 
alleviation  of  the  many  diseases  to  which  the  human  race  is  liable,  often 
involving  those  of  a  moral  as  well  as  a  physical  nature, — and,  as  every 
conscientious  physician  should  do,  implored  Heaven  for  its  guidance  and 
its  blessing. 


358 


ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN 


Stephen  Field  ;  Jacob,  Lydia,  wife  of  Henry  Schenck  ;  Eliza, 
m.  Jacob  Bartow, ;  Maria,  m.  Homer  Whittemore ;  Samuel, 
Charity  F.,  Henry  F  ,  Eobert  M.,  John,  of  Newbern,  N.  C. ; 
Margaret,  m.  Benj.  Blossom ;  Josiah,  of  Bushwick  ;  Anna,  now 
Mrs.  Eli  Smallwood,  of  Newbern ;  Patience  A.,  Frances,  wife 
of  Moses  Jarvis,  of  Newbern;  Thomas  J.  d.  an  infant;  and 
James  M. 

The  Blackwell  farm,  at  Ravenswood,  was  sold  by  the  wid- 
ow and  heirs  of  Col.  Blackwell,  Apr.  25,  1787,  to  Joseph 
Hallett,  who  convej^ed  it  to  his  son-in-law,  Major  Delafield, 
Sep.  3,  1791,  by  whom  it  was  much  improved,  and  occupied 
for  a  series  of  years.  It  is  now  cut  up,  I  believe,  and  has  sev- 
eral owners.  Blackwell's  Island  was  sold  to  the  corporation 
of  New- York  at  a  more  recent  date. 


THE    LUYSTER    FAMILY. 


The  progenitor  of  all  in  this 
country  bearing  this  name,  was 
Pieter  Cornelisz  Luyster,  who 
emigrated  hither  in  1656.  He 
was  descended  from  a  very 
reputable  Dutch  family,  long 
resident  in  Holland  and  Rhine- 
land,  and  some  of  whom  had 
been  distinguished  citizens  of 
Cologne.  They  bore  the  arms 
here  represented. 
1.  Pieter  Cornelisz  Luyster  soon  acquired  property  in  New- 
town, and,  being  a  carpenter  by  trade,  he  erected  a  grist-mill 
at  Fish's  Point ;  but  it  does  not  appear  that  he  was  an  actual 
resident  here  till  some  years  later.  He  lived  in  King's  co.  and 
with  his  wife  Jannetie,  dau.  of  Jan  Snediker,  was  connected 
with  the  Flatlands  church.  He  eventually  removed  to  New- 
town, and  bought  from  the  Dutch  church  the  property  called 
the  Poor's  Farm,  which  embraced  all  the  farms  from  Fish's 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  359 


Point  to  A.  E,  Luyster's.  (Sec  pp.  35,  37,  84.)  He  d.  in  1695, 
but  his  widow  survived  till  in  or  near  1713.  They  had  several 
daughters,  and  also  sons  Matthias,-  John,^  and  Cornelius.^ 

2.  Matthias  Luyster,  eldest  son  of  Peter, '^  was  b.  in  Europe, 
and  remained  at  Flatbush,  owning  the  farm  now  occupied  by 
John  Neefus.  He  had  by  his  wife  Cornelia,  a  son,  Peter 
Luyster,  who  d.  in  Flatbush  during  the  Eevolution.  He  was  b. 
there,  and  m.  in  1719,  Anna  Burkelo,  of  N.  Utrecht.     Their 

ch.  were  Matthias,  John,  Peter,  Cornelia,  ra. ;  Margaret, 

m,  Johannes  Williamson  ;  Anna,  m.  John  Nevius,  of  N.  Jer- 
sey ;  Maria,  m.  Cor.  Ostrander ;  and  Willemtie,  who  m.  Peter 
Luyster.  Peter,  son  of  Peter,  was  b.  in  1782,  and  removed  to 
Pennsylvania.  Matthias  and  John  settled  in  the  town  of  Fish- 
kill,  Dutchess  CO. ;  the  former  at  New  Hackensack,  and  the  lat- 
ter at  Hopewell,  in  which  places  their  descendants  remain. 
Matthias,  b.  1725,  m.  Dec.  21,  1754,  Barbara  Hulst,  of  Brook- 
lyn, and  had  two  ch.,  Ann,  m.  Peter  Hulst,  and  John,  who  m. 
Mary,  dau.  of  Bergoon  Van  Alst,  and  had  issue  George,  d. 
young;  Matthew,  and  John.  John  aforesaid,  son  of  Peter, 
was  b.  in  1728,  m.  Oct.  1, 1757,  Heyltie  Snediker,  and  had  issue 
Peter, Cornelius,  Jacobus,  John,  Ann,  m.  John  Churchill; 
Catharine,  m.  David  Tidd,  and  Eve,  who  m.  first,  Van  Tine, 
and  secondly,  Ashael  Thrasher.  John,  last  named,  removed 
to  Ohio. 

3.  John  Luyster,  son  of  Peter,i  m.  Wyntie,  dau.  of  Harck 
Siboutsen,  and  dying  in  or  about  1697,  left  a  son,  Peter,  in  his 
minority.  His  widow  m.  Peter  Haff.  The  son,  Peter  Luyster," 
settled  at  Oyster  Bay,  L.  L,  m.  Sarah  Monfort,  and  by  this 
marriage  had  eight  ch.  namely,  John,  Peter,  Jacobus,  Wyntie, 
m.  Garret  Van  Nostrand ;  Ida,  m.  John  Monfort ;  Sarah,  m. 
John  Bennet;  Jane,  m.  Frederick  Simonson,  and  Aletta,  who 
m.  John  Wortman.  Of  the  sons,  Jacobus  m.  Maria  Van 
Nostrand,  but  d.  without  issue.  Peter  m.  Phebe,  dau.  of 
Jeromus  Bennet,  and  John  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Daniel 
Voorhees ;  these  have  descendants  still  living  at  Oyster  Bay. 

4.  Cornelius  Luyster,  son  of  Peter,i  was  b.  in  1662,  and  at 
the  age  of  nineteen  joined  the  church,  at  Flatlands.  After  his 
father's  death  he  bought  the  estate  in  Newtown,  and  removed 
hither,  where  he  acquired  prominence,  served  in  the  magis- 
tracy, and  held  a  captain's  commission.     He  d.  in  1721,  a.  o9, 


360  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

devising  bis  estate  to  his  sons.  His  wife,  Sarali  Catharine 
Nevius,  d.  the  next  year.  They  had  issue  Peter,^  Johannes,'^ 
Elbert,^  Cornehus,  d.  unm. ;  Mary,  m.  Dan'l  Eapelje ;  Hannah, 
m.  Bareut  Smock ;  Gertrude,  m.  Tunis  Swart ;  Adriana,  m. 
Cor,  Wyckoff;  Aletta,  m.  Joris  Couwenhoven ;  and  Sarah, 
who  m.  first,  Eoelof  Bragaw,  and  secondly,  the  Eev.  Keinhart 
Erickson,  of  N.  Jersey.  All  the  sons-in-law  of  Capt.  Luyster, 
except  Eapelje  and  Bragaw,  settled  in  Monmouth  co.  N.  J. 
and  have  numerous  descendants. 

'  5.  Peter  Luyster,  son  of  Cornelius,'*  was  b.  Mar.  10,  1687, 
m.  Apr.  30,  1713,  Sarah,*  dan.  of  Dan'l  Eapalje,  and  inherited 
a  part  of  the  paternal  estate,  being  the  farm  now  of  Luke 
Kouwenhoven.  He  was  a  respected  citizen  and  an  elder  of  the 
Dutch  church.  He  d.  Dec.  17,  1759,  and  his  widow,  Jan.  23, 
1773,  a.  85.  Their  ch.  were  Sarah,  b.  Jan.  31,  1714,  m.  Isaac 
Lent ;  Catharine,  b.  Aug.  7,  1716,  m.  Johannes  De  Witt ; 
Adriana,  b.  Mar.  11,  1718,  m.  Garret  Van  Nostrand;  Cor- 
nelius,6  b.  Aug.  26,  1720  ;  Daniel,  b.  Sep.  26,  1722 ;  Peter,  b. 
May  6,  1724,  d.  Oct.  16,  '52  ;  Anna,  b.  Jan.  9,  1726,  m.  Peter 
Luyster;  and  John,  b.  Jan.  14,  1730,  d.  Aug.  28,  '40.  Daniel 
succeeded  to  his  father's  farm  at  the  Poor  Bowery,  and  m.  Nov. 
29,  1744,  Anna  Van  Nostrand.  He  was  an  elder  in  the  Dutch 
church,  and  during  the  Eevolution  was  supervisor  of  Newtown. 
He  d.  May  31,  1788,  a.  65,  and  his  widow,  June  20,  1811,  in 
her  89th  yr.  His  ch.  were  Eensie,  Sarah,  and  Anna,  of  whom 
the  first  and  last  d.  unm.  Sarah  m.  Geo.  Wyckoff,  of  King's 
CO.,  whose  dau.  Anna  is  the  wife  of  Luke  Kouwenhoven,  the 
present  possessor  of  Dan'l  Luyster's  farm. 

6.  Cornelius  Luyster,  son  of  Peter,^  m.  Susannah,  dau.  of 
Derick  Brinckerhoflf,  and  removed  to  Fishkill,  where  he  served 
as  justice  of  the  peace,  and  commanded  a  company  of  militia 
in  the  French  war.  He  lived  in  Newtown  during  the  period 
of  the  Eevolution,  but  d.  at  Fishkill,  Oct.  26,  1792,  a.  72.  His 
ch.  were  Peter,  Derick,  Garret,  Aletta,  Sarah,  Catharine,  and 
Diana.     Of  these  Sarah  m.  Cor.  Luyster,  of  Newtown ;  her 

*  A  silver  spoon,  once  belonging  to  this  lady,  and  marked  with  her  name, 
"  Sura  Rapalje,"  is  now  in  possession  of  her  descendant,  Mrs.  Sarah  Luyster 
Willett,  daughter  of  Daniel  Rapalje,  of  Newtown.  The  belief  is  that  it  was 
a  name-gift  from  her  aunt,  Sara  Rapalje,  the  first  white  person  born  in  the 
province  of  New.York.        "^  n^t^HiX  ^H^ii"^^ 


ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN.  361 

three  sisters  d.  unm.  Garret^  b.  Nov.  12,  1747,  m.  Lanah,  dau. 
of  Jacobus  Vandervoort,  and  d.  Aug.  15,  1821 ;  issue  Cornelius, 
who  d.  in  New-York ;  Jacobus,  and  Garret,  (both  went  to  sea, 
and  were  never  heard  of,)  and  Susannah,  who  m.  Moses  Pratt 
of  Albany.  Deride,  b.  Sep.  30,  17-i5,  m.  Angeline,  dau.  of 
Jacob  Cowenhoven,  and  d.  Aug.  20,  1824 ;  issue  Aletta,  who 
m.  Abm.  Van  Voorhis.  Pefcr,  b.  Aug.  25,  1741,  m.  Willeratie, 
dau.  of  Peter  Luyster,  and  d.  Dec.  16,  1800;  issue  Cornelius 
P.  now  of  Poughkeepsie,  and  Ann,  who  m.  Isaac  Hanson. 

7.  Johannes  Luyster,  son  of  Cornelius,^  was  b.  in  Flatbush, 
Mar.  22,  1691,  m.  Lucretia  Brower,  Apr.  10,  1716,  and  the 
next  year  removed  to  MiddletoAvn,  Monmouth  co.  N.  J.  where 
he  bought  a  farm  which  is  still  held  by  his  descendants,  the 
house  he  lived  in  yet  remaining.  He  d.  suddenly,  in  his  sleep, 
Jan.  29,  1756.  His  widow  d.  Apr.  12,  1771,  in  her  83d  yr. 
Their  ch.  were  Sarah,  b.  Mar.  8,  1717,  m.  Ryck  Suydam  and 
Wm.  Conover ;  Peter,  b.  May  5.  1719 ;  Cornelius,  b.  Dec.  13, 
1720 ;  Johannes,  b.  May  25,  1723,  m.  but  d.  without  issue, 
Sep.  7,  1766  ;  Anna,  b.  Apr.  8,  1725,  m.  Dan'l  Barkulo  ;  and 
Lucretia,  b.  Aug.  30,  1727,  who  d.  unm.  Cornelius  occupied  a 
farm  near  Middletown,  N.  J.,  either  originally  a  part  of,  or  ad- 
joining the  homestead.  He  m.  successively  Arintha  Conover, 
and  Margaret  Vanderbilt,  and  d.  Oct.  7,  1792,  in  his  72d  yr. 
His  only  ch.  John  C.  Luyster,  succeeded  to  his  farm,  and  was 
an  eminently  good  man.  He  d.  Oct.  28,  1847,  in  his  67th  yr. 
leaving  three  sons,  one  of  whom,  Hendrick,  occupies  his  farm. 
Peter  Luyster  m.  his  cousin  Anna,  dau.  of  Peter  Luyster,  of 
Newtown,  and  d.  on  the  homestead  farm,  Feb.  12,  1810,  a.  90, 
having  had  issue  Sarah,  b.  Apr.  10,  1758,  m.  Christopher 
Snyder ;  Lucretia,  b.  Aug.  13,  1760,  d.  unm.  ;  and  John  P.  b. 
Nov.  29,  1763.  The  latter  m.  Anna  Conover,  and  remained  on 
the  homestead  till  his  death,  Sep.  11,  1848,  having  been  dis- 
tinguished for  his  virtues  and  piety.  His  son  Peter  occupies 
the  paternal  farm. 

8.  Elbert  Luyster,  son  of  Cornelius,'^  was  b.  at  Flatbush, 
Mar.  21,  1693,  and  m.  Oct.  6,  1720,  Jacomina,  dau.  of  Gerrit 
Couwcnhoven.  In  1723  he  bought  that  portion  of  the  paternal 
estate  at  the  Poor  Bowery,  now  owned  by  Ab'm  R.  Luyster, 
which  then  included  Luyster's  Island.  He  was  a  highly  re- 
spected citizen,  and  served  as  a  trustee^  of  the  Dutch  church. 


362  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

He  d.  suddenly,  Sep.  5,  1768.  His  widow  d.  Aug.  24,  1766, 
in  her  66tli  yr.  Their  ch.  w^ere  Elizabeth,  b.  Aug.  30,  1721, 
d.  unm.  Sep.  3,  '84 ;  Cornelius,  b.  Aug.  10,  1723,  d.  single, 
Sep.  29,  '52  ;  Garret,^  b.  Dec.  24,  1725  ;  Sarah,  b.  Apr.  25, 
1728,  m.  Stephen  Ryder ;  Jacomiua,  b.  Sep.  4,  1730,  m.  John 
Swart ;  Aletta,  b.  May  30,  1733,  m.  Cor.  Smock  ;  Jane,  b.  Apr. 
9,  1736,  m.  Abm.  Eapelye,  and  Peter,  b.  Jan.  9,  1739,  who  d. 
Sep.  7,  1742. 

9.  Garret  Luyster,  son  of  Elbert,^  ra.  Oct.  26,  1753,  Willem- 
tie  dau.  of  Peter  Wyckoff,  and  by  devise  of  his  father  obtained 
the  family  estate.  He  served  the  Dutch  church  many  years  as 
deacon,  and  surviving  his  partner,  who  d.  May  2,  1764,  he  d. 
June  13,  1787,  a.  61.  His  sons  were  Cornelius  and  Elbert. 
The  latter  was  b.  1764,  and  m.  Catharine,  dau.  of  Col.  Dan'l 
Lawrence.  He  removed  to  Staten  Island,  where  he  d.,  having 
had  thirteen  ch.  of  whom  Garret,  Daniel,  Elizabeth,  Cornelius, 
Ann,  Mary,  Aletta,  Albert,  and  Catharine,  reached  maturity. 
Cornelius  Luyster  was  b.  May  2,  1758,  and  m.  Sarah,  dau.  of 
Capt.  Cor.  Luyster,  who,  dying  in  her  33d  yr.  Mar.  8,  1782,  he 
m.  Aug.  28,  1785,  Catharine,  dau.  of  Wm.  Lawrence,  Esq.  Li 
1788  he  bought  the  ancestral  estate,  at  the  Poor  Bowery,  now 
(except  the  island)  owned  by  his  son,  A.  R.  Luyster ;  served 
for  eighteen  years  as  town  clerk,  and  d.  Feb.  6,  1816,  though 
his  widow  still  survives.  His  ch.  were  Peter,  William,  who  is 
dec,  Abraham-Rapelye,  Anna,  Sarah,  and  Jane.  Of  these 
Sarah  m.  Thos.  Moore,  who,  after  her  death,  m.  her  sister  Anna. 
The  eldest  son,  Peter,  the  present  worthy  supervisor  of  New- 
town, m.  in  succession  Anna  and  Sarah,  daughters  of  David 
Moore,  and  resides  near  the  Poor  Bowery,  having,  in  1843, 
made  sale  of  Luyster's  Island,  which  for  many  years  previous 
had  been  his  residence. 


THE    COWEXHOVEN    FAMILY. 

The  many  families  of  Dutch  descent  in  New- York,  New 
Jersey,  and  some  other  states,  who  write  their  names  Kouwen- 
hoven,  Cowenhoven,  Conover,  &c.,  are  the  lineal  descendants 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  363 

of  Wolfert  Gcrritsen  Van  Couwenliovcn,  who  was  from  Amers- 
foort,  in  Utrecht,  and  came  over,  in  1630,  with  the  colonists 
wlio  settled  Rensselaerswyck,  near  Albany.  He  was  in  the 
employ  of  the  patroon  Van  Eensselaer,  as  superintcndant  of 
farms.  On  June  16,  1636,  he  joined  in  purchasing  from  the  In- 
dians a  tract  of  land  on  the  west  end  of  Long  Island,  where 
his  famih^  located,  giving  to  the  place  the  name  of  New  Amers- 
foort,  now  Flatlands.  He  was  living  in  1656.  His  sons  were 
Gerrit,  Jacob,  Derick,  Peter,  and  John.  Several  of  these  were 
leading  characters  under  the  Dutch  administration,  but  only 
Gerrit  and  his  family  remained  on  Long  Island. 

1.  Gerrit  Couwenhoven,  son  of  Wolfert,  d.  in  or  about 
1644,  leaving  sons  William'*  and  John.  (See  p.  86.)  John  m. 
Gerdientie,  dau.  of  the  Hon.  Nicasius  de  Sille,  a  noted  citizen 
of  that  day,  and  lived  at  the  ferry  in  Brooklyn.  He  had  issue 
Gerrit,  Nicasius,^  Cornelia,  who  m.  Gerrit  A.  Middagh  ;  Nelly, 
m,  Joris  Rapalje ;  and  Aeltie,  who  m.  Derick  Brinckerhoff. 
The  said  Gerrit  d.  in  1712.  leaving  a  son  John,  who  d.  in 
Bushwick  about  1761,  having  male  issue  Paulus,  Garret, 
Gabriel,  and  John. 

2.  Nicasius  Couwenhoven,  son  ""of  John  and  grandson  of 
Gerrit,^  was  b.  in  1681,  and  d.  at  Brooklyn  in,  or  just  prior 
to  1749.  His  ch.  were  John,-^  Gerrit,  Peter,  and  Diana,  who 
m.  Simon  Van  Wickelen.  Peter  removed  to  Raritan,  N.  J. 
Gerrit  settled  in  New  Utrecht,  and  d.  Nov.  17,  1783.  By  his 
wife,  Sarah,  he  had  issue  Nicholas,  b.  Jan.  13,  1742 ;  Sarah,  b. 
Oct.  28,  1743,  who  m.  Martin  Schenck,  of  N.  Jersey ;  and 
Johannes,  b.  Oct.  4,^  1746.  Of  these  Nicholas  d.  Oct.  18,  1778, 
leaving  five  daughters  and  an  only  son.  Garret,  who  m.  Anna 
Ditmars,  and  d.  Jan.  28,  1840,  in  his  66th  yr.,  being  the  father 
of  Nicholas,  John,  Garret,  Peter,  and  Cornelius  Cowenhoven, 
all  of  N.  Utrecht.  Johannes,  aforesaid,  was  thrice  m.  and  some 
of  his  ch.  still  live  at  N,  Utrecht. 

3.  John  Couwenhoven,  eldest  son  of  Nicasius,^  was  b.  in 
1707,  and  became  one  of  the  largest  landholders  in  the  town 
of  Brooklyn,  where  he  d.  during  the  Revolution,  leaving  issue 
Rem,  Nicholas,  John,  Elsie,  who  d.  single ;  Dorothy,  m.  Leffert 
LefFerts,  Esq. ;  Catharine,  m.  Abm.  Lequier,  Esq, ;  and  Diana, 
who  m.  Robert  Benson.  John  m.  and  d,  on  the  homestead  in 
Brooklyn,  having  been  a  merchant  in  N.  York.     Nicholas  m. 


364  ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 

Jane,  dan.  of  Geo.  Lott,  resided  on  the  farm  in  New  Utrecht, 
now  of  Egbert  Benson,  and  d.  in  1793,  being  at  the  time  first 
judge  of  King's  co.  He  had  issue  George  and  John,  the  last 
of  whom  m.  in  1802,  Susan,  dau.  of  Geo.  Martence,  and  was  a 
res2Dected  citizen,  and  a  major  of  the  King's  co.  mihtia.  He  d. 
Nov.  3,  1806,  a.  37,  leaving  daughters  Maria,  who  m,  Egbert 
Benson,  Esq. ;  and  Jane,  now  Mrs.  Koberts,  of  N.  Utrecht. 
Rem  Coivenlioven  had  two  sons,  John  R.  and  Nicholas  R.,  the 
last  of  whom  left  no  issue.  John  R,  m.  Garretie,  dau.  of  Tunis 
Tiebout,  and  had  sons  John,  dec. ;  Tunis  T.  of  Brooklyn ; 
and  Nicholas. 

4.  William  Couwenhoven,  son  of  Gerrit/  m.  in  1660,  Aeltie, 
dau.  of  Joris  Brinckerhoflf,  and  secondly,  in  1665,  Jannetie, 
dau.  of  Peter  Monfort.  After  living  some  years  at  Brooklyn, 
where  he  served  as  a  deacon  of  the  Dutch  church,  he  removed 
to  Flatlands,  and  there  officiated  in  the  eldership.  He  was  liv- 
ing in  1727,  at  a  very  advanced  age.  His  ch.  were  Gerrit,  b. 
Jan.  4,  1662 ;  Aeltie,  b.  Dec.  14,  1665,  who  m.  Cornelius  S. 
Van  Arsdalen ;  Neeltie,  b.  Feb.  7,  1669,  m.  John  Wyckoflf ; 
Peter,  b.  Feb.  12,  1671 ;  Cornelius,  b.  Nov.  20,  1672 ;  Sarah, 
b.  Dec.  27,  1674,  m.  John  Schenck ;  Albert,  b.  Dec.  7,  1676 ; 
Jacob,  b.  Jan.  29,  1679  ;  John,  b.  Apr.  9,  1681 ;  Annetie,  b. 
Apr.  13,  1683;  William,^  b.  Mar.  7,  1686;  and  Jacomina,  b. 
Dec.  28,  1689,  who  m.  Elbert  Willemse.  All  of  the  sons  mar- 
ried, and  most  of  the  family  removed  to  Monmouth  co.  N.  J. 

5.  William  Kouwenhoven,  son  of  William,^  remained  on 
the  homestead  in  Flatlands,  and  m.  June  5,  1709,  Anna,  dau. 
of  Lucas  S.  Voorhees.  He  d.  in  his  83d  yr.,  Jan.  19,  1769, 
and  his  widow,  Sep.  30,  1774,  a.  88.  He  had  issue  William, 
Luke,  both  of  whom  settled  in  New  Jersey,  Gerrit,*^  Jannetie, 
m.  Gerrit  Schenck  (great  grandfather  of  Rev.  G.  C.  Schanck 
of  Pompton,  N.  J. ;)  Aeltie  m.  Cor.  Voorhees ;  Catryntie  m. 
Albert  Schenck,  and  Neeltie  who  m.  Johannes  Duryea. 

6.  Gerrit  Kouwenhoven,  son  of  William,^  was  b.  Nov.  11, 
1726,  and  m.  May  7,  1748,  AnnaLefPerts  of  Flatbush.  He  d. 
on  the  paternal  farm,  Sep.  23,  1777,  and  his  widow  in  her  54th 
yr.,  Mar.  9,  1782.  Their  ch.  who  survived  infancy  were  Anna, 
b.  Aug.  3,  1751,  who  m.  Peter  Vandervoort,  of  Bedford ; 
Peter,  b.  Sep.  25,  1753  ;  Ida,  b.  Jan.  17,  1756,  m.  Hendrick 
Suydam,  Flatbush ;  William,  b.  Mar.  29,  1768 ;  Garrit,  b.  Feb. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 


365 


21,  1761,  d.  unm.  July  31,  '84 ;  Scytic,  b.  June  80,  1763,  m. 
Jeremiah  Remseu,  Wallabout ;  Luke,  b.  June  3, 1766  ;  Abigail, 
b.  June  1,  1768,  m.  Johannes  Lott,  Flatlands ;  and  Jannetic, 
b.  Apr.  14,  1771,  who  m.  Abm.  Debevoise  of  Bedford.  Of 
these,  Peter  m.  May  10,  1777,  Lammetie,  dau.  of  John  Lott, 
and  d.  May  27, 1787  :  issue  Garret,  b.  Sep.  5,  1778,  now  resid- 
ing at  Flatlands,  and  Johannes,  b.  Sep.  8,  1781,  who  d.  unm. 
May  17,  1837.  William  m.  in  1778  Joanna,  dau.  of  Johannes 
W.  Wyckoff,  and  d.  Apr.  7,  1825,  a.  67 :  issue  Garret,  John 
of  Graveseud,  William,  Peter,  George,  all  three  of  Flatlands, 
Joanna  who  m.  Jacobus  .Ryder ;  Ann,  m.  Timothy  T.  Cortcl- 
you ;  Ida,  m.  James  Van  Sickelcn,  and  Maria  who  m.  John 
Williamson.  Garret,  the  eldest  son,  m.  Jan.  24,  1805,  Cornelia, 
dau.  of  Peter  Wyckoff,  and  removed  to  ISTewtown,  where  he 
d.  much  regretted,  Aug.  27,  1823,  in  his  40th  yr.  and  where 
his  son  William  G.  now  resides.  Luke  Kouwenlioven  m.  Ann, 
dau.  of  Geo.  Wyckoff,  by  his  intermarriage  with  Sarah,  dau. 
of  Dan'l  Luyster  whose  farm,  at  the  Poor  BoAvery,  Mr.  K.  has 
long  owned  and  occupied.  His  ch.  are  George,  Garret,  and 
Ann,  the  first  of  whom  m.  Ellen,  dau.  of  Francis  Duryea,  and 
resides  in  Hellgate  Neck. 


THE    FISH    FAMILY. 

The  English  family  of  Fish 
are  believed  to  be  a  branch  from 
an  old  Saxon  family  of  Fisch, 
which,  in  the  tables  of  German 
nobility,  dates  from  a  remote 
era;  but  at  what  time  the  re- 
moval to  England  took  place  is 
not  ascertained.  From  here,  at 
a  later  period,  Nathaniel,  John, 
and  Jonathan  Fish  came  to  New 
England,  and  are  first  found  re- 
siding at  Lynn,  Mass.,  whence 
they  removed,  in  1637,  to  Sand- 
wich, on  Cape  Cod,  where  one  or  more  of  them  remained. 

24 


366  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

1.  Jonathan  Fish  eventually  joined  in  the  settlement  of 
Middelburg,  or  Newtown,  as  early  as  1659,  and  served  several 
years  in  the  magistracy,  being  evidently  a  person  of  character. 
His  name  appears  several  times  upon  the  town  books,  in  an 
olficial  capacity,  and  also  as  the  owner  of  a  twenty-shilling 
purchase  right  in  the  town  lands,  which  right  afterwards  de- 
volved to  his  sons  Nathan  and  Samuel.  He  d.  in  or  about 
1663,  leaving  a  widow,  Mary,  and  sons  John,  Samuel,  and 
Nathan,-  all  three  patentees  of  Newtown  in  1686.  Samuel  d. 
about  1700,  without  issue.  John  m.  and  appears  to  have  left 
the  town.  He  probably  removed  to  New  Jerse}'',  whither 
several  members  of  this  family  emigrated  at  different  periods. 

2.  Nathan  Fish,  son  of  Jonathan,^  remained  at  Newtown, 
and  devoted  himself  to  husbandry.  He  d.  of  dropsy,  at  an  ad- 
vanced age,  Aug.  1,  1734,  He  had  fourteen  ch.,  namely, 
Jonathan,*^  b.  Oct.  11,  1680;  Nathan,  b.  Sep.  13,  1686,  d.  with- 
out issue,  Jan.  11,  1732 ;  Mary,  b.  Sep.  4,  1687,  m.  Daniel 
Betts ;  Samuel,^  b.  Apr.  15,  1689  ;  John,  b.  Feb.  25,  1691 ; 
Thomas,  b.  May  28,  1693  ;  Susannah,  b.  Dec.  28,  1695,  m. 
Edward  Howard ;  Ambrose  and  Benjamin,  twins,  b.  May  12, 
1697 ;  Sarah,  b.  Mar.  28,  1699,  m,  Abraham  Kip  ;  Nathaniel,^ 
b.  Dec.  18,  1700  ;  Hannah,  b.  Jan.  18,  1703,  d.  unm.  Oct.  13, 
'44 ;  Temperance,  b.  Nov.  30,  1705,  m.  Joseph  "Woodward, 
nnd  Elnathan,3  b.  July  27,  1708.  Of  these  John  m.  Feb.  21, 
1717,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Wm.  Hallett,  and  d.  in  1743.  His  dau. 
Sarah  m.  Lieut.  Samuel  Moore ;  and  another,  Elizabeth,  m. 
John  Grreenoak.  Thomas  m.  in  Mar.  1717,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of 
Jesse  Kip.  Ambrose  m.  Elizabeth  Lawrence,  Mar.  1,  1728,  and 
settled  at  Islip,  L.  I.  Benjamin  m.  Jan.  11,  1728,  Sarah,  dau. 
of  Joseph  Moore,  removed  to  New  Jersey  in  or  soon  after 
1745,  and  located  near  Trenton.  His  ch.  were  Elizabeth,  m. 
Amos  Hart,  Rebecca,  Nathan,  Joseph,  Samuel,  Benjamin, 
John,  and  Nathaniel.  From  Benjamin,  last  named,  who  d.  July 
2,  1808,  a.  nearly  68,  the  resjDectable  Fish  family  of  Trenton 
and  vicinity  is  chiefly  descended.  His  youngest  son,  Benjamin, 
is  a  director  of  the  Camden  and  Amboy  railroad.  The  jDoster- 
ity  of  the  said  Samuel  and  John  is  found  in  the  counties  of 
Salem  and  Gloucester,  N.  J.,  and  that  of  Nathan  in  Butler  and 
Union  counties.  Pa.,  of  whom  is  the  Eev.  Eeeder  M.  Fish,  of 
Lewisburg,  in  the  latter  county. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  3G7 

3.  Elnathan  Fisb,  youngest  son  of  ISratlian,^  settled  in  Flat- 
busli,  and  by  his  wife,   Sarali,  liad  issue  Natlian,  b.   1730; 
Eachel,  b.  1737,  d.  unm, ;  Sarali,  b.  1739,  m.  John  Berrien, 
Esq. ;  and  John,  b.  1741.     The  latter  remained  at  Flatbush, 
engaged  in  mercantile  business,  and  became  wealthy,    lie  was 
twice  m.,  but  d.  without  cli.,  Mar.  19,  1821,  in  bis  80th  yr. 
Nathan  m.  Jan.  1,  1763,  Catharine,  dau.  of  Cor.  Berrien,  of 
Newtown,  and  was  a  merchant  in  New-York  till  the  Eevola- 
tion,  after  which  he  became  a  farmer  in  Greensburgh,  West- 
chester CO.,  on  premises  now  occupied  by  his  son,  Nathaniel. 
Here  he  d.  Dec.  10,  1813,  in  his  78th  yr.    His  ch.  were  Sarah, 
b.  Oct.  16,  1763,  d.  unm,,  Oct.  4,  1842 ;  John,  b,  Oct.  21, 1765, 
d,  unm.  June  18, 1788 ;  Cornelius,  b.  May  12, 1768,  d.  unm.  Oct. 
10,  1795 ;  Peter,  b.  May  13,  1770 ;  Nathan,  b.  May  28,  1772, 
d.  -unm.  Aug.  12,  1819 ;  Rachel,  b.  Sep.  23,  1774,  m.  Stephen 
Ferris  ;  Richard,  b.  Sep.  24,  1777 ;  James,  b.  July  81,  1781 ; 
Nathaniel,  b.  Mar.  2,  1784 ;  Elizabeth,  b.  Nov.  21,  1785,  and 
Jane,  b.  Aug.  16,  1788,  now  residing  at  Brooklyn,  the  widow 
of  Abm.  Vanderveer.     Peter  m.  Jane,  dau.  of  John,  and  niece 
of  Rev.  Peter  Fish,  and  is  still  living  at  White  Plains,  a  far- 
mer.    He  has  issue  Richard,  William-Henry,   and  Thomas. 
Richard,  son  of  Nathan,  lived  with  his  uncle  John,  at  Flat- 
bush,  where  he  d.  unm.  Aug.  21,  1817,  a.  40,    He  was  elected 
to  the  state  assembl}^,  but  ill  health  prevented  his  attendance. 
James  d.  in  Westchester  co.  July  19,  1845,  a.  64,  having  issue 
Hannah,  Moses,  Eliza- Ann,  Catharine,  Sarah-Jane,  and  Nathan. 
Nathaniel  Fish,   of  ^Greensburgh,  has  ch.  John,  James,   and 
Elizabeth. 

4.  Nathaniel  Fish,  son  of  Nathan,^  m.  Feb.  14,  1738,  Jane, 
dau.  of  Peter  Berrien,  and  the  same  year  bought  the  farm  of 
Nicholas  Berrien,  dec.  (now  Daniel  Lent's,)  where  he  followed 
agriculture  till  his  death.  This  event  occurred  very  suddenly, 
while  attending  public  worship  in  the  Presbyterian  church, 
Newtown,  Mar.  3,  1769,  in  his  69th  yr.  Retaining  in  his  face 
the  color  and  freshness  of  health,  his  burial  was  deferred  seve- 
ral days,  but  no  change  appearing  he  was  interred.  ^  It  was 
made  a  question  whether  he  was  really  dead.  His  widow  d. 
Mar.  24,  1789,  a.  72.  Their  ch.  were  Elizabeth,  b,  Jan.  9, 1741, 
m.  Capt.  Thos.  Lawrence  ;  Mary,  b.  Feb.  11,  1743,  d.  Nov.  13, 
'57;  Sarah,  b.  Apr.  30,  1745,  d.  unm.  Sep.  21,  '65;  John,  b. 


368  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN, 

Sep.  1, 1747 ;  Judith,  b,  Oct.  6,  1749,  m.  Maj.  Jona.  Lawrence  ; 
Peter,  b.  Nov.  23,  1751 ;  Susannab,  b.  Feb.  20,  1754,  m.  Dr. 
John  B.  Biker ;  Jane  and  Anna,  twins,  b.  Jan.  7,  1757,  the 
first  of  whom  m.  Dr.  Wm.  Moore,  and  the  latter,  Col.  Elias 
Conover,  of  New  Jersey.  John  m.  Sarah,  dan.  of  the  Eev. 
Abm.  Kettletas,  of  Jamaica,  and  became  a  merchant  in  New- 
York,  but  finally  removed  to  Tarrytown,  where  he  d.  in  1807. 
Some  of  his  ch.  yet  reside  in  Westchester  co.  Peter  Fish,  a 
clercryman,  whose  official  labors  have  been  noticed  in  the  for 
mer  part  of  this  volume,  m.  June  30,  1785,  Hannah,  dau.  of 
Kenneth  Hankinson,  Esq.  of  Freehold,  N.  J.,  who  survived 
him,  and  d.  June  12,  1824,  a.  63  yrs.  Their  ch.  who  attained 
maturity  were  Thomas-Fletcher,  now  of  New  burgh,  N.  Y. ; 
Kenneth  H,,  dec. ;  John-Berrien,  a  Presbyterian  clergyman  at 
Sidney  Plains,  N.  Y. ;  Nathaniel,  d.  unm. ;  Elizabeth,  Ann,  d, 
unm.  •  Jane-Eleanor,  widow  of  Sylvester  Eoe,  and  Susan-Maria, 
now  Mrs.  John  L.  Van  Doren. 

5.  Samuel  Fish,  son  of  Nathan, ^  m.  in  1712,  Euth,  widow 
of  John  Berrien,  after  whose  death,  which  occurred  Feb.  28, 
1763  he  m.  Mercy  Bailey,  who  survived  him.  On  Mar.  4, 
1715  Mr.  Fish  became  the  proprietor  of  the  farm  in  Newtown, 
now  owned  by  T.  B.  Jackson,  Esq. ;  and  afterwards,  in  1724, 
purchased  the  adjoining  mill  from  the  heirs  of  Jesse  Kip.  He 
was  the  supervisor  of  Newtown  for  twenty-three  years  in  suc- 
cession and  also  a  magistrate  and  an  elder  of  the  Presb,  church. 
He  d.  July  9,  1767,  a.  78.  His  ch.  were  Euth,  m.  Daniel 
Rapalje ;  Elizabeth,  ni.  Eev.  Simon  Horton,  and  John,  who 
wasb.  Nov.  29,  1719,  m.  Oct.  6,  1743,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Tennis 
Brinckerhoflf,  and  succeeded  to  the  paternal  estate  and  mill  at 
Fish's  Point.  He  d.  July  2,  1793,  of  palsey,  with  which  he  had 
been  long  afflicted.    Mrs.  Fish  d.  of  hemorrhage,  Sep.  2,  1764, 

a.  40.  Their  ch.  were  Elizabeth,  b.  June  16,  1744,  d.  unm.  ,• 
Euth,  b.  June  8,  1746,  m.  Jesse  Warner ;  Anna,  b,  July  7, 
1748,  m.  Jacob  Palmer,  father-in-law  of  Col.  Leverich  ;  Samuel, 

b.  May  11,  1752,  owned  the  paternal  farm,  and  d.  unm.  May 
11,  1834 ;  Catharine,  b.  Apr.  29,  1756,  m.  Wm.  L.  Penfold ; 
and  Sarah,  b.  Jan.  7,  1762,  who  m.  Wm.  Palmer,  father  of 
Samuel  Palmer,  of  Newtown. 

6.  Jonathan  Fish,  eldest  son  of  Nathan,^  became  possessed 
of  the  homestead  and  considerable  land   in   Newtown  vil- 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  36© 

lage.  He  occupied,  and  is  said  to  have  built,  the  noted  "  cor- 
ner house"  often  mentioned  in  the  preceding  pages.  He 
presented  the  ground  on  which  the  Presb.  church  now  stands. 
Having  served  as  town  clerk  for  fifteen  years,  he  d,  in  Nov., 
1723,  a.  43,  his  wife  Mary  surviving.  He  had  seven  eh.  of 
whom  the  only  son  who  arrived  at  age  was  Samuel,^  b.  Nov. 
24,  1704.  The  youngest  dau.,  Jane,  b.  May  26,  1721,  m. 
Charles  Palmer,  the  father  of  Jacob  Palmer,  aforesaid,  and  his 
sisters  Mrs.  Geo.  Brinckerhoif,  and  Mrs.  Wm.  Lawrence. 

7.  Samuel  Fish,  (entitled  captain,)  son  of  Jonathan,''  fell  heir 
to  the  corner  house,  where  he  kept  an  inn  during  life,  and  was 
a  useful  public  man.  lie  d.  Aug.  27,  1767.  Capt.  Fish  was 
thrice  m.,  first,  on  June  21,  1727,  to  Agnes,  dau.  of  John  Ber- 
rien ;  secondly,  on  Apr.  22,  1748,  to  Abigail,  dau.  of  Edward 
Howard ;  and  lastly,  on  Nov.  19,  1752,  to  Anna  Betts,  who 
survived  him.  He  had  fifteen  ch. ;  those  who  reached  matu- 
rity were  Jonathan,^  b.  May  11,  1728;  Euth,  b.  May  7,  1730, 
m.  Kichard  Betts ;  Samuel,  b.  Apr.  13,  1734 ;  Mary,  b.  July 

9,  1736,  m.  Samuel  Renne ;  Sarah,  b.  Feb.  24,  1739,  m.  Wm. 
Sackett  and  John  Wood  ;  Richard,  b.  Aug.  9,  1743  ;  Abigail, 
b.  Aug.  27,  1749,  m.  Johannes  Lott ;  and  Elizabeth,  b.  Aug. 
24,  1753,  who  m.  James  Bonney.  Richard  m.  Sarah,  dau.  of 
John  Betts,  of  Jamaica.  He  commanded  a  merchant  vessel, 
and,  at  the  beginning  of  the  Revolution,  was  captured  by  the 
British,  and  sent  to  England  with  other  American  prisoners. 
After  a  period  of  confinement  he  was  liberated,  but  d.  on  the 
returning  voyage  from  the  effects  of  a  fall.    His  widow  d.  Dec. 

10,  1780,  a.  34.  Their  ch.  who  reached  adult  yrs.  were  White- 
head, b.  Feb.  29,  1768,  and  Sarah-Betts,  b.  Apr.  18,  1770,  who 
m.  Thomas  Cadle,  a  New- York  merchant.  Whitehead,  succes- 
sively cashier  of  the  Manhattan  and  Mechanics  banks,  New- 
York,  m.  Elsie,  dau.  of  Wm.  W.  Gilbert,  and  d.  July  7,  1819. 
His  ch.  are  Louisa,  m.  Edward  P.  Heyer ;  Sarah,  Catharine, 
wife  of  Rev.  Gordon  Winslow,  and  Isabella. 

8.  Jonathan  Fish,  son  of  Samuel,^  m.  Oct.  5,  1750,  Eliza- 
beth, dau.  of  Joseph  Sackett,  who  dying  Apr.  9,  1778,  in  her 
49th  yr.;  he  m.  secondly  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Thos.  Whitehead. 
Mr.  Fish  owned  the  premises  in  Newtown  village  now  the  res- 
idence of  Peter  Gorsline,  but  was  for  a  certain  period  of  his 
life  a  merchant  in  the  city  of  New-York.     He  d.  Dec.  26, 1779, 


370  ANNALS       OF       NEWTOTVK. 

in  his  52d  yr.  His  widow  d.  Oct.  26,  1798,  a.  72.  He  left 
two  cb.,  namely,  Sarali  and  Nicliolas,  the  first  of  whom,  h. 
Oct,  22,  1755,  m.  Terrence  Reilly,  and  had  but  one  ch.,  to  wit, 
Eliza-Frances,  wife  of  the  Eev.  Joshua  M.  Eogers,  now  of 
Easton,  Pa.  Nicholas  Fish  was  b.  in  the  city  of  New-York, 
Aug.  28,  1758.  At  the  commencement  of  hostilities  between 
this  country  and  Great  Britain,  he  was  studying  law  under  the 
distinguished  John  Morin  Scott.  Laying  this  aside  he  entered 
the  American  service  with  the  commission  of  major,  and  retired 
at  the  peace  with  that  of  lieutenant-coloueL  During  the  in- 
terval he  was  at  the  battle  of  Long  Island,  was  Avounded  in  the 
battle  of  Monmouth,  and  besides  participating  in  several  other 
engagements,  shared  in  the  capture  of  the  British  armies  under 
Burgoyne  at  Saratoga,  and  Cornwallis  at  Yorktown.  He  en- 
joyed much  of  the  confidence  of  Gen.  Washington.  After  the 
peace  he  continued  for  some  time  in  the  army,  but  resigned 
within  a  few  years.  He  was  subsequent  adjutant  general  of 
the  state  of  New-York,  and  after  held  several  civil  appoint- 
ments, until  his  advancing  years  induced  him  to  retire  entirely 
from  public  life.  He  d.  June  80,  1833.  Col.  Fish  m.  Apr.  30, 
1803,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  and  had  issue 
Susan-Elizabeth,  b.  July  25,  1805,  m.  Daniel  Le  Eoy  of  New- 
York  ;  Margaret- Ann,  b.  Feb.  11,  1807,  m.  to  John  Neilson, 
Jr.,  of  the  same  place;  Hamilton,  b.  Aug.  3,  1808,  ex-governor 
of  New- York,  and  U.  S.  senator  ;  Elizabeth-Sarah,  b.  May  25, 
1810,  now  wife  of  Dr.  Eichard  L.  Morris,  and  Petrus  Stuyve- 
sant, b.  May  13,  1813,  who  d.  Nov.  7,  1834. 


THE    BEAGAW    FAMILY. 

This  family  derives  its  descent  from  Bourgon  Broucard, 
whose  name  is  thus  written  in  our  early  and  most  reliable  re- 
cords. He  was  among  those  French  Huguenot  exiles  who 
early  found  an  asylum  on  our  shores  from  the  religious  intole- 
rance of  their  native  country.  Having  sojourned  at  Manheim, 
in  the  Palatinate  of  the  Ehine,  he  and  his  wife,  Catharine  Le 
Febre,  emigrated  to  America  in  1675.     They  probably  had  in 


ANKALS      OF      KEWTOWK.  371 

company  Joost  Duri(5,  tlic  ancestor  of  the  Duryea  family,  wlio, 
it  appears,  came  out  this  year,  and  whose  wife  was  a  Le  Febrc, 
and  the  sister,  I  presume,  to  Mrs.  Bragaw,  judging  from  the 
intimacy  that  then  subsisted  between  the  two  fomilies.* 
Bragaw  settled  at  Cripplcbush,  in  Bushwick,  where  he  bought 
in  1684,  the  farm  now  owned  by  the  heirs  of  Folkert  Eapelye. 
He  and  his  wife  were  among  the  earliest  members  of  the 
French  church  in  New- York.  In  1088  he  sold  his  farm,  and 
removing  to  the  Dutch  Kills,  bought  by  purchases  in  1690  and 
'93,  a  large  estate,  including  the  plantation  originally  of  Burger 
Jorisz.  This  farm  Mr.  Bragaw  sold  to  Wm.  Post  in  1702, 
though  it  was  afterwards  rebought  by  his  son  Isaac,  and  is  now 
owned  by  Wm.  and  Abm.  Paynter,  His  ch.  were  Maria,  who 
m.  Myndert  TViltsee ;  Jane,  m.  Hans  Covert ;  Catalina,  Isaac, 
John,  Jacob,  Peter,  and  Abraham.  All  of  the  sons,  except 
Isaac,  removed  to  Somerset  co.  N,  J.,  their  descendants  now 
usually  writing  their  name  Brokaw. 

1.  Isaac  Bragaw  was  b.  in  1676,  bred  a  weaver,  and  ac- 
quired, by  various  purchases,  a  considerable  property  at  the 
Dutch  Kills,  including  the  paternal  farm  which  he  bought  in 
1713.  He  was  a  useful  member  of  the  Dutch  church,  and  its 
liberal  supporter.  He  survived  his  wife  Heyltie,  and  d.  in  his 
81st  yr..  Mar,  11:,  1757,  His  ch.  were  Bourgon,  or  Bergoon, 
Isaac,  John,-  Peter,  Roelof,  Aletta,  who  m.  Joris  Van  Alst ; 
Catalina,  m.  Johannes  Van  Alst ;   Heyltie,  m.  Eich.  Parcell ; 

*  The  descendants  of  Joost  Durie  are  now  very  numerous,  and  mostly 
write  tlieir  name  Duryee,  or  Duryea.  He  was  a  respectable  French  proles- 
tant,  and  was  accompanied  to  this  country  by  his  mother  and  his  wife,  Mag- 
daleiui  Lc  Febre.  They  first  united  with  the  church  at  New  Utrecht,  but 
subsequently  located  on  the  disputed  lands  between  Newtown  and  Bushwick, 
where  Mr.  Duri6  d.  in  or  about  1727.  His  ch.  were  Antonette,  who  m. 
Lequier;  and  Magdalena,  who  m.  Okie;  besides  sons  Joost,  Jacob,  Abraham, 
Charles,  and  Simon.  All  of  these  married,  but  it  is  not  known  whether  Simoii 
left  issue.  Charles  d,  in  1753,  leaving  sons  Joost,  Joiiannes,  Charles,  Tunis, 
Derick,  and  Abraham.  Abraham  had  sons  Joost,  Daniel,  Abraham,  and 
Johannes.  Jacob  d.  in  1758,  having  sons  Joost,  Daniel,  Johannes,  Jacob, 
Abraham,  Cornelius,  and  Hendrick ;  the  first  of  whom  was  the  great-grand- 
father of  Gen.  Harmanus  B.  Duryea,  of  Brooklyn.  Joost  d.  in  1727,  leaving 
sons  Joost,  Hendrick,  and  Folkert.  The  posterity  of  these  at  the  present 
day,  as  with  most  of  our  stable  Dutch  families,  possess  a  large  share  of  re- 
'spectability  and  sterling  worth. 


372  ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN. 

Mary,  ra.  Johannes  Opdyke  ;  Hannah,  m.  Johannes  Parcell ; 
Jane,  m.  Jacobus  Van  Alst,  and  Engeltie  who  also  married. 
Bergoon,  the  eldest  son,  was  captain  of  the  Newtown  militia, 
and  is  spoken  of  as  a  fine  specimen  of  the  early  Bragaws,  being 
a  man  of  towering  stature  and  great  physical  strength,  quali- 
ties which  have  not  yet  forsalcen  the  family.  He  m.  Diana 
Yolkertsen,  and  d.  Sep.  15,  1742  :  issue  Isaac,  who  d.  a  young 
man,  and  Nell}^,  who  m.  Matthew  Morehead.  Eoelofm.  Sarah, 
dau.  of  Cor.  Luyster,  but  d.  without  issue  Jan.  26,  1754. 
Peter  ra.  Jane  Parcell,  and  inherited  the  paternal  estate,  which 
he  sold  after  the  Eevolution,  and  removed  to  Fishkill.  He 
had  sons  Isaac,  John,  Peter,  and  George,  only  two  of  whom 
m.  namely,  Isaac,  who  had  issue  Catharine,  Ann,  Maria,  Jane, 
John,  Abraham,  and  Isaac;  and  Peter  who  had  Jane,  John, 
Maria,  Ann,  Abraham,  and  Catharine.  Isaac  Bragaw  d.  in 
Newtown,  Mar.  16,  1760,  leaving  sons  Derick,  or  Richard,  and 
John.  Richard,  b.  in  1748,  fell  heir  to  his  father's  farm,  was 
for  many  years  an  elder  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  d. 
Mar.  27,  1818,  a.  70.  He  m.  Catharine  Gilbert,  May  12,  1776, 
and  secondly,  on  Jan.  21,  1786,  Catharine,  dau.  of  Wm.  Payn- 
ter.  His  ch.  all  except  one  by  the  second  marriage,  were 
Isaac,  late  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  dec,  Hester,  William,  of  New- 
town, Ann,  Richard,  of  Alabama,  Margaret,  Elias,  of  Newark, 
Eliza,  Aletta  M.,  John,  of  Newark,  and  Catharine. 

a.  John  Bragaw,  son  of  Isaac,^  m.  Apr.  13,  1744,  Jane,  dau. 
of  Andrew  Stockholm,  and  secondly,  on  June  30,  1759,  Mar- 
garet, dau.  of-  Abm.  Riker.  He  was  a  most  worthy  man  and 
kind  neighbor,  and  served  as  a  deacon  in  the  Dutch  church. 
He  d.  May  27,  1782,  upon  his  farm  at  the  Kills,  now  Wm. 
Gosman's.  His  widow,  an  amiable  and  pious  woman,  d.  Dec. 
25,  1791,  a.  about  Q^.  Mr.  B's  ch.  were  Nelly,  b.  Dec.  18, 
1744,  who  m.  Abm.  Rapelye  ;  Isaac,  b.  July  27,  1750 ;  Heyl- 
tie,  b.  July  14,  1753,  m.  Jeromus  Rapelye ;  Andrew,  b.  Apr. 
29,  1755 ;  Jane,  b.  Feb.  17,  1757,  m.  Tunis  Brinckerhoif  and 
Cor.  Wiltsie ;  and  Abraham,  b.  Jan.  18,  1765,  who  d.  unm. 
Apr.  6,  1787.  Isaac  m.  May  27,  1773,  Susan,  dau.  of  Capt. 
Sam'l  Hallett,  and  d.  at  Hallett's  Cove,  where  he  had  long  re- 
sided, July  12,  1830.  His  ch.  were  Jemima,  Jane,  John,  dec, 
Margaret,  Susan,  dec,  Ellen,  Elizabeth,  d.  young,  and  Isaac  I., 
also  dec.     Andrew  retained  the  homestead  at  the  Dutch  Kills, 


ANNALS       OP       NEWTOWN. 


373 


m.  Nelly,  dau.  of  John  Wiltsie,*  and  was  much  respected  and 
esteemed  as  a  man  and  christian.  He  d.  Nov.  29,  1828,  a.  73. 
His  ch.  were  John,  Nelly,  Cornelius,  all  dec.,  Jane,  Margaret, 
Andrew,  dec.,  Abraham,  Isaac,  dec,  Elizabeth,  Hetty,  Cath- 
arine, and  Susan. 


THE     BETTS    FAMILY. 

1.  Concerning  the  ancestry  of 
Capt.  Eichard  Betts,  the  progenitor 
of  the  Newtown  family,  nothing 
positive  has  been  ascertained,  though 
it  is  probable  that  he  was  descended 
from  a  family  of  this  name,  located 
at  Withenden,  in  Suffolk  co.,  Eng- 
land, as  early  as  the  fifteenth  century. 
He  himself  is  believed  to  have  come 
from  Hemel-Hempstead  in  Hertford- 
shire, or  its  vicinity.  He  emigrated 
to  New  England  in  1648,  and  is  found 
at  Ipswich  the  same  year  ;  but  soon 
after  came  to  Newtown,  where  he  proved  himself  a  person  of 
intelligence,  participated  largely  in  public  affairs,  and  acquired 
great  influence.     In  the  revolution  of  1663  he  bore  a  zealous 


*  Hendrick  Martensen  Wiltsee,  who  early  emigrated  from  Copen- 
hagen, ill  Denmark,  was  the  ancestor  of  the  many  families  bearing  this  name, 
now  written  variously,  but  more  commonly  Wiltsie.  lie  m.  at  New  Amster- 
dam, in  1660,  Margaret,  widow  of  Harmen  Jansen  and  duu.  of  Jan  Meyrinck. 
He  enlisted  in  the  Esopus  war,  in  1663,  and,  being  captured  by  the  savages, 
was  reported  killed  ;  but  this  proved  to  be  a  mistake,  and  Wiltsee  soon  ob- 
tained his  liberty.  In  1681  he  bought  the  farm  at  Hellgate,  now  owned  by 
the  Polhemus  family,  (see  p.  37,)  which,  in  1706,  he  conveyed  to  his  son 
Tennis.  He  had  sons  Martin,  b.  166- ;  Hendrick,  b.  1669;  Myndcrt,  b. 
1672  ;  Tennis,  b.  1674,  and  Jacob,  b.  1676,  all  of  whom  married  and  had  fami- 
lies, and  their  posterity  is  now  numerous,  particularly  in  Westchester  and 
Dutchess  counties. 


374  ANNALS     OF    NEWTOWN. 

part,  and  after  the  conquest  of  New  Netlierland  by  tlie  Eng- 
lish, was  a  member,  from  Newtown,  of  the  provincial  assembly 
held  at  Hempstead  in  1665.  He  subsequently  served  as  high 
sheriff'  of  Yorkshire,  upon  Long  Island,  to  which  office  he  was 
commissioned,  Oct.  30,  1678,  and  retained  it  till  1681.  For  a 
long  series  of  years  he  performed  the  duties  of  a  magistrate, 
during  which  he  was  more  than  once  a  member  of  the  high 
court  of  assize,  then  the  supreme  power  in  the  province.  Capt. 
Betts  became  an  extensive  landholder  at  the  English  Kills,  a 
portion  of  his  land  being  now  owned  by  his  descendant,  Thos. 
H.  Betts.  His  residence  was  in  the  old  Betts  house,  now  oc- 
cupied by  Mr.  Hanson.  Here  he  d.  at  the  extreme  age  of  100 
yrs.  Nov.  18,  1713.  It  is  said  of  this  remarkable  man,  that  he 
dug  his  own  grave.  By  his  wife,  Joanna,  he  had  issue,  Eich- 
ard,~  Thomas,^  Joanna,  who  m.  John  Scudder  ;  Mary,  m.  Jos. 
Swezey ;  Martha,  m.  Philip  Ketcham  ;  Elizabeth,  m.  Jos. 
Sackett,  and  Sarah,  who  m.  Edward  Hunt. 

2.  Richard  Betts,  son  of  Richard,^  became  a  landholder  as 
early  as  1680,  and  settled  on  the  south  bounds  of  Newtown, 
(upon  lands  now  mostly  included  in  the  Cypress  Hills  Ceme- 
tery,) where  he  d.  Nov.  4,  1711,  leaving  issue  Richard,  Robert, 
Thomas,  Sarah,  Elizabeth,  Joanna,  Abigail,  and  Mary  ;  and  a 
widow,  Sarah,  who  survived  him  many  years.  Thomas  m. 
Hannah  Areson,  in  1729.  Robert  had  issue  Augustine,  &c. 
Richard  m.  Apr.  10,  1711,  Mary  Creed,  of  Jamaica,  in  which 
town  he  settled.  He  d.  in  1742,  a.  56,  and  his  widow  in  1759, 
a.  77.  Their  ch.  were  Richard,  John,  and  Mary,  who  m.  Fred- 
erick Van  Liew.  Richard,  d.  Nov.  17,  1748,  a,  37.  John  m. 
Sarah  Whitehead  in  1738,  and  d.  May  10,  1761,  a.  44,  having 
had  issue  Helen,  m.  Polhemus  ;  Mary,  m.  Dan'l  Kissam,  Esq. ; 
Susan,  m.  Thos.  Welling ;  Sarah,  m.  Richard  Fish ;  Ann,  m. 
Jos.  Stringham ;  Elizabeth,  m.  Henry  Tenbrook,  and  Catharine, 
who  d.  single. 

3.  Thomas  Betts,  son  of  Richard,^  m.  Mercy,  dau.  of  Maj. 
Dan'l  Whitehead,  about  1683.*  He  resided  on  a  portion  of  the 

*  Daniel  Whythead,  as  his  sign  manual  is,  the  father  of  Major  White- 
head, is  first  noticed  among  the  purchasers  of  Smithtown,  L.  I.  in  1650. 
Some  years  later  he  located  at  Mespat  Kills.  He  was  a  reputable  citizen, 
and  one  of  the  seven  persons  to  whom  the  first  Newtown  patent  was  grant- 
ed.   He  was  chosen  a  town  surveyor  in  1668,  but  d.  upon  his  farm  at  the 


ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN.  375 

paternal  farm  at  Mespat  Kills,  and  served  some  years  in  the 
magistracy.  He  d.  in  1709,  and  in  1711  his  widow  m.  Capt. 
Jos.  Sackett.  Mr.  Betts  left  nine  ch.  namely,  Kichard,'*  Thomas, 
Daniel,"  Mercy,  m.  Thos.  Hazard,  Abigail,  m.  Abm.  Spring- 
steen, Joanna,  Mar^,  Elizabeth,  m.  Eobert  Comfort,  and 
Deborah,  who  m.  Gershom  Moore.  2'homas,  b.  Aug.  14,  1689, 
m.  May  5,  1713,  Susannah,  dau.  of  Thos.  Stevenson.  He 
adopted  the  principles  of  the  Quakers,  as  did  also  his  brother 
Eichard,  which  their  descendants  have  generally  adhered  to. 
Thomas  had  issue  Ann,  b.  Dec.  14,  1714 ;  Thomas,  b.  Nov.  1, 
1716,  d.  young ;  John,  b.  Sep.  15,  1718 ;  Stephen,  b.  Mar.  26, 
1720  ;  Thomas  and  Susannah,  twins,  b.  Feb.  18,  1723. 

4.  Richard  Betts,  son  of  Thomas,^  was  b.  July  7,  1685, 
and  became  a  leading  member  of  the  society  of  Friends,  in 
Newtown.  His  wife,  Jemima,  whom  he  m.  Aug.  19,  1709,  d. 
Jan.  18,  1761.  He  appears  to  have  survived  her,  and  d.  at  an 
advanced  age.  Their  ch.,  besides  two  who  d.  in  youth,  were 
Thomas,  b.  June  21,  1710  ;  William,^  b.  Jan.  6,  1716 ;  Benja- 
min, b.  Jan.  15,  1720,  d.  unm.  June  12,  '46 ;  and  Joseph,  b. 
Apr.  23,  1722.  Thomas  m.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Sam'l  "Way,  but  had 
no  issue.  He  was  a  well  informed  and  able  man,  served  many 
years  as  a  magistrate,  and  d.  at  the  Kills  Aug.  21, 1782.  Joseph 
m.  Ellison  Parcell,  and  had  issue  John,  d.  single ;  Thomas  m., 
but  had  no  ch. ;  Sarah,  m.  John  Parcell ;  Nancy,  m.  Brown  ; 
and  Margaret  who  m.  Geo.  Corlies,  late  of  New- York,  dec. 

5.  William  Betts,  son  of  Richard,^  intermarried  with  Mary, 
dau.  of  Capt.  Dan'l  Betts,  and  d.  of  consumption  during  the 
Revolution,  Mrs.  Betts  d.  of  the  same  disorder.  Their  ch. 
were  Anthony,^  Benjamin,  James,  d.  unm. ;  Mary,  m.  John 
Way;  Sarah,  m.  Hezekiah  Warn  and  Capt.  Rich.  Yander* 
burgh ;  William ;  Jemima,  who  d.  abroad ;  Richard,  and 
Daniel.      The   latter  m.,  and  removed  to   Trenton,   N.   Y., 

Kills  in  November  of  that  yr.  a.  65.  He  left  sons  Daniel,  Jonathan,  David, 
and  Adam.  Daniel  (the  major)  m.  Abigail,  dau.  of  Thos.  Stevenson,  and 
settled  in  Jamaica,  served  in  the  magistracy  of  Queens,  and  was  also  a  repre- 
sentative in  the  colonial  assembly  from  1691  till  his  death.  He  acquired  a 
large  estate,  and  d.  in  1704,  a.  58.  He  left  two  sons,  Jonathan  and  'i'homas, 
and  several  daughters,  one  of  whom  m.  Thos.  Betts,  as  aforesaid.  Descen- 
dants of  Maj.  Whitehead  are  also  to  be  found  in  the  Field,  Alsop.and  Moore 
families  of  Newtown. 


376  ANNAL3       OF       NEWTOWN. 

where  lie  is  still  living,  Richard  m.  Nancy  Schureraan,  and 
secondly  Ann,  dau.  of  Peter  Berrien,  settled  at  Trenton,  afore- 
said, and  d.  in  1850,  a.  90.  William  m.  Patience  Woodward, 
and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Brush,  and  by  the  latter  had  issue  Patience, 
who  m.  Van  Valen ;  and  by  the  former  a  son  James,  who  m. 
Jennett,  dau.  of  Frederick  Myers,  and  w^as  the  father  of  Wm. 
M.  Betts,  of  Southold,  L.  I.,  and  James  H.  Betts,  of  New- York. 
Benjamin  ra.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Benj.  Moore,  lived  on  the  place 
since  of  Daniel  Morrell,  and  d.  Feb;  8,  1828,  in  his  82d  yr. 
His  ch.  were  Hannah,  Mary,  m.  James  Hunter,  and  Margaret 
who  m.  J^evi  Hart,  late  of  Brooklyn,  dec, 

6.  Anthony  Betts,  eldest  son  of  William,-"'  m.  Aug.  11,  1772, 
Jane,  dau.  of  Richard  Hallett,  and  occupied  the  paternal  farm 
at  the  Kills,  v/here  he  d.  Dec.  21,  1814,  in  his  73d  yr.,  and  his 
widow,  June  20,  1828,  in  her  76th  yr.  Their  ch.  were  Mary, 
b.  Aug.  8,  1776,  m.  Thomas  Hubbs,  of  Jericho;  Jonah,  b.  Feb. 
8,  1780,  d.  Dec.  14,  '80;  Thomas-Hallet,  b.  Oct.  15,  1783,  and 
Richard,  b.  Nov.  5,  1786,  killed  by  a  bark-wheel  July  4,  '92. 
Thomas  H.  yet  resides  on  a  portion  of  the  old  family  estate 
neax  the  English  Kills.  On  June  11,  1806,  he  m.  Amy,  dau. 
of  Cornelius  Hyatt,  and  has  had  issue  Anthony,  m.  Catharine, 
dau,  of  Abm.  Meserole ;  Sarah,  dec. ;  Jane,  m,  to  John  M. 
Hanson ;  Hyatt-Franklin,  m,  Adriana,  dau,  of  Geo,  Debevoise, 
and  Richard  Penn  Betts, 

T,  Daniel  Betts,  (entitled  captain,)  son  of  Thomas,^  m,  in 
Feb,  1715,  Mary,  dau,  of  Nathan  Fish,  She  d,  Oct,  1,  1757, 
and  Capt,  Betts,  on  Apr,  12,  1759,  In  the  family  cemetery  at 
the  Kills,  on  the  property  of  T,  H.  Betts,  rough  tablets  still 
mark  their  graves.  Their  ch.  were  Daniel,  Richard,  Samuel, ^ 
Mary,  m,  Wm.  Betts ;  Mercy,  m.  Jacob  Hallett ;  Susannah, 
m.  Jacob  Hallett,  Jr. ;  Jemima,  m.  Capt.  Sam'l  Hallett ;  and 
Sarah,  who  d,  single.  Daniel  m,  Deborah,  dau.  of  Robert 
Field,  and  d.  "  with  an  uncommon  disorder,"  June  18,  1762. 
His  widow  m.  Waters  Smith,  Esq,,  whom  she  also  survived, 
and  d,  Nov,  21,  1838,  at  the  great  age  of  108  yrs.  Elizabeth, 
the  only  ch.  of  Daniel  Betts,  m.  John  B.  Scott,  father  of  the  pre- 
sent Hon.  John  B,  Scott,  of  New-York.  Richard  Belts,  m.  Mar. 
16,  1758,  Elizabeth,  dau,  of  Cor.  Berrien,  Esq.,  and  for  some 
years  kept  an  inn  at  Hallett's  Cove,  on  property  now  owned  by 
Grant  Thorburn.      Here  he  d,  during  the  Revolution,  leaving 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  377 

issue  Eicliard,  Elizabeth,  m.  Capt.  Levin  Townsend,  of  Mary, 
land  ;  Amy,  m.  John  Swim  ;  Mary,  m.  Frederick  Stevenson  • 
and  Jane,  who  d.  unm.  Kichard  d.  without  issue,  Jan.  25 
1795,  having  m.  Miss  Caroline  Hawkins,  who  afterwards  be- 
came the  wife  of  Robert  P.  Lee,  lawyer,  New-York. 

8.  Samuel  Letts,  son  of  Daniel,'''  m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Jonathan 
Lawrence,  Esq.,  of  Rockland  co.,  a  son  of  Jonathan,  youngest 
son  of  Maj.  Thomas  Lawrence,  of  Newtown.  After  the  death 
of  Samuel  Letts,  which  took  place  June  9,  1778,  of  apoplexy, 
his  widow  m.  Capt.  Nath'l  Woodward,  of  the  continental  army. 
Mr.  Letts  had  issue  Daniel,  Jonathan,  Samuel,  Nathaniel,  (of 
whom  only  Samuel  married ;)  Mary,  m.  Edmund  Cock ;  and 
Susannah,  who  m.  John  Evans.  Samuel  Bdts  was  b.  at  New- 
town, Apr.  29,  176-1,  which  place  he  left,  about  1784,  for  the 
Danish  island  of  St.  Croix,  where  he  was  for  some  time  success- 
fully engaged  in  commerce.  Here,  on  July  28,  1796,  he  m. 
Susannah,  fourth  dau.  of  Manning  Lake,  Esq.,  from  his  inter- 
marriage with  Mary,  dau.  of  the  Hon.  Wm.  Carty,  of  Anguilla. 
Having  correct  and  diligent  business  habits,  possessing  a  kind 
heart,  and  exercising  active  benevolence,  with  a  high  sense  of 
honor  and  of  unbending  integrity,  he  commanded  general  con- 
fidence, and  enjoyed  the  esteem  of  a  large  number  of  friends. 
With  the  means  acquired  by  his  industry,  he  purchased  a  sugar 
plantation  on  the  island  ;  and  by  the  death  of  Robert  Neilson, 
of  Eeeksgrove,  a  half-brother  of  Mrs.  Letts,  he  became  the 
owner  of  that  and  the  adjoining  plantation,  called  Clairmont, 
in  connection  with  the  Finlay  family,  whose  interest  he  subse- 
quently purchased.  Mr,  Letts  removed  to  the  city  of  New- 
York,  in  1815,  for  the  more  convenient  education  of  his  chil- 
dren, but  returned  to  St.  Croix  a  few  years  before  his  death, 
which  took  place  at  Leeksgrove,  June  29, 1843.  He  had  eight 
ch.  to  wit,  Samuel,  d.  unm. ;  John-Lawrence,  d.  an  inflmt ; 
William ;  Mary,  m.  Jonathan  Lawrence ;  Susan,  m.  Jonas  W. 
Drake,  and  resides  near  Newburgh,  N.  Y. ;  Robert-Neilson,  d. 
sino-le;  Caroline,  m.  Smith  Lawrence,  and  is  dec. ;  and  Louisa. 
William  Letts,  the  third  and  only  surviving  son,  was  b.  on  the 
Island  of  St.  Croix,  Jan.  28,  1802,  received  his  subgraduate 
instruction  at  Union  Hall,  L.  L,  and  graduated  in  1820  from 
Columbia  College,  N.  Y.,  in  which  institution  Mr.  Letts  is  now 
professor  of  law,  having  succeeded  the  late  Chancellor  Kent  in 


378  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

that  chair.  For  many  years  lie  has  practiced  law  in  the  city 
of  New- York,  but  has  his  residence  near  the  village  of  Jamaica, 
L.  I.  On  Oct.  18,  1825,  he  m.  Anna-Dorothea,  eldest  dau.  of 
Beverley  Eobinson,  Esq.,  from  hie  intermarriage  with  Frances, 
dau.  of  Col.  William  Duer,  whose  wife  was  Catharine,  dau.  of 
William  Alexander,  Earl  of  Stirling.  Both  Col.  Duer,  and 
Maj.  Gen.  Lord  Stirling,  were,  it  will  be  remembered,  distin- 
guished patriots  in  our  Kevolution.  Mr.  Betts  has  three  ch. : 
Beverley-Robinson,  Caroline,  and  William,  the  first  of  whom 
has  entered  the  Episcopal  ministry. 


THE    WAY    FAMILY. 

1.  James  Way,  the  founder  of  this  name  in  Newtown,  was 
of  an  ancient  English  family,  who,  imder  the  appellation  of 
"  Waye,"  appear  on  the  records  of  Somersetshire,  as  early  as 
the  fifteenth  century.  Mr.  Way  was  an  early  and  reputable 
settler  at  the  English  Kills,  where  he  acquired  a  large  estate, 
including  the  premises  of  the  late  Judge  Furman.  He  was  a 
useful  man  in  the  town,  and  served  as  an  overseer.  He  em- 
braced the  principles  of  the  Quakers,  which  his  descendants 
have  very  generally  maintained.  He  d.  Oct.  2,  1685,  having 
had  issue  James,  Francis,  John,-  Hannah,  who  m.  Jeremiah 
Burroughs  ;  Elizabeth,  m.  Arthur  Alburtis ;  and  Martha,  who 
m.  Thos.  Taylor.  James  d.  in  1715,  leaving  issue  Martha,  who 
m.  Wm.  Leverich ;  Mary,  m.  Sam'l  Reed ;  Sarah,  m.  Johannes 
Culver ;  and  Elizabeth,  who  m.  Osborn.  Francis  had  issue 
James,  John,  Elizabeth,  m.  Benj.  Cornish  ;*  and  Diana.  After 
his  death  his  widow,  Elizabeth,  m.  Peter  Buckhout  in  1713. 

*  The  Cornish  family,  formerly  of  considerable  repute  in  this  town,  were 
descended  from  .a  respectable  settler,  Thomas  Cornish,  who  was  by  occupa- 
tion a  maker  of  pipestaves,  or  cooper,  and  d.  in  1662.  He  left  sons  John, 
James,  Thomas,  and  Benjamin.  From  the  latter,  who  d.  in  1736,  a.  84,  leav- 
ing sons  Thomas  and  Benjamin,  most  of  the  name  since  resident  in  this  town 
are  presumed  to  have  descended;  but  my  notes  are  too  imperfect  to  warrant 
a  fuller  notice  of  the  family. 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  379 

James,  son  of  Francis,  became  blind,  and  d.  Jan.  8,  1767.  He 
Avas  twice  married,  and  by  his  first  wife,  Hannah,  dau.  of  John 
Leverich,  whom  he  m.  in  1716,  and  Avho  d.  Nov.  10,  1729,  he 
had  issue  EHzabeth,  b.  Feb.  16,  1717;  Francis,  b.  May  27, 
1719 ;  and  James,  b.  Nov.  24, 1721.  John  Way,  son  of  Francis 
1st,  m.  Martha,  dau.  of  John  Leverich,  and  d.  at  llellgatc,  Oct. 
13,  1750.  His  ch.  were  John,  Leverich,  Walter,  and  Hannah, 
who  m.  Wm.  Leverich,  father  of  the  late  Jesse  Leverich,  &c. 

2.  John  Way,  son  of  James, ^  m.  Nov.  22,  1687,  Sarah,  dau. 
of  Sam'l  Dean,  of  Jamaica,  and  in  1691  acquired  the  paternal 
farm  at  the  English  Kills,  by  purchase  from  his  brothers  and 
sisters.  He  also  became  the  owner  of  a  large  tract  of  land  in 
Amewell,  N.  J.  which  at  his  death  in  1715,  he  left  to  his  three 
daughters  and  his  son  John.  His  widow  surviving  him,  d.  in 
1747,  in  her  85th  yr.  His  ch.  were  Elizabeth,  b.  Oct.  11, 1691 ; 
John,3b.  Jan.  26,  1694;  Samuel,  b.  Sep.  11,  1696;  Sarah,  b. 
Oct.  27,  1698 ;  Mary  b.  Apr.  14,  1701 ;  and  James,  b.  Aug. 
15,  1708.  James  m.  Marj^,  dau.  of  Thos.  Alsop,  and  had  issue 
Thomas  and  John,  neither  of  whom  married.  By  a  division  of 
his  father's  property  with  his  brother  John,  in  1729,  he  came 
in  possession  of  the  homestead  and  lands  at  the  English  Kills, 
on  which  he  lived  till  his  death  in  1788.  He  left  £1000  to  the 
Quaker  society,  and  £1000  for  the  support  of  a  charity  school. 
His  brother  Samuel^  a  saddler  at  the  Kills,  m.  Jane,  dau.  of 
John  Gancel,  whom  he  survived  seven  years,  and  d.  Aug.  3, 
1767,  leaving  issue  Samuel,  John,  Mary,  who  m.  Eichard 
Hallett  and  Joua.  Eoberts ;  and  Sarah,  who  m.  Thos.  Betts. 
John  m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Wm.  Belts,  but  left  no  male  issue. 
His  brother  Samuel,  by  the  will  of  his  uncle,  James  Way,  fell 
heir  to  his  property  at  the  English  Kills,  where  he  d.  in  1798. 
He  was  twice  m.,  and  by  his  wife,  Esther  Valentine,  had  an 
only  dau.  Jane,  who,  in  1784,  m.  Dr.  Henry  Mott,  father  of  Dr. 
Valentine  Mott,  of  New-York.     In  1815  the  AVay  estate  was 

,  sold  to  the  late  Garret  Furman. 

3.  John  Way,  son  of  John,-  settled  on  the  premises,  now  of 
widow  Sarah  Way,  and  on  July  19,  1716,  m.  Sarah  Burling, 
of  Flushing.  He  lived  to  the  age  of  80.  His  ch.  were  John, 
b.  Oct.  12,  1721,  and  Samuel,  b.  Nov.  11,  1723.  Samuel  re- 
mained on  the  paternal  farm  till  his  death,  Oct.  20,  1796.  He 
had  issue  John,  Burling,  Eichard,  Sarah,  who  m.  Sam'l  Spragg, 


380 


ANNALS     OP     NEWTOWN. 


(fatter  of  Eichard  Spragg,  Esq.)  and  Mary,  wlio  m.  CKas. 
Farrington.  John,  eldest  of  the  three  sons,  m.  Mary  Marsh, 
of  New  Jersey,  and  was  the  father  of  Charles  F.  Way,  of  New- 
town. Eichard  m.  in  1786,  Sarah,  dau.  of  Thos.  Hyatt,  who 
survived  him  and  is  living,  aged  87.  Their  eh.  are  Catharine, 
Sarah,  wife  of  Eichard  Spragg,  Esq.,  Judith,  wife  of  Abm. 
Furman,  Walter,  Thomas,  dec.,  Eichard,  Samuel,  dec,  and 
Eachel,  wife  of  John  Kolyer.  Burling  Way,  ra,  June  3,  1776, 
Phebe,  dau.  of  Martin  Schenck,  and  d.  Dec.  12,  1811.  He  had 
issue  Phebe,  who  m.  Ab'm  Folk,  Judith,  m.  Jos.  Furman, 
Hannah,  m.  Arthur  Eemsen,  Martin,  Samuel,  Peter,  James, 
and  Schenck  Way. 


THE    VAN    ALST     FAMILY. 


This  name  is  derived  from 
the  estate  or  manor  house  of 
Alst,  anciently  in  the  posses- 
sion of  this  family,  who,  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  custom  of 
that  time,  were  designated  as 
of  {van)  Alst.  This  manor  is 
that  district  in  Flanders  which 
still  bears  the  name  of  Alst,  ly- 
ing between  the  rivers  Scheld? 
and  Dender,  and  having  a  capi- 
tal of  the  same  name. 
1.  Joris  Stevensen  Van  Alst,  the  ancestor  of  all  among  us 
of  this  name,  was  from  Bruges,  the  capital  of  West  Flanders, 
situated  near  the  aforesaid  district  of  Alst.  He  is  commonly 
called  in  our  early  records,  Joris  de  Caper,  i.  e.  George  the 
sailor.  At  New  Amsterdam,  in  1652,  he  m.  Geesie,  dau.  of 
Harmen  Hendricksen,  a  young  lady  from  Witmund ;  and  set- 
tling at  the  Dutch  Kills,  he  bought  two  plantations,  (see  p.  21,) 
for  which  he  obtained  a  confirmatory  patent,  Dec.  16,  1670. 
He  d.  in  or  about  1710.  His  ch.  were  Stephen,  Isabella,  Jane, 
who  m.  Wit  Cornelisz  Timmer,  Andries,  Johannes,-  Mary,  m. 


ANNALS       OF     NEWTOWN.  381 

Henry  Brazier,  and  Helena,  wlio  m.  Michael  Bassctt.  Nei- 
tlier  Stephen^  b.  1653,  nor  Amines^  b.  166-i,  left  issue,  tliougli 
the  latter  was  m.  twice:  first  to  Maria  Van  Gelder,  and  se- 
condly, it  is  said,  to  a  sister  of  Eip  Van  Dam,  Esq.,  of  the 
provincial  council.  Andries  OAvned  the  farm  now  embraced 
in  those  of  John  Gardner,  dec,  and  Jacob  Polhemus. 

2.  Johannes  Van  Alst,  son  of  Joris,i  was  b.  Aug.  5,  1667, 
and  in  1704  bought  the  paternal  estate,  where  he  lived  till  his 
death  in  1749.  By  his  wife,  Aeltie,  who  d.  Aug.  23,  1732,  he 
had  issue  Joris,  Johannes,^  Jacobus,  Leah,  m.  John  Parcell ; 
Geesie,  m.  Abm.  Kiker  ;  and  Jannetie,  who  m.  Jacob  Skillman. 
Jacohus  m.  Jane.  dau.  of  Isaac  Bragaw,  and  settled  in  New- 
York.  Joris,  b.  Aug.  31,  1701,  bought  the  farm  of  his  uncle 
Andries,  and  m.  Oct.  31,  1723,  Aletta,  dau.  of  Isaac  Bragaw, 
aforesaid.  She  d.  a.  60,  Oct.  8,  1760 ;  and  Mr.  Van  Alst,  on 
Sep.  15,  1767.  Their  ch.  were  Aletta,  d.  unm. ;  Isaac,  d.  sin- 
gle ;  Heyltie,  m.  Aaron  Stockholm ;  John ;  Catharine,  m.  Abm. 
Bragaw,  of  N.  Jersey ;  Leah,  m.  John  Van  Alst ;  Bergoou, 
or  Bragaw ;  Grace,  m.  Wm.  Parcell ;  and  Anna,  who  m.  Sam'l 
Waldron.*  John,  last  named,  was  b.  Dec.  6, 1729,  m.  in  1759, 
his  cousin  Aletta,  dau.  of  John  Van  Alst,  and  d.  Sep.  20,  1767, 
his  only  issue  being  two  sons,  George,  and  Isaac,  both  of 
whom  left  families  who  located  in  Dutchess  co.     Bergoon  was 

*  In  or  about  1652,  Resolved  Waldkon  cnme  from  Amsterdnm  to  lliis 
country,  with  his  vrow  Tanneke  Nagle.  He  acquired  a  large  property  at 
Horn's  Hook,  within  the  limits  of  Harlem,  on  which  he  located.  For  many 
years  he  held  the  office  of  scout,  and  wns  one  of  the  most  useful  and  respect- 
able of  the  Harlem  settlers.  He  d.  in  1690,  leaving  sons  Samuel,  William, 
Barent,  and  Johannes.  From  one  of  these  came  Samuel  Waldron,  who  m. 
Anna  Delamater,  and  removed  to  Newtown  village,  where  he  occupied  the 
premises  on  which  Mr.  Lord  resides.  He  served  some  years  as  a  deacon  of 
the  Dutch  church,  and  d.  Aug.  23,  1771,  a.  61.  His  ch.  were  Samuel,  John, 
d  unm  William,  Benjamin,  Ann,  who  m.  Rich.  Rapalje,  Elizabeth,  m. 
Sam'l  Beekman,  Margaret,  m.  her  cousin  Jacobus  Waldron,  and  Catharine, 
who  d  single.  Of  these  WilUam  and  Bevjamin  settled  in  New  Jersey. 
Samuel  b  Mar.  13,  1738,  m.  Anna  Van  Alst,  as  before  said.  He  owned  tlie 
place  now  of  Edward  Tompkins,  Esq.,  at  Hempstead  Swamp,  was  a  black- 
smith  as  was  also  his  father,  and  like  him  was  much  respected.  After  the 
Revolution,  he  served  as  a  justice  of  the  peace.  He  d.  Sep.  4  1799,  and 
his  widow  in  her  60th  yr.,  Feb.  28,  1803.  They  had  issue  Aletta,  Ann, 
Hannah,  Samuel,  and  Cornelia.  Samuel,  b.  July  16,  1775,  and  res.dmg  m 
Newtown,  has  ch.  Hendrick  E.,  Sarah,  Aletta,  and  Anna. 

25 


382  AWKALS     oy     JSEWXOWK. 

b.  Aug.  22,  1737,  m.  Margaret  Hoogland,  and  removed  to 
Fislikill.  His  cli.  were  George,  Mary,  m.  JoLn  Lnyster  j 
Diana,  m.  Andrew  Stoutenburgh ;  and  Aletta,  who  m,  Hen- 
drick  Hulst.  The  said  George  m,  Mary  Storm,  and  had  issue 
George,  and  Bergoon. 

3.  Johannes  Van  Alst,  son  of  Johannes,-  m.  Catalina,  dau. 
of  Isaac  Bragaw,  aforesaid,  and  bought  the  paternal  estate  at 
the  Dutch  Kills,  on  which  he  erected  a  new  house  in  1766, 
which  remains,  and  is  now  occupied  by  his  grandson,  Isaac 
Van  Alst,  The  ancient  house  stood  a  little  southeast  of  this, 
close  on  the  meadow  edge.  Mr.  Van  Alst  left  issue  John, 
George,  Aletta,  m.  John  Van  Alst ;  and  Catharine,  and  Hetty, 
who  became  the  wives  of  Henry  Jacobs.  George  m.  Ann 
Meserole,  and  d.  Nov.  10,  1811,  a.  71,  having  owned  and  oc- 
cupied that  half  of  his  father's  farm  late  in  possession  of  his 
only  child,  John  G.  Van  Alst,  whose  death  occurred  Aug.  7, 
1851,  in  his  71st  yr.  John  m.  Dec.  8,  1768,  Hannah,  dau.  of 
Jacob  Bennet,  of  Dominie's  Hook,  a  grandson  of  Capt,  Peter 
Praa.*  He  fell  heir  to  that  part  of  the  homestead  now  owned 
by  his  son  Isaac,  where  he  d.  Jan.  14,  1823,  in  his  88th  yr. 

*  Capt.  Peter  Peaa,  who  has  numerous  blood  descendants,  was  suffi- 
cientVy  identified  with  Newtown,  to  deserve  notice.  His  fiither,  Peter,  was  a 
highly  respectable  Huguenot  exile  from  Dieppe,  a  seaport  in  France,  who, 
with  his  family,  came  to  this  country  in  1659,  and  d.  at  Cripplebush,  Mar.  6, 
1663.  (See  p.  130.)  He  left  eh.  Peter,  and  Anna,  who  m.  Jan  Jansen. 
Peter  was  b.  at  Leyden,  in  1655,  while  his  parents  sojourned  at  that  city  of 
refuge.  He  m.  in  1684,  Maria,  dau.  of  Jacob  Hay,  and  widow  of  Joost 
Molenaer,  at  which  time  he  was  living  in  Newtown,  but  he  spent  the  most  of 
his  subsequent  life  in  Bushwick,  had  command  of  the  militia,  and  was  noted 
for  his  skill  in  horsemanship.  He  acquired  a  large  property  in  various  places, 
including  Dominie's  Hook,  which  he  bought  from  the  heirs  of  Annetie  Jans, 
of  Trinity  Church  notoriety.  (See  p.  29.)  Capt.  Praa  d.  in  1740.  His  ch. 
were  Catharine,  b.  1685;  Maria,  b.  1688,  m.  Wynant  Van  Zandt;  Elizabeth, 
b.  1691,  ra.  Meserole;  Anna,  b.  1694,  m.Wm.  Bennet  and  Daniel  Bodet; 
and  Christiana,  b.  1698,  who  m.  David  Provost.  From  these  marriages  have 
descended  several  families  in  which  the  name  of  Peter  Praa  is  yet  retained. 
To  the  ch.  of  his  dau.  Anna,  Capt.  Praa  left  the  estate  of  Dominie's  Hook. 
These  were  Jacob  Bennet,  Peter  P.  Bennet,  Mary,  who  m.  John  Devoo,  and 
Nelly,  who  m.  David  Van  Cott.  Jacob  Bennet  bought  the  Hook  by  pur- 
chases in  1767  and  1780.  He  d.  in  1817,  a.  94,  and  his  ch.  were  Jacob, 
William,  Anna,  m.  Capt.  Geo.  Hunter,  and  Hannah,  who  m.  Mr.  Van  Alst 
as  aforesaid. 


ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN.  383 

His  cli.  were  Jolm,  Jacob,  Isaac,  Peter,  William,  Abraham, 
Elizabeth,  David,  and  Ilenry. 


THE    BUREOUGHS    FAMILY. 

1.  John  Burrongbes,  the  progenitor  of  this  family,  was  of 
English  birth ;  early  came  over  to  Massachusetts,  and  is  found 
at  Salem,  in  1637,  Upon  his  removal  to  Newtown,  he  became 
a  leading  man,  and  being  a  skillful  penman,  a  quite  rare  ac- 
complishment in  those  days,  he  filled  the  office  of  town  clerk 
for  eleven  years.  He  appears  to  have  been  a  resolute  character, 
a  warm  advocate  of  popular  rights,  and  his  sufferings  in  this 
behalf  have  been  before  related.  He  d.  in  August  1678,  a. 
61.  Mr.  Burroughes  was  a  brother-in-law  to  Edward  Jessup, 
and  was  twice  married,  his  second  wife  being  the  widow  Eliz- 
abeth Eeed,  who  survived  him  but  a  few  days.  His  will  is  on 
record  in  New- York,  and  an  original  copy  is  still  in  possession 
of  Mr,  Geo.  W.  Burroughs,  of  Newtown.  He  left  issue  Jere- 
miah,^ Joseph,^  John,  Joanna,  who  m.  Reeder,  and  Mary. 
John^  only  son  by  the  second  marriage,  was  b.  in  1665,  m. 
Margaret,  dau.  of  Lambert  Woodward,*  and  d.  in  1699, 
leaving  a  son  John,  and  other  ch.  Their  descendants  are 
not  traced, 

2.  Jeremiah  Burroughs,  son  of  John,^  shared  his  father's 
property,  and  was  town  clerk  for  several  years,  and  at  the 
time  of  his  death,  which  happened  in  1698,  at  the  age  of  47. 
He  was  drowned  in  swimming  after  a  canoe  adrift.     His  ch. 

*  Lambert  Woodward  bought  himself  a  residence  in  this  town  in 
1666,  and  d.  in  or  about  1690,  having  issue  Margaret,  abovcsaid,  Lambert, 
who  d.  unm.,  and  Nathaniel,  from  whom  a  considerable  posterity  descended, 
though  now  extinct  in  this  town.  He  m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Capt.  Sam'l  Moore, 
and  d.  Oct.  24,  1744.  His  ch.  were  Lambert,  Moore,  Joseph,  and  Abigail 
who  was  the  mother  of  the  late  Judge  Benj.  Coe.  Joseph  m.  in  1736,  Tem- 
perance Fish,  and  was  the  grandfather  of  the  late  Jos.  Woodward  of  New 
Utrecht,  and  his  sister  Ann  N.,  formerly  Mrs.  Alsop,  now  Mrs.  Raymond. 
Moore  m.  in  1735,  Sarah  Coe,  and  had  sons  Samuel,  Nathaniel,  John,  and 
Oliver.  Lambert  succeeded  to  the  paternal  farm,  (now  T.  Victor's,)  and  d. 
early  in  the  Revolution.  His  ch.  (see  pp.  172,  181,  185,  214,)  were  Capt. 
Nathaniel,  of  the  American  array,  Thomas,  Gilbert,  Lambert,  and  Philip. 


384  AKNAI.S      OF      NEWTOWN  . 

were  Jeremiala,  James,  JoIhd,  Joseph,  and  Hannali,  wTio  m. 
Jolin  Reeder  and  Jolin  Furman.  Jeremiah  m.  Cornelia 
Eckerson,  and  settled  in  Hunterdon  co.  N.  J,  James,  a 
weaver,  served  tlie  town  as  collector  of  taxes.  He  m. 
Deborah  Sallier,  in  1710,  and  d.  some  fifteen  or  twenty 
years  after,  leaving  issue  James,  Joseph,  Thomas,  John, 
Deborah,  and  Mary:  Joseph  and  his  two  sisters  d.  single. 
Their  brother  John  had  a  son  John  who  removed  to  Cin- 
cinnati. The  said  Thomas  d.  at  Newtown,  in  1805,  having 
had  issue  Robert,  Hannah,  who  m.  Abm.  Remsen,  Thomas, 
William,  of  Cincinnati,  Eliza,  m.  Wm.  Wainwright,  Joseph, 
of  New  Jersey,  and  John.  James,  eldest  son  of  James  and 
Deborah,  m.  Geesie  Colyer,  in  1769,  and  d,  in  1806,  His  ch. 
were  Joseph,  who  settled  in  Dutchess  co,,  John,  James,  Grace, 
wife  of  "Wm,  Underbill,  and  Benjamin,  of  Newtown.  John, 
last  named,  was  b.  Sep,  17,  1777,  m.  Sarah,  dau.  of  John 
Debevoise,  and  d.  June  10,  1845  ;  issue  Theodorus,  Adriana, 
John,  Jacob  J.,  Joseph,  Sarah-Jane,  and  Grace- Ann. 

3,  Joseph  Burroughs,  son  of  John,^  was  a  very  worthy 
citizen,  and  a  liberal  supporter  of  the  Presbyterian  church, 
during  Mr.  Pumroy's  ministry.  He  d.  in  advanced  years,  Feb. 
16,  1738,  His  son  John  m.  in  1721,  Margaret,  dau.  of  Jas. 
Renne,  served  the  next  year  as  constable  of  the  town,  and  was 
subsequently  a  justice  of  the  peace.  He  owned  land  at  Tren- 
ton, N,  J,,  and  was  also  interested  in  the  New  Cornwall  mines. 
He  d.  on  his  estate  in  Newtown,  July  7,  1750,  and  his  widow, 
July  11,  1767.  The  latter  left  £100  to  the  Presbyterian 
church.  Their  ch.  were  John,  Samuel,  and  Joanna.  Samuel 
left  no  issue.  His  brother  John  m.  April  26,  1747,  Sarah 
Hunt,  then  the  widow  Smith,  and  inheriting  the  paternal  farm, 
d.  Feb.  18,  1755,  leaving  an  only  ch.  Joseph.  His  widow  m. 
Thos.  Woodward.  Joseph,  last  named,  occupied  the  farm 
now  of  Jonathan  Randel,  on  the  Dutch  lane.  He  was  a  lead- 
ing man  in  the  Episcopal  church,  and  a  valuable  and  esteemed 
citizen.  He  d.  Dec.  24,  1820,  in  his  73d  yr.  .  He  had  two 
wives,  and  by  the  first,  Lydia,  dau.  of  Thos.  Hallett,  whom  he 
m.  Nov.  11,  1765,  and  whose  death  occurred  in  [her  54th  yr., 
Dec.  21,  1793,  he  had  issue  John,  Thomas,  Joseph-Hallett, 
Anna,  now  widow  of  Peter  Vandervoort,  Esq.,  William-Howe, 
and  Benjamin.     Of  these  William  and  Jose;ph  d.  unm.     t/o/m, 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN. 


385 


b.  Nov.  17,  1766,  was  a  ptysician,  and  d.  Nov.  20,  1812. 
Thomas,  b.  July  1,  1769,  succeeded  to  the  paternal  farm,  and 
m.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Geo.  AVyckoff.  He  d.  Sep.  21, 1835,  leaving 
issue  Lydia,  who  m.  Geo.  I.  Rapelye ;  Sarali,  now  Mrs.  Clias. 
H.  Roacb  ;  Joseph;  Ann,  Avho  m.  John  B.  Hyatt ;  and  George 
Wyckoff  Burroughs.  Benjamin  Burroughs,  b.  ^Ntar.  31,  1780, 
removed  to  Savannah,  Geo.,  where  he  married,  and  became  a 
distinguished  and  opulent  merchant.  He  was  many  years  an 
elder  of  the  Independent  Presbyterian  church  in  the  above 
city,  and  d.  Apr.  11,  1837.  His  ch.  are  Joseph  H.,  a  merchant 
of  Savannah;  William  H.,  a  planter  in  Florida;  Benjamin, 
a  Presbyterian  minister  at  Vernonberg,  Geo. ;  Henry  K.,  a 
physician,  and  recently  mayor  of  Savannah  ;  Oliver  S.,  of  the 
same  city  ;  Elizabcth-Reid,  wife  of  Dr.  John  S.  Law,  of  Cin- 
cinnati, and  Catharine,  who  m.  Chas.  Green,  of  Savannah, 
and  is  dec. 


THE    RBMSEN    FAMILY. 


This  family,  whose  original 
cognomen  was  Yan  der  Beeck, 
dates  back  to  a  remote  period 
in  Germany  and  the  Nether- 
lands. The  arms  they  bore 
are  those  here  presented,  which 
were  granted  them  in  1162,  by 
the  emperor  Frederick  Barba- 
rossa.  They  indicate  reputation 
gained  in  the  knight  service, 
&c.,  and  the  waved  lines  across 
the  shield  represent  a  brook, 
and  denote  the  origin  of  the  family  name,  the  words  van  der 
heeck  signifying  of  the  brook  ■      ^^  ■ 

1.  Rem  Jansen  Vanderbeeck,  and  other  persons  bcarmg  this 
name,  emigrated  to  this  country  in  the  infancy  of  colonization, 


S8G  ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN. 

but  the  first  mentioned  was  the  ancestor  of  all  the  Eemsens  in 
the  United  States.  He  was  by  occupation  a  "  smith."  Our 
early  records  are  not  agreed  as  to  the  place  from  which  he 
came,  one  stating  it  to  have  been  Jeveren  in  Westphalia, 
and  another  Coevorden,  in  Overyssel,  about  seventy-five  miles 
south-west  of  the  former  town.  After  his  arrival  here  he  m.  in 
1642  Jannetie,  dau.  of  Joris  Jansen  de  Eapalie,  and  having  resid- 
ed for  some  years  at  Albany,  where  he  and  his  wifcAvere  church 
members,  he  settled  at  the  Wallabout,  and  obtained,  either  by 
patent  or  purchase,  the  farm  now  owned  by  his  great-great- 
grandson,  Hon.  Jer,  Johnson.  E,em  Jansen  enjoyed  a  respec- 
table standing  in  Brooklyn,  and  was  a  magistrate  during  the 
second  Dutch  administration.  He  d.  in  1681,  his  widow  sur- 
viving many  years.  Of  this  lady  a  curious  record  is  made, 
that  when  she  was  a  child,  a  squaw  took  her  across  from  Gov- 
ernor's to  Long  Island  in  a  tub,  so  narrow  then  was  Buttermilk 
channel.  Eem  Jansen  had  fifteen  ch.  all  present  at  his  funeral, 
as  tradition  says,  and  all  of  whom  married.  They  were  Jan, 
Joris,  Eem,3  Jacob,  Jeromus,  Daniel,  Abraham,'^  Isaac,-  Jere- 
mias,^  Anna,  m.  Jan  G.  Dorlandt ;  Hillegond,  m,  Aris  J. 
Vanderbilt ;  Femmetie,  m.  Joseph  Hegeman ;  Jannetie,  m. 
Gerrit  H.  Van  Nostrand ;  Catalina,  m.  Elbert  Adriaense,  and 
Sarah,  who  m.  Marten  Adriaense.*  The  sons  finally  dropped 
the  name  of  Vanderbeeck,  and  took  the  patronymic  Eemsen 
as  their  family  name.  Daniel  m.  Jane,  dau.  of  John  Ditmars, 
and  d.  at  Flatbush  in  1736.  Jeromus  m.  Catharine,  dau.  of 
Cor.  Berrien,  and  d.  in  1750.  Jacob  m.  Gertrude,  dau.  of  Dirck 
Yan  der  Yliet.  These  three  appear  to  have  left  no  male  issue. 
Jan,  b.  in  1618,  m.  in  1681,  Martha,  dau.  of  Jan  Damen,  and 
d.  at  Flatbush  in  1696,  leaving  ch.  Sophia,  John,  Eem,  Jane, 

*  Elbert  and  Marten  Adriaense  were  the  sons  of  Adriaen  Reyerse  of 
Flatbush,  who,  with  his  brother,  Marten  Reyerse,  (see  p.  269,)  came  from 
Am-^tcrdatn.  The  history  of  this  family  strikingly  exhibits  the  early  habit 
of  changing  names.  Reyerse,  itself  no  surname,  but  simply  a  patronymic, 
(see  explanation,  p.  265,)  was  retained  by  the  descendants  of  Marten  Reyerse, 
who  are  now  numerous,  and  bear  the  name  Ryerson.  Of  the  two  brothers, 
Elbert  and  Marten  Adriaense,  the  first  settled  in  Flushing,  and  his  posterity 
there,  in  Dutchess  co.  and  elsewhere,  compose  the  Adriance  fiimily.  Marten 
Adriaense  remained  in  Flatbush,  and  had  sons  Adrian,  Rem,  and  Gerrit,  who 
took  the  patronymic  Martense,  and  were  the  progenitors  of  the  present 
Martence  family. 


ANNALS       OF       NEWTOWN.  387 

Martlia,  and  Cornelius.  Eem,  last  named,  settled  on  Statcn 
Island,  and  was  a  justice  of  the  peace.  Joris  m.  in  IGS-i, 
Femmetie,  dau.  of  Derick  J.  AVoortman,  and  in  1706  bought 
the  farm  of  his  father-in-law,  near  the  Brooklyn  ferry.  (See 
Thompson's  Hist.  L,  I.  ii.  210.)  This  property  is  now  in  the 
heart  of  Brooklyn  city.  Of  the  ch.  of  Joris,  Mary  ra.  Joost 
Debevoise,  Sarah  m.  Jacobus  Debevoise,  Elizabeth  m.  Geo. 
Rapalje,  and  Oatalina  m.  Ilendrick  Rcmsen.  Bern,  a  son  of 
Joris,  m.  Aeltie  Bergen  in  17o7,  remained  on  the  paternal 
farm,  and  d.  in  or  about  172^1,  leaving  among  other  ch.  sons 
George  and  John,  the  first  of  whom  fell  heir  to  his  father's 
property,  m.  Jane,  dau.  of  Philip  Nagle,  and  d.  between  1735 
and  '43,  having  issue  Rem,  Philip,  and  Aletta  who  m.  Wyckoff 
Van  Nostrand.     Philip,  b.  in  1731,  removed  to  Buck's  co.  Pa. 

2.  Isaac  Remsen,  son  of  Rem  Jansen,^  was  b.  in  1673,  and 
d.  on  a  farm  in  Brooklyn  between  1750  and  '58.  His  ch.  were 
Rem,  Isaac,  John,  Jacob,  Joris,  Hendriekie,  m.  Johannes  Lott, 
Jannetie,  m,  John  Van  Nostrand,  and  Catrina  who  m.  John 
Boerum.  Joris  m.  Oatalina  Ditmars,  but  had  no  issue.  Jo/m 
and  Isaac  settled  at  Oyster  Bay,  where  their  posterity  remains : 
Isaac  was  b.  in  1710,  and  left  ch,  Isaac,  Abraham,  John,  and 
Antie,  who  m.  Joris  Van  Nostrand ;  the  first  of  whom  was 
father  to  George,  the  father  of  James  Remsen  of  N.  Y.  city. 
Jacoh^  b.  1719,  m.  Catharine,  dau.  of  Wm.  Van  Duyn,  Esq., 
and  was  a  farmer  in  Brooklyn,  where  he  d.  in  1794.  His  ch. 
were  Adriana,  m.  John  Debevoise;  Henrietta,  m.  Samuel 
Harris ;  Matilda,  m.  Tunis  Bogart,  and  Isaac,  who  m.  Susannah, 
dau.  of  Chas.  Roberts,  she  being  afterwards  the  wife  of  Burdet 
Striker,  father  of  Hon.  Francis  B.  Striker  of  Brooklyn. 

3.  Rem  Remsen,  son  of  Rem  Jansen,^  m.  Marritie,  dau.  of 
Jan  Vanderbilt,  and  lived  in  the  town  of  Flatbush,  where  he 
served  as  an  elder  of  the  church  at  New  Lots.  His  will,  dated 
Sep.  9,  1724,  was  proved  Dec.  7,  1742,  in  which  he  names  his 
sons  Joris,  Rem,-*  Jacob,  and  John.  Joris  m.  Lammetie,  dau. 
of  Joris  Bergen,  and  secondly  Sarah,  dau.  of  Theodorus 
Polhemus.  By  the  first  he  had  issue  Joris,  b.  1706,  and  by 
the  second,  sons  Rem,  b.  1711,  and  Theodorus,  b.  1716 ;  of 
whom  Joris,  the  eldest,  d.  at  Haverstraw  in  1741,  leaving  a 
son  Tunis.  Jacoh  m.  Maria  Coerten,  and  d.  in  Brooklyn  in 
1756,  having  ch.  Rem,   Stephen,  John,  Maria,  wife  of  Abm. 


388  ANNALS       OF      NEWTQ-WN. 

Montanye,  Eve,  and  Anna.  Stephen  m,  Catharine  Ditmars,  in 
1744,  and  d,  at  Brooklyn  in  1757,  leaving  issue  Abraham, 
Jacob,  Bregie,  and  Aris.  John  Bemseyi,  by  his  wife  Elizabeth, 
had  Eem,  b.  1706 ;  Derick,  b.  1708  ;  George,  b.  1710  ;  Aris,  b. 
1712,  and  Anna  and  Elizabeth,  b,  1715.  He  d,  prior  to 
1725.  His  son  Aris  d,  in  the  town  of  Jamaica,  having  had 
sons  John,  Rem,  and  Aris.  His  brother  George  d.  at  Flatbush 
in  1759,  leaving  ch.  John  and  Elizabeth.  His  brother  Eem 
was  a  farmer  at  Hempstead,  where  he  d.  in  the  Revolution, 
leaving  issue  John,  Anthony,  and  Mary,  wife  of  John  Burtis. 
Said  Anthony,  a  merchant  in  Brooklyn,  d.  in  1794,  leaving 
one  ch.  Aletta,  then  wife  of  Nich.  Schenck,  Jr.  Derick  Remsen, 
above  named,  a  farmer  at  Flatlands,  m.  Catharine  Lott,  in 

1744,  and  left  sons  Johannes  and  Derick,  the  first  of  whom 
m.  Cornelia  Rapalje,  and  d.  at  the  above  place  in  1826,  a.  81. 
Derick  m.  Elizabeth  Duryea,  and  was  the  father  of  John 
Remsen,  Esq.  living  at  Flatlands. 

4.  Rem  Remsen,  son  of  Rem,^  was  b.  Mar.  7,  1685,  and 
surviving  his  wife  Dorothy,  d.  Mar.  5,  1752.  His  tombstone, 
with  a  Dutch  inscription,  remains  in  the  ancient  graveyard  in 
Fulton  St.,  Brooklyn.  His  ch.  were  Rem,  b.  1706 ;  Hendrick, 
b.  1708;  Marritie,  b.  1710;  Aris,  b.  1711;  Johannes,  b.l714; 
Catharine,  b.  1716  ;  Joris,  b.  1717  ;  Jacob,  b.  1719  ;  Antie,  b. 
1721 ;  Peter,5  b.  1722  ;  Dorothy,  b.  1724,  and  Sarah,  b.  1726. 
All  the  sons  except  Aris,  became  residents  of  New- York  city, 
and  all  were  either  bakers,  bolters,  or  merchants.     Joris  m.  in 

1745,  Geertie  De  Hart,  then  widow  Sanford,  Be7n  was  a  baker. 
He  m.  first  a  dau.  of  Jeromus  Rapalje,  and  secondly,  Catharine, 
dau.  of  John  Berrien,  Esq.  He  d.  in  1743,  and  his  widow  in 
1786.  His  ch.  were  Dorothy,  m.  John  Riker,  George,  (a  ma- 
riner, who  d.  about  1760,  leaving  a  son  Peter,)  and  Jeromus, 
the  only  ch.  by  second  marriage ;  he  d.  single.  Arts  m. 
Jannetie,  dau.  of  Jeromus  Rapalje,  and  d.  at  Brooklyn,  Apr. 
25,  1778.  His  ch.  were  Rem,  Jeromus,  and  John,  the  first  of 
whom  m.  Maria  Schenck,  and  was  a  miller  at  Brooklyn,  where 
he  d.  Feb.  27,  1780,  a  37.  His  two  brothers  were  merchants 
in  New- York,  some  years  later.  Jeromus  m.  Phebe,  dau.  of 
Hendrick  Remsen,  and  d.  May  15,  1794,  his  only  son,  Henry 
I.  being  the  father  of  Edward  Remsen  of  New- York.  Johannes 
was  a  baker,  m.  in  1737,  Elizabeth  Braisted,  (then  widow 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN.  389 

Waldron,)  and  d.  in  New-York,  Aug.  28,  1743,  leaving  issue 
Johannes,  d.  single,  Rebecca,  and  Rem,  the  latter  b.  in  17-i3. 
Jacob  served  several  years  as  a  trustee  of  Brooklyn,  but  enter- 
ing into  mercantile  business  in  New- York,  there  d.  in  1784. 
His  ch.  were  Rem,  William,  Dorothy,  Jacob,  Mary,  Catharine^ 
John,  Daniel,  Ann,  and  Sarah.  Hendrick  JRemsen  acquired 
wealth  as  a  merchant  in  New- York,  where  he  d.  July  7,  1771, 
a.  63.  By  his  wife  Catalina,  dau.  of  Joris  Remseu,  who  sur- 
vived [him,  and  d.  Oct.  18,  1784,  a.  81,  he  had  issue  that 
reached  maturity,  George,  d.  without  issue,  Dorothy,  d.  unm., 
Hendrick,  and  Phebe,  who  m.  Jeromus  Remsen.  Hendrick, 
last  named,  b.  Apr.  5,  1736,  m.  Cornelia  Dickenson,  Dec.  28, 
1761,  and  was  a  merchant  of  eminence  in  New-York,  and  a 
leading  whig  at  the  opening  of  the  Revolution.  He  d.  Mar.  18, 
1792,  and  his  widow,  July  24,  1816,  a.  nearly  72.  Of  nine  ch. 
who  reached  maturity,  only  one  married,  namely,  Henry,  who 
was  b.  Nov.  7,  1762,  and  d.  Feb.  18,  1843.  His  wife  was 
Catharine,  dau.  of  Capt.  De  Peyster,  and  his  ch.  are  Henry  R. 
and  William,  lawyers ;  Robert  G.,  physician ;  Catharine- Ann, 
who  m.  Frederick  Schuchardt,  and  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  Jos. 
Grafton,  Jun. 

5.  Peter  Remsen,  son  of  Rem,^  m.  Dec.  28,  1744,  Jane  De 
Hart,  and,  having  done  business  in  New- York  for  many  years, 
d.  in  1771,  a.  49.  His  ch.  were  Simon,  Dorothy,  m.  Abra. 
Brinckerhoif,  Rem,  and  Agnes.  The  tAvo  latter  d.  unm. 
JSimon,  h.  Dec.  22,  1748,  m.  Alctta,  only  child  of  Daniel 
Rapalje,  Esq.  of  Newtown,  and  occupied  his  father-in-law's 
estate,  now  the  residence  of  his  only  surviving  child,  Aletta, 
the  widow  of  James  Strong.  Mr.  Remsen  d.  Sep.  4,  1823, 
Mrs.  R.  having  d.  Aug.  14,  1821,  in  her  68th  yr.  Their  ch. 
were  Peter,  Jane,  Eliza,  m.  John  T.  Lawrence,  Daniel,  Aletta, 
aforesaid,  and  Simon.  The  first  two  and  .the  last  d.  single. 
Daniel,  b.  Dec.  15,  1785,  d.  at  Rome,  in  Italy,  Feb.  14,  1822, 
and  was  the  father  of  the  late  Simeon  Henry  Remsen.  Peter, 
to  whose  memory  a  monument  is  erected  at  Newtown  village, 
was  b.  Feb.  5,  1771,  and  d.  Aug.  26,  1836.  He  spent  more 
than  forty  years  of  his  life  in  mercantile  business  in  New- York, 
and  was  esteemed  for  his  piety,  intelligence,  and  decision  of 
character.  To  his  benevolence  are  the  colored  people  of  New- 
town indebted  for  their  school-house  on  the  Dutch  lane. 


390  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

G.  Abraham  Eemsen,  son  of  Rem  Jansen/  settled  at  Hemp- 
stead Swamp,  in  Newtown,  on  the  farm  now  of  James  Weeden. 
He  m.  Anna  Aertsen,  whom  he  survived  fifteen  years.  He  d. 
Dec.  13,  1752,  a.  nj^wards  of  80.  His  ch.  were  Rem,  Aert, 
Jeromus,'^  Abraham,  and  Bregie,  who  m.  Abm.  Ditmars.* 
Abraham  was  m.  Sep.  25,  1734,  and  three  days  after  fell  from 
a  chestnut  tree,  of  which  he  died,  Feb.  8,  1735,  a.  21  yrs.  Aert 
had  by  his  wife  Geesie,  issue  Abraham,  b.  1719,  Margaret  and 
Anna,  b.  1722.  Rem  was  b.  in  1694,  m.  Oct.  12,  1728,  Mary 
Letten,  and  resided  on  the  farm  now  of  Willett  M'Coun,  till  in 
or  after  the  Revolution.  His  ch.  were  Abraham,  b.  Aug.  23, 
1730 ;  Mary,  b.  May  4,  1732,  m.  Benj.  Furman,  and  removed 
to  Haverstraw  ;  Anna,  b.  May  28,  1734,  m.  Howard  Furman  ; 
Garret,  b.  Feb.  8,  1736 ;  Aert,  b.  Nov.  30,  1737 ;  Nicholas,  b. 
Nov.  27, 1739;  Bregie,  b.  Mar.  23,  1742,  m.  David  Vandervoort, 

*  The  progenitor  of  the  Ditmars  fixmily  in  this  country  was  Jan  Jansen, 
from  Ditmarsen,  in  the  Dutchy  of  Holstein.  He  is  sometimes  denominated  Jan 
Jansen  platneus,  that  is  Jlalnose.  In  1647  he  obtained  a  plantation  at  the 
Dutch  Kills,  (see  p.  21,)  now  included,  I  believe,  in  the  farm  of  the  late  John 
G.  Van  Alst.  He  d.  before  1650,  as  his  widow  Neeltie  Douwes,  remarried 
early  in  that  year.  His  only  ch.  whose  names  appear,  were  John,  and  Douwe 
or  Dow.  John  settled  at  Flatbush,  where  he  and  his  wife,  Adriana,  are 
named,  in  1677,  as  old  church  members.  They  had  several  sons,  one  of 
whom,  Dow,  m.  in  1688,  Catharine  Lott,  and  removed  to  Jamaica,  where  he 
d.  "far  advanced  in  years,"  in  or  just  prior  to  1755.  His  ch.  were  John, 
Peter,  Dow,  Abraham,  and  Adriana,  who  m.  Wm.  Van  Duyn  of  Newtown. 
All  of  these,  except  Dow,  predeceased  their  father,  leaving  heirs.  Abraham 
m.  June  18,  1725,  Bregie,  dau.  of  Abm.  Remsen,  and  d.  on  his  farm  at  Ja- 
maica, Aug.  7,  1743.  His  widow  d.  in  her  43d  yr.  Aug.  31,  1750.  Their  ch. 
who  survived  infancy  were  Catharine,  b.  June  21,  1727,  m.  Stephen  Remsen 
and  Capt.  Christopher  Codwise;  Anna,  b.  Jan.  12,  1733,  m.  Leffert  Lefferts; 
Dow,b.  Aug.  24,  1735,  and  Abraham,  b.  Dec.  9,  1738.  Of  these  Dow  m. 
Maria,  dau.  of  John  Johnson  of  Jamaica,  and  d.  Aug.  25,  1775,  leaving  ch. 
Abraham,  John  D.  of  Jamaica,  Bregie,  now  widow  of  Peter  Rapelje,  Maria, 
m,  Jacob  Rapelye,  and  Catalina,  who  m.  John  R.  Ludlow,  father  of  Hanmer 
Ludlow  of  Newtown,  and  Rev.  Gabriel  Ludlow.  Abraham,  son  of  Abm. 
was  twice  m.  and  d.  on  his  fixrm  in  Jamaica,  Nov.  19,  1824,  a.  86.  By  his 
first  wife,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  John  Johnson  aforesaid,  he  had  issue  Abraham, 
b.  Oct.  6,  1760 ;  Catalina,  b.  Sep.  20,  1762,  m.  Sam'l  Eldred ;  John  A.,  b. 
Apr.  9,  1766;  and  Dow,  b.  June  12,  1771,  now  Dr.  Dow  Ditmars,  of  Hell- 
gate,  whose  wife  is  Anna-Elvira,  dau.  of  the  late  Samuel  Riker,  Esq.  Their 
sons  are  Thomas  T.,  Richard  R.,  and  Abraham  D.  Anna  R.,  their  only  dau. 
is  deceased. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  391 

and  Luke,  b.  Sep.  1,  1749.  Of  tliese,  Nicholas  d.  iiiim.  aLout 
the  beginning  of  the  Revolution,  Daring  this  contest  all  the 
other  brothers  were  in  exile  through  their  attachment  to  liber- 
tj.  Aert  and  Luke,  by  trade  wheelwrights,  were  employed 
in  the  continental  shops  at  Pcekskill.  Abraham  was  a  major 
of  militia.  At  the  peace  the  four  brothers  returned,  and  all 
except  Luke  d.  on  the  paternal  farm.  Aert,  d.  unm.  Nov.  6, 
1819,  a.  82.  Abraham  m.  Mary  Voorhees,  of  Eockland  co.,  and 
d.  Oct.  12,  1807,  a.  77,  having  issue  Abraham,  Cornelius,  Rem, 
Luke,  and  Amy,  wife  of  Geo.  W.  Hunt.  Garret  m.  Bregie, 
dau.  of  Jeromus  Remsen,  and  secondly,  Catharine  Rcmsen,  a 
second  cousin.  He  d.  Dec.  11, 1823,  in  his  88th  yr.  His  ch. 
were  Abraham,  Arthur,  Nicholas,  Bregie,  Mary,  Hetty,  Hannah, 
and  Margaret.  Capt.  Luke  Remsen  m.  in  succession  Abigail, 
dau.  of  Benj.  North,  Judith,  dau.  of  Edward  Titus,  and  Lydia 
Osborn  of  Fishkill.  He  owned  the  place  on  Hushing  Creek, 
now  of  Ascan  Backus,  where  he  d.  Apr.  20,  1839,  in  his  90th 
yr.  His  ch.  wereAbraham,  Margaret,  Abigail,  Peter,  Cornelius, 
Mary,  Elizabeth,  and  Henry. 

7.  Jeromus  Remsen,  son  of  Abraham,*^  was  b.  1705,  and  m. 
Dec.  12,  1729,  Jane,  dau.  of  Jeremias  Remsen,  of  Brooklyn. 
In  1735  he  bought  the  paternal  farm,  on  which  he  lived  till 
his  death,  Oct.  12,  1781,  having  served  in  responsible  offices 
both  in  town  and  church.  Mrs.  R.,  d.  Nov.  6,  1776.  Capt. 
Remsen's  ch.  who  reached  maturity,  were  Abraham,  b.  Dec.  4, 
1730,  d.  unm.  Sep.  12,  '58 ;  Jeremiah,  b.  Oct.  1, 1732  ;  Jeromus, 
b.  Nov.  22,  1735 ;  Heyltie,  b.  June  7,  1737,  d.  Oct.  21,  '6-4 ; 
Aert,  b.  Nov.  26,  1741,  d.  unm.  Feb.  4,  '75 ;  Christopher,  b. 
July  22,  1743 ;  Anna,  b.  Oct.  27,  1745,  m.  Barent  Johnson 
and  Lambert  Suydam ;  Jane,  b.  Jan.  1,  1748,  m.  Garret  Har- 
denbergh,  and  removed  to  Orange  co.,  and  Bregie,  b.  Sep.  13, 
1752,  who  m.  her  cousin,  Garret  Rcmsen.  Christopher  m. 
Margaret  Hardenbergh,  and  left  several  ch.  Jeremiah  m.  in 
1767,  Nelly,  dau.  of  Daniel  Rapelje,  and  his  only  ch.  that  sur- 
vived infancy  was  Jane,  who  m.  Geo.  F.  Hopkins,  in  1811. 
Jeromus  was  a  man  of  unusual  abilities,  and  deserves  an 
honorable  notice  in  the  history  of  his  native  town.  He  early 
evinced  a  military  taste,  did  service  in  the  French  war,  and 
stood  conspicuous  among  the  whigs  of  Newtown,  at  the 
opening  of  the   Revolution.     He  was  clerk  of  the  county 


392  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

committee,  and  as  colonel  of  militia  was  present  at  tlie  battle 
of  Lono-  Island.  He  returned  from  exile  at  the  peace,  and  d. 
June  7,  1790,  in  his  55th  yr.  Col.  Eemsen  m.  Apr.  31,  1768, 
Ann,  dau.  of  Cor.  Eapelje,  who  d.  in  her  75th  yr.,  Apr.  29, 
1816,  and  by  whom  he  had  seven  sons,  only  three  of  whom 
survived  infancy,  to  wit,  Cornelius  E.,  b.  Feb.  25,  1769  ; 
Abraham,  b.  Oct.  15,  177-1,  aad  Jeromus,  b.  Apr.  15,  1781, 
who  d.  unm.  Jan.  4, 1805.  The  first  m.  Catharine,  clau.  of  Elbert 
Brinckerhoflf,  and  d.  Oct.  15, 1846,  having  had  issue  Ann,  m. 
Jas.  E.  Eapelye  ;  Jane-Catharine,  wife  of  Daniel  Lent ;  Aletta, 
m.  AVm.  G.  Kouwenhoven,  and  Abraham.  Mrs.  Lent  is  the 
only  surviving  child.  Abraham,  son  of  the  colonel,  m.  Eliza- 
beth, dau.  of  Daniel  Eapelye,  and  d.  at  Astoria,  where  he 
then  resided,  May  25,  1849,  in  his  75th  yr.  His  only  son  is 
Daniel  E.  Eemsen. 

8.  Jeremias  Eemsen,  son  of  Eem  Jansen,^  was  b.  Sep.  10, 
1675,  and  by  two  purchases  in  1694  and  1704,  became  the 
owner  of  the  paternal  farm  at  the  Wallabout. "  He  m.  Heyltie 
Probasco,  Sep.  26,  1698,  who  dying  Sep.  27,  1727,  a.  50,  he 
m.  secondly,  Jannetie  Voorhees,  who  survived  him,  and  d. 
Apr.  17,  1758,  a.  76.  Mr.  Eemsen,  d.  July  8,  1757,  in  his 
82d  yr.  His  ch.  were  Eem,  b.  Nov.  20,  1700  ;  Ida,  b.  Jan.  8, 
1703,  m.  Nich.  Williamson ;  Christopher,  b.  Oct.  2,  1705  ; 
Jane,  b.  June  26,  1711,  m.  Jeromus  Eemsen ;  Jeremiah,  b. 
July  18,  1714 ;  Sarah,  b.  Dec.  11,  1716,  m.  Abm.  Yoorhees ; 
Abraham,^  b.  Jan.  15,  1720,  and  Lammetie,  b.  May  20,  1722, 
who  m.  Luke  Schenck.  Jeremiah  m.  Jane,  dau.  of  Martin  E. 
Schenck,  and  succeeded  to  the  paternal  farm,  but  dying 
without  issue  Sep.  4,  1777,  a.  68,  he  left  it  to  his  relative, 
Barent  Johnson,  whose  son.  Gen.  Jer.  Johnson,  now  occupies 
it.  Christopher  spent  part  of  his  life  in  Newtown,  where  he 
owned  property,  but  he  finally  returned  to  Brooklyn,  was  a 
merchant  near  the  ferry,  and  d.  about  1760.  He  had  ch. 
Heyltie,  who  m.  Johannes  Schenck,  and  Phebe,  who  m.  Wm. 
Howard.  Rem  was  a  respectable  farmer  at  Bedford,  on  the 
estate  now  of  his  grandson,  Eem  Lefterts.  He  served  as  a 
trustee  of  Brooklyn  from  1727  to  175'6.  He  had  issue  Jere- 
miah, Phebe,  m.  Barent  Lefferts,  and  Heyltie,  who  m.  Sam'l 
Yerbryck,  of  Eockland  co.  The  said  Jeremiah  was  acciden- 
tally shot  at  Canausee.   His  only  son,  Jeremiah,  m.  Mary,  dau. 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN, 


393 


of  John  Yoorliees,  and  d.  at  Bedford,  Aug.  8,  1834,  in  his  73d 
yr.,  leaving  issue  John,  (since  dec.,  leaving  a  son  John,)  and 
Margaret,  wife  of  Peter  Wilhamsoi],  of  Flatbush, 

9.  Abraham  Eemsen,  son  of  Jeremias,^  m.  Mar,  28,  1746, 
Matilda,  dau.  of  Wm.  Van  Duyn,  Esq.,  and  resided  at  the 
Wallabout,  on  the  farm  late  of  Jas.  Scoles.  His  wife  d.  Aug. 
81,  1779,  a.  53,  and  he,  on  Mar.  1,  1799,  a.  79.  His  ch.  were 
Heyltie,  b.  Apr.  25,  1747,  m.  Peter  Wyckoff;  William,  b. 
Jan.  17,  1750 ;  Adriana,  b.  Oct.  4,  1753,  m.  Jacob  Boerum ; 
Jane  and  Catharine,  twins,  b.  May  7,  1756,  the  first  m.  Wm. 
Sailor,  the  second  John  Hutchings ;  Sarah,  b.  Jan.  20,  1759, 
m.  successively  Chas.  Duryea,  John  Starkins,  and  John  Lewis; 
Jeremiah,  b.  Mar.  13,  1761,  and  Abraham,  b.  Apr.  29,  1764. 
William  has  sons  Jacob,  William,  and  Jeremiah,  living  at 
Great  Neck,  L.  I.,  and  Daniel,  in  Flushing.  Jeremiah  was 
the  father  of  Jane,  wife  of  Tunis  Johnson,  of  the  Wallabout, 
and  Ann,  wife  of  Jacob  Meserole,  of  Yates  co.,  N.  Y.  Ah-a- 
ham  was  the  father  of  Peter  Y.  and  Abraham  Ecmscn,  of 
Brooklyn. 


THE    YAN    DUYN    FAMILY'. 


This  family,  whose  remote 
origin  is  French,  derive  their 
name,  originally  called  Be  Duyn, 
and  now  commonly  written  Yan 
Dine,  from  their  ancient  freehold 
or  estate,  Duyn,  in  Burgundy. 
They  early  attained  a  rank 
among  the  titled  families  of 
France,  and  many  of  them  en- 
gaged in  the  crusades  to  the 
Holy  Land.  The  family  spread 
in  the  course  of  time,  and  portions  located  in  the  region  of  the 
Rhine,  and  Holland,  whence  sprang  the  American  family. 

1.  Gerrit  Cornelisz  Yan  Duyn,  of  Zwol,  in  the  province  of 
Overyssel,  emigrated  to  America,  and  with  his  wife,  Jacomina 


394  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

Jacobs,  joined  the  Dutcli  cliurch  at  New  Utrecht,  during  Do. 
Yan  Zuren's  ministry,  by  certificate  from  the  above  place.  If 
there  is  no  mistake  in  figures  (in  N.  Y.  Doc.  Hist,  i,  660,)  the 
emigration  took  place  in  1649.  Mr.  Yan  Duyn  engaged  in 
agriculture,  was  a  deacon  for  several  years,  and  d.  in  1706. 
He  left  issue  Cornelius,-  Denys,  Abraham,  and  Aeltie.  Abra- 
ham m.  in  1696,  Geertie  Martens,  of  the  Wallabout,  lived  a 
while  at  Mespat  Kills,  but  removed  about  the  time  of  his 
father's  death  to  Cecil  co.,  Maryland.  Denys  m.  in  1691, 
Maria  Huyken,  and  settled  at  Earitan,  N.  J.,  but  returned  to 
Long  Island,  and  d.  in  Flatbush,  in  1729.  His  farm  is  that 
now  occupied  by  Jacob  Martence.  He  left  sons  William, 
Denys,  Gerrit,  Jacobus,  and  David.  Of  whom  Gerrit  suc- 
ceeded to  the  paternal  farm  in  Flatbush,  and  William  and 
Denys  settled  on  adjacent  farms  at  Earitan,  Somerset  co.,  N.  J. 

3.  Cornelius  Yan  Duyn,  son  of  Gerrit,^  was  b.  July  16, 
1664,  at  New  Utrecht,  m.  Jan.  29,  1691,  Matilda,  dau.  of  Wm. 
Huyken,  and  the  next  year  removed  to  Gowanus,  in  Brook- 
lyn, of  which  town  he  was  afterwards  a  trustee.  His  wife  dying 
Mar.  1,  1709,  in  her  40th  yr.,  he  m.  Christiana  Gerbrands,  June 
14,  1714.  He  d.  in  1754,  leaving,  besides  daughters,  sons 
Gerrit,  b.  Sep.  6,  1691 ;  William,^  b.  Mar.  26,  1693,  and  Cor- 
nelius, b.  Feb.  12,  1709,  who  d.  in  Brooklyn  at  an  advanced 
age,  without  issue.  Gerrit  became  a  farmer  at  New  Utrecht, 
where  he  d.  just  prior  to,  or  during  the  Eevolution,  By  his  wife, 
Aeltie,  he  had  ch.  Cornelius,  John,  Aletta,  m.  Anthony  Hoist, 
and  Matilda,  who  m.  Wm.  Bower. 

3.  William  Yan  Duyn,  son  of  Cornelius,-  was  b.  at  Brook- 
lyn, where  he  afterwards  wrought  as  a  wheelwright,  but  in 
1719  he  removed  to  Newtown,  having  early  in  that  year 
bought  property  at  Hempstead  Swamp,  which  he  greatly 
enlarged  by  subsequent  purchases.  He  m.  Adriana,  dau.  of 
Dow  Ditmars,  whom  he  survived.  He  d.  Feb.  20,  1769,  a.  76, 
having  served  as  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  an  office-bearer  in 
the  Dutch  church.  His  ch.  were  Catharine,  b.  1721,  m.  Jacob 
Eemsen ;  Cornelius,^  b.  1724 ;  Matilda,  b.  1726,  who  m.  Abm. 
Eemsen,  and  Dow,  b.  1730.  Boiv  received  the  northern  half 
of  the  paternal  farm,  (now  the  estate  of  David  S.  Mills,*  dec.,) 

*  While  this  work  has  been  in  press,  this  worthy  citizen,  whoi-e  nnm© 
occurs  several  times  in  the  preceding  pages,  has  been  called  to  pay  the  debt 


ANNALS     OF      NEWTOWN.  395 

and  was  m.  twice,  first  in  1754,  to  Scytic  Yanderbilt,  and  in 
1777,  to  Ann,  widow  of  Garret  Springsteen.  lie  bore  the 
character  of  an  energetic,  business  man,  but  was  remarkable 
for  his  humor.  When  the  Revolutionary  troubles  began,  he 
inclined  to  the  whig  cause,  but  iinally  espoused  that  of  the 
king,  served  as  a  captain  of  militia  under  the  British,  and  at 
the  peace  retired  with  his  family  to  Nova  Scotia,  where  he 
died.  (See  p.  223.)  Capt.  Van  Duyn  left  several  daughters, 
besides  sons  Aert,  Cornelius,  and  Dow,  of  whom  the  last  two 
returned  to  New- York.  Dow  has  sons  Edward  and  Jacob, 
living.  His  brother,  Cornelius,  d.  a  few  years  since  in  the  city 
of  New- York,  and  his  sons  Dow,  Henry,  William,  and  Corne- 
lius, were  smart  and  capable  men,  all  masters  of  vessels,  and 
all  now  dec. 

4.  Cornelius  Yan  Duyn,  son  of  William,^  m.  Dec.  9,  1752, 
Anna,  dau.  of  Dominicus  Yanderveer.  He  d.  Sep.  24:,  1760, 
a.  36,  though  his  consort  survived  him  about  forty  yrs.  Their 
eh.  were  William,  b.  Nov.  30,  1755,  d.  without  issue,  Nov.  5, 
1797 ;  Dominicus,  b.  Mar.  7,  1757 ;  Adriana,  b.  May  8,  1759, 
and  Jane,  b.  Mar.  3,  1761.  Dominicus  Van  Dine  inherited 
with  his  brother  the  southern  half  of  their  grandfather's  estate, 
(now  Garret  Yan  Dine's,)  and  m.  May  26,  1781,  Hannah,  dau. 
of  Howard  Furman.  She  d.  Oct.  31, 1800,  in  her  36th  yr.,  and 
Mr.  Yan  Dine  Apr.  26,  1830,  a.  73.  They  had  issue  Cornelius, 
dec,  Hannah,  m.  Geo.  Snediker,  Wilham,  dec,  Arthur,  How- 
ard, dec,  Ann,  wife  of  Jas.^  Cortelyou,  John,  ^and  Garret, 
aforesaid. 


THE    ALBUETIS    FAMILY. 

Early  in  the  history  of  New  Netherland  emigration,  Peter 
Ccesar  Albertus,  a  native  of  Yenice,  in  Italy,  is  found  dwelling 
at  New  Amsterdam.  Here  he  m.  in  1642,  Judith  Jans  Meynie, 
from  Amsterdam,  in  Holland,  and  from  this  union  sprang  all 
the  families  among  us  bearing  the  names  of  Alburtis,  or  Burtis. 
Peter  Albertus  lived  on  the  Heeren  Gracht,  now  Broad-street, 
and  also  owned  a  tobacco  plantation  at  the  Wallabout,  which 

of  nature.    He  died  July  22,  1851,  in  Iiia  65th  year.    So  fills.up  thejecord 
of  mortality. 


396  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

he  patented  June  17,  1643.  After  his  death  it  was  sold  to  Jan 
Damen,  in  1686.  He  had  issue  that  reached  maturity,  John,  b. 
1643;  Aert,  b.  1647;  Mary,  b.  1649,  who  m.  John  P.  Bant; 
Wilham,  b.  1652,  and  Francina,  b.  1654,  who  m.  John  Allen, 
The  three  sons  removed  to  Me  spat  Kills,  though  Aert  or  Arthur 
and  William  subsequently  located  in  Hempstead,  where  their 
posterity  remain. 

1 .  John  Alburtis,  eldest  son  of  Peter,  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of 
John  Scudder,  and  accumulated  a  large  estate  at  the  English 
Kills,  including  the  lands  originally  held  by  Samuel  Toe,  the 
purchaser.  He  d.  in  April,  1691,  in  his  48th  yr.,  and  in  1693, 
his  widow  m.  Wm.  Lawrence,  Sen.  of  Middletown,  N,  J.  He 
had  issue  William,  John,  Samuel,  Elizabeth,  who  m.  John 
Stewart,  and  Mehetabel,  who  m.  Jas.  Lawrence,  son  of  William, 
aforesaid,  and  great-grandfather  of  Judge  Jas.  S.  Lawrence  of 
Monmouth  co.  IST,  J,  One  of  the  sons  of  John  Alburtis  settled 
in  Monmouth,  and  has  highly  respectable  descendants  living 
there.  Samuel  received  a  large  share  of  his  father's  property, 
and  occupied  the  premises  now  of  Mr.  John  Peebles.  He  d.  at 
an  advanced  age,  Oct.  14,  1752,  having  had  issu&  Samuel,- 
Mary,  who  m.  Sam'l  Halburt ;  Abigail,  m.  John  Morrell ; 
Elizabeth,  m.  Jose  Glosline,  and  Phebe,  who  m.  John  Morrell.* 

*  Most  of,  if  not  the  whole  Morrell  family  of  Newtown,  are  descended 
from  Thomas  Morrell,  who  located  at  Mespat  Kills,  as  early  as  1663,  and  d. 
in  or  about  1704,  leaving  sons  Thomas,  Samuel,  Joseph,  and  Jonathan, 
whose  descendants  have  been  numerous  in  this  town.  As  for  John  Morrell, 
who  m.  Phebe  Alburtis,  he  was  probably  akin  to  the  above,  though  tradition 
claims  for  him  a  distinct  origin.  He  was  b.  Mar.  21,  1703,  and  after  his  mar- 
ria"-e  erected  a  house  and  forge  on  a  part  of  his  father-in-law's  estate,  being 
the  premises  now  occupied  by  his  great-grandson,  John  W.  Morrell.  His 
death  occurred,  Oct.  31,  1768.  His  only  son,  John,  b.  Oct.  21,  1733,  suc- 
ceeded to  his  estate,  and  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Abm.  Skillman.  He  d.  Feb. 
7,  1816.  His  sons  who  left  issue,  were  John,  b.  July  20,  1757,  who  ra. 
Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Isaac  Meserole,  and  d.  July  12, 1803 — issue  John;  Abraham, 
b.  Dee.  25,  1759,  m.  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Jos.  Gosline,  and  d.  June  18,  1842 — 
issue  Joseph  G.  of  Brooklyn,  Sarah,  wife  of  Thos.  Lane,  and  Maria,  widow 
of  Robert  Voorhees;  Thomas,  b.  June  10,  1762,  m.  Anna  Vandewater,  and  d. 
AufT.  26, 1823 — issue  John  and  Thomas  of  Williamsburgh  ;  and  William,  b. 
Mar.  4,  1772,  who  alone  remained  on  the  paternal  farm,  m.  Catharine,  dau.  of 
Johannes  Debevoise,  and  d.  Nov.  20, 1846,  his  widow  yet  surviving.  His  son 
John  W.  has  the  ancestral  farm,  and  dau.  Adriana  is  the  wife  of  Wm.  Randel 
of  Newtown. 


ANNALS       OP      NEWTOWN.  397 

2.  Samuel  Alburtis,  son  of  Samuel,  and  grandson  of  John/ 
succeeded  to  the  paternal  estate,  and  m.  June  1,  1724,  Eliza- 
beth, dau.  of  Paul  Vandervoort,  His  wife  d.  in  1771,  in  her 
66th  yr.,  but  he  survived  till  1788.  His  ch.  Avere  Samuel, 
Paul,  John,^  Peter,  Elizabeth,  who  m.  John  Furman ;  Anna, 
m.  Eich.  Gosline ;  Nelly,  m.  Sam'l  Scuddcr ;  Mary,  ra.  John 
Pettit ;  Phebe,  m.  Dr.  Thos.  Sackett ;  Jemima,  m.  John  Potts, 
and  Abigail,  who  m.  Eich.  Pearce.  Samuel,  the  eldest  son,  left 
a  dau.  Aletta,  and  an  only  son  who  removed  south.  Paul  m. 
in  1754,  Mary  dau.  of  John  MorrcU,  and  had  issue  Paul,  John, 
who  was  blind  and  d.  single,  Elizabeth,  who  m.  John  Venis, 
and  Phebe,  who  m.  Eichard  Betts.  Paul,  last  named,  had  nine 
ch.  He  was  drowned  by  the  upsetting  of  a  market  boat  in  the 
East  Eiver,  Sep.  5,  1815,  at  the  age  of  60.*  His  son  Samuel 
left  issue  Catharine  and  Paul.  Peter  Alburtis  inherited  the 
homestead,  now  Mr.  Peebles' ;  was  a  trustee  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian church,  and  was  much  respected.  He  removed  to  Green- 
wich, Ct.,  and  thence  to  New- York,  where  he  d.  Aug.  22, 1826, 
a.  78.  He  m.  Catharine  Van  Nanda,  and  Martha  Denton,  and 
had,  besides  several  daughters,  sons  Samuel,  John,  and  James 
A.  Burtus,  the  last  of  whom  resides  in  New-York, 

3.  John  Alburtis,  son  of  Samuel,- was  b.  Feb.  18,  1734, 
and  m.  May  18,  1755,  Hannah,  dau.  of  Sam'l  Denton  of  Goshen, 
N.  Y.  He  bought  the  premises  near  Newtown  village,  now 
the  residence  of  John  Penfold,  (north  side  of  the  highway,) 
where  he  lived  till  his  death,  Oct.  6,  1780.  For  many  years 
he  was  an  elder  of  the  Presb.  church,  and  was  a  truly  estima- 
ble man.  His  widow  d.  Aug.  5,  1783,  in  her  51st  yr.  Their 
ch.  were  Mary,  b.  Feb.  1,  1756,  m.  David  Springsteen ;  Eliza- 
beth, b.  Sep.  20,  1758,  m.  Wm.  Haviland ;  Thomas,  b.  May 

*  This  accident,  which  carried  sorrow  to  several  families  of  tliis  town, 
occurred  as  follows :— A  vessel  from  the  English  Kills,  commanded  by  Capt. 
Benj  Edsall,  and  laden  with  produce  and  passengers,  was  approaching  the  city 
before  daylight  in  the  morning.  In  the  darkness  they  ran  across  the  cable  of 
a  brig  lying  at  anchor  in  the  stream,  at  Corlear's  Hook,  and  were  upset. 
CaptrEdsall,  Mr.  Kolyer,  Mrs.  Ellen  Rnpelye,  (wife  of  Daniel,  mentioned  on 
page  277,)  and  two  colored  men  clung  to  the  cable,  and  were  taken  on  board 
the  brig.  The  remaining  passengers,  five  in  number,  were  drowned,  namely, 
Mr.  Alburtis,  his  daughter  Mrs.  Gray,  Mrs.  Lane,  and  Misses  Snedikcr  and 
Wade  ;  the  latter  a  young  girl  of  twelve  years.  ISIrs.  Rapelye  was  so  much 
injured  and  exhausted  that  she  died  a  few  days  after  the  accident. 

26 


398  ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN. 

31,  1762 ;  Sarali,  b.  May  18,  1764,  m.  Lawrence  Eoe ;  Nancy^ 
b.  Apr.  11,  1766,  m.  Benjamin  Fowler,  and  William,  b.  Jan. 
11, 1772.  Thomas  d.  near  Whitestone ;  issue  John  and  Matilda. 
William  d.  in  New-York,  Oct.  29,  1850,  having  been  a  repre- 
sentative in  tlie  state  legislature.  He  bad  issue  wbo  reached 
adult  years,  John,  Ann,  Maria,  Christian,  Thomas,  Susan, 
Margaret,  and  William.  The  daughters  all  married,  and  are 
living  in  the  eity  of  New- York,  with  the  exception  of  Maria, 
who  is  dec.  All  of  the  sons  d.  unm.  except  John,  now  the 
Eev.  John  Alburtis  of  New- York  city.  He  was  b.  June  18, 
1795,  and  was  first  settled  and  ordained  in  the  above  city,  by 
the  Presbytery  of  New- York,  in  the  year  1819.  He  is  now 
the  editor  of  a  highly  scientific  and  useful  work,  devoted  to 
agriculture  and  manufactures,  called  the  Farmer  and  Mechanic, 
He  has  two  sons,  Edward  K.,  and  Clement  W.,  the  one  a  com- 
mission merchant  and  the  other  a  lawyer  in  this  city ;  also  two 
daughters,  Louisa  and  Mary. 


THE    HOWARD    FAMILY, 

1.  William  Howard,  the  progenitor  of  the  Long  Island 
family,  came  to  this  colony  near  the  close  of  the  seventeenth 
century.  Bearing  a  cognomen  distinguished  in  English  his- 
tory, and  which  at  the  present  time  embraces  nearly  a  dozen 
of  the  titled  families  of  Great  Britain,  it  would  be  interesting 
to  know  whether  he  was  of  common  origin  with  the  latter, 
who  are  said  by  genealogists  to  be  descended  from  Anber, 
Earl  of  Passy,  in  Normandy,  an  attendant  of  William  the 
Conquorer.  As  3^et,  however,  our  information  of  Mr.  Howard, 
begins  with  his  settlement  at  New  Lots,  upon  the  premises 
now  occupied  by  his  great-grand-son  of  the  same  name ;  he 
having  bought  two  draught-lots  of  Francis  Way,  Feb.  7,  1699. 
(See  p.  149.)  Mr.  Howard  lived  to  the  extreme  age  of  a  cen- 
tury, and  his  remains,  with  those  of  his  wife,  Abigail,  rest  in 
the  old  burial  place  at  New  Lots.     Their  ch.  were  Joseph^**^ 

4 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWK.  399 

Edward,"  Abigail,  m.  Gabriel  Furman,*  and  Hannab,  -svbo  m. 
John  Thompson,  of  Amboy. 

2.  Edward'Howard,  son  of  William,^  was  b.  in  1698,  and 
settled  on  the  farm  now  of  Jonathan  Howard,  near  Newtown 
village.  On  Oct.  Ij  1723,  he  m.  Susannah,  dau.  of  Nathan 
Fish,  who  dying  Dec.  7,  1755,  he  m.,  Jan.  18,  1758,  widow 
Abigail  Coe,  the  mother  of  the  late  Judge  Coc,  of  Newtown. 
She  d.  Dec.  7,  1761.  Capt.  Howard  and  his  family  were 
whigs  during  our  Eevolution,  and  living  to  taste  the  blessings 
of  freedom,  he  d.  Oct.  18,  1792,  a.  94.  His  ch.  were  Abigail, 
b.  Dec.  27,  1724,  m.  Capt.  Sam'l  Fish;  Judith,  b.  Mar.  22, 
1727,  who  m.  Lawrence,  and  William,^'  b.  Aug.  14,  1730. 

3.  William  Howard,  son  of  Edward,^  ra.  Mary  Cornell, 
(then  the  widow  Jackson,)  who  dying  without  issue,  he  m. 
secondly  Mary,  dau.  of  Benj.  Coe,  and  sister  of  Judge  Coe, 
aforesaid.  Mr.  Howard  d.  May  28,  1792,  in  his  72d  yr.,  but 
his  widow  survived  till  1821.  Their  ch.  who  reached  matu- 
rity, were  Abigail,'^b.  July  3,  1765,  m.  Rev.  Zachariali  Green; 
Edward;^b.  Oct.  2,  1766,  d.  unm.  May  14,  1815;  Susannah'fb. 

*  Gabriel  Furman,  from  whom  most  of  the  Furmans  of  tliis  town  are 
descended,  was  the  son  of  John  and  Margaret  Furman  ;  the  said  John,  whose 
death  occurred  in  1726,  being  the  son  of  Josias  Furman,  who,  with  a  brother 
John,  came  hither  from  Hempstead,  L.  I.,  during  Gov.  Stuyvcsant's  lime. 
These  are  supposed  to  have  been  sons  of  John  Furman,  from  Wales,  who 
became  a  freeman  in  Mass.,  in  1631.  The  Welsh  origin  of  the  Newtown 
Furmans,  is  a  matter  of  tradition.  These  two  brothers  acquired  lands  in  the 
town,  and  John  d.  in  1677,  a.  46,  leaving  a  son  Jonathan.  Josias  d.  subse- 
quent  to    1703,   having   sons   John,   Josias,   Joseph,   David,  Samuel,  and 

Jonathan. 

Gabriel  Furman  m.  Miss  Howard  aforesaid,  Aug.  19,  1713,  and  owned 
the  farm  at  White  Pot,  now  of  his  great-grand-son,  Abm.  Furman.  He  d. 
Sep  "3  1768  His  sons  were  William,  John,  Samuel,  Howard,  Nathan, 
Joseph, 'and  Benjamin.  William  was  the  father  of  Robert,  at  one  time 
supervisor  of  this  town.  John  m.  in  1746,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Sam'l  Alburtis, 
and  d  Sep  22,  1773,  leaving  sons  Gabriel,  Samuel,  William,  James,  Paul, 
Joseph,  and  John.  Samuel  located  in  northern  N.  York.  His  dau.,  Ann,  m. 
Jud-^e  David  Lamberson.  Howard  Furman,  b.  1719,  m.  in  1752,  H.annah, 
dau^of  Rem  Romsen,  and  was  a  valued  citizen,  a  soldier  in  the  French  war, 
and  a  staunch  whig  in  the  Revolution.  He  d.  in  1813,  a.  93  His  sons  were 
William,  Abraham,  John,  and  Aaron.  The  latter  was  the  father  of  Grover 
C  Furman.  of  N.  York.  John  was  the  father  of  the  late  W.ll.am  .  Furman, 
Esq  ,  of  Bush  Hill,  L.  I.  William  was  the  father  of  Howard,  of  N.  \ork, 
the  late  Judge  Garret,  of  Maspeth,  and  Abm.  Furman,  of  White  Pot. 


400  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

July  SO,  1768;  Benjamin,  b.  Mar.  15,  1772  ;  Jonathan,  b.  Mar, 
12,  1776;  William,^  b.  Oct.  23,  1777,  and  Marj,  b.  Feb.  2, 
1780.  William,  an  elder  of  the  Presbyterian  clinrch,  m.  May 
5,  1812,  Mar}^,  dan.  of  Judge  Isaac  Thompson,  and  resides  at 
Brooklyn.  Jonathan  m.  Dec.  10,  1818,  Ehoda,  dau.  of  Aaron 
Furman,  and  is  still  living  at  Newtown.  Benjamin  m.  Apr. 
2,  1796,  Clarissa,  dau.  of  the  Eev.  Amzi  Lewis,  who  dying 
Jan.  31,  1801,  he  m.  May  3,  1802,  Mary,  dau.  of  Wm.  Havi- 
land.  Mr.  Howard  d.  Sep.  14,  1833,  and  his  widow,  Jan.  10, 
1849,  a.  68.  His  ch.' were  William,  b.  Apr.  21, 1798  ;  Clarissa, 
b.  Jan.  26,  1801,  wife  of  John  Ledyard ;  Deborah- Ann,  b< 
Sep.  15,  1803 ;  John  H.,  b.  June  17,  1805,  residing  at  New- 
Orleans  ;  Edward  S.,  b.  May  23,  1807,  of  Brooklyn ;  Samuel 
H.,  b.  Feb.  28,  1810,  of  K  Y. ;  Benjamin  C,  b.  Apr.  29,  1812, 
of  New-Orleans ;  Ceorge,  b.  July  2,  1814 ;  Jonathan,  b.  July 
17,  1816 ;  Cornelia  B.,  b.  Apr.  3,  1819,  m.  Loring  Watson ; 
Mary,  b.  Sep.  13,  1821,  and  Boardman,  b.  Jan.  26,  1823,  who 
d.  unm."^" 

*  The  Goes  of  Long  Island,  Rockland  county,  and  also  a  considerable 
fomily  in  New  England,  are  descended  from  Robert  Coe,  who,  with  his  wife 
and  children,  came  from  England,  in  1634,  taking  ship  at  Ipswich,  in  Suffolk 
CO.,  in  which  county  the  Goes  had  long  been  located.  He  lived  at  various 
places  in  New  England,  and  after  making  his  home  at  Newtown  for  several 
years,  and  aiding  materially  in  the  first  settlement  of  this  town,  he  took  up 
his  final  residence  at  Jamaica.  In  each  place  he  sustained  a  commanding 
influence.  From  1669  to  1672,  he  was  high  sheriff,  being  at  the  latter  date 
76  yrs.  of  age.  His  ch.  were  John,  Robert,  and  Benjamin,  the  last  of  whom, 
b.  1629,  m.  Abigail,  dau.  of  John  Garman,  and  has  descendants  in  New 
Jersey.  Robert  d,  at  Stratford,  Ct.,  in  1659,  a.  32,  leaving  a  son  John,  from 
whom  a  highly  worthy  posterity  has  sprung.  Capt.  John  Coe,  son  of  Robert 
1st,  was  b.  in  1626,  and  enjoyed  much  celebrity  at  Newtown,  as  shown  in 
former  pages.  He  was  the  first  owner  of  the  mill  on  Flushing  Greek,  now 
Rapalje's.  He  had  sons  Robert,  John,  Jonathan,  Samuel,  and  David  ;  of 
whom  David  and  John  d.  without  issue,  the  latter  having  been  a  judge  of 
Queen's  co.  Samuel,  an  elder  of  the  Presb.  church,  and  a  trustee  of  the 
town,  m.  in  1712,  Margaret,  dau.  of  John  Van  Zandt,  and  removed  in  1734, 
to  New  Hempstead,  now  Ramapo,  Rockland  co.,  where  he  d.  in  1742,  a.  70- 
A  full  account  of  his  posterity  has  been  written.  His  ch.  were  Samuel, 
John,  Benjamin,  William,  Isaac,  Matthew,  Daniel,  Margaret,  m.  Benj.  Skill- 
man,  Sarah,  m.  Moore  Woodward,  and  Abigail.  All  the  sons,  except  Benj. 
and  Isaac,  left  issue.  John  was  the  father  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Jonas  Goe, 
of  Troy.  RoherL  Coe,  entitled  captain,  d.  in  1734,  a.  75.  His  sons  were,  1st, 
John,  b.  1702,  d,  1748,  having  sons  John,  Samuel,  Benjamin,  and  William; 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN.  401 

-I.  Joseph  Iloward,  son  of  William,^  remained  on  the  pater- 
nal farm  at  New  Lots,  where  he  d.  in  1777,  a.  Stt.  His  ch.  were 
William,  and  Mary  who  m.  Cor.  Sebring.  WiLLrA:M  m.  Phcbc, 
dau.  of  Christopher  Eemsen.  At  the  Kevolution,  being  a  whig, 
he  was  taken  prisoner  on  the  morning  of  the  battle  of  Long 
Island,  and  was  made  to  pilot  the  British  troops  who  passed 
over  his  premises  on  their  way  to  attack  the  Americans,  lie 
and  his  aged  father  were  kept  in  durance  till  after  the  battle, 
and  then  released.  He  d.  in  Feb.,  1777,  a.  52.  His  ch.  were 
Hetty,  Avho  nf.  William  Stanley,  of  Phila.,  Margaret  m.  Jona- 
than Holmes,  Joseph,  Phebe,  m.  Thos.  Fiirman,  William,  and 
Christopher,  who  d.  unm.  Stanley  and  Holmes  were  American 
lieutenants  who  became  acquainted  at  Mr.  Howard's,  Avliilc 
there  as  prisoners  on  parole.  Joseph  m,  Jane,  dau.  of  Koclof 
Duryea,  and  had  issue  William,  Eulof,  Joseph,  Whitehead, 
Eiehard,  and  Jane,  who  m.  John  E.  Scliermcrhorn.  William 
was  b.  Jan.  1,  1762,  and  still  lives  on  the  ancestral  farm  at 
New  Lots.  He  m,  in  succession  Mary,  and  Jane,  daughters  of 
Garret  Williamson,  and  had  issue  by  the  first,  Catharine,  m.  to 
Philip  Eeid,  William,  and  Garret,  and  by  the  second  wife, 
Christopher  and  Joseph,  both  of  whom  d.  single. 

2d,  Robert,  b.  1707,  d.  1777,  having-  sons  Robert,  John,  Elnatiian,  and  James  ; 
and  3d,  Samuel,  b.  1712,  who  probably  d.  at  Oblong  Salem,  Westchester  co., 
1768,  leaving  issue  John,  and  others.  Jonathan  Coe  d.  in  or  shortly  prior 
to  1750.  for  advanced  in  years.  His  son  Benjamin  m.  Feb.  9,  1733,  Abigail, 
dau.  of  Nath'l  Woodward,  and  d.  Apr.  12,  1743,  having  sons  Jonathan,  and 
Benjamin,  the  former  a  patriot  of  the  Revolution,  who  d.  in  imprisonment  at 
Flatbush.  Benjamin,  b.  1741,  m.  Phebe,  dau.  of  Rev.  Simon  Horton,  and 
secondly  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Philip  Edsall,  Esq.  His  participation  in  the 
early  Revolutionary  movements  on  Long  Island,  has  been  previously  noticed. 
Without  education,  but  possessed  of  excellent  natural  abilities,  Mr.  Coe  arose 
to  political  eminence,  enjoyed  the  office  of  jutlge,  and  a  seat  in  the  state 
senate.  He  was,  withal,  a  man  of  piety,  and  mighty  in  the  scriptures.  At 
the  age  of  twenty-five  he  became  a  member,  and  soon  after  an  elder  of  the 
Presb.  church  at  Newtown,  of  which  he  continued  through  life  a  chief  and 
most  zealous  supporter.  He  d.  in  his  80th  yr.,  Mar.  9,  1821.  His  ch.  by 
his  first  wife,  were  Abigail,  ra.  Hon.  Jas.  Burt,  of  Warwick,  N.  Y.,  and 
Grover ;  and  by  his  second,  Samuel,  d.  young,  Phebe,  m.  Aaron  Furman, 
Elizabeth,  m.  Thomas  Betts,  Mary,  Benjamin,  Sarah,  d.  unm.,  Frances,  and 
Susan.  Grover,  b.  July  2,  1764,  became  a  merchant  at  Springfield,  N.  J., 
and  m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Rev.  Jacob  Van  Arsdale.  Benjamin,  b.  June  11,  1784. 
m.  Catharine,  dau.  of  Joiin  Nostrand,  and  d.  Aug.  17,  1S17,  having  ch. 
Benjamin,  and  Cornelia,  wife  of  Abm,  Meserole. 


403 


ANNALS       OF      NEWTOWN, 


THE    HALLETT     FAMILY. 


The  Halletts,  now  mostly  re- 
moved, from  this  town,  formerly 
composed  here  a  very  large  and 
prominent  family,  and  their  his- 
tory is  closely  ii^erwoveu  with 
Newtown  annals, 

1.  "William  Hallett,  their  an- 
cestor, was  b.  in  Dorsetshire, 
Bng.,  in  1616,  and  emigrating 
to  New-England,  joined  in  the 
settlement  of  Greenwich,  Ct., 
whence  he  removed  to  Long 
Island,  and  acquired  a  large  estate  at  Hellgate.  (See  pp.  29,  63,) 
In  the  fall  of  1655  the  Indians  destroyed  his  house  and  plan- 
tation at  Hallett's  Cove,  which  induced  him  to  take  up  his  res- 
idence at  Flushing.  Here  he  was  appointed  sheriff  in  1656, 
but  the  same  year  was  deposed  by  Stuyvesant,  fined  and  im- 
prisoned, for  entertaining  the  Rev.  Wm.  Wickenden  from 
Rhode  Island,  allowing  him  to  preach  at  his  house  and  receiv- 
ing the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  from  his  hands.  Dis- 
gusted at  this  treatment,  Mr.  Hallett,  on  the  revolt  of  Long 
Island  from  the  Dutch,  warmly  advocated  the  claims  of  Con- 
necticut ;  and,  being  sent  as  a  delegate  to  the  general  court  of 
that  colony,  he  was  appointed  a  commissioner  or  justice  of  the 
peace  for  Flushing.  Afterwards  he  again  located  at  Hellgate, 
where  he  lived  to  the  age  of  about  90  yrs.  He  had  two  sons, 
William-  and  Samuel,''  between  whom,  in  1688,  he  divided  his 
property  in  Hellgate  Neck. 

2.  William  Hallett,'^eldest  son  of  William, ^  received  that 
portion  of  his  father's  lands  which  lay  south  of  the  road  now  . 
forming  Greenoak,  TVelling,  and  Main  streets,  and  Newtown 
avenue ;  which  road  divided  his  possessions  from  those  of  his 
brother  Samuel  on  the  north.  He  m,  Sarah,  jdau,  of  Geo. 
Woolsey  of  Jamaica,  served  as  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  was 
captain  of  one  of  the  foot  companies.  He  d.  Aug.  18,  1729,  in 
his  82d  yr.     His  ch.  were  William,  b.  Dec.  10,  1670  ;  Sarah, 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  403 

b.  Mar.  19, 1678,  m.  Rev.  Geo.  riiillips  of  Brookhaven ;  Rebecca, 
b.  Aug.  31,  1075,  ra.  Jas.  Jackson;  Joseph,-'  b.  Mar.  4,  1678; 
Moses,  b.  Jan.  19,  1681 ;  George,  b.  Apr.  5,  1683  ;  Charity,  b. 
Mar.  16,  1685,  m.  Sam'l  Moore;  Mary,  b.  Oct.  22,  1687,  m. 
Jacob  Blackwell ;  Elizabeth,  b.  Apr.  12,  1689,  m.  John  Fish, 
and  Richard,^  b.  Nov.  17,  1691.  ^  William^  b.  at  Jamaica,  was, 
with  his  wife  Ruth,  whom  he  m.  Feb.  1,  1693,  and  five  chil- 
dren, cruelly  murdered  on  Jan.  24,  1708,  as  related  on  p.  142. 
Moses  m.  a  daughter  of  Sam'l  Fitch,  and  d.  in  1708.  His  post- 
humous son  William-Moses,  b.  Nov.  30,  1708,  inherited  his 
farm,  being  the  same,  I  believe,  on  which  his  uncle  AVilliam 
had  lived,  now  the  Marks  estate.  He  d.  Nov.  15,  1759. 
George  m.  Priscilla  Allen,  May  16,  1718,  and  resided  in  New- 
York,  -where  he  owned  property. 

3.  Joseph  Hallett,  son  of  William,2  m.  Dec.  23,  1702,Lydia, 
dau.  of  Robert  Blackwell,  and  secondly,  on  Aug.  22,  1728, 
Mary,  widow  of  John  Greenoak.  He  was  a  respected  magis- 
trate, and  d.  Nov.  23,  1750,  in  his  73d  yr.  His  sons  were 
Joseph,  Moses,  Thomas,^  Robert,  Jacob,  Samuel,  Richard^ 
William,  and  Nathaniel,  who  d.  unm.  William  was  a  farmer ; 
his  dau.  Phebe,  b.  Mar.  5,  1763,  m.  Sam'l  Hallett.  Bichard 
resided  on  the  place  now  of  S.  Drury.  His  dau.  Sarah,  b.  Apr. 
23, 1762,  m.  Edward  Greenoak.  Jacob  m.  Mercy,  dau.  of  Capt, 
Dan'l  Betts,  and  became  a  freeman  of  New- York  in  1745, 
where  he  kept  an  inn  on  the  Bowery  lane.  Moses  m.  ]Mary, 
dau.  of  Jacob  Blackwell,  and  d.  Dec.  29,  1731,  a.  25,  leaving  an 
only  son,  Moses.  Samuel  m.  Jan.  1,  1751,  Jemima,  dau.  of 
Daniel  Betts,  and  secondly,  on  Dec.  19,  1761,  Avidow  Elizabeth 
Wilson,  dau.  of  John  Lamb,  and  sister  of  Gen.  John  Lamb. 
He  w^as  a  distinguished' loyalist,  held  a  captaincy  in  Delancey's 
brigade,  and  removed  to  St.  John,  N.  B.,  in  1783,  where  he  d. 
about  fifteen  years  after.  His  ch.  were  Joseph,  of  Greenbush, 
N.  Y. ;  Daniel  and  Samuel,  of  New  Brunswick ;  Susan,  m. 
Isaac  Bragaw ;  Jemima  m.  David  Moore  ;  Elizabeth,  m.  James 
Moore;  Lydia,  m.  Capt.  Wm.  Dawson;  Jane,  m.  Wm.  Whit- 
lock  ;  Sarah,  m.  Timothy  Roach,  and  Catharine,  who  m.  Sinnott, 
of  St.  John.  Robert  m.  Phebe  Hallett,  Lydia  Pidgeon,  and 
Ruth  Leverich.  In  1738  he  bought  the  farm  on  the  Ridge, 
since  owned  by  his  son-in-law,  Edmund  Pcnfold,  where  he  d. 
in  1792,  having  had  issue  James,  Sarah,  m.  Edra.  Penfold, 


401  ANNALS       OF      NEVTTOWN, 

Lydia,  m.  Jolin  Greeiioak,  and  Martlia,  wIlo  m.  Sam'l  Haire. 
James  m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Jacob  Hallett,  became  a  major  in  tlie 
Britisli  service,  and  removed  to  Nova  Scotia,  His  only  ch. 
Susan,  d.  at  Halle tt's  Cove,  unm.  Josej^li^  b.  Aug.  14,  1704,  d. 
Dec.  14,  1731,  and  liad  two  cb.  namely,  Joseph,  and  Lydia 
who  m.  Col.  Jacob  Blackwell.  Joseph  was  b.  Jan.  26,  1731, 
and  became  an  eminent  merchant  in  New- York,  where  he  d. 
much  regretted,  Aug.  9,  1799.  By  his  wife,  Elizabeth,  dau.  of 
JSTath'l  Hazard,  whom  he  m.  Dec.  11,  1761,  he  had  issue  Eliza- 
beth, who  m.  Eobert  Gault ;  Lydia,  m.  Frederick  Herlitz ; 
Ann,  m.  John  Delafield,  Catharine,  m.  Wm,  Payne ;  Sarah,  d, 
single,  and  Maria,  who  m.  Hon.  Beuj.  Tallmadge. 

4.  Thomas  Hallett,  son  of  Joseph,^.^Avas  b.  May  10,  1714, 
and  m.  Anna,  dau.  of  Benj.  Moore.  On  Jan.  6,  1752,  he  was 
commissioned  as  lieutenant  in"  Capt.  Jacob  Blackwell's  com- 
pany of  militia.  He  finally  removed  to  Flushing  where  he  d. 
Aug.  12,  1779.  His  ch.were  Lydia,  b.  Jan.  7,  1738,  m.  Jos. 
Burroughs;  Joseph,  b.  Feb.  28,  1740;  Benjamin,  b.  Aug.  18, 
1743;  Thomas,  b.  Dec.  18,  1745;  Mar}^,  b.  Mar.  6,  1751; 
Hannah,  b.  July  30,  1754,  m.  Wm.  AYaters,  and  John,  b.  Apr. 
2,  1757.  Joseph  removed  to  St.  Croix.  (See  p.  172.)  John  had 
an  only  dau.  Mary,  who  m.  Nathan  Beers,  of  Fairfield,  Ct. 
Thomas  m.  May  10,  1772,  Elizabeth  Willett,  and  d.  Sep.  19, 
1798.  His  ch.  were  Elizabeth  W.,  m.  Willett  Leaycraft ;  John- 
Willett ;  Anna  M.,  m.  John  Briggs;  Lydia,  m.  Dan'l  Hegeman  ; 
Patience  M.,  m.  Jos.  Briggs  ;  Nancy  F. ;  and  Sarah,  who  m. 
Wm.  Tuthill. 

5.  Eichard  Hallett,  son  of  William,^  bought,  in  1717,  the 
farm  of  John  Denman,  dec,  at  English  Kills,  (see  p.  140,)  and 
on  Nov.  14,  of  the  same  year,  m.  Amy,  dau.  of  John  Bowne  of 
Flushing,  the  eminent  Quaker.  Hallett  embraced  the  principles 
of  the  Friends,  which  his  descendants  yet  profess.  He  sur- 
vived his  second  wife,  Ann  Miller,  and  d.  May  19, 1769,  in  his 
78th  yr.  His  ch.  except  two  that  d.  early,  were  Eichard,  b. 
Dec.  31,  1721 ;  Sarah,  b.  Aug.  5,  1723,  m.  Wm.  Webster ;  < 
Amy,  b.  May  5,  1727,  m.  Shotwell ;  Thomas,  b.  Mar.  24, 
1740 ;  Lydia,  b.  Sep.  12,  1741,  m.  Abm.  Shotwell,  and  Israel, 
b.  Nov.  5,  1742.  Richard  m.  Mary,  dau.  of  Samuel  Way,  and 
was  killed  by  the  fall  of  a  limb,  May  13,  1757.  His  ch.  were 
Jane,  b.  Aug.  21,  1752,  m.  Anthony  Betts,  and  Jonah,  b.  Oct. 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWN.  405 

31,  1754:,  who  settled  at  Whitcstone,  was  a  member  of  assem- 
bly, and  d.  Oct.  2,  1811.  Thomas  m.  Phebe,  dau.  of  Abm. 
Shotwell,  and  dying  Aug.  22,  1780,  was  the  father  of  the  late 
worthy  Gideon  Hallett,^b.  Dec.  8,  1773,  whose  son  Thomas 
now  resides  at  Maspeth.  Israel  m.  Naomi,  dau.  of  Abm.  Shot- 
well,  and  d.  Oct.'^l,  1776,  having  had  issue  Richard,  Abraham, 
Jeremiah,  and  James.  These  have  highly  respectable  descen- 
dants in  New- York  city. 

G.  Samuel  Hallctt,  son  of  William,^  was,  in  his  time,  a  per- 
son of  consideration.  He  d.  Dec.  27,  1724,  a  73,  having,  a  few 
days  before  his  death,  conveyed  his  entire  estate  to  his  only 
son,  Samuel.L  He  was  interred  on  his  own  premises  (the  bury- 
ing-ground  beside  the  Methodist  church,  Astoria,)  where  his 
grave,  and  those  of  many  of  his  descendants,'  may  still  be  seen. 
The  family  of  his  brother  William  set  apart  a  burial-place 
upon  their  own  land,  which  still  remains  on  the  Stevens  pro- 
perty; and  here,  as  tradition  says,  the  family  murdered  in 
1708,  lie  buried  in  one  grave.  Samuel  Hallett  had  daughters 
Hannah,  m.  John  Washburn ;  Elizabeth,  m.  Col.  John  Jackson ; 
Grace,  m.  Lewis  Hewlett ;  Mercy,  m.  Cornell,  and  Martha,  who 
m.  Jas.  Hazard,  Esq. 

7,  Samuel  Hallett,  son  of  Samuel,*^  tield  the  post  of  major 
in  the  militia  of  Queens.  He  m.  Bridget,  dau.  of  Robert 
Blackwell,  and  d.  Mar.  7,  1756,  a.  78.  He  had  issue  Samuel, 
John,  James,  Jacob,  IMary,  m.  Pettit ;  Sarah,  m.  Cor.  Berrien  ; 
Elizabeth,  m.  Wm.  Lawrence  and  John  McDonough ;  Bridget, 
m.  Jos.  Wright ;  Lydia,  m.  Josiah  Milliken ;  Martha,  m.  Wel- 
ling; Phebe,  m.  Robert  Hallett,  and  Jemima,  who  m.  John 
Greenoak.  Samuel  d.  Apr.  7,  1750,  and  his  only  son  who 
reached  maturity,  was  Samuel,  b.  June  7,  1726,  to  whom,  in 
1752,  his  grandfather  Hallctt  conveyed  a  farm  of  130  acres, 
near  Hallett's  Cove.  John  m.  in  .1730,  Sarah,  dau.  of  Jacob 
Blackwell,  and  d.  at  the  Cove,  Dec.  3,  1759,  leaving  ch.  John, 
Samuel,  Jacob,  Mary,  Sarah,  Frances,  and  Lydia.  James  m. 
Lydia,  dau.  of  Jacob  Blackwell,  had  sons  James  and  Stei^hen, 
and  d.  in  1781  upon  his  farm  near  Hallett's  Cove,  now  occu- 
pied by  the  children,  of  his  son  Stephen,  who  d,  Nov.  22, 1822, 
a.  73.  His  other  son,  James,  was  an  intelhgent  man,  and 
acquired  a  handsome  property  at  coachmaking,  in  New-York, 
where  he  d.  Jan.  19,  1805,  a.  63,  leaving  heirs.     Jacob  HalkU 


406  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

m.  Apr.  22,  1744,  Susannah,  dan.  of  Capt.  Daniel  Betts.  He 
was  a  farmer  at  the  Cove,  and  survived  the  Eevolution  ;  his 
stone  farm-house  occupied  the  site  of  H.  F.  Blackwell's  store. 
His  ch.  were  Mary,  who  m.  James  Hallett ;  Phebe,  m.  Edmund 
Penfold,  and  Samuel.  The  latter,  b.  Mar.  16,  1761,  m.  in  1782, 
Phebe,  dau.  of  Wm.  Hallett.  He  d.  Sep.  1,  1817,  having  had 
nine  ch.  most  of  whom  d.  without  issue.  William,  b.  Sep.  9, 
1795,  left  a  family ;  James,  b.  Feb.  18,  1798,  is  a  respected  res- 
ident of  Astoria;  and  John  P.,  b.  Sep.  10,  1800,  and  Edmund 
P.,  b.  Feb.  29,  1804,  both  live  in  New- York. 


THE    DEBBVOISE    FAMILY. 


Qi-^yPfrininn^^ 


<j'^H> 


Carel  de  Beauvois,  whose  autograph  is  here  represented, 
was  a  highly  respectable  and  well-educated  French  protestant, 
who  came  from  Ley  den,  in  Holland.  He  was  of  a  family 
whose  name  and  origin  were  probably  derived  from  the  ancient 
city  of  Beauvais,  on  the  river  Therin,  to  the  northwest  of  Paris ; 
but  there  is  reason  to  suppose  that  he  himself  was  a  native  of 
Leyden.  He  arrived  at  New  Amsterdam  in  the  ship  Otter, 
Feb.  17,  1659,  accompanied  by  his  wife,  Sophia  Yan  Loden- 
steyn,  and  three  ch.  born  to  them  in  Leyden,  and  now  aged 
eight,  six,  and  three  years,  respectively.  His  literary  merits 
and  acquaintance  with  the  Dutch  language  soon  acquired  for 
him  the  situation  of  a  teacher,  but  in  1661  he  became  "  choris- 
ter, reader,  and  schoolmaster  "  for  the  people  of  Brooklyn,  at 
a  salary  of  25  guilders  and  free  house  rent.  He  afterwards 
served  as  public  se'^retary  or  town  clerk,  which  office  he  held 


ANNALS      OF     NEWTOWN.  407 

till  1669.  His  cli.  were  Jacobus,^  Gertrude,  who  m,  Jacob  W. 
Vail  Boerum ;  Catharine,  m.  Jacob  llcndrickse  Haste ;  and 
Cornelia,  who  m.  Gerrit  G.  Borland. 

1.  Jacobus  Dcbevoise,  only  son  of  Carel,  was  b.  at  Leydcn. 
In  early  manhood  he  embraced  religion  and  joined  the  church 
at  Brooklyn,  of  which  he  was  afterwards  a  deacon.  He  m.  June 
12,  1678,  Maria,  dau.  of  Joost  Carelsz,  and  d,  in  the  early  part 
of  the  next  century,  his  widow  surviving  him.  They  had 
sons  Carel,-  b.  1680 ;  Joost,  b.  1683  ;  Jacobus,  b.'  1686,  and 
Johannes,  b.  1689.  Jacobus  m.  in  1715  Sarah,  dau.  of  Joris 
Remscn,  and  d.  on  his  farm  at  Bedford,  a.  about  four-score. 
His  ch.  were  Jacobus,  (who  d.  in  1751,  and  whose  only  dau. 
Engeltie  m.  Isaac  Degraw  of  Brooklyn,)  and  George,  who  was 
b.  in  1720,  m.  Sarah  Betts,  Oct.  18,  1746,  and  inherited  all  his 
father's  estate  at  Bedford.  Joost  m.  in  1707,  Mary,  dau.  of  Joris 
Remsen,  remained  a  farmer  in  Brooklyn,  and  d.  a  few  years 
before  the  Revolution,  in  advanced  age.  He  had  issue  Jacobus, 
Phebe,  who  m.  John  Johnson ;  Mary,  who  also  married ;  Anna, 
m.  Johannes  W.  Wyckoff  ;*  Elizabeth,  m,  Peter  Cowenhoven, 
and  Sophia,  who  m.  Albert  Nostrand.  Jacobus  inherited  his 
father's  farm  at  the  Wallabout,  m.  in  1736  Maria  Garretson, 

*  Johannes  Williamson  Wtckoff  was  the  son  of  Peter,  and  grandson 
of  Willetn  Willemse  of  Gravesend,  who  emigrated  in  1657,  and  m.  Maria, 
dau.  of  Pieter  Chiesz  Wyckoff.  The  former  was  therefore  not  a  Wyckoff  by 
male  descent,  but  assumed  that  name  at  the  instance  of  his  great-uncle, 
Hendrick  Wyckoff,  who  d.  without  issue,  in  1744,  leaving  him  liis  estate. 
Johannes  d.  at  Flathinds  in  1761.  His  ch.  were  Henry,  George,  Peter,  John, 
Maria,  who  m.  John  Emans  and  Nich.  Van  Brunt;  and  Joanna,  who  m.  Wm. 
Kouvv'enhoven.  Henry.,  of  Gravesend,  m.  Sarah  Emans,  and  had  issue  Andrew, 
Henry,  Rem,  (all  three  dec,  the  latter  leaving  issue  Henry,  and  Gertrude 
wife  of  Peter  Stryker,)  John,  of  Gravesend,  and  Phebe,  who  m.  Andrew 
Suydam.  George,  of  Flatlands,  m.  Sarah  Luyster ;  issue  Jolm,  Ann,  wife  of 
Luke  Kouwenhoven,  Sarah,  widow  of  Thos.  Burroughs,  and  Rensie,  wife  of 
Dan'l  Rapalje,  the  last  three  of  Newtown.  John  had  sons  George  and^  John. 
Peter,  of  Gowanus,  m.  Lammetie  Lott;  issue  Nelly,  who  m.  David  Kelsey, 
Joanna,  m.  Jolin  Bergen,  Peter,  John;  Jane,  m.  Garret  Bergen  of  Gowanus, 
(parents  of  Tunis  G.  Bergen,  Esq.)  and  Maria,  who  m.  Peter  Duryeu  of  N. 
Utrecht.  Mm,  of  Jamaica,  m.  Margaret  Terhune  ;  issue  John,  Joanna,  who 
m  John  Ditmars,  Maria,  wife  of  Wm.  Van  Dine,  George,  Margaret,  m. 
John  Sutphen,  Catharine,  m.  Wm.  Bennet,  Jacob-Van-Dyck  of  New.\ork, 
Terhune,  Phebe,  m.  Abm.  Van  Sicklen,  Henry,  dec,  Albert,  and  Abraham 
of  Gravesend. 


408  ANNALS     OF     NEWTOWN. 

and  d.  prior  to  the  American  war.  His  ch.  were  George, 
Samuel,  who  d.  without  issue,  Ida,  m.  Ferdinand  Sujdara, 
and  Marj  who  m.  Grarr^t  Van  Duyn.  George  last  named,  m. 
Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Jeremiah  Yanderbilt,  and  d.  at  the  Walla- 
bout  in  or  prior  to  1784 :  issue  Maria,  who  m.  Capt.  Jackson  ; 
Catharine,  m.  John  Yan  Alst ;  Phebe,  m.  Jacob  Ejerson ; 
Sarah,  m.  Jeromus  Eyerson  and  John  Cozine,  and  Ida,  who 
m.  in  succession  two  persons  of  the  same  name,  Francis  Titus. 

3.  Carel  Debevoise,  son  of  Jacobus,^  m.  Margaret  Meserole, 
and  became  a  notary  public  in  Brooklyn,  fully  sustaining  the 
prominence  in  civil  and  church  relations,  which  the  family 
enjoj^ed  for  a  long  period  in  the  above  town.  From  1752  to 
'61  he  was  county  judge.  He  lived  on  the  premises  now  of  his 
great-grand-daughter,  Mrs.  Prince.  His  sons  were  Jan,"*  Jacobus, 
Carel,^  and  Johannes.  Jacobus  was  b.  in  1709,  and  resided  at 
Gowanus,  where  he  d.  in  1766.  His  first  wife  was  Maria  Yan 
Housen,  whom  he  m.  in  1736 ;  his  second  was  Mary  Stillwell, 
who  survived  him.  He  had  issue  Charles,  Eichard,  Margaret 
who  m.  Charles  Doughty,  of  Brooklyn,  afterwards  member  of 
assembly,  Ida,  m.  John  Godfrey  Muller,  of  N.  Y.,  Adriana, 
and  Mary.  Of  these  Charles  remained  at  Gowanus,  and  had 
issue  James,  Wynant,  and  others.  Johannes  was  town  clerk 
of  Brooklyn,  and  a  somewhat  important  citizen.  He  m.  June 
15,  1749,  Hannah,  dau.  of  Thomas  Betts,  of  Flatbush,  and  d. 
ISTov.  19,  1792,  having  had  issue  Thomas,  Charles,  Margaret, 
and  Hannah,  all  of  whom  d.  single,  but  Margaret,  who  m.  Dr. 
John  Duffield,  a  surgeon  in  the  Am.  Eevolutionary  army. 
They  were  the  parents  of  Susan  Duffield,  who  m.  Capt.  Chas. 
K.  Lawrence ;  Anna,  who  m.  Capt.  Christopher  Prince,  and 
Margaret;  who  m.  first  Capt.  Archibald  Thompson;  and  sec- 
ondly Sam'l  A.  Willoughby,  Esq.,  of  Brooklyn. 

3.  Carel  Debevoise,  son  of  Carel,^  m.  Oct.  9,  1736,  Eve, 
dau.  of  Coert  Yan  Yoorhees,  of  Gravesend,  and  became  a 
farmer  in  Bushwick,  on  the  property  now  of  Chas.  I.  Debe- 
voise, Esq.  He  d.  in  1757,  and  his  widow  in  1793,  a.  74. 
His  ch.  were  Margaret,  b.  May  9,  1738,  who  m.  Peter  Colyer ; 
Nelly,  b.  Mar.  16,  1740,  m.  Carel  Debevoise ;  Carel,  b.  Feb.  5, 
1742;  Maria,  b.  Mar.  21,  1744,  m.  John  Devoe ;  Anna,  b. 
June  26, 1746,  m.  Dr.  Andrew  Yan  Allen  and  Joris  Debevoise  ; 
Coert,  b.  Oct.  28,  1748  ;    John,  b.  Apr.  14,  1751 ;    Catharine, 


ANNALS      OF      NEWTOWIT.  409 

b.  Mar.  22,  1753,  m.  John  Buskirk  ;  Jacobus,  b.  Jan.  31, 1755, 
and  Isaac,  b.  July  10,  1757.  Card  m.  Maria  Van  Houten,  and 
had  sons,  who  are  now  dec.  Coert  m.  Elizabeth  Sloat.  Jacobus 
m.  Aletta,  dau.  of  John  Rapalje,  and  was  the  father  of  John 
and  Charles  Debevoise,  liviDg  at  the  English  Kills.  Isaac  m. 
Jane,  dau.  of  Joris  Debevoise,  and  Magdalena,  dau.  of  Tunis 
Schenk,  and  was  father  of  George,  of  the  English  Kills,  and 
Charles  I.  Debevoise,  aforesaid,  supervisor  of  Bushwick,  the 
latter  by  the  second  marriage.  John  m.  Jane,  dau.  of  Moses 
Beegel  by  his  intermarriage  with  Jane,  dau.  of  Frcd'k  Van 
Nanda,  (see  p.  171,)  and  located  at  Fresh  Ponds,  in  Newtown, 
where  he  d.  Mar.  15,  1829,  and  his  widow  Aug.  28,  1847,  a. 
90.  They  had  issue  Jane,  b.  Nov.  8,  1776,  who  m.  Jas.  Titus 
and  Daniel  Lake;  Eve,  b.  Oct.  7,  1779,  d.  unm. ;  Sarah,  b. 
June  4,  1781,  now  widow  of  Charles  G.  Debevoise ;  Moses,  b. 
July  2,  1783,  m.  Maria,  dau.  of  Peter  Duryea,  and  d.  Dec.  12, 
1831,  leaving  ch.  Peter,  John,  Sarah-Ann,  and  Charles ;  Charles 
I.,  b.  Feb.  21,  1785,  ra.  Maria,  dau,  of  Johannes  Covert,  and 
d.  Aug.  26,  1831,  having  issue  John,  Rebecca- Ann,  Covert, 
and  Cornelius ;  Ann,  b.  Apr.  26,  1793,  m.  Chas.  Debevoise, 
Cripplebush ;  and  John,  b.  Mar,  3,  1798,  who  m.  Cornelia  M., 
dau.  of  Cor.  Van  Cott,  and  resides  at  Fresh  Ponds,  having 
formerly  served  the  town  as  supervisor. 

4.  Jan  Debevoise,  son  of  Carel,-  was  b.  in  1704  at  Brooklyn, 
and  m.  Jane,  dau.  of  Lieut.  Joris  Ra^Dclje,  of  Newtown,  in 
which  town  Mr.  Debevoise  located,  being  the  first  of  his 
family  who  came  to  this  township,  and  the  ancestor  of  most 
of  the  name  since  resident  here.  His  farm  was  that  lately 
occupied  by  George  Pine.  Having  been  esteemed  as  a  good 
man,  and  useful  as  an  elder  of  the  Dutch  church,  he  d.  Apr.  26, 
1777,  a.  73.  His  widow  d.  Aug.  25, 1781,  a.  74.  Their  ch.  were 
Carel,  Joris,-''  Jacobus,  Daniel,  Johannes,*^  and  Cornelius.  Daniel 
d.  unm.   in  his  82d  yr.,  Feb.  14,  1819.     Cornelius  d.  unm.  Oct. 

8,  1773,  a.  27.  Carel  m,  his  cousin  Nelly,  dau.  of  Carel  Debe- 
voise, was  a  worthy  deacon  of  the  Dutch  church,  and  d.  June 

9,  1792,  a.  64.  His  widow  d.  Mar.  23, 1806,  a.  QQ.  They  had 
issue  Jane,  who  m.  Isaac  Eapelye,  Eve,  m.  Francis  Duryea, 
and  Agnes,  who  m.  Folkert  Eapelye.  Jacobus  m.  Maria,  dau, 
of  Ab'm  Cook,  and  settled  at  Cripplebush.  He  d.  Oct.  5,  1813, 
in  his  80th  yr,,  having  had  issue  John,  b.  Mar.  10,  1759,  m. 


410  ANNALS      OF       NEWTOWN. 

Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Chas.  Titus,  and  was  the  father  of  Chas. 
Debevoise  now  living  at  Cripplebush,  and  his  brothers  James, 
Francis,  and  John  ;  Abraham,  b.  Sep.  8,  1763,  m.  Jane,  dau. 
of  Garret  Komvenhoven,  and  had  sons  Garret,  and  James ; 
Charles,  b.  Oct.  14,  1765,  who  m.  Leah,  dau.  of  John  Titus; 
Gabriel,  b.  Jan.  19,  1775,  m.  Marj,  only  ch.  of  Coert  Debe- 
voise, and  lives  in  Bushwick;  and  Jane,  b.  Mar.  16,  1777, 
who  m.  Harmanus  Stockholm. 

5,  Joris  Debevoise,  son  of  Jan.*  served  prior  to  the  Eevo- 
lution  as  a  deacon  of  the  Newtown  Dutch  church.  He  d.  in 
his  72d  yr.  July  9,  1802,  having  been  thrice  married ;  first  to 
Ann,  dau.  of  Ab'm  Rapelje,  who  d.  childless,  secondly  to 
Nelly  Schenck,  of  Cow  Neck,  and  thirdly  to  Anna,  dau.  of 
Carel  Debevoise,  and  widow  of  Dr.  Van  Allen.  By  the  last 
he  had  issue  Charles  G.,  and  by  the  second,  John,  Susannah, 
who  m.  Ab'm  Duryea,  and  Jane,  who  m.  Isaac  Debevoise,  of 
Bushwick.  John  m.  Eve,  dau.  of  Andrew  Yan  Allen,  and  d. 
in  his  56th  yr.,  Nov.  25, 1822,  having  had  issue  George,  living 
in  Flushing  township,  Andrew  and  John,  who  occupy  portions 
of  the  paternal  farm  at  Dutch  Kills,  Ann,  who  m.  John 
Oakley,  and  Ellen,  wife  of  John  I.  Van  Alst.  Charles  G.  m. 
Sarah,  dau.  of  John  Debevoise,  and  d.  in  his  52d  yr..  Mar.  22, 
1836,  his  sons  John  and  George  now  possessing  his  farm  at 
the  Dutch  Kills. 

6.  Johannes  Debevoise,  son  of  Jan,*  was  b.  Feb.  28,  1742, 
and  lived  at  Fresh  Ponds.  He  m.  Sarah,  dau.  of  Abm, 
Eapelje,  who  dying  Nov.  3,  1766,  he  m.  secondly  Adriana, 
dau.  of  Jacob  Eemsen.  She  d.  on  Feb.  19,  and  he  on  Feb.  20, 
1812,  and  both  were  interred  together.  His  ch.  were  John,  b. 
June  13,  1766,  Avho  m.,  but  d.  without  issue  Apr.  2,  1818 ; 
Jacob,  b.  Aug.  11,  1771,  d.  Feb.  15,  '86 ;  Sarah,  b.  Feb.  4, 
1773,  d.  Aug.  8,  '75 ;  Jane,  b.  Aug.  26,  1776,  m.  Theodoras 
Kolyer;  Charles  and  Catharine,  twins,  b.  Mar.  22,  1778,  the 
former  d.  single  May  9.  1819,  the  latter  m.  William  Morrell ; 
Sarah,  b.  Aug.  16,  1780,  now  widow  of  John  Burroughs; 
Isaac,  b.  Jan.' 14,  1783,  now  of  Fresh  Ponds  ;  Adriana,  b.  July 
27,  1785,  wife  of  Cor.  N.  Ditmas ;  Nelly,  b.  Oct.  15,  1787,  d. 
unm. ;  Anna,  b.  Nov.  2,  1789,  who  was  the  first  wife  of  C.  N. 
Ditmas ;  and  Jacob,  b,  Sep.  26,  1792,  who  m.  Catalina,  dau. 
of  John  Ditmars,  and  resides  at  Newtown. 


APPENDIX 


CONTENTS  OF  THE  APPENDIX. 


A. — Mespat  Patent,  in  Latin. 

B. — Presbyterian  Church  Members. 

C— Dutch  Church  Contributors,  1731. 

D.— Dutch  Church  Pew-holders,  1736. 

E. — Communicants,  Nov.  1,  1741. 

F. — ^List  of  Town  Officers. 

G.— Freeholders,  Dec.  4,  1666. 


APPENDIX. 


THE     MESPAT    PATENT, 

[Book  of  Patents  G.  G.,  p.  49.] 

Nos  Guillihelmus  Kieft  Director  Generalis,  Senatusq«  Novi  Bel- 
gii,  pro  Prajpotentiss.  Dominis  Dus  Ordinibus  Gen.  Provinciarum 
Foederat.  Belgic.  Altissimoq'^  Principe  Auraico,  nee  non  Nobilissimia 
Dominis  DAs  Administratoribus  Societatis  Gen.  Indiie  Occidentalis. 
*Snibus  hasce  Litteras  inspecturis  notum  facimus,  dedisse,  atq^  con- 
cessisse,  quemadmodum  per  praBsentes  damns,  ac  concedimus  Fran- 
cisco Doughty,  et  sooiis,  assignatisq^  suis,  atq''  eorum  harcdibus,  in 
possessionem  realera,  actualem,  ac  perpetuam  ;  certam  partem  terraj, 
cum  pascuis,  C2eterisq°  in  ea  inclusis,  litani  in  Longa  Insula  hujus 
Provincise;  in  area  ua  continentem  sex  millia  sexcenta  sexaginta  sex 
JHgera  Hollandica,  aut  circiter  ignographice  inclusam  inter  quatuor 
recte  conoeptas  lineas  (qutelibet  bis  mille  pei-ticarum  Hollandicarum 
l<3ga.)  quarum  prima  producitur  ab  oriente  angulo  prasdii  Hans 
Hanssonii  secundum  rivulum,  paludem  in  duo  inaequalia  secantem 
ad  plantationcra  Richardi  BrutnalJ,  et  inde  plus  Euro-Borcam  decur- 
rit,  per  medium  paludis  dulcis  transiens,  ad  fluviolum,  vingentem 
meridionalem  partem  terrarum  Henrici  Agi-icolaj  eundemq"  sequen- 
tem  ad  ejus  ostium  usque ;  altera  linea  vero  inde  erigin^m  suraens 
plus  Euro-Notum  flectitur  secundum  littus  marinum  illudq*^  ambiens 
usQ®  ad  fluviolum  alterum  ;  quern  secundum  cursum  sequitur  ab 
•ostio  ejus  usq'^  dum  attigerit  orientalem  extremitatera  cujusdam 
paludis  (a  qua  prasdicte  fluviolus  provenit)  ind-e  plus  Euro-Notum 
reflectitur,  donee  ad  longitudinem  bis  mille  perticarum  Hollandicarum 
pervenerit;  tertia  vero  ab  extremitate  hujus  incipiens  plus  Libim 
tendit  prjEcedcntibus  roque  longa. ;  tandem  quarta  a  punctilio  ultimo 
plus  Borea-Zephirum  decurrens  ad  supradictum  angulum  orientalem 


414  APPENDIX. 

prcedii  Hans  Hanssonii  eoncludit  ibi  quadatum,  (in  qnolibet  cujas 
angulo  postea  lapis  erigetur,  ad  majorem  limitum  certitudinem  ;) 
cum  potestatie  in  sup.  dicta  terra  pagum,  Tel  pagos  construendi, 
templum,  vel  templa  sedificandi,  Eeligionem  Christianam  Reforma- 
tam,  quam  profitentur,  nee  non  disciplinam  ecclesiasticam  excercendi ; 
item  jure  altam  mediam,  atq*^  infimam  justitiam  administrandi  li- 
tesq''  civiles  quinquaginta  florenos  Hollandicos  non  excedentes  deci- 
dendi, in  criminalib^  vero  in  mulctam  ejusdem  summa  condeninandi 
definitive  et  absq^  appellatione ;  decceteris  litibus,  cum  civilibus,  turn 
criminalibus  majoris  momenti  primam  sententiam  dicendi  (verum 
appellationi  ad  Supreraam  Curiam  Novi  Belgii  facta  diflercudum 
erit)  atcf  ejusdam  sententite  exsecutionem  faciendi ;  deniq*^  onibus 
juribus  prsedictse  jurisdictioni  debitis  omnimodo  uteiidi.  Iterum  po- 
testate  quosdam  eorum  nominandi,  prasentandiq''  Directorii  N.  Bel- 
gii ut  ex  iis  sufficiens  numerus  ad  regimen  turn  politicum,  turn 
juridicum  eligatur.  Postremo  jure  venandi  aucupandi  piscaturam 
faciendi,  nee  non  comercium  excercendi  juxta  immunitates  colonis 
hujus  Provincise  concessas,  concedendasqe  absq"  ulla  exceptione. 
Propter  qute  dicta  prasdictus  F.  Doughty  et  socii,  atq*^  assignati 
eorurnqs  hseredes  obligati  sunt  futuriq'^,  tamdiu,  quamdiu  supra  dictae 
terrse  possessores  erunt,  prsedictos  Dominos  hos  Superioribus  Dms, 
atq*^  Patronis  sais  agnoscere;  prseterea  decimam  partem  reventua 
agrorum,  tum  aratro,  turn  ligone  alio  ut  medio  cultorum  (pomariia, 
hortisq^  oleribus  dicatis  jugerum  Hollandicum  non  excedentib^  excep- 
tis)  postea  decennium  prreterlapsum  solTcre.  Deniq^  voexcije  Hol- 
landicum non  aliud  exigere  ;  lapidib^  bylanci  inservientibus,  nee  non 
ulna  ceeterisq''  mensuris  Hollandicis  in  vendendis,  aut  emendis,  ad 
confusionem  vitandam,  uti.  Quoe  onia  sub  prsedictis  conditionibus 
inviolabiliter  observare  promittimus,  atq"  ad  eorum  observantiam 
obstringimus  successores  nostros  virtute  dyplomatis  ab  Altiss.  Prin- 
cipe Auraico  Provinciarum  Belgicarum  Foederatarum  Gubernatore, 
nee  non  architalasso  supremo  nobis  concessi.  In  fidem  quorum  has 
prcesentes  Litteras  propriis  manibus  subscripsimus,  atq°  eas  a  Secre- 
tario  Novi  Belgii  subsignati,  iisdemq*^  sigillum  N.  B.  apponi  curavi- 
mus.  Datum  in  Arce  Amstelersdamensi  in  Insula  Manahatans  in 
Novo  Belgio  A?  1642,  Martii  28. 

Suhscrlptus^ 

GuiLLIHBLMUS    KiKFT. 

Inferius, 

JUSSU   D.   DiRECTORIS,  Senatusqe, 
Cornelius  A.  Tieniioven,  Secrets. 


APPaNDIX. 


415 


B. 


MEMBERS    OF    THE    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH, 


♦Ccmtent  Titus, 

Joseph  Hackett,  Sen. 

Philip  Kctchaiu. 

Caleb  Lpverich. 

Thomas  I'ettit,  Sen. 

Kezia  Ketehajn. 

The  wife  of  Philip  Ketcham. 

Margaret  Strickland.* 

Silas  Titus,  Sen. 

■Lydia  Pumroy. 

James  Renne. 

Joanna  Hunt. 

■Sarah  Renne. 

Mary  Titus. 

■Catharine  Pettit 

Samuel  Ketoham,  Sen.- 

Margaret  Furman. 

Mercy  Hazard. 

Nathaniel  Hazard. 

Margaret  Hazard. 

Samuel  Coe. 

Richard  Sackett. 

Margaret  Coe. 

Sarah  Titus. 

Mary  White. 

Judith  Wood. 

James  Keile,  and  wife. 

Andrew  Colbrith,  and  wife, 

Mercy  Sackett,  widow. 

Mary  Moore,  widow. 

Mrs.  Tuthill,  of  Westchester. 

Abigail  Springsteen. 

Sarah  Culver. 

Deborah  Hazard. 

Elizabeth  Hunt. 

Elizabeth  Pumroy, 

Hannah  Morrell, 

Thomas  Hunt, 

Richard  Wood, 

Deborah  Burroughs, 

Sarah  Morrell, 

Anna  Woodward, 

Anna  Wood, 

Samuel  Burtis,  and  wife, 

Charity  Ketcham. 


Apr. 

May, 

June  25, 


1725. 
1726. 
1727. 


1730. 

1731. 

Dec.  19,  1731. 


Bcnj.  Cornish,  Jun 

Judith  J^Iorrell. 

AN'iduw  l.iiwrciice. 

Martha  Krlcliam. 

Su.sauni>)i  Comfort, 

Amy  Berrien, 

Philip  Fxisall, 

Hannah  Fish, 

Jacob  Reeder, 

Charity  Renne, 

Samuel  Fish,  Sen., 

llmothy  Wood, 

John  Recder, 

William  Burroughs, 

Susannah  Howard, 

Elizabeth  Hunt, 

Sarah  Morrell, 

Cornelius  Berrien,  Jun., 

Hannah  Bailey, 

Nathaniel  Bailey, 

Margaret  Burroughs, 

Phcbe  Hunt, 

Jonathan  Hunt, 

Samuel  Hallett,  Sen., 

Abigail  Smith, 

Samuel  Bruce, 

Susannah  Morrell, 

Amy  Cornish, 

Sarah  Culver, 

John  Alburtis, 

Sarah  Comisli, 

Hannah  Ketcham, 

Benj.  Cornish,  Jun., 

Elsie  Devine, 

Benjamin  Coe, 

Benj.  North,  and  wife  Marg't, 

James  Pettit, 

Kezia  Morrell, 

Mary  Palmer, 

Jannetie  De^^ne, 

Dorothy  Leverich, 

Sarah  Morrell, 

Abigail  Wainwright, 

John  Pettit,  and  wife, 

Ann  Moore,  widow, 

Joshua  Ketcham, 


[died  Jan.  6,  1733.] 


Jan.  14,  173.T 
Sep.  1.'),  1734. 
Feb.  15,  173C. 
Oct.  24,  " 
Feb.  27,  1737. 
Sep.  25,  " 
Feb.  5,  1738- 


June  18, " 

Oct.  29,  " 

Apr.  1,  1739. 
Nov.  11,     '• 
Apr.  20,  1740. 

June  6,  1742. 
Aug.  2g,  1743. 
Mar.  18,  1758. 

Mar,  20, 1763. 

Dec.  15,  1765. 

Aug.  30,  1766. 

1768. 

Mar.  12, 1769. 


Dec.  10.     " 
Sep.  23,  17T0, 
Mar,  14,  1771. 


*  The  first  eight  were  "members  in  full  communion,"  at  Mr.  Pumroy's  eettlement,  in  1708L 
The  others  were  received  from  that  time  onward,  but  the  date  of  admission  is  not  given  till  1725. 


c. 

SUBSCRIPTION  FOR  BUILDING  THE  DUTCH  CHURCH  IN  1731. 


Kicholas  Berrien, 

£12    0 

Antie  Brinckerhoff, 

10    0 

Daniel  Rapalje, 

9    0 

Peter  Berrien, 

9    0 

Isaac  Bragaw, 

8  10 

Abraham  Lent, 

8  10 

Joris  Rapelje, 

8  10 

Ab'm  Bnnckerlioff. 

8  10 

John  Wyckotf, 

7    5 

Peter  Cornell, 

3    0 

Jacob  Skillman, 

2  15 

Jeromus  Remsen, 

2  15 

Aaron  Gilbert,  2  15 

Andries&  Jannetie  Riker  2  10 


Johannes  Culver, 
Paulus  Vandervoort, 
Cornelius  Berrien, 
John  Riker. 
Peter  Luyster, 
Petnis  Schenk, 
Teunis  Brinckerhoff, 
Isaac  Brinckerhoff, 
Johannes  Van  Alst, 
Capt.  Samuel  Fish, 


2  10 
2  0 
2  6 
2  6 
6  10 
6  10 
6  0 
6  10 
6  0 
6    0 


Elbert  Luyster, 
William  Van  Duyn, 
Abraham  Remsen, 
Thomas  Skillman, 
Hcmlrick  Brinckerhoff, 
Stotltl  Vanderbeeck, 
John  Debevoisc, 
Abraham  Riker,  Jun., 
Brrgoon  Brngaw, 
John  Brinckerhoff, 
Andries  Van  Alst, 
Maria  Springsteen, 


6  0 
5  15 
5  0 
5  0 
5  0 
4  15 
4  13 
4  10 
4  8 
4  5 
4  0 
4    0 


41G 


APPENDIX. 


Cornelius  Rapelje, 
Nicholas  Parcell, 
John  Parcell,  of  the  Is- 
land, 
Bernardus  Van  Zandt, 
Joris  Van  Alst, 
Daniel  Rapelje,  Jun., 
Abraham  Kapelje, 
Abraham  Riker, 
Rem  Rerasen, 
Samuel  Fish,  Jun., 
Cornelius  Berrien,  Jun., 


4  0 
3  15 

3  15 
3  10 
3  10 
3  10 
3    8 


Abraham  Remsen,  Jun., 
David  Springsteen, 
Casperus  Springsteen, 
William  Miller, 
Judith  Cancel, 
Judge  Jas.  Hazard, 
Capt.  Thos.  Hazard, 
Hendrick  Cornell, 
Bernardus  Bloom, 
John  Parcell, 
Joost  Schoon, 


o 

0 

2 

0 

2 

0 

2 

0 

2 

0 

1 

10 

2 

0 

o 

0 

1 

15 

1 

11 

1 

0 

yon-resident  Subscriberif 


Jcromus  Rapalje, 
Dow  Van  Ditmars, 
Justice  Ryder, 
Justice  BrinckerhofF, 
Johannes  Cornell, 
Nicholas  Letten, 
Dow  Van  Ditmars  Jr., 
Ab'm  Van  Ditmars, 
Johannes  Nostrand, 
Abraham  Schenk, 
Abraham  Lott, 


PEW-HOLDERS  OF   THE   DUTCH  CHURCH   IN    1736. 


Smts  for  Males  to  the  north- 
west side  of  the  pulpit  and 
the  middle  isle. 

No.  1. 

Joris  Rapelje. 
CapL  Sam'l  Fish. 
Johannes  Van  Alst. 
Elbert  Luyster. 
Abraham  Remsen. 
Thomas  Skillman. 
No.  2. 

Antie  Brinckerhoff. 
Nicholas  Berrien. 
Peter  Berrien, 
Daniel  Rapalje. 
Abraham  Lent. 
Peter  Luyster. 

No.  3. 

Isaac  Bragaw. 
Ab'm  Brinckerhoff. 
Teunis  Brinckerhoff. 
Isaac  Brinckerhoff. 
John  Wyckoff. 
Petnis  Schenk. 

No.  4. 

John  Debevoise. 
John  Brinckerhoff. 
Cornelius  Rapelje. 
Maria  Springsteen. 
Andries  Van  Alst. 
Abraham  Rapelje. 

No.  5. 

Stoffel  Vanderbeeck. 
Bergoou  Bragaw. 
Joris  Van  Alst. 
Abraham  Riker. 
Ab'm  Riker,  Jun. 
Daniel  Rapelje,  Jun. 

No.  6. 

Hendrick  Brinckerhoff. 
Aaron  Gilbert. 
Andrew  Riker. 
Cornelius  Berrien. 
John  Riker. 
Stephen  Ryder. 
Derick  Brinckerhoff. 
Johannes  Cornell. 

No.  7. 

John  Parcell,  Island. 
John  Parcell. 


Joost  Schoon. 
Jeromus  Rapalje,  Flushing. 
Johannes  Nostrand. 
Abraham  Schenk. 
Nicholas  Parcell. 
WilUam  Van  Duyn. 

No.  8. 

Peter  Berrien. 
Teunis  Brinckerhoff. 
Bernardus  Van  Zandt. 
Cor.  Berrien,  Jun. 
Johannes  Van  Alst. 
Hendrick  Cornell. 
Thomas  Skillman. 
Hendrick  Brinckerhoff. 

No.  9. 

Joris  Rapelje. 
Abraham  Lent. 
Isaac  Bragaw, 
Abraham  Remsen. 
Nicholas  Berriea. 
Ab'm  Brinckerhoff. 

No.  10. 

Jacob  Skillman. 
Jeromus  Remsen. 
Peter  Cornell. 
Ab'm  Remsen,  Jun. 
Hendrick  Cornell. 
Ab'm  Van  Ditmars. 
Rem  Remsen. 
David  Springsteen^ 
Andrew  Riker. 
Johannes  Culver. 

Seats  for  Females,  north-west 
side  of  the  middle  isle. 

No.  11.  Juffrou's  Pew. 

["  Juffrou,"  a  title  of  respect 
for  elderly  females.} 

Sarah  Berrien. 
Antie  Brinckerhoff. 
Aeltie  Rapelje. 
Elizabeth  Berrien. 
Heyltie  Bragaw. 
Catrina  Lent. 
Angenietie  Rapelje. 

No.  12. 

Aeltie  Brinckerhoff. 
Sarah  Luyster. 
Elizabeth  Brinckerhoff. 
Diana  Brinckerhoff. 


Ruth  Fish. 
Jacomina  Luyster. 
Adriana  Van  Duyn^ 
Elizabeth  Schenk. 

No..  13, 

Jannetie  Remsen. 
Jannetie  Remsen. 
Jannetie  Skillman. 
Margrietie  Schoon. 
Dow  Van  Ditmars. 
Marritie  Van  Ditmars. 
Bregie  Van  Ditmars. 
Mattie  Remsen. 

Sfots  for  Females,   soutlieast 
side  of  the  pulpit. 

No.  1. 

Amy  Berrien. 
Angenietie  Fish. 
Elizabeth  Parcell. 
Antie  Rapalje,  Flushing. 
Elizabeth  Ryder,  Flushing. 
Aeltie  Brinckerhoff,  Flushing- 

No.  2. 

Marritie  Brinckerhoff. 
Johannes  Van  Alst. 
Aeltie  Van  Alst. 
Neeltie  Vandervoort. 
Jannetie  Riker. 
Geertie  Riker. 

No.  3. 

John  Parcell,  Island, 
Rensie  Rapelje. 
Abraham  Riker. 
Catrina  Gilbert. 
Marritie  Culver. 
Sarah  Berrien. 

No.  4. 

Judith  Cancel. 
Geertie  Miller. 
Lammetie  Cornell. 
Johannes  Nostrand. 
Abraham  Schenk. 
Marritie  Lott. 

No.  5. 
Capt.  Sam'l  Fish. 
Isaac  Brinckerhoff. 
Stoffel  Vanderbeeck, 
Bergoon  Bragaw. 
Maria  Springsteen. 
Conielius  Rapelje, 


APPENDIX, 


417 


No.  6. 
Peter  Berrien. 
Joris  Rapeljc. 
Abraham  Lent 
Isaac  Bragaw. 
Abraham  Remsen. 
Nicholas  Berrien. 
Ab'm  Brlnckerhoff. 
Teunis  BrinckerhofF. 
Seats  for  Men,  south-east  side 
of  the  middle  isle. 

No.  7. 

Cor.  Berrien,  Jun. 
Capt.  Hazard's  heirs. 
Samuel  Fish,  Jun, 
Judge  Hazard. 
VVi[liam  Miller. 
Peter  Berrien. 
Daniel  Rapalje. 
Antie  Briuckerhoft". 

No.  a 

Johannes  Culver. 
Judith  Gancel. 
Paulus  Vandervoort 
Casperus  Springsteen. 
Bernardus  BJoom. 
John  Wyckoff. 
Peter  Luyster. 
Petrus  Schenk. 


Na  9. 

John  Debcvoise. 
Ab'm  Riker,  Jun. 
John  Brlnckerhoff. 
Nicholas  Parcell. 
Bernardus  Van  Zandt 
Juris  Vftn  Alst 
Daniel  Rapeljc. 
Abraham  iiapelje. 

No.   10. 

Nicholas  Lettcn. 
Abraham  Riker. 
Peter  Cornell. 
Jacob  .^killman. 
Jeromus  Remsen. 
Aaron  Gilbert. 

No.  11. 

Dow  Van  Ditmars. 
Dow  Van  Ditmars,  Jun. 
Abraham  Lott. 
John  Parceil,  Island. 
Cornelius  Berrien. 
John  Riker. 
Rem  Remsen. 
David  Springsteen. 
Ca.sperus  Springsteen. 
William  Miller. 


Scats  for  Females,   south-east 
side  of  the  middle  isle. 

No.  12. 

Adriana  Wyckoff. 
Ann  ."^killman. 
I.iunmetie  lirinckerhoff. 
Anfii'  Rimscn. 
Hi-yltie  Vanderbeeck. 
Diana  Braguw. 
Maria  ."Springsteen. 
Wilham  Van  Duyn. 

No.  13. 

Jannctie  Dcbevoisc. 
(ieesie  Riker. 
Aeltie  Rapilje. 
Margaret  \an  .MsL 
Cieertie  Parcell. 
Antie  Rapclje. 
Annetie  Cornell. 
Belitie  Van  Zaudt 

No.  U. 
Marritie  Cornell. 
Captain  Hazard's  heirs. 
Judge  Hazard. 
Antie  ."Springsteen. 
.'Sarah  ."Springsteen. 
Catrina  Bloom. 
Margrietie  Letten. 
Elbert  Luyster- 


ZI. 

COMMUNICANTS.— NOV.  1,  1741. 
ISce  Page  238.] 


Daniel  Rapelje. 
Abraham  Lent.* 
Wm.  Van  Duvn.* 
Ab'm  Bbinckerhoff.* 
Johannes  Culver.* 
>Chbist'r  Vanderbeeck.' 
JoH.N  Debevoise.* 
John  V/yckoff.* 
Jeromus  Remsen.* 
John  Snediker.* 
John  Simonsen.* 
John  Proba.sco. 
Crietie  Hardenbergh. 
Xanah  Gerritse. 
Johannes  Van  Leuwe."^ 
Samuel  Waldron.* 
Daniel  Duryea.* 
Abraham  Remsen. 


Aris  Remsen.* 
Isaac  Lott.* 
Geertie  Remsen, 
Willemtie  Willt-mse. 
Derick  Amerman.* 
William  Cornell.* 
Peter  Monfort.* 
Elizabeth  Berrien. 
Isaac  Brinckerhoff.* 
Abraham  Riker.* 
Teunis  Brinckerhoff.* 
John  Riker.- 
Andries  Riker.* 
Joost  .Schnon.* 
Cornelius  Rapelje.* 
Elbert  Hoogland.* 
Ab'm  Polheinus.* 
Catrina  Vylen. 


Dow  Ditmars.* 
Cornelia  Suydam. 
Judith  Cancel. 
Peter  Luyster.* 
Elbert  Luyster  * 
Dow  Ditmars. 
Johannes  Knrbag. 
John  Peter  ."Styn.* 
Ab'm  Rapelje.* 
Hendriek  lirinrkerboff.* 
Derick  Brinckerhoff. 
Antie  ."Skillnian. 
Sarah  Berrien. 
Johannes  Nostrand. 
Ruth  Fish. 
Abraham  .Schenk. 
.Stephen  Ryder.* 
Jurian  Ryder.* 


Note. — Those  in  small  capitals  were  then  elders  and  deacons  of  the  church.  A  few  of 
She  others  were  from  the  adjoining  towns.  Those  witli  a  star  affixed  were  attended  by  their 
wives. 


418  APPENDIX, 

r. 

TOWN  OFFICEES. 

[Name»  in  italics  are  of  those  now  serving.] 
MAGISTRATES    UNDER    THE     DUTCH. 

1652,  Thomas  Hazard,  Robert  Cce,  Richard  Gildersleeve. 

1653,  Thomas  Hazard,  Robert  Coe,  Richard  Gildersleeve. 

1654,  Thomas  Hazard,  Robert  Coe,  Richard  Gildersleeve. 
Ifi55,  Thomas  Hazard,  Robert  Coe. 

1656,  Robert  Coe,  Henry  Feeke,  Richard  Belts. 

1657,  Henry  Feeke,  Richard  Betts,  William  Fafmer. 

1659,  Edward  Jessup. 

1660,  Edward  Jessup. 

1661,  Edward  Jessup,  John  Coe,  Jonathan  Fish. 

1662,  Edward  Jessup,  John  Coe,  Jonafchan  Fish. 

N.  B — Three  magistrates  were  appointed  yearly,  but  I  have  not  been  able  to  perfecJ 

the  list. 

OVERSEERS. 

Mar.  1G65  to  Apr. '66,  Gersliom  Moore,  John  Burroughes,  George  Jewell,  Jona» 

Schon. 

Mar.  1665— Nov.  '66,  Thomas  Wandell,  Burger  Jorisz-,  Nicholas  Carter,  Ralph 

Hunt. 

Apr.  1G66 — Nov.  '66,  John  Coe,  Daniel  Whythead,  Francis  Doughty,  Tbcmaa. 

Case. 

Nov.  1666 — Apr.  '67,  Ralph  Hunt,  E«rger  Joriss. 

Nov.  1666 — Apr.  '68,  Daniel  Whythead,  Francis  Doughty. 

Apr.  1667 — 1669,  Thomas  Robinson,  Aaron  Dericksen. 

Apr.  1668 — 1670,  Thomas  Case,  Gershom  Moore. 

Apr.  1669 — 1671,  Burger  Joiisz,  John  Smith. 

AjM-.  1670 — 1672,  Ralph  Hunt,  Thomas  Lawrence. 

Apr.  1671 — i6-73-,  Thomas  Robinson,  Gershom  Moore. 

Apr.  1672— Aug.  '73,  Robert  Field,  John  Ketcham-. 

Nov.  1674—1675,  Robert  Field,  John  Ketcham. 

1675 — 1677,  Jonathan  Hazard,  Gershom  Moore. 

Mar  1676 — 1678,  Thomas  Stevenson,  James- Way. 

Apr.  1677 — 1679,  Samuel  Moore,  Gershom  Moore. 

Apr.  1678 — 16S0,  Jonathan  Haaard,  Robert  Field. 

Apr.  1679—1681,  William  Hallett,  Sen.,  Content  Titus. 

Apr.  16«0— 1682,  John  Coe,  Sen.,  Thomas  Wandell. 

Apr.  1681 — 1683,  Jonathan  Hazard,  Samuel  Moore. 

Apr.  1682 — 1684,  Gershom  Moore,  Jeremiah  Burroughs. 

Apr.  1G83 — 1684,  Edward  Stevenson,  Samuel  Scudder. 

COMMISSIONERS   OF    THE  TOWN    COURT.. 

1684to'85,  Jonathan  Hazard,  Gershom  Moore,  vSamuel  Moore-. 

1686 — '87,  Jonathan  Hazard,  Samuel  Moore,  Content  Titus. 

1687 — '88,  Content  Titus,  Thomas  Lawrence,  Thomas  WandelL 

1688— '89,  Content  Titus,  Samuel  Moore,  William  Hallett,  Jun. 

1689 — '90,  Content  Titijs,  Jonathan  Hazard,  Jeremiah  Burrcughsi 


APPENDIX. 


419 


SUPERVISORS. 


Jacob  Rapelje. 
Jeroinus  Reiiisen,  Juu. 
Daniel  Luyster. 
Samuel  Riker. 
Robert  Fiinnan- 
Samuel  Uiker. 
Joliu  Lawrence. 
Jonathan  Howard- 
James  Lent. 
John  Alsop. 
James  Lent. 
Jonathan  Howard. 
Jarvis  Jackson. 
John  Debevoise. 
Dan'l  L.  Rapalje. 
William  H.  Furman. 
Peter  Luyster. 

*  No  choice  in  1685,  '88,  89,  or  90,  is  found  recorded,  and  none  were  chosen  in  1701,  nnd  'S 
With  these  exceptions,  the  time  of  serrice,  in  this  and  following  lists,  must  be  understooa  to 
extend  to  the  Eext  date,  unJesa  otherwise  stated. 


1684, 

Feb. 

28, 

Samuel  Moore,  and 
Thomas  Stevenson.* 

1756, 
1774, 

Apr. 

6, 
5, 

1686, 

Feb. 

2, 

Jeremiali  Burroughs, 

1777, 

" 

1, 

Content  Titus. 

178:J, 

Dec. 

22, 

1687, 

Jan. 

27, 

Samuel  Moore, 

Jonathan  llaiard. 

1786, 
1803, 

Apr. 

4,' 
5, 

1691, 

June 

27, 

Capt.  Samuel  Moore. 

1807, 

i< 

7, 

1697, 

Dec. 

14, 

Lieut.  Joseph  Sackett. 

1810, 

(( 

3, 

1699, 

Feb 

2. 

John  Berrien. 

1811, 

" 

o 

1700, 

Dec. 

17,' 

Mr.  Jos.  Sackett. 

1821, 

" 

3', 

170.3, 

Jan. 

6, 

Peter  Berrien. 

1822, 

<( 

2, 

1706, 

Apr. 

0 

Jos.  Sackett,  Sen. 

1825, 

" 

5, 

1708, 

»' 

6, 

Peter  Berrien. 

1829, 

K 

7, 

1711, 

(( 

3, 

Capt.  Jos.  Sackett. 

1837, 

Mar 

•  7, 

1716, 

<< 

3, 

John  Coe. 

1844, 

Apr 

2, 

1720, 

" 

5, 

Capt.  Thos.  Hazard. 

1845, 

i( 

1, 

1733, 

Sep. 

25, 

Samuel  Fish,  Sen. 

1849, 

« 

3, 

TOWN     CLERKS. 


1656, 

Serving, 

1659. 

" 

166}, 

Mar.  13, 

1663, 

Elected, 

1665, 

" 

1675, 

(( 

1677, 

July  28, 

1689, 

Apr.     1, 

" 

Oct.    2, 

1691, 

June  27, 

1695, 

Aug.   5, 

1698, 

July  29, 

1704, 

Dec.    1, 

1706, 

Apr.    2, 

1708, 

"       6, 

1723, 

Nov.  28, 

1756, 

Apr.    6, 

1686, 

Feb.    2, 

16S7, 

Sep.  27, 

1690, 

May  18, 

1691, 

June  27, 

1692, 

Sep.  17, 

1693, 

May  27, 

1694, 

Mar.    3, 

1695 

Apr.  17, 

1696 

"     17, 

1697 

"       2, 

If 

May  15, 

1699 

Aug.    7, 

1700 

«'     28, 

1702 

Mar.  23, 

1703 

,  Jan.     6, 

William  Wood. 
Thomas  Lawrence. 
John  Burroughes. 
James  Bradish. 
John  Burroughes. 
John  Ketcham. 
Theophilus  Phillips. 
Daniel  Phillips. 
Jeremiah  Burroughs. 
Edward  Stevenson. 
Jeremiah  Burroughs. 
William  Glean, 
Peter  Berrien. 
John  Stevenson. 
Jonathan  Fish. 
Jacob  Reeder. 
Wm,  Van  Wyck. 


1759, 

Apr.  3, 

1768, 

"     5, 

1783, 

Dec.  22, 

1789, 

Apr.  7, 

1807, 

"     7, 

1810, 

"     3, 

1821, 

"     3, 

1825, 

"     5, 

1826, 

«     4, 

1828, 

"     1, 

1832, 

Mar.  6, 

1836, 

"      1, 

1839, 

"     5, 

1843, 

Apr.  4, 

1845, 

"     1, 

" 

"  12, 

1847, 

"     6, 

Samuel  Moore. 
Samuel  Moore,  3d. 
Philip  Edsall. 
Cornelius  Luyster. 
William  Howard. 
Thomas  H.  Betts. 
William  Howard. 
John  R.  Ludlow. 
Schenck  Way. 
Benjamin  Howard. 
James  II.  Kolyer. 
William  Howard. 
James  H.  Kolyer. 
Andrew  Lawrence. 
William  Paynter. 
William  M.  Payntar. 
Win.  E.  Furman. 


ASSESSORS. 


Content  Titus,  Jeremiah  Burroughs. 

Thomas  Pettit,  Joseph  Sackett.* 

John  Lawrence,  Robert  Coe. 

Joseph  Sackett,  Thomas  Pettit. 

Samuel  Hallett,  John  Way. 

Content  Titus,  Thomas  Pettit. 

Jeremiah  Burroughs,  Daniel  Bloomfield. 

Richard  Betts,  Jun.,  William  Glean. 

Jonathan  Hazard,  Gershom  Moore. 

Robert  Coe,  John  Lawrence. 

Joseph  Burroughs,  in  place  of  Lawrence. 

William  Glean,  Peter  Berrien. 

Philip  Ketcham,  Wm.  Hallett,  Jun.,  fCapt.  IPs  son.) 

Philip  Ketcham,  William  Hallett. 

John  Berrien,  Elnathan  Field. 

*  In  1688,  '89,  '98,  and  1701,  no  choice  recorded. 


420 


APPENDIX. 


1704, 

Feb.  2, 

« 
1705, 

Apr 

4, 
3, 

1706, 

u 

2, 

1707, 

(1 

1, 

1708, 

a 

6, 

1709, 

«< 

5, 

1710, 

Jan 

5, 

1711, 

Apr 

4, 
3, 

1712, 

" 

1, 

1722, 

It 

3, 

1723, 

(( 

2, 

" 

Nov 

28, 

1724, 

1728, 

Apr 

.7, 
2, 

1732, 

(( 

4, 

1733, 

(1 

3, 

1734, 

it 

2, 

1735, 

<' 

1, 

1736, 

" 

6, 

1737, 

(I 

5, 

1738, 

(f 

4, 

1739, 

(( 

3, 

1740, 

" 

1, 

1741, 

" 

7, 

174i, 

II 

6, 

1743, 

Jan. 

17, 

1746, 

Apr. 

1, 

1747, 

«' 

7, 

" 

Sep 

4, 

1748, 
1749, 

Apr 

5, 

4, 

1750, 

II 

3, 

1751, 

II 

2, 

1752, 

II 

7, 

1753, 

" 

3, 

1754, 

" 

2, 

175&, 

II 

1, 

1756, 

II 

6, 

1758, 

" 

4, 

1759, 

" 

3, 

1760, 

11 

1, 

1761, 

«' 

7, 

1762, 

II 

6, 

1763, 

II 

5, 

1764, 

" 

3, 

1765, 

II 

2, 

1766, 

" 

1, 

1767, 

II 

7, 

1768, 

II 

5, 

1769, 

II 

4, 

1770, 

■  1 

3, 

Gershom  Moore,  Joseph  Sackett,  3na, 

John  Coe,  Esq.,  Jonathan  Fish. 

John  Stevenson,  Samuel  Moore,  Jun. 

Nicholas  Berrien,  Josias  Furnian,  Jun. 

Joseph  Moore,  Silas  Titus. 

John  Cancel,  James  Burroughs. 

Joseph  Moore,  Jonathan  Fish. 

John  Stevenson,  in  place  of  Fish 

Richard  Betts,  Thomas  Alsop. 

Daniel  Stevenson,  Samuel  Fish. 

Elnatban  Field,  Jonathan  Fish. 

Nathaniel  Hazard,  Johannes  Schenk. 

Elnathan  Field,  Jonathan  Fish. 

William  Stevenson,  in  place  of  Fish. 

Elnathan  Field,  William  Stevenson. 

Samuel  Fish,  Jun.,  Teunis  BrinckerhofE 

Joseph  Sackett,  Jun.,  Cornelius  Berrien. 

John  Way,  Isaac  BrinckerhofF- 

Cornelius  Rapelje,  Samuel  Moore,  Jun. 

Philip  Edsall,  Benjamin  Field. 

Samuel  Fish,  Jun.,  Teunis  BrinckerhofF. 

Jeromus  Remsen,  Hendrick  BrinckerhofC 

William  Van  Wyck,  John  Hallett. 

Daniel  Rapelje,  Thomas  Betts. 

Robert  Coe,  John  Debevoise. 

John  WyckofF,  John  Sackett. 

Jacob  Rapelje,  William  Moore. 

James  Hallett,  (son  of  Samuel,)  in  place  of  Moose-., 

Philip  Edsall,  Thomas  Betts. 

Jeromus  Rapelje,  AVilliam  Hazard. 

Nathaniel  Fish,  William  Moore. 

Philip  Edsall,  in  place  of  Moore. 

Elnathan  Field,  Tunis  Schenk. 

Justice  Thomas  Betts,  Philip  Edsalh 

Richard  Hallett,  Jun.,  George  BrinckerhoiF. 

Justice  Cornelius  Berrien,  Philip  Edsall. 

Samuel  Moore,  (sun  of  Benjamin  ;)  John  Burroughs. 

Justice  Cornelius  Berrien,  Philip  Edsall. 

Isaac  Bragaw,  Jun.,  William  Moses  Hallett, 

Edward  Titus,  John  Pettit,  Jun. 
John  Raj)elje,  John  Leverich,  Jun.,  Joseph  Morrell. 
John  WyckofF,  Esq.,  Daniel  Rapelj*. 
William  Sackett,  Jun.,  Wilhelmus  WyckofF. 
Cornelius  Rapelye,  Jun.,  William  Howard. 
William  Sackett,  Nathaniel  Moore,  Jun. 
Samuel  Moore,  Jun.,  Wilhelmus  WyckofF. 
Samuel  Hallett,  Jun.,  Abraiiam  BrinckerhofF,  Juu.^. 

Garret  Springsteen,  John  GosUne. 
Thomas  Betts,  Philip  Edsall,  Esqrs. 
Dow  Van  Duyn,  William  Lawrence. 
Capt.  Samuel  Hallett,  Ezekiel  Furman, 

Richard  Betts,  Jun.,  John  Moore,  Jun. 
Daniel  Lawrence,  Richard  Alsop, 

Casper  Springsteen,  Jonathan  Coe. 
Abraham  Pol  hem  us,  Joseph  Burroughs, 

John  Suydam,  Abraham  Riker,  Jun. 
John  Fish.  John  Bragaw, 

George  Rapelye  3d,  Samuel  Betts. 
Geo.  Bi-inckerhofF,  Sen.,  Benj.  Coe,  Sen.,  Samuel  Riker. 
Jeromus  Remsen,  Abraham  Rapelye,  Jun., 

Cornelius  Berrien,  at  the  Point. 


APPENDIX. 


421 


1771,  Apr 

2, 

1772. 

" 

7, 

1775,  ' 

1 

4, 

1777, 

( 

1, 

1779, 

( 

c, 

1780, 

( 

4, 

1781, 

i 

3, 

1783,D 

iC. 

•22, 

1784, A 

Pr 

6, 

1785, 

< 

5, 

1786, 

( 

4, 

1787, 
1788, 


3, 


1789, 

<( 

7, 

1790, 

<c 

6, 

1792, 

l( 

3, 

1793, 

l( 

2, 

1796, 

<( 

5, 

ti 

May 

7, 

1797, 

Apr 

.4, 

1798, 

<< 

3, 

1799, 

It 

2, 

1800, 

<( 

1, 

1801, 

(( 

7, 

1802, 

(( 

6, 

1803, 

(( 

5. 

1804. 

<( 

3, 

1805, 

" 

2, 

1806, 

« 

1, 

1807, 

(( 

7, 

1808, 

(( 

5, 

1809, 

(( 

4, 

1813, 

" 

6, 

1814, 

(( 

5, 

1815, 

« 

4, 

1816, 

(< 

2, 

1817, 

<i 

1, 

1818, 

(( 

7, 

1819, 

<( 

6. 

1820, 

i( 

4, 

1821, 

« 

3, 

1822, 

C( 

2, 

1823, 

(( 

1, 

1824, 

(1 

6, 

1825, 

« 

5, 

1826, 
1827, 

4, 
3, 

1828, 


Benj.  Cornish,  Seu.,  Wm.  Leverich,  Jeremiah  Remsen. 

Daniel  Rapalje,  Esq.,  Jeromus  Remsen,  Jun. 

Philip  Edsall,  Esq.,  Jeromus  Remsen,  Jun. 

John  Suydam,  Ilendrick  Suydam. 

Abraham  Lent,  John  Schenk. 

Martin  Rapeiye,  Nicholas  WyckofF. 

Abraham  Rapeiye,  (inn-keeper;)  Simou  Renuen. 

William  Howard,  John  Gosline, 

William  Lawrence,  Richard  Bragaw. 
Daniel  Lawrence,  Satnuel  Blackwell, 

William  Howard,  Luke  Remsen. 
Luke  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemus, 

John  Lawrence,  Samuel  Edsall. 
John  Morrell,  Robert  ]Moore, 

William  Eurman,  Abraham  Springsteen. 
Abraham  Springsteen,  Cor.  Berrien,  (boatman  ;) 

Abraham  Furman,  Jacob  Palmer. 
Abraham  Furman,  Jacob  Palmer, 

Samuel  Riker,  Jeromus  Remsen. 
Abraham  Furman,  Samuel  Riker. 
Abraham  Furman,  Samuel  Riker,  Daniel  Lawrence. 
Abraham  Furman,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Simon  Remsen- 
Abraham  Furman,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Charles  Roach. 
Samuel  Waldrou,  Jacob  Field,  David  Moore. 
Robert  Moore. 

David  Moore,  Robert  Moore,  Cornelius  R.  Remsen. 
David  Moore,  Robert  Moore,  John  Suydam. 
Robert  Moore,  John  Suydam,  Edward  Leverich. 
Robert  Moore,  James  Suydam,  David  Springsteen. 
Jas.  Suydam,  Tlios.  Lawrence,  Jun.,  Timothy  Roach. 
Edward  Leverich,  John  Sackctt,  Ab'm   Remsen. 
Robert  Moore,  Wm.  Furman,  Jacob  Rapeiye. 
Robert  Moore,  Jacob  Rapeiye,  Edward  Howard. 
Robert  Moore,  Edward  Howard,  Cornelius  Riipelye. 
Edward  Howard,  John  Lawrence,  Esq.,  Dan'l  Riker. 
Daniel  Riker,  Thos.  Lawrence,  Jona.  Howard. 
Daniel  Riker,  Jonathan  Howard,  Edw.  Leverich. 
Edward  Leverich,  Edward  Moore,  Ab'm  Riker. 
Daniel  Riker,  Cornelius  R.  Duryea,  Jona.  Howard. 
Daniel  Riker,  Jonathan   Howard,  Martin  Way. 
Daniel  Riker,  Martin  Way,  Richard  B.  Leverich. 
Martin  Way,  Chas.  Debevoise,  Esq.,  Ab'm  Furman,  Jud. 
Martin  Way,  Charles  Palmer,  Peter  Luyster. 
Charles  Palmer,  Peter  Luyster,  Edward  Moore, 

John  M.  Rapeiye,  Samuel  Blackwell. 
Charles  Palmer,  Peter  Luyster, 

Edward  Moore,    Daniel  Riker. 
Charles  Palmer,  Peter  Luyster,  Edward  Moore. 
Timothy  Roach,  Daniel  S.  Moore,  Luke  Kouweuhoven, 

Cornelius  N.  Ditmas,  Benjamin  Moore. 
Peter  Luyster,  Charles  Palmer,  Arthur  Remsen, 

Abraham  Rapeiye,  John   Debevoise. 
Peter  Luyster,  Arthur  Remsen,  Ab'm  Rapeiye, 

John   Debevoise,  William  Bragaw. 
Peter  Luyster,  Jarvis  Jackson,  Walter  Way, 

William  Morrell,  Edward  Leverich. 
Peter  Luyster,  Jarvis  Jackson,  Edward  Leverich. 
Edward  Leverich,  Isaac  Debevoise,  Wm.  Bragaw. 
William  Bragaw,   Francis  Duryea,  Thos.  Moore, 

Joseph  Tompkins,  John  Waters. 
Thos.  Moore,  Jos.  Tompkins,  Jeromus  L  Rapeiye, 


422 


APPENDIX. 


1829,  Apr.  7,    Jos.  Tompkins,  Edward  Leverich,  Underhill  Covert. 

1830,  ••     6,    Jos.  Tompkins,  Isaac  I.  Bragaw,  Ab'm  Remsen. 

1832,  Mar.  6,     Jos.  Tompkins,  Ab'm  Remsen,  Geo.  Kouwenhoven. 

1833,  •■     5,     Geo.  Kouwenhoven,  Isaac  Debevoise,  Cor.  R.  Remsen. 

1834,  ••     4,     Isaac  Debevoise,  Daniel  Lent,  John  Tompkins. 

1835,  •■     3,     Edward  Tompkins,  John  Debevoise,  Peter  Luyster, 

John  I.  Van  Alst,  Theodorus  Burroughs. 

1836,  ••     1,     John  Debevoise,  Peter  Luyster,  Wm.  T.  Hendrickson. 

1837,  ••     7,     Peter  Luyster,  Wm.  T.    Hendrickson,  Richard  Way, 

Henry  F.  Biackweil,  Wm.  G.  Kouwenhoven. 

1838,  ••     6,     Wm.  G.  Kouwenhoven,  Wm.  T.  Hendrickson, 

Ab'm  A.  Remsen,  Jacob  Debevoise,  Chas.  H.  Roach. 

1839,  ••     5,     Dan'l  L.  Rapalje,  John  Koiyer,  Peter  Van  Pelt. 

1840,  Apr.  7,     Dan'l  L.  Rapalje,  Richard  Way,  Peter  Luyster, 

Abel  Sammis,  George  C.  Debevoise. 

1841,  ••     6,     Richard  Way,  Peter  Luyster,  Abel  Sammis, 

William  Paynter,  Jun.,  Daniel  Morrell. 

1842,  ••     5j     Richard  Way,  Peter  Luyster,  Wm.  Paynter,  Jun., 

Daniel  Morrell,  William  G.  Kouwenhoven. 

1843,  •■     4,     Richard  Way,  Peter  Luyster,  Wm.  Paynter,  Jun., 

Daniel  Morrell,  John  D.  Rapalje. 

1844,  ••     2,     Geo.  C.   Debevoise,  Wm.  G.    Kouwenhoven,  Peter   E.  Bour- 

dett,  John  B.  Reboul,  John  Van  Cott. 

1845,  ••     1,     Geo.  C.  Debevoise,  John   B.   Reboul,   Henry  S.   Vanderveer, 

Richard  Way,  William  A.  Paynter. 

1846,  ••     7,      John  B.  Reboul,  for  3  yrs. ;  Henry  S.  Vanderveer,  for  2  yrs. ; 

Richard  Way,  for  1  yr. 

1847,  ••     6,     Jas.  W.  Carrington,  to  a  vacancy  ;  Richard  Way,  3  yrs. 

1848,  ••     4,     Henry  S.  Vanderveer,  3  yrs. 

1849,  ••     3,     James  W.  Carrington,  3  yrs. 

1850,  ••     2,     Nath'l  Filby,  to  a  vacancy  ;  Johannes  Koiyer,  3  yrs. 

1851,  ••     1,     Henry  S.  Vanderveer,  3  yrs. 

CONSTABLES. 


1664, 

Feb. 

4, 

John  Cochran. 

1666, 

Apr 

3, 

John  Burroughes. 

1667, 

2, 

Ralph  Hunt. 

1668, 

4, 

Francis  Doughty. 

1669, 

John  Ketcham. 

1670, 

4, 

John  Burroughes. 

1671, 

4, 

John  Ramsden. 

1672, 

4, 

Jonathan  Hazard. 

1675 

Samuel  Moore. 

1676, 

Mar 

30, 

Thomas  Wandell. 

1677, 

Apr. 

Jonathan  Hazard. 

1678, 

" 

1, 

Thomas  Stevenson. 

1679, 

(( 

3, 

Lieut.  Gershom  Moore 

1680, 

(< 

3, 

Robert  Field. 

1681, 

" 

4, 

Content  Titus. 

1682, 

Aug 

24, 

Thomas  Wandell. 

1683, 

Apr. 

3, 

Jonathan  Hazard.* 

1685 

(I 

Robert  Field,  Sen. 

1686, 

(f 

28, 

Thomas  Robinson. 

" 

May 

14, 

John  Way. 

1687,  Apr.  2, 

1688,  "  3, 


1689, 
1694, 
1695, 
1696, 
1697, 


1, 
12, 
17, 

17, 
2, 


1699,  May  5, 

1700,  Jan.ll, 
"   Dec.l7, 

1702,  Mar.23, 

1703,  "  24, 

1705,  Apr.  3, 

1706,  "   2, 


17U7, 
1708, 
1709, 
1710, 
1711, 
1713, 


Benjamin  Severens. 
John  Coe. 
Benjamin  Severens. 
Thomas  Wyckingham. 
Josiah  Robinson. 
Joseph  Burroughs. 
Robert  Field,  Jun. 
Samuel  Fish. 
John  Pettit. 
Gershom  Moore. 
Joseph  Burroughs. 
George  Wood. 
Jonathan  Morrell. 
John  Hunt. 
Joseph  Reeder. 
Benjamin  Severens. 
Isaac  Reeder. 
Josias  Furmau. 
Joseph  Ketcham. 
Nath'l   Woodward. 


*  No  choice  is  recorded  for  1684  or  1698.  Since  1717,  the  office  of  collector  has  been  joined  to 
that  of  constable,  except  iu  the  years  1719, 1720, 1732  and  1839,  The  additional  constables  chosen 
since  1836,  are  onaitted  in  this  list,  only  those  performing  the  duties  of  collector  being  given. 


'                                     APFKICDIX 

♦ 

3714, 

Apr.  6, 

Benjamin  Severens. 

1751, 

Apr 

2 

1717, 

••    2, 

Josias  Fiiriiian. 

]7(i3, 

s', 

1720, 

••    5, 

Samuel  Morrell. 

1775, 

4, 

1721, 

••    4, 

John  Furman,  Jun. 

1780, 

4, 

1722, 

•    3, 

John  Hurroijghs,son  of  Jos. 

1783, 

Dec 

22, 

1723, 

■•    2, 

William  Sackett. 

1787, 

Apr. 

3,' 

1724, 

••    7, 

Abraham  BrinckerhofF. 

1788, 

1, 

1725, 

••    6, 

Samuel  Alhurtis,  Jun. 

1789, 

7, 

1726, 

•    5, 

Lambert  Woodward. 

1795, 

7, 

1727, 

••    4, 

Beriiardiis  Van  Zandt. 

25, 

1728, 

••    2, 

Robert  Titus. 

1811, 

2, 

1729. 

-    1, 

Thomas  Lawrence. 

1S12, 

7, 

T730, 

••    7, 

John  Pettit. 

1814, 

5, 

1731, 

••    6, 

Peter   Schenk. 

1817, 

1, 

1732, 

••    4, 

Robert  Field,  Jun. 

1818, 

7, 

1733, 

••    3, 

Bergoon  Brasjaw. 

1821, 

3, 

1734, 

••    2, 

Moore  Woodward. 

1822, 

2, 

1735, 

••    1, 

Jose  Gosline. 

1826, 

4, 

1736, 

••    6, 

David  Sprinj^teen. 

18^0, 

6, 

1737, 

••    5, 

James  Way,  Jun. 

18.32. 

Mar 

6, 

1738, 

••   4, 

William  Leverich. 

1841, 

Apr 

6, 

1739, 

•   3, 

Jeremiah  North. 

1844, 

2, 

1740, 

••    1, 

Cornelius  Berrien. 

1845, 

1, 

1743, 

••    5, 

Jose  Gosline. 

1850, 

•• 

2, 

428 


Benjamin  Waters. 
Natlianii*!  Woodward. 
Isaac  Brrnckcrhoff. 
James  Harper. 
John  (iosline. 
Grovor  t'oe. 
Joseph  Furman. 
Ab'in   BrinckerhofF. 
Dennis  Ijott 
James  IL'dciibi^rjr. 
Arthur  Reinsen,  Jup- 
James  Hedenberg. 
Andrew  Rapelye. 
Jacob  Lane. 
John  L  Rapelye. 
Joseph  Sealy. 
Wm.  J.  Raynor. 
Peter  Way. 
James  IL   Kolyer. 
Jona.  T.  Furman. 
Thomas  K.  Hyatt. 
Andrew  B.  Rycrson. 
Jolin  L.  Bovd. 
Roe  H.  Sin'Uh. 


COMMISSIONERS    OF    HIGHWAYS 


1700. Jan 

.11, 

1701,Mar.20, 

1702,    •• 

23, 

1703,    •• 

24, 

1704,  Apr 

.20, 

1705,    •• 

3, 

1706,    •• 

2, 

1707,    -• 

1. 

1708,    •• 

6, 

1709,   " 

5, 

1710,    •• 

4, 

1711,    •• 

3, 

1712,    •• 

1, 

1713,    •• 

7, 

1714,    •• 

6, 

1715,    •• 

5, 

1716,    •• 

3, 

1717,    •• 

2, 

1718,    ■• 

1, 

1719,    •• 

7, 

1720,    •• 

5, 

1721,    •• 

4, 

1722,    •• 

3, 

1723,    •■ 

2, 

1724,    •• 

7, 

1725,    •• 

6, 

1726,    •■ 

5, 

[Styled  "  Surveyors  of  Highways,"  until  17GG.] 

Joseph  Sackett,  Peter  Chock,  John  Hunt,  Josias  Furman. 
Joseph  Sackett,  John  Hunt,  William  Glean, 

John  Parcell,  Andries  Van  Alst. 
Thomas  Betts,  Edward  Hunt,  William  Ilallett,  John  Way. 
Jona.  Hazard,  Gershom  Moore,  John  Stevenson. 
Richard  Aisop,  Nath'l  Woodward,  Robert  Field. 
Joris  Brinckerhoff,  Sam'l  Ketcham,  Joim  Alburtis. 
Joseph  Sackett,  Jun.,  John  Furman,  Sen., 

Thomas  Hazard,  Jacobus  Krankheyt. 
Syrach  Titus,  Isaac  Reeder,  John  Roberts,  John  Gaucel. 
John  Deimiau,  Jonathan  Coe,  Joseph  Hallett. 
William  Case,  Samuel  Moore,  William  Morrell. 
Richard  Alsop,  Benj.  Cornish,  Nathan  Fish. 
Mr.  Van  Zandt,  John  Way,  Williain  Howard. 
Robert  Field,  Jacob  Reeder,  Joim  Gaucel,  Abraham  Riker. 
Joseph  Morrell,  Joseph  Ketcham,  Josias  Furman. 
Casper  Springsteen,  William  Howard,  Thos.  Skiilman. 
Benj.  Cornish,  Sen.,  Jos.  Morrell,  Sam'l  Alburtis. 
Philip  Ketcham,  Capt.  Stevenson,   Richard  Alsop. 
Joris  Brinckerhoff',  Jacob  Fine,  Johannes  Schenk. 
Andries  Van  Alst,   Sam'l  Scudder,  Benj.  Carman. 
Jos.  Hallett,  John  Furman,  Jun.,  Gabriel  Furman. 
Jos.   Moore,  Johannes  Culver,  Ab'm  Sprintrstecn. 
Capt.  Thos  Hazard,  Capt.  Uan'l  Stevenson,  Ensign  Jos.  Hallett. 
Richard  Betts,  Gershom  Moore,  John  Fine. 
Jacobus  Krankheyt,  George  Remsen,  Samuel  Way. 
Ab'm   Remsen,  Samuel  Alburtis,  Timothy  Wood. 
Isaac  Bragaw.  Wm.  Van   Duyn,  Wm.   Leverich. 
Thos.  Betts,  Abraham  Riker,  Juu.,  David  Springsteen. 


424 


APPENDIX. 


1727,  Apr.  4 

1728, 

1729, 

1730, 

1731, 

1732, 

1733, 

1734, 

1735, 


1736,  ••  € 

1738,  ••  4 

1739,  ••  3 

1740,  ••  1 


1755, 
1757, 
1761, 

1768, 
1771, 
1772. 

1775, 
1777, 
1778, 
1780, 
1783, 


Dec.  22 

1784,  Apr.  6 

1785,  ••  5 
1789,  ••  7 
1794, 


1796, 
1797, 
1800, 
1801, 
1806, 
1808, 
1809, 
1810, 
1813, 
1816, 
1818, 
1824, 
1825, 
1826, 
1827, 
1828, 
1829, 

1830,  ••     6 

1831,  Mar.  1 

1832,  ••     6 

1833,  ••  5 
1835,  ••  3 
1837,    ••     7 


Nicholas  Berrien,  John  Way,  Gabriel  Furman. 

Samuel  Reed,  VVm.  Morrell,  Thomas  Lawrence. 

Jos.  Morrell,  Paul  Vandervoort,  Stephen  Stevenson. 

Joris  Rapelje,  EInathan  Field,  Thomas  Morrell. 

Thos.  Skillman,  John  White,  Thomas  Fairly. 

Abraham  Lent,  John  Morse,  Edward  Howard. 

Nicholas  Parcell,  Benj.  Fish,  Robert  Morrell. 

Nicholas   Parcell,  Thomas  Morrell,    Benjamin  Coe. 

Casper  Springsteen,  Christopher  Vanderbeeck,  John  MorrelU 

(blacksmith.) 
Rem  Remsen,  John  WyckofF,  Jonathan  Hunt. 
Peter  Lu3-ster,  Wm.  Cornell,  Joseph  Furman. 
Dow  Suydam,  Andrew  Riker,  Nathan  Smith. 
Teunis  Brinckerhoff,   Cornelius  Berrien,  Jr.   Esquires,  Capt. 

Dan'l  Betts.* 
Nath'l  Fish,  Capt.  Jeromus  Rapelje,  Ab'm  Brinckerhoft'. 
Capt.  Jeromus  Rapelje,  Thos.  Betts,  Esq.,   N  nth'l  Fish. 
Thos.  Betts,  Esq.,  Daniel  Rapelje,  Samuel  Moore,  Jun. 
Thos.  Betts,  Esq.,  Daniel  Rapelje,  Samuel  Moore. 
Thos.  Betts.  Esq.,  Daniel  Rapelje,  Samuel  Moore,  Sen. 
Thos.  Betts,  E.sq.,  Nath'l   Moore,  Sen.,  Sam'l  Moore,  Sen. 
Thos.  Betts,  Esq.,  Jacob  Rapelje,  Samuel  Riker. 
Thos.  Betts,  Esq.,  John  Moore,  Jun.,  Samuel  Riker. 
Thos.  Betts,   Esq.,  John  Moore,  Jun.,  Jacobus  Lent. 
Thos.  Betts,   Esq.,  John  Moore,  Jun.,  John  Bragaw.    ^ 
John  Way,  Nathaniel  Moore,  Sen.,  John  Moore,  Jun. 
John  Way,  George  Brinckerhoff. 
John  Way,  Geo.  Brinckerhoff,  Dan'l  Lawrence. 
Geo.  Brinckerhoff,  Dan'l  Lawrence,  Howard  Furman. 
Geo.   Brinckerhoff,  Dan'l  Lawrence,  Charles  Roach. 
Dan'l  Lawrence,  Charles  Roach,  Hendrick  Suydam. 
Samuel  Riker,  Benjamin  Coe,  Esq.,  Jacob  Moore. 
Samuel  Riker,  Benj.  Coe,  Esq.,  Jacob  Palmer. 
Benj.  Coe,  Esq.,  Jacob  Palmer,  Richard  Bragaw. 
Jacob  Palmer,  Richard  Bragaw,  John  Sackett. 
Richard  Bragaw,  John  Sackett,  Jacob   Moore. 
John  Sackett,  Jacob  Moore,  Johannes  De  Witt. 
John  Sackett,  Rem  Hegeman,  Jona.  Hovyard. 
John  Sackett,  Rem  Hegeman,  Henry  Field. 
John  Sackett,  Wm.  Leverich,  Esq.,  Thos.  Cumberson. 
Albert  Luyster,  John  Lawrence,  Thomas  Moore. 
Robert  Moore,  Isaac  Bragaw,  Ab'm  Poll^emus. 
Ab'm  Poihemus,  Jun.,  Thos.  Burroughs,  Thos.  H.  Betts. 
Ab'm  Poihemus,  Wm.  Bragaw,  Wm.    Morrell. 
Ab'm  Poihemus,  Geo.  I.  Rapelye,  Wm.  Morrell. 
Geo.  L  Rapelye,   Wm.  Morrell,  Isaac  Debevoise. 
Geo.  I.  Rapelye,  Isaac  Debevoise,  VVm.  Morrell,  Peter  Luyster. 
Gideon  Hallett,  John  Burroughs,  Thos.  H.  Betts. 
John  S.  Duryea,  Cor.  R.  Remsen,   Henry  F.   Blackweli. 
Geo.  I,  Rapelye,  Ab'm  Furman,  Jun.,  Jona.  T.  Furman. 
Geo.  I.  Rapelye,  Ab'm  Furman,  Jr.,  Geo.  B.  Brinckerhoff. 
Geo.  I.  Rapelye,  Geo.  W.  Hunt,  William  Hunter. 
Geo.  I.  Rapelye,  Ab'm  Funnan,  Jr.,  John  B.  Hyatt. 
Geo.  I.  Rapelye,  John  B.  Hyatt,  Jarvis  Jackson. 


*  Highway  Masters  were  first  chosen  in  1740,  "  to  order  the  mending  of  highways  ;"  but 
as  those  najues  are  very  numerous  it  is  thought  best  to  exclude  them ;  as  also  those  of  the  Ap- 
praisors  of  Intestate  Estates,  annually  chosen  from  1731  till  1793;  and  likewise  the  list  of 
Trustees  which  extends  from  1700  up  to  a  recent  period.  The  latter  office  yet  subsists,  shorn 
of  its  name,  and  with  more  limited  powers,  in  the  committee  usually  chosen  to  assist  the  Ovei^ 
seerg  of  the  Poor. 


AF  PE  N  D I  X . 


425 


1840,  Apr.  7,  John  B.  Hyatt,  Isaac  Dcbevoise,  Wm.  Morrell. 

1841,  ..     6,  William  Morrell,  Chas.  G.  Covert,  Sam'l  B.  Townsend. 

1842,  ..     5,  Chas.  G.  Covert,  Sam'l  B.  Townsend,  John  B.  Hyatt. 

1844,  ..     2,  John  B.  Hyatt,  Theo.   Hurron<;hs,  Hendrick  E.  W:ildron. 

1845,  ..     1,  Hendrick  E.  Waldron,  Geo.  W.  Hmit,    Walter  Way. 

"    May  27,  Norman  Van  Nostrand,  John  Kolyer,  in  place  of  Hunt  and 
Way. 

1846,  Apr.  7,  Hendrick    E.  Waldron,  for  3  yrs. ;  Norman  Van    Nostrand, 

for  2  yrs.,  John  B.  Hyatt,  for  1  yr. 

1847,  ..     6,  William  G.   Kouwenhoven,  for  3  yrs. 

184B,    ..    4,  Thos.  K.  Hyatt,  2  yrs.  ;  Norman  Van  Nostrand,  3  yra. 

1849,  ..     3,  Richard  B,   Hunter,  for  3  yrs. 

1850,  ..     2,  William  J.  Townsend,  for  3  yrs. 

1851,  ..     1,  Hendrick  E.  Waldron,  for  3  yrs. 

OVERSEERS  OF  THE  POOR. 

l^         1784,  Apr.  G,  William  Leverich,  Robert  Farman. 

1785,  ..     5,  Rohert  Furman,  William  Furman. 

1786,  ..     4,  Abraham  Remsen,  William  Furmau. 

1787,  ..     3,  Abraham  Remsen,  John  Snydam. 

1789,  ..     7,     Joseph  Burroughs,  Jacob  Field. 

1790,  ..     6,     Abraham  Rapelye,  Charles  Farrington. 

1792,  ..     3,  Charles  Farrington,  Jonah  Hallett. 

1793,  ..     2,  Charles  Farrington,  Jacob  Moore. 
1794,Sep.l6,  Robert  Moore,  in  place  of  Farrington. 
1797,  Apr.  4,  Robert  Moore,  Jesse  Leverich. 
1799,     ..     2,  Jesse  Leverich,  John  Sackett. 

1801,     ..     7,     Nathaniel  Moore,  Jun.,  William  Leverich- 

1808,  ..     5,     Daniel  Riker,  Nathaniel  Moore. 

1809,  ..     4,     Edward  Leverich,  Thomas  Burroughs. 

1812,  ..  7,  Gideon  Hallett,  Timothy  Roach. 

1813,  ..  6,  Aaron  Furman,  Benjamin  Howard. 

1814,  ..  5,  Edward  Moore,  Abraham  Furman,  Jun, 

1815,  ..  4,  Edward  Moore,  Abraham  A.  Remsen. 

1816,  ..  2,  Daniel  Riker,  Charles  Debevoise,  Esq.* 
1817,'  ..  1,  Daniel  Riker,  Abraham  Riker. 

1820]  ..  4,  Jacob  Field,  Jacob  Hegeman. 

1821,  ..  3,  Thomas  Hicks,  Daniel  Lawrence. 

1822,  ..  2,  Thomas  Hicks,  William  Leverich. 
I824!  "..  G,  'J  homas  Hicks,  William  Lawrence. 
I827',  ..  3,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Jarvis  Jackson. 
1828'  ..  1,  Jarvis  Jackson,  Gideon  Hallett. 
I829'  ..  7,  Nicholas  Wyckoft',  Edward  Tompkins. 
1830'  '.".  6,  Edward  Tompkins,  Daniel  Morrell. 
1833^  Mar.  5,  Edward  Tompkins,  Wm.  G.  Kowenhoven. 
1835*  ..  3,  George  W.  Hunt,  John  Tomi)kins. 
1836',  ..  1,  John  Tompkins,  George  B.  Vanderveer. 
184l',  Apr.  6,  John  Tompkins,  Daniel  L.  Rajjaije. 
I844!  ..  2,  John  Tompkins,  George  B.  Vanderveer. 
1845^  ..  1.  William  J.  Townsend,  John  Van  Cott. 
1847 ',  ..  6,  John  Van  Cott,  Thomas  K.  Hyatt. 
1848*  ..  4,  John  Van  Cott,  John  W.  Morrell. 

1849!     ..     3.     Roe  H.  Smith,  Corntlius  Morris. 
1850*     ..     2,     Sylvanus  Morris,  Thomas  K.  Hyatt. 
185l',     ••     1'.     Sylvanus  Morris,  George  B.  Remsen. 

*  Esnuirc  as  used  formerly  in  this  town,  was  not  a  mere  term  of  respect,  being  seldom,  if 
ever.fppSto  any  but  a  civil  magistrate,  and  commonly  denoted  a  justice  of  the  peace. 


426 


APPENDIX 


1814, Jan.  29, 
«  Oct.  1, 

1815, 
1816, 

Apr 

.4, 
2, 

1817, 

„ 

1, 

1820, 

4, 

1821, 

3, 

1822, 

2, 

1824, 

c, 

1825, 

,, 

5, 

1826, 

4, 

1827, 

., 

3, 

1828, 

1, 

1829, 

7, 

1830, 

G, 

1831, 

Mar 

•1, 

1832, 

6, 

1833, 

5, 

1835, 

3, 

1836, 
1837, 
1838, 

•■ 

1, 
7, 
6, 

1S40, 
1841, 
1842, 

Apr. 

7, 
6, 
5, 

COMMISSIONERS  OF  COMMON  SCHOOLS. 


James  Lent,  Thomas  AIsop,  Abraham  Furman. 

James  Lent,  Adrian  Van  fcsinderen,  Gideon  Hallett. 

Adrian  Van  Sinderen,  James  Suydam,  Thos.  H.  Betts. 

James  Lent,  Thos.  Lawrence,  Timothy  Roach. 

James  Lent,  Thos.  Lawrence,  Jr.,  Timothy  Roach. 

Adrian  Van  Sinderen,  Aaron  Furman,  Wm.  Lawrence. 

Benjamin  Moore,  Evan  M.  Johnson,  Aaron  Furman. 

Adrian  Van  Sinderen,  Wm.  Lawrence,  Aaron  Furman. 

Wm.  Lawrence,  Aaron  Furman,  Abraham  Remsen. 

Ab'm  Remsen,  Jacob  Field,  Benjamin  Moore. 

Benjamin  Moore,  John  AIsop,  Daniel  Lawrence. 

Peter  Luyster,  Aaron  Furman,  Edward  Leverich. 

Aaron  Furman,  Wm.  Hunter,  Isaac  Debevoise. 

Peter  Luyster,  Aaron  Furman,  John  Blackwell. 

Aaron  Furman,  Wm.  Hunter,  Isaac  Debevoise.  ^ 

Aaron  Furman,  Wm.  Hunter,  Benjamin  Moore. 

Wm.   Hunter,  Isaac  Debevoise,  Jacob  Field. 

Wm.  Hunter,  Jacob  Field,  Aaron  Furman. 

Jacob  Field,  Peter  Gorsline,  Daniel  Morrell. 

Jacob  Field,  Peter  Gorsline,  Charles  Cook. 

Jacob  Field,  Peter  Gorsline,  Jarvis  Jackson. 

Jacob  Field,  Jarvis  Jackson,  John  I.  Van  Alst. 

Jacob  Field,  John  I.  Van  Alst,  Peter  Gorsline. 

Jacob  Field,  John  I.  Van  Alst,  Andrew  Gorsline. 

till  1844,  John  I.  Van  Alst,  Andrew  Gorsline,  Ditmas  Ludlow- 


INSPECTORS  OF  COMMON  SCHOOLS. 


1814, Jan. 29, 

«     Oct.  1, 

1815,  Apr.  4, 

1816,  ..     2, 

1817,  ..     1, 


1818, 
1819, 


6, 


1820, 

..  4, 

182?, 

..  2, 

1823, 

..  1, 

1824, 

..  C, 

1825, 

..  5, 

1826, 

••  4, 

1827, 

..  3, 

1828, 

..  1. 

1829, 

..  7, 

1830, 

..  6, 

1832, 

Mar.  6, 

1833, 

..  5, 

1834, 

..  4, 

1835, 

..  3, 

1837, 

••  7, 

1839, 

..  5, 

1842, 

Apr.  5, 

Adrian  Van  Sinderen,  James  Suydam,  Jesse  Leverich, 
Edward  Howard,  John  Ebbetts. 

Timothy  Roach,  Daniel  Riker,  John  Ebbetts,  Jesse  Leverich. 

William    Boardman,    Evan    M.    Johnson,    Timothy   Roach, 
Jesse  Leverich. 

William  Boardman,  Evan  M.  Johnson,  Adrian  Van  Sinderen. 

William  Boardman,  Evan  M.  Johnson,  Adrian  Van  Sinderen, 
Dow  Ditmars. 

Evan  M.  Johnson,  Adrian  Van  Sinderen,  Dow  Ditmars,  Wil- 
liam Lawrence,  Samuel  Blackwell, 

Evan  M.  Johnson,  Adrian  Van  Sinderen,  Dow  Ditmars,  Wil- 
liam Lawrence. 

Evan  M.  Johnson,  Dow  Ditmars,  John  Goldsmith. 

John  Goldsmith,  Jas.  M.  Halsey,  Thos.  H.  Betts. 

John  Goldsmith,  Evan  M.  Johnson,  Thos.  H.  Betts. 

John  Goldsmith,  Evan  M.  Johnson,  Jas.  M.  Halsey. 

John  Goldsmith,  Evan  M.  Johnson,  Thos.  H.  Betts. 

John  Goldsmith,  Evan  M.  Johnson. 

John  Goldsmith,  Sam'l  Seabury,  Geo.  A.  Shelton. 

John  Goldsmith,  Geo.  A.  Shelton,  Thos.  H.  Betts. 

John  Goldsmith,  Geo.  A.  Shelton,  Sam'l  Seabury. 

John  Goldsmith,  Geo.  A.  Shelton,  Thos.  H.   Betts. 

Thos.  H.  Betts,  Isaac  Debevoise,  Jarvis  Jackson. 

Thos.  H.  Betts,  Jarvis  Jackson,  Jacob  Field. 

Jarvis  Jackson,  Jacob  Field,  Charles  Cook. 

Jarvis  Jackson,  Jacob  Field,  John  Cutting. 

Jacob  Field,  John  Cutting,  Charles  Cook. 

Jacob  Field,  Charles  Cook,  Hanmer  Ludlow. 

till  1844,  Charles  Cook,  John  Cutting. 


APPENDIX. 


427 


a. 

FREEHOLDERS  OF  NEWTOWN,  DEC.  4,  ICCC. 


John  Albertus. 
John  Allene. 
Eiiim  Beiiham. 
Richard  Belts. 
Daniel  Bloomfield. 
William  Britten. 
John   Burronghes. 
Nicholas  Carter. 
Thomas  Case. 
John  Cochran. 
John  Coe. 
John  Denman. 
Aaron  Dericksen. 
Francis  Doughty. 
Gilbert  Elbertsen. 
Richard  Fidoe. 
John  Forly. 
Abraham  Frost. 
John  Furman. 
Josias  Furman. 
Anthony  Glcane. 
John  Hart. 
Jonathan  Hazard. 


Ralph  Hunt. 
Robert  Jackson. 
John  Jacobsen. 
John  Jacobus. 
Hendrick  Jansen. 
Jilies  Jansen. 
Nicholas  Jennings. 
George  Jewell. 
Burger  Joost. 
Christiaen  Laurensz. 
James  Lauronson. 
John  Lauronson. 
Thomas  Lawrence. 
Caleb  Leverich. 
Pieter  Coruelisz  Luyster. 
Thomas  Martin. 
Gershom  Moore. 
John  Mooro, 
Samuel  Moore. 
Thomas  Moore. 
Thomas  Morrell. 
Richard  Owen. 


John  Parcell. 
John  Ptttit. 
Thomas  Peltit. 
•losppli  Phillips. 
■liO'uris  Pietcrsen. 
John  Ramsdeu. 
Widow  Reeder.     '^ 
Thomas  Roberts. 
Thomas  Robinson. 
Abraham  Ryckeu. 
Henry  Savvtell. 
John  Scudder. 
Harck  Siboutsen. 

Simons. 

Pieter  Simonsen. 
Richard  Smith. 
John  Stevenson. 
Joris  Stevens  Van  Alst- 
Thomas  Wjindell. 
James  Way. 
Daniel  Whythead. 
Lambert  Woodward. 


ERRATA. 

S^ige  1^,  line  14,  omit  the  word  out. 

"  26  "  15,  strike  out  Rev.  V/m.  TFickendcn  and  Win.'Hallett  imprisoned  fot 

religion's  sake. 

"  29  "      2,  for  northeast  read  northwest. 

"  79  "  13,  for  Jan.  1st  read  Jan.  3lst. 

"  105  "  20,  for  honest  read  honestly. 

"  148  "  42,  and  some  other  places,  for  Uellen  read  Hdeih 

•'  168  "  32,  for  effects  read  effect. 

"  169  "  39,  strike  out  clerk. 

"  212  "  35,  for  of  Horn's  Hook  read  at  Horn's  Hook^ 

"  219  "  12,  for  sunrise  read  gunfire. 

"  244  "  18,  strike  out  re-. 

"  254  "  29,  for  rAeet-house  read  meeting-house. 

"  256  "  16,  separate  verbi  and  sui. 

"  275  "  40,  for  Dow  J.  Ditmars  read  Dow  I.  Ditmart. 

"  "  "  39,  for  Treadwell  read  Tredwelk 

"  276  "  29, 

"  277  "  24,  insert  the  name  of  Maria. 

"  285  "      9,  for  Thomas  read  Richard. 

«  319  "      2,  for  the  name,  read  Miss  Jane  Lyell,  of  New  Bmnstokk, 

"  325  "  30,  for  George  read  Jacobus. 

*  309  "  21,  put  a  comma  between  Peter  and  Comdiu9. 


INDEX. 


"»*  The  names  in  the  Appendix,  embracing  Town  Ofliccra,  etc.  are  not  indexed. 

Where  an  individual  is  noticed  in  the  history  of  his  family,  usually  no  reference  is  made  here 
to  such  notice. 

References  following  a  surname  or  a  dash,  with  no  Christian  name  given,  refer  chiefly  to 
persons  who  have  married  into  the  families  treated  of  in  this  work. 


Abeel,  Christopher,  298. 

Abercrombie,  Gen.  James,  1G6,  352. 

Adriaense,  Rem,  293. 

Adriance,  Family  of,  386;— 294,  296,  298,  317. 

Aertsen,  390. 

Alburtis,  Family  of,  395;  Arthur,  378;  John, 
110  ;  John,  176,  180,  215,  226;  John, 388;  Paul, 
180;  Peter,  231;  Samuel,  180  ;  William,  93. 

Aldenberg,  Capt.  W.  208. 

Allen,  Capt  John,  .'55 ;  John,  110  ;— 276,  396,  403. 

Alsop,  Family  of,  334;  Richard,  110,  HO,  147, 
151;  Richard,  156,  247,  249,  250;  Richard, 
176,  178,  197,  249,  250  ;  Hannah,  254. 

Alstyne,  Johannes,  269. 

Amruerman,  322. 

Anderson,  Kliakim,  227 ;  William,  145. 

Antonides,  Rev.  Vincentius,  269. 

Areson,  3^0,  374. 

Aske,  Benjamin,  14.5. 

Ayres,  Lieut.  Col.  166. 

Backus,  Ascan,  391. 

Bailey,   Nathaniel,   180  ;    William,   180  ;— 298, 

368.  (See  Baylcy.) 
Baldwin,  293,  331. 
Ball,  John,  352. 
Banks,  Capt.  Jacob,  346. 
Bant,  Jan  Pietersen,  3  t6. 
Banta,  John,  310. 
Barclay,  Family  of,  319;    Henry,  333;    Maj. 

Thomas,  216. 
Barker,  John,  .50. 
Barkins,  David,  317. 
Barkuloo,  322,  359,  361. 
Barnwell,  329,  355. 
Barrow,  Thoma.s,  333. 
Barry,  Lieut  W.  212. 
Bartow,  Jacob,  358  ;  Rev.  John,  135. 
Bassett,  Michael,  381. 
Bates,  329., 

Bay,  Rev.  Andrew,  229,  230. 
Bayley,  Elias,  43,  48.  (See  Bailey.) 
Baylies,  Dr.  Gustavus,  356. 
Beach,  Rev.  Abraham,  287. 
Beebe,  Jason.  296. 

Beegel,  Hendrick,  172 ;  Moses,  171,  409. 
Beers,  Nathan,  404. 
Beesley.  316. 
Bell,  309,  32.5. 
Benezet,  356. 
Benjamin,  .Simeon,  226. 
Jiennet,  Jacob,  214,  382  ;-29,  269,  296,  297,  322, 

359,  382,  407. 
Benson,  316,  317,  363,  364. 
Bentyn,  Jacque.o,  29. 
Bergen,  268,  269,  272.  322,  387,  407. 


Berrien,  Family  of,  338 ;  Cornells,  J.  110;  Cor 
nelius,  158,  165;  Cornelius,  226;  Cornelius, 
180:  Dr.  160;  Ezra  N.,  36;  John,  135:  Nich 
olas,  152,  237 ;  Peter,  1.30,  144,  148.  158,  1601 
236,  237,  238 ;  Richard,  169,  180,  216  ;  Wil 
liam,  310. 

Betts,  Family  of,  .373  ;  Anthony,  180  ;  Benjamin, 
190;  Elizabetli,  212;  James,  180;  Joseph, 165; 
Richard,  27,  38,  43,  .52,  54,  .57,  61,  62.  (ill,  71, 
74,  82,  89,  90,  91,  94,  95, 102,  104,  Ui8, 110,  116, 
117,  132,  149.  .341;  Richard,  10(),  110;  Rich- 
ard, 149  ;  Richard,  153  ;  Richard,  180;  Sarah, 
149,  152;  Sarah,  200;  Thomas,  110,  124; 
Thomas,  170  :  Thomas,  180.  184  ;  Thomas 
H,  113;  William,  180 :— .347,  369,  397,  401, 
407,  408. 

Bevier,  Dr.  Josiah,  292. 

Killopp,  Thoma.",  333. 

Bishop,  Rev.  A.  II ,  244. 

Blackwell,  Family  of,  354  :  Henry  F.,  406;  Ja- 
cob, 248:  Jacob,  81,  160,  162,  169,  176,  177, 
178,  180,  181,  194.  249,  250,  404  ;  Robert  104, 
110  ;  Robert  81  ;  Robert,  329. 

Blauvelt  309,  316. 

Bleecker,  Maj.  Leonard,  340. 

Bloodffood.  Mr.  78  ;  Abraham,  234  ;  Thomas, 
286  r  William,  135  ;  William,  204. 

Bloom,  Col.  Bernardus,  17r,  3.57  ;— 277, 294,  296 

Bloomer,  Rev.  Joshua,  199,  251,  252. 

Bloomtield,  Daniel,  78,  110,  125,  345  ;  Williom, 
.54,  71,  344.  345. 

Blossom,  Benjamin,  3.58. 

Boardmau,  Rev.  William,  2.34,  235. 

Bockhout  John  and  Peter,  110. 

Bodot,  Daniel,  382 

Bodle  Family,  308. 

Boel,  Rev.  Henricus,  240. 

Boelen,  Rev.  Hemianus  L.,  199,  240,  241. 

Boei-um,  Charles,  180  ;  Jacob,  180  ;— 4387,  393. 
(See  Van  Bocrum.) 

Bogardus,  Annetie,  29,  37,  39.  382. 

Bfigart,  268,  275,  279,  322,  341,  349,  350,  351, 
387. 

Boice,  278. 

Bond,  William,  145. 

lionnett,  Daniel,  304  ;  Peter,  35.3. 

Bonney,  James,  369. 

Boomgnert  291. 

Boss,  Joseph,  180. 

Boudinot  Elias,  14.5,  148. 

Bower,  William,  394. 

Bowne.  John,  404  ;  Walter,  272. 

Hradlbrd,  Cornelius,  .303. 

I!radi.-h,  James,  43.  .50,  62. 

Bradstrcot,  Col.  John,  166. 

Bragaw,  Family  of,  370  ;  Abraham,  381 ;    Ber 


430 


INDEX. 


goon.  131  ;  Isaac,  154,  237 ;  John,  178,  203, 
aO'J,  210  ;   Richard,  178,  188,  222,  226  ;  Wil- 
liam, 21.2,  2 Jo. 
Braisted,  3U3,  388. 
Brasher,  304,  340. 
Bnizipr,  273,  381. 
Breck,  Rev.  llobert,  131,  135, 136. 
Bretonnit're.  Augustus,  110,  191,  201. 
Brett,  297,  298. 
Bridges,  Ann,  145.  147,  151. 
Bries,  Cornelius,  133. 
Briggs,  310,  323,  404. 

Brinckerhutt;  Family  of,  290;  Abraham- Joris?, 
110;  Abraham,  237  ;  Abraham,  176,  180;  Al- 
bert, 178;  George.  152,  1.54;  George,  180, 188, 
212  ;  Hendrick,  178  :  Teunis,  178. 
Brokhum,  Robert,  30,  31. 
Brooko,  George,  259. 
Brower,  361. 

Brown,  Rev.  John  W.,  353,  354  ;— 375. 
Brummo,  43. 
Bi-ush,  376. 

Brutnell,  Richard,  16,  21,  30,  335. 
Buckhout,  Peter,  378.  (See  Bockhout.) 
Bull,  John,  111. 
Bullock,  Richard,  43,  54. 
Burch,  William,  352. 
Burger,  Family  of,  37;   Engeltie,  110.    (See 

Jurisz) 
Bur^'es,  Robert,  131. 
BurTin-,  379. 
Burnet",  Jonathan,  323. 

Burroughs,  Family  of,  383  ;  James,  180 ;  Jere- 
miah, lOl!,  110,  117,  118,  376:  John,  27,  43, 
45,  46,  51,  61,  62,  74,  78,  79,  82,  88  to  91,  109  ; 
John,  110;   John,  ]62;  John,  180;  Joseph, 
110;  Joseph,  178,  217  ;   Thomas,  180  ;— 227, 
331,  3.'52. 
Burt,  Hon.  James,  401. 
Burtis,  (See  Alburlis.) 
Buskirk,  John,  409. 

Cadle,  Thomas,  369. 

Camenin.  Capt.  Alexander,  340. 

Camp,  Elisha,  347. 

Campbell,  John,  287. 

Candy,  Capt.  Dennis,  303. 

Carel.--z,  Joost,  407. 

Carman,  295,  400. 

Carpenel,  Jin  J..  36. 

Carpenter,  Hope.  135  ; — 3.31. 

Caiter,  Nicholas,  43,  46,  50,  62  ;— 276. 

Carteret,  tiir  I'hilip,  283. 

Cartv,  Hon.  William,  377 

Case"  Family  of,  98  ;  Thomas,  93,  94,  97,  98, 
110;  William,  156. 

Chalkley,  Capt.  Thomas.  254. 

ChalmiM-s,  Lieut.  Col.  203. 

Chapman,  John.  295 ;  Dr.  Joseph,  297. 

Charles,  Kdmund,  351. 

Chase,  352. 

Chauncey,  146  ;  Henry,  337. 

Chipmim,  Rev.  Tapping  R,,  254. 

Christie.  James,  55  to  59,  62  ;  John,  291. 

Churchill,  John,  .3.59  ;  Timothy  G.,  288 

Clark,  Rev.  Al)raham  L  ,  252  ;  Maj.  Clement, 
334  ;  Rev.  Frederick  G.,  235  ;  General,  195 ; 
Dr.  Jamas,  160. 

Clay,  Humphrey,  59,  84. 

Clement,  161. 

Clinton,  Do  Witt,  261  ;  Gov.  George,  (repub- 
lican gov.)  308;  Sir  Henry,  191  to  195,  203, 
206. 

Clopper.  Peter,  325. 

Clowes,  Samuel,  347. 

Cochran,  John,  54. 

Cock,  Kdiniind.  377. 

Cockroft,  Col.  William,  163. 

CodWise,  Cupt.  Christopher,  390L 


Coc,  Family  of,  400 ;  Benjamin,  159 ;  Benja- 
min, 180  ;  Hon.  Benjamin,  180,  184,  186, 194, 
223,  226,  229,  230,  383,  399  ;  David,  133  ;  Capt. 
John,  43,  44,  4.5,  48,  52,  55,  56,  57,  58,  61,  62, 
6.!,  66,  74.  94,  109,  110,  117.  121  ;  John, 
126,  133,  135,  147  ;  John.  180;  Jonathan,  133  ; 
Lieut,  Jonathan,  176,  180,  184,  189 ;  Robert, 
27,  28,  31,  33,  41,  43,  48,  82,  83  ;  Robert,  118, 
133,  152  ;  Robert,  180,  202  ;  Samuel,  128,225, 
226,  227  :  Samuel,  180 ;— 134,  328,  352. 
Coerten,  387. 

Colefax.  Richard,  335. 

Coles,  Hewlett  T.,  321. 

Colesay,  43. 

Colgan,  Rev.  Thomas,  245  to  248. 

Collins,  Capt.  George,  303. 

Culyer,  384,  408.     (See  Kolyer.) 

Combs,  Francis,  81,  110. 

(Jomfort,  Robert,  375.^.-. 

Conklin,  309,  323.     ^"^ 

Conolly,  Lieut.  Col.  John,  212. 

Coiiover,  361,  368.   (See  Cowenhoven.) 

Conselyea,  346. 

Cook,  Abraham,  409  ;  Charles,  261,  294  ;  Rer. 
E.  R.  'J\  254.  I 

Coon,  Adriaen  D.,  36.  ' 

Cooper,  295,  341,  351. 

Coote,  Col.  Sir  Eyre,  210. 

Corlies,  George,  375. 

Cornbury,  Gov.  132  to  146,  244. 

Comelisz.  Pieter,  (See  Luystcr ;)  Teunis,  236. 

Cornell,  Johannes,  180 ;  Richard,  86,  87  ;  W. 
178  ;— 272,  293,  323,  349,  405. 

Cornish,  Family  of,  .378  ;  Benjamin,  110  ;  Ben- 
jamin, 180, 193,  213,  231 ;  Thomas,  46,  50  ;— 
328,  352. 

Cornwallis,  Lord,  191,  209. 

Corsa,  Lieut.  Col.  Isaac,  166,  261. 

Cortelyou,  Jacques,  87  ;  Peter,  140,  141  ;— 273, 
365,  395. 

Covert,  Family  of,  293;  Underbill,  83,  141;— 
371,  409. 

Cowenhoven,  Family  of,  362  ;  Pieter  Wolfert- 
sen,  55  ; — 360,  361.  407.     (See  Kouwenhoven.) 

Cox,  Capt.  James,  212 

Crawford,  David  and  James,  307. 

Crawley,  32-5. 

Craye,  'I'eunis,  37. 

Creed,  374. 

Croninielin,  Charles,  and  Daniel,  145. 

Cronkhite  Family,  316.   (See  Krankheyt.) 

Crooke,  John,  337. 

Cruick.shank,  Rev.  William,  161. 

Culver,  James,  170  ;  Johannes,  378  ;  John,  180  ; 
Samuel,  249 

Cumberson,  Thomas,  180,  193,  213;  Thomas, 
113,  213. 

Cutler,  Dr.  Samuel,  212,  306 ;  Zacheus,  212. 

Damen,  Jan,  386,  396. 

Davis,  310,  331. 

Dawson,  Capt.  William,  403. 

Dayton,  Col.  Elias  B.  340.  ^ 

Deacon,  John,  341. 

Dean,  Samuel,  379. 

Debevoise,    Family   of,    406 ;    Abraham,   365 ; 

Charles,  178  ;  George,  141,  376 ;  John,  178  ; 

John,  172. 
De  Bischausen,  Gen.  195. 
Decker,  292,  312. 
Degraw,  269,  407. 
De  Hart,  388. 

De  Heister,  Gen.  191,  194, 195. 
Deits,  John,  317. 
De  Kay,  347. 
Delatield,  John,  259,  332,  358,  404.  (See  Fitld 

family.) 
Delancey,  Gen.  Oliver,  201 ;  Col.  Stephen,  319. 
Delanoy,  John,  304. 


INDEX. 


431 


Dolavall,  Capt.  Thomap,  84,  87. 
De  Lin-ijiL'.  Col.'Jll 
Demarest,  293.310. 
Deiiinaii,  John,  .")2,  110,  140,  404. 
Douloii,  Mrs.  Benjamin,  217,  340,  342 ;  Nathan- 
iel, 135 ;— !).5,  ::;.')7. 
Denyse,  269,  270. 
Depiiw,  Luke,  110. 
Del'ew,  31{). 
Do  I'eyster,  389. 
Do  I'oibeclv.  Col.  221. 
De  RliHiii,  Henry  C.  334. 
De  Ronde,  Rev.  Lainbertus,  241 ;— 310,  317. 
De  Sacken,  Ensign,  19."). 
De  Sille,  Ni'jasius,  35,  41,  363. 
De  Suson,  Marcus,  51. 
Deviue,  Abiaham,  WO,  188. 
Devoe,  353,  382,  408. 
'Dc  Viies,  Ciipt.  Titus  S.  133. 
De  Witt,  297,  309,  3(i0. 
Dickenson,  389. 
Dickerson,  305. 

Ditmars.  Family  of,  390 ;  Dow,  166  :  Dr.  Dow, 
37,  351 :  Jan  J.  21 ;— 270,  274,  275,  276,  321, 
322,  325,  363,  386,  387,  407,  410. 
Divine,  Thomas,  226. 
Dodae,  Thomas,  275. 

Donr^an,  John  C.  333 ;  Gov.  Thomas,  64,  103, 
lOB,  107,  108,  113,  134,  144,  145. 

Donop,  Col.  191,  195. 

Dorgan,  Capt.  Andrew,  307. 

Dorhmd,  386,  407. 

Dotten,  161. 

Doughty,  Hon.  Chas.  408 ;  Elias,  24,  87,  105, 
106,  110  •  Rev.  Francis,  17  to  25;  Francis,  24, 
48,  49.  50,  78,  327. 

Drake,  Jonas  W.  377. 

Drisius,  Rev.  Samuel,  40. 

Drury,  Samuel,  403. 

Duaue,  Hon.  James,  303. 

Dubbols,  291. 

Duer,  Col.  William.  378. 

Dutiield,  Dr.  John,  408. 

Dumond,  I'cter,  269. 

Dunbar,  Lieut.  George,  167. 

Dunn,  Adjutant,  211.  . 

Duryea.  Family  of,  371;  Francis,  244,  409; 
John,  333  ;  Peter,  85  ;  Lieut.  Roelof,  167  ;— 
353,  364,  365,  .388,  393,  401,  407,  409,  410. 

Duyckinck,  Gerardus,  270. 

Dyre,  Capt.  William,  31,  32. 

Eaton,  34.3. 

Ecker.son,  384.  „...,„ 

Ed-^i.ll  Family  of,  341;  Capt  Benjamin,  397: 
Philip,  113.  169.  170,  176.  178,  180,  222,  220, 
228,  230;  Philip,  Jr.,  180;  Samuel,  55,  11-, 
to  121.  125,  284,  339  ;  Samuel,  180. 

Elder,  G;-"rge,  306. 

Eldred,  320,  390. 

Els  worth.  John,  355. 

Emans,  324.  407. 

Emmons,  342. 

En;;elbertf,  Eldert,  46.  51. 

Ericksim.  Rev.  Rei^ihart,  360. 

Etben,  Seres,  164. 

Etherinston,  Thomas,  110. 

Evans,  John,  377  ;  Robert,  2L 

Fanning,  Col.  Edmund,  21L 

Farmer,  324. 

Farrinston,  341,  351,  380. 

Fash,  -^i)?. 

Fauconnier,  Peter,  152, 

Feeke.  Henry,  26,  43. 

Ferris,  .Stephen,  367. 

Fidoe,  Richard.  79.  ■      -.on     n™;„ 

Field,  Family  of,  148;  Benjamin.  180;  Benja- 


min, Jr.  180;  EInathnn,  ir>2  :  Ilczrkinh,  189  ; 
Robert,  110  ;  Robert,  110,  148,  151,  153  ;  Rob- 
ert, 180;   Stei)hcii,  180. 

Fish,  Faiuily  of,  365  ;  John,  111  ;  John,  IPO,  211; 
Jonathan,  26,  328  ;  Jonathan,  1.50;  Jonathan, 
180;  Narhan.  110;  Nathaniel,  170;  Rev. 
Peter,  175,  'itl  to  235;  Samuel,  110;  .'^umuel, 
226,  229  :••  CapL  Samuel,  78,  159,  104, 170, 236  ; 
Samuel,  73,  180  ;— 295,  330.  • 

Fisher,  Edward,  63  :  John,  270. 

Fisk,  Almond  D.  240,  261. 

Fitch,  229,  329,  403. 
•itzsinimous.  Peter,  213. 

Floyd-Jones,  D.  R,  275. 

Folcks,  Dr.  160. 

Folk,  280,  380. 

Foot.  276. 

Fowler,  Rcnjamin,  398  :  JcBCph,  38,  43,  47. 

Fradell,  Jeuriacn,  21,  36. 

Franklin.  Waller,  166,  200,201. 

Fransz,  Joost,  269. 

Frszier,  Col.  167. 

Freeke,  John  C.  325. 

Froeligh,  Rev.  Solomon,  199,  241. 

Frogat,  336. 

Fiirman,  Family  of,  399  :  Aaron,  21.5,  274  ;  Et«. 
kieJ,  1;)9  ;  Kzekiel,  180 ;  Gabriel,  159  ;  Gft- 
biiel,  180;  Hon.  Garret,  73,261,378,379; 
Howard,  180,  215.  217,  395  ;  John,  43  ;  John, 
110;  Jonathan,  180;  Joseph,  159;  Jofias,  110; 
Josias,  110,  152;  Nowel,  1.59 ;  Robert,  184; 
Samuel,  94  :  William,  176,  178,  180,  202  ;— 
328,  380,  384,  390,  400.  401. 

Furnis.*,  George.  328. 

Fyn,  Capt.  Francis,  354;    Jacob,  133;  Jon  J. 

"no. 

Cancel,  John,  379. 
Garden.  Col.  William,  214,  277. 
Gardner,  John,  381. 

Ciarretson,  Rev.  Garret  J.  243,  244.  272 ;  Sam- 
uel. 322  ;— 407. 
Gault,  Robert,  404. 
Gedn.  y,  Joshua.  278,  .339. 
(ierardy,  Jean,  30  ;  Philip,  37. 
Gerbrands,  394. 
Gesncr,  Juliii,  275. 
Gibbs,  92,  34(i. 
Gideons,  James,  03. 

Gilbert,  369,  372.  ^.  ,      ^ 

GiUh-rsleeve,  Richard,  27,  28.  82,  63  ;  Richard, 

43,  82. 
Glean,  Family  of.  110;  William,  13.). 
Guetschius,  Rev.  Johannes  H.  2.38  to  241 ;  Rer 

Mauritius,  212. 
GuUL-mith.  Rev.  John,  234,  235,  244,  354. 
Goodwin,  O  iver,  347. 
Gordon  Rev.  Wm.  R.  276 
Gorsline,  Family  d'-  346  ;  Andrew,  3.53;  JamMy 
180 ;  John,  180,  222 ;  Joseph,  222  ;  Peter,  346, 
309  ;  Richard,  172.  397  ;  Samuel,  351. 
Gosmnn,  William,  209,  327. 
CJracie,  309. 

(iraftnn,  Joseph,  Jr.  389. 
Graham,  Augustine,  140  ;  James,  308. 
Grant,  Gen.  191  ;  Lieut.  Alexander,  223  ;  Zebu- 

Ion  3'9 
Gray,'  mV.  Elizabeth,  397  ;  Isaac,  110 ;  John,  43. 
(Jreedy,  Thomas,  43,  54.  „     .      •  u 

Green.   Gen.  Nathaniel,  180 ;  Rev.  Zaihanah. 

399 :— 346.  385. 
Greenfield.  Dr.  John,  160. 
Greenoak,  Family  of.  101  ;  John.  100.  169, 249  j 

John,  320. 
Grover,  Simon,  229.  .    _v 

(iysbertsen,  Wouter,  (See  ycrschuer.) 

Hacker,  Copt,  John,  312. 


432 


Haff,  Peter,  359. 

Haire,  Ludlam,  161,  180,  188;  Samuel,  404. 
Halburt,  Samuel,  396. 
Hall,  3.31. 

Hallett,  Family  of,  402 ;  James,  17P,  249  ;  Ja- 
cob, 161),  24y,  250;   Jacob,  169.  180;    John, 
248 ;  Jonah,  184  ;  Joseph,  154,   161,  248  ;  Jo- 
seph,  160,  203,  219,  3.55.  358;  Joseph,  172; 
Richard,  J41,    153,   254;   Richard,    169,   178, 
249  :  Robert,  249  ;  Samuel,  110  ;  Samuel  154  ; 
Samuel,  249  ,  Samuel,  180  ;  Samuel,  169,  170  ; 
181,  183,  247,  249  :   Thomas,   16.5,   16,9,  249^ 
William,  29,  63,  64,  73,  110,  114,   156,   328* 
Capt.  William,  110,  143  ;   William,  140,  ll." 
143;  William,   169,  249;   William,   169,  178, 
249 ;  William,  172  ;  William-Moses,  248 ;— 329, 
340,  356,  376. 
Halsey,  Stephen  A.  191,  323. 
Hamilton,  Col.  Archibald,  201. 
Hammel,  Rev.  William,  252. 
Hammersley,  Thomas,  248. 
Hampton,  Rev.  John,  137,  138. 
Hankin.son,  Kenneth,  368. 
Hanson,  361,  374,  376. 
Hansseu,  Hans,  16,  18,  73,  83. 
Harcksen,  John  &  Jacobus,  (See  Krankheyt.) 
Hardenben;h,  292,  391. 
Hardenbrook,  Abel,  270. 
Haring,  309,  310. 
Harmen,se,  Capt.  John,  302. 
Harmensen,  Hendrick,  16,  21,   22,   300,    302, 

316. 
Harper,  Dr.  217  ;  Joseph,  256. 
Harris,  387. 

Hart,  John,  82,  133 ;— 331,  366,  376. 
Haste,  Jacob  H.  407. 
Haviland,  397,  400. 
Hawkin.s,  377. 
Hay,  Jacob,  382. 
'     Hays.  Jane,  110. 

/   Hazard,  Family  of,  332  ;  Dr.  160;  Gershom,  78, 
110;  James,  247,  249,  250,  4U5;  Jonathan,  61, 
78,  81,  89,  91,  94.  99,  104,  105,  110,  115,  116, 
117,  227:  Morris,  180;  Nathaniel,  157 ;  Tho- 
mas, 27,  33,  43  ;  Thomas,  151,  152  ;  William, 
249,  250 ;— 286,  356. 
Heard,  Col.  Nathaniel,  182,  183, 199 
Hedenberg.  James,  113.  .353. 
Hegeman,  270,  271,  275,  276,  296,  322,  323,  324, 

340,  386,  404. 
Henderson,  326. 
Hendricksen,  Harmen,  380. 
Hendrickson,   Cornelius,  273,  279 ;  William  T. 

292,  295  ;— 296,  322. 
Henley.  Adj.  James,  203. 
Herlitz,  Frederick,  404. 
Herod,  James,  43. 

Herrick,  J.  K.  36  ;  William,  28,  43,  335. 
Herring,  Elbert,  294,  317. 
Herttell,  Cornelius,  308. 
Hewritt,  Randell.  63. 
Hewlett,  Lewis,  64  ;  Lewis,  405 ;  Capt  Richard, 

166. 
Heyer,  323,  326,  369. 
Heyert,  Thomas,  316. 
Hicks,  John,  43  ;— 148,  328. 
Hi^ffins,  Messrs.,  161. 
HiMreth,  Patrick  G.  337. 
Hillhouse,  James  A.  28.7. 
Hillyer,  Rev.  Asa,  313. 
Hines,  Michael,  309. 
Hobby,  John,  43. 
Hodges,  Edward,  334. 
Holden,  John,  83. 

Holmes,  Lieut.  Jonathan.  401 ;— 276. 
Hoogland,  145,  269,  275,  276,  297,  318,  340,  382. 
Hopkins,  Georite  F.  391. 
Hoppin,  Georae  H.  337. 
Horton,  Rev.  Simon,  180,  229,  235,  248. 


Howard,  Family  of,  398  ;  Benjamin,  226  ;  Ed- 
ward, 226 ;  William,  149,  1.52  ;  William,  176, 
180,  215,  222  ;   William.  226. 

Howe,  Sir  William,  191,  194,  202. 

Howell,  356. 

Howland,  Joseph,  234. 

Hubbard,  Capt.  James,  82,  86;    Rev.  John,  135, 

Hubbs,  Thomas,  376. 

Huddleston,  William,  145. 

Hudson,  Henry,  14. 

Hnlst,  3.59,  382,  394. 

Humphrey,  James,  298. 

Humphries,  Major,  216. 

Hunt,  Family  of,  85;    Edward,  110;  George 

W.  391 ;  Ralph.  43,  54,  .57,61,  62,  63,  70,  74,  78, 

79.  85,  89,  109 ;  Thomas,  50  ;— 384. 
Hunter,  Gov.  151  ;    Capt.  George,  215,  382  ; 

James,  376. 
Hustace,  David,  310. 
Hutchings,  John,  393. 
Huyken,  394. 
Hyatt,  Cornehus,  376  ;  John  B.  .385  ;  Thomas, 

380. 

Ingoldesby  Maj.  Richard,  120. 
Inman,  Henry,  308. 
Ireland,  John,  289. 

Jackson,  John  C.  314  ;   Thomas  B.  36,  45,  73, 

84,  368 ;  Robert.  82  ;— 399,  403,  405.  408. 
Jiicobs.  Henry,  178,  382. 
Jadwin,  329. 
Jameson,  Col.  John,  342. 
Janes,  345. 

Jans,  Annetie,  (See  Bogardus.) 
Jansen,  Cornelis,  (See  Bcrrrien  ;)  Hendrick,  43, 

77  ;  Lieven,  36  ;  Tymen,  16,  21 ;— 267,  270. 
Jarvis,  Moses,  358. 
Jennings,  David,  94. 
Jessup,  Edward,  27,  28,  31,  38,  43,  44,  48.  51,  52, 

56,  57,  89.  383. 
Johnson,  Family  of,  268  ;  Mrs.  Anna,  188,  189, 

190;  Barent,    324,  391,  392;  Rev.   Evan   M. 

253  ;  Gen.  Jeremiah,  .301,  386,  392  :  Rev.  John 

B.  253  ;  Martin,  273,  322  ;   Sir  William,  162, 

163,  167;— 309,  349,  390,  39.3,  407. 
Jone.s  Hon.  David  S.  213,  216,  254,  260,  346  ;  Dr. 

Evan,   169;  Sir  John  T.  283;  Joi?eph,  310; 

Rev.  Morgan,  99,  100,  101,  105,  106,  114. 
Joost,  Simon,  36 
Jori.sz.Abraham,  (See  Brinckcrhoff ;)  Burger,  16, 

21,  22,  .37,  72,  74,  83,  109,  371  ;  Steven,  (See 

Van  Alst.) 
Judson,  Charles,  333. 

Kearns,  John,  155. 

Keeler  Thomas,  148.   ■ 

Kelhim,  William  B.  309. 

Kelly,  Capt.  Edward,  305. 

Kelsey,  David,  407. 

Kenyon,  317. 

Kershow,  Jacob,  270. 

Ketcham,  Family  of,  89  ;  John,  83.  88,  89,  110  ; 

John,  232;    Philip,  110,   341,  374;    Samuel, 

110. 
Kettletas,  Rev.  Abraham,  368. 
Kidd,  Capt.  William,  303 
Kieft,  Gov.  William,  17,  19,  23. 
King,  Hon.  Rufus,  336. 
Kip,  Abraham,  366  ;  Jesse,  123,  366,  368  ;  Rev. 

W.  L,287. 
Kirkland,  Col.  Moses,  202. 
Kissara,  Daniel,  348,  374. 
Kitfield,  Francis,  71. 
Klock,  Abraham,  271. 
Kneeland,  H.  211,  294. 
Kolyer,  294,  295,  380.  397,  410. 
Kouwenhoven,  George,  284,  351,  Luke,  36,  73, 


433 


3fi0  :  William  G.,  392.  (See  Cowenhoven  ) 
Krankheyt,  Harck  Sibuutsen,  :3(i,  •,':iG, :)!»;,  350  ; 

Jacobus  Elarcksou.  133,  316,  317  ;  John  Ilurck- 

sen,  110  ;  tjiboiit  Uarckseii.  3Ui. 
Kronkhite,  Family  of,  (See  Cruitkhiu) 
Kuypt'rs,  Rev.  William  1'.  3J1 ;  Uev.  Zncharinh 

H.24-2.     • 


Laight.  Edward  W.  347 

Lake,  Daniel,  40!) ;  Manning,  377. 

Lamb,  James  and  John,  317;  Cien.  John,  403. 

Lamberson,  iloii.  David,  3i)9. 

Lamson,  Joseph,  3.j;2. 

Lane,  3.j2,  396.  397 

Langdon,  Capt.  Richard,  164. 

Larremore,  Jamo;*,  349,  3j0. 

Lasher.  Ci.l.  John,  183 

Laton,  295,  296. 

Lauronson,  James,  43,  50,  52,  78,332;  John,  43, 

50,  57,  58,  78. 
Law,  Dr.  John  S.  385. 

Lawrence,  Family  of,  281 ;  Daniel.  133;  Daniel, 
17ti,  180,  184,  194,  231.  319  ;  John,  110,   131, 
132  ;  John.  1.58 ;  John,  37, 288  ■■  Jonathan,  133  ; 
Jonathan,   176,   180,  184,  185,  188,  194.  2il2, 
208 ;  Jonathan,  Jr.  221 ;  Jo.seph,  165, 170, 180; 
Richard,   180,  184     193;    Kichard,  37,   288; 
Samuel,  180;  Thomas,  36,43,51,64,70,74,82, 
83,    109,  110,    118.    131,   132;  Thcim^v^,    158: 
Thomas  176,  180,  210.  231,  318, 342  ;  Wdlmm. 
43,  ,52,  61 :  William.  109, 110,131,  132,  134;  Wil- 
liam, 165,  180,  184,  191,  194,  195,2(8,  222,  2;il. 
32;i;— 161,  290,  296,  309,  312.  318,  330,  339, 
341,  351,  366,  377,  396.  399,  408. 
Layton,  John,  43,  46.  51,  54,  57,  61. 
Leaird,  Alexander,  338. 
Leaycraft,  311,  324,  404. 
Le  Bross,  Charles,  284. 
Ledyard,  Dr.  Isaac,  223,  232;  John,  400. 
Lee.  Benjamin  F.  288;  Robert  P.  377. 
Le  Febre,  371. 

Letterts,  269.  298,  323,  326,  363,  364,  390.  392. 
Leggitt,  John.  336. 
Leisler,  Gov.  Jacob,  116  to  121. 
Lent,  Family  of,  315  ;  Abraham,  237,  2.38  ;  Dan- 
iel, 200 ;   Daniel.   210,  339  ;   Henry,   304  ;  Ja- 
cobus, 178,  189. 
Lequier,  273.  363,  371. 
Le  Hoj-,  Daniel,  370. 
Leslie,  Gen.  191 ;  Gi.'orge  W.  3.37. 
Leverich,  Family  of,  350  ;  Caleb,  53,  62,  71, 
110  ■  Eleazar,  53.  71  ;  Elnathan,  180  ;  Jacob 
P.  2-^6;  Jesse,  2i6.  340;  John,  180,  206  ;  John, 
198 ;  Richard,  206 ;  .Samuel,  161 ;  Samuel,  226  ; 
Rev   William,  .53,  62,  76,  81,  84,  85.  94,  98; 
Wiliiam,  158 ;    William,  217,  231  ;  William. 
155  159,  220  ;  William,  214,  276,  346. 
Lewis,  Rev.  Amzi,  400;   Ezekicl.  126;  John, 

393. 
Lhar,  341. 

L'Hommedieu.  Nathaniel,  323. 
Lindslcy,  Rev.  Philip.  288. 
Livesay,  William,  277. 
Livingr^ton,  Philip  J.  202. 
Lloyd,  Gen.  John,  277;  Dr.  'Ihomas,  100,  11.). 
Lord,  Samuel,  381 

Losee,  Simon,  152.  ,oo    i=t      oro 

Lott,  F.ngelbert,   151;    Peter,  133.   152;— 209, 
270  272^  275,  278,  295,  321,  322,  323,  324,  348, 
365!  369,'  387,  388,  390,  407. 
Lourensz,  Johannes,  110. 
Lovelace,  Gov.  Francis.  87,  88,  14.5. 
Ludlam,  20,  295. 
Ludlow,  Rev.  CJabriel,  274,  390 ;  Ilanmer,  322, 

390  ;  John  R.  390. 
Lutwyche,  Col.  Edward  G  271. 
Luv.ner,  Family  ol,  358;  Abraham  R  36 ;  Cor- 
nelius, 133:  Daniel,  178;  Albert   237  •  Gar- 
ret 178;  Pietcr  Cornelisz,  84  ;-275,  296, 382. 


I-ydig,  Philip  M.  326. 
I, yell.  (See  Errata,  p.  428.) 
Lynch,  Thomiia.  303. 
Lynn,  Rev.  JamCE,  231. 

Mabie,310. 

.Macaul,  Nathaniel.  318. 

M  ick,  Kolieit,  110.  1.53,  2.54. 

.Macneven,  Lr.  William  J.  314. 

Macnish,    Re-.  Gi.'orge,    138,  150.  225;    RcT. 

tieorge,  228,  229. 
.Mai])lieison.  Capt.  John,  and  eonf,  348. 
Major,  Henry,  334. 
Mukrmie,  Rev.  Francis,  137,  138. 
iM..iulold,  Ca])L  Peter,  326. 
Manning,  Capt.  John,  354. 
Maiiningham,  354. 
M;inwiiriiiig,  Gerdon,  330. 
March,  Abraham,  180;  MHJor,  191. 
.Marr,  James,  188,  190,  200. 
.Marsclialk,  Francis,  171. 
Mar^h,  380. 

Martence,  Family  of,  386;— 321,  324,  364,  394. 
.Martensen,  Hendrick,  (Sec  (ViUsie.) 
Martine,  Daniel,  309. 
Maiher,  Dan,  27.5. 

Mayle.  Henry,  105,  110;  Henry,  Jr.  110. 
MuConnell,  John,  178. 
.McDonou-h,  James,  353  ;  John.  160,  169,  178, 

'J47,  249;  405  ;  John.  Jr.  178,  180. 
McFarmn,  Thomas,  223. 
Mclntoth,  phineus,  3:15. 
Mc Murray,  293. 
McCoun,  WiUett,  390. 
McVickar.  Dr.  Benjamin,  287;  John,  332: 
Meacock,  Pet<:r,  43.  98. 
Mreks,  Col.  Edward,  308. 
M.'gapolen.sis,  Rev.  J.  40. 
Meserole,  Family  of,  293 ;— 178,  346,  376,  382, 

393,396.  401,  408. 
Mesier,  :i26. 
Meyer,  Adolph,  317. 
Meynie,  395. 
Ml  yrinck,  Jan,  373. 
Middagh,  270,  363. 
.Mill)orne,  Jacob,  119  to  121. 
Miller,  William,  130;  Ann,  404. 
Milliken,  Jo^iah,  405. 
Mills,  David  S.  203.  216,  22.3,  2.58, 394  ;  Richard, 

50,  58,  59  ;  Rev.  William,  233. 
Millward.  Robert,  145,  152. 
Mitchell,  Warren,  276. 
Molenaer,  Joost  Adriaense,  382. 
Monckton.  Col.  Robert,  163. 
Monfort,  27;->,  293,  295,  296,  359,  364. 
Montanye,  Abraham,  388. 
Montsomery,  Dr.  Thomas,  343. 
,Moort-,  Family  of,  327  ;    Benjamin,  l.)3.  247  ; 
Rev     Benjamin,  204^    Benjamin,    89;    Ger- 
shorn,  fi:?,  70,  71,  79,  81V  105,   110,   n^  ^^J' 
shom,  118;  Rev.  John,  27.  39,  40,  43   45.  46. 
49  50,  76;  John,  78,  111  ;  John,  ten.,  178,  181, 
249;    John.  Jr.,  178,  181,   '^i^.  24^  J   Jf""-.!'^' 
154    1.58,  247;  Nathaniel,  It..),  1-8,  181.  Ita. 
191'.  249  ;  Nathaniel,  249  ;  Nat^inniel,  155,  lo9 ; 
Robert,  188;  Samuel.  61,  9f  11^,  10;),  106, 
110, 117,gl4  1«0,  i:ft;  S»>nuel,154  247;  >nm- 
uel   178  247,  249,  250;  Samuc^l,  1-6,  178,  180, 
249;    Samuel,  178,   249;    Thomas    63 ;_  Roy. 
Thomas  L.  3.33  ;   Vernon,  172  ;— 78,  27..,  JIU. 
311.352,  375,376. 
Morehcttd,  Matthew,  372. 

Morrell,  Family  of,  396  ;  Abrnhnm    1..9  ;  Dn^- 
•  ,   „-,V     i_i,.:  ^o'r .  i.,l,n   178:  John. 191.  20)3, 


orrell,  ramuy  "i.  ■'■>"'  ""■ ",  ;  ',  u,,  .joa 
iel,  376  ;  John,  397  ;  John.  178;  J"  >"•'■»>  .;•?• 
222:  Jonathan,  180;  Joseph,  180 ;  Robert. 
249,  332  ;  Samuel,  78.  176,  178,  180  ;  rhomaB. 
79.  94,  110;  Thoraa.s,  24J.  ^'IlK'n}".",  249. 
Morris,  John,  343;  Dr.  Ricburd  L.  J70 ,  byl- 
vanus,  280. 


434 


INDEX. 


Morse,   Capt.   Ephraim,  166,  167,  353;   Rev. 

John,  l-^ti  to  lil. 
Moscrop,  276. 
Mosier.  Rev.  John  R.  325. 
Mott,  305,  :i53,  379. 
Muller,  John  G.  408. 
Murch,  John,  260. 
Miitter,  Dr.  Thomas  D.  337. 
Myers,  Family  of,  317;  Frederick,  376. 

Nagle,  309,  310,  381,  387. 

Neefus,  John,  3."J9. 

Neilson,  John,  370;  Robert,  377. 

Nevius,  3o9,  360. 

Newman,  Kzra,  341. 

Newton,  Capt.  Brian,  43 ;  Henry,  38 ;  Thomas, 

38,  43. 
Nicoll,  Matthias,  73,  87;  Gov.  Richard,  36,  64, 

6.5,  66,  74,  75.  144,  145;  William,  170,  171; 

William,  Jr.  171;  William,  343. 
North,  Benjamin.  180, 184  ;  Thomas,  180;— 338, 

391 
Nostrand,  322,  401,  407.  (See  Van  Nostrand.) 

Oakes,  Capt.  Hildebrand,  209. 

Oakley,  John,  410. 

O'Brian,  Capt.  John,  308,  309. 

Ogden,  Dr.  Jacob,  160.  250. 

Oglevie,  Thomas,  318. 

Okie,  371. 

Oliver,  Francis  J.  337. 

Onderdonk,  Family  of,  275  ;— 171,  295,  310. 

O'Neale,  Hugh,  24. 

Opdyke,  Johannes,  372. 

Osborn,  Richard,  78  ;  William,  110  ;— 378,  391. 

Ostran<ier.  Cornelius,  359. 

Owen,  Richard,  78,  110  ;  Jonathan,  308. 

Paine,  Thomas,  43.     (.See  Payne.) 

Palmsr,  Charles,  247, 249, 286, 295, 369 ;  Charles, 

226  ;    Elihu,  232,  233  ;    Jacob,  226,  353.  368, 

369;    Samuel,  36,  368;  William,  26,  31,  43, 

^9  ;  William,  211,  368. 
Panton,  Capt.  Richard,  56  to  59. 
Parcell,  Family  of,  37  ;  Jacob,  180  ;  John,  83  ; 

John,  110,  131,  133;   John,  161,  178;    John, 

180;  Thomas,  110;  William,  110,  133;— 351. 

371,  372,  375,  381. 
Parker,  Capt.  Lewis,  331. 
Parsell,  Richard,  292. 
Patton.  James,  312. 
Paulas,  Martin,  309. 
Paya.  43. 

Payne,  William,  404. 
Paynjer,  37,  16  L,  223,  297,  371.  372. 
Pearce,  Richard,  397. 
Pearsall,  277. 
Peck,  Rev.  Jeremiah,  99. 
Peebles,  John,  396,  397. 
Peek,  John,  311. 
Penfold,  Family  of,  351 ;    Rdmund,  403,  406  ; 

Capt.   John,  343;   John,  214,  215,  333,  397; 

Richard,  165,  169, 
Percy,  Lord,  191. 
Perrott,  James,  329. 
Peters,  Jlarry,  Esq.  298. 
Pettit,  John,  110;  Moses,  110;  Nathaniel,  79, 

89,     110;     Nathaniel,  -180;,    Stephen,    180; 

Thomas.  48.  79,  110:— 397.  40.5' 
Phillips,  Daniel,  117;  Rev.  George,  403  ;  John, 

307  ;  Joseph,  110 ;  Theophilus,  96, 99,  105, 110. 
Phoenix,  Daniel,  314. 
Pidgeon,  403. 
Pierson,  315. 

Pietersen,  Roelof.  110,  133. 
Pine,  George.  409. 
Piatt,  276. 
Polhemus,  Family  of,  348;  Abraham,  Sen  178 

Abraham,  Jr.  178  ;  Daniel,  151;  Jacob,  381 

—268,  278,  374,  387. 


Pomeroy.  Dr.  Josiah,  212.  (See  Pumrtyp.) 

Pool,  Dr.  John  A.  287. 

Post,  292,  293.  371. 

Potter,  Col.  Gilbert,  164, 187. 

Potts,  John,  397. 

Poyer,  Rev.  Thomas,  149,  245. 

Praa,  Capt.  Peter,  29, 130,  133,  145,  S83. 

Pratt,  Moses,  361 ;  Silas,  178. 

Pretton,  328. 

Prideaux,  Gen.  167. 

Prince,  Capt.  Christopher,  408. 

Probasco,  392. 

Provost,  178,  270,  334,  382. 

Pudington,  Robert,  43,  46. 

Pumroy.  Rev.  Samuel,  146,  147,  150,  172,  225, 

227,  228,  235,  303. 
Pumyea,  Peter,  321. 
Purdy,  Cornelius,  114,  206,273,  329;   David, 

21],  253,  273,  277. 

Quackenbush,  297. 

Raiman,  William,  226. 
Ramsden,  John,  61,  62,  92,  110.  339. 
Randel,  Jonathan,  217,  384  :  William,  396."    .. 
/Rapelye,  Family  of,  267 ;  Abraham,  24,  178  ; 
Abraham,  78,  178,  202  ;  Abraham,  221 :  Alet- 
ta,  widow  of  Cornelius  ,  172;  Charles,  114, 
192;    Cornelius,    178,  200,   206;    Cornelius, 
200;  Daniel,  176,  178;  Daniel,  178  ;  Daniel, 
178,  200  ;  Daniel,  178,  200  ;  Mrs.  Ellen,  397  ; 
Folkert,  371 ;   Capt.  George,  200.  214,  218; 
George,  178.   189  ;  George  I.  89,  385;  Isaac, 
36,  114.  189,303,317;  Jacob,  169,241 ;  James 
R.  392  ;  Capt.  Jeromus,  162, 175, 178, 181, 183  ; 
Jeromus,  200 ;  John,  214  ;  John  I.  24  ;   Joris, 
1.56,  237;  Martin.  178;  Mr.  199;  Peter,  184, 
208  ;  Richard,  180 ;  Sarah,  268,  360.  , 
Rathbone,  Serj.  Maj.  B.  214. 
Ray,  William,  356. 
Rayburs,  William,  318. 

Raymond,  Capt.  216  ;  Mrs.  Samuel  G.  338,  383. 
Reed,  John,  110  ;  Joseph,  110  ;  Thomas,  38,  40, 

43,  53  ;  William,  38  ;— 248.  328.  378,  383. 
Reeder.  Jacob,  110;  Jacob,  159,  .3.55  ;  Jeremiah, 
101;  John,  43,  78;    John,  110;  Joseph,  110; 
—351,  383,  384. 
Reeves,  Isaac  T.  296. 
Reid,  John,  325  ;  Philip,  401. 
Reilly,  Terrence,  370. 
Relyea,  Henry.  312. 

Remsen,  Family  of,  385;  Abraham,  237;  Abra- 
ham, 190:  Abraham,  167,  184.  18.5,  186,  194; 
Christopher,   180:   Garret,   189;    Jer.  178; 
Jeromus,  159, 181, 188,  215  ;  Jeromus,  Jr.  175, 
176,  178,181.  187,  193,  194;  Luke.  181;  Rem, 
159, 181 ;— 269, 275, 276.  298, 326,  365, 380,  384. 
Renne,  Family  of,  227  ;  James,  151,  225,  226, 
227.  332 ;  James,  332  ;  Samuel,  181.  191,  198, 
249,  369. 
Rev,  John  B.  260. 
Reynolds.  George,  1.54.     • 
Rhodes   Abiathar,  202. 
Richmandt,  Col  217. 
Rider,  275.     (See  Ri/dcr.) 

Riker,  Family  of,  299;  Abraham.  22,  36,  64,  65, 
110,   236;   Abraham,  237;    Capt.    Abraham, 
78,  181,  185 ;  Andrew,  165 ;  Jacob,  228 :  Ja- 
cobus, 178,  192,   195,  208,  217  ;  Dr.  John  B. 
189,  194,  231,  232;  John  L.  36.   226:   Peter, 
■181;  Samuel,  176,  178, 181,  184,  192,  222. 
Rite,  (See  Wright.) 
Ritzema.  Col.  Rudolphus,  184. 
Roach,  Chailes,  240  ;  Charles  H.  385 :  Timothy, 

403. 
Roberts,  Amos,  161 ;  John,  110 ;  Jonathan,  181  j 

Thomas,  .51,  77  ;-364.  379  .387. 
Robertson,  Gen.  19a  192,  194,  21& 


INDEX. 


435 


Robinson,  Col.  Beverley,  319;  Beverley,  378; 

Col.  .Joseph,  332;  Thomas,  43;  Thomus,  110, 
Rodman,  Joseph.  153. 
Roe,  Sylvester,  3(i8  ;  Lawrence,  398. 
Rogers,  Elizabeth,  289  ;  Dr.   Hugh,  IGO;  Rev. 

John,  233  ;  Rev.  Joshua  M.  370. 
Romjyn,  Rev.  Thomas,  240. 
Rosell,  John,  110;  Nathaniel,  111. 
Rossell,  Maj.  Nathaniel  K.  111. 
Rousby,  Christopher  and  Henry,  303. 
Rubel,  Rev.  Johannes  U.  lUU,  241. 
Rudge,  William.  1G9. 
Ruagles,  John.  347. 
Rutgers,  198,  319. 
Ryclven,  Abraham,  (See  Rikcr.) 
Ryder,  50,  110.  293,  30J.  362,  3(i5. 
Ryerson,  Family  of,  386;  Andrew  B.  226,  295  ; 

—269,  323,  408. 

'  Sackett,  Family  of,  .344  :  Joseph,  109,  110,  117, 

118,  132,  13."),  140,  148;  Joseph,  148,  151,  247, 

261;  Dr.   Joseph,   160;   Rev.  .Samuel,   160; 

William,  165,  249,  250,  328  ;  William,  165  ; 

William,  247,  249,  250  ;   William,  181,  184, 

193,  203,  231. 
Satiord,  Joseph,  38. 
Sailor,  William,  393. 
Sallier,  161,  384. 
Sallis,  Samuel,  110. 
Saltonstall,  Gov.  Gordon,  282. 
Sammis,  Abel,  226. 
Sands,  Griffin,  2J6. 
Saunders,  John,  284. 
Sawtell,  Henry.  78.  79,  110. 
Sawyer,  Lemuel,  270 
Schauck,  Rev.  Garret  C.  364. 
Schenck,  269,  273   to  278,  293,  323,  324,  350, 

358,  363.  364,  380,  388.  392,  410. 
Scheuk,  80,  170,  238,  4U9. 
Schermerhorn,  298,  401. 
Schlosson,  Barzillai,  289. 
Schoonmaker,  Rev.  Jacob,  238,  240,  243.  244, 

323 ;  James,  171 ;   Rev.  Martinu.^  199,  241. 
Schoor.steenveger,  I'ieter  A.  de,  39. 
Schouten,  289. 
Schuchardt,  Frederick,  ,389. 
Scliii  reman,  342,  376. 
Schuyler.  Abraham,  298. 
Scoles,  Jamos.  .39.3. 

Scott,  Capt.  John,  60,  61 ;  Hon.  John  B.  376. 
Scudder.  Family  of,  94  ;  John,  52,  79,  94,  115, 

396:  John,  89,  110  ;  Samuel,  89,  94,  110, 148  : 

Samuel,  397. 
Seabury,    Rev.  Samuel,  248,   249,  251 ;    Rev. 

Samuel,  253. 
Seborn,  Peter.  292. 
Sabring.  326,  .349,  401 
Seers,  Lt  Col.  Isaac,  183. 
Selyns,  Rev.  Henry,  236. 
Sergeant,  George,  52. 
Seubering,  349.    (See  Sebrino'.) 
SeverensT  Benjamin,  78.  110,  117. 
Shannon,  John,  181.      ^ 
Shaw,  Gen.  jEneas.  346. 
Sheldon.  Capt.  Isaac.  303 
Shelton,  Rev.  George  A.  253. 
Shepherd,  3.56. 

Shoals.  Capt.  John,  178,  181,  183. 
Shotwell,  404,  40.5. 
Siboutseii.  Harck,  (See  Kranlchcyt.) 
Sickels,  317. 

Simonse,  Claes,  (See  Uijthuysen.) 
Simunson,  294,  321,  359. 
Sinclair.  145. 
Sinnott,  403. 
Sipkins,  Capt  John.  3.3.5. 
Skidmore.  Samuel.  326 
Skillman,  Jacob,  1.59;  Thomas.  110;  Thomas, 

133,  154,  2.38 ;— 275,  381,  396, 400. 


Sloan,  Alexander,  227. 

Sloat,  409. 

.•^luui, liter.  Gov.  Henry,  120,  121. 

."^iiKillwood,  Kli,  3.58. 

Siiiitli,  Hendrick  Barentse,  82,  87,  88,  110; 
James,  21,  43 ;  John,  20 ;  John,  110  :  Col.  Jo- 
siah,  186,  187,  193;  Nehemiah,  20,  1.35;  Rich- 
ard, 2;j,  2-3;  Kichard,  57;  Samuel.  20; 
'J'homas,  135;  Water>>,  148,  185;  William, 
2.3,  9.3  ;— 248,  269,  270,  275,  283,  288,  290,  298, 
31.5,  ,322.  :W I,. 342.  353,  384. 

Smock.  Barent,  360;  Cornelius.  362. 

Siieden,  John,  309. 

Snediker,  273,  275,  276.  278,  296,  317,  323,  324. 
3.50,  358,  .35!),  395.  397. 

Snyder.  Christopher,  361. 

Spragg,  Siimuel,  379;  Richard,  380;  Richard, 
Jr.  l.tO,  380. 

Spraiuger,  John,  270. 

Springst.-en,  Family  of,  130 ;  Casper  J.  130  :  Dn- 
vid,  159;  Jacobus,  158;  Joost  C.  50;— 375, 
395.  397. 

.*!prong,  David,  321. 

Stag;:,  Jacob  anil  Thomas,  349. 

Stanley,  Lieut.  William,  401. 

.■^taiiton,  Henry,  'XiS. 

Staples,  John  1.  166,  277. 

Staikins,  John,  393. 

St<-lleiiwerf,  Jacob,  322. 

Sterling,  Lt.  Col.  Thomas,  191,  204,  205. 

Stevens,  Widow,  43. 

Stevensen,  Joris,   (See  Van  Alst.) 

Stevenson,  Daniel,  158  ;  Edward.  106. 110, 115, 
12.3.  124;  John.  78;  John,  123;  Jonathan, 
110;  Thomas.  40,  48,  375;  Thomas.  106,  110, 
122,  12;t,  1.32,  140, 148,  283,375  ;  Widow,  254  : 
—336,  339,  377, 

Stewart,  James.  43 ;  William,  333. 

Stilhvtll,  Mary,  408;  Nicholas,  55,  56. 

."^tiiiipsun,  270. 

Stirlm-,  Lorii,  18?,  184.378. 

Stockholm.  270,  298,  372,  381,  410. 

StockinL'.  Altheus  Y.  and  Harvey,  .309. 

Stoothotf.  Fainilv  of,  86:  CapL  Klbert  E.  do. 

Storm,  130,  li'SO,  294,  29.5,  382. 

Stoutenburgli,  .Andrew.  382. 

Strickland,  Edmund,  43;  Jonathan.  70,  110. 

Stringhiim,  Jiiines,  ,347  ;  Joseph,  374. 

Strong.  Rev.  Thomas  C.  244  :— 146,  272,  389. 

Srryker.  Hon.  Francis  B.  3lti7 ;  Dr.  Jacob  P. 
290,  349  :  PetiM",  151  ;— 292,  339,  407. 

Stuyvesant.  Gov.  Peter,  26,  30  to  36,  50  to  56, 
144,  145,  402;  Petrus,  370. 

Sutphen,  John.  407. 

Suydam,  Family  of,  319:  Dow.  1.59;  Ileiidrick 
161  :  John,  178, 181 ;  Lambert,  187  :— 364,  407 

Swaine,  I'rancis,  46.  ;50,  .52,  ;">4,  .57. 

Swart,  John.  362;  Tunis,  360. 

Swnrtwoiit,  Gen.  J.  297  ;  Rudolphus,  29a 

.Swezey,  Joseph,  374. 

Swim,  John,  377. 

Swinton,  Isaac,  110. 

Talcott,  Capt.  John,  55,  56. 

'Pallmadge,  Hon.  Benjamin,  404. 

Tillman,  351. 

'J'aylor,  146,  352,  378. 

Teiibrook,  Henry,  I!74. 

'i'erhune,  407. 

'i'eunisz,  Denvs,  349. 

Thrill  1.  Jacob  G.  307. 

Thompson,  LieuL  217;  Robert,  2.35  ;— 308,  329, 

;i!)9,  400,  4(18. 
Thorliuni,  (irant,  212,  376. 
Thorn,  269.  27.5,  320. 
Tliorp,  Samuel,  3.52. 
Thra-her,  A-liael,  .359. 
Tidd,  David,  3.59. 
Tiebout,  Tunis.  364. 


436 


INDEX. 


Tilton,  Catharine,  154,  351. 

Timmer,  Wit  C.  380. 

Tingley,  Capt.  Daniel,  347. 

Tippett,  Georje,  340. 

Titus,  Families  of,  133.  327;  Content,  99,  102, 
109,  UO,  117,  118,  12.5,  126,  130,  135  22.5,  226, 
327;  Edward,  1.59,  181  :  Francis.  133;  Fran- 
ci.s,  181 :  Silas,  151,  226  ;  Syrach,  133  ;  'I'eunis, 
133  ;— 95,  270,  272,  329,  331,  333,  348,  349, 
408,  410. 

Toe,  Samuel,  38,  43,  46,  50,  51,  52,  54,  57,  61, 
62,  63,  396. 

Tom,  John,  314. 

Toraplcins,  Edward,  206,  381. 

Totten,  Peter,  321. 

Townsend,  LieuL  Levin,  203,  377 ;  Samuel  B. 
191,  329. 

Tratford,  John,  280. 

Trapsaus,  43. 

Tredwell,  275,  276. 

Tucker,  329. 

Tuder,  John,  114. 

Turner,  John,  (nicknamed  Lamb,)  311. 

Tuthill,  Nathaniel,  308  ;  WiUiam,  404. 

Underbill.  Capt.  John,  23,  31 ;— 326.  346,  384. 
Urquhart,  Kev.  William,  136,  137,  245. 

Ustick.  275. 
Uythuysen,  Claes  S.  152. 

Valentine,  Esther,  379;  Samuel,  .306. 

Vallence,  Wilham,  156. 

Van  Allen,  279,  408,  410. 

Van  Alst,  Family  of,  380 ;  Andrew.  131,  133  ; 
Bergoon,  178,  203,  359  ;  Georse,  IGO  ;  Georjie, 
178;  Isaac,  178;  Johannes,  131,  1,33;  John, 
178;  John,  178;  John,  408;  John  G.  349, 
390;  Joris  Stevensen,  21,  39,  110,  131,  133; 
Peter,  ]78;  Steven  Jorisz,  110. 

Van  Arsdale,  Family  of.  307  ;— 269,  364,  401. 

Van  Hasten,  Rev.  Mr.  2;.'8. 

Van  Boerum,  407.    (See  Boerum.) 

Van  Brunt.  270,  349  407. 

Van  Buytenhuysen,  302,  312. 

Van  Cleef,  Joseph,  271 ;  Lawrence,  321. 

Van  Commel.  Teunis  J.  39. 

Van  Cott,  Cornelius,  409;  David,  382. 

Van  Dam,  Rip,  Esq.  134,  141,  381. 

Vanderbeck,  Solomon,  343. 

Vanderbeeck,  302.    (See  Rem'en.) 

VanderbilC,  275.  361,  386,  367.  39.5,  408. 

Vanderburgh,  Capt.  Richard,  .375. 

Van  der  Clitf,  Din:k,  320. 

Van  der  Donek,  Dr.  Adriaen,  24,  25. 

Vandergrift,  Jacob  L.  110. 

Vanderveer,  321,  322.  324.  349,  367,  ,39.5. 

Van  der  Vliet,  Dirck  J.  275,  386. 

Vandervoort,  268,  278,  349,  353,  361,  364,  384, 
390,  397. 

Vandewater,  396. 

Van  Dine,  407.    (See  Van  Duyn.) 

Van  Doren,  John  L.  368. 

Van  Duoren,  Hendrick  J.  36. 

Van  Duyn,  Family  of,  393 ;  Aert,  190  •  Capt. 
Dow,  178,  181,  200,  203,  216,  223;  Garret, 
408  ;  William,  159  ;  William,  181. 

Van  Dyck,  342. 

Van  Dyke,  Rev.  Henry,  252,  338 :— 270,  338.  ■ 

Van  (Jelder,  381. 

Van  Ilaerlem,  Jan,  (See  Carpeiiel.) 

Van  Horn,  286. 

Van  Housen,  408. 

Van  Houten,  409. 

Van  Keuren,  Hasuelt  Matthysz,  303. 

Van  Kleek,  275. 

Van  Laer,  Stotiel,  110. 

Van  Liew,  343,  374. 

Van  Loon,  322. 

Van  Luyt,  Jan,  302. 


Van  Nanda,  Frederick.  171,  397,  409. 

Van  Ness,  Hendrick,  324. 

Van  Nest.  Pieter,  2(i8  ;  Rev.  Rynier,  241,  242. 

Van  Nuyse,  Jacobus,  269. 

Van  Nostrand,  Family  of,  322;— 359,  360,  386, 

387.    (See  Nnstraud.) 
Van  Pelt,  Rem,  324. 
Van  Ranst,  Cornelius,  297. 
Van  Salee,  Antony  Jansen,  267. 
Van  Sickelen,  272.  321,  .365,  407. 
Van  Sindcr.'U,  Adrian,  226,  288,  326;  Rev.  Ul- 

pianus,  241. 
Van  Tassel,  316. 
Van  Tine.  359. 

Van  Twiller.  Gov.  Wouter,  29. 
Van  Valen,  310,  376. 
Van  ^'echten,  269. 
Van  Vlack,  397. 

Van  Voorhees,  297,  361,  408.   (See  Voorhcei.) 
Van  Wagenen,  Gerrit  H.  297. 
Van  Wart.  Jacob,  317. 
Van  Wicklen,  322,  363. 
Van  Wyck,  293  to  298,  349. 
Van  Zandt,  248,  323,  382.  400. 
Vaughan,  Gen.  191.       .J- 
Veghto,  Nicholas,  323. 
Veuis,  John,  397. 
Verbryck,  Samuel,  392. 
Verschuer,  Wouter  Gysbertsen,  110. 
Verveelen,  Johannes.  317. 
Vietor,  Theodore,  214,  383. 
Vinci-nt.  310. 
Voorhees,  270,  321,  322,  324,  359,  364,  391,  392, 

393.  396. 

Wade,  312,  397. 

Wainwright,  78,  136,  384. 

Waite,  Benjamin,  .331. 

Waldron,  Family  of,  381;    Samuel,  181,  206, 

215  ;  Samuel,  294  ;— 293,  317,  389. 
Walgrove.  Effingham  W.  303. 
Walker,  Richard,  43. 
Wall.  47,  325. 

Walsh,  James  W.  290 ;   Rev.  William,  2.54. 
Wandell,  Thomas,  23.  43,  51,  55,  83,  94,  110, 

335. 
Warn,  Hezekiah,  375. 
Warner,  Jesse,  184  ;  Ralph,  84  ;— 310,  340,  341, 

3(;8. 

Warren,  Gen.  216. 

Washburn,  John,  405;  Samuel,  247,  249,  33L 
Washington,  Gen.  George,  192,  195,  20.!,  221. 
Waters,  Anthony,  58  ;  Benjamin,  165  ;  Edward, 

98  ;  Oliver,  178  ;— 333,  404. 
Watson,  Loring,  400. 
Watts,  John,  170,  171. 
Way,  Family  of,  378  ;  Francis,  IIC,  398  :  Jamea, 

43,  61,  82,  94,  96;   James,  110;   James.  170, 

176,  181,  255;  John,  89,  109,  111),  1.32;  John, 

161, 162,  181 ;  John,  Jr.  181:  Widow.  254. 
Webb,  Rev.  Joseph,  228  ;— 276,  306. 
Webber,  Arnout,  236. 
Webster,  William.  404# 
Weeden,  James,  188,  390. 
Welch,  Benjamin,  305 
Welling,  161,  306,  374,  405. 
Wells.  Philip,  115 ;— 287,  288,  356. 
Weltden,  George,  271. 
Westerhout,  Jeremias  Jansen,  268. 
Weyman,   Capt.  William,  178,   181,   183.   249, 

278. 
Whaley,  Alexander,  198,  353. 
Wheeler,  Samuel,  43 ;  Lieut.  Thomas,  38. 
Whiteticld,  Rev.  George,  231,  235,  28-5. 
Whitehead,  Family  of,  374  ;  Daniel,  74,  79  ;  Maj. 

Daniel,  66,  109;  Thomas,  148,  a32,  337,  347, 

369  ;  William,  303. 
Whitlock,  William,  403. 
Whitney,  Henry,  287,  326;  Stephen,  326. 


4i;T 


Waitson,  Abraham,  223. 

Whittemore,  Homer,  358  ;  Wii;iam  S.  289. 

Wijittinsham,  William,  2b2. 

Waittlosey,  Hev.  Chnuncey,  146. 

Wickenden,  llev.  William,  4U2. 

Wiggins,  Diiniol,  328. 

Willcox,  Samuel  L.  217,  353. 

Willdna,  Jacob,  27U. 

WJllnrd,  Col.  Abijah,  20S,  209. 

Willomscn,  110.  304,  407. 

Willott,  Robert,  277 ;  Thomas,  135  •,—270,  297, 

31)0,  404. 
Williams,  Capt.  164  ;  Col.  Geo.  279  ;— 329,  340. 
Willinmson,  272,  321,  305,  392,  31.'3,  401.  (See 

jyillemsen.) 
Willing,  Mrs.  Geortre,  35G. 
WJloughby,  Samuel  A.  408. 
Wilson,    Elizabeth,    403;   John^llO;  Robert, 

151. 
Wiltsie,  Family  of,  373;  Hendiick  JI.  110,  131, 

2;t3 ;  Hendrick,  158 ;— 280,  285,  294,  309,  310, 

371, 372.     , 
Wiu-slow,  Gen  John,  163  ;- 284 ,-369. 


Wood,  George,  110,  134  ;  Jam;-8  78  :  Timothy, 
339  ;  William,  28,  43  ;— 308,  338,  347,  369. 

WoodhuU,  llev.  Nathan,  233,  234,  235;  Gon. 
Nathaniel,  186  to  189,  209 ;— 288,  290. 

Woodward,  Family  of,  383;  Gilbert,  172;  Jo- 
M'ph,  171;  I-ambert,  30,  110;  Lambert,  181; 
Nathauifl,  110;  Nathaniel,  185,  377;  Philip, 
181  ;  Thoinap,  214,  384  ;— 370,  400. 

Woollstoucroltf.»,  John,  !)3,  94,  110. 

Woolsey,  Kdward  J.  172,  274  ;  George,  402 ; 
( toorgc  M.  36. 

Wormian,  359,  387. 

Wright,  David,  VX);  Jonathan,  63  :  Dr.  Juliui 
C.  226 ;— 290,  335.  330,  351,  352,  405. 

Wj-att,  llev.  William  K.  253. 

Wvckoti;  Family  of,  324,  407;  John,  23« ; 
Nicholas,  328 :— 270,  273,  276,  279,  298,  304, 
308,  324,  325,  360,  362,  364,  366,  385,  393. 

York,  Styles  P.  290. 
Young,  Edward  T.  313. 

Zimmerman,  Andrew,  310. 


From   Rev.   Dns.    De   Witt   akd   Goldsmith. 


"  We  have  had  the  pleasure  of  reading,  in  manuscript,  the 
history  of  Newtown,  by  James  Eiker,  Jun.       *      *      *       » 
The  work  evinces  laborious  research,  and  appears  to  be  writ- 
ten with  commendable  candor  and  impartiality.     It  records 
many  facts  and  incidents  known  to  but  few  of  the  present  gene- 
ration, but  the  knowledge  of  which  is  quite  essential  to  a  just 
view  of  the  past.  These  facts  the  author  has  been  at  great  pains 
to  obtain  from  all  the  accessible  sources  of  information.    We 
regard  this  effort  to  give  a  reliable  and  permanent  record  to  all 
that  is  recoverable  in.  our  municipal  and  ecclesiastical  history, 
as  most  praise-worthy  and  deserving  of  universal  favor.     The 
work  embraces  numerous  biographical  sketches,  in  the  main 
well  drawn  ;  and  also  many  family  genealogies,  which  greatly 
add  to  its  interest  and  value.   It  is  difficult  justly  to  appreciate 
the  amount  of  labor  indispensable  to  the  production  of  such  a 
work ;  and  considering  the  time  and  research  bestowed  upon 
it,  and  its  inherent  value,  not  merely  for  present  entertainment 
•and  instruction^  but  permanent  reference,  we  regard  tlie  price  as 
reasonabh,     "We  shall  rejoice  to  know  that  a  copy  of  the  '  An- 
nals '  has  found  a  place  in  every  family  in  the  town ;  and  we 
cannot  but  think  they  will  be  most  acceptable  to  the  numerous 
descendants  of  the  original  settlers  of  the  town,  residing  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  state  and  country. 

"JOHN  GOLDSMITH, 

«  Pastor  of  the  Presb.  Church,  Nivtowa."* 
1 


RECOMMENDATION, 


"  Mr,  Eiker  has  read  to  me  portions  of  the  volume  of  the 
*  Annals  of  Newtown,'  and  I  have  traced  the  outlines  of  its  con- 
tents throughout.  I  deem  it  a  work  of  great  value,  exhibiting 
great  industry  and  thoroughness  of  research  in  procuring  ma- 
terials from  official  and  private  sources.  Few  volumes  of  the 
kind  now  before  the  public  exhibit  these  in  so  great  degree. 
It  will  prove  an  important  contribution  towards  the  history  of 
our  state.  The  author  has  been  very  successful  in  tracing  the 
lineage  of  the  early  settlers  of  the  town,  and  filling  up  the  se- 
ries with  interesting  biographical  remembrances,  diligently 
collected  from  various  sources.  This  will  render  it  interesting 
to  the  numerous  descendants  of  these  early  settlers,  now  great- 
ly multiplied  and  widely  spread.  It  will  be  to  all  a  valuable 
contribution  to  our  historical  literature.  I  deem  it  richly  de- 
serving of  patronage,  and  cordially  commend  it  as  such. 

"THOMAS  DE  WITT, 

"  One  of  the  ministers  of  the  Collegiate  Reformed 

"  Dutch  Church,  New-York."