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A HISTORY
OP
Cfre ^cljenectati|> patent .
IN THE
DUTCH AND ENGLISH TIMES;
BEING CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD
A
HISTORY OF THE LOWER MOHAWK VALLEY
BY
PROF. JONATHAN PEARSON, A. M.,
AND OTHERS.
EDITED BY
J. W. MAC MURRAY, A. M., U. S. A.
ALBANY, N. Y
1883.
Edition,— square octavo, 300 copies,
and 50 quartos.
><5 2_
P^
Joel Munsell's Sons,
Printers.
CONTENTS.
Pa&b
1 Table of Values 1V
2 Illustrations v
3 Preface, (the Editor) ix
4 Sketch of Prof. Pearson, (Rev. George Alexander) - - xv
5 Introduction, (Prof. Pearson) 1
6 Division of Lands, (Prof. Pearson) 58
7 Adult Freeholders, (Prof. Pearson) ----- 82
8 Indian Wars on the Border, (Prof. Pearson) ... 231
9 Burning of Schenectady, (Prof. Pearson) .-- - 244
10 Indian Wars on the Border, (Prof. Pearson) - - - 271
11 Old French War, (Prof. Pearson) 290
12 Fortifications and Garrisons, (Protf. Pearson and the Editor) 304
13 The Reformed Nether Dutch Church, (Prof. Pearson, and
the Editor) 334
14 The English Church, (the Editor) 389
15 The Presbyterian Church, (Rev. T. G. Darling) - - 399
16 Indian Trade, (Prof. Pearson and the Editor) - - - 409
17 The Borough, (Prof. Pearson) 426
18 The Schenectady Academy and Union College - - 433
19 "Schenectady" (the Editor) 436
20 Houses in Ancient Albany County, (the Editor) - - 441
21 Appendices, (the Editor) - - - - ... 451
22 Index 455
TABLE OF VALUES CITED IN THESE PAGES.
Amsterdam — Foot = 11.144 inches.
Rhineland — Foot— 12.357 inches.
Netherland — Mijle = 1093.62 yards = 3280.9 feet.
English — Mile = 1760 yards = 5280 feet.
U. S. — Acre = 4840 square yards.
U. S. — Acre = a square of 208.7 feet.
Amsterdam — Morgen = 9722 square yards.
Amsterdam — Morgen = or 2.0076 Eng. ac.
U. S. — Gallon = 231 cubic inches.
TJ. S. — Bushel = 2150 cubic inches.
Amsterdam — Schepel (or skipple or sgepel) = bushel of grain i. e. a.
" struck bushel "or | of heaped English bushel.
Amsterdam — Mudde = 6786 cu. inches = 3.15725 English bushel dry
measure = 4 Skipples dry measure.
Netherlands — Last = 108 skipples (wheat) = 14 barrels (Fish) = 2
Tons (Ships tonnage).
Netherlands — Anker = 2331 cu. in. = 9 gallons.
Netherlands — Guilder = 37| to 40 cents U. S. money.
Netherlands — Stuiver = English penny = 2 cents U. S.
Netherlands — Rix dollar = 50 stivers.
New Netherlands— Pound = $2.50.
New Netherlands — Shilling = 12| cents.
New Netherlands — Penny = 1 cent.
English — Pound sterling = $4.84.
Time — Old Style year in vogue among the Dutch, ended noon March 25th.
From Jan'y 1st to March 25th both old and new styles are noted. Thus :
Schenectady was destroyed during the night of February 8th, 16f£. That
is to say in 1689 old style, but 1690 new style.
Properly an event occurring in the morning of March 25th, 1705, was
noted as of 1705 O. S. and 1706 N. S., or 170|, while an event of the after-
noon would be March 25th, 1706, under both styles.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
1 Portrait of Prof. Pearson, Frontispiece
With signature. (Heliotype.)
2 Indian signatures. 11, 12, 17, 18, 19
(Cuts.)
3 Map of the Bouwlands 1664. 59
Constructed from ac tual survey and old deeds and descriptions. The four town
blocks are also shown.
4 Bratt house, Woestyne. 98
This old house is brick on front and sides, wood in rear. Bricks are set in colored
pattern. (Heliotype.)
5 Portrait Rev. Barnardus Freerman. 112
And fac-simile signature. (Cut.)
6 Glen house, Scotia. 119
(Heliotype.)
7 Mebee house. 132
(3d Flat, cut.)
8 Abraham Yates' house. 229
(Cut.)
9 Destruction of Schenectady. 246
Engraved from a painting partly by Giles P. Yates. (Cut.)
10 Signatures of Albany Officials. 256
(Photo-engraving.)
11 Map of Albany and vicinity. 290
From Sauthier's map published in London in 1779, from data in colonial offices.
The map was prepared for military purposes and shows minute details as to
hofstedes, indicating with remarkable detail, buildings and enclosures. It may be con-
sidered as accurate enough for the period from 1780 to 1780. (Photo-engraving.)
12 Chorographical map of the northern part of North America. 296
This map is added as showing routes to Canada and the names of places cited in
the text. The representation of all western New York to near thepresent Utica,
as part of Pennsylvania is curious. There are other features of interest in it. (Steel
engraving.)
vi History of the Schenectady Patent.
13 De Geaaf house and Beukendaal. 299
The vale on the right is Beukendaal or Beech vale. Along its sides occurred the
skirmishing fight, exactly where, no one knows, or can know. The whites made
a stand in the old red house and held their own against the Indians until relief
arrived. (Heliotype.)
14 Indian Castle. 305
From Champlain's account. (Photo-engraving.)
15 Miller's map. 311
Quite fully described on its face and in the text. (Photo-engraving.)
16 Mary Ann Rocque's Map. 316
Copied from map in a curious little volume in the New York State Library, con-
taining plans of royal forts in North America. This was doubtless engraved from
a sketch by an officer of the British army stationed here or in the vicinity, and
probably dates from the close of the " Old French War," or the beginning of the
" 2d French War," say from 1748 to 1763. (Photo-engraving.)
17 Vrooman's Map 1768. 328
Is copied from a small rough manuscript map now in possession of Union College
Library. (Photo-engraving.)
18 Deed to Dutch Church Lot. 350
Copied from ancient document in the deacon's chest in the Dutch church at Schen-
ectady. (Photo-engraving.)
19 Dutch Church of 173|. 352
Constructed from descriptions, plans and the aid of elderly persons now living who
were familiar with its appearance, from which a sketch was made by Mr. Franklin
H. Janes, architect, of Albany, whose courtesy, skill and taste have been of much ser-
vice to the editor. (Photo-engraving.)
20 Interior of the Church. 356
Was constructed in same manner as preceding cut. There are two errors in the
drawing, the figures 1733, in Dutch style should have been on the wall over the
pulpit, Genl. Fuller tells me, and the women in the congregation should have been
bonnetless, as they rarely at that date wore bonnets or hats in or out doors.
Probably also there are insufficient of the congregation asleep, but the sermon has not
yet commenced, as indicated by the sexton stirring up the fires. Photo-engraving
from drawiug of Mr. Franklin H. Janes, of Albany.
21 Plan of Church of 1734. 357
(Photo-engraving.)
22 Church. 362
From Giles F. Yates' painting. (Photo-engraving.)
23 Oldest grave-stone in Mohawk Valley. 372
Copied from the stone in Union College Library. The inscription is dim and almost
undecipherable. The cut is purposely made to show this, but the laid paper has
made it worse. (Photo-engraving.)
Illustrations. vii
24 Batteau on Mohawk River. 423
(Cut.)
25 Durham Boat. 420
(Cut.)
26 Map op the Country of the VI Nations. 433
By Guy Johnson, 1771, (Lithograph from a Steel engraving).
27 Schenectady Academy. 434
(Cut.) From Scribner's Magazine.
28 Old Union College. 435
(Cut.) From Scribner's Magazine.
PREFACE.
Professor Pearson, of Union College, enjoys a well earned reputation as
student, translator and writer on the colonial history of Northern New York.
During the past forty or more years, he has been a constant worker at the
records of the ancient county of Albany and has accumulated a vast store
of information, which has fortunately been put in writing and embraces
many thousand pages of legal cap manuscript. This herculean task was a
labor of love without hope of pecuniaiy profit; as Professor Alexander aptly
expresses it — the recreation of a busy life. His friend, the late Joel Munsell,
of antiquarian fame, induced him to print much of this matter and " Early
Records of the county of Albany," translated from the original Dutch,
" Contributions toward the Genealogies of the First Settlers of Schenec-
tady," " Genealogies of the First Settlers of Albany," " History of the
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in Schenectady " besides very many
magazine and newspaper articles have been given to the public from Mun-
sell's Press. There remain more than four thousand pages of unpublished
manuscript and notes, much of which was written many years ago.
Profe'ssor Pearson's unique collection of facts has been at the service of
all who sought to write on the subject and much has appeared from time to
time from others, which was strictly his work.
In the study of the subject he is unquestionably the best guide and it is
doubtful if any facts essential to a history of the ancient Schenectady
Patent have been overlooked by him.
He gave the writer free use of most of his manuscript and notes, and
they are in the main printed here that due credit may be given to the author
and. that the data may be at the service of the general historian.
In the preparation of these contributions toward a history of the early
settlements along the Mohawk river, Professor Pearson translated all known
official records pertaining to the subject ; he made a careful and thorough
search for all names of settlers in the " Doop " and " Trouw " books (bap-
tismal and marriage records), in the early churches of Albany and Schenectady,
x History of the Schenectady Patent.
translated the " City Records" — the "Mortgage " and "Notarial " books of
Albany county; searched and transcribed all pertinent matter from records
of secretary of State and of the clerk of the Court of Appeals of the State
of New York, which he was able to find, as well as collated similar extracts
from records of the office of secretary of State of Massachusetts, where there
is much pertaining to this subject. He has also gone over the old landmarks
with the aid of copies of ancient deeds, wills, and surveys in the public
offices, and the assistance of very old men whose distinct memory included
the colonial times, when few changes had taken place. There are few
Mohawk Dutch family chests whose old letters have not furnished a quota
of data and every known tombstone has contributed its facts. There may
be much he did not reach, but it is marvelous that he gleaned so much from
obscure and scattered sources of information and is only understood when
one knows of his knowledge of the Dutch language and its local dialects, his
special fitness for the work and the long years of patient labor he has
given it.
During several years the writer has carefully searched out his authorities
and compared the manuscript notes with original records. In the years
since they were written, many new facts have come to light and additions
have been made in many places but they amount to so little compared with
the original work of the author, that they are seldom separated. Indeed,
details have been so frequently discussed, that it would be difficult to sepa-
rate his changes from the writer's.
There are some matters of conclusion which have been changed and
many additions, mainly however, in form of notes. Most of these occur in
the condensation of more extended accounts. There are also additions by
the writer and others, of separate chapters.
In the early period of settlement of the Schenectady Patent, land was
plenty and the value small, the methods of survey very crude and the de-
scriptions vague. Land was stepped off, or measured with a pole, a rope,
or pair of harness reins, which represented an approximate scale of measure-
ment. Courses were run " northerly " " north-by-west," etc., or from some
evanescent tree to an equally indefinite pool, or dove gat. So incorrect were
the descriptions of the bounderies of lands granted or conveyed, that almost
as much land lay in the gores where descriptions overlapped or under-
lapped, as in the undisputed portions. The labor involved in retracing these
Preface. xi
old lines and defining " how the lands were divided" was almost incalcula-
ble and required many years of patient toil.
One of the sources of complication which the author had to contend
against was the variation in form of names of the inhabitants. As a rule
a man in those days had but one name, modified by that of his father, his
birthplace or residence, his occupation or some personal characteristic and
he was usually so spoken or written of whatever Ins name might properly be.
Harme Janse Knickerbacker, i. e., Harme son of John the Knicker-
baker, maker of knickers (or childrens' marbles,) or small china ware in
general;
de Steenbacker, i. e., brick maker.
Storm van der Zee was Storm Bratt, who was born during a storm
at sea, on the voyage to America.
Kleyn Isaack meant little Isaac Swits, even when he was a man of
mature years.
Sander Leendertse Glen, probably was Alexander, (or Sandy for short)
Lindsay of the Glen near Inverness, Scotland.
Van Ness, derived probably from Inverness,* Scotland.
It is not until late in English colonial times, that it became customary to
use the full name even in official and church records. It is very fortunate
for history that Prof. Pearson has made so full an analysis of these early
names and fixed the connection between names now scarcely known and
those of their descendants.
Pearson's history of the Dutch Church of Schenectady, which was prepared
as part of this series, has been published quite fully in the memorial of the
200th anniversary (1881) of the church. Such parts as are of general interest
* The word ness meaning promontory or head land occurs all along the east coast of
Great Britain, especially in Scotland ; is Dungenness, Foulness, Sheerness, in southern
England; and Fifeness, Buchanness, Clytheness, OJinness and numberless others in
Scotland ,where also whole counties take the name, as Caithness, Inverness.
Holland traded extensively through the seaport town, Inverness with the highlands and
the Glen country along: Loch Ness. Scotchmen escaping from the strife and sterility of
their own country to Holland, readily found ships there to convey them away to the
Dutch colonies and they were known as from the Ness or "Van Ness" or of the "Glen,"
etc.
" 't Ness," indicated the point in the river Y, at Amsterdam. The Van Ness, Van
Nes, Van Est, Van Nest families, seems to have been of different origin.
xii History of the Schenectady Patent.
appear here. The church organization was so interwoven with the town, that
no history can be of value which does not include it. This church was the great
land owner, loaner of money on mortgage and the church mill, which was the
best; it dealt in dry goods, groceries, clothing and utensils, and was almoner
of all the village poor. There are many details relating to the customs of
the Dutch as a people prior to the Revolutionary war, at about which time
most of their primitive peculiarities commenced to disappear. The war had
taken the simple Dutchman from his bouwery on the flats and had brought
him in contact with men from all the other colonies. Then again, the
Mohawk river had become the highway along which a steady stream of
immigrants has ever since been pouring, on its way to the westward.
All accessions to the settlement were from other than Dutch sources.
There were congregations of Episcopalians at the English church, and of
Scotch settlers from the higher lands at the Presbyterian church.
All these contributed gradually to the substitution of " American "
customs in place of Dutch customs, which grew into disuse with the death
of the older men.
It will be seen that the chapter on the first settlers does not go beyond
the first half century. If read in connection with " Pearsons' First Settlers
of Albany," and " of Schenectady " it will be found to contain all important
facts, not tradition merely, known of these people.
The chapters pertaining to the military history of the ancient dorp have
naturally been of special interest to me, and I have illustrated them by
maps, photographs and photo-engravings and have added copious additions.
The short article on the English church (St. George's Episcopal), is an
abridgement by the editor, of a sermon delivered by the present rector, the
Rev. Wm, Payne, D.D., — with some notes, and copies from the records of
the " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel," at Lambeth Palace,
England, the country hereabouts having been while under British govern-
ment included in the See of the Bishop of London.
The Rev. Timothy G. Darling contributes the article on the Presbyterian
church, of which he is the pastor.
To Professor George Alexander, of Union College, I am indebted for
preparing the article on Professor Pearson.
Preface. xiii
It is nearly two centuries and a quarter since Schenectady was settled.
It lies in a beautiful intervale on the margin of the Mohawk river. The
great highway to the west led through it and along the only low valley
pass through the Appalachian range; all other routes from the Atlantic led
over mountain passes. Increase in traffic brought into existence the Erie
canal, which served its purpose until the demands of commerce were met
by the great four tracked New York Central railroad. Along the hillsides
overlooking the valley, another great trunk railway will be in operation in
a few months, and still another is working its way to the westward.
A railroad to the south-west goes essentially over the trail toward the
Susquehanna and Delaware valleys.
To the northward another lays almost on the very trail past the Aal
Plaas, Sarachtoge, Champlain Lake and Caughnawaga to Montreal, which
was traversed by the destroying French and their allies, the Caughnawaga
Mohawks, in 1690.
The river flats were tilled for generations before 1661 by the Indians, and
they still yield rich harvests in many cases to the descendants of the original
white settlers — indeed to some whose ancestors antedated the Dutch
regime.
Out of the Dutch church schools grew the Schenectady Academy. It
was incorporated by the State and became Union College, which with its
five thousand Alumni has ever been a power for good in every state in the
Union.
Hanse Janse Eenkluys' Kil still flows through Union's grounds (in wet
seasons), and his " poor pasture " is in much the same condition as when he
left it to the poor, though immense works for building locomotive engines
lie on one side and the Erie canal skirts along the upper edge.
The beauty of the site has been commended by travelers, at intervals, for
centuries since Van Curler pronouced it " the most beautiful the eyes of
man ever beheld." The quaintness of the ancient Dutch architecture was
always noted until 1819, when the major part of the old town was destroyed
by fire and the landmarks of the Dutch period were swept away, leaving
few specimens of its peculiar constructions.
In two hundred and twenty-five years the village has grown to be a city
in name. Thanks to its locomotive and stove works, a factory producing
xiv History of the Schenectady Patent.
plastic ware, shawl and knitting mills, it has a large commerce. Its popu-
lation is but fifteen thousand in the city wards, but there is scarcely a
directory of a city between Maine and Florida and Alaska, which does not
contain names of Schenectady's colonists.
This history deals with ante-newspaper times, when even the practice of
writing was not very common. The period since the Revolution is full of
records of facts, and larger volumes could be written portraying its history.
Professor Pearson's labor represents the hard part of the task. It is to be
hoped that workers as patient, skillful and conscientious as he, may carry
the work to a later date. Much data is at hand for the purpose and may
be published at a future time.
Sketch of Professor Pearson. xv
SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
PROFESSOR JONATHAN PEARSON, A. M.,
Union College, Schenectady, N. Y.
The subject of this sketch is by lineage an alien to the Dutch community
whose annals he has so diligently explored. His descent can be traced
through seven generations from the Puritan fathers of New England.
At some time previous to 1G43, John Pearson, an English carpenter, settled
in the town of Rowley, county of Essex, Massachusetts. There he erected
a fulling mill and became the first manufacturer of cloth in the infant
colony. He was evidently a substantial and leading citizen. For many
years he served his generation as deacon in the church, moderator of the
town and deputy in the General Court. Having provided well for his
family of ten children he died, full of years and honors, near the close of
the century.
The family record fov two hundred years, with its quaint scriptural names,
reads like a genealogical chapter in the Old Testament. The meager story
of their simple lives is sufficient to indicate that the Pearsons were a sturdy
race of the genuine New England type, characterized by piety, industry
and thrift.
Caleb Pearsou, the grandfather of Professor Pearson, entered the Revo-
lutionary army as a fifer at the age of fourteen and served through the
whole war. Shortly after the close of the struggle he settled in Chichester
N. H., when he erected mills, which his son Caleb owned and operated after
him. There the subject of our sketch was born Feb. 23, 1813.
Caleb Pearson apparently became dissatisfied with the fruits which his
labor could wring from a stubborn soil, for in 1831 he joined the caravan
that was then moving slowly westward to populate the plains of the interior.
As he journeyed by the great thoroughfare of that day, the Erie canal, his
eye was charmed by the rich valley about Schenectady, and especially by
the sight of Union College, which seemed to promise him what he had
xvi History of the Schenectady Patent.
coveted, the opportunity to educate his children. He accordingly changed
his plans, made his home in the ancient Dutch city, and resided there till
the day of his death.
His son Jonathan, then a youth of eighteen, had previously secured a pre-
paratory education at Dover, Pembroke and New Hampton academies,
in the vicinity of his former home. In January, 1832, he entered Union
College and graduated with honor in 1835.
The following year he was appointed tutor and in 1839, assistant pro-
fessor of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy. In 1849, he was elected pro-
fessor of Natural History, and in 1873, was transferred to the department
of Agriculture and Botany where he still serves. Thus for more than half
a century his life has been incorporated with the life of his Alma Mater.
In addition to the work of his department of instruction, other onerous
and responsible duties have devolved upon him. Since 1854, he has been
treasurer of the college, having in charge its varied and intricate financial
interests. For years he has also held the office of librarian and has devoted a
vast amount of time and labor to the puzzling and petty details of that try-
ing vocation. The preparation of the general catalogue of the college has
always devolved upon him, and he has repaid the affectionate esteem of
thousands of Alumni by maintaining a constant interest in their individual
fortunes. His mind is an encyclopcedia of facts concerning the Sons of
Old Union.
The mere fact that Professor Pearson his been called to engage in ser-
vices so numerous and diverse, and that he has performed them satisfactorily
through so long a period, is sufficient proof of his versatility and tireless in-
dustry. Summer and winter, term time and vacation, have found him at
his post, meeting with unruffled brow the numberless and exacting demands
upon his time and patience.
His antiquarian researches have been merely the recreations of a busy life.
The interest awakened by the investigation of his own family tree, led him
to think of exploring the scattered and puzzling records of the Dutch fami-
lies who founded the settlements at Albany and along the valley of the
Mohawk. The task was one of unusual difficulty. The colonists isolated
from their own countrymen, and brought in contact with various races,
civilized and savage, had developed a peculiar dialect in which English,
Canadian, French and Indian words were freely incorporated with their
Sketch of Professor Pearson. xvii
mother tongue. To decipher the fragmentary relics of this vanishing
speech, especially when still further obscured by the picturesque penman-
ship and heterogeneous spelling of the early scribes, was an undertaking
which would have appalled an ordinary investigator. With Professor
Pearson, however, the difficulties of the pursuit served only to give it addi-
tional zest.
He continued his labors in this field through many years, without the
hope of any reward except the pleasure of telling his neighbours the short
and simple annals of their sires. He first transcribed, translated and collated
the records of the Dutch church in Schenectady. Having mastered the pro-
vincial dialect he afterwards performed a similar work upon the records of
the Dutch church in Albany and also of the county clerk's office. The
results of these studies and others of a like character, are embodied in his
histories of the old families of Schenectady and Albany, published years
ago, and in the volume which this sketch accompanies. He has thus rescued
from oblivion, and made accessible to all students of history, facts, the value
and interest of which will increase as time advances, and the region which
these Hollanders redeemed from the wilderness becomes the home of a still
larger and more prosperous population.
It would be indelicate in a sketch published during the life time of Pro-
fessor Pearson to refer to those incidents which belong more especially to
his private and domestic life, or to those qualities which have endeared him
to his more intimate personal friends. He has been for many years a faithful
and active member of the Baptist church, trusted and revered by all. As
a son, a husband and a father, his relations have been too tender and sacred
to permit of comment here. Those who may survive him and have shared
and prized his friendship will wonder that they did not prize it more, when
the genial and unobtrusive presence lives only in memory or immortal hope.
INTRODUCTION.
Early in the seventeenth century, North America east of the Mississippi
was claimed by right of discovery by four European nations : France,
England, Spain and Holland. Although for fifty years there were but few
colonists sent over, the whole continent was too small to hold them in
peace. Jealousies and bickerings were rife ; the French crowded the
English, and the English crowded the Dutch, until finally the latter disap-
peared altogether and the rivalry between the former continued one hun-
dred years longer. It was as plain then as it is now, that rival nations
could not exist in the Mississippi Valley.
The last great struggle for supremacy commenced on the Ohio in 1754,
and ended on the plains of Abraham, in 1759. Henceforward there was
but one nation between the Atlantic and the Mississippi.
The French commenced the settlement of Canada in 1603. Their object
was two-fold : the conversion of the natives, to the Christian faith, and
trade. The missionary and the trader, therefore, went forth together
visiting every tribe in the valleys of the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi,
and rendering to each other mutual aid and assistance.
No nation was ever more successful in winning the esteem and respect of
the natives. The flexibility of the French character and the indomitable
patience of their missionaries, were the secrets of their success. One nation
alone resisted their influence ; all their efforts to coax or to drive the
Iroquois or Five Nations into an alliance or even to remain long neutral,
were unavailing. They were not unwilling to receive the French religion
but they preferred English strouds and gun powder.* Their friendship
[* Champlain, with a few of his men accompanied by a large number of Aigouquins,
met and defeated a body of Mohawks near Crown Point on Lake Champlain. The
Algonquins were an inferior and subject race, but the discharge of Freuch muskets with
the accompanying flash, report and death by invisible bullets, carried terror to the Mo-
hawks and they were nearly destroyed by an enemy for whom they had hitherto only
felt contempt. When the Dutch, the declared enemy of the French, came into the
Mohawk countiy from the south, offering fire arms and vengeance against the French
and Algonquins, they secured the firm and abiding friendship of the Six Nations.— Jesuit
Relations ; Champlain'' 's Acct. ; Parkman, ete. M'M. ]
2 History of the Schenectady Patent.
was the salvation of the Province of New York. They claimed all the
territory lying between the Hudson and the Maumee rivers, so that the
French of Canada could never aim a blow at Albany or Schenectady with-
out striking over the heads of the Five Nations. This celebrated confed-
eracy, the terror of all surrounding tribes, was made up of the Mohawks,
Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas, five allied tribes, who acted as
one nation ; herein lay their influence.
During the long contest for dominion on this continent, between the
French and English, they held the balance of power, and were assiduously
courted by both parties.
But after 1760, when the French influence ceased, their importance
declined ; rum and gun powder had diminished their numbers and the once
powerful Mohawks had almost ceased to exist as a separate tribe.
During the Revolutionary war, large portions of the Oneidas and Tusca-
roras favored the colonies and for safety were transferred to Scheuectady,*
whilst most of the Onondagas, Cayugas and the Senecas, the most numerous
and westerly tribes, adhered to Great Britain and became an awful scourge
to the frontier settlements in the Schoharie and Mohawk valleys.
At no time between 1660 and 1760 could not the English colonies by
combined action have crushed the French power in Canada and driven it
from the country. During that long period the English population was
from fifteen to twenty times that of the French. Thus in 1690, when Schen-
ectady was burned, the white population of Canada was but 12,000, that of
the English colonies more than 200,000 or nearly eighteen to one. In 1754
* Mr. Nicholas Veeder has seen " 2,000 or 3,000 Indians in the Poor Pasture when
Schuyler made a treaty with them.
The Mohawks went to Canada and half of the Oneidas, in the Revolutionary war, the
other half fought for us. They camped in the Pines on " Albany Hill," near McChes-
neys. After the war was over the rest of the Oneidas came back from Canada to claim
their lands.
The Indian houses at Schenectady were made of bark, they were here about three
years.
The Mohawks before the Revolution were plenty ; could be seen in the roads in parties
of fifteen or twenty ; made splint brooms and baskets. The town was full of them on
New Years day — Nic: Veeder. "
Has seen the Onondaga tribe, 000 in number, marching thro' Niskayuna street to
Albany as prisoners of war, they having been in the King's service. — N. V.
Introduction. 3
the population of Canada was 80,000, and about 1,500,000 in the colonies, the
ratio being neai'ly the same as in the other case. Yet, in spite of this disparity
of numbers, the French were usually the aggressive party; they seldom waited
to be attacked but boldly carried the torch and tomahawk into the enemy's
country. There is hardly a valley between the Penobscot and the Mohawk
that has not echoed the cries of murdered victims, the midnight work of
the French and their allied savages. In 1731 they boldly advanced a hun-
dred miles into the province of New York and at the head of Lake Cham-
plain built a fort on Crown Point, which they held twenty-eight years in
spite of protest and menace.
The apathy exhibited on the part of the colonies in view of such a danger-
ous encroachment as this, was amazing, and in the end cost some of the best
blood and treasure of the country. It is true several attempts were made
to humble the French power, but divided councils, incompetent leaders and
failure of the mother country to afford promised aid, rendered these expensive
expeditions disgraceful failures. The chief cause of this ill success, however,
was the want of union and cooperation among the colonies. Those immedi-
ately threatened were ready to contribute more than their proportion of
men and money to meet the danger, the others would do little or nothing.
The New England states had early formed a confederacy for mutual
support and assistance, but this association was neither long maintained nor
extended beyond their borders. Each colony was an independent state,
jealous of its rights and privileges ; it would yield little or nothing for the
common good, but sat isolated and apart from its neighbors, cherishing the
selfish doctrine of colonial sovereignty and provincial rights. This spirit was
favored by the mother country from fear of the formidable strength which
a united people might exhibit. At the beginning of the last French war in
1754, Franklin with his accustomed forethoiight and practical wisdom, prof-
fered to the colonial delegates assembled at Albany, a plan of union. It was
discussed and favorably received, yet it bore no fruit until twenty years later.
The north-west passage to India was the fascinating day dream of the ad-
venturers of the seventeenth century, and to this we owe the discovery by
Hudson of the river which bears his name. This, his third voyage to America,
was made in 1609 under the patronage of the Dutch East India Company.
After coasting as far south as Chesapeake Bay, he returned and spent nearly
a month in exploring the river to the head of navigation. This fortunate voy-
•
4 History of the Schenectady Patent.
age gave him immortality and a new empire in the West to the Dutch nation.
By priority of discovery they claimed the coast from Cape Cod to Dela-
ware Bay and inland north to the lake and river of Canada (St Lawrence),
and west as far as the hitherto unexplored wilderness could be opened up
by the trader and trapper. Trading adventures were at once fitted out f rom
Holland for the new country, and the coast and rivers were carefully searched
for peltries. Manhattan was made the chief port and headq'uarters of these '
enterprising traders and to prevent competition they procured from the States
General in 1614, exclusive privileges under the name of the "United Nether-
land Company "and afterwards in 1621 as the "Privileged West India Com-
pany." The latter was a gigantic armed trading association, endowed with
all the powers and sovereignty of an independent state. Its directors
resided in Amsterdam, its authority was wielded in New Netherland by a
director, who was at the same time the fountain of laws, the executive head
and the chief of the judiciary. In a word he was supreme autocrat ; it is
true he had a council but it was a mere cipher.
The sole object of this company was trade, of which it had a complete
monopoly. It is true indeed, by the second section of their charter the
company was bound to " advance the peopling of these fruitful and un-
settled parts," and to encourage colonization, but in this they utterly failed of
their duty. The greed for gain swallowed up all other interests. At length
the evil became so apparent and was so forcibly presented to the notice of
the directors in Amsterdam, that they were obliged to seek a remedy.
On the 7th day of June 1629, under the title of "Freedoms and Exemp-
tions," concession was made to Patroons to plant colonies in New Nether-
land. Thus it was attempted to trausfer to the new world, the objectionable
features of the feudal system of the old. It burthened trade and agricul-
ture with unnecessary restrictions and introduced at the same time aristoc-
racy and slavery ; it prohibited manufactures and discouraged the settlement
of the country by private persons. From the haste with which the directors
in Holland proceeded to avail themselves of the privilege thus granted, one
might almost suspect this charter was granted for their special profit and grat-
ification. From the head waters of the Hudson around to the Delaware,
immense tracts of the best lands were at once taken up, and instead of confin-
ing themselves to the colonizing and cultivation of these lands, the Patroons
engaged in trade contrary to the terms of their charter, as the directors
Introduction. 5
claimed and to the ruin of the Company's interests. Hence arose quarrels
between the officers and servants of the two opposing parties, and in the
end the company was forced to remove the evil by purchasing back
the great manors already granted, Rensselaerswyck alone excepted. The
failure of the West Indian Company and Patroons to fulfill the re-
quisitions of their charters relating to the colonization of the New Province
and the encouragement of agriculture, became so apparent in 1638, as to call
for the interference of the States General, and after the agitation and rejec-
tion of many projects, the directors were induced to proclaim free trade and
free lands to private persons under what they conceived necessary restrictions.
This measure had a happy effect in increasing immigration not only from
the mother country, but also from New England and Virginia, where reli-
gious toleration was not so fully recognized in practice as in New Nether-
land. The population of New Netherland at the beginning of Stuyvesant's
administration in 16 17, is variously estimated at 1,000 to 3,000 ; at its
close in 1664, it was about 10,000. The Dutch had held the Province
fifty years and this was the result of their attempts to colonize it. Its natu-
ral advantages both for trade and agriculture, were unequalled by any like
portion of the continent. The nation which had redeemed its own country
from the ocean, that had conquered its freedom from the Spanish yoke and
lead all the European nations in foreign trade, was just the people to found
a new empire on these shores. The Dutch character was not wanting in the
requisite energy, perseverance and pluck, but it was the system of govern-
ment that was chiefly in fault, persevered in against protests and petitions.
RENSSELAERSWYCK.
In 1614 Albany was occupied as a post for the fur trade, of which Man-
hattan became the headquarters. Until 1630 the population of both j:>laces
consisted of few more than the officers and servants of the West India
Company, in which was vested the monopoly of trade. This year the
Patroon of Rensselaerswyck sent over the first little company of settlers to
his manor, a vast tract extending from the mouth of the Mohawk river
twenty-four miles down the Hudson and twenty-four miles on each side of
it, and comprising more than 700,000 acres. The lands along the river and
upon the islands, were gradually leased with the usual reservations of rents,
6 History of the Schenectady Patent.
service, fowls and quarter sales. Few conveyances were made in fee. Both
the foreign and domestic trade was claimed by the Patroon. Under such
heavy disabilities the population increased slowly. But the proclamation
of free trade and cultivation of the soil, in 1638, gave an impulse to the
prosperity of the Colonic Every man who could purchase a piece of
duffels and strouds and an anker of brandy, became an Indian tracer ;
indeed, there were almost as many traders in Beverwyck as there were men.
So keen did competition run in beaver skins, that bosloojws* or runners, were
employed to penetrate the wilderness west of the village and meet the
natives on their way down wich peltries. The population of Beverwyck
at this early period cannot be exactly known ; that it was small may be
justly inferred from several facts. First : The church built in 1643 was
thirty-four feet by nineteen feet in size, and contained but nine bancken
(benches) for the worshippers, yet this house served the little community until
1656. Secondly : The number of colonists shown by the Van Rensselaer
papers, as having been sent over to the Colonies up to 1646 is only 210f.
It is not to be supposed that all those persons who were attracted to
Beverwyck by its happy location for Indian traffic, were either tenants or
servants of the Patroon, or were even under his manorial jurisdiction.
Fort Orange and the little hamlet which clustered around its walls for
safety, were always claimed by the West India Company as under their
exclusive authority. This claim, however, was strenuously resisted by the
Patroon. Hence originated that memorable and almost bloody contest for
power between those obstinate, hardheaded officials, Governor Stuyvesant
and Commissioner Schlectenhorst.
The Dongan charter of 1686 however, quieted all further questions of
jurisdiction ; Albany became a city one mile wide on the river and thirteen
and one-half (130 miles long. The land outside these limits belonged to
the Colonic
The early population of Beverwyck was changeable. After a few years
spent in traffic with the Indians, some returned to Latvia, some retired to
New Amsterdam, whilst others passed beyond the limits of the Colonie and
purchased lands at Kinderhook, Claverac, Cattskill, Niskayuna, Halvemaan
and Schenectady.
* [ Woods runners. Couriers du bois in Canada. — M'M.] f O'Callaghan's History N. N.
Introduction.
SCHENECTADY.
The ancient township of Schenectady embraced a territory of 128 square
miles, a portion of the Mohawk valley sixteen miles long and eight miles
wide. The western half is an irregular plateau elevated 400 or 500 feet
above the Mohawk, a spur of the Helderberg, passing north into Saratoga
county, the eastern half is a sandy plain, whose general level is 300 or 400
feet lower. The river running through the middle of this tract in a south-
easterly direction, forms the most beautiful and striking natural object in
its landscape. At the westerly boundary where it enters the town, it flows
through a narrow valley, whose sides though covered with foliage, are too
steep for cultivation. From the hill Towereune, the valley widens gradually
to Poversen and Maalwyck where the hills sink down into the great sand
plain. Until the river reaches the city of Schenectady, it is a constant
succession of rapids, and its general course is south-east, here it makes a
great bend and flows with a deep, sluggish current north-eastward to the Aal
Plaats, the eastern boundary of the town. The tributaries of the Mohawk
within the town are small and unimportant streams ; those at the west end
flowing from the slates, are nearly or quite dry in summer, whilst those at
the opposite end, fed from the sand, are constant spring brooks. On the
north side of the river are the folio wing brooks : Chucktenunda* at Tower-
eune, and_ coming east in succession are Van Eps Kil, Droyberg, Verf, or
color ( paint ) creek, called by the natives Tequatsera, Jan Mebie's Kil
Creek of the lake in Scotia, Cromme Kil and Aal Plaats Kil. On the
south side are Zanclige Kil, the sloot, Rigel brugse Kil, Platte Kil, Poenties
Kil, Willem Tellers Killetje, Zand Kil, Coehorn Kil and Symon Groots
Kil. But of these streams, few are of sufficient size and constancy now to
serve as motive power.
With the exception of a little limestone in the extreme western limits of
the town, all the rocks found in place belong to Hudson shales and consist
of alternate layers of blue slate and sandstones, some of which are used
for building purposes.
In the west half this geological formation is most abundant, and the soil
there is a clayey loam, underlaid with clay or hard pan. The immediate
* This Mohawk word signifies Stone homes, overhanging rocks affording shelter.
Several streams and localities have this name.
8 History of the Schenectady Patent.
valley of the river where it breaks through the range of hills, is narrow and
composed chiefly of drift of at least two elevations. The highest called
the "stone flats," raised twenty to thirty feet above the water, consists of
coarse gravel and bowlders and is chiefly found on the north side of the
river. The opposite bank is a lower plain of sand and gravel.
The eastern half of the town has no hills worthy of the name ; its general
level is perhaps 100 feet above the Mohawk, and the prevailing soil is a
fine sand, underlaid with clay except in the extreme easterly limits where
the clay loam again prevails.
Besides this there is found in the bends and eddys of the river and upon
the low islands, an alluvial deposit which is constantly enriched by the
annual floods. This constitutes the widely known "Mohawk Flats," which
though cultivated by the white man for more than 200 years, have lost little
of their unsurpassed fertility.
In the early period of the settlement no other land was tilled, hence they
were called the land, arable land, or bowolandt, all else being denominated
woodland and little valued. In addition to their fertility, These flats pre-
sented another advantage to the first settler, they were mainly free from
wood and ready for the plough and seed. For ages they had been the
native's corn land, whilst the adjacent forests and river furnished him with
flesh and fish.
The great sand belt which passes across the town from south to north,
was once covered with a heavy growth of pines, whilst the high lands lying
north and west of it produced the usual varieties of hard woods. Nothing
could have been more charming to the eye of the first white men travel-
ing up the Mohawk to Tiononderoga (Fort Hunter ), than the flats skirt-
ing the river banks, clothed in bright green of the Indian corn and other
summer crops of the red man. In 1642, the kind hearted Arent Van Curler
visited the Indian castles on an errand of mercy, to rescue some captive
Frenchmen from the hands of the cruel Mohawks. On his return he
wrote to the Patroon (Kilian Van Rensselaer) in Amsterdam, that a half
day's journey from the Colonie, on the Mohawk river, there lies the
most beautiful land that the eye of man ever beheld.* Who that has
* Daer leyt q ualyck een hahen daegh Van den Colonie op de Maqvaas Kit, dot Schoonste
landt dat men met oogen bezien mach. — O'Callaghan's Hist., N. N., i., 335, 456.
Introduction. 9
stood upon Niskayuna berg or Schuylerberg and looked west and north
over the bouwlandt and the adjacent islands can wonder at the rapture of
the enthusiastic Dutchman, or can fail to discern in his admiration, the
budding of that idea which twenty years after blossomed into the settle-
ment of which he was the leader.
The site of the village of Schenectady was admirably chosen. No
other spot in the neighborhood of the bouwland offered such facilities for a
village. From the eastern end of the " Great Flat" there makes out
from the sandy bluff which surrounds it a low narrow spit, having upon the
east, north and west sides the Mohawk river and Sand Kil. The extreme
point only about 1,200 feet wide, was chosen for the site of the future city,
a warm dry spot, easily fortified against an enemy and sufficiently elevated
to be safe from the annual overflow of the Mohawk river. This little flat
contains but 175 acres and it was the site of an earlier Indian village * whose
numerous dead have been from time to time found buried along the Binne
Kil.
FIRST SETTLEMENT OF SCHENECTADY.
If we may believe tradition, Schenectady had already been occupied by
the white man many years when Van Curler first visited it in 1642, in fact
it has been claimed to be little if any junior to Albany.
That a few fur traders and bosloopers early roved among the Mohawks,
married and raised families of half breeds cannot be denied ; indeed there
are respectable families in the valley to this day, whose pedigree may be
traced back to these marriages. But that the white man made any perma-
nent settlement on the Mohawk west of Albany before 1662, there is no
good reason for believing, and in view of the opposition of Albany and the
Colonie, improbable.
In the summer of 1661 Arent Van Curler the leader of the first settlement,
made formal application to Governor Stuyvesant for permission to settle
upon the " Great Flat " lying west of Schenectady.
The following is a translation of his letter :
"Right Honorable Sir,
My Lord
When last at Manhatans I informed your honor that there were some
friends and well wishers, who were well inclined with your Honor's knowl-
* A tradition that it was a former seat or capital of the Mohawks.
2
10 History of tlie Schenectady Patent.
edge and approbation to take possession of and till the Groote Vlachte (Great
Flats) well known to your worship ; whereto six or eight families are
already inclined, and for which your Honor promised me a warrant author-
ising us to purchase said lands, but by reason of your Honor's daily occupa-
tions nothing came of it. So then your Honor promised to send it later but
I am persuaded the daily cares of your Honor's government have driven it
from your Honor's remembrance.
Truly the way is now open, the savages being inclined to abandon the
land for a moderate price, the more so as trade is so slack and meagre.
Hence it is the wish of our friends to dispatch the bearer of this, Philip Hen-
drickse Brouwer, to refresh your Honor's remembrance, for us much as it is
high time, (if your Honor please) that the people provide themselves with
hay and fodder for their beasts and like to lay out the road thither.
Please not, your Honor, distrust the people as is generally done here, by
the common folks, nor doubt that one loaf will last till another be gained.
So then it will be better to provide betimes, to seize good fortune, for
afterwards it may be too late. Doubtless as your Honor is likewise a lover
of agriculture, your Honor will yield to the just request of the people ; the
money for the purchase of the aforesaid land they themselves will furnish
temporarily and until it shall be otherwise ordered by your Honor.
Finally I pray your Honor to be pleased to favor the people's wood in-
tention so far as possible, and conclude by commending your Honor to
God's grace with the wish for a long and happy administration, and further
I remain ever
Sir
Your Honor's
most humble
Rensselaerswyck ) Servant
The 18th June, 1661. [ A. Van Curler.
P. S. If your Honor falls short three or four Muds of oats as feed for
your Honor's horses, please command me to supply your Honor with the
same from my small store.
Your Honor's servant
A. V. Curler. *
June 23, 1661.
"The letter of Arent Van Curler being presented and read on the 18th
June, containing in substance a request by him and a few other persons for
the large plain situated to the back of Fort Orange toward the interior, for
the purpose of cultivation, and consent to purchase the same from the
original proprietors and make a settlement there, etc. ; which being maturely
considered, the Director General and Council resolved to consent to it ; pro-
vided that the said lands on being purchased from the native proprietors be
Albany Records, xix. 179.
Introduction. 11
as usual transferred to the Director General and Council aforesaid as repre-
sentatives of the Lords Directory of the Privileged West India Company;
and that whatever the petitioners shall pay for the aforesaid lands to the
original propi'ietors, shall in due time be returned to them, or be discounted
to them against the tenths."*
Before the Governor's authority was received at Beverwyck a freshet
laid the country for miles around under water. This was followed a few
days after (June 26), by an inundation much greater than the first, which
forced the inhabitants to quit their dwellings and fly with their cattle for
safety to the woods on the adjoining hills. Incalculable damage was caused
by these irruptions. The wheat and other grain were all prostrated, and
had to be cut mostly for fodder, affording scarcely seed sufficient for the
next spring.
This visitation necessarily caused the postponement of the purchase of
the " Great Flat " until the ensuing month when the following deed was
obtained from the Indian owners."!
" Compareerde voor mij Johannes La Montagne ten dienste vande Groet
Wesendische Compagnie door de G1 en Racden Van Nieu Nederlant gead-
mitteert, Viers Direct1 en Commies op de fortss Orangie en Dorp Beverwy,
eenige Oversten vant Maquaes Lant genaempt Cantuquo, Sanareetse, Aiadane
Sodackdi'asse eigenaers van een seeckere stuck Landts genaempt Op duyts
de Groote Vlackten Liggende achter de fort Orangie tusschen de selve en
het Maquaes Landt de welcke Verklaeren gecedeert en getransporteert te
hebben gelyck sij seedeeren en transporteeren by deesen in reele en Actuelle
possessie en sijgondom ten behoeve Van Sr Arent Van Corlaer Ret gemelde
stuck Landts of groote Vlackten op Wildts genaemdt Schonowe (is) in syn
begrip en circonferentie met syn geboomte en killen voor een seecker getal
of Cargosoenen voor welck de transportanton bekennen sattisfactie van
gehadt te hebben renonceerende voor nu en altyt op alle eygendom en pre-
tensie die sij op het gemelde stuck Landts tot nutoe gehadt hebben, be-
loovende het te bevryden voor all pretensie die andere Wilden soude hebben
konnen. Actum in de fort88 Orangie den 27e July A, 1661, in presentie Van
Marten Mouris en Willem Montagne daertee versocht.
dit ist merck a a a 7 van Cantuquo
The Bear
dit ist merck van
Aiadane
Albany Records, xix. 180. f O'Callaghan'3 Hist., N. N., 11. 438.
12 History of the Schenectady Patent.
dit ist jv/>^ ^-/xx merck van
SoNAREETSIE
In Keunisse van mij "]
La Montague I
V. Dr en Commies f M. Mou(kis)
opt fortss Orangie J Willum de La Montagnb.*"
(Translation)
Appeared before me, Johannes La Montagne in the service of the Privi-
leged West India Company by the Director General and Council of New
Netherland admitted vice-director and clerk {commies) at Fort Orange and
village of Beverwyck, certain sachems of the Mohawk's land named Can-
tuquo, Sonareetse, Aiadane, Sodachdrasse, owners of a certain piece of land
named in Dutch the Groote Vlachte, and lying behind Fort Orange, between
the same and the Mohawk's lands, who declare that they have granted,
transferred, as by these presents they do grant and transfer in real and
actual possession and ownership to the behoof of Mr Arent Van Corlaer, the
said piece of land or Great Flat by the Indians named Schonowe, in its
compass of circumference, with its woods and kils for a certain number of
cargoes, for which the grantors acknowledge they have had satisfaction ;
renouncing henceforth and forever all ownership and pretensions, which
they to said pieces of land heretofore have had and promising to free it
from all pretensions which other Indians may have. Done in Fort Orange
the 27th July, anno 1661, in presence of Marten Mouris and Willem Mon-
tagne hereto invited.
This is the mark X of Cantuquo,
This is the mark X of Sonareetsie,
This is the mark X of Aidane.
M. Mou(ris)
Acknowledged before me, William de La Moxtagxe,
La Montagne V. D., and
Clerk at Fort Orange.
* Deeds, n 542.
f [" The ancient Mohawk village which stood at this place, was called Connocharu-
guharie or as Benson writes it Oronowaragouhre, in allusion to the vast piles of flood
wood which were left every spring on the flats. The term origoniwoutt, appears to have
been applied, at a later period, to the village at the same place ; perhaps the site was
a litle varied in its particular location, and perhaps both names were applied at the same
time to the place, being different modes of describing the position of the village. When
the"Dutch obtained a patent embracing the site in 1661, from Gov. Stuyvesant, the
Indian name of the Vlachte or flats was mentioned therein, and it does not appear from
Introduction. 13
On the sixth day of April, 1662, Arent Van Curler again addressed the
Director General and Council stating that in accordance with their resolu-
tion of the 23d June last, he and his associates had purchased and taken
possession of the Great Flat behind Fort Orange and were now " engaged
in constructing houses, mills and other buildings upon this plain," and that
inasmuch as it was necessary to sow and cultivate these lands this season,
which cannot be well done before they have been surveyed and allotted ;
therefore he solicits the Director General " to authorize the surveyor
Jacques Cortelyou, to measure and divide the same," and for this purpose
tnat he return with the petitioner.
On this petition the following apostil was given.
"Before the requested settlement can be formed and surveyed, the persons
who are inclined to establish themselves there ought to number at least
twenty families and communicate their names at the office of the secretary
of the Director General and Council and furthermore to engage and promise
not to trade with the savages." *
Another year passed and nothing was done towards the allotment of the
lands among Van Curler's company. The inhabitants of Beverwyck and
Colonie Rensselaerswyck " were most anxious to retain the fur monopoly
and bad sufficient influence with the Director and Council to induce them to
order that the settlers of Schenectady should confine themselves exclusively
to agriculture and abstain from all trade with the Indians. f "
On the 9th May, 1663, Governor Stuyvesant wrote to Commies La Mon-
tagne and the court of Beverwyck, that by request he had sent up the sworn
surveyor Jacques Cortelyou to lay out and survey the Great Flat, b«t as he
" was indirectly informed that some of the new settlers there had dared
against his express orders dated April 6, 1662, to sell strong liquors to the
any author, that Schenectady — the original Mohawk name for Albany — was applied
to it till after the first surrender of the colony to England, four years after the date of the
patent." — Schoolcraft, Notes on the Iroquois.
Van Curler in 1643, designated it as " dat Schoonste landt " that the eyes of man ever
beheld.
" This Schoonechtendeel is 24 miles west from Albany." — Banker & Sluyter's Journal,
1680.
Query. — Did D & S., derive their name from Schoon = beautiful, achten = esteemed,
valued, deel = portion of land (or del = a valley)"! or was it only a coincidence ? J/'i/".]
* Albany Records, xxi. 137. f O'Callaghan's History, N. N., u. 441.
14 History of the Schenectady Patent.
savages, he commanded the aforesaid Cortelyou to measure no lands for any
individual there except he has previously signed the enclosed indenture in
the presence of the commies and commissaries." *
"Indenture,
Wee landholders on the Plain called promise hereby that we will
not on the aforesaid Plain nor in its vicinity undertake to trade in any
manner under any pretext whatsoever, with the savages either directly or
indirectly under the penalty, if we or any of us violate this our solemn
promise, without any opposition for the first offence of fifty beavers, for
the second offence, one hundred, and for the third, forfeiture of our solicited
and acquired lands on the aforesaid Plain.
In witness whereof this was signed by us in Fort 1663."f
Van Curler laid the above communication of the governor and Council,
before the "settlers of Schanechstede" on the 18th May, and proposed that
they should subscribe to the annexed agreement as commended to him
by Commies La Montague and the magistrates of Beverwyck.
To this the settlers unanimously answered, declaring their willingness
"to obey the Noble West India Company and the supreme magistrates in
New Netherland, with other subjects to pay all their taxes, and neither to
do nor attempt anything contrary to published orders and placards, fully
trusting that their Honors will not treat us less kindly nor impose duties
upon us other, than upon the other subjects of this Province and being
fully assured that your Honors will Seriously consider, that in consequence
of your resolution of date 23d June 1661 these lands were purchased out of
our own pockets for the Noble Company, settled at great expence, build-
ings erected and the land stocked with cattle and horses ; and that if these
6ettlers be treated otherwise and worse than other subjects, then all their
labor would be in vain and they actually ruined, which God avert."
" We petition therefore that it may please your Honors to permit us the
continued cultivation of these lands, as by letters patent you granted
[ Marten's island ] to Jan Barentse Wemp and Jacques Cornelise [ Van
Slyck ] without any restrictions. J
"Finally as the surveyor is in this vicinity and has no orders to survey
the land save the aforesaid agreement is subscribed, we renew our request
to prevent future differences and disputes that he may be authorised to
survey and allot the land among us, otherwise we shall be compelled to
help ourselves as best we can."
A. Van Curler,
Philip Hendrickse [Brouwer],
Sander Leendertse Glen,
Albany Records, xx. 350. f Albany Records, xx. 351. % Patent of date Nov. 12, 1662.
Introduction. 15
The mark X of Simon Volckertse [VeederJ,
PlETER [AdRIAENSE Van WoGELTJM],
alias Sogemacklic,
The mark X of Tuenis Coenelisse [Swart],
The mark X of Marten Coenelisse [Van Isselsteyn], -
Willem Teller,
Geerit Bancker,
Bastiaen De Winter, as attorney in the
name of Catalyn [De Vos], widow of Arent Andriesse [Bratt],
Pieter Jacobse Bosboom [De Steenbakker],
PlETER DANIELSE Van OlINDA,
The mark X of Jan Barentse Wemp [Wemple],
The mark X of Jacques Cornelisse [Van Sltck]." *
This petition was taken into consideration by the Director General and
Council on the 18th June, 1663. In their answer the petitioners are again
referred to their past action, especially to that of April 6, 1662, in regard to
the necessity of settlers at Schenectady confining themselves to agriculture,
"because of the dangers which unavoidably must follow any trade with
the Barbarians at such a distant place," reminding them that " it is not and
never can be our intention to raise and foster one place and to expose
another, yea, even the whole country to imminent danger." f
Renewed complaints both verbally and in writing, having been made to
the Director General and Council by the inhabitants of the village of Bever-
wyck, with regard to the injuries and losses which might be apprehended
not only to Beverwyck and Colonie Rensselaerswyck, but also to Schenectady
itself, if trade with the Indians be permitted at the latter settlement, par-
ticularly at this dangerous period, — the Director and Council, on the same
day, took into serious consideration these complaints, and the danger of
carrying merchandize six or seven [Dutch] miles into the country, on horses
and wagons, for purposes of trade with the savages, by whom it ought to be
expected that such goods would be attacked and plundered upon the road,
as indeed had already been the case, and " even attempts made to violate the
women, who went thither, as well as other insolences committed by the
Barbarians not only in the road but in the settlement itself."
" To prevent all which and many other mishaps, the Director General and
Council order that no goods for the savages on any pretext whatsoever shall
be carried thither, much less directly or indirectly bartered away, under
* Albany Records, xx. 376. f Albany Records, xxi. 139.
16 History of the Schenectady Patent.
penalty of the forfeiture of these goods and merchandize, to be applied one-
half for the informer and the other for the officer of Fort Orange, or of
Colonie Rensselaerswyck, by whom the prosecution shall be instituted — ; to
this end commanding their officers and court of Fort Orange and village of
Beverwyck not only to have this order vigorously executed, but further-
more to visit the new settlement of Schenectady and there make an inven-
tory of all the goods and merchandize already carried thither in violation
of the act of concession of the Director General nnd Council of date the 6th
of April, 1662, and see them removed thence within thrice twenty-four
hours on penalty as before mentioned."
"Done in Fort amsterdam in New Netherland, 18th June, 1663.*
The year passed away without any adjustment of these difficulties ;
neither partition nor patents for the land could be had ; the people felt
aggrieved that the privileges of trade should be accorded to Beverwyck
and not to Schenectady, but they preferred to risk their cause to the mollify-
ing power of time.
On the 17th of April, 1664, another petition was presented to the Director
General and Council by Sander Leendertse Glen, Willem Teller, and Harmen
Vedder for themselves and the other inhabitants of the settlement named
Schaneghstede, soliciting in substance that to prevent further dispute the
surveyor might be sent up to lay out and parcel the land and house lots for
every person interested.!
The apostil to this petition was, that " the Director General and Council
deem it proper to prevent disputes that the land and lots mentioned in this
petition should be laid out, and therefore that the surveyor shall be sent up
by the first opportunity."
"20 May, 1664.
" Resumed the apostil] upon the petition of those interested in the lands
of Schanechstede made the 17th April; — the surveyor Jacques Cortelyou is
commanded to proceed from here on the first Sailing Vessel to Fort Orange
to lay out the aforesaid lands in the best manner possible and for the best
accommodation of those interested therein, viz.: to each man his Share.
In case any dispute arise between neighbors, the aforesaid Cortelyou
together with the commissary La Montagne to reconcile the parties if
possible and if they cannot succeed, to send their report to the Director
General and Council in New Netherland."
"Done in Fort Amsterdam." J
* Albany Records, xxi. 135. \ Albany Records, xxii. 169. % Albany Records, xxii.
169.
Introduction. 17
Thus after a delay of two years, Governor Stuyvesant came to an under-
standing with the settlers, and the several lots and farms were surveyed
and conveyed to them by patents.
INDIAN DEED AND FIRST PATENT FOR THE TOWNSHIP.
The description given in Van Curler's Indian deed of 1661 was quite
indefinite and restricted the inhabitants to a comparatively small area.
At this time and even for many years later, nothing was called land
except the islands and alluvial flats bordering upon the river. Within ten
years after the settlement commenced, all the tillable land was taken up
and it became necessary to look for more farther west. Hence originated
another negotiation with the Mohawks and the following deeds extinguishing
the Indian title to the lands along the river to the present westerly limits of
the county.
'"On this 28th May, 1670, Kennighke and Auroensie, both sakemakers of
the Maquase, acknowledge to have thankfully received the remainder of
the sewant, tubs [of beer] and gunpowder, according to the tenor of the
accompanying contract, and free the aforenamed buyers henceforth from
all claims, and promise never more from this date to make any new action.
In witness of the truth of which we have subscribed this with our own
hands by our accustomed marks at Schanechted on the date as above in
presence of Robbert Sanders and Jacques Cornelise [Van Slyck] both called
as interpreters hereto.
This mark sy/tS****1^ waa set by Kennighke
This mark was set by "^_ ^yC^_ ^Dorowingqese
This mark was set by _f/ Auroensie.
Robert Sanders.
These letters were rf Q |< £ S set by
Jacques Cornelise.
In my presence, J. G. V. Marcken
Schout.* "
* See original in Dutch in my possession.
3
18 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" On this 3d day of July A0 1672, appeared before mee John Garretsen
Van Marken, admitted publ: nota: by tbe worshipful court of Albany and
the Inhabitants of Schanhectade; together with a sartain Indian called
Dohorywachqua and Crage, being the representative of ye foure Mohockx
Castells, who declared and promised to hold firm and stable, and will cause
to be held in full force and virtue all and whatsoever hee shall act or doe
in ye sale of ye Lands Lying Neare The Towne of Schanhechtade Within
Three Dutch Myles * in compasse on boath sides of ye River Westwards,
which endes at Hinguariones [Towareoune] Where the Last Battell Wass
between The Mohoakx and the North Indians; Provided That Jaackes
Cornelisse [Van Slyck] Shall have the first flatts or playne, — Except ye In-
habitants of Schanhechtade Will Restore unto said Jaaques Cornelisse Two
Rundlets of Brandy and one hundred hand of Wampum, which being paid
unto s'1 Jaaques The Bd first Playne to Remaine to the Towne."
"Whereupon Sander Leenders Gelen being a former magistrate and John
Van Eps, and Sweer Teunisse [Van Velsen] being ye present magistrates
of ye sd Towne did acknowledge and declare That They Weare Agreed
with yc sd Indian uppon ye purchase of ye Land for ye Summe or
quantity of six hundred hands of good Wheyte Wampum,f Six koates
of Duffels, thirty barres of Lead and nine bagges of Powder, Whioh
They doe promis unto ye sd Indians in two Terms, viz : The first as
soon as The Sachems, or any person by Them authorized shall Comme out
of ye Country and Produce full Power from Theyre Inhabitants according
to Theyre usuall Manner, and have Thereupon delivered unto ye sd Indian
as a present for The old man in the Mohawk Country a Rundlet of brandy,
— To the end all Misunderstanding and Complaints May be Washt of and
Removed."
"To The trew performance of The premises The sd parties have hereunto
Set theire handes, and Wass Interpreted by Cornells Viele in The Absence
of Jaques Cornelisse,— In Schanhechtade, the date above written." (Signed)
" With the Markes of f olloweth
The Marke jT^ of Dohoriwachqua.
The Marke 2^ o£ Crage.
Sander Leenders Gelen.
John Van Eps,
Sweer Teunisse.
"Attested by me,
J. G. V. Marken, Notar : publ : "
* [ A Dutch myl was 3.6394 (commonly called 4) English miles. 1
\ A hand of wampum was valued at 4 guilders, Albany Annals, n, 8.
Introduction. 19
" (Coppy) This day the 13th of July is payd unto the Indians above men-
tioned in parte of ye purchaze foure hundred hands of Wampum, 30 barres
of Lead 3 bagges of pouder. More for a present, 3 ankers good beere, one
koatt of duff ells, together with the above mentioned Rundler of Brandy."
" (Coppy Transl:) A°° 1672 The 13' !l day of July, Did the underwritten
Indians appeare before us and do declare that They did confirm all and
whatsoever the Above written Indians by Name Tohoriowaghque and Crage
in the Annexed Instrument have acted, and doo by These presents prommise,
with the Last payment to give all further Assurances of the s'1 Land, and
That They and Theyre heires Shall desist from all further Claymes and pre-
tences whatsoever.
" In Witness whereof They have hereunto set Theyre handes, In Schan-
hechtade at the house of Gerritt Bancker and in the presence of Severall
particular Indians The Day and Yeare Above written.
" Signed with ye following markes.
The Marke of "^^k Canachqtto.
The Marke of JLs 0f Ocquarry.
The Marke JLy~~ °f Tohoeiowachque.
Attested by mee,
(Signed) J. G. V. Marcke, Nota. pub.
Compared and found to agree with the prinsip: by mee.
Lttdovicus Cobes, secret."*
By virtue of the foregoing conveyance from the Indian proprietors, appli-
cation was then made to the Governor and Council for a patent and with
what result will be seen by the following proceeding in Council.
" At a Councell Oct. 15, 1675.
Present — The Governor, The Secretary, Capt. Dyre, Mr. Philips.
Sander Leeuderts Glen and Ludovicus Cobes, Schout of Schanechtade, pro-
duce (with a request from their Village) severall papers relating to an Indyan
purchase &c, made Anno, 1672, somewhat before the surrender of this
place to ye Dutch, and desire a Patent for ye lands three miles of each side
of the River.
They desire twelve miles farther, which they pretend to have purchased
and make severall other Proposalls.
* Land Papers, i. 47.
20 History of the Schenectady Patent.
In answer whereunto, It is resolved as followeth viz1.
To ye first Proposall, That they have a Patent for ye land about, and
above Schanechtade, but there appearing no leave from ye Governor to buy
ye same, nor a full information of the Premises, It is to be suspended for
ye present, but no one else shall have a graunt for that land before them,
In meantime it may Continue in Common as formerly.
The Bouweryes or farmes of Schanechtade are to pay for each of them
conteyning 20 morgan and so proporconably four Bushels of Winter Wheat
pr annum as a quitt Rent.
To ye second concerning their Priviledge of Trade or handling wth ye In-
dyans.
The Governor's Ordrs made above to bee observed.
To ye 31, That they may be excused ye paym1 of their Burger's Packt or
Excise att Albany and may bee ad."
" It is ordered that ye Magistrates of Schanechtade shall at this time
have liberty to impose and levy upon ye Inhabitants there the 30011' penny
for to pay present debts and defray publique Charges.
To ye last request that may have a peculiar seal for their own particular
affaires relating to their town,
It is likewise graunted, and that a seal shall be made and sent them by the
first convenience."*
Thus the reasonable petition of the inhabitants was denied for informality
and indefiniteness; first because, "leave from ye Governor to buy ye same,"
had not first been obtained and secondly, because " full information of the
Premises" was riot given. And to add to the difficulties of the case, the
Mohawks were inclined to repudiate the sale of their lands or at least de-
mand a double compensation, as shown in the following minute of a council
held by the Mohawks, before the Governor.
" The Sachem spake for himself, That one Arent Van Corlaer bought all
Schannectade and paid for it, but now there be some who have bought only
Grasse, and pretend to the land allso; they say allso that they have bought
the first flatt, but that is not so, for it belongs to Acques Cornelisse [Van
Slyck], who is to have it, and none else, for he is of their [Mohawk] people
and it is his inheritance; — that there are writings made of a sale of land, but
it was never sold, but only the grasse, tho' it may be some drunken fellows
may have made some writing without their knowledge, — That they have
only bought the Grasse and now are going to live upon it, but they ought
to pay for the land as well as the Grasse, and that they had given some to
* Council Minutes, in. 2nd part, p. 59.
Introduction. 21
that woman Hillah and another Leah,* who have the property of it ; — the
others have only the Grasse ; — That now he has declared this matter and
desires notice may be taken of it ; — and says that shame shall never come
upon him, or to be found in a lye."f
Answer.
" That it is the custom of the Government and amongst Christians when
they sell the Grass to sell the land allso; and if they be not paid for the
land they shall be, and that the people of Schaunectade say that they sent
Acques to purchase the land in the name of their Town, and that Acques
bought in his own name; and they sent allso one Kernel to purchase it for
the Towne, the Indyans told him that Acques had bought and paid some
part of the payment, and they desired them to pay Acques the money back
and the Towne should have it, which the Towne did and Acques was
satisfied; it is the custom of this place to do justice among ourselves and if
Acques have a better title than they for it, he shall have it."J
Whatever may have been the arguments used on this occasion, whether
in the shape of " ankers of good beere," or a " rundler of brandy," — jjotent
reasons ever with the Indian, — opposition ceased from this time and the
Governor and Council were brought to grant the inhabitants the following
much needed Patent for the ancient township, afterwards city of
Schenectady.
"Thomas Dongan, Leiutenant and Governour and Vice-Admirall under
his Royall Highnesse, James, Duke of Yorke, &c, of New Yorke and its
Dependeucyes in Amerca &c.
To all to whom these presents shall come, Sendeth Greeting, Whereas
Tohorywachqua and Crage, Representatives of the four Mohake Castles,
have for themselves, and Canachquo, Ocquary, and Tohoriowachque, true
and Lawfull Owners of the Land within meneoned, have by their certaine
Writeing, or Deed of Sale, dated the third day of July Anno Dni 1672,
Given and Granted unto Sander Lendrs Glenn, John Van Epps, Sweere
Teunesse, as being impowered by the Inhabitants of the Towne or Village
of Schenectady and Places adjacent, a Certaine Tract or Parcell of Lands,
beginning at the Maques River, by the Towne of Schenectade, and from
* Hillelie a half breed, sister of Acques Cornelise Van Slyck, married Peter
Danielse Van Olinda the First Settler ; the land given her by the Mohawks was the
*' Willow Flat " below Port Jackson and the Great Island at Niskayuna. Leah, probably
her sister, married first Claes Willemse Van Coppernol and secondly Jonathan Stevens.
She owned a portion of the " Willow Flat " with her sister Hilletie.
f Council Minutes v. 11. % Council Minutes, v. 12.
22 History of the Schenectady Patent.
thence Runnes Westerly on both sides up the River to a Certaine Place
called by the Indians Canaquarioeny, being Reputed three Dutch Miles or
twelve English Miles; and from the said Towne of Schenectade downe the
River one Dutch or four English miles to a kill or creeke called the Ael
Place, and from the said Maques River into the woods South Towards
Albany to the Sandkill one Dutch Mile and as much on the other side of the
River North, being one Dutch mile more, there being Excepted in the said
Bounds all Corne and Sawmills, that now are or hereafter shall be erected
Within the Bounds of the said Towne, that they be lyable to pay a pellicular
Quitt Rent for their Priviledges, besides what is herein sett forth, as shall
hereafter be agreed for by the Inhabitants of the said Places, or owners of
such Mills, with such Governour, or Governours as shall be Appointed by
his Royall Highnesse; and likewise that noe Timber or Wood be Cutt but
within the Bounds aforesaid, the said Excepeon being agreed upon by
Myselfe as by a Certaine Writeing bearing date the 7th day of August last
Past, doth more perticulerly Appeare:
Now know Yee that by virtue of the Comicon and Authority to me
Given, by his Royall Highnesse James Duke of Yorke and Albany, Lord
Propi'ietor of this Province, I have hereby Given, Granted, Ratifyed and
Coufirmed and by these Presents doe Give, Grant, Ratifye and confirme,
unto William Teller, Ryert Schermerhorn, Sweer Teunessen, Jan Van
Epps and Myndert Wemp on the Behalfe of the Inhabitants of the Towne
of Schenectade and Places Adjacent aforesaid, Dependencyes thereon, there
Associates, Heires, Successors and Assigns, all and Singular the before
recited Tract and Tracts, Parcell and Parcells of Laud, Meadow, Ground
and Premises with their and every of their Appurtenancyes, together with
all and Singular the Houses, Buildings, Messuages, Tenements, Heridita-
ments, Dams, Rivers, Runnes, Streames, Ponds, Woods, Quarryes, Fishing,
Hawking and Fowling, with all Priviledges, Libertyes, and Improvements
whatsoever, to the said Lands and Premisses belonging, or in any wise apper-
taining, or accepted, reputed, taken or known as Part, Parcell, or Member
thereof, with their ;md every of their Appurtenances ; Provided Alwayes
that this shall not anywayes make null, or void a former Grant or Pattent,
bearing date the 30th of October last past made to Jacques Cornelisse of a
Piece of Land lyeing within the Bounds heretofore meneoned of the Towne
of Schenectade, (that is to say ) the Land Lyeing and being betweene two
Creekes, the one called the Stone Creeke to the Eastward, and the other
the Platte Creeke to the westward thereof, the Low Land lyeing along the
River side on the South of the Maques River, and then to the north of the
Land belonging to the Inhabitants of Schenectade, the same Containing
Forty Morgan or Eighty acres of Land, as alsoe Forty Morgan, or Eighty
Acres of Woodland or upland more, on the West side of the Platte Creeke,
adjoining to the arrable Land along the River side, which was wholly
exempt by the Indian Proprietors, in the sale of this Land, as belonging to
Introduction. 23
Jacques Cornelise : To have and to hold the aforesaid Tract and
Tracts, Parcell and Parcells, of Land and Premisses with their and every of
their Appurtenances, unto the said William Teller, Ryert Schermerhorne,
Sweer Teunessen, Jan Van Epps and Myndart Wemp on the behalfe of the
Inhabitants of the Towne of Schenectade and their Associates, their Heires,
Successors and Assignes, unto the propper use and behoofe of the said
William Teller, Ryert Schermerhorne, Sweer Teunessen, Jan Van Eps and
Myndart Wemp, their Heires, Successors, and Assignes forever, to be
holden of his Royall Highnesse, his Heires and Assignes in ffree and CoEon
Soccage, According to the tenure of East Greenwich, in the County of
Kent, in his Malies Kingdome of England, Yielding and Paying therefor,
Yeai'ly and every Yeare, as a Quitt rent, for his Royall Highnesse use, unto
such officer or Officers as shall be appointed to receive the same att
Albany forty Bushels of Good Winter Wheat, on or before the twenty-fifth
day of March.
Given under my Hand and Sealed with the Seale of the Province, at ffort
James in New York, the first day of November Anno Dni 1684, and in the
thirty-sixth Yeare of his malies Raigne.
Tho. Dongan."
The importance of this grant will appear from the fact that it is the
source of all legal titles to lands embraced within 128 square miles of
territory given subsequently to the first day of November, 1684.
The five trustees therein named, or their survivors and successors lawfully
appointed, thereafter became the granters of all the public or common lands
of the town. Previous to this date all lawful conveyances were in the first
instance made by the Governor and Council.
Of the five original trustees, Myndert Wemp, Jan Van Eps, and Sweer
Teunise Van Velsen were killed Feb. 9, 169f leaving only Reyer Schermer-
horn and Willem Teller survivors. The latter, then an aged man residing
in Albany, took but little active interest in the management of the Patent.
In 1692 he removed to New York, where he died in 1700, from which time
until the confirmatory Patent of 1714, Reyer Schermerhorn was sole trustee.
By the destruction of the village in 1690 and subsequent wars with the
French and their Indian allies, the inhabitants of Schenectady had lost all
but their lands ; in consequence of which Schermerhorn petitioned the
Governor in 1698 for an abatement of the quit rent due,— 40 bushels of wheat
yearly, — according to the Patent of 1684, but his request was not granted.*
Land Papers, n, 271.
24 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Making due allowance for water, there were about 80,000 acres of land in
the Patent of Schenectady, — all under the charge and management of one
trustee, save the few farms which had been heretofore granted. This one
man power was distasteful to the people and it was urged against Scher-
merhorn that he disposed of the lands belonging to the village, without
rendering any account of the same ; they therefore petitioned for an en-
largement of their privileges by a new charter which should give them
power of choosing five trustees to hold office three years, who should account
to their successors for the management of their trust. To this end the
following petition of date Oct. 10, 1702, was sent to the Governor and Council.
"To His Excellency Edward Lord Viscount Cornbury, her Majies Capt.
General and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New York and all the
tracts and Territories of land depending thereon in America, and Vice
Admirall of the same, &c, and to the Honorable Councell,
The Humble address of the Inhabitants of the Village of Schenectady in
the County of Albany
Humbly
Sheweth
How that sometime in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred,
eighty-four the late Govern1 Thomas Dongan, being at Schenectady afore-
said, ordered ye payment of all ye quit rents then due to be made. The in-
habitants Addressed themselves to ye said late Govern' to agree for the
said quit Rents and to obtain a Generall Patent for the Lands Belonging to
the said Village ; — the said late governour bidd them appoint some Persons
to agree to ye Same, Whereupon some few Persons Desyned William Teller,
Ryer Schermerboorn, Sweer Teunisse, Jan Van Eps and Myndert Wemp,
who agreed for said quitt Rent, and in Pursuants thereof the said Ryer
Schermerhoorn without any qualification hath obtained a generall Patent
dated ye first of November, 1684, to the aforementioned few Pei'sones,
their heirs and assigns forever. The said William Teller being at Schin-
nectady sometime in June, 1700, when many Inhabitants complained of ye
GrievaMce they suffered by ye administration of said Ryer Schermerhorn
and John Wemp, whereby virtue of said Patent [they] dispose and sell the
lands belonging to said Village and buy other as they then will, without
Rendering any account of the same ; Whereupon ye said William Teller
Declared that he never knew that the Intent of the Patent was upon * * *
therein mentioned and their heirs and their * * * * to hear * * *
in * * * and * * * said Patent should [be] altered to the end that
ye said Inhabitants may yearly have a * * * of five (?) trustees for ye
said village, and since ye said Sweer Teunisen is deceased without leaving
an heir and John Van Eps, Myndert Wemp and William Teller also
deceased and John Barentse [Baptist] Van Eps Sonn and heir of said John
Introduction. 25
Van Eps refews to Administer ye said Patent, the heirs of said Teller living
at New York so that the whole administration of said Patent is so managed
by the said Ryer Schermerhorn and John Wemp his sonn-in law in manner
as aforesaid.
Wee the Inhabitants aforesaid doo therefore most humbly pray your
Lordship and honble Council to take our Case into your serious consideration
and that yee Power of said Ryer Schermerhorn and the heirs of said Three
deceased may be annuld and made Void and to present a new patent Con-
firming the Land [and] other Priviledges as in the Present Patent is con-
tained for ye Behoofe of the Inhabitants of said Village, — Together with an
addition that yearly and every year five Persons by the Major votes of the
said Inhabitants be chosen Trustees over ye said Village and be accountable
of there Proceedings at the Determination of Three years, humbly Sub-
mitting to your Lordship to appoint such Persons for Trustees as aforesaid
for ye first year and your humble Petitioners as in duty bounde shall ever
pray, etc.
Albany the 10;l1 of October, 1702.
(Signed)
Tjerck Fransen [vande Bogart]. barent (?) * *
bent Robberse [Benj. Roberts]. Johannes Glen (?)
Cornelis Van Sleyck. Jan Meebie.
Jan luyse [Wyngaard]. Seyas Swart.
Isles Van de Vorst. Arent Vedder.
Symen Groot. Samuel braedt.
Johannes Mynderse. Johannis Teller.
Marte Van Slyck. Gysbert Gerritse [Van Brakel].
Geysebert Marselis. tfmerck HB van Hendr: brouwer.
Barent Vrooman. [Jacobus] Van Dyck (?)
Van benthuis. John Sanderse Glen.
Albert Vedder. Adam Vrooman.
Jan Vrooman. * * * /
barent Wemp. Jacobus peeck.
harmeu Van Slyck. Isaac (?) Danielse (?)
phillip philipse. Isack Switts.
daniet Van O Linda. Daniel Janse [Van Antwerp].
Claes Van * * * Johannes Jacobsen Glen.
* * * *
Pieter Van Olinda.*"
As it had been charged that the first Patent granted the lands to the
patentees therein named and to their heirs, successors and assigns, the
second Patent given on the 17th Feb., 170§, in response to the foregoing
* The skin of parchment on which this petition was written is badly worn and de-
faced. It is deposited in the New York State Library at Albany.
4
26 History of the Schenectady Patent.
petition, after reciting the Dongan Patent, conveyed the lands therein
mentioned to Col. Pieter Schuyler, John Sanderse Glenn, Adam Vrooman
and John Wemp, jointly or severally to be trustees for managing the trust
and estate aforesaid, together with the said Ryer Schermerhorn or by them-
selves. Schermerhorn paid no regard to the new charter, nor to his fellow
trustees but still continued to act as sole " trustee for the town in receiving
the rents, issues and profits thereof, and in prosecuting suits of law in his
own name only, without giving any account thereof."
All this too in spite of suspension from his office by the Governor. The
secret of this stubborn persistance in the duties of his trusteeship was
doubtless the fact that the first Patent of 1684, was still binding, notwith-
standing the granting of a second, and also to the further fact3 that in
Schermerhorn as the sole survivor of the trustees therein mentioned was
vested all the authority and power originally granted to said five trustees.
The fee of the land was in him, his " heirs, successors and assigns," and
could only be alienated by death or release in due form. In consequence
thereof, Col. Peter Schuyler and Johannes Glen, two of the new trustees
petitioned the Governor for an amended charter and were followed by the
citizens asking for a yearly election of trustees and a more strict account-
ability to the people; whereupon the Governor granted their request in the
charter of April 16, 1705, from which after reciting both the former
charters of 1684 and 1*703*, Schermerhorn's name as trustee is omitted.
The following petitions set forth the grievances which agitated the
people and led to the granting of the third charter above mentioned, and
to the suspension of Schermerhorn from his office.
" To his Excellency, Edward Viscount Cornbury, Captaine Generall and
Governour in Cheife of the Province of New York and New Jersey and all
the tracts of land thereon Depending in America, and Vice-Admirall of the
same.
"The Humble Memoriall of the Inhabitants of theTowneof Schenectady.
May it Please your Lordship
That upon ye complaint of us the said Inhabitants made to your Ex-
cellency in Councill the twenty-first day of Aprill last [1704], of diverse
abuses and unjust proceedings committed in the said towne by Ryer
Schermerhorne, your Excellency was pleased to order the said Schermerhorne
and one John Wemp and Thomas Williams to attend your Excellency in
Councell, who accordingly appeared the twenty-fifth day of May then next
* See charter of April 16, 1705.
Introduction . 2 7
following [1704], upon which day after a full hearing of all matters against
the said Mr. Schermerhorne, your Lordship in Councell did think fitt to
suspend the said Mr. Schermerhorne from acting further as Trustee of the
said Towne and that Likewise an order should Issue to her Majesties late
Attorney Generall to Draw a new Patent for the said Towne and therein
to appoint Coll. Schuyler, Johannes Sanderse Glenn, Adam Vrooman,
Daniel Janze [Van Antwerpen] and John Baptist Van Eps, Trustees for
the said Towne for one year with power to the Inhabitants Yearly to
Choose five Trustees who should be accountable to the Sucseeding Trustees
of their doings in That Trust.
Notwithstanding tlie said Schermerhorne in Contempt of your Lordship's
suspension as aforesaid and not regarding any of the Orders so made by
your Excellency in Councell as aforesaid touching the same, doth still con-
tinue to act as Trustee for the said Towne in Receiving the rents, Issues
and Profits thereof and in Prosecuting suites of Law in his own name only,
without giving any account thereof to the Trustees lately so appointed by
your Excellency; And Particulai'ly the said Mr, Glenn and Mr. Vrooman
having for the necessary Defence of the said Towne employed persons, who
have been at expence in fortifying the same, Yett by the said Mr. Schermer-
horne receiving the rents and Prnfitts of the said Towne (which ought to be
applyed toward the defraying that necessary charge), the said Mr. Glenn
and Mr. Vrooman are rendered uncapable to pay the same or to pay her
Majesties Quit rents [1704].
All which is humbly Submitted to your Lordships great Wisdome.*
P. Schuyler,
Johannes Glen."
" The humble memorial of the Inhabitants of Schenectaday.
May it please your Lordship.
The said Inhabitants of Schonectady by Virtue of Purchase from the
Natives with the consent of the Goverment being seized of divers parcells
of Land about the year 1684, had the same confirmed to them under a
certaine quit rent by ye then Govr.
This Confirmation was made in the name of Willem Teller, Ryer
Schermerhorn, Sweer Teunise, Jan Van Eps and Myndert Wemp in trust
for the said Inhabitants according to their respective Interests.
The rest of yu Trustees being dead the onely Survivor, Ryer Schermer-
horn has taken upon him to dispose of severall parcells of the same Lands
and the Rents, Issues and profits of the same as if the same were his owne
property and not a Trust as indeed it was, refuseing to be accountable to the
Parties Interested.
To remedy this the Inhabitants aforesaid having made their applycacon
to your LordP By Letters Patents under the Great Seal [of date 17 Feb.
Colonial Mss. , i, 52.
28 History of the Schenectady Patent.
170§], appointed Peter Schuyler, Johannis Sanderse Glenn, Adam Vrooman,
John Wemp and Ryer Schermerhorn as Trustees on the behalf of the said
Inhabitants with severall powers and Authoritys, but this hath hitherto
proved ineffectual.
It is their humble Request and they offer it as a means for their relief
that your LordP will please to Nominate and appoint five proper persons as
Trustees for the said Inhabitants for the management of their Comon
affairs with Liberty of an Annual Choice by the major vote of the said In-
habitants of five persons as Trustees in succession, who respectively may be
accountable to the successive Trustees for such monies, Issues and profits
as may in Generall belong to the said Inhabitants, Which is humbly sub-
mitted to your LorcF'8 Great Wisdome, By your Lordps' most humble and
most obedient Servants.
J. Abeel,
On behalf of the said ) Evert Bancker.*"
Inhabitants. J
Accompanying the above petition was a list of lands sold and leases
taken by Ryer Schermerhorn, for which he is said to have given no account
to the Inhabitants.
" A list of ye Lands and Income of the towneship of Schonhectady, viz:
Jacobus Peek, agreedt for his land.
Esias Swart, his land.
Jan Brouwer, his lands.
Phillip Groot, his land of ye Sixt plains [sixth flat], Phillip Groot has also
y fyft plains [fifth flat] in hiere.
Cornelis Slingerland, hows lott boght.
Johannes Myndertse, hows loot boght.
Claese Franse [van de Bogart], oplandt boght..
Symon Groot, oplandt bought.
Jonathan Stevens, oplandt bought and some cattle,
hendrik brower, opland bought.
Jellis Yonda, oplandt bought.
Jacobus peek, landt upon Earequiet of Erfpaght [quit rent].
Jan Landertse, Earequiet [quit-rent].
Lewies Viele, his Landt fore ye fourth shalf of 4th Garf [the fourth sheaf].
Lewis Viele the Groet of his former Landt and some cattell and hoggs.
Arent Vedder, Earequiet [quit-rent].
* Read in Council 21st April, 1704 : Warrant to the Attorney General, 23d May, 1704.
Land Papers in. 186.
Introduction. 29
Claes franse [van de Bogart], Earequiet.
Carel Hanse [Toll], Earequiet.
Ryer Schermerhorn, Earequiet.
Tarn Smith, Earequiet.
Martje Mastkraft, Earequiet.
These lands are given out. If any more wee cannott tell, nor what day
Give.
These folliug man [men] had last Jeare transports [deeds] for Great
Rewards [of great value ?] pretending for the town Juse.
Barent Wemp, Gysbert Gerritse [Van Brakel], Isack Swits, Jan Luycasse,
Jan Vrooman, Jan batist [Van Eps], and others.
What ye above 'mentioned persons pays Jearely wee cannot tell by
reason wee nifer had none of y" peapers, nor conditions."*
Opinion of Sampson Shelton Broughton, Esqr., in regard to Ryer Sche-
merhorn's "mismanagement and breach of trust."
" May it please your Excellency.
In Obedience to an Order of your Excellency in Councill of the Eleventh
instant to me made to consider of Ryer Schermerhorn's breach of the trust
Committed to him in the Patent Granted by Coll: Dongan in the year 1684
to the towne of Schenectady, and to Report to this board what is proper to
be done in the premises. I do hereby most humbly signifie to your Excel-
lency and this board, that I have weighed and considered the said matter to
me referred and do find the said Schermerhorn guilty of very great misman-
agements and breach of trust upon the Patent aforesaid and of Great dis-
regard and Contempt of your Excellency and this board and the Acts thereof
and am humbly of opinion that the said Ryer Schermerhorn ought not to
continue longer in the said trust but to be Discharged from the same.
And I do not upon the whole matter find that the Misdemeanor aforesaid
Does render the said Ryer Schermerhorn so Criminal in Law as to subject
him to a higher punishment.
Wh: is most humbly submitted to your Excellency's better Judgment by
My Lord
Your ExcelH'5 Most obedient
humble servant
18 May 1704 Sa: Sh: Broughton" f
On the 25 of May, 1714, Schermerhorn appeared before the Governor and
Council " and after a full hearing of all matters" against him, was suspended
from " acting further as Trustee of the said Towne." But as he continued
* Land papers, in. 186. f Land Papers, in. 186.
30 History of the Schenectady Patent.
obstinate, disregarding the demand of the new Trustees for an accounting
to them of his official acts, they commenced a suit against him in the court
of chancery.
The following is the substance of their complaint:
" 1705 July 5 ) Complaint of Peter Schuyler, John Sanderse
'Will Sharpas \ Glen, Adam Vrooman, Daniel Johnson [Daniel
Janse Van Antwerpen] and John Baptist
Van Eps, trustees of the town of Schenectady.
VS.
Ryer Schermerhorn.
Whereas Col. Dongan, Governor &c, being at Schenectady, the inhabi-
tants petitioned for a General Grant or Patent in behalf and name of the
freeholders and for the settlement of the quit-rents, which they were to pay.
Col. Dongan directed the Inhabitants to appoint some persons from their
number to agree with him for said rents & Patent : said inhabitants ap-
pointed Wm. Teller, Ryer Schermerhorn, Sweer Tunisse. John Van Eps, and
Myndert Wemp for that purpose.
Wm. Teller, Sweer Teunisse, Jno. Van Eps, & myndert Wemp deputed
Ryer Schermerhorn to solicit & obtain the Patent for the freeholders. — The
inhabitants advanced money to pay fees & charges, which was delivered into
the hands of R. Schermerhorn who employed said monies in obtaining a
Patent for R. Schermerhorn, W"1. Teller, Sweer Teunissen, Jno Baptist Van
Eps & Myndert Wemp & their heirs and assigns for ever, — and hath detained
said patent in his custody with out acquainting the other corporators with
the purport of the same. About five years since Sweer Teunissen, Myndert
Wemp & John Van Eps being dead, — Wm. Teller declared that he never
knew that said Patent was to the Corporators & their heirs & that it was
contrary to the intent of the inhabitants.
Teller is since deceased and Ryer Schermerhorn the only surviving Trus-
tee has combined with John Wemp, Barent Wemp, John Glen, Godeit
[Gerrit] Symonse [Veeder], John ffroman, Claas Van Patten & others &
does sell and give away the lands of said Patent, and cut down & carry
away the timber from said lands & refuses to give the inhabitants any
account of his doiugs.
The complainants therefore petition the Court to call Ryer Schermerhorn
to account.*
(Signed) B. Cosens."
The year following the trustees commenced another suit in the same
court, to wit, on the 13th of June, 170tJ, of which the following is the notice
in the clerk's office.
* See Complaint in the office of the Court of Appeals.
Introduction. 31
" Petition of Peter Schuyler, John Sanderse
Glen, Adam Vrooman, Daniel Johnson [Dan-
iel Janse Van Antwerpen,] and John Bap-
tist Van Eps, Trustees of Schenectady,
VS.
Stmon Groot, Jr., Stas Swart and Jonathan
Stevens.
Charges that the defendants have taken possession of lands belonging to
the freeholders of the town of Schenectady pretending to deeds of convey-
ance, or releases for the same, but refuse to show any evidence of their title.
Prays that said defendants may be cited before the Court of Chancery to
show their titles to said lands if they have any.
(Signed) B. Cosens.*"
Filed June 13, 1706.
The complaint of Col. Schuyler and others against Schermerhorn as above
given, was dated July 5, 1705 ; for the purpose of commencing a counter
suit in the same court, he and his friends executed a power of attorney, July
28, to Jacob Reynier and Abraham Gouverneur of New York, to file a bill
"against such persons and according to such instructions as you or either
of you shall have from us."
The following copy of said power is chiefly interesting now, as showing
the respectable and numerous following which Schermerhorn had in his
contest with the new trustees.
" To Jacob Reynier. Esq., and Abraham Gouverneur, Gent : of the Citty
of New York.
New York, ss :
Wee the subscribers Inhabitants and freeholders of The Town of Schonegh-
tade in the County of Albany do for and on behalf of ourselves and the
Rest of our Township hereby make, ordain, Constitute and appoint you the
said Jacob Reynier, Esqr, and Abraham Gouverneur, Gent : our Lawful,
Attorneys and Sollicitors for us and In our Names at our Suits and To the
use of the said Township to file a bill In the Chancery Court of This Province
against Such persons and according To such Instructions as You or Either
of You Shall have from us or Some of us, and To Prosecute the Same with
all Vigour and Effect and to Retain Councell and in all other things to Act
and Do what shall seem Necessary to you or Either of You for the Carrying
on of the said Suit and for your, or Either of Your so doing this Shall be
To You or Either of You a Sufficient Warrant.
* In office of Court of Appeals,
32
History of the Schenectady Patent.
this 28th day of July in the year of our
of the Reign of Queen Anna over Eng-
(L.8.)
(L.S.)
Given under our hands and Seals
Lord 1705, and in the fourth Year
land, etc.
r Jan Rinckhout
Symen Groot, Junyr
Willem brouer
Manisse Sicksberrie
thomas Davie
ionatn Stevens
.teunis Swart
• luwis Viele
Cornells Viele
Johannis Glen
Simon Vrooman
William Bowin
Andris Bratt
Arent Van Petten
John Lench
Phylip Groot
Johauuis teller
Isack Swits
Jan Luyckassen [Wyngaard]
thomas Nobel
Jan Schermerhoorn
Ephraim Wimp
Jan Wemp Jr.
Simon Swits
Gysbert Gerritse [Van Brakel]
Jan Brouwer
Volkert Symonse [Veeder]
Aaron Bratt
Tjrck francen [V. d. Bogart] "
Gosen Van Oort "
Gerret Symonse [Veeder] "
Jelles Fonda "
Schermerhorn's suit against the new trustees, probably commenced soon
after the date of the above power, for the " joint plea and Demurrer of
John Sanderse Glen, Adam Vrooman, Daniel Johnson [Daniel Janse Van
Antwerp] and John Baptist Van Eps, [trustees], defendants to the bill of
complaint of Ryer Schermerhorn, John Wemp, Barent Wemp, John Glen,
Gen-it Simonse, John Vrooman and Claas Van Petten," was entered in the
court of chancery Nov. 13, 1705.
Reyer Schermei'horn
Jan Wemp
Barent Wemp
Claes francen [V. de Bogart]
Claes Lawrence [V. D. Volgen]
Gerret * * *
Hendrick Brouwer
Jonathan Deyer
Benjmin Lannyn
Dou Ouke
Arent Pootman
Phylip Bosie
Andries Van Petten
Claes Van Petten
Jan Mankentyer
Abrm Swyts
Symen Groot Jr.
Jan gysberse
Jacop Cromwell (?)
Symon Wemp
Pieter Symonse [Veeder]
Cornells Swits
Willem Appel
Sealed and Delivered in the Pre-
sence of
Hend: Hansen, Justus.
Johannes Roseboom, Justus.
Introduction. 33
Of the several suits at law heretofore or subsequently commenced by the
contending parties down to the death in 1795, of the second Ryer Scher-
merhorn, grandson of the first, a period of nearly one hundred years, no
one was ever determined.
Tired and despairing of relief from litigation, the contestants resorted to
negotiation and compromise, and failing of this as they always did, they
reverted to the colonial legislature for redress but all in vain. The first
serious effort at compromise was probably made in 1708, when a futile
attempt was made to induce Schermerhorn to transfer his title to the town-
ship to the then trustees elected under the charter of 1705.
An imperfect contract dated 14 Aug., 1708, between Johannes Sanderse
Glen, Gysbert Marselis, harmen Van Slyck and Carel Hanse [Toll], trustees
for Schenectady, and Hendrick Hanse of Albany, attorney for Ryer
Schermerhorn ; — states that said trustees had been " appointed to office in ac-
cordance with a charter dated 15th April, 1703 [1705], but that notwith-
standing said Ryer Schermerhorn under the Dongan Patent of 1684,
continued to act as sole surviving patentee, which had occasioned the
trustees to enter a suit in chancery against him, which hath hitherto been
depending therein. Now therefore Hendrick Hanse as attorney for Ryer
Schermerhorn agrees to convey to said trustees of Schenectady before the
1st day of May next " * [the rest wanting].
Failing in this attempt at compromise, the same trustees on June 3 1709
" in behalf of themselves and other the trustees and inhabitants of Schen-
ectady " presented a petition to the colonial assembly to " bring in a bill
confirming unto said inhabitants the Powers, etc., mentioned in Letters
Patent granted to said town." On June 4th, said bill was presented on
the 7th it was read a second time, referred to a committee with power to
send for persons and papers and never more heard of.f
The next step in this controversy was a power of attorney executed by
the opponents of Schermerhorn and his party, to the then trustees elected
under the charter of 1705, to demand of Ryer Schermerhorn, Barent Wemp
Johannes Teller, Johannes Wemp and arent Bratt the books, deeds, bonds
etc., belonging to the town. This paper is instructive, as showing who and
how numerous were the opponents of Schermerhorn.
* Dutch church papers, f Assembly Journal, i. 251-2.
5
34
History of the /Schenectady Patent.
" 9th June, 1713, Much the majority of the freeholders and Inhabitants
of Schenectady constitute Carel Hansen Toll, Sweer Marselis, Gerrit
Gysbertse Van Brakel, arent Van Petten and Caleb Beck or any three of
them our lawful attorney to take possession of the lands of, &c. &c, to
demand of Ryer Schermerhorn, Barent Wemp, Johannes Teller, Johannes
Wemp and Arent Bratt the books, deeds, bonds, &c, of said town — said
attorneys having been chosen on the 1st Tuesday of april last by said
(Signed)
town as trustees thereof.
Cornells Van Slyck
Areut Bratt, Jr.
Dirk Bratt
Peter Clement
Barent Vrooman
Nico. D. Van Petten
Daniel Danielse [V. Antwerpen]
Samuel Bratt
Julas Voo*
Hendrick Hagedorn
Victor Pootman
Robert Jets [Yates]
Pieter Vrooman
Jan Luykassen
Jacob Van Olinda
Richard Hill*
Jere: Thickstone
Isa: Van Valkenburgh
Harrae Philips
Gysbert Marcelis
Arent Vedder
Daniel Toll
Jan Danielse [Van Antwerpen]
Arent Danielse [ do
Symon Danielse [ do ]
Philip Philipse
Pieter Danielse [V. Antwerpen]
Jacobus Peek
Johannes Peek
Marten Van Slyck
Andries De Graaf
Symon Groot
Sander Philipse
Dirk Miller*
Andrew Mackans*
Joseph Clement
Wouter Vrooman
Teuuis Van der Volgen
Johannes Mynderse
Wm. Bown
Henry Hoof*
Evert Van Eps
Albert Vedder
Wm. Brouwer
Marten Van Benthuysen
Cornelis Pootman
Tennis Swart
Benj : Lenine
David Lewis
Charles Burn
John Bumpstead*
Andries Van Petten
Joh: Sanderse Glen
Adam Vrooman
Hendrick Vrooman
Jacob Glen
Harme Van Slyck
Claas Fred: Van Petten
Lawrens Claese [V. d. Volgen]
Manus Vedder
Jan. Baptiste Van Eps
Jesse De Graaf
Arnout De Graaf
Willem Marinus
Joh : Marinus
Hendrick Philipse
Abraham De Graaf
Isaac De Graaf
Thomas Davee.*
* Names rarely met with in records relating to Schenectady.
Introduction. 35
May 15, 1716, carel Hanse renounces in favor of Arent Danielse Van
Antwerpen. *
The strife and contention in respect to the management of the " common
lands " of the township, were put to rest for a time by Schermerhorn, in
1714. By lease and release dated respectively Oct. 22d and 23d he con-
veyed all his right and title to these lands to Willem Appel, innkeeper, of
the city of New York. In this conveyance, after reciting the Dongan
Patent of 1684, the fact that all the trustees therein named were deceased
save Reyer Schermerhorn, " only survivor whereby all the estate, right and
title of, in or to all said lands * * not otherwise legally disposed are
became solely vested in the said Ryert Schermerhorn in fee simple by right
of survivorship, and that said Schermerhorn growing antient is desirous
that said * * lands and premises should be conveyed to others to-
gether with himself and their heirs that the intent of the said Letters Patent
may be duly observed," said Schermerhorn released and confirmed to
"Willem Appel and his heirs, all the aforesaid lands in " Special trust and
confidence that he the said Willem Appel or his heirs will upon request to
him made by the said Ryert Schermerhorn his heirs or assigns shall * *
execute such conveyance and assurance in the law for the vesting of all the
hereinbefore mentioned * * lands * * and all the right, title
and interest thereunto hereby conveyed or mentioned or intended to be
conveyed to the said Willem Appel, unto the said Ryert Schermerhorn,
Jan Wemp, Johannes Teller, Arent Bratt and Barent Wemp * * their
heirs and assigns forever, to the intent the same may be held and enjoyed
according to the true intent and meaning of the said letters Patent by the
said Thomas Dongan "
On the 25th and 26th of October, said Appel by lease and release recon-
veyed said land to Ryer Schermerhorn and his said four associates for the
purposes above mentioned.!
And to confii'm the above conveyance, the fourth and last Patent was
granted by Governor Hunter on the 14th November, 1714. J
The patents of 1684 and 1714, are substantially the same, the grant of
the township in both cases being made to Ryer Schermerhorn and his asso-
ciates, their heirs, successors and assigns, " on behalf of the Inhabitants of
the Towne of Schenectada." In neither case was any provision made to fill
vacancies caused by death or otherwise ; hence the same difficulties were
* Deeds v. 351. \ Deeds vi. 281, 282, 286, 288. \ Patents, Sec. State's office. Land
papers vi. 94, 97.
36 History of the Schenectady Patent.
sure to arise again. As Reyer Scheruierhorn managed the common lands
from 1700 to 1714 as the sole surviving patentee under the Patent of 1684,
so did Arent Bratt from 1749 to 1765, under the Patent of 1714. With the
exception however, of a feeble move made in 1715, by the trustees elected
under the charter of 1705, to prosecute Schermerhorn and his associates,
" for not yielding up all bonds, deeds, writings, books, etc., belonging to
said town and especially to prosecute them for cancelling a conveyance
that belonged, one-half to said town and the other half to the Dutch
Church " * it is believed that the patentees were not disturbed in their
management of the common lands for thirty years.
But as early as 1744, Jan Wemp and Arent Bratt then being the only
surviving patentees, many of the inhabitants became dissatisfied with their
management of the common lands, and proposed that they should render an
account thereof to the freeholders, as set forth in the following paper.
"Articles of agreement to be proposed to Mr. Jan Wimp and Arent Bratt
as trustees of Schenectady, to set the same before a part of the community
for their approbation, the same having been approved of by those, who have
been asked, that some persons out of the commonalty may be appointed to
negociate with the trustees about the following articles. Be it known there-
fore by these presents that we underwritten inhabitants of the Village of
Schenectady in the County of Albany have made, constituted and appointed
as we do hereby make, constitute and appoint as our attorneys Wouter
Vrooman, Nicholaas Groot, Sander Lansin, Abraham Gelen and Isaack
trueck, to act for us in our names and for our use to negociate in respect to
the following articles with the trustees of the Village of Schenectady, Jan
Wemp and Arent Bratt and as they therein agree and concur, whether to
lighten some articles which are found to heavy and impracticable, or to
establish others, which are found good and needful, we hereby pledge
and bind ourselves to abide thereby.
In witness whereof we have hereunder written our names this third of
April in the year 1744.
In the first place it is desired that you Mr. Arent Bratt shall give a clear
statement of all the lands granted out of the property of the village, which
your honor, your married children or other heirs [kindred] now possess,
and how and at what price they were at first granted, and that your honor,
said children and heirs shall be obligated to give therefor to the church a
proper actual quit-rent in wheat or money, and that therefor new and dupli-
cate indentures be made, and which indentures to whomesover given, to
* Dutch Church Papers.
Introduction. 37
have the form first given by the trustees and be signed over by you, your
heirs and assigns to the church.
In the second place, that under or as under oath a neat and full list be
given by you, Jan Werap and Arent bratt, of all the lands hitherto conveyed
away and of the rents sex, thereupon at first, also you shall give up what
money you as trustees have in till.
Thirdly, that all the indentures made prior to 1716 and assigned to the
church in 1716 but not yet delivered over, so far as they be in your power
and hands be immediately and truly delivered up.
Fourthly, that you shall bind yourselves, your heirs and assigns, to make
over to the church all indentures made subsequent to 1716 until now and in
the future to be made and all the rents imposed or to be imposed thereon.
Fifth, our desire is that all single indentures be changed to double ones.
Sixth, that you Jan Wemp and Arent Brat shall bind yourselves, your
heirs and assigns always to act and deliver in the future with the ruling
Consistory in respect to the conveyance of lands, so that the greatest profit
be made, that they be made known by advertisement on the church door
and offered to the highest bidder or others, that you may be wholly relieved
of all further trouble and disquietude in future, and that you make the
church wholly and altogether your assigns and sign over as trustees to the
corporation [church] all your right, — but if this last clause of the article
does not please you, then that the first part stand, and that you will please
to bind yourselves, your heirs and assigns, in future to appoint a proper
bookkeeper by whom the books shall be kept of all lands conveyed and to
be conveyed, the bounds, lines, courses, length of lines of the same, con-
tents in morgens or acres so that in time a map may be made thereof, like-
wise of the quit-rents standing thereon and its commencement, that it
always may appear ; also a careful account of what cash you now have and
what in future from time to time shall be received and Disbursed by you,
whereof you, your heirs and assigns shall make and give a yearly statement
to the ruling consistory; — also shall all outstanding debts be collected in, if
need be, — money or lands, that a careful statement thereof be given ; like-
wise if we come to an agreement shall the writings thereof to be made be
recorded so that they shall always stand.
Cornelis Veder Takereus Van den bogart
Albert Vedder Willem haal
Cornelis Viele Johannis Vrooman
Danel tol Johannis knoet
Captyn helmes Veder Corneles brouwer
Simon tol Vredryck Vn Petten
Abram groot Adam'Condese
hendericus brouwer Abram D Graaf
Gerrit V: Antwerpen benimen Van Vleeck
klaas de graaf Isaac Quackenbos
38 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Yacobus Peeck Jno. B. V. Eps Junr
Ephraem Brat Albert A. Vedder
Joseph R. Yatts Jr Jeroon Barhuyt
Elias Post Johannis Vedder
Sander Van Eps Toby us Ryckman, Junyer
Takel Maerselis Johannis haal
harmen Vedder Jan babtist Van Eps
Jacobus Van Vorst Andries Mynderse
Dirok Groot Adam Emraig [Empie]
Andris Van Petten Gerrit Symonse Veder
pieter Brouwer Jacobus Van Eps"
Of the five patentees named in the deed and Patent of 1714, only two
remained at the date of the above proposal, to wit, Arent Bratt and Jan
Wemp.
Reyer Schermerhorn died Feb. 19, 1719 ; Barent Wemp son of Myndert
Wemp, one of the patentees named in the Dongan Patent of 1684, probably
died next. Johannes Teller, son of Willem Teller, also one of the Dongan
patentees, died May 28, 1725, and Jan Wemp, grandson of Myndert and
son-in-law of Reyer Schermerhorn, died Oct. 14, 1749, leaving Arent Bratt
sole surviving patentee. He was nephew of Schermerhorn's wife and lived
until April, 17(35.
What answer Bratt and Wemp made to this proposition of the freeholders,
is not known, though it was probably substantially complied with, save the
entire transfer of the common lands to the church. In 1750 complaints
were made however, both by citizens and the church, of Bratt's acting alone
as patentee and giving no account of his trusteeship, to which he answered
April 6, 1750, that "the church had had the income of all lands leased down
to 1744, and he was willing to convey and guarantee to said church, and
that he was likewise willing yearly to give an account of his stewardship to
the freeholders of the town if they would appoint a place and persons to
make such investigations."*
Hitherto a portion of the freeholders had chiefly complained of one man's
acting alone as trustee, first in the case of Ryer Schermerhorn from 1700 to
1714, and now again in the case of Arent Bratt after 1749. In 1750, how-
ever, began a new contest and upon entirely new grounds.
* Dutch church papers.
Introduction. 39
Jan, son and heir of Reyer Schermerhorn, " set up the pretense that all
those who were inhabitants and freeholders of Schenectady at the date of
Dongan's Patent were equally entitled to all the common lands included
therein as tenants in common fee." This claim, of course led to questions of
law, and a judicial interpretation of the Dongan and Hunter's Patents. As
the English law of primogeniture was in force in the colony, if Schermer-
horn's claim could be substantiated, those only who descended from the
first settlers in the line of the eldest son, would be eligible to receive shares
of these common lands, which at this time amounted probably to 50,000 to
60,000 acres. It was claimed that only twenty-seven persons at most, were
then living who were legal heirs of the first free holders, and entitled to take
the common lands. Jan Schermerhorn died in 1752, before he had fairly
warmed up to the contest and before any legal proceedings were had in the
matter.
His eldest son and heh', Reyer, inherited both his estate, his claim and
all the energy of character, business tact and stubborn perseverance of his
forefathers.
From the year 1754 to the year of his death in 1795, more than forty
years, he applied all his energies in courts, before legislatures and governors,
to obtain a favorable decision of this question and finally died without any
determination whatever, bequeathing the continuance and maintenance of
the suit to his children, upon the penalty of disinheritance.
All further litigation however was buried in his grave upon the Schuy-
lenberg.
In 1755 Reyer Schermerhorn the second, commenced his suit in chancery
against Arent Bratt, patentee, and others, for his share in the common
lands in right of his grandfather Reyer. His attorney and councilor was
William Smith of New York, a prominent lawyer of the province, with
whom was associated subsequently his son Thomas Smith.
On the 21st of July 1758, the joint and several answers of Bratt and his
associates to Schermerhorn's complaint, were filed in the office of the court
of chancery.
The suit made but little progress however, up to the time of Bratt's death
which occurred in April, 1765.
With his decease passed away the last of the five patentees named in the
Patent of 1714, after a long service of fifty-one years. To provide for his
40 History of the Schenectady Patent.
successors in the management of the common lands, he made and executed
a will on the 11th of March, preceding his death, in which he named twenty-
three persons to whom he made over these lands, " in trust to and for the
only use benefit and behoof of themselves and the other freeholders and
inhabitance of the said township of Schenectady their heirs and assigns for-
ever, also I give, devise and bequeath unto the said Harmanus Brat,
Jacobus Van Slyck, John Sanders, Nicholas Van Petten, Isaac Vrooman,
Jacob Swits, Isaac Swits, Jacob Vrooman, Frederick Van Petten, Nicholas
Groot, Reyer Wernple, Tobyas Ten Eyck, Samuel A. Brat, Nicolas Van
Der Volge, Abraham Wimple, Abraham Mabie, Jacobus Mynderse, John
Babtist Van Eps, Gerrit A. Lansing, Harme Van Slyck, Peter Mabie, Isaac
S. Swits and Abraham Fonda, the patent of the above recited tract of land,
or of the said township of Schenectady and all other papers writings, books
and proceedings relating to the same, and all bills, bounds [bond] notes and
all sums of money due or which shall became due forever hereafter for rents
on lands conveyed by me or any other patentees in trust for said township;
and also all my right, title interest, claim and demand which I have as survi-
ving patentee in trust for the said township, and it is my will and express
order that the said Harmanus Brat, Jacobus Van Slyck * * * and Abra-
ham Fonda or the survivor or survivors of them pay or cause to be paid out
of the towns money now due to me or which shall hereafter be due by rents
of land which I have herein above given to them, or by sale of any part of
the above recited tract of land all cost and charges which may arise in and
by defending the cause which has been and still is depending in the court
of Chancery * at the suit or complaint of Reyer Schermerhorn against me
* * and several others."*
Soon after Bratt's death Schermerhorn presented the following petition to
the Lieut. Governor.
" To his excellency Cadwallader Colden Esq. His Majesty's Lieutenant
Governor of the Province of New York, &ca &ca &ca.
The Petition of the Subscribers Humbly Sheweth.
That your Excellency's Petitioners are more than one half Proper Owners
and Propriters in a Patent Granted by Thomas Duncan [Dongan] Esqr
Dated the first Day of November one thousand six hundred and Eighty-
four, and Whereas Ryer Schermerhorn Esq. one of the Petitioners has
Commenced a suit againts Mr. Arent Bratt and others Since the year one
Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty five and is Still Depending in Chancery
to the Great Hurt and Determent of the Petitioners, we now therefore beg
your Honour Sincerly to take this into your Serious Consideration and Pray
* Will recorded in Surrogate's office of Albany County, Jan. 20, 1795.
Introduction. 41
that a Division of the said Patent may be made that Each of us may have
his Just and Equal Chare and your Excellency's Petitioners will Ever Pray.
his his
Abraham X Truex ABram A S Schermerhorn
mark mark
his his
Myndert X Van Guysling Peter P K Kelement
mark mark
his Arent Veeder
Teunis X Potman his
mark Peter P |VJ Mabie
Teunis Van Vleck mark
his John Babtist van eps, juner
Helmus X Veader his
mark Harma H Vedder
Freeman Schermerhorn mark
Saymon Schermerhorn his
John: S: Vroman John | T Teller
William Teller T _mark _
John Cuyler Jur (A00^8 V %s
Henry Glen John Sconmker
Jno Glen Jim' Jacobus Teller
Jacob bchermei'horn
Peter Van Benthusen
Cornelius Browir "
This petition producing no effect, in 1767 more than half of all the pro-
prietors joined him in carrying on a new suit in chancery against the twenty-
three new trustees mentioned in Arent Bratt's will ; and four years after,
to wit, in 1771, it being still pending, Schermerhorn and his party first gave
notice of their intention to apply to the legislature for relief, of which the
following paper is a copy. —
"Feb. 5, 1771.
" The following notification of the intention of the Parties therein named
to apply to the Legislature of this Province for leave to Bring in a Bill for
the purposes therein mentioned and the affidavit presented therewith and
now Sworn to before his Excellency in Council being read, were ordered to
be Entered in the Minutes.
" Publick Notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern that the
Subscribers being Freeholders and Inhabitants in and having Rights
respectively to Shares in the Common Lands of the Township of Schenec-
tady do intend to apply to the Legislature of the Colony of New York for
a Bill.
" First to authorize Commissioners to hear and determine in a Summary
way without process of Law whether the said Common Lands shall be
divided or not.
6
42 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Secondly, In case such Partition shall by such Commissioners be deter-
mined to be made, then to Authorize and empower them to make, execute
and complete the same among such Persons, in such manner and with such
Powers, appointments, directions, provisoes, Savings, exceptions restrictions
and Limitations, as shall be directed, appointed and enacted by the Legis-
lature of this Colony in and by the said Act.
Thirdly, That in case the said Partition shall take effect all Rents and
Service, that have been reserved by any Grant or Grants made by the former
Trustees of the said Township, or either of them to any person or persons
for any of the said Common Lands shall thenceforth and forever thereafter
cease and be extinguished.
John B. V. Epps Jr. Balmus [Helmus] Vadder [Veeder]
Harmin Vadder Freman Schermerhorn
Henry Glen John S. Vrooman
John Taller Daniel De Graft
Jacobus Van Epps William Taller
John Shomaker Jacobus Taller
Abraham Truax Jacob Schermerhorn
Mindert Van Gysling Reyer Shermerhorn
Tunis Putman John Glen
P. V. B. Benthuysen John Schermerhorn
in behalf of themselves and Abraham Schermerhorn
Tunis Van Vleck Peter Calment [Clement]
Clous DeGraft Arent Vadder
Philip Van Patten Peter Mabee."
Hendrick Brouwer Jr John Cuyler Jr
"John Littel of the Township of Schenectady in the County of Albany of
full age being duly Sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, de-
poseth and saith that he the Deponent assisted by the within named Ryer
Schermerhorn did affix notices in Writing, exactly corresponding with each
other and of which the aforegoing is a true copy, at all the Several Churches
and Public Places of Worship in the said Township on three Sundays suc-
cessively that is to say on Sunday the twentieth day of the month of
January last, and on the two next succeeding Sundays; — that the said notices
were so fixed upon the said three Sundays in the following manner, that is
to say, one on the Door of the only place of Entrance of the Episcopal
Church ; — one other of the said Notices on the Door of the only place of
entrance of the English Presbyterian Place of Worship ; and one other of
the said Notices on the Door of the Main Entrance into the Dutch Church,
each of which Doors opened inwards ; — That the new Presbyterian Church
being as yet unfinished and therefore not as yet used for Divine Service,
and having no Door, the said Notice therein affixed was placed against the
Wall within the said Church ; — that the said Notices so affixed for three
Introduction. 43
Sundays successively were so affixed at the said Several places where Divine
Service was held just before Divine Service began in the.n respectively and
in some of them continued till after the Commencement of Divine Service,
and in another of them till the Service was over ; — That Divine Service was
held on the said three Sundays successively at all the said several places,
except the unfinished Presbyterian Church aforesaid ; — That at the several
times when the said Notices were so affixed they were read more or less at
the different Places where they were so affixed by a Variety of different
Persons, Inhabitants of the said Town and resorting to the said Places of
Worship ; — That most of the said Notices were taken down soon after they
were fixed up, but by whom this Deponent knows not ; — That this was the
Reason for fixing up new Notices on every of the said three successive
Sundays ; That this Deponent is neither directly nor indirectly interested in
the Common Lands of the Township of Schenectady and further saith not.
John Littel."
" Sworn this 25 day
of February, 1771.
Before his Lordship
in Council
Gol: Banyak D: Cou1*"
The next step in the controversy was an attempt to compromise in ac-
cordance with " the recommendation of the honorable general assembly as
well as for the love of p'eace and unity," and in the progress of this com-
promise the following paper was addressed by Schermerhorn and his
friends to the committee appointed for this purpose by the trustees.
" Gentlemen,
" We received your proposals and tho' we can by no means doubt of your
Intention to settle, yet can not help observing that whenever a Controversy
is intended to be settled, the partys can neither server themselves, nor can
their setting forth Title, Trust, Pretentions, and frivelous allegations be any
means to forward it, because if need be such matters comes more properly
before the Gentlemen to be appointed who will Judge of the facts as they
appear;
" Whatever advice you may have on these heads you certainly do not
imagine such can in any wise add to the merit of your Claim, or have any
weight with us, nor our not answering you thereon, will in any shape
lessen ours.
* Council Minutes, xxvi. 210.
44 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" From the Recommendation of the Honorable Gen'. Assembly, as well
as for the love of peace and unity we could apprehend no other than that a
few of you with an equal number of us was to have met and used our
mutual endeavors to settle the points in dispute, but on the contrary, at
meeting, find that not the Case, as one of your four men said to be
Impowered, was not of the number called Trustees; reasons could be given
for this impropriety; however it being our earnest desire and real intention
to come to an amicable settlement will avoid every thing that can be
thought to have the least tendency to the Contrary and come to the point,
vizt:
" We agree to Confirm by an Act of the Legislature, or otherwise all
Grants of Arent Bradt and his predecessors not exceeding one hundred and
fifty Acres to each person to the time an Injunction from the Court of
Chancery was served on him, according to the List he then gave in on
Oath, except such Lands as the Proprietors have in possession, which shall
be a part of their share ;
"And further, that no poor person may in any wise suffer by or thro' any
Act to be done or Committed by us or either of us, agree that every such
poor person or persons, or let them be poor or rich who may be now in
possession of Lands without a deed or deeds and not Comprehended in the
aforesaid Sworn List, that such person or persons shall have their said pos-
sessions confirmed to them in like manner as the others, who may have im-
perfect Deeds &c, providing the same of each person do not exceed one
hundred Acres and will likewise come into and agree to any other matter
or thing that can possibly be proposed to us for the good of the poor.
" We also agi'ee that a tract not exceeding ten thousand acres remain in
Common for the Use of the Inhabitants for ever, in such a part or parcells
as may be Judged most proper for that purpose;
"Should our aforesaid proposals be objected, We consent and agree that
a Law pass mutually to Impower Two, four or Six indifferent persons And
the s'1 Two, four or six to nominate a 31, 5th or 7lh, and a majority of
them be authorised finally to determine and end the whole Controversy
without being Subject to any Regulation, Proviso, or Restriction and to
have as much of their proceedings framed into a Law as they Judge re-
quisite to render the same Compleat and Effectual.
"And lastly if we cannot mutually agree on the nomination the three, five
or seven persons as above mentd that then the Honble Genl. Assembly be
requested to nominate them.
Introduction. 45
" Gentm,
Having seen your power and tho' not so perfect as it shou'd, We never-
theless give these our said proposals, which we will abide by, providing
your said power be made Compleat.
Signed Ryer Schermerhorn, ) For themselves
Peter Van Benthotjsen, > and other Pro-
John Glen, ) prietors."
John Duncan.
Octor 2d, 1773,
To
Abraham Wemple,[
Hariri's Bradt,
AVm Fonda and
Christo Yattes."
" To his Excellency William Tryon Esquire, Captain General and Governor
in Cheif in and over the Province of New York and the territories de-
pending thereon in America, Chancellor and Vice-Admiral of the same
in Council.
"The Petition of Ryer Schermerhorn, John Glen and Peter Van Benthuysen
in behalf of themselves, and Tunis Van Vleck, Claas De Graff, Philip Van
Petten, Hendrick Brower Jr., Peter Clement, Peter Mabie, John B. Van
Eps Junior, Harme Vedder, Henry Glen, John Teller, Cornelius Glen,
Jacobus Van Eps, Abraham Truax, Myndert Van Gysling, Tunis Potman,
Helmes Veader, Freeman Schermerhorn, John S. Vrooman, Daniel De
Graaf, William Teller, Jacobus Teller, Jacob Schermerhorn, Nicholas
Velin, Simon Vedder, John Schermerhorn, John Cuyler Jr., Abraham C.
Cuyler, Jacob Cuyler and Barent Ten Eyck, the major part of the Pro-
prietors of the township of Schenectady.
"Most humbly Showeth
That the honorable Thomas Dungan late lieutenant Governor of this
Province of New York, in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred
and eighty-four, did grant a Patent to William Teller, Ryer Schermerhorn,
Sware Teunise, John Baptist Van Eps and Myndert Wemple for the town-
ship of Schenectady in trust for themselves and for the rest of the free-
holders of the inhabitants of Schenectady; — that Sware Teunise, John
Baptist Van Eps and Myndert Wemple were killed by the Indians in the
year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and ninety, and that the said
William Teller died in the year of our Lord one thousand Six hundred
and ninety-nine; — that in the year of our Lord one thousand and Seven
hundred and fourteen, the said Ryer Schermerhorn the Patentee took John
Wemple, Johannis Teller, arent Bradt and Barent Wemple to assistance
as trustees, and that after the decease of the said Ryer Schermerhorn, the
46 History of the Schenectady Patent.
said Johannis Teller, Barent Wemple, Arent Brat and John Wemple have
disposed of great part of the said township and granted considerable tracts
thereof to each other and their relations without the advice, consent or ap-
probation of any of the other Proprietors, or ever accounting for any part
of the monies, which arose therefrom and at the same time refused to grant
or give any part of the said lands to the other Proprietors, —
that Ryer
Schermerhorn your Petitioner in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and fifty-four did request Arent Brat (then surviving trustee) to
grant him such part of the said township which he claimed as heir at law
to his grandfather Ryer Schermerhorn the Patentee and such other part or
shares as he had purchased from other Proprietors, but that the said Arent
Bradt refused to give or grant him any Part thereof: Whereupon your
said Petitioner Ryer Schermerhorn in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and fifty-five did commence a suit in Chancery against the
said Arent Bradt in order to recover his just portion in the said township; —
and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-seven
more than one-half of all the Proprietors of the said township joined the
said Ryer Schermerhorn in carrying on the said suit in Chancery, which
has been attended with such great expense (and having no prospect of its
decision), that many of your Petitioners are already reduced to great Ex-
tremity for want of means wherewith to sustain themselves and families in
the said town of Schenectady, Whereas if they could get their just Portions
ascertained and have the possession thereof, your Petitioners might get an
honest Livelyhood by clearing and cultivating the same; — and that your
Petitioners know of no other ways to acquire their shares of the said town-
ship except an Act of your Excellency the honorable Council and General
Assembly be passed for that purpose, since the said Arent Bratt has ap-
pointed twenty-three persons of the best circumstances in the said township
(tho' half of them are no Proprietors) to act as trustees after his decease,
to whom the said Arent Bradt has made over the remainder of all the said
lands, Also all the Bonds, Notes and Money, which had arisen from the
said township and gave directions to the said trustees to lay it out in de-
fending the before mentioned Chancery suit, which your Petitioners have
the misfortune to find the last mentioned trustees are determined to comply
with and to use every other means in their power to keep your suffering
petitioners out of their property. —
" And the honorable House of Representatives at their last session (upon
the Prayer of your Petitioners that a bill might be passed to appoint Com-
missioners to settle the controversy) did resolve that the prayer of your
Petitioners should be postponed till the next sessions and recommended
both parties to come to an amicable settlement during the recess thereof
and that on failure of a Settlement, both Parties Should attend within ten
days after the next meeting of the honorable house after the first day of
Introduction. 47
May then next that the house might proceed thereon; — And your Peti-
tioners during the Recess of the honorable House of Representatives have
been very anxious on their part to come to an amicable determination with
the Partys in opposition of this tedious dispute, but all their endeavours
have proved unsuccessful, tho' your petitioners were resolved to take up
with any reasonable Proposals to end so expensive a contention.
"Your Petitioners therefore most humbly pray that if in case the honorable
house of Representatives should bring in any bill relative to the Premises
that your Excellency will be pleased to assent to the same and your Peti-
tioners as in duty bound shall ever pray.
Schenectady
fourth day of
January, 1*774.
Rter Schermerhorn,
P. Benthuysen,
John Glen."
" Petition of the trustees of Schenectady in opposition to the foregoing
petition of Ryer Schernierhora and others.
To the Honble Representatives of the Colony of New York in General
assembly convened.
The Petition of the Subscribers, Trustees of the Township of Skinnectady
in behalf of themselves and the other Inhabitants of the said Township.
" Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioners have been served with a copy of a petition signed
by Ryer Schermerhorn, Johannes Glen Jr, and Peter Van Benthuysen in
behalf of them selves and other persons therein named presented to the
Honbly House [Jan. 4 1774] setting forth that a grant was obtained by Wm
Teller, Ryer Schermerhorn, Sware Teunise, John Baptist Van Eps and
myndert Wemple, from Govr Dongan Dated in they year 1684, for the
Township of Schinectady, in trust for the rest of the freeholders of the In-
habitants of Schinectady, which fact your petitioners do not deny but do
say in answer thereto that the said Trustees Nominated in the said Grant
did dispose of the town lands by their deeds as Trustees at a low rent re-
served to the use of the said town : — that Ryer Schermerhorne in the said
grant named was Grandfather to Ryer Schermerhorn the petitioner and that
he was the only surviving trustee for fourteen or fifteen years, during all
which time he Granted to the Inhabitants by his deeds such tracts of Lands
within the said town as they applyed for, — that Ryer Schermerhorne one of
the subscribing petitioners now holds lands to very considerable value in
Virtue of such deeds from the Trustees ; — that John Glen Jr another of
the subscribing Petitioners has lately sold lands held by such Deeds to the
value of at least one thousand pounds : — that the greatest part of the persons
48 History of the Schenectady Patent.
named in the said Petition in Whose behalf the said Petition is Presented
have not any right Whatever to any of the unappropriated town's lands as
descendants from the original freeholders or by other ways or means whatso-
ever : — that the disposal of the town lands has uninterruptedly from the
date of the Patent from Governor Dongan in 1684 to this day been in the
Trustees only, which right has been always exercised and acknowledged by
the town untill the year 1755, when Ryer Schermerhorne one of the said
Petitioners commenced a suit in Chancery against Arent Bradt at the time
the only surviving Trustee ; — that the Chancellor at the Instance of the said
Ryer Schermerhorne Issued an Injunction, prohibiting the said Arent Bradt
from granting any of the town lands untill the determination of the said
suit, notwithstanding which the said Ryer Schermerhorne and the said John
Glen Jr have taken in and inclosed large tracts of the said town lands and
now have the same in possession ; — that your petitioners are very anxious to
have the suit now depending in Chancery determined with all possible speed
and that your Petitioners are informed by their Councill that the delay is
owing to the said Ryer Schermerhorne and not to them ; — that your Peti-
tioners Verily believe the application to this House now made by the said
Ryer Schermerhorne and his adherents proceeds from a consciousness that
the suit in Chancery will be Determined against them ; — that the great
Grievance complained of by the said Petitioners that they are prevented
from cultivating the Common lands is Intirely occasioned by the Injunction
procured by the said Ryer Schermerhorne and his adherents as aforesaid ; —
that if the Injunction is taken off your Petitioners will proceed to grant the
town lands as has always been accustomed and to the contrary of which
not a single Instance can be produced from the beginning of time to this
day.
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray the Honble House not to stop
the ordinary course of the law, but to leave the suit commenced by the said
Schermerhorne to the determination of the Court where he thought proper to
commence it and that the Honllle House will dismiss the Petition of the said
Ryer Schermerhorne and his adherents, and your Petitioners as in duty
bound shall ever pray."*
At or about the time of the foregoing petition in 1774, the following —
" Case between the Trustees of the town of Schenectady and Ryer
Schermerhorn " was laid before the Colonial Legislature.
" The settlement of the town of Schenectady was begun about the year
1658 [1662], while this province was under the government of the States-
General. The original settlers intending to frame a regular township, made
a purchase of lands for that purpose from the native Indians, and laid out
a town plat,and divided it into lots of about 200 ft. square Amsterdam wood
* Toll Papers.
Introduction. 49
measure, and to each lot in the town plat was annexed one lot or farm of
about 24 or 25 morgens, each morgen containing about 2 acres, another
lot for a garden, about 1 acre, and a third lot for pasture of about 5 acres.
" After this division, they procured patents, or ground briefs for their
respective lots.
" Soon after the first settlement of the said town, the inhabitants and free-
holders, for maintaining good order and advancing their settlement, began
the election of five Trustees then called Commissaries. These Commis-
sionaires took cognizance of Small Causes arising within the limits of the
town.
" They also purchased lands for the use of the freeholders and inhabitants
of the town, and part of their business and powers was to sell and dispose
of the common lands belonging to the town, which they did, as well to
strangers as to the original Settlers, Their acts wei'e deemed by the in-
habitants to be legal and binding, and their Sales of the Common land
valid.
"Upon the Surrender of this Province to the Crown of England, the in-
habitants of Schenectady procured from the Duke's Governors confirmations
for the lands they then held in Severalty; but they still continued the
custom of annually choosing Commissaries, who exercised the like powers
as the Commissaries had done in the Dutch time, until the 1st of November,
1684, when Governor Dongan, by patent under the great seal of this pro-
vince granted to William Teller, Ryer Schcrmerhorn, Sweer Teunise, Jan
Van Epps, and Myndert Wemp, a tract of lands including not only all the
lands the inhabitants of Schenectady held in severalty but also a large ad-
ditional tract before purchased of the Indians for the use of the town, to
hold the same to ' the said William Teller, Ryer Schermerhorn, Sweer
Teunise, Jan Van Epps, and Myndert Wemp, on the behalf of the inhabi-
tants of the town of Schenectady, and their associates, their heirs, suc-
cessors and assigns, unto the proper use and behoof of the said William
Teller, Ryer Schermerhorn, Sweer Teunise, Jan Van Epps and Myndert
Wemp, their heirs, successors and assigns forever.'
" The Inhabitants of Schenectady, at the date of this Patent consisted of
upwards of fifty persons, and the patent was procured not only to obtain a
confirmation of the lands they then held by particular patents, but also a
continuation of the powers of their Commissaries, as the same had been
before used.
" Why the town was not properly incorporated is unknown, but the in-
habitants antiently conceived that the true intent and design of this patent,
was to enable the grantees or trustees therein named to sell their Common
lands in the manner, which had been before used by the Commissaries,
either to the freeholders and inhabitants of the town, or to such Strangers
as might be inclined to purchase and Settle among them; and accordingly,
soon after the Date of the patent, the trustees proceeded to grant parcels
7
50 History of the Schenectady Patent.
of the land included in the said patent to such persons as were willing to
take the same, reserving a rent for the use of the town, as the Commissaries
had usually done, and continued to do so till the year 1690, when the town
was sacked and burned, in a memorable irruption of the French and their
Indian allies.
" The destruction of the town and the massacre of many of the inhabitants
having discouraged any new Settlements in that exposed frontier, no sales
of the common lands were afterwards made till the peace of Ryswick in
1697; when such of the trustees as were living again proceeded to grant the
common lands in the said township, in the manner as they did before.
" In 1702 Ryer Schermerhorn the Petitioner's grandfather, became the sole
surviving trustee, and continued so till the year 1714, during which time,
he as surviving trustee, made conveyances of parcels of the said common
lands, as well to strangers as to such as were descended from those settled
in the township at the time Dongan's patent was obtained.
" Ryer Schermerhorn by indenture of lease and release bearing date the
22d and 23d of October, 1714, reciting the death of his fellow trustees, and
that the estate, right, and title of, in and to all the land included in
Dongan's patent, and not disposed of by the trustees, was solely vested in
him in fee simple by survivorship; and that he growing antient was
desirous that the premises should be conveyed to others with himself and
their heirs and assigns,, that the intent of the patent might be duly ob-
served, did thereby grant and convey the said premises to William Apple,
his heirs and assigns, in trust to convey the same to the said Ryer Scher-
merhorn, Jan Wemp, Johannes Teller, Arent Bradt and Barent Wemp in
fee, to the intent the same might be held and enjoyed according to the true
intent and meaning of Dongan's patent.
"William Apple by indentures of lease and release bearing date the 25th
and 26th of October 1714, in pursuance of said trust, granted and con-
veyed the premises aforesaid to the said Ryer Schermerhorn, Jan Wemp,
Johannes Teller, Arent Bradt and Barent Wemp in fee.
"King George the First, by his letters patent under the great seal of this
province, bearing date the 6th day of November in the first year of his
reign [1714] granted and confirmed the premises aforesaid to the said Ryer
Schermerhorn, Jan Wemp, Johannes Teller, Arent Bradt and Barent
Wemp, their heirs and assigns forever to hold to them, ' their heirs and
assigns forever, in trust, nevertheless, to and for the only use, benefit and
behoof of themselves and the other inhabitants and freeholders of the said
town of Schenectady their heirs and assigns forever.'
" After obtaining the second letters patent the trustees named therein pro-
ceeded in granting the common lands in the same manner as their prede-
cessors had done until the year 1755. So that the greatest part of the
estates in the township of Schenectady now depend upon the conveyances
from the trustees.
Introduction. 51
" None of the inhabitants of Schenectady ever, till lately, pretended to
have any estate in the common lands belonging to the town, nor are there
any instances, unless of a very late date, of any of them, except the trustees
conveying or devising any of the said common lands, or any interest therein.
" But supposing the trustees held the individual land for the common
benefit of the town and the inhabitants, as well strangers as the original
settlers, their descendants have from the first settlement of the town to the
present day, indiscriminately claimed and enjoyed the privilege of cutting
their necessary timber and firewood on the said common lands, a privilege
without which many families in the said town would be reduced to great
extremities.
" About the [year] 1750, Jan Schermerhorn, the petitioner's father, first set
up the pretence that all those who were inhabitants and freeholders of Schen-
ectady at the date of Dongau's Patent, were equally entitled to all the com-
mon lands, included therein as tenants in common fee. And in 1754, the
petitioner after his father's death, upon the same pretence, purchased of
the heirs of three of the original settlers, their right in the common lands
belonging to the town ; but from the trifling consideration he paid, there
is reason to believe the grantors themselves did not suppose they were en-
titled to the rights they pretended to sell ; for two of them sold for six-
pounds each of the third for ten, and the lands claimed by the petitioner in
virtue of each of these conveyances were then worth at least fifteen hundred
pounds.
"In 1755, Ryer Schermerhorn, the petitioner, pretending that there were
but twenty-five freeholders and inhabitants in Schenectady at the date of
Dongan's Patent ; and that they were equally entitled to the undivided
lands as tenants in common, and claiming one share as heir to his grand-
father, the three shares he had purchased as aforesaid, and one-sixth of a
share by the will of Catalyntie Andriese De Vos, filed a bill in Chancery
against Arent Bradt, then the surviving trustee, and several others, to com-
pel an acknowledgment of his claim, and a conveyance from Bradt of the
lands he claimed, and obtained an injunction, which prevented Bradt from
making any more sales of the common lands. The defendants answered
the bill, but no further proceedings were had in that cause.
" On the 11th of March, 1765, Arent Bradt made his will, and devised the
premises in question to twenty-three trustees in fee ; to hold to them and
their heirs and assigns forever in trust to and for the only use, benefit and
behoof of themselves and the other freeholders and inhabitants of the said
township of Schenectady, their heirs and assigns forever.
"In 1767, soon after the death of Arent Bradt, the said Ryer Schermerhorn
filed a bill in Chancery against all the trustees named in his will and a great
number of other persons. This bill admits there were twenty-seven free-
holders and inhabitants in Schenectady at the date of Dongan's patent and
52 History of the Schenectady Patent.
prays a partition among those entitled under them. All the trustees except
three and some of the other defendants hied their answer in April, 1*768.
Since which no further proceedings have been had in that cause.
"The trustees are willing and desirous of having the cause determined by
the court in which the petitioner thought proper to bring it, and they sup-
pose he now declines that judicature, from a consciousness that equity is
against him ; for as the courts of justice in this province have always shown
a great indulgence to the infancy of time, for the preservation of justice
and private tranquility, the trustees conceive the petitioner cannot expect
to prevail in opposing a usage begun by all their ancestors and invariably
continued for nearly a century ; especially as the construction now insisted
upon by the petitioner is not only repugnant to the constant sense of the
inhabitants and freeholders of Schenectady, but will be necessarily produc-
tive of the ruin of the greatest part of the inhabitants and throw the whole
township into confusion.
"For the petitioner claims to have the common lands divided into twenty-
seven shares, of which he himself claims four and one-sixth, and the inhabit-
ants of said township now consists of about four hundred freeholders and
a division upon the petitioner's plan must be made only among about twenty
persons, and none of the rest of the freeholders or inhabitants will have any
shares, although they always considered themselves as equally entitled with
the heirs of the original settlers, to the benefit of the common lands in
virtue of their purchases, and have in consequence of such presumption
been at great expense in building and other improvements." *
When New York at the close of the revolution ceased to be a province of
the British empire, many laws and legal customs of the mother country
became obsolete ; among which was the law of primogeniture. Up to
this time Ryer Schermerhorn and his friends acting under said law, had
claimed that the common lands belonged of right to the eldest sons and
heirs of the first settlers or to their assigns, only from twenty-five to thirty
of whom were then living in the township. But with the change of the
laws, the number of the claimants to the common lands was greatly in-
creased. It is said that in 1797 there were nearly 500 families in the town-
ship, descendants from the first settlers, who claimed in right of law that
these lands belonged to them or their assigns and not to those interlopers,
who had become citizens long subsequent to their forefathers.
And as a recognition of rights they claimed that these lands should be
leased to them on durable leases and at a nominal rent of from 50cts. to
$7.50 per 100 acres.
* Schenectady Directory, 1857-8, p. 142.
Introduction. 53
These claims and demands of the " descendants " exasperated the other
and later settlers, and led to protests and petitions, to the appointment of
committees of conference, to consultations with legal authorities and to
various reports and plans of compromise.
One of the most elaborate and well digested plans for the management
of the common lands was that of 17 93, offered by a committee appointed at
a town meeting held Oct. 1, 1792, a "respectable number of the inhabitants
being present."
This committee consisted of, John Van Petten, John Glen, Andrew Van
Patten, John Sanders, Albert A. Vedder, and Abraham Oothout, and made
their report Jan. 28, 1793. Among other things they recommended :
" 1. That the inhabitants of the township choose seven freeholders to whom
the present trustees of the common lands shall render an account of their
acts during their term of office.
" 2. That the present trustees shall nominate seven freeholders to whom
said trustees shall resign their trust of the common lands, etc.
" 3. That the freeholders of the town shall yearly appoint seven other free-
holders to audit the accounts of the seven trustees last above mentioned.
" 4. When the trustees last above elected shall be reduced to three, that
said remaining trustees shall assign their trust to seven other freeholders
nominated by the inhabitants.
" 5. That the male inhabitants who have resided in the town before the
year 1760 and their descendants of full age, shall be the electors of said
new trustees and so on in succession.
" 6. That the income of the public property shall be expended as said
trustees and ten other freeholders appointed yearly may order.
" 7. That a certain tract of land on the north and south sides of the river
and in the westerly bounds of the township shall be set apart for commons.
" 8. That the highest price for land shall be forty shillings, and the lowest
eight shillings per acre, the highest price for land leases shall be £10, the
lowest £4, the hundred acres." Then follow a code of rules and by-laws.
These recommendations were never carried into effect. In 1795, the old
Board of Trustees appointed under Arent Bratt's will, had been in power
thirty years, many had passed away, the others had become aged, and it
seemed proper and desirable that new blood should be infused into this
body ; therefore, on the 13th January, 1795, the following persons then
seized in fee of the common lands, " as surviving trustees of the town in
virtue of the Patent, 1714, and certain mesne conveyances and devises," to
wit : Abraham Fonda, Harmanus Bratt, Isaac Vrooman, Nicholas Van
Petten, Nicholaas Van der Volgen, Jacobus Myndertse, Samuel Bradt and
Abraham Wemple, associated with themselves as trustees, Nicholaas Veeder,
54 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Garret S. Veeder, Jr., Abraham Oothout, John Sanders and John Glen, by
conveying said Patent to Michael Tyms, who reconveyed the same to the
above named persona as trustees. And on the 15th day of March, 1796,
Certain o( the above said trustees by reason of age resigned their trust and
ft new board was appointed in their room ; to accomplish which the trustees
then is power oonveyed the Patent to Joseph Mynderse and he reconveyed
the same to Abraham Wemple, Nieholas Veeder, Gerrit S. Veeder, Jr.,
John Glen, John Sanders, Abraham Oothout, Abraham SwitS, Andries Van
Petton, Jellis J. Fonda, Rykert Sohermerhorn and Adam S. Vrooman as
new trustees, who executed a bond in the penal sum of £5,000 to the retiring
trustees tor the faithful performance of the duties of their office. These
last mentioned trustees held and managed the common lands until 1798,
when their powers oeased, being merged by the first charter of the city of
Schenectady in the mayor, aldermen and commonalty.
In furtherance o( a compromise or settlement of the disputes in relation
to the public lands, the inhabitants appointed a committee in 1795 to take
legal counsel on the subject. This committee consisted o( Andries Van
Petten, -idles Fonda and Maus Sohermerhorn, who obtained the following
opinion :
"Having considered the Several questions stated to us by the Committee
appointed By the Inhabitants of the town o\' Schenectady as to the meas-
ures most advisable to be pursued for the settlement of their present
controversies and the future regulation and benefit of the concerns of the
said Town we are o( opinion.
/•7r.N\', that it will be extremely ditlicult, if not impracticable by any
Voluntary arrangement to effect the above purpose ; —
Secondly, That it will be expedient to Solicit the Interposition of the
Legislature by Petition for the attainment of the objects which the parties
have mutually in view.
Thirdly, That the most advisable mode of prosecuting this Petition will
be for the Persons who were the Inhabitants in 1714 and their Legal
Representatives to appoint by Power of attorney a committee consisting
of live or six persons, who shall be authorized to confer with a similar
committee of the Trustees and jointly with them to form a plan for the
future government and management of the affairs of the town, for setting
apart a certain proportion of the Lands as commons and for the disposition
of the remainder.
Peter Van Schaick,
Stephen Lush,
Abm. Van Vechten.
Albany, August 0, 1795.'*
Introduction. 55
In accordance with the above opinion, the Board of Trustees recom-
mended to the committee of the inhabitants to obtain a "proper power from
said Inhabitants to transact the business of the town in a more perfect
manner," which being done the trustees appointed out of their number,
Abraham Swits, Jellis J. Fonda, Andries Van Petten, Adam S. Vrooman,
Rykert Schermerhorn and Maus Schermerhorn, to act in connection with
the committee of the inhabitants in " bringing the business of the common
lands to a speedy settlement." And on the 10th of August, ( 1795 ), this
committee reported to the Trustees that " there was a great prospect of a
reconciliation of all disputes subsisting between the Inhabitants and
Trustees," and asking for further time.*
The acts and minutes of the Board of Trustees from time to time, show
quite clearly that they considered the common lands to belong to the
descendants of those who were inhabitants of the township in 1684, the
date of the Dongan Patent, or at least in 1714, the date of the confirmation
of the same.
The Trustees were all of this character, and a yearly meeting of such
descendants was held to appoint a committee of their number to audit the
accounts of the Trustees.
The other inhabitants were incensed that they had no voice in the dispo-
sal of these lands, and on the 10th April, 1797, sent a petition to the
Trustees, that a committee from their number might be heard on this
subject. — This was signed by:
" Jno. Bpt. Wendell, Jno. Bpt. Van Eps, Alexander Kelly,
Jacob Beekman, David Tomlinson, Thomas V. Horn,
Joseph Shurtliff, Jno. B. Vrooman, Charles Martin." f
On the other hand on the 24th of the same month, a committee of the
" Descendants " made and published the following reports:
" The committee of the Descendants or legal Representatives of the
Persons who were inhabitants of the Township of Schenectady in the year
1684, being the time when the Patent of said township was granted or the
year 1714, when the above Patent was confirmed — Report that they have
examined the state of the Business belonging to the Trustees of Schenectady
Patent, and find that they have sold 8097 Acres of land, being part of said
Patent, engaged 941 £ acres of land to different persons, and 600 acres of
land applied for; — that it appears from the accounts rendered, that there is
* Minutes of the Board of Trustees. \ Min. Bd. Trustees.
56 History of the Schenectady Patent.
the sum of £10,593 for Union College, Market House and other requsites
expended and a balance consisting of obligations to the amount of £4,680-6-5
remaining in their hands. The Committee report that in their opinion five
trustees, who shall have arrived at the age of twenty-five years, from among
the descendants should be elected annually by the male descendants, who
are arrived at the age of twenty-one years, on the second Tuesday of June
of every year, whose duty it shall be to render and account yearly and
every year of their proceedings to their successors in office, or to any of the
descendants who shall wish to have access and examine the same; and to
have the deposit, care, trust and management of the Patent, lands, Books,
Papers, Monies, Accounts, and other things belonging to the Trustees; and
that the Trustees when elected, or before they enter on the execution of
their office shall severally take and subscribe an oath before some justice of
the peace in the town of Schenectady that they will well and faithfully
perform the trust reposed in them. * * * The committee state, that
there are nearly five hundred of the descendants' families residing on said
patent and from a calculation about forty thousand acres of land unap-
propriated.
Therefore Resolved as the sense of the Committee * * * that it be
recommended to the Trustees to lease the lands * * * for a durable
term to the descendants or their legal Representatives for a sum not ex-
ceeding three pounds nor less than fifty cents annually per hundred acres,
regarding to every descendant's family or legal Representative, a proportion
agreeable to equity, quality and local circumstances."
" Given under our hands the twenty-fourth day of April, 1797.
John Yates,
Peter Mabee,
Lawrence Schermerhorn,
Abraham De Graff,
Henry A. Teller,
Jelles A. Fonda."*
On the 9th Sept., 1797, the board of trustees appointed a committee to
consult Abraham Van Vechten, Peter Yates and Joseph C. Yates, in relation
to a plan of " settlement with the inhabitants concerning the Common
lands."
Finally on March 26, I798,f an act was passed by the Legislature with the
assent and desire, not only of the other inhabitants of the township of
Schenectady, but also of the surviving trustees, by which all their powers
and duties in relation to the common lands were conferred upon the mayor,
* Minutes Board Trustees, f See the first city charter.
Introduction. 57
aldermen and commonalty of Schenectady. And to adjust all claims
against said trustees, the Legislature passed an act the same day appointing
a commission consisting of Zephaniah Piatt, Peter Cantine and Derick
Lane, who finally determined said claims and closed their accounts on the
10th Aug., 1798.
Even after this final transfer of the common lands to the corporation
there was a party who doubted its legality, contending for the resumption
and management of them by the old trustees, then surviving.
Others while reluctantly acquiescing in the transfer of these lands to the
city authorities, objected to their being sold off as fast as the inhabitants
demanded, and contended they should be held for the purpose of supplying
the citizens with fuel and timber.* Finally in 1810 (?) the election of alder-
men turned on this question; the whole city, then bounded by the ancient
limits of the Patent was canvassed by active partisans of both parties and
after a close and heated contest it was decided that the common lands
should be sold.
*[ The following facsimile of permit to cut wood, and citizens affidavit, show how
jealously the citizens held to this privilege.
hereby permitted
to cut and carry away, for
S9SQ from the Common
3$5S Lands of the city of Schenectadv,
88*5$ Provided that in all things compl with the Law,
WSM " To prevent waste of Timber and Fire-Wood on the Com-
onnn mon Lands of the city of Schenectady, and for other purposes,
gggfi passed December 25th, 1813."— This permit, however, to be
2SS2 in force for eight days only. — Dated day of
6885 ' 181
SS'(3S Mayor.
58 History of the Schenectady Patent.
DIVISION OF LANDS.
HOW THE LANDS PURCHASED BY Van CURLER FROM THE MOHAWKS IN 1661,
WERE DIVIDED AMONG THE FIRST PROPRIETORS.
Four different allotments were made to each of the first settlers ; first, a
house lot in the village ; second, a farm on the Great Flat or islands ; third,
a pasture ground east of the village, and fourth, a garden lot in the lowland
(laeghte) west of Mill creek and near the Binne kill.
First. — Mouse lots. The village plat originally embracing mainly the
land lying west of Ferry street, was divided into four blocks, or squares,
which were again subdivided into ample house lots. For protection this
plat was early surrounded by stockades. As the population outgrew these
narrow limits, house lots were assigned on the " Albany path " [now State
street], so that before 1690 it was sparsely built up as far east as Lange
gang (Centre street] and until about 1*700, only the north side was occupied
by houses. Front, Green and Union streets east of Ferry street, used for
I
QQQQ do swear in presence of Almighty God that I will in all things during the
5SS8 continuance of the permit'granted by the Mayor of the city of Schenectady, dated
Q8QQ day of to cut
GOGS comply with the law to
2222 prevent waste of timber and fire-wood on the common lands of the city of Sche-
«§§§ nectady, and for other purposes, passed the 25th December, 1813, that the ap-
^kr^ plication which I now make to cut
n^nn when the same are cut, I intend for my own
- use, and I will not directly or indirectly suffer the same to be removed without
QQQQ the bounds of the said city, under any pretence whatsoever.
SQ2Q
From date it appears that the lands were not disposed of in 1810. M'M.]
Division of Lands. 59
cow paths to the pastures and woodlands, were not then built upon. The
little church and graveyard stood at the junction of State, Church and
Water streets and the Dominie's house upon the site of the present church.
Many of the original village lots were about 200 feet square — four to a
block or square, but were early subdivided to meet the demands for resi-
dences within the stockades.
Second. The homeland. The great tract of flat or bottom land bounded
northerly by the river and State street, southerly by the sand bluff, easterly
by Centre street extended south, and westerly by the hills west of the hills
west of the first lock on the canal, embracing several hundred acres of
arable land, was anciently called the Groote Vlaehte.
It was mainly cleared land when the white man first occupied it in 1662,
and had been the Mohawks' maize land perhaps for centuries. This and
other parcels of like soil along the Mohawk, formed the main inducement
for the Hollanders to settle here ; in them they recognized the JPolders
of fatherland.* The bouwland was originally divided into twenty-three
* [ Smith in his history of New York published iu 1756, says, " the lands in the vale of
Schenectady are so fertile that they are commonly sold at £45 [<$11260] per acre.
Though the farmers use no kind of manure, they till the fields every year and they
always produce full crops of wheat or peas."
" I went with [Robert] Sanders to one Adam [Vrooman] and to examine the flats
which are exceedingly rich land." " This Schoouechtendeel is situated as we have said
twenty-four miles west of Fort Albany, toward the country of the Mohawks, upon a
good flat, high enough to be free from the overflowing of the water of the river, which
sometimes overflow their cultivated lands, which lie much lower. Their cultivated
lands are not what they call in that country Valleyen, but large flats between the hills on the
margin, or along the side of the rivers, brooks or creeks, very flat and level without a
single tree or bush upon them, of a black sandy soil, which is four and sometimes five
or six feet deep, but sometimes less, which can hardly be exhausted. They cultivate it
year after year without mauure for-uaany years.
It yields large crops of wheat but not so good as that raised in the woodland around
the city of New York and elsewhere, nor so productively, but it makes white flour.
The wheat which comes from this place, the Hysopus [Esopus] and some other places
is a little blue." *********
" The village proper of Schenectady is a square set off by palisades. There may be
about thirty houses, which are situated on the side of Mohawk river." — Bankers &
Sluytefs Journal, 168,301, 315. See Miller's map, 1695, which shows 28 houses. M'M.]
60 History of the Schenectady Patent.
separate parcels and assigned to fifteen individuals, no one, with one ex-
ception, holding more than fifty acres, — all being served alike, quantity and
quality [and convenience] considered.
The farm nearest the village embracing twenty-four acres was Yan
Velsen's, bounded by State street, Coehorn and Mill creeks as far west as,
or near to Church street. This, together with the water privilege was
granted in consideration of his building a grist mill on Mill Lane.*
The second parcel consisting of about forty acres of bottom land, anciently
called " Gerrit Symonse's meadow," commenced at or near the Coehorn kil
at the south bounds of Van Velsen's land and extended southerly to and
including " Veeder's Mills." This parcel has been preserved nearly entire
and is mostly in the ownership and occupation of the Veeder family at the
present time.f
The third the largest and most valuable farm, embracing 114 acres, was Arent
Van Curler's, called the first piece of land and after his death, Juff row's
landt.\ This was bounded northerly by the Binne kil, easterly by Van
Velsen's farm (excepting a few gardens on the south side of Water street),
southerly by " Gerrit Symonse's meadow," and by the sand bluff, or hills,
as far as the Schermerhorn Mills, and westerly by farms Nos. 1 and 4, owned
by Arent Bradt and Pieter Van Woggelum. The New York Central Rail-
road runs through the southerly end of this valuable tract, and the canal
nearly through the middle of it.§ Van Curler fairly earned this distinction
above his partners in this land grant, by reason of his great exertions and
influence in procuring the extinguishment of the Indian title in the first
place, and by his subsequent labors in acquiring patents for these lands from
the Governor and Council.
The fourth large parcel of the bouwland called the second or foremost
piece of land to distinguish it from Van Curler's which was called the first
piece, lay next west. The east line of this tract ran along the west fence of
the Schenectady car works yard, and so northerly to and around the east
side of lot No. 1, belonging to Arent Bratt, following the small brook
emptying into the Binne kil, a little east of the farm buildings of the late
* See Van Velsen. f See Gerrit Symouse Veeder.
% Madam's [Van Curler's] land. § See Van Curler.
Division of Lands. 61
John Myers. The westerly line of this parcel was the Poenties Ml and lot
No. 10 belonging to Teunis Cornelise Swart. This second piece was divided
into ten farms including De Winter's or Ellas' Plantasie, by north-east and
south-west lines from the river to the sand bluff, and by easterly and westerly
lines nearly coinciding with the river road and canal.
The fifth parcel of bouwlands called the hindermost piece of land, com-
menced at the Poenties kil and extended west to the hills near the first lock,
and was divided into ten farms by north-easterly and south-westerly lines
from the river to the hills, and by easterly and westerly lines nearly coin-
ciding with the canal and river road.
According to the measurements of that day the entire Bouwland consisted
of acres.
Van Velsen's farm 24
Gerrit Symonse's meadow 40
Van Curler's farm or first piece 114
The second or foremost piece of land, say 245
The hindermost piece, say 261
The gardens along the south side of Water street, say 10
694
It is quite evident that this measurement was much too small. Probably
only the good, clear, arable land was taken into account in the above allot-
ments, creupelbos and dovegats being excluded. Since that early day these
have been cleared and filled, thereby much enlarging the area of arable land.
The second and hindmost great lots of the bouwlands including Julias'
Plantasie were subdivided each into ten parcels of about twenty-five acres,
numbered from 1 to 10, beginning at the easterly and westerly extrem-
ities of these two parcels, and proceeding towards the Poenties Kil, * on
the west side of which lay the two farms numbered 10, united into one.
* The Poenties Kil is the brook (dry a large part of the year now), forming the west-
ern boundary of the Van Eps farm on the river road, about a mile west of the city.
The Kil next east of the Poenties Kil crossed by a stone bridge wa3 anciently called
Willem Teller's Killetje, because it formed the eastern boundary of hia land. Many years
since the Poenties Kil was connected with Willem Teller's Killetje by an artificial canal
dug along the foot of the sand hill beginning near Col. Campbell's residence, and both
streams now flow to the river in one channel.
62 History of the Schenectady Patent.
So that persons to whom were allotted numbers 1, 2, 3, &c., of the second
near the village, drew also numbers 1, 2, 3, &e., of the hindmost parcel at
the western extremity of the bouwland, and only one person had all of his
land in one place, to wit, Teunis Cornelise Swart, the fortunate holder of the
double farm numbered ten. This ingenious plan of allotment was contrived
to prevent any one person obtaining an undue advantage over his associates
by selecting all his land near the village.
Two other parcels of arable land separated from the Great Flat by the
river, were also assigned at an early day, viz., Marten's or Van Slyck's, is-
land comprising about 82 acres, patented to Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck
and Jan Barentse Wemp : — and the flat lying west and south of the Lake
in Scotia, granted to Sander Leendertse Glen, estimated at 50 acres.*
Finally, on the eastern side of the village, between Front street and the
river, was a strip of land called the Culver Wei/, which was allotted to the
first settlers in parcels of 2^ morgens, the easternmost lot being that of
Jellis Fonda. Adjoining Fonda's lot easterly, was Hans Janse Eenkluy's
bouwery of 18 morgens, which, on his death, became the property of the
Dutch Church, — a legacy for the benefit of the poor of Schenectady, f
All lands lying outside of the palisades easterly of Ferry street, save the
house lots on the north side of State street as far as Centre street, were
originally allotted to individuals in parcels of a few acres as woodland or
pasture ground.
Original ownees of the twenty farms into which that portion of the
Great Flat lying westerly of Arent Van Curler's Bouwery was
divided. \
Farms No. 1.
Both farms numbered one were patented to Catelyn De Vos, widow of
Arent Bratt the norman, June 2, 1668. Patents, 590.
June 15, 1668, a new patent was granted to Barent Janse [Van Ditmars]
and Catelyn [De Vos] his wife. -Patents, 593.
* See Van Slyck, Wemp and Glen, f See Eenkluys.
\ The west line of Van Curler's farm is marked by the west fence of the Schenectady
Car Works Yard.
Divisio?i of Lands. 63
Feb. 27, 1690, On occasion of her third marriage with Claas Janse Van
Boekhoven, Catelyn De Vos secured her childrens' share in their father's
[Bratt's] property by a mortgage upon these two farm. Deeds, iv, 296.
Oct. J 3, 1713, On her death an appraisal of these two farms was made
when the foremost farm was valued at £393.15, and the hindmost farm at
£354.7-6. Schermerhorn Papers.
Jan. 169f-. The will of Catalyntje De Vos speaks of the first lot as con-
taining thirty-six acres and the aftermost lot thirty acres. Wills, i, 74.
15 Aug. 1705. Former deeds being lost in 1690, Ryer Schmerhorn only
surviving trustee, gave a new deed to Arent Bratt, grandson and heir of
Arent Andriese Bratt, for the frst lot thirty-six acres and aftermost lot thirty
acres. Deeds, v, 168.
In 1707, a contract was made that Margaret, widow of Andries Bratt de-
ceased and wife of Harmanus Vedder, should have the use of farm No. 1,
during her life.
27 Aug. 1713, Beyer Schermerhorn and Dirk Bratt conveyed to Samuel
Bratt the hindermost farm No. 1, containing fifteen morgens and 467
rods. Deeds, v, 284-5.
Farms No. 2.
They were first owned by Philip Hendrickse Brouwer.
April, 29, 1664, his administrators sold them to Cornells Van Ness for
Jan Dirkse Van Eps son of Maritie Damen his wife, for the sum of 1287,
guilders. Deeds, n, 469.
April 29, 1667, the above sale was confirmed by the Governor's patent.
Patents, 392.
May 1, 1681. Douwe Aukes claimed to have purchased at vendue half
the hindmost farm which he afterwards sold to Davidt Christoffelse.
Deeds, iv,s181.
Feb. 4, 17 If, Johannes Baptist Van Eps eldest son and heir of Jan Dirkse
Van Eps deceased, conveyed to Arent Bratt the hindmost farm No. 2, com-
prising twelve morgens. Deeds, v, 217.
See also Deeds, v, 310, 311 — will of Reyer Schmerhorn 5 April, 1717, and
will of Myndert Van Gyseling April 2, 1771, among H. Yates' Papers.
64 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Farms No. 3.
These farms were first granted to Sander Leendertse Glen, by Patent of
date June 16, 1664.
On 6 April, 1704, Johannes eldest son and heir of Jacob Glen, eldest son
and heir of Sander Leendertse Glen both deceased, conveyed to Claas
Van Petten the foremost farm No. 3 containing ten moigens 130 rods
together with two morgens of hindmost farm No. 3. Deeds, iv, 324.
Johannes Glen by will devised the remainder of hindmost farm, 26
Sept. 1706, to his younger brother Sander, comprising about twenty acres.
Will in Court of Ajypeafs office.
On the 4th June, 1711, Claas Van Patten conveyed to his son Andries the
foremost lot. Deeds, v, 340, 353.
Feb. 24, and Aug. 11, 1714. To rectify a disputed line, R. Schermerhorn
and Andries Van Petten make a final settlement. Deeds, v, 222, 341.
Farms No. 4.
Farms No. 4 were granted to Pieter Adrianse Soegemakelyk, alias Van
"Woggelum, June 5, 1667, the first containing fourteen morgens, and the
second twelve morgens. Patents, 478.
Van Woggelum conveyed both to Helmer Otten, Aug. 13, 1670.
Deeds, u, 769.
Ap. 6, 1681, Van Woggelum reconveyed the same to Reyer Schermer-
horn who had married Otten's widow. Deeds, m, 108.
June 18, 1695, Jan, eldest son of Pieter Adriaense Van Woggelum, quit
claimed the same to Schermerhorn. Sohermerhorn Papers.
Feb. 24 and Aug. 11, 1714, Schermerhorn and Claas Van Petten settle
the disputed line between foremost farms No. 3 and 4. Deeds, v, 222, 341.
Feb. 27, 170|. Catharine Otten, wife of Gerrit Symonse Veeder, exchanged
eight morgens of the hoek [foremost farm, No. 9 ] with R. Schermerhorn
for eight morgens of hindmost farm No. 4. Deeds, v, 287.
The patent for R. Schermerhorn's mill privilege on the Schuylenbergh
Kil [at Schermerhorn's mills], was given and recorded in the Secretary of
State's office, in Boston, Mass., Sept. 29, 1688.
Division of Lands. 65
Farms No. 5.
June 29, 1667, Governor Nicolls confirmed to Willem Teller the two
farms, No. 5, which were first patented to him by Governor Stuyvesant,
June 16, 1664. Patents, 491.
June 20, 1700, his son Johannes "being much reduced in property, in 1690
at Schenectady, by the French," received a conveyance of these two farms
from his father. Deeds, iv, 209.
9 Ap., 1752, Willem Teller, son of Johannes, devised the foremost farm
on the Poenties Kil to his son Willem, and the second or hindmost farm to
his eldest son Johannes.
Farms No. 6.
Gerrit Bancker, of Albany, received the patent for these farms June 16,
1664, which patent was confirmed Ap. 27, 1667, by Governor Nicolls. *
Patents, 382.
Evert, son and heir of Gerrit Bancker, sold the foremost lot to Isaac
Swits, July 7, 1702, for £183 12s ; — it contained 22 acres. Deeds, v, 154.
Isaac Swits made his will Ap. 1, 1701, — proved Oct. 4, 1707, — and devised
a portion of the first farm to his eldest son Cornells.
Will, Court of Appeal's office.
The hindmost farm belonging to Harmen Vedder; he conveyed the south-
easterly half to his son Albert, Mar. 12, 170£, for the sum of £91 16s.
This moiety then contained ten acres. Deeds, v, 107.
Sept. 19, 1748, Albert Vedder was "now or late" the owner of the west
half also. Deeds, vn, 212.
Feb. 8, 175 j, Albert Vedder, " synde out van daghen," made his will
which was proved Feb. 13, 175|, and devised four and one-half morgens of
this hindmost farm, No. 6, to his son Harme. Will, Court of Appeal's office.
Farms No. 7.
Pieter Jacobse Bosboom de Steenbakker received a patent of these farms
June 16, 1664, — confirmed May 9, 1668. Patents, 552.
* Although granted to Gerrit Bancker, Harman Albertse Vedder had a half interest
in these farms from the beginning. In the final division Bancker took the foremost lot
and Vedder the hindmost, it being nearly opposite to lot No. 8, which he purchased of
Hesselingh.— See Oroot, Not. Pap., 1.
9
66 History of the Scfienectady Patent.
17 Sept., 1669, Bosboom conveyed the foremost farm to Jan Labitie, —
11 morgens, 263 rods. Deeds, n, 759.
In 1702 this foremost lot belonged to Gysbert Gerritse Van Brakel.
Deeds, v, 154.
Jan Labitie sold \\ morgens out of this farm to Johannes Van Eps.
The hindmost lot was partitioned among Bosboom's four daughters, to
wit, Maritie, wife of Hendrick Brouwer, Fytie, wife of Marte Van Ben-
thuysen, Tryntje, wife of John Oliver and Anna, wife of Jan Mebie.
Deeds, vi, 185.
Farms No. 8.
Marten Cornelise Van Isselsteyn received a patent for these farms June
16, 1664,— confirmed by Governor Nicolls, April 13, 1668. Patents, 527.
Oct. 23, 1668, he sold both farms to Claas Frederickse Van Petten and
Cornells Cornelise Viele, comprising 22 acres. Deeds, n, 741.
The former sold his moiety, — the foremost farm to Jan Dirkse Van Eps,
for which Jan Baptist Van Eps, his son and heir received a confirmatory
deed from the trustees of Schenectady, Feb., 170 J. Deeds, iv, 332.
Viele sold his moiety, — the hindmost farm — to Jurriaen Teunise Tappen
of Albany, the 25th Aug., 1670, and next day received from Tappen the
conveyance of a house and lot in Albany, probably in exchange.
Deeds, n, 777.
Tappen disposed of this farm to Dirk Hesselingh, who conveyed the same
Feb. 1, 167 J, to Harmen Vedder. Not. Pap., n; Deeds, vu, 185.
On the 15th Dec, 1672, Tappen confirmed the above sale by quit-claim
to Vedder. Deeds, n, 866.
Farms No. 9.
These farms were first conveyed to Simon Volckertse Veeder, de bakker,
by patent of date June 16th, 1664, — confirmed Jan. 15, 1667, by patent
from Governor Nicolls. Patents, 310.
Veeder made his will Jan. 83 169^, bequeathing the hindmost farm to his
son Volckert. Wills, Court of Appeal's office.
Volckert Veeder made his will Aug. 4, 1733, and left the hindmost lot to
his four sons. M. Yates"1 Papers.
Division of Lands. 67
Nov. 2, 1682, Simon Volckertse Veeder exchanged the foremost farm
called the hoek with Jacob Casparse Hallenbeck for land on the Normans-
kill. JVot. Pap., ii.
And June 8, 1687, Jacob Casparse and wife conveyed the hoek to Jan
Jansen Bleecker for " two hundred and fifty good merchantable beaver
skinns." Schermerhorn Papers.
17 March, 169^, Reyer Schermerhorn agreed to convey to Gerrit Symonse
Veeder 8 morgens of land out of the hoeck to be cut of with an east and
west line from the south end. Deeds, iv, 106.
23d Feb., HOf, Jan Janse Bleecker conveyed the hoek to Reyer Scher-
merhorn.
5th March, 170-f, Schermerhorn agreed to sell to Gillis Fonda four
morgens out of the hoeck. Schermerhorn Papers.
When Gerrit Symonse Veeder made his will 12 March, 174-f, he devised
eight morgens out of the hoek to his children. H. Yates"1 Papers.
Farm No. 10.
The double bouwery No. 10, was first patented to Teunis Cornelise
Swart, June 16, 1664, and confirmed Jan. 16, 1667. Patents, 309.
Elizabeth, widow of Teunis Swart, then wife of Jacob Meese Vrooman,
of Albany, Feb. 20, 168-|, conveyed to her son Jesaias Swart, eight acres
of land out of this farm to be taken from the extreme south end.
Deeds, in, 310.
26th April, 1692. Wouter Uythoff (third husband of Elizabeth), and said
Elizabeth his wife, for 540 beavers conveyed the whole bouwery No. 10, to
Claas Laurense Van Purmerend {alias Van der Volgen). Deeds, iv. 35.
Jan. 4, 169|. Claas Laurense Van Purmerend sold to Claas Janse Van
Boekhoven for £147 the half of farm No. 10 lying between the highway
and the river, — eleven morgens. Deeds, iv, 34.
And Jan. 5, 169|. Claas Janse conveyed to Dirk Arentse Bratt, his step-
son for £73|, five and one-half morgens of the above purchase, being the
easterly half of that portion lying north of the highway. Deeds, iv, 38.
On the same day, to wit, Jan. 5, 169§, in consideration of a sum of money
paid him by Catharine Glen, sometime widow of Cornells Barentse Van
Ditmars, eldest son of Barent Janse Van Ditmars, Claas Janse Van Boek-
hoven conveyed to said Catharine Glen (and as her dower), now wife of
68 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Gerrit Lansing, Jr., a piece of land out of farm No. 10, being the westerly-
half of that portion lying between the highway and the river — consisting of
five and one-half morgens. Deeds, iv, 3V.
The land in the immediate vicinity of the village, — the Great Flat and
island, — were all taken up in 1662, by the fifteen first proprietors. Other
persons followed the next and succeeding years and finding no lands un-
occupied, either bought up the rights of the earlier owners or pushed further
into the wilderness, on both sides of the Mohawk river.
The south side was considered the safest from Indian attacks and for that
reason the Governor and Council at first discouraged settlements on the north
side ; this was but a temporary check however. Before the year 1700 all
the arable land on both sides of the river to and even beyond the western
bounds of the town was taken up and sparsely settled.*
These lands had a rich alluvial soil formed by the annual overflow of the
river, and were mainly found in the bends and eddj^s ; excepting the Great
Flat they were generally small, comjjrising but a few acres.
FLATS OR PLAINS ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE RIVER.
PoVERSEN.f
Going west this is the first arable land lying on the south side of the
river above the Great Flat. It commenced at the road running west from
the first lockj and extended up the river to the " stone kil," a dry creek next
above the second lock. It was first purchased from the natives by Benjamin
Roberts, who sold the same to Henderick Lambertse Bont. The latter sold
the easterly portion to Barent Janse Yan Ditmars and the westerly poi'tion
to Douwe Aukes, who conveyed the same to his [adopted] son Cornelia
Viele. In 1713 Viel& was then residing on this land between the two locks.§
* It should be remembered that no land was considered arable, except the river
bottoms and islands. There was not enough of this to meet the demand ; hence it was
parcelled out sparingly and in small allotments, with much larger quantities of upland
for wood and pasture.
f This is the ancient name of this farm, the meaning of which is now lost. It is never
overflowed by the river and can hardly be oalled a flat as the term was commonly used.
% [Erie Canal.]
§ See Roberts, Bont, "Van Ditmars, Aukes and C. Viele Patents, 1038 ; Alb. Com.
Coun. Min., ni, 75 ; Schermerhorn Papers ; Deeds, v, 198.
Division of Lands. 69
First Flat.
This flat or plain consisting of about 80 acres of lowlands is described in
Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck's patent, granted in 1684, as "situated between
two creeks, one called Stone creek to the eastward, the other ' Platte creek *
to the westward, come to him in right of his mother who was a Mohawk
woman." *
It has remained in the family to this day, passing from father to son by
inheritance.
The easterly part of this flat called " Hazlenut flat " was owned by
Manasseh Sixberry, in 1709 ; he then made his will, leaving his property to
his four children. f
Second Flat.
This farm beginning at a little above " Reghel brugse Ml " \ was first
taken up by Jacobus Peek and Isaac Du Trieux about 1670, and patented
to them in 1677.
It contained twenty-two and one-half morgens or forty-five acres and
twenty acres of woodland.
In 1706, Maria widow of Isaac Du Trieux had permission from the trustees
of Schenectady to sell to Jacobus Peek eight morgens of land on this flat.
Johannes and Jacobus, sons of Jacobus Peek, became the owners of the
whole tract. It is now owned by John McCue on the west end, Abraham
A. Bratt on the east end.§
Third Flat.
This flat lies about eight miles above Schenectady, and consisted anciently
of about 127 acres of lowland ; in 1864, it was computed at thirty morgens
or say sixty-three acres and was then occupied, — the upper or westerly part
by Simon and Nicholas Mebie and Abraham N. Bratt, the lower or easterly
portion by the Bratts.
It was taken up by Daniel Janse Van Antwerpen in 1670, and patented
to him in 1680.
* Council Min., v, 11, 12 ; Patents, 1,200; Deeds in Sec. State's office, in.
f Toll papers; Patents, v, B. 10; Job. Van Slyck's will, Court of Appeal's office.
X Rail bridge creek.
§ See Van der Baast's survey, Land Papers, n, 59 ; Dutch church and Toll Papers
Deeds, rv.
70 History of the Schenectady Patent.
In 1*706, he sold to Jan Pieterse Mebie, the west half of the same con-
sisting of sixty-three acres and seventy-nine rods. Mebie at first lived on
the westerly end of this flat near the river but subsequently moved to the
lower end of the same, where his house is still standing and in the occupa-
tion of one of his descendants. The old Van Antwerp house was standing
to the west of the Mebie house, until a few years ago.*
Fourth Flat.
The Fourth Flat lying next west of the third was granted in 1715, by the
trustees of Schenectady to Pieter Vrooman, who in 1 742, conveyed the same
or at least the western portion of it, to Jan Wemple and Arent Bratt.
Johannes Veeder married a daughter of Pieter Vrooman and inherited the
easterly portion, now in possession of Myndert, grandson of said Johannes
Veeder.
Jan Wemple's land extended to the Zandig Ml.
De Willegen, or Willow Flat.
This flat commmenced at Stone creek below Port Jackson and ran down
the river thirty-four rods [4188 ft.] and contained thirty-three morgens or
sixty-six acres, 390 rods, — also 200 acres of woodland.
It was first granted to Pieter Van Olinda and Claas Willemse Van Cop-
pernol. Van Olinda holding the easterly half and Van Coppernol the
westerly half, which he conveyed to Philip Philipse in 1689 in exchange for
the 6th Flat on the north side of the river.f
FLATS OR PLAINS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE RIVER.
Claas Graven 's Hoek.
The first land settled upon west of Scotia was the Hoek. This farm was
taken up by Claas Andriese De Graaf, the first settler. After his death,
which took place before 1697, his widow, Elizabeth Brouwer, leased it to
Jonathan Stevens and Daniel Mascraft. \
* Deeds v, 79; Land papers n, 59; Albany Records, xx, 333, 334; Deeds vi, 215
John Mebie's will in Court of Appeal's office,
f Deeds v, 354, 358, rv, 234, 236.
% See De Graaf.
Division of Lands. 71
In IV 14, Gysbert Marcelis received a patent for six acres of land on the
Hoek for a hofsiede, he being then the owner of the neighboring island
called Gyse's island. *
Maalwtck.
Next west of tbe Hoek, lies a tract called from the earliest times, Maal-
wycJc, — a name of obscure origm and signification.
Benjamin, or Bent Roberts first purchased this farm of the natives, with
the approbation of the magistral es of Albany, — 36 acres of land, together
with 40 acres of woodland, which was coufirmed to him July 1, 1669.
This bouwery lay opposite to Arent [ Bratt], tbe norman's hindmost lot
of land.f After Roberts' death his land passed *o his two step-sons, Joseph
and Pieter Clement, who disposed of it, together with Beuten island, to
Carel Hansen Toll and Cornelis Viele, Nov. 24, 1735, Toll taking the
easterly half of the land, and westerly half of the island and Viele, the
remainder. The farm is still in the possession and occupation of a descend-
ant of Carel Hansen. J
Secotstd Flat.
This flat eytends from Rector's easterly, and in 1864 was owned by
Gerrit Barhydt, 17 acres.
Frank Potter, 40 "
D. D. Campbell, 30 u
Total with upland 87 "
The Second Flat proper, was originally taken up about 1678, — the eastern
half by Pieter Cornelise Viele, and the westerly half by Jan Janse Joncker,
alias Rotterdam.
Viele died early and his wife, Jacquemina Swart, married Benonny
Arentse Van Hoeck, who was killed at Schenectady, in 1690. Afterwards
she married Cornell's Vyohout, of Ulster county, and in 1699 they conveyed
her share of this flat to her son, Lewis Viele, — 19 morgens, 82 rods. Lewis,
* Patents 1673 ; Toll papers.
f Opposite the first lock above the city.
X See Roberts, Clement, Toll and Viele ; Patent, 981 ; Deeds, v, 108, 140, 141, 143.
72 History of the Schenectady Patent.
about 1709, conveyed the same to Ryer Schermerhorn for "ye behoof e of
said town " of Schenectady, — 18 morgens, and in 1718, the patentees of
Schenectady conveyed the "easternmost end of said flat to Reyer Schermer-
horn, bounded south, by the river, west, by heirs of Jan Jans'e Joncker,
north, by woodland, in all, 17 morgens Rynland measure — together with
17 morgens woodland on the north side of the Second Flat."
Reyer Schermerhorn, by will made 171 7, devised this land to his son
Arent ; and Reyer Schermerhorn, grandson of Reyer Schermerhorn the
first, in 1773, released said land to Abraham Schermerhorn.
After Joncker's death his share of this flat, being the westerly half, was
divided among his five daughters. *
Fourth Flat.
This flat extends westerly from Rector's to " Arent Mebie's kil," and was
owned in 1864 by
William Rector, 40 acres.
Smith B. Walton, 3 "
Adam Swart, 7 "
Nicholas Swart, 7 "
John Walton, 5* "
Total with upland 62± "
In 1678 Sander Glen petitioned the Governor to grant the fourth flat to
Lewis Cobes and his son-in-law Johannes Kleyn.
In 1683 the Mohawk Sakemakers conveyed this flat to Arnout Cornelise
Viele, — 16 or 17 morgens — for services rendered as interpreter, — lying over
against the [second] flat occupied by Jacobus Peek, — and by the Mohawks
called Wachkeerhoha.
In 1684 the patentees of Schenectady conveyed it to Ludovicus Cobes'
and Johannes Kleyn with &lapie\ by it, on the other, [north] side of the
river, containing 17 morgens, 164 rods of land.
* Gen. Entries, 12 ; Deeds, rv, 215, 216 ; vr, 464 ; Papers in Sec. State's Offl ce, Mass.
Book 129, p. 197 ; Toll papers ; Reyer Schermerhorn's will.
Lapie = remnant — a gore. — M'M.]
Division of Lands. 73
After Cobes' death, his widow Alida Pieterse married Dirk Ofmulder
and occupied Cobes' portion. Maria, only daughter and heir of Cobes after
her husband [Johannes Kleyn's] death in 1687, married Tarn Smit "Van
Nieu HJnglandt."
In 1698 Ofmulder and wife leased their share for life to Smith, save that
on the death of Ofmulder's wife, her granddaughter Clara Kleyn was to
have three morgens or the value of it.
By Kleyn's will his widow Maria Cobes had the half of this flat for life, —
by the above leaseher husband Smith had the use of the other half for life.
In 1714 Willem Marinus, who had married Baefie, youngest daughter of
said Kleyn united with his wife and conveyed her third share of three
morgens to Pieter Clement and Anna his wife, — sister of said Baefie, and
in 1716 said Pieter Clement conveyed to the trustees of Schenectady six
morgens of land at the west end of said flat.
In 1725 Col. Stephanus Groesbeck owned the westerly portion of this
flat, which "hindmost half" was the portion owned by Kleyn and con-
tained nine morgens.*
Fifth oe Wolf Flat.
This flat extending from " Arent Mebie's kil " west, is now in the pos-
session and occupation of John Barhydt and consists of about 85 acres of
land.
In 1678 "the comissaries of Schanechtade made application to ye Go:
that the fifth Plaine or Flatland on the other [north] side of the Maquaes
river may be disposed of for a minister, reader, &c. — And also that the rest
of the Plains or Flatts may be at the disposall of the Cort." It is presumed
this application was successful, for in 1698, the trustees of Schenectady
rented the westerly half for seven years to Arent Vedder, Jan Danielse
[Van Antwerpen] and Dirk Groot for 24 pieces of eight and two quarties.f
Jasaias Swart succeeded them as lessee, probably for another term of
seven years and in 1713 his lease was renewed for twenty years at a rent of
£6-19-6, and the trustees the same day conveyed to him thirty acres of
* Toll, Sckennerhorn and Dutch Church Papers. Deeds, m, 119, 199 ; v, 196, 355.
Col. MSB., xxvii. Col. Doc, ix, 251. Deeds, xin, 514. Jan Mebie's "will,
t Toll Papers.
10
74 History of the Schenectady Patent
woodland, " northward of the Wolf, that is the Fifth Flat, and runs up on
both sides of a kil commonly called the Fifth Flat kil." *
In 1716 the trustees of Schenectady sold the easterly half of this flat to
Jan Mebie for £3.00 and a reserved rent of fifteen skipples of wheat, —
commencing at the north-west end of the fourth flat by a [Mebie's] creek, —
containing fifteen morgens Kynland measure. This rent was commuted by
D. D. Campbell, Nov. 1, 1854.
In 1*739 Lourens Claase Vander Volgen by will devised to his son Claas
Lowrense his " lot of arable land, the hindmost [westerly] part of the
five plains [Fifth flat] containing twelve morgens more or less, situate in
the Woestyne on the north side of the Mohawk river come to me by the
trustees of Schonegteday " — valued at £200.
In 1725, John Mabie by will devised to his eldest son Pieter " my
lands ... on the north side of the Mohawk between the lands of Lawrence
Van Der Volgen and lands of Col. Stephanus Groesbeck ;" the latter owned
the westerly half of the fourth flat at this time.
In 1750, Claas Van Der Volgen sold to Pieter Mebie his twelve morgens
and ninety-seven rods of land on the west end of this flat.
In 1768, Pieter Mebie by will devised his land being the whole of the
fifth flat, to Jan Mebie his son, who in 1789, devised the same to his widow
and two sons, Pieter and Simon, and they in 1799, conveyed the same to
David Lawyer, Jr.
The latter sold the same to John S. Barhydt from whom it passed by
inheritance to his son John, the present owner.f
Sixth Flat.
This flat begins just east of the seventh flat from which it is separated by
the Droybergh, Verf or color kil, alias Tequatsera.\ It was owned in 1864,
by Aaron Swart.
It was first occupied by Philip Philipse De Moer as a tenant of the trustees
of Schenectady. In 1689 he exchanged his ownership in the same with
* Dutch Church Papers.
f Col. Mss. xxvii^ xjvni, 18 ; Toll and Dutch Church Papers; Council Min., 1678;
L. C. Van der Volgen's Will and John Mebie's will ; Deeds xvii, 312.
% Sometimes written Togeutchero, and TogqutcJiero.
Division of Lands. 75
Claas Willemse Van Coppernol for a portion of the Willegen Vlachte and
in 1708, Sander his son, leased it for twelve years at a rent of £2.85. It then
consisted of five morgens with an additional three morgens of woodland.
On the 2d Sept., 1714, on a petition of Jacobus Van Dyck in the name of
the consistory, Reyer Schermerhorn conveyed this flat containing about
seven morgens or fourteen acres, — also ten morgens, or twenty acres of
woodland lying behind it, — to the Dutch church. In 1770, Esaias Swart was
in possession of this plain which then was computed to contain seven mor-
gens.*
Seventh Flat.
This flat lies near Hoffman's ferry between the Droybergh kil on the east
and Van Eps' kil on the west.
In 1684 the trustees of Schenectady conveyed the westerly half to Carel
Hansen Toll reserving a rent of one skipplc of wheat.
Reyer Schermerhorn owned the easterly half. The whole flat contained
40 morgens. In 1721, Carel Hanse conveyed his half to his son-in-law
Johannes Van Eps and Neeltie his wife.
In 1742, Pieter Cornu, another son-in-law of Carel Hanse, who " sometime
then past " had had conveyance of the same from Johannes Van Eps, leased
it to said Van Eps save what he had leased to Claas Van Petten, and imme-
diately thereafter quit claims it to Johannes Van Eps.
In 1 705, Reyer Schermerhorn conveyed the easterly half of this plat
to his son Jan ; and by his will made 1717, devised the same to the children
of his daughter Catalyntje, wife of John Wemp. In 1719 Jan, eldest son
of Reyer Schermerhorn, confirmed by deed the bequest made in his father's
will to Catalyntje's children.
In 1733 the "Wemps transferred their interest to Johannes Van Eps,
owner of the other half, f
Cambefort's Patent.
In 1694 Gerardus Cambefort contracted to sell his patent to Carel Hansen
Toll, land he had previously received of the Indians. In 1703 Lord Corn-
* Toll and Dutch Church papers ; Deeds rv, 234, 236 ; Mort. in, 58.
f Deeds, v, 69, 70, 494; vi, 145; Toll aud Dutch Church Papers; Wills of Reyer
Schermerhorn and Volkert Symonse Veeder among H. Yates' Papers.
76 History of the Schenectady Patent.
bury granted Cambefort a patent for 20 acres of land, " beginning from a
place called Kanquaragoone [now Towereune] the westerly bounds of the
Patent granted to Schenectady, running up westward to limits of land for-
merly conveyed to Henry Cuyler, deceased." Immediately thereafter Cam-
befort conveyed the same to Toll. This laud extends along the river west-
ward from Towereune to Lewis' creek.*
Claes Graven's Hoek. — Cuyler's Vlachte or Adriucha.
This Claes Graven's Hoek is not to be confounded with that heretofore
spoken of, situated near Scotia. f In 1686, " To Philip Wells, surveyor
general ; — the humble petition of Hendrick Kyler for a certain piece of land
called Claes Graven hook, — about thirty acres of lowland and fifty of up-
land, being read was granted, provided the said land be not already appro-
priated or disposed of. "J
Governor Dongan issued to Cuyler a patent for this and other lands in
1687. After his death Ann Cuyler, his widow and John his eldest son sold
the same in 1699 to Carel Hansen Toll for £180.
Philip Groot of Schenectady early settled on this land and after his death
in 1716 was succeeded by his son Ludovicus (Lewis), who gave name to
the creek forming the easterly bounds of this patent.
Adriucha is still in possession of the Groot family at what is now called
Crane's Village.S
ISLANDS.
Great Island in Niskatuna.
This is one of the largest islands in the river, containing about 80 acres.
It was conveyed to Hilletie Cornelise, sister of Jacques Cornelise Van
Slyck, by the Mohawks June 1, 1667, and confirmed by Governor Nicolls
May 8, 1668. On the 4th March, 1669, and again Feb. 6, I70f, Hilletie
* Patents, 1577; Deeds, v, 71 ; Toll Papers.
f Perhaps Claes De Grafl first acquired the Indian title to this flat, which he trans-
ferred to Cuylers.
\ Coun. Minutes, v, 171.
§ Patents, 1370 ; Deeds, v, 70, 357, 358 ; Deeds, vi, 9 ; Toll Papers.
Division of Lands. 77
and her husband, Pieter Van Olinda, conveyed it to Johannes Clute, *
which sale was confirmed by the Governor and Council Aug. 2, 1671. f
On 20 June, 1707, Johannes Clute and Bata his wife, conveyed it to his
son Jacob, and sons-in-law of mature age, and to Robert Livingston, in
trust, for his infant children. J
Again, on June 25, 1707, Clute and his wife transferred the same to
Robert Livingston for £420, § — and lastly to said Livingston, Aug. 9, 1707,
for £706, together with 20 acres on the mainland between the two creeks, —
to free himself from embarrassments. II
Five Small Islands at Niskayuna.
At a conference with the Five Nations at Albany, 19 July, 1701, they
say :
"Brother Corlaer : —
Wee have a small right in the Maquase river att Canastagiowne, to
wit, five small Islands containing about five or six acres between Rosen-
dael and Cornelis Tymes's, which wee give to Jan Baptist Van Eps and
Lawrence Claese [ Vander Volgen ], the two Interpreters to be equally
divided between them, — John Baptist to have the uppermost halfe and
Lawrence the lowermost, — and that in consideration, because they take
much pains in interpreting." **
Marten's, Van Slyck's or Wemp's Island.
This large island lying west of the city, and separated therefrom by the
Binne Kil was early granted by the Mohawks to Marten Cornelise f f Van
Slyck alias Marten Maurits, a half breed, who dying in 1662, Governor
Stuyvesant gave a patent for the same, Nov. 12, 1662, to his brother and
heir Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck and Jan Barentse Wemp.JJ Stuyvesant's
patent was confirmed by Governor Nicolls Ap. 13, 1667 ; it then contained,
including another small island separated by a creek, 82 acres.§§
Sept. 13, 1694, another confirmatory patent was granted to the heirs of
Sweer Teunise ( who married Wemp's widow ) for three morgens or six
acres, more than the half of this island, and the small one to the rear of it,
* Deeds, 711. f Gen. Entries, iv, 283. % Deeds, v,55. § Deeds, v, 54. || Deeds, v, 192
** Col. Doc. , iv. 906. \\ Col. MSS. xxxix. 216. %% See original in Union Coll. Library.
§§ Patents 357, 1469, 1474.
78 History of the Schenectady Patent.
separated by a small kil, " containing in the whole of both islands, 22 mor-
gens, or 44 acres." The entire contents of the island were, therefore, 41
morgens or 82 acres.
A portion of the west end of the island was anciently called, " Jan Pappen
Leghten." *
Kruysbessen (Gooseberry) Island.
This island lies northerly of Van Slyck's island from which it is separated
by a rapid called " Knock 'em stiff." Jan. 2, 169f, the justice of the peace
(Johannes Sanderse Glen), and gemeen-mannen of Schenectady, conveyed to
Gysbert Gerritse [Van Brakel] an island on the north sicle of the river
called Kruysbessen (Gooseberry) island lying west of Spuyten duyvel [island]
consideration 32 beavers at six guilders per beaver to be paid within three
years.f
On the 10th April, 1*702, Reyer Schermerhorn by virtue of the Dongan
Patent conveyed the same to Jellis Fonda, containing one morgen more or
less.
Again the 22d Sept., 1*706, Gillis Fonda conveyed the same to Hendrick
Vrooman and Arent Danielse [Van Antwerpen], — two morgens more or
less.
Hend. Vrooman and Arent Danielse conveyed this island to Barent
Vrooman, on the 11 March, 170-f.
June 6, 1750, Isaac Swits and wife Maria, by virtue of Barent Vrooman's
will made Sept. 6, 1748, conveyed this island to Jacob Glen from whom it
passed to the Sanders family in whose possession it has since remained. J
Sputten Duyvel.
Johannes Sanderse Glen bought this island of the trustees of Schenectady
together with a parcel of " boslandt " in 17 Of for £16-10. §
* Deeds, vii. 248. One Jean Poppe lived at Flatbush, in 1679. See Danker and
Sluyter's Journal, 131.
f Toll Papers; John Sander's Will.
% Sander's Papers; Deeds, v, 97.
§ Orote Schuldt-boek ; Toll Papers.
Division of Lands. 79
It lies just opposite the old Glen [now Sanders] House in Scotia and
formerly contained several acres, but is now reduced to the fraction of an
acre and quite valueless for tillage.
Varkens or Hog Island.
This island lies at the north end of Van Slyck's island and is separated from
it by an arm of the Mohawk river, which at the ordinary low water is a
mere sluggish bayou.
It originally contained about three morgens or six acres. The eastern
end next the Binne kil is called the platt, a low muddy islet of triangular
shape and at ordinary times scarcely separated from it. In early times this
island was claimed by the owners of Van Slyck's island. In 1694 Rode, a
Mohawk Sachem, declared " that about thirty years ago when Schenectady
" began to be settled he and other Mohawks granted to Marten Cornelise
"[Van Slyck] the island known as Varken's island on the north side of
"Akus' island."*
On the 9th Nov., 1670, Pieter Jacobse Bosboom received a patent " to
"confirm to him a small island belonging to him, which hath heretofore been
" given to him by the Indians, lying in the river there next to the island of
" Sweer Teunise and Akes Cornelise [Van Slyck] containing about six acres
or three morgens."f
Van Eps Island.
This small island lies north of Varken's island from which it is separated
by a bayou nearly filled up.
A portion of this island was devised in 1800 by John Baptist Van Eps to
his son John, after his wife's decease; another portion — an undivided sixth
part — was conveyed in 1808 by Tobias H. Ten Eyck to Cornells Vrooman.J
De La Warde's, Joris Aertse's, or Guise's Island.
This island lies on the north-westerly side of Van Slyck's island, and con-
tained originally fifteen or sixteen morgens of land.
*Col. MSS, xxxix, 216. f See Patents, 651. J Deeds, xx, 25.
80 History of the Schenectady Patent.
It was first owned by Jan De La Warde who sold it to Joris Aertse Van
der Baast.* The latter was killed at the destruction of the village in 1690,
and on the 27 Feb. 169-f his attorney Pieter Bogardus of Albany with the
trustees of Schenectady, conveyed it to Gysbert Marselis of Albany.f This
conveyance was confirmed by patent of date 23d June, 1714. J
The hofstede of this farm was on the mainland opposite, adjoining the
land of Claas De Graff and consisted of 6 acres. Nicholas De Graff who
owned the neighboring mainland purchased this island of Gysbert Mar-
selis^
Fonda's Island.
The situation of this island is best described in the patent to Simon
Simonse Groot, of date Aug. 9, 1694, " to confirm to him a small island in
" the Mohawk river within the town of Schenectady possessed by him for
" twenty-seven years, to wit, a certain small island in the Mohawk river lying
"to the north of the Hoek,\ or point of Reyer Jacobsen's [Schermerhorn],
" and the southward of the island belonging to Joris Aertsen [now Guise's]
" and to the westward of the island lately belonging to Sweer Teunise
" deceased, — containing five morgens or ten acres."**
Philip Livingston of Albany, afterwards became its owner and sold it to
Jellis Fonda Jby whose will made Sept. 8, 1737, it was divided among his
three sons, Pieter, Abraham and Jacob. ff
Sassian's or Claas Viele's Island.
The next island above Guise's island is Sassian's or Claas Viele's island
containing between seven and nine morgens.
It lay opposite the " hindmost lot No. 1," of Arent Bratt, and belonged
originally, to Hendrick Lambertse Bont alias Sassian, by whom it was sold
to Douw Aukes and then to his adopted son Cornells Viele.
The Viele's long possessed and gave their name to it. \ J
* Deeds, rv, 140. f Deeds, rv, 264. % Patents, 1673. j
§ Mortgages rx, 89 ; xn, 95.
| De oakker's Tioek on the south side of the river, being foremost farm numbered 9
owned by Volckertse Symonse Veeder de bakker.
** Patents, 1466.
ft Will of Jellis Fonda among Bratt papers.
XX Patents m, 64 ; Deeds v, 198 ; see also Douwe Aukes, Bont and Viele.
Division of Lands. 81
Benten, or Bent's Island.
This is the large island next above Sassian's island, lying on the north side
of the river and originally contained about ten morgens. It was first pos-
sessed by Bent Roberts, from whom it passed by his will to his two stepsons
Joseph and Pieter Clement. They sold the upper half to Carel Hansen Toll
and the lower half to Cornells Viele.*
* Deeds, rv, 13 ; v, 108, 140,141; QrooteSchult boek; see also Toll, Roberts, Clement;
Dutch Church papers.
11
82 History of the Schenectady Patent.
ADULT FREEHOLDERS.
Adult freeholders, who settled in Schenectady before 1700, together
with a description of their house lots and other possessions.*
Several of the first settlers who cooperated in founding the village in 1662,
were of mature age, — scarcely any were aged.
Van Curler, Glen, Bratt, Swits, Sehermerhorn, Vedder, Veeder, Van Eps,
Vrooman, Wemp, etc., may be mentioned as of this class, whose children
before 1700 had reached mature years and become heads of families.
They were nearly all farmers, whatever else they might do ; their farms
were small, seldom exceeding fifty acres of arable land and their families
were large, often numbering from ten to fifteen children.
Their wants were few and simple ; every one labored with his hands and
the virgin soil yielded abundantly, and fully satisfied their frugal wants.
There was neither poverty nor riches in the little community, but a sufficient
competence was within the reach of all.
Jan and Willem Appel.
Adriaen Appel, cdias Van Leydeu, was an innkeeper in Beverwyck as
early as 1654, when he received a patent for a lot on condition that the
house to be erected thereon be not an ordinary tippling house but an inn
for travelers.
In 1656, being an innkeeper and tapster, he was complained of by
Johannes Dyckman for refusing to permit the farmer of the excise to guage
* For a list of all citizens of Schenectady as well freeholders as others, see " Schenec-
tady Families."
Adult Freeholders. 83
his liquors ; at this time he resided without the limits of Beverwyck, in
Colonie Rensselaerswyck, and hence claimed exemption.*
In 1662 he removed to New Amsterdam, where he remained till 1671, re-
turning he was appointed one of the four schoolmasters of the village of
Albany in 1676, and was so employed in 1686.
His two sons Jan and Willem were residents of Schenectady in 1690, and
when the village was destroyed, the former " being greviously wounded "
was on that account granted £6 by the Governor and Council ; and the
latter who " was wounded in his limbs at the burning of Schenectady " was
for that reason exempted in 1693 from the payment of 30s. excise. About
tnis time they removed to New York, whence Willem returned to Schenec-
tady about 1704 and bought of Ryer Schermerhorn a lot on the north side
of State street of 105 feet front and rear. This lot extended from the store
of Mr. Robert Ellis west to the building of Mr. Samuel Myers, including
the canal and the building called the " Wedge " and the lot in the rear on
Liberty street now belonging to the estate of the late Peter Rowe. In 1710,
Appel, then a vintner in New York, sold this lot to Simon Vrooman for
£48 ($120). He also owned another lot on State street in 1709, comprising
the lots of Mr. George I. Swortfiguer and estate of the late William Cun-
ningham,— Numbers 103 to 111 inclusive. He probably disposed of this lot
to Jonathan Dyer, who owned it in 1716.
Douwe Aukes [De Freeze].
Douwe Aukes came over in 1663 in the ship Stettin from Arnhiem, being
then a young man of twenty-four years. He early settled in Schenectady
as an innkeeper or victualler, either as successor or partner of Cornells
Viele. He married Maria Arnoutse Viele, widow of Matthys Vrooman of
Albany, in 1685.
Leisler made him justice of the peace in 1689. When the village was
destroyed in 1690, his wife, two children and negro woman Francyn were
killed and his brother-in-law, Arnout Viele was carried away to Canada.
His inn was on the southerly corner made by State street and Mill lane
next the church and it was here that the traditional merrymaking was going
* Marselis Janse, the farmer of the excise this year, was defendant in a suit brought
by Appel to recover the value of an anker of brandy, which he lost by drawing it with
violence through the streets. — Albany Co. Records, 10.
84 History of the Schenectady Patent.
on, on the fatal night of Feb. 8, 1689-90. In the Groote Schult JBoek
(among the Common Council records) it is said of the dimensions of his
house lot, Douwe syn erf by de kercke daer syn huys op staet is breet lang
de weg [State street], 140 en lang [deep] thirty Voet. The depth of his
lot is here limited to thirty Amsterdam feet or twenty-eight English feet,
i. e., from the street to the palisades, which in early times extended from
Ferry street to Washington street, at this distance from State street. Later
he had an extension of his lot southerly on the low ground in the rear and
across mill creek*
On the 20th July, 1718, the patentees of Schenectady confirmed to Douwe
Aukes, Victualler, the aforementioned lot, with " two houses thereon on the
" south side of the street that leads from the east gate to the Dutch church
"[standing in front of the late G. Q. Carley's store], bounded on the north
" by said street [Albany road] on the west and south by the commons and on
"the east by the lot of ground of Robert Wendel," being 140 feet front and
fifty feet deep, thirty of which and the whole front were formerly granted
to said Douwe Aukes De Freese by Reyer Schermerhorn, Feb. 15, iVOf.f
In 1708 Aukes owned a lot on the north side of State street of fifty
Amsterdam feet front, which he had parted with in 1716 to Abraham
DeGraaf. This lot now belongs to the estate of William McCamus, deceased,
and is comprised in numbers 131 to 137. J
On the 10th of April, 1*704, he conveyed to Arent Danielse Van Ant-
werpen, " a lot in Schenectady by virtue of transport from Jan Luykasse
"[Wyngaardt] of date 13 Feb., I70f, bounded west by Giles Fonda, east by
" Gerrit Gysbertse [Van Brakel], south by the highway [State street], length
"on the east side 385 feet, on the west side 433 feet, breadth on the south
" [State street] 78 feet, on the north 90 feet." This lot is now occupied by
Given's -hotel, save what was taken in opening Wall street in 1803. §
Aukes also owned a pasture on the east side of Ferry street between Union
and Green streets described in the Groote Schult boek as " syn erf by het vort
lang aen wee [west] syde 540 en aen eene sy [end] 211 en aen de andresy 220
voet." This lot is still well defined, the front upon Union street extends from
* In 1710 Douwe Aukes petitioned the Governor against Capt. Fletcher Matthews, who
in company with others at his house in Schenectady, " behaved scandalously and broke
and defiled his furniture and goods." — Col. MSS., Lrv, 164.
f Church Papers. % Deeds E, 114. § Deeds, v, 187.
Adult Freeholders. 85
Ferry street to the Presbyterian church lot, the west line is Ferry street,
540 feet Arnst : or 495 feet Eng: the east line is the westerly bounds of the
Presbyterian church lot and the north line, 220 feet Amst. or 202 feet Eng.
is 93 Eng. feet south of Green street. This lot comprised the Episcopal
church and parsonage lots.
On the 10th Feb., 17 If, Aukes, being then eighty years of age, conveyed
to Cornells Viele, son of the former owner and keeper of his inn, and uncle
of his late wife Maria Arnoutse Viele, whom he called his son, all his estate
in the village, that is to say:
"1. One house and lot wherein he [Aukes] now lives.
"2. One other lot of ground and barn behind or on the west side of the
lot aforesaid near to the grist mill yl belongs to ye Dutch church.*
"3. One other lot of pasture ground lying on ye south or west side of the
creek whereon said mill stands.
"4. One other lot of pasture ground lying on the east side of the street
that leads directly up to the ffort gate [Ferry street] near to the fort.f"
His farm was what was then called Poversens lying about the first and
second locks west of the city. J
Bent Bagge.
He was an inhabitant as early as 1669, the owner of a house and land,
which on the 12 July, he leased to Jan Rinckhout of Albany, for one
year.§ He was also in Schenectady as late as 1681.||
Where his house stood or his land lay, is not now known. (Perhaps
Bagge was an alias for Roberts) ?
Gkrrit Bancker.
Though one of the first proprietors, he never became a permanent resident
of Schenectady. He probably came from Amsterdam where his brother
Willem was a merchant as late as 1700. Before 1655 he was in New
Amsterdam where he owned a house and lot; two years later he settled in
Beverwyck, which became his residence until his death about February,
* This grist mill stood upon Mill lane near the brick wool warehouse standing there.
\ Old deed. J See Jan Hend. Bont and Cornelis Viele.
§ Notarial Papers, i. || Proceedings Just. Court, Albany, I, 13.
86 History of the Schenectady Patent.
169£. His home lot in Albany was on the south side of Yoncker [now
State] street — the third east from Pearl as it then was; he also owned
divers other lots in the village.
Mr. Bancker married Elizabeth, daughter of Dirk Van Eps, and sister of
Jan Van Eps, one of the first settlers of Schenectady. After her husband's
death Mrs. Bancker removed to New York and engaged in trade; — she
died July 3, 1693, aged 70 years, leaving a large property for those times,
to her only son Evert. According to the inventory of her estate, she had
three houses in State street, Albany; — a hof Steele, barn and two lots of land
at Schenectady; — in Katskil two pieces of land; in Colonie, Rensselaerswyck
a bouwery, two houses, barn, orchard, hofstede, negro slaves, &c, and lastly
a house and lot in New York, besides considerable personal property.*
When Arent Van Curler began the settlement of Schenectady in 1662,
he became one of the fifteen proprietors, receiving the usual allotment of a
village lot and two bouweries on the Groote Vlachte.
His house lot was the north quarter of the block bounded by Union,
Washington, State and Church streets, — 183 ft. on Union, and 184 ft. on
Washington streets, Rhynland measure.
In the confirmatory patent granted by Gov. Nicolls 27 April, 1667, it'is
described as follows:
" A certain parcel of land at Schenectady to the north of Catelyn [Bratt]
" Norman's to the South of the hillsf being behind to the East of the way
" [Washington Street] and before to the West of Pieter Adriaensen's in
"length 15 rods 4 ft. [184 ft.] and in breadth 15 rods 3 ft. [183 ft.]"J
His son Evert, who inherited this lot, sold it on the 7th July, 1702, for
£42 [$105] to Cornells Swits, who also bought one of the Bancker farms
at the same time, in whose family a portion of it remained until 1760.§
Towards the close of the last century this village lot was divided into
several smaller parcels, which were owned by John Duncan and John and
* Court of Appeal's office.
f These hills or more properly hillocks, lay then on the westerly side of the block
bounded by Front, Church, Union and Washington streets and were long since graded
down.
% The Rynland rod consisted of 12 feet, of 12.36 Eng. inches each. Patents, 383.
§ Deeds, rv, 296.
Adult Freeholders. 87
Henry Glen, the last occupying the corner lot, which about 1802 he sold to
James Murdoch. [Occupied by D. L Van Antwerp.]
Bouweries No. 6.
The farms allotted to Gerrit Bancker were numbered six, the one on the
second piece, the other on the hindmost piece, and described in the Patent
of 27th April, 1667, as, "two parcels of land at Schenectady both marked
" number six, the one being on the second piece of land to the west of No.
" 5 and to the east of No. 7 striking on both sides from the creek or kil
" [Dove gat]* into the woods with a south west line something more
" southerly ; it is in breadth 36 [Rynland''] rods containing about 22 acres
" or 11 morgens and 145 rods : — the other, on the hindmost piece of land
"near the river, to the west of No. 10 to the east of No. 4, striking on both
" sides from the river to the small creek [Dove gat] with a south west
" line ; it's in breadth 50 rods containing about 20 acres or 10 morgens and
"520 rods: in all 44 acres, or 22 morgens 65 rods as granted by Gov.
"Stuyvesant June 16, 1664."f
As neither Gerrit Bancker nor his son Evert were ever permanent settlers
here, both these farms were sold soon after the death of the former, — the
foremost lot to Isaac Swits in 1702 for £183-12 and the hindmost parcel to
Harmen Vedder.J
Gerrit Bancker had a patent also for " a piece of pasture granted [be-
" tween Front street and the river] at Schenectady lying to the south of
" the woodside, to the east of Pointers or Cornelis Dirksen's [Teunis Swart's,]
" and to the west of Simon the Baker's [Symon Veeder], containing the
" quantity of ground as the land of said Cornelys Dirksen's doth." The
date of this patent was Oct. 15, 1670.§ The dimensions of Swart's pasture
was, length ninety-two rods, breadth by the river fifteen rods and by the
highway [Front street] seventeen rods or about two and a half morgens. ||
In 1715, Evert Bancker sold this lot to Willem Abrahamse Tietsoort of
Dutchess county.
This pasture was between Front street and the river, commencing nearly
opposite John street and extending easterly along the street 210 feet English.
* [Dove gat -a cove-a pool where water sets back from the river-M'M.]
f Patents No. 382.
X Deeds v. 107, 154, vii ; Isaac Swit' s Will and Albert Vedder's will in Court of Appeal's
office.
§ Patents No. 754. || Patents, No. 761.
88 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Barheyt, or Barheit, or Barhtdt.
There were two early settlers of this name in Albany county, viz.,
Andries Kanse Barheit, de Sweedt, dwelling at Kinderhook in 1675, and in
1693, "on ye great flatt neer Coxhachky, next to Pieter Bronck's farm ;" —
and Jeronimus Hanse Barheit, probably a brother of the former. Johannes
Barheit, perhaps the eldest son of the latter, residing in the manor of
Rensselaerswyck, in 1720, married Catharina Gilbert of Albany, and among
other children had two sons, — Johannes and Hieronimus, born in 1703 and
1709, respectively, who settled in Schenectady, and became the progenitors
of the families bearing this name in this vicinity.
Jeronimus married Maria, daughter of Jesse De Graaf, in 1737, and in
1760 purchased of the heirs of Hendrick Hansen, of Albany, a parcel of
land lying between John, Jefferson, Front and Pine streets, comprising
one and a half morgens. An account of the early ownership of this parcel
of land is given in a deed of date 1766 : — "Whereas Ryer Schermerhorn
" [patentee] late of Schenectady, deceased, by deed dated Jan. 3, 170| did
" sell to Hendrick Hansen late of Albany deceased, all that certain lot
"between the roads [Front and Pine Streets], bounded west by a lot hereto-
" fore granted to Andries Bratt deceased, East, north and South by the
" commons [Jefferson, Front and Pine Streets], being in breadth east and
" west twenty rods and in length north and south sixty-five rods Rhynland
" measure ; — And whereas Hendrick Hansen by will Sept. 2 1723 did devise
" one half of said lot to his son Nicholas, — and whereas said Nicholas did on
"the 21st Jan., I74f by deed sell to Hans Hansen his half of said lot ; and
" whereas said Hans Hansen did by deed sell to Gerrit A. Lansing half a
"morgen of said ground lying on the northwest part of said lot, and whereas
" said Hans Hansen by his will the 10th March 1756 did direct that his wife
" Sara should have the possession and income of his whole estate while she
" remained a widow, and after to his two sons John and Pieter ; — and whereas
" said Sara, John and Pieter did by deed the 11th Feb. 1760 sell to Jeroni-
" mus Barhydt one and a half morgens of ground out of said lot bounded as
" follows, beginning at the northeast corner of said lot by the street [ West
" corner of Front and Jefferson streets], that leads from the town to Jellis
"Fonda's [Front street], — and runs West along said [Front] street four rods
" [48 feet], then south with a course parallel to the line of Gerrit A. Lansing's
" ground there, fifteen rods [180 feet ] — then west with a course parallel to
" said [Front] Street Six rods [ 72 feet] to the ground of Gerrit A. Lansing,
" then south along the ground of Gerrit A. Lansing to the South East corner
" of the same, being about seventeen rods [ 204 ft. ], — then west along the
" same ground of Gerrit A. Lansing ten rods [120 ft.] to the ground formerly
" belonging to Andries Bratt deceased, then South along the ground of
Adult Freeholders. 89
" Andries Bratt thirty-two and one-half rods [ 390 ft.] to the [Pine]
" street lying on the sotith part of the said lot, then East along the
" [Pine] street twenty rods [240 ft.], — then north with a straight line to the
"place of beginning Sixty-five rods [780 ft. ] Rhynland measure, containing
" one and a half morgens," &c, &c. This lot, therefore, had a front on
Front street of forty-eight feet at Jefferson, extended along the latter street
780 feet to Pine street, and westerly along the same 240 feet, and then
north to the lot of Gerrit A. Lansing and John Glen, Jr., whose lots had a
front on Front street together of sixteen rods [192 ft]. *
Caleb Beck.
Capt. Caleb Beck settled in Schenectady about the year 1700. He was
an innkeeper licensed " to draw or sell liquor by retaile."f
His house lot was on the south corner of Union and Church streets, where
after his death in 1733, his widow continued the business together with
trade in dry goods and groceries until her death. Beck's son also named
Caleb, was an attorney-at-law and succeeded his mother in the ownership of
this lot. The last Caleb, grandson of the first, married Catharina Theresa,
daughter of Rev. Doctor Romeyn, minister of the Dutch church of
Schenectady, and died in 1798, leaving five sons, of whom the best known
was Dr. T. Romeyn Beck, late of Albany.
In a mortgage for £8-8 given Sept. 9, 1716, to Harmauus Wendel of
Albany, Beck's house lot is described as " a lot in Schenectady bounded
" south by lot of Josias Swart 179 ft. 10 in. — East by lot of Isaac Van
" Valkenburgh, formerly Pieter Van Olinda's 105 ft. 9 in. North by the
" [Union] street and opposite over against the house and lot belonging to
"the Dutch Church, 182 feet, West fronting the [Church] street that leads
" from the now Dutch Church to the north gatej of said town of Schenectady
" at present just by the dwelling house of Adam Vrooman, 107 ft. 4 in. —
* Deeds, vn, 468.
f In 1717 lie was complained of by the Chamberlain of Albany, for being in arrears
several years for his license fees. — Albany Annals, vn, 61.
In 1706 his wife Antje refused to pay her license for selling strong liquors. — Albany
Annals, v, 150.
In the town records of Portsmouth, N. H., under date May 8, 1674, is the following
entry, " laid out to C. Beck thirteen acres beginning at his father [Henry] Beck's land ; "
and under date 15 March, 1679-80, " a rebate is made in the rate of Caleb Beck of 5 shillings."
Query, was this the Caleb Beck who afterwards settled in Schenectady ?
% [ See Fortifications, — gates. — M'M.]
12
90 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" all English measure, it being a southeast corner lot about in the middle
" of said town, — by virtue of a conveyance to Caleb Beck by Carel Hanse
"Toll, Oct. 4, 1714."*
This lot remained in the family three generations — about 100 years.
Capt. Beck made his will 8 March, 172$, — proved 29 Sept., 1733, —
leaving to his only son Caleb " my waering cloaths from head to foot and
" that he chues the best gun in the house and has it mended and prepared
" as he thinks fit for himself and my Pocket Pistol and Sword * * with
" all my Printed books, and the great new Chest." — " To my son-in-law
" John Fairly two feet and a half of ground frunting the street that leads
" to the Church [Church street] on the north side of his own lot and at the
" eastmost end one foot and a halef wide that jenining to the breath of his
" own lott." — To Anna his wife, his other property and after her death to
son Caleb, if she thinks fit she may sell a lot behind where the bolting-
house stands, 50 feet fronting on the [Union] street and so backward to
Nicholas Schuyler's.f
Fairly's lot was south of Beck's, now in possession of Mrs. Volney Freeman.
The bolting-house lot is now owned and occupied by Mr. Hugh Cox.
Hendkick Lambertse Bont (Bint, Bent) alias Sassian.
He settled early in Schenectady upon land called Poversens Landeryen
lying mainly above the first lock west of the city ; he also owned the island
obliquely below, which was then called Sassian' 's island. He purchased
these lands from Benjamin Roberts, who owned lands on the north side of
the river called Maalvoyck. He sold the southerly half of his farm to
Barent Janse Van Ditmars and the northerly half to Douwe Aukes for his
(adopted) son Cornells Viele, and removed to Claverack.J
In the confirmatory patent granted to Viele Sept. 29, 1677, this land is
described as, " a parcel of land at Schenectady, — said land stretching from
" the stone kil or creek to the point of the planted land of Barent Johnson
" [Barent Jansen Van Ditmars] S. S. W., somewhat Easterly, and from the
"point of the said land to a black oak tree without the fence of the said
"land, striking S. E. by E. in length together 352 rods, and from the
" black tree to the hills in breadth 80 rods and from the common planting
" land to the stone creek along the hills in length 400 rods and by the stone
"kil from the hills to the river in breadth 8 rods containing in all 16 mor-
"gens, 240 rods or about 34 acres. §" Notwithstanding the above patent
* Deeds, v, 343. \ Will in Court of Appeal's office.
\ Albany Com. Coun. Records, in, 75. § Patents No. 1038.
Adult Freeholders. 91
Bont still seems to have been accounted to have some right or title to the
land, for on the 27 Sept., 1692, he conveyed it 'together with the island
opposite, to Douwe Aukes for 60 beavers at 8 guilders each; and Aukes on
the 14 Feb., I7lf transferred the same to Cornells Viele. On the same day-
Jan Bont, son and heir of Hendrick Lambertse Bont, confirmed the same to
Aukes, describing the farms as a parcel of land called Poversens above Schen-
ectady on the south side of the river over against Maalwyck, also an island,
Sassian's, now in the occupation of Cornells, — the description of said farm
being substantially that above written in the patent.*
This land long remained in the Viele family and the ancient house was stand-
ing between the two locks within the memory of many persons now living.
PlETER JACOBSE BORSBOOM HE StEENBAKKER.
Pieter Jacobse Borsboom was at Fort Orange, as early as 1639, and con-
tinued there until Schenectady was settled in the spring of 1662, when he
became one of the fifteen first settlers. f
In his will recorded in New York, Oct. 18, 1686, he mentioned his son
Cornells and four daughters. An inventory of his property was made May
30, 1689, by Barent Janse Van Ditmars, Isaac Cornelise Swits and Douwe
Aukes ; it then amounted to 1630 guilders. His son Cornells probably
died young ; his daughters who survived him and inherited his property
were Anna, wife of Jan Pieterse Mebie; Martie, wife of Hendrick Brouwer;
Fytie, wife of Marten Van Benthuysen; and Tryntie, wife of John Oliver.
Borsboom's village lot was on the south corner of Washington and Front
streets.
* Deeds, v, 198.
t Nov. 7, 1657, he bought Mad. De Hulter's horse " old Cato " for 280 gl.— Albany Co.
Bee., 59.
June 4, 1657, he was wounded in the head by Marten de Metselaer. — Ibid, 246.
22 Jan., 1658, he was fined 500 gl., and costs and three years banishment for selling
liquor to the Indians. — Mortg., i.
Mar. 11, 1658, he was fined 125 gl., for swindling a Mohawk Indian.— Mbrtg., i, 23.
July 28, 1661, he sold to Abram Staes [Staats] his brickyard for 350 gl., preparatory
probably to removing to Schen. F. — Albany Co. Bee., 374.
Aug. 2, 1661, he sold a lot of ground on the First Kil to Abm. Staes, etc.— Ibid, 380.
17 Sept., he bought of Jan Labatie a house and lot next south of the court house in
Albany, and same day sold to Labatie his first lot at Schen., 11 Morg., etc. — Ibid, 460.
Sept. 30, 1671, he sold said house and lot to Wm. Loveridge. — Ibid, 489.
92 History of the Schenectady Patent.
On the 9th Nov., 1670, it was confirmed to him by patent and described
as " a certain lot of ground at Schenectady belonging to Pieter Jacobse
" Borsboom and now in his occupation, lying in a Square of 200 feet, wood
"measure at eleven inches [English] to the foot, abutting on the east side on
" Benjamin Robberts, on the south side on Willem Teller's, and on the West
" and north sides on the highway [Washington aud Front streets], — also a
" certain garden lying on the north side of his lot divided [therefrom] by a
" common highway [Front street] of forty feet wide being in breadth one hun-
" dred feet alongst the highway [Front street] and in length one hundred and
"fifty feet striking [stretching] north near to the river; and likewise a small
" island * belonging to him, which hath heretofore been given him by the
" Indians, lying in the river there next the island of Sweer Teunise [Van Vel-
" sen and Akes Cornelise [Van Slyck] containing about 6 acres or 3 mor-
"gens."f
These two lots on the south and east corners of Front and Washington
streets, passed by inheritance to his four daughters, whose descendants con-
tinued in the occupancy of portions for many years.
Bouweries No. 7.
These two farms on the bouwlandt assigned to Borsboom in the original
allotment were described in his patent of May 9, 1668, as, "two certain par-
"cels of land at Schenectady both marked No. 7 : — the one lying upon the
" second piece west of No. 6, — East of No. 8, a line being run between them
" from the creek or kil [dove gat] J to the woodland southwest somewhat
"more southerly, containing about 22 acres or 11 morgens 263 rods : — the
" other lying upon the hindmost part of land in the woods to the east of
" No. 5, — west of No. 8, a line cutting on each side thereof from the small
" creek [clove gat] to said woods south-wTest by west, it's in breadth sixty
"rods and makes about 24 acres or* 12 morgens. — altogether about 40 [48]
"acres or 23 morgens' 263 rods as granted by Gov. Stuyvesant June 16,
" 1664 to said Pieter Jacobsen."§
On the 17th Sept. 1669, he exchanged hmjlrst lot of land or bouwery with
Jan Labatie for a house and lot next the court house in Albany, and in 1702
it was owned by Gysbert Gerritse Van Brakel of Schenectady. ||
* Now called Varkens or Hog Island, lying north-east of Van Slyck's Island.
f Patents, 651.
X Dove-gat, a pool, = a dead water hole, — a slough, in contradistinction to running water.
Usually applied to a bay-like inlet from some river or running stream. Example :
Coveville, Saratoga Co., on Dove Gat Cove. Probably derived Doof or Doom, = Deaf,
Faint, Extinguished, Dead ; and Gat, = a port, a cove, a harbor, a gap, a hole, an inlet.
Kreuplebosch, or Kreuplebos, a bush or thicket. — M'M.
§ Patents, 552. || Deeds, n, 759 ; vi, 185 ; x, 356.
Adult Freeholders. 93
The hindmost bouwery after Borsboom's death, was divided into four
equal parcels and assigned to his four daughters. Before 1738, Tryntie's
quarter had been purchased by Maritie, who uniting with her children by
Hendrick Brouwer, conveyed her half lot to Benjamin Van Vleck, her
son by another husband, subsequently it became possessed by the Brouwers,
who held until after 1800.
Anna's quarter part was purchased by Fytie or her descendants and this
second half remained in the Benthuysen family more than 100 years.
Borsboom also owned a pasture on the north side of Front street of about
two and one-half morgens, which was owned by Jan Labatie in 1670, and
which subsequently came back to his family.
This lot commenced 114 ft. Eng. east of North street and extended along
Front street 15 rods Rynland, or 185 ft. English.*
Arent Andriese Bratt.
Two brothers of this name, — Albert Andriese and Arent Andriese, were
among the early settlers of Albany.f They often were called De JVoorman
or De Sioeedt. The former remained in Albany and is the ancestor of most
of the name in that county ; the latter became one of the first proprietors
of Schenectady in 1662, about which time he died, leaving a widow and six
children. His wife was Catalyntje, daughter of Andries De Vos, deputy
director of Rensselaerswyck. After the death of her husband, the grants
of land allotted to him were confirmed to her.
In 1664, she married Barent Janse Van Ditmars. Her ante-nuptial con-
tract with the weesmeestersl for the protection of the interests of her infant
children, is of date Nov. 12, and binds her to pay to them their patrimonial
estate of 1,000 guilders at their majority, and mortgages her land at Schen-
* Patents, 758.
f Albert Andriese Be Noarman, had a mill on the Norman's kil, to which he gave
name ; when he died June 7, 1686, he was " een Van de oudste en eerste inwoonders der
Colonie Rensselaerswyck," having arrived in Albany in 1630.— Hist. N. JV., i 433.
X [ Weesmeesters — orphan masters, or officers who cared for orphan's estates. M'M].
94 History of the Schenectady Patent.
ectadyl to secure the payment of the same. These children were Jefie,
aged 15 yrs.,^Ariaantje, 13 yrs., Andries, 11 yrs., Cornelia, 9 yrs., Samuel,
5 yrs. and Dirk aged 3 yrs. *
Van Ditmars was killed in the massacre of 1690, and the following year
she married Claas Janse Van Boekhoven. By their ante-nuptial contract,
made Feb. 27, 169£, among other things it was agreed by them that on the
death of both parties thereto, their property should go to her children, f
Van^ Boekhoven and wife made their wills Jan. 11, 169-f, and Jan. 7,
1705, they added a codicil by which her youngest son Dirk, was to have
his farm at Niskayuna, and on the 17th January this codicil was revoked ;
his will was proved 28 Oct., 1707. J Mrs. Bratt survived her third hus-
band, and finally died in 1712.
On the 18th Dec, 1712, the estates of both herself and Van Boekhoven,
were appraised for the purpose of partition among her children.
The real estate in Schenectady belonging to her, amounted to the sum of
£976 12s. 6d., current money of the Province, and that of Van Boekhoven
in Canistageioone [Niskayuna] and Albany, to the sum of £700 — together,
£1676 22s. 6d., [equal to $4,191.56.] §
Mrs. Bratt's home lot was the west quarter of the block bounded by
Washington, State, Church and Union streets, being about 200 feet square.
In the confirmatory patent issued to her and her second husband, Van
Ditmars, June 15, 1668, it was described as:
" A certain house and lot of ground at Schenectady now in occupation
" of said Barent Janse [Van Ditmars] and Catelyn being in a square of 200
" feet. "I And in her will she spoke of "my house and lot lying west of
" Maritie Damen's [Van Eps] lot and south of Evert Bancker's lot and having
" the street [State and Washington] to the south and west."** In 1723 her
grandson Capt. Arent Bratt sold the corner parcel, 45 feet wide on State
street and 190 feet deep on Washington street, to Hendrick Vrooman, but
it soon returned to the family and was again sold by Arent J. Bratt in
1769, to James Shuter. The remainder of this lot remained in the family
until the beginning of^this century when it was sold to Robert Barker and
Isaac De Graaf .
* Albany Co. Deeds, B. 597.
t Deeds, iv, 296. J Wills, i, 64, 74 ; and Court of Appeal's office.
§ Schermerliorn Papers. || 'Patents, 593. ** ..Wills, .1, 74
Adult Freeholders. 95
The ancient brick house standing on this lot, one of the few specimens
of Dutch architecture remaining in the city, was probably built by Capt.
Arent Bratt.
Mrs. Bratt's allotments on the Great Flat are described in the patent of
June 2, 1668, as — " two certain parcels of land at Schenectady both marked
" No. 1 : — the first lying to the west of Arent Van Curler's, being enclosed
"with the kil and the creek to number two containing 27 acres or 13 morgens
"487 rods; — the other being upon the hindmost piece of land, to the west of
" number two, lying in a bottom containing as it is enclosed by the river and
"the woodland about 22 acres or 11 morgens: — altogether 50 acres or
"24 morgens, 487 rods, as granted by Governor Stuyvesant June 16, 1664,
" to said Catelyn Andriese [Bratt] widow aforesaid."*
In her will she spoke of her foremost farm containing 36 acres and of her
hindmost lot comprising 30 acres. The former is now embraced mainly in
the farm formerly owned by the late Judge Tomlinson, purchased in 1855
by John Meyers, deceased. The easterly boundary was the small creek
running through the canal culvert and emptying into the Binne kil just east of
and behind the farmhouse, and it extended west along the Binnl kil and river
about 1,300 feet to the Dove gat or dead hole lying between the canal and
the river. Farm No. 4 owned by Van Woggelum and later by Reyer
Schermerhorn, lay directly south of Mrs. Bratt's foremost lot.f Her eldest
son, Andries, was killed in 1690; his son Arent succeeded to his inheritance
and held this bouwery until his death in 1765. In 1732 he added 9| acres
to the west by the purchase of a portion of No. 2.
The hindmost farm No. 1 fell to Mrs. Bratt's second son Samuel. J
Andries Arentse and Capt. Arent Andriese Bratt.
Andries, was the eldest son and heir of Arent and Catelyn De Vos Bratt
and at the time of the massacre lived near his mother upon the west quarter
of the block bounded by State, Washington, Union and Church streets
where he had a brewery, and where he was slain with one of his children.
He was thirty-seven years old at the time of his death ; his wife Margarita,
daughter of Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck and his son Arent and daughter
* Patents, 590; Deeds, iv, 296 ; v, 168; Wills, i, 74.
f It was inventoried after death in 1712, at £393-15 equal to $984.37, or about $27
an acre.
% This farm consisting of 30 acres was inventoried at £354-7-6 equal to $708.93 or
$23.63 an acre.
96 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Bathseba were spared. His rights of primogeniture in his father's estate
passed to his surviving son, who after his mother's death came into full
possession of the village lot above mentioned and also of the foremost
bouwery numbered one on the bouwland. The ancient house No. 7 State
street, was built and occupied by Capt. Bratt until his death in 1765. By
trade he was a brewer.
To the original lot he added another parcel Feb. 4, l7lf, by purchasing
of Jan Baptist Van Eps his house and lot, barn and orchard, — 100 feet in
breadth on State street, and 225 feet deep, — and bounded east by lots of
Harmanus Vedder and Jacobus Van Dyck and north and west by lots of
said Bratt * He thus became possessed of a lot having a front on State
street of 300 feet and over 200 feet deep.
Feb. 7, 170f, Reyer Schermerhorn, conveyed to him a lot of 100 feet by
200 feet wood measure, bounded north and east by the highway [Union and
Ferry streets], south by Symon Volkertse [Veeder] and west by Pieter Van
01inda.f
Subsequently, to wit on the 26 Mar., 1714, Arent Bratt, brewer, for the
sum of £35 [$87.50] sold one-half of the above lot to bis brother-in-law Carl
or Charles BurnsJ — bounded east and north by the highway [Ferry and
Union streets], west by the lot of Isaac Van Vaikenburgh [now the court
house lot], and south by the lot of Harmanus Vedder [Bratt's step-father].
This lot 100 feet square now belongs to the estate of the late A. A. Vedder.§
On 2d May, 1764, Francis Burns of Pounwell, N. H. [perhaps a son of
Charles Bums above mentioned] conveyed said lot to Daniel Campbell for
£165 [$412.50]. ||
On the 15th May, 1705, Reyer Schermerhorn, only surviving trustee, con-
veyed to Arent Bratt, grandson of Arent Andriese Bratt, a piece of pasture
ground lying east of the town — about 5 acres — bounded south by the
common highway [Front street], north by the river, east by the pasture
ground of Claes Franse [Van de Bogart] and west by Jan Mebie, the first
deed being lost or destroyed. This pasture lot beginning at a point on the
* Deeds, v, 168, 217. f Bratt Papers.
X Burns married Batseba, only sister of Captain Bratt. This west corner of Union
and Feny streets was long known as Batseba's hoekje.
§ Deeds, v, 264. || Deeds, vn, 483 ; v, 199.
Adult Freeholders. 97
north side of Front street 100 feet east of Washington street, extended
easterly along Front street to the easterly line of the lot of the estate of the
late Nicholas Cain — about 325 feet Amsterdam measure.
Andries Bratt, fathei of Capt. Arent Bratt, owned the parcel of ground
hounded by John street on the east, the burying ground on the west, Front
street on the north, and Green street on the south, comprising about four
morgens. After his death it was sold to Thomas Williams of Albany, and
by him to Arent Van Petten.*
On the 7 Feb. 170-fReyer Schermerhorn only surviving trustee, conveyed
to Capt. Arent Andriese Bratt, eldest son and heir of Andries Arentse Bratt,
" a lot on the west end of the town bounded south by Mill creek, on ye
" west by ye river \binne kit], on the north by the house and lott of Isaac
" Swits and on ye East by ye commons [Washington street], equal with the
" corner of said Swits lot."f This lot extending from Mill creek north
nearly to State street, subsequently belonged to Willem Pieters.
In 1705, he owned a wood lot on the south side of Front street, ex-
tending east from Jefferson street to the Fonda lot or to a point nearly oppo-
site Mohawk street and in the rear to Jan Vrooman's lot or the line of the
canal. \
On the 4th Feb. I7lf Jan Baptist Van Eps conveyed to Arent Bratt the
hindmost lot No. 2, it was represented as containing twelve morgens and
bounded, " east by lot No. 3, running south-west by west from the river to
" the standing pool of water [dove gat now covered by the canal] west by
" No. 1, now in the occupancy of heirs of Samuel Bratt, South by the afore-
" said pool, and north by Maquaas river. "§
Capt- Bratt was made trustee of the common lands in 1714, and continued
in office until 1765; for the last fifteen years of his life, he was sole trus-
tee. By his will made 11 March 1765, he devised those common lands to
twenty-three persons in trust for the use of the inhabitants of the town.||
In 1745, he represented the county of Albany in the Provincial Assembly,
He left his real estate to his three sons Capt. Andries, Johannes and Har-
manus, all of whom had houses upon the ample lot owned by their father
on the north side of State and continued the business of brewing.
Harmanus was also an Indian trader and tradition says was the wealthiest
man of the town.
* Deeds, vn, 468. f Bratt papers. \ See Jan Vrooman's deed.
§ Deeds, v, 217 ; Bratt papers. || Wills, n, 63.
13
98 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Samuel Arentse Beatt.
Samuel, second son of Arent An dries Bratt the first settler, and of
Catelyn De Vos, was born in 1659 and married Susanna daughter of Jacques
Cornelise Van Slyck. He died in the year 1713 or 1714, leaving five sons.
His possessions were a lot in the village and the hindmost lot number one
on the bouwland. The village lot was on the north side of Front street,
and beginning on the west line of the lot of the late Gen. Jacob Swits ex-
tended westerly along the street about 160 feet including the lot of the late
Nicholas Cain, Governor's lane and part of the lot of Charles Mathews.
He inherited the hindmost farm No. 1, on the bouwland, which in a con-
firmatory deed from Reyer Schermerhoru [trustee], and his brother Dirk
given in 1713, is described as, "a lot on the south side of the Mohawk above
" Schenectady now occupied by Samuel Bratt called the hindmost lot No. 1,
" containing fifteen morgens or thirty acres 467 rods Rynland measure,
" bounded east by land of Arent Bratt and land of Johannes Teller, north
" by the river, South by the commons and west by woodland of said Arent
" Bratt and woodland of Samuel Bratt."*
This farm passed to Samuel's son Arent, who built the brick housef still
standing a short distance west of the first lock on the canal, and continued
in the family until the death of Eva Bratt, widow of Takerius Vedder,
in 1839.
Dirk Ar^ntse Bratt.
He was the third son of Arent Bratt and Catelyn De Vos, the first set-
tlers. He was born in 1661, and married Maritje, daughter of Jan Baptist
Van Eps, in 1684.
In the division of his mother's and step-father's estate, he received Van
Boekhoven's farm in Niskayuna, on the north side of the river, which by
patent of date, 22d Ap. 1708, was extended north into the woods one mile.J
He purchased several parcels of land in Schenectady, among which, by
deed from the trustees, of date 10th Mar., 170-f, were, 1st "a parcel of wood-
land in Schenectady one part of the same adjoining to the north of [ on ]
" ye lot of ground belonging to ye said Dirk Bratt and to ye west of
" Symon Groot Jr. . . . is broad on ye south end 150 feet and in length
* Deeds, v, 284-5.
\ On the front of this'house, sciatched on a brick, may be seen, "A. Bratt, 1736."
% Patents, 1610 ; Albany An., rv. 163.
Adult Freeholders. 99
" north 400 feet wood measure." This lot on the north side of State street,
extended from the Carley house lot to the east line of the American hotel
lot.
2d. "The other part is situated to ye north of said lot and of said Symon
" Groot, and ye lott of said Dirk Bratt and to ye east of ye common high-
" way that leads in between the lott of Barent Wemp and ye lot of Barent
" Vroom an [ Centre Street] and to ye west from another lott of ye said
" Dirk Bratt and contains ye breath (sic) of ye said lott of ye said Symon
" Grott, the first above mentioned part and the first above mentioned lot of
" ye said Dirk Bratt northward between the said highway and ye last men-
" tioned lott of ye said Dirk Bratt to ye highway [ Union Street ] that leads
"to Canastagione [Niskayuna] so that ye said woodland doth contain two
" morgens." *
The two lots of land above mentioned, extended along the south side of
Union street from Centre street to a point 245 feet east of Barret street, or
to the lot of the German Methodist church, and southward to the i-ear,
about 445 feet.
In 1719, the westerly portion of this lot 231 ft. by 444 ft. on the south
corner of Union and Centre streets was owned by Hendrick Vrooman.
The remainder of Dirk Bratt's land on Union street, was devised to his
sons-in-law, Rickert Van Vranken and Willem Berrit.
Dirk Bratt made his will 16th Jan., 1727, — proved June 1, 1759, — and
was buried June 9, 1735.
His eldest son Johannes inherited the farm at Niskayuna.
Philip Hendkickse Brouwer.
He settled in Beverwyck as early as 1655, and the year following pui-chased
of Hendrick And. Van Doesburgh, second husband of Maritie Damens, a
house, lot, garden and brewery for 4000 guilders, giving a mortgage on
said property for 3144 gl. of the purchase money. In 1662 he became one
of the original proprietors of Schenectady and it was on or near his foremost
lot No. 2 that he shot Claes Cornelise Swits the following year.f
His death occurred about the beginning of the year 1664, and on the 29
April, his administrators offered for sale his house, brewery and mill house
in Beverwyck, and a house lot, garden and 25 morgens of land at Schen-
ectady,— the lot 200 feet square, — also a barn 30 ft. by 24, two bergen, two
horses, mare, two milch cows, heifer, calves, five sows, a waggon, &c.J
* Church papers. f See Claes Swits. J Deeds, n, 469, 472, 475.
..0(-y.
100 History of the Schenectady Patent.
The real estate at Schenectady was purchased Tby Cornells Van Nes, third
husband of Maritie Damens, for 1,287 gl. for Jan Dirkse Van Eps, her son
by her first husband, Dirk Van Eps. Brouwer's wife was Elsie Tjerck;
the records make no mention of any children.
Philip Hendrickse's house lot in Schenectady was on the north corner of
State and Church streets — about 200 ft. square — * being a quarter of the
block bounded by State, Washington, Union and Church streets.
A patent was issued to Cornells Van Ness for this lot and bouweries No.
2, June 16, 1664, and confirmed to Jan Van Eps, April 29, 1667. f
Hendrick Willemse Brouwer.
One Willem Brouwer came to Beverwyck at or about the time that
Philip Hend. Brouwer settled there and was probably a connection. In
1655 he owned property in New Amsterdam. His death occurred about
the 3d of Aug., 166R; the following entry is found in the Deacon's book of the
church at Albany. " Tot die begraevenisse van Willem brouwer 40 guilders,
15 [stuivers]." He left two sons Hendrick and Willem, both of whom
settled in Schenectady. The former the progenitor of those bearing this
name in Schenectady married Maria Pieterse, daughter of Pieter Jacobse
Borsboom and widow of Teunis Carstense of Albany. Brouwer died about
the beginning of the year 1707, having made his will Dec. 12, 1706, —
proved Feb. 16, 170f. Later his wife married Van Vleck, by whom
she had a son Benjamin.
Hendrick Brouwer owned a lot on the east side of Church street, beginning
at a point 108 feet north from the church lot and extending probably to
Front street, and through his wife came into possession of one quarter of
hindmost lot No 8, which she inherited from her father. J He left six
sons and two daughters, one of whom, — Jacob — born 1700, — an Indian
trader, was barbarously murdered at the falls on the Oswego river in the
spring of 1730, by an Onondaga Indian.§
In 1724 Mrs. Brouwer was also called an Indian trader. ||
* As measured by Adam Vrooman in 1713, the north and south sides of this lot were
200 ft. long, and the east and west sides were 225 ft. , Amsterdam measure,
f Patents, 392 ; see also Van Eps.
% See Borsboom. § Note, Col. Doc, ix, 1019. || Albany Annals, vrn, 293.
Adult Freeholders. 101
Geraldus Cambeeort, or Comfort.
He was in Schenectady as early as 1690; his first wife was Antje Raal,
his second, Arientje Uldrick, widow of Gerrit Claase Van Vranken of Nis-
kayuna, married Oct. 16, 1692. The natives sold him a parcel of land
" boven Kaquarrioone " [now Touereoune], which he contracted to sell to
Carel Hansen Toll in 1694.
The patent for this land was given April 22, 1703, and is described as
" twenty acres of land on the north side of the Mohawk beginning at JTaquar-
" rioone the west bounds of the patent of Schenectady, running west up the
" river to the limits of land of Carel Hansen [Toll] formerly belonging to
"Hendrick Cuyler."* On the 18th May, 1707, Cambefort being then a
resident of Niskayuna, conveyed the above described land to Toll,f who
conveyed the same to his son-in-law Johannes Van Eps. Lewis Groot about
1798, in his testimony before the commissioners appointed to settle the
dispute between the proprietors of the Schenectady and Kayaderasseras
Patents, said that Comfort's Patent extended west to the creek on which
Groot's mill stood [Lewis' creek] and that Cuyler's Patent extended west
from said creek. \ Not long after his second marriage, Comfort removed to
Niskayuna, where he was living as late as 1720.
Teunis Car'stense.
In 1679 Carsten Carstense De Noorman died in Albany, leaving two
children, viz. Teunis, aged 19 years, and Elizabeth, aged 14 years.
The former settled in Schenectady, where he married Maritie, daughter of
Pieter Jacobse Borsboom, and died in 1691, at which time his widow took
out letters of administration on his estate ; subsequently — on 26 Mar., 1692,
she married Hendrick Brouwer and after his deatli in 1706 became an Indian
trader.
Christiaan Christiaanse.
In 1669 Paulus Janse received a patent for a morgen and a-half of land at
Schenectady, " lying to the west about halfway the land of Arent Van
Curler."§ This parcel of land lying on the Binue kil about halfway from
Mill creek to the farmhouse of the late John Myers, was purchased from
Paulus Janse by Christiaan Christiaanse in 167 1.| His village lot was on the
north side of Union street' adjoining the Dutch church lot and included the
* Patents, 1577. \ Deeds, v, 71. % Toll Papers.
§ Patents, 971. || Deeds, n, 811.
102 History of the Schenectady Patent,
lot owned by the late Isaac Riggs (now included in the church grounds)
and the lot occupied by Mr. Aaron Barringer, being 100 feet broad front and
rear and 200 feet deep, Amsterdam measure. The deed for this lot having
been lost in the destruction of Joris Aertse Van der Baast's house in 1690,
Johannes Sanderse Glen, magistrate of the village, reconveyed the same Dec.
1, 1694, and on the same day Christiaanse conveyed it to Neeltie Claase,
widow of Hendrick Gardenier.* April 7, 1695, an inventory of the estate
of the late Hendrick Gardenier of Scotac, Albany county, was taken and
this lot was then valued at 15 beaver skins sewant.f Feb. 22, 170£ Johannes
Ouderkerk and Neeltie Claase, then his wife, conveyed it to Jellis Van Vorst.J
Davidt Christoffelsf.
His father, Christoffel Davidts § or Kit Davidts, a native of England |[
came to Beverwyck as early as 1650, and lived for a time on a farm at
" Dominie's Hoek " now called "Van Wie's Point." He married Cornelia,
daughter of Andries De Vos of Albany, and had two sons, David and Joris,
and perhaps other children. His wife was not living in 1657, when an in-
ventory of his and his wife's estate was made and his trustees agree to pay
for a lot purchased by him 26 Feb., 1657. As early as 1658 he was a
skipper on the North river.
His son Davidt became an early resident of the village, occupying a lot
of 100 feet front on the oast side of Church street, 100 feet southerly from
Union street. Bastiaan De Winter sold this lot Nov. 21, 1670, to Jan
Labatie, by whom it was probably sold to Christoffelse. In the massacre of
Feb. 9, 1690, the latter was slain with his wife and four children. His heirs
* Toll Papers.
f "Het erff op Shinnectady gelegen tuschen het erff Van D Domini Salgr. Van Shinnectady
en het erff Van Pottman zynde gewaerdeert opfifthien Bevers sewant."
X Deeds, v, 111 ; see also Van Vorst ; Wills, i.
§ 3 Dec., 1654, he was ordered not to molest Mons. De Hulter in possession of his
land, at Esopus probably, nor to incite the savages against him. — Albany Co. Eecords.
25 Sept., 1656, he received a patent for 36 morgens of land at Esopus about a [Dutch]
mile inland^from the North river, &c— Dutch MSS., H. H, 68.
In 1657 he sold this land to Jacob Janse Stoll for 1400 gl.— Albany Co. Eecords, 24, 377.
1663 he asked permission to reenter upon" land from which he had been driven by
Indians at Esopus. — Dutch MSS. , x, 127.
|] He was born'in 1616 at Bisscohopicyck, Eng. B. & M. I., — Dutch MSS., xvi, 246;
Deeds, i, 64.
Adult Freeholders. 103
still owned it in 1699; soon after it passed into the possession of Caleb
Beck. Christoffelse also owned the west half of foremost lot No. 2, on the
bouwland bought of Maritie Damens by Douwe Aukes in 1681.
Pieter and Joseph Clement.
Pieter Clement jonge man geboren in N. Utrecht en wonende tot Schan-
nechtady, married in Albany, Anna Ruyting geboren en wonende tot
Schannechtady, Nov. 26, 1707. July 28, 1721, he married Anna Vedder,
" beide Van de Woestyne."
Joseph, brother of Pieter, married Anna, daughter of Jacobus Peek of
the Second flat on the south side of the river. In 1755 he was living in
' ' Maquaasland."
These brothers were stepsons of Benjamin Roberts, who by will made
June 28, 1706, devised his farm at Maalwyck to his wife Maria, and in case
of her remarriage, to his stepsons, Pieter and Joseph Clement.
In 1710 Pieter sold his half to Cornelis Viele, together with half of
Benten island for £445, and in 1712 Joseph sold the other half to Carel
Hansen Toll for £400.*
LUDOVICCJS CoBES.
He was born in Herentals, in Brabant, and from 1656 to 1677, was court
messenger of Fort Orange and Beverwyck, notary public of Albany, and in
1677, became schout and secretary of Schenectady until his death.
With his son-in-law, Johannes Klein, who married his only daughter,
Maria, he purchased and occupied the Fourth flat on the north side of the
river. This land was conveyed Sept. 26, 1683, by the Mohawk Sakemakers,
to Arnout Cornelise Viele, of Albany, in consideration of his many labors
undertaken for the Indians, and is described as lying over against the Second
flat, occupied by Jacobus Peek, and containing 16 or 17 morgens of land, f
It was called by the natives, wachkeerhoha. Dec. 11, 1684, the patentees
of Schenectady conveyed it, together with a lapie by it, to Ludovicus Cobes
and Johannes Klein, reserving a yearly rent of one skipple of wheat per
morgen. \ On his death it passed to his widow and daughter Maria Klein. §
Cobes also had a house lot in the village, on the north corner of Union
and Church streets, which he mortgaged in 1684 to Johannes Wendel, of
Albany, for 580 gl. The house was described as a "corner house — opposite
* See Toll, Roberts and Viele.
f Deeds, m, 199, % Deeds v, 196. § See Klein, also Fourth flat.
104 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" to Reyer Schermerhom's [ on the west corner ], bounded west, by Symon
" Groot, north, by the house and lot formerly occupied by Maria, wife of
"Johannes Peek, and south and east, by the highway [Union and Church
" streets], as enclosed."*
Soon after, and before 1690, Reyer Schermerhorn bought Cobes' house
and lot in the village, for his step-daughter, Tryntje Otten, prior to her
marriage with Gerrit Symonse Veeder, and it remained in her family until
after 1812, when it was occupied by Maj. Jelles Fonda, whose wife was a
Veeder.
Clute.
There were three individuals of this name who early became residents of
Albany or Niskayuna, — Capt. Jan, his nephew Johannes and Frederick
Clute.
Captain Jan Clute came to Beverwyck about 1656, from Neurenburg
and became a trader and considerable land holder in Beverwyck, Loonen-
burgh [opposite Hudson], Niskayuna, etc.f He was held in great esteem
* Deef>s, in. 324.
f Not. Papers, n ; Deeds, i, 187.
The following are some of his real estate transactions as appears by the records.
1657, he bought a garden behind Fort Orange of Theunis Metselaer.
1662, he contracted to buy 22 morgens of land at Catskil of Jan Andriese.
1663, he bought of Sander L. Glen a house and lot on the Hill, Beverwyck.
1664, he bought of Adriaen Gerritse a house and lot for 630 gl.
1665, with Jan Hendr. Bruyn bought a tract of land opposite Claverac landing [now
Hudson], of the Indians.
1665, he bought of Wm. Fred. Bont a house and lot for 390 gl.
1667, he bought a garden behind Fort Albany of the Estate of Rutger Jacobsen.
1667, he bought a house and lot of Jan C. Van Aecken.
1667, he bought lot No. 4 of Ludovicus Cobes, for which he conveyed to L. Cobes the
lot bought of Wm. Bont in 1665.
1668, he bought of the commissaries of Albany, lot No. 11 on the Hill.
1669, 4 March, he bought " Great Island " at Niskayuna. of Pieter D. Van Olinda.
1670, he sold a house and lot, to J. J. Bleecker.
1670, he and others sold their land at Coxsackie to Marten G. Van Bergen.
1670, he sold a lot to Gabriel Thomase.
1676, he owned a house and lot in Yonkers (State) street.
1677, he bought of Claas J. Van Boekhoven a parcel of land at Niskayuna.
1677, he bought a part of Van Schelluyne's land at Niskayuna.
1678, he sells his land at Catskil to Jan Conell and Gerrit J. Van Vechten.
Adult Freeholders. 105
"by the Indians from whom he obtained extensive grants of land. His
chief purchases in Niskayuna, were:
1st. The " Great Island," in the Mohawk river which he purchased 4
March, 1669, of Pieter Danielse Van Olinda and his Indian wife Hilletie
[Coraelise Van Slyck], and the same was confirmed to him by patent of
Gov. Lovelace, Aug. 2, 1671, together with six morgens of land bought of
Maritie Damens on the mainland and a small island lying west of the
" Great island."*
2d. " A certain piece of land lying at Canastagioenef on this [South] side
of the river," which he bought of Claas Janse Van Boekhoven, Oct. 21,
1677.J
3d. The lands of Dirk Van Schelluyne at Canastagioene.§
On the 3d April, 1678, Capt. Clute sold to Sweer Teunise[Van Velsen] of
Schenectady, a certain neegher, named Jacob, about 24 years of age, for
whom he promises to pay 100 good whole beaver skins @ eight guilders a
piece [$320]. ||
It is not known that he had any other relative here than Johannes Clute,
his nephew, who on his death in 1683 became his heir.
Johannes Clute alias de boslooper.**
Johannes Clute, nephew of the last, settled in Niskayuna upon land in-
herited from his uncle Capt. Jan Clute.
Through embarrassments caused either by his own or his uncle's debts,
lie was obliged to part with a portion of his land soon after the death of
the latter. Thus in 1704, he sold to Frederick Clute of Kingston, 150
acresff and in 1707 he conveyed the "Great Island" in the Mohawk and
other lands at Niskayuna to Robert Livingston of Albany, for £706 " to
free himself from embarrassment.JJ"
* Gen. Entries, iv, and Albany Co. Records, 436.
f [Canastagioene was properly applied to the flats on the north side of the river opposite
the present Niskayuna. — M'M.]
X Albany Co. Records, 167.
§ Albany Co. Records, 168. || Notarial Papers, ii; Albany Annals, n, 118.
** [Bush-runner, — a trader among the Indians. M'M.]
ft Deeds rv, 308. # See Great Island.
14
106 History of the Schenectady Patent.
To add to his other troubles he was taken prisoner in 1692, by the In-
dians and carried captive to Canada. Whilst absent his affairs were
managed by his wife Baata Van Slichtenhorst. On the 28th of June, she
cited Sander Glen and Barent Wemp, administrators of Sweer Teunise
Van Velsen's estate, before the court of Albany, demanding of them " nine
"pounds six shillings and six pence for ye remaining pay1 of a negro
" named Jacob sold by old John Cloet to Sweer Teunise, and produces ye
" book of sd John Cloet senior, kept by her husband, John Cloet Junior."
The defendants asked time.* By his wife Baata, daughter of Gerrit Van
Slichtenhorst, he had eight children. He was buried in Niskayuna, Nov.
26, 1725.
Frederic Clute.
He came from Kingston to Niskayuna in 1703, and bought 150 acres of
land from Johannes Clute. f What relationship if any, existed between
them is not known. He married Francyntje DuMond or Duniont, probably
in Kingston and before removing to Niskayuna had six children and four
afterwards.
All the Clutes in this region are believed to be descended from either
Johannes or Frederic.
Jacobus Cromwell.
He was an innkeeper and in 1711 bought a house and lot in Front street
of Wouter Vrooman for £130. This lot which he occupied as a tavern, is
described as bounded north by the river, south by the street, east by lot of
Adam Vrooman and west by lot of Claas Fransen [Van de Bogart], length
542 feet, breadth on the street 95 h feet and on the river 33 feet, one inch,
Dutch measure. It is now divided into two parcels and occupied by Messrs.
Joseph Harmon and Nicholas Yates. J
Cromwell married Maria Philipse, 26 September, 1703; after his death she
married David Lewis, innkeeper, who received a conveyance of the aboye
property from Willem Marinus to whom Cromwell had devised it by will of
date 19 August, 1711.
* Albany Annals, n, 118.
f Deeds rv, 308.
X Deeds, v, 496.
Adult Freeholders. 107
De Graaf.
Andries De Graaf was a citizen of New Amsterdam in 1661. His son Jan
Andriese, brickmaker, was a resident of Albany in 1655; in 1658 he with
two others, was fined 500 guilders for selling liquor to the Indians. In 1660
he went to New Amsterdam with one Roseboom and commenced the making
of bricks.*
Claas Andriese De Graaf, another son of Andries De Graaf, was born about
the year 1628,f and became one of the first settlers of Schenectady, taking
up land at the Hoek\ in Scotia, where for several generations the family
resided.
He probably died about 1697, in which year his wife leased her farm to
Jonathan Stevens and Daniel Mascraft.
De Graaf married Elizabeth, daughter of Willem Brouwer of Albany;
she survived her husband many years, dying in 1723.
Jan De la Wakde.
He came over from Antwerp in 1662, in the ship De Vbs, Jacob Janse
Huys, skipper, and settled in Albany. He bought land at Niskayuna and
an island in the Mohawk, which he sold to Joris Aertse Van der Baast, from
whom he acknowledged in 1698 to have received satisfaction several years
before. § ^
He died in Albany, Jan. 28, 1702.
His island called anciently La Warde's island and afterwards Joris
Aertse's island, lies just north of Van Slyck's island. Van der Baast having
been slain in 1690, his attorney, Pieter Bogardus of Albany, with the
trustees of Schenectady conveyed it to Gysbert Marcelisof Albany in 1699;
it then contained 15 morgens of land and was then called Joris' Great
island; this conveyance was confirmed by patent dated June 23, 1714.11
From the time of Marcelis' purchase to this time, it has been called " Gyse's
island"
* Valentine's Man., 1861, p. 521; Albany Co. Rec, 59, 221.
f Deeds, n, 88 ; Albany Co. Rec, 224.
% Called Claas Graven's Twek ; another Claas Graven' a hoek is mentioned in the old
records,— a portion of what subsequently became Cuyler's Patent at Crane's Village
below Amsterdam.
§ Deeds, iv, 140. | Patent, 1673 ; Deeds, iv, 140; see also Van der Baast.
108 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Bastiaen De Winter.
He was a native of Middleburgh, Holland and came to Albany 1654 and
to Schenectady in 1C62.
Falling sick, in 1670, lie sold his house in the village and farm on the
bouwland to Joris Aertse Vander Baast, Jan Labatie and Elias Van Gyse-
ling, with the intention of returning to Holland but died before doing so,
about August, 1678. Leaving no heirs in this country, the Dutch church of
Albany claimed and probably received his property, for the use of the poor.
De Winter's village lot 200 ft. square, was on the south corner of Church
and Union streets. His patent was granted by Governor Lovelace, Oct. 21,
1670.
On 22 Nov., 1670, he sold his house, barn and northerly half of this lot to
Joris Arissen Van Der Baast, the surveyor, and on the next day the southerly
half to Jan Labatie of Albany.* Van der Baast occupied his parcel until
Feb. 9, 1690, when he was slain by the French and Indians, and his house
burned. Sometime previous to 1690, Jan Labatie conveyed the southerly
half to David Christoffelse, who was also slain at the same time. In 1699,
Peter Bogardus, attorney for the heirs of Van der Baast, conveyed his lot
to Gysbert Marcelis of Albany, and in 1716, Caleb Beck by virtue of a con-
veyance from Carel Hansen Toll, of date Oct. 4, 1714, became owner of
both lots.f
De Winter's bouwland was conveyed to him by patent of Gov. Lovelace
21 Oct. 1670 and is described therein as :
" a piece of ground at Schenectady to the south of [bouwery] No. 2, being
" encompassed with a creek and containing 7 acres or 3 morgens 200 rods as
" granted by Gov. Stuyvesant June 15, 1664, to said Bastiaen : — also the
" plantation of then belonging to said Bastiaen having been lately measured,
"containing in breadth on the west 350 rods abutting on Willem Teller's
" first lot, on the north side by Jan Van Eps [late Maritie Damens his
'• mother] in length 60 rods ; on the east side on Sander Leendertse Glen's
" going with a sloping point south East 236 rods and so it is bounded with
" a creek and hath on the south side the high woods."J
By deed of date 22 Nov., 1670, De Winter conveyed this farm to Elias
Van Gyseling and Pieter Cornelise Viele.§ Soon after Van Gyseling became
owner of the whole parcel. ||
* Deeds n, 788 to 791. f Deeds, v, 343. % Patents, 759
§ Deeds, n, 789. || See Van Gyseling.
Adult Freeholders. 109
Johannes Dyckman.
He was probably a son of Jan Dyckman, Commies of Fort Orange and
Beverwyck and was born in 1662.* Marrying Jannetie, daughter of Cor-
nells Viele, his father-in-law conveyed to him a farm below the Aal JPlaats,
which he abandoned by reason of the Indian alarms after the year 1690.f
Jonathan Dyer.
He came from Wales, and was a bricklayer by trade. In 1695 he married
Maria Dirkse Hessling,J and between that date and 1708, had six children
baptized in the church at Schenectady.
In 1714, being then a resident of New York, he quit claimed the Sixth
flat, on the north side of the river, to Reyer Schermerhorn.§
In 1716 he owned a lot on the north side of State street, purchased
probably, of Willeni Appel, of 75 feet front, Amsterdam measure, com-
prising the lots of Mr. George Swortfiguer and estate of the late William
Cunningham, — numbers 103-111.
Hans Janse Eenkluts.
He is first mentioned in the records as a servant or soldier in the Dutch
West India Company's service, in 1632, and as such was one of those who
erected the arms of the States General at Kievits Hoek [ Saybrook], at the
mouth of the Connecticut river. ||
In 1648, on the occasion of Governor Stuyvesant's visit to Fort Orange,
he was there, and was employed to clean the Heer Patroon's cannons and
fire the salute.**
After a long service he retired to Schenectady soon after it was settled,
and in his old age was cared for by the church, to whom he left his
property for the poor of the village. He died in 1683, leaving no heirs.
* His mother Maria, 10 April, 1676, bound him to Maj. Abram Staas, he then being
about fourteen years of age. — Not. Papers, I, 556.
fLand Papers, vn, 78.
\ Jonathan Dyer jonge man van Weels in Englandt en Maria Dirkse weduwe van
Harmanus Hagedorn, married Nov. 21, 1695. — Albany Church Records.
§ Deeds, vi, 192.
| Col. Hist., i, 287.— O'Callaghan's Hist.,N. N., i, 149. ** O'Callaghan's Hist. N . N.,
ii, 71.
110 History of the Schenectady Patent.
His farm consisted of 18 morgens of river flats lying in the third ward,
bounded by the Mohawk on the north, Front street on the south, the
Hansen, or Simon Groofs kil [College brook] on the east, and the Fonda
place on the west. After holding this land 180 years, it was sold by the
church in 1863, for about $10,000. It was generally used as a cow pasture,
and as it was given for the maintenance of the poor, was called the arme
wey, or " poor pasture " *
Jillis Fonda.
The first settler of this name, — Jillis Douwese Fonda, was in Beverwyck
as early as 1654, with his wife Hester.f In 1666 she was the widow of
Barent Gerritse.
Douwe Jillise, son of Jillis Douwese Fonda, married Rebecca . He
owned land at Lubberde's landt [Troy], in 1676; and died Nov. 24 (27),
1700. Besides other children he had a son Jillis, who married Rachel,
daughter of Pieter Winne of Albany, Dec. 11, 1695, and about 1700, re-
moved to Schenectady. He was by trade a gunstocker. At the date
of his will made Sept. 8, 1737, his wife and eight of his eleven children
were living.
Of his sons, Douw removed to Canghnawaga where he was slain by Sir
John Johnson's Indians in 1780; Pieter was a shoemaker and tanner and
lived upon the south corner of State street and Mill lane (now the site of
the Young Men's Christian Association building), and had his tan vats in
the rear; Abraham was a carpenter and in 1752, built and occupied the
house No. 27 Front, now owned by his great-grandson Mr. Nicholas
Yates.
Jillis Fonda's farm was next west of the " poor pasture " and his house at
the easterly end of Front street was within the memory of many persons
marked by two huge elms, which throw their arms across the whole breadth
* Church Papers.
f Oct. 21, 1656, a suit was brought against her for removing Lewis Cobussen's wife's
petticoat from the fence ; — defendant said plaintiff pawned the article for beaver ; — put
over.— Dutch MSS., xvi, 2, 14, 15.
29 April, 1664, Hester Douwese assisted by her son Douwe Gillise and her daughter
Geertien Gillise, sold to Jan Costerse Van Aeken two distiller's kettles for 400 guilders
sewant. — Albany Co. Records, 347. It would seem by this transaction that the husband
Jillis Douwese Fonda was deceased.
Adult Freeholders. Ill
of the street. This lot commenced at the centre line of Mohawk street and
extended easterly along the street 480 feet to the Armewey and north to
the Mohawk river, comprising latterly 6.43 acres; the land opposite this lot
on the south side of the street extending easterly as far as the canal culvert
and southerly across the canal and Fonda street, likewise belonged to this
farm.
He also owned a farm of Jcreupelbos land on the north side of the river
about a mile north of Freeman's bridge, now in possession of Mr. Charles
Ellis.* Besides this he owned the island called " Fonda's island," next west
of Van Slyck's island, containing seven morgens, which he bought about
1736 of Philip Livingston, and devised in his will of date Sept. 8, 173V, to
his three sons, — to Pieter two morgens, — to Abraham four morgens, — and
to Jacob one morgen. This island originally belonged to Symon Symonse
Groot, and was patented to him in 1694. f For a hofstecZe to this island
farm he had two morgens of land on the mainland near Claas Gravens'
hoek, which in his will was devised to his son Douwe.
In addition to this, Reyer Schermerhorn [trustee] conveyed to him 10th
April 1702, Kruis bessen (gooseberry) island, containing one morgen, more or
less, by virtue of the Dongan Patent of 1684, which island he sold to
Hendrick Vrooman and Arent Danielse Van Antwerpen, 22d Sept., 1706, —
two morgens, more or less. J
Jillis Fonda also owned a village lot on the north side of State street,
extending from the canal to the centre of Wall street, at present owned by
Messrs. Robert Ellis and Vandebogart brothers.
On the 6th April, 1709, he sold this lot to Arent Danielse Van Antwerpen
for £48 [ $120 ]; it was "then bounded on the east by the house and lot of
" said Arent Danielse [ now Given's hotel lot ], west, by the lot of Willem
" Appel [what was not taken by the canal now belonging to the estate of
" the late Peter Rowe], north, by the lot of Gysbert Gerritse [ Van Brakel }
" and south, by the [State] street ; — length on the east side, 393 feet, — and
" on the west side, 348 feet, — breadth on the south, 80 feet, behind on the
" north, 83 feet, wood measure." §
* See his will, f Patents, 1466.
% Sanders Papers. § Deeds, v, 188.
112
History of the Schenectady Patent.
VJ ^fj^e^^^^^y
Dominie Baenhaedus Feee*man. *
Dominie Freerraan, the second minister of the church, was born at
Gilhuis, Holland, and came over with Dominie Lydius in 1700. After
remaining here five years, he removed to Flatbush, where he died in 1741.
He married Margarita Van Schaaick, of New York, in 1705, and left one
daughter, who married a son of Secretary Clarkson, whose descendants are
still found in Flatbush and vicinity.
Dominie Freerman was accounted a good Indian linguist, and with the help
of Laurens Claase Van der Volgen, translated a part of the prayer book and
portions of the Scriptures, into the Mohawk language ; he baptized many
of the natives during his ministry at Schenectady. As missionary of the
Mohawks he received a salary from the Provincial Government, of £60,
and £15 for expenses, f
* Commonly written Freeman ; all his autograph signatures that have come under
the compiler's notice, are spelled as above. [In the facsimile signature appended to
the cut, it will be seen that he signs without the r.— M'M].
f Col. MSS., xlv, 179.
Adult Freeholders. 113
Hendkick Gardenier, alias Flodder.
The Garden iers settled mainly in that part of the ancient county of
Albany now comprehended in Columbia county.
But little is known of Hendrick, beyond the fact that at the time of his
death in 1694, he was a resident of Scotac and owned a lot on Union St.,
next east of the Dutch church lot, and that in the settlement of his estate
for the benefit of his widow and children, it was sold to Jillis Van Vorst.
The following year, 1695, his widow Neeltie Claase married Johannes
Ouderkerk of Albany.
To show the change made by time in the value of house lots in Schenec-
tady, it may be mentioned that Gardenier's lot, 100 ft. front by 200 ft. deep,
was appraised in 1695 at fifteen beaver skins seewant or $16.*
Frederick Gerritse.
Frederick Gerritse, yeoman, and Elizabeth Carstense his wife, were resi-
dents of Schenectady in 1687.
On 13th Sept., 1689, he conveyed to Myndert Wemp eight or ten acres of
land at Maalwyck and Benten island, formerly belonging to Benjamin
Roberts and by him conveyed to said Gerritse in 1687. f
Glen.
Alexander Leendertse [or Lindsay] Glen came from Scotland by way of
Holland about 1633, in the service of the West India company at Fort
Nassau on the Delaware.
His wife was Catalyn Doncassen,J they both died within about a year of
each other, — she Aug. 12, 1684, he Nov. 13, 1685, — leaving three sons
Jacob, Sander and Johannes.
He was a trader in Beverwyck and elsewhere for more than twenty years
before removing to Schenectady, and his transactions seem to have been
large both in real estate and merchandise^
* Toll Papers ; see also Van Vorst.
f Deeds, iv, 13.
\ She was sister of Margaret, first wife of Willem Teller, and perhaps sister of Pieter
Loockerman's wife. — Deeds, n, 466.
§ In 1648 he gave his note to Willem [who ?] for 10,078 guilders wampum, to be reim-
bursed iu beaver. — Dutch M8S., in, 11.
15
114 History of the Schenectady Patent.
In 1646 he received a patent for a lot in "Smits Valey " [Pearl street],
New Amsterdam,* which he sold Aug. 23, 1660, " huysing ende erve gelegen
" in de Smits valey opt eyland Manhatans daer tegemoordig lauris Cornelise
Van Welin woont, voor . . . . de somme van twee duysent guV\
In 1651 he received a grant of land at Fort Nassau and was preparing to
build there, but was prevented by the Sweeds.J
He also owned land at Fort Casimer in 1657. §
When the company was formed in 1662 to take up lands at Schenectady
Sander Leendertse became one of the first proprietors.!
* Patents G. G., 152. f Not. Papers, I, 9.
\ Col. Doc, i, 595. § Hist. N. N, n. 590.
|| The following are some of his real estate transactions in Schenectady, Beverwyck
and elsewhere, as shown by the records :
1646, July 2, he received patent for lot in " Smils valey," New Amsterdam. — Patents
Q. G., 152.
1652, April 28, received patent for garden by the river in Albany, owned by Evert
Pels, 1661.— Albany Co. Bee, 293.
1653, took oath of allegiance to Heer Van Rensselaer. — Albany Annals, n, 185.
1655, had a lot south of the lot of Willem Fred. Bont near the river. — Albany Co.
Bee, 21T.
1660, Aug. 13, mortgaged his house and lot where Jan Vinhagel lives for 576 gl. —
Ibid, 277.
1660, 22 Dec, had a lot 30Uth and east of Annatie Bogardus.— Ibid, 289.
1661, had a garden south of Evert Pels' house and lot on the river — Ibid, 293.
1661, May 7, gave bond to Jan Sebast : Van Gutsenhoven for 975 gl. 12 st. — Ibid, 369.
1661, bought the house and lot of Marten Gerritse Van Bergen, sold under execution. —
Ibid, 390-2.
April 17, 1662, sold part of a lot adjoining the hill to Jan Tomase Witbeck, for which
he had a patent, 23 April, 1652.— Ibid, 300.
Oct. 25, 1662, sold the house where he now lives, lot and two gardens to Jan Bastiaense
Gudsenhoven. — Ibid, 314.
Oct. 26, 1662, sold his house next to Dominie Schaet's, to Thomas Powell, this lot was
obtained by patent, 23 April, 1652.— Ibid, 314.
Oct. 17, 1663, sold to Jan Clute his house and lot on the hill. — Ibid, 336.
Dec. 28, 1663, sold his two gardens behind Heer Van Rensselaer's house to Juriaen
Theunise Tappen.— Ibid, 341.
Dec. 29, 1663, sold a garden in or near Fort Orange to Caspar Jacobse [Halenbeck]. —
Ibid, 341.
July 8, 1664, mortgaged his lands— upland and meadow, housing and cattle in Gravesend
to Sarah Bridges of New York.— Deeds Sec. State's Office.
Adult Freeholders. 115
Sander Glen's village lot was on the west side of Washington street,
beginning at the north line of the lot belonging to the estate of the late
Judge Paige and extending 200 (*r) feet northerly along said street.
This lot passed by descent to his eldest son Jacob Sanderse and from the
latter to his son Johannes Jacobse, who sold the southerly half in 1704 to
Claas Van Petten.
In 1707, Johannes son of Johannes Jacobse Glen, by will bequeathed the
northerly half to his brother Sander, who in 1750 bequeathed the same to
his son Isaac.
On the death of the latter he left this lot with other property to Jillis
and Jacob Fonda, sons of his sister Susanna and Abraham Fonda.*
The farm of Sander Leendertse lying on the north side of the river was
called N~ova Scotia or more common^ Scotia. The patent of date 3 Nov.,
1665, describes this bouwery as "a parcel of land between the lake and the
" river over against the town of Schenectady, — 100 acres or 50 inorgens —
" in confirmation of a purchase of the grantee from the Indians."f The
Glen property extended along the river from "Claas Graven's hoek"
easterly to " Luysig hoek," just above Freeman's bridge, comprising with
the additions several hundred acres. By marriage this estate passed to the
Sanders family by whom a large portion of it is still held.
Besides the above land, Sander Leendertse also owned two bouwery s
numbered three on the Great Flat which his grandson Johannes, son of
Jacob Glen, sold to Claas Van Petten in 1704. J
Aug. 18, 1664, sells a house and lot on the hill, lately Marten Gerritse Van Bergen's, to
Jan Hendiickse Van Baal. — Albany Co. Bee, 358.
Nov. 3, 1665, received patent for land at Scotia. — Patents.
Sept., 1665, he owned a lot south and east of David Pieterse Schuyler. — Albany Co.
Bee, 392.
May 11-21, 1667, he gave his bouwery at Scotia to his three sons. — Albany Co. Bee, 423.
9 Mar., 1669, he again conveys his bouwery at Schenectady to hia three sons, which
bouwery he had received by patent 3 Nov., 1665. — Ibid, 436.
Aug. 12, 1670, mortgaged his house and bouwery at Schenectady to Abram Staes for
288 gl.— Ibid, 504.
10 Jan., 1672, sold his lot opposite the court house, Albany, to Juriaen Theunise
Tappen. — Albany Co. Bee, 492.
* Dr. Alex. Fonda's Papers. f Patents, 21.
X See Van Petten.
116 History of the Schenectady Patent.
The foremost lot No. 3 which lies next west of the Schermerhorn farm
No. 4 is described as " bounded on the east by lot No. 4, with a slaint line
"between both lots south east by south and to the west [south-west] the
" woods, — 10 morgens, 130 rods. — also two morgens of land being part of
" the hind lot, being also lot No. 3, which Van Petten must take along the
" swamp or kil that runs beneath the hill by the highway."* This latter
parcel was taken from the south end of the lot next the highway [river
road]; the remaining ten morgens were retained and held by the Glen
family, and in 1707 passed by will of Johannes Glen to his younger brother
Sander.
The Van Petten bouwery, — the foremost lot No. 3, passed latterly into
the Schermerhorn family and made part of their farm.
Sander Leendertse likewise owned a pasture, next east of the Borsboom
pasture on the north side of Front street, containing about 2 £ morgens.
This lot commenced 299 feet east of North street and had a front of 17
Rhynland rods or 210 feet English, and extended north to the river. About
1670 he sold it to Jan Labatie of Albany.f
The ^j May, 1667, and again 9th March, 1669, Sander Leendertse con-
veyed his Scotia lands to his three sons, and on the 23 Aug., 1686, Gov.
Dongan renewed the patent to Sander and Johannes (their brother Jacob
being deceased), for the above lands together with an addition of three
[morgens] of woodland adjoining.^
In Jacob's will dated Aug. 14, 1685, he directed that his " lands at
" Nova Scotia near Schanegtade, at present used by my brothers to wit,
" Sander and Johannes shall remain in their hands, provided they pay due
" rent for the same," — said land to be kept in the f amily.§
Jan. 30 168f, "Capt. Sander Glen, Johannes Glen his brother, of Nova
" Scotia, in the county of Albany, yeoman, and Antje wife of Capt.
" Sander Glen, and Antje wife of Johannes Glen, for sixty-eight good
"beavers, sold to Claas Van Petten of the manor of Rensselaerswyck, a
"parcel of land between the river and the lake over against Schenectady,
" comprising twelve morgens of land, bounded east by land of Capt. Sander
" Glen, south by the river, west by land of Johannes Glen and north by
" the lake."||
* Deeds, N., 324.
f Patents, 758. % Col. MSS., xxn, 97 ; Deeds, n, 671, 712.
§ Will, Court of Appeal's office.
|| Deeds, rv, 330.
Adult Freeholders. 117
The above twelve morgens of land, doubtless Jacob Glen's share
— remained in the possession of Claas Van Petten until purchased back
by exchange, by Johannes, Jacob's eldest son and heir, April 6, 1704. In
this transaction Claas Van Patten reconveyed not only said twelve morgens,
but also " another piece on the north side of the river as by said Johannes
Jacobse Glen's transport appears," and in exchange for the same, Johannes
Jacobse Glen conveyed to him a piece of land now in Van Pettens' occupa-
tion, adjoining the lot of Reyer Schermerhorn, being lot No. 3, on the
bouwland, bounded on the east by lot No. 4 "with a slaint line between
both lots south-east by south, and to the west [south-west] the woods,"— ten
morgens 130 rods ; — also "two morgens of land being part of the hind-
most lot being also No. 3 which Van Petten must take along the swamp
or kil that runs beneath the hill by the highway; " — " also the half lot in
the said town of Schenectady bounded to ye north the other half of ye lot
now in occupation of Johannes Jacobse Glen, to ye east the highway
[Washington street], to the west the river [Binnk kil] and to the south the
lot of Evert Van Eps, which he Glen doth convey to said Van Petten by
virtue of a patent granted by Governor Stuyvesant to Sander Leendertse
Glen grandfather of said Johannes Jacobse Glen June 16, 1664.*"
Capt. Sander Glen died about 1695, without issue, leaving his estate to
the children of his two brothers, Johannes and Jacob.
Jacob Glen of Albany, son and heir of Jacob Sanderse Glen, deceased, of
said city, on the 30th Aug. 1 707, conveyed to his uncle Johannes Sanderse
Glen of Schenectady, his lauds at Scotia opposite Schenectady ; " lot in the
town lying between lots of Arent Van Petten and Johannes Wemp ; — and
lot to the South of said town between lots of Reyer Schermerhorn on the
east and west sides as bequeathed to said Jacob by his father Jacob San-
derse Glen by will dated 14th Aug., 1685, and by last will of his uncle
Sander Glen deceased dated July 19 1690, and made over to him [Jacob
Glen] by Harmanus Wendel and Anna his wife and by Helena Glen, co-
heirs of said Jacob Glen, by conveyance of even date of these presents."
Consideration £205 [$51250].f
By inheritance and pui'chase, Johannes Sanderse Glen thus became pos-
sessor of the larger portion of his father's estate at Scotia, which after his
death in 1731, passed to his two sons, Col. Jacob and Abraham Glen; —
the former dwelt in the brick house built by his father in 1713, and still
* Deeds, iv, 324 ; See also Van Petten.
f Deeds, v, 59.
118 History of the Schenectady Patent.
standing;— the latter occupied the wooden house standing easterly there-
from and now occupied by Mrs. Connor. It is understood that Jacob
purchased his brother's right in the estate, which he left to his only
daughter and heir Debora, who married Johannes Sanders of Albany.
And finally on the 27th of April, 1765, John Glen, Esq., of Albany, and
John Glen, Jr., of Schenectady (and Catharine his wife), eldest son and
heir of Jacob Glen of Albany, deceased, who was eldest son and heir of
Johannes Jacobse Glen of Schenectady, deceased, who was eldest son and
heir of Jacob Sanderse Glen, deceased, who was eldest son and heir of
Sander Leendertse Glen of Schenectady, deceased, who died intestate; —
conveyed to John Sanders of Schenectady, for £4,000 [$10,000]— "All
" that tract of land called Scotia between the lake and the river over against
"the town of Schenectady — 100 acres — Also those two dwelling houses on
" Scotia's upland [above mentioned] and land thereunto belonging, herein-
" after more fully described; — Also the lake and an island in the lake and
" the cripplebush and Swamp or lowland lying between the lake and the
"river; — Also a certain piece of land running from Nova ScQtia westerly
" upwards along the Mohawk river 100 rods, thence with a north line into
" the woods 100 rods all Rynland measure, thence with a straight line to
" the northernmost end or part of a certain lake, which is lying a little
" behind the land of Nova Scotia, and from thence along said lake and the
" lake's kil or creek as the same runs including the same to the Mohawk
" river, from thence westwardly, upwards and along said river to the place
" of beginning, containing about 60 acres more or less; — Also another
" parcel on the west bounds of Nova Scotia of 40 acres; — Also a tract
" called Achter-Wey and cripplebush lying between the lake and the river
u and the lake's kil, which said last tract contains part of the first mentioned
" tract."*
The two small islands in the Mohawk just west of the Glen house, also
belonged to the Glen estate, — the one called Spuyten Duyvd now almost
removed by the floods and Kruisbessen [gooseberry] island, which was
purchased in 1750 by Col. Jacob Glen of Isaac Swits.f
Spuyten Duyvel together with a parcel of boslandt was purchased of the
trustees of Schenectady by Johannes Sanderse Glen in ]705 for £16-10
[$41. 25].}
* Deeds, vni, 270. f Sanders Papers; Jno. Sanders' will.
% A parcel of " boslandt gelegen achter U. E. lant op Schotia " for £36 ; also " aen parcell
boslandt Rondt Scotia en Spieten Duyvel' s island " for £16-10. — Oroote Schull boek.
Adult Freeholders. 119
In 1*706 Johannes Sanderse Glen owned a brew house; the lot on which
this stood was on the east side of Washington street, 150 feet north of
Front street, on the bank of the river.
In 1734 this lot was the property of Jan Baptist Van Eps, to which he
added in the rear a parcel by exchange with Myndert Van Gyseling.*
The following were the children of Sander Leendertse Glen, the first
settler.
Jacob the eldest son, settled in Albany as a trader, where he married
Catharina, daughter of Jan Tomase Witbeck ; after his death in 1685, f she
married Jonas Volkertse Douw. His children were Johannes born 1675,
Anna born 1677, wife of Harmanus Wendel, of Albany, Jacob born 1679,
Helena born 1683, and Sander born 1685. J
Capt. Sander Glen, the second son of Sander Leendertse, was born in 1647
and died in 1695. His wife was Antje, daughter of Jan Barentse Wemp ;
after his death she married Abraham Groot in 1696. He left no children.
By his will made July f 9, 1690, half of his property was devised to the
children of his brothers Jacob and Johannes.
Through his wife he came into possession of a portion of the estate of
his wife's father and stepfather, Sweer Teunise Van Velsen [Westbrook.]§
His residence was in Scotia, near the site of the ancient Glen House.
Johannes the youngest son of Sander Leendertse Glen was born in 1648.
He settled in Schenectady and married first Annatie, daughter of Jan Peek,
and secondly Diwer, daughter of Evert Wendel of Albany and widow of
Myndert Wemp, in 1691. The ancient house standing in Scotia, the resi-
dence of Charles P. Sanders, was built by him in 1713 and occupied until
his death in 1731.J
* Deeds, in, 99.
f In Albanie anno 1685, Oct. 2 is myn broeder Jacob Sanderse dieiaken in den Here ont-
slapen s'naghs ontrenteen winnigh naer 2 Vren tussen widay en saterdagh. — Albany Annals,
xi, 47.
% See " Albany Families " and will of Sander Glen among Bratt Papers.
§ See Wemp and Ven Velsen
I [The Sanders (old Glen) house, is situated on a pretty bluff overlooking the river and
its islands, and the town, less than a mile distant, nestling amid the trees under the hills.
The view is charming, as it doubtless ever has been. The building as seen in the photo-
graph of it is large and dignified in appearance.
120 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Besides the property before mentioned inherited from his father and
brother, he obtained through his wife a portion of the Wemp and Van
Velsen estates. He had eight children all by his first wife.*
Symon Symonse Groot.
He came to New Netherland about the year 1645, a's boatswain of the
ship Prince Maurits*, and purchased a house of Jacob Roy in New Ams-
terdam. About ten years later he became a resident of Beverwyck where
he purchased a house lot and remained until 1663, when he hired a bouwery
of 25 or 30 morgens at Schenectady of Gerrit Bancker and Harmen Vedder.J
He married Rebecca, daughter of Philip Du Trieux of New Amsterdam,
and had six sons and four daughters ; of whom Symon, Abraham, Philip,
Dirk and Claas were captured by the French and Indians and carried away
to Canada in 1690. The year following they were redeemed.
Symon Groot's home lot in the village, was on the northerly side of Union
street 100 feet westerly from Church street ; fifty feet front and extending
through to Front street more than 400 feet. It remained in the family
several generations.§
A large Dutch cleft door opens into a hallway of very ample dimensions in the centre
of the house ; the rooms on either side, though low ceiled, are large.
The exterior is stuccoed. The roof is surmounted by a railed-in platform, giving a
view down upon the very large farm (900 acres about), which pertains to the place.
The house is English in style, though the wing or L in rear, has the characteristic
sharp Dutch gable. (It probably ante-dates the main building.) — M'M]
* See " Schenectady Families " Wemp and Van Velsen.
f In 1654, he had a claim against the Dutch West India company lor services rendered
of 684 guilders.— Deeds, n, 43 ; Albany Co. Bee, 207.
1659, he owned a lot in Beverwyck next south of Uldrick Kleyn's. — Albany Co. Bee,
268.
1659, offered the same for sale — size 4 rods x 1)4. rods, house 20 ft. sq. — Ibid, 274.
1660, had a lot south of Pieter Vrooman's on the Third Ml, Albany. — Ibid, 283.
1662, proposing to remove to Esopus he empowered Jan Withart to sell his house and
lot in Beverwyck. — Not. Papers, i, 79, 271.
1667, 2 May, he had patent for a lot without the town of Albany, which passed into the
possession of Jan Withart. — Albany Co. Bee, 145.
IThis lease ran for 6 years at a rent of 500 guilders and included with the land, a
dwelling house, barn, ricks, six draft horses including a mare, six milch cows, two sows,
etc. Not. Papers, i.
§ Deeds, m, 324.
Adult Freeholders. 121
He also owned a small island which came into his possession in 1667, de-
scribed in the confirmatory patent, Aug. 9, 1694, as " a small island in the
" Mohawk river within the town of Schenectady possessed for twenty-seven
"years, to wit, a certain small island lying in the Mohawk river to the north
" of the Hbek*, or point of Reyer Jacobsen's [Schermerhorn] and to the
" southward of the island belonging to Joris Aertsen [Van der Baast] and
" to the westward of the island lately belonging to Sweer Teunissen deceased
" [Van Slyck's,] containing five morgens or ten acres."f
This was subsequently owned by Jillis Fonda.
Symon Symonse Groot, Jr.
He was the eldest son of the first settler. After his return from captivity
he married in 1692, Geertruy, daughter of Jan Rinckhout of Albany.
His village lot was on the north side of State street and extended from
Jan Baptist Van Eps' lane [Jay Street] westerly to the American Hotel,
155 feet Amsterdam measure.
He also had a parcel of wood or pasture ground on the north side of
Union street, extending from the west line of the Presbyterian church
lot to the east line of the Harmanus Peek lot — 23 rods, and extending in the
rear 47 rods to Green street, containing one morgen and 481 rods, Rynland
measure. In 1726 this was called Dirk Groot's pasture, — brother of Symon.
In 1709 he leased of the town 36 acres of the Third flat on the north side
of the river.
Philip Groot.
He settled on the north side of the river at or near Crane's Village, then
called Claas Graven's hoek, or by the natives Adriucka. His land — a
portion of the original Cuyler's patent extended down the river, to Lewis'
creek. He married Sarah, daughter of Jacobus Peek of the Second flat ;
and was drowned in the river in 1717.J
Abraham Groot.
Son of the first settler, married Antje Wemp, widow of Sander Glen in
1696, and secondly Hesterje, daughter of Harmen Visscher of Albany, in
1699, by whom he had several children.
* Be Bakker's Hoek. f Patents, 1466.
\ See Sim's Hist Scho. Co.
16
122 History of the Schenectady Patent.
On the 10th March, l70f, the trustees of Schenectady conveyed to "him
" and his brother Dirk, — to each one-half — fourteen morgens of woodland,
" bounded west by the woodland of Barent Vrooman, south by the Niskayuna
" Path [Union street], east by the hill called Niskayuna Bergh [College Hill],
"to be measured north from the highway."
This parcel extended along the north side of Union street 96 rods Ryn-
land measure or 1152 feet, — from a point 152 feet easterly from Fonda
street to a point 192 feet easterly from lot 187 Union street, — or about half
way up College hill* and 87£ rods in the rear. This parcel was divided
into two equal portions by an easterly and westerly line, Dirk taking the
northerly half and Abraham the southerly half lying along the street.
Subsequently Dirk sold his half to Philip Livingston of Albany, who 24
March, 173-f, exchanged it for a parcel of 12 morgens on the Kallebergh,
called the Varken's Kraal, owned by the town.f
Hendrick Hagedorn.
He settled at the Aal-plaats\ near Jonathan Stevens, whose daughter
Anna he married in 1716. He was probably a son of Harmanus Hagedorn
whose widow Maria Dirkse married Jonathan Dyer in 1695.
15 Sept., 1733, Johannes and Hendrick, two Indians, conveyed to Hendrick
Hagedorn an Aal-plaats lying near the " Aal-plaats kil, beginning at a
"point 100 rods above the riff on the north side of the Mohawk river and
" running thence 200 rods down the river, thence across the river to the south
"bank, thence 200 rods up the river, thence across the river to the place
" of beginning, all the water within these four bounds — for the purpose of
" fishing and hunting."
Signed by Johannes with the mark of the turtle, and by Hendrick with
the mark of the deer.§
William Halt,.
He was a citizen of Schenectady as early as 1695, when he married
Tryntje Claese, widow of Elias Van Gyseling.
He had three sons and one daughter.
* [To a point now in premises of Judge J. S. Landon, S. Ct. S. K Y.— M'M.]
f Dutch Church Papers. % {Eel-place — eel fishery in river — M'M].
§ This is the only mention of fishing rights -which the compiler has met with among
documents relating to Schenectady.
Adult Freeholders. 123
Dirk Hesseling.
In 1666, he was a resident of Albany where he owned a house ; subse-
quently he removed to Schenectady where he bought a bouwery of Juriaen
Teunise Tappen in 1671. The year following, — Feb. 1, 167£, he sold to
Harmen Vedder " de Bouwery (daer de Voorz : Dirk Hessenlingh op woont
"op Schanechtede), soo het landt,als thuys, Schuer, ende twee berghen, <#c,
" so als het de Vborn de Hesselingh Van Juriaen Teunissen gecocht heeft
".gehadt" &c, to be delivered May 1 to Vedder together with the seed in
the ground, the grantee promising to pay 20 whole beavers to Juriaen
Teunissen.*
In 1670 he bought Dirk Van Schelluyne's land at Lubberde's landt [Troy]
sold under an execution ; this was still in his possession in 1675. f
In 1667 he married Eytje Hendrickse, one of three sisters who were taken
prisoners by the Indians at Yonkers in 1655 ; Albrechtje was in captivity
twelve years and was only rescued in 166 7, being brought into New Haven ;
Eytje, probably a widow, was living in Schenectady in 1697. J
Paulus Janse alias Poweltn.
But little is known of him beyond the fact that he received a patent in
1669 for a small parcel of ground on the Binne kil which three years later
he sold to Christiaau Christiaanse.§
In the massacre of 1690 his son Arnout was carried away to Canada by
the French.
Jan Janse Joncker alias Van Rotterdam.
He was an early resident of Schenectady and before 1678 a landholder.
His village lot was on the east side of Church street, adjoining the Dutch
church lot now owned by Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Benjamin. Before
1690 it had passed into the possession of Jan Mebie, and in a deed to him
* This was the hindmost farm No. 8, of the bouwland, originally patented to Marten
Cornelise Van Isselsteyn, now comprising the homestead of Mr. John D. Campbell. —
Deeds, n, 796. Albany Co. Rec, 478.
f Albany Co. Rec, 502, 118.
% A Robert (Dirk?) Hesselingh was killed in the massacre of 1690. — Albany Annals,
ix, 89.
§ Deeds, n, 811 j see also Christiaanse.
124 History of the Schenectady Patent.
given in 1708 to supply the loss of the one burned in the destruction of the
town in 1690, it is described as " lying on the street called the ' Cross street,'
" having to the north the heirs of Hendrick Brouwer, deceased, on ye south
" ye town [church] lot, on the east the lot of heirs of Jan Pootmau, deceased,
" containing in breadth at ye [Church] street 108 feet and behind 107 feet,
" in length on ye north and south sides 206 feet, wood measure."*
In 1678 Jan Janse Yoncker alias Rotterdam and Pieter Cornelise Viele
petitioned the Governor for permission to settle on the Second flat on the
north side of the river and were answered that " they have liberty to Im-
" prove their land provided they do not goe to live upon it but at Schanec-
" tade or [among] the Inhabitants of Maalwyck." This flat then consisted
of about 70 acres and was divided into equal portions, — Van Rotterdam
taking the westerly half and Viele the easterly portion. Shortly before
1690 the latter died, leaving a widow and two sons; and in 1699 she con-
veyed her rights in this farm to her son Lewis Viele, who probably about
1708 released the same to the trustees of Schenectady by whom it was
leased for a term of years to Symon Groot, Jr. In 1718 they conveyed this
parcel of land to Reyer Schermerhorn, and his descendants have held it
until this day.f
Letters of administration on Van Rotterdam's estate were issued 23 Feb.,
170| to his sons-in-law Benjamin Lenyn, Willern Boin and Manasseh
Sixbery.
Rotterdam had five (?) daughters who probabiy inherited his portion of
this flat. In 1717 Caleb Beck was empowered to sell two-fifths of it
for two of them.
Johannes Kleyn.
He came to Schenectady about 1678; his wife Maria, only daughter and
heir of Ludovicus Cobes, secretary of the village, on the death of Kleyn,
married Thomas Smith, and Feb. 4, 170£, petitioned the Court of Common
Pleas of Albany county, to admit her late husband's will to probate, saying
that he died the 2d Oct., 1686, at his house above Schenectady; — that he
made a will leaving half of the Fourth flat to the use of his wife, said
* Deeds, v, 80.
f Gen. entries, 32, p. 12 ; Col. MSS., xxvni, 18 ; Deeds, iv, 215 ; Deeds, vi, 464 ; Toll
Papers ; Map of Ph. Ver Planck, 1718. See Second Flat.
Adult Freeholders. 125
Mary, during her lifetime and after her decease to her children; that said
will was written hy her father Ludovicus Cobes, and that said will was lost
in the destruction of Schenectady.*
Kleyn had five daughters, — Weyntje; Baata or Baafie who married
Willeni Marinus; Clara; Anna, wife of Pieter Clement; and Catrina, wife
of Thomas Davie.
On the 22 Aug., 1678, Sander Glen petitioned the Governor and Council
for a grant of the Fourth flat for Ludovicus Cobes and Johannes Kleyn,
his son-in-law, and on the 11th Dec, 1684, the patentees of Schenectady
conveyed the same, — the easterly half to Cobes and the westerly half lying
on Arent Mebie's kil to his son-in-law. f
Jan Labatie (Labadie).
Jan Labatie, a native of France, came to New Netherlands prior to 1634;
subsequently he was Commissaris to the Patroon of Rensselaerswyck and
afterwards held a like office at Fort Orange under the Dutch West India
Company. J He married Jillesje Claese Swits [or Schouw], sister of Cornelis
Claese Swits of New Amsterdam, and widow of Surgeon Harmen Myndertse
Van de Bogart, who died in 1647 or 1648.§ Besides divers lots in New
Amsterdam and Beverwyck he purchased lands at Schenectady. [|
* Dutch Church Papers, Schenectady.
f Col. MSS., xxviii, 18 ; Deeds, v. 196; see also Cobes, Tarn Smit ; Dutch Church and
Toll Papers.
% O'Callaghan's Hist. N. N., i, 434.
§ Surgeon Van der Bogart made his will in September, 1638, " as he intends to go on
a long and perilous West India voyage." He gave all his property to Jillisje Claese
[Schow], maiden, of Zierickzee, " to keep in her own possession for herself and her
heirs," " provided she give to his relatives " six carolus guilders with which they must
be satisfied." — Albany Records, i, 44.
|| Aug. 19, 1654, he empowered Paulus Schrick to sell his house and lot standing in the
fort at Manathans. — Albany Co. Rec, 188.
11 Nov., 1654, lie conveyed the last mentioned house and lot to Adrian Janse Van
Leyden.— Ibid, 212.
April 23, 1655, the last mentioned sale was cancelled. — Ibid, 213.
Lots bought and sold at Beverwyck.
1661, Feb. 4, he owned a house and lot in Fort Orange, patented to him April 12
1650, which he sold to Evert Pels.— Ibid. 291.
126 History of the Schenectady Patent.
His village lot in the last place was on the north side of State street,
beginning 170 feet easterly from Church street and having a breadth in
front upon the street of 50 ft. Subsequently it came into possession of
Reyer Schermerhorn.*
In 1669 Pieter Jacobse Borsboom conveyed to him, in exchange for a
house and lot on Broadway, Albany, next south of the court house, his
bouwery No. 7 on the second piece of land at Schenectady, comprising 11
morgens and 263 rods, which land Labatie afterwards sold to Johannes
Van Eps.f He likewise received conveyance from Bastiaen De Winter,
Nov. 21, 1670, of a lot on the east side of Church street, "broad 100 feet
" more or less, bounded east by Pieter Van Olinda, south by Teunis
" Cornelise Swart, north by Joris Avissen Van der Baast and west by the
" highway [Church street]," according to the patent of date 21 October,
16704
This lot, 100 feet wide on Church street and 200 feet deep, commenced
100 feet south of the south corner of Union and Church streets.
He also obtained a patent of date, Sept. 10, 1670, to confirm to him a
certain lot of ground at Schenectady, being the first lot in the pasture or
weylcmd, and another lot there adjoining, containing together in breadth
by the woodside, 32 rods, and in length, 89 rods, having to the north the
swamp or creiqiel-bosch, and to the south [east], Barent Janse, the former
lotas purchase* of Sander Leendertse Glen, — the latter as purchased of
1662, he bought of S. L. Glen a lot 18 ft. 4 in. wide frout and rear, and 22£ ft. deep on
the east side of Broadway a little north of Hudson street.— Not. Pap, i, 204.
1662 20 Aug., he conveyed to Surgeon Jacob D'Hinsse a house and lot on the Butten
Ml patented to him 25 Oct., 1653.— Albany Co. Bee, 308.
1664, Sept. 15, he had a house and lot opposite Thomas Powell's. — Ibid, 360.
1668-9, Jan. 7, he bought of Ackes Cornelise Vau Slyck a house and lot in the Oolonie. —
Ibid, 453.
1668-9, Jan. 12, he sold the last mentioned lot to Barent Pieterse [Coeymans].— Ibid,
454.
1669, Sept. 17, he sold a lot next south of the court house to P. J. Borsboom.— Ibid, 459.
Lands bought and sold at Schenectady.
1669 Sept. 17, he bought of P. J. Borsboom his first lot at Schenectady.— Ibid, 460.
1670 Nov. 21, he bought a lot in Schenectady of Bastiaen De Winter. — Ibid, 474.
* Deeds, rv, 34, 298. t Deeds, n, 759. % Deeds, n, 788.
Adult Freeholders. 127
Pieter Jacobse Borsboora by said Labatie.* This lot commenced on the
north side of Front street 114 feet Eng., east from North street, and
extended easterly therefrom 395.6 feet Eng., comprising about five morgens
or ten acres. Subsequently it became the property of Maritie Damens,
mother of Jan Van Eps.f
Benjamin Lenyn (Linne, La Noy).
He was from Picardy, and settled first in the Woestyne,\ on the south
side of the Mohawk river, but subsequently removed farther west into the
Maquaas country, where he was living as late as 1736.§
On the 20th April, 1708, the patentees of Schenectady granted to him u a
" certain parcel of land about three miles down the Schenectady river, and
" on the south side thereof, — one part thereof joins on the north-east side of
" the creek, that which parts this and ye woodland of Claas and Tjerk Fran-
" sen [Vande Bogart], and lays between said river and the hill called Calle-
"bergh\ containing ten morgens or twenty acres ; as also three morgens of
"woodland, situate on the said hill, called ye Callebergh, together with five
" morgens more situate about 50 yds. north from ye said three morgens, —
" altogether 18 morgens or 36 acres."** This parcel is now included in the
farm of Mr. George G. Maxon.
Jan Lens ( Lensh ).
He was in Schenectady as early as 1684, and a resident here as late as
1706.
In 1684, the patentees of Schenectady conveyed to him a parcel of land
in the Woestyne behind the flat of Daniel Janse Van Antwerpen ; after
holding this farm 20 years, he reconveyed it to the patentees of the town,
Feb. 1, 17 Of, and soon after probably left the township. The patentees
sold this land Dec. 31, 1705, to Jan Danielse Van Antwerpen. ff
* Patents, 758, see also, Glen and Borsboorn.
t O'Callaghan Hist. N. N., i.
% [ Woestyne = Wilderness. — M'M.]
§ Dutch Church records ; John Dunbar's -will.
|| [Calleburgh = a bare hill.— M'M.]
** Dutch Church Papers.
ft Deeds, rv, 293 ; Groote Sclmlt boek.
128 History of the Schenectady Patent.
PlETER MANGELSE.
He was probably a son of Jan Mangelse of Albany; his wife was Jannetie
Du Scheen. They had two children baptized in the church at Schenectady
in 1700 and 1702, but were not afterwards mentioned in the records.*
David Marinus.
He married Rachel Hanse and had several children baptized in the
church.
On the 4th Nov., 1676, the magistrates of Schenectady ; — Sander Glen,
Sweer Teunise Van Velsen, Jan Van Eps, Daniel Janse Van Antwerpen
and Teunis Cornelise Swart — conveyed to him a piece of woodland at the
end of the valley by the " Stone flats," in Glenville.f
In 1740 David Marinus (peihaps son of the above) bought of the town
36 morgens of land at Poopendaal \Beukendaal\\
Marten Maurits.
He was owner of one-half of "VanSlyck's island" lying immediately
west of Schenectady. He died in the fall of 1662, and his brother Jacques
Cornelise Van Slyck inherited his property.
The island was at first called " Marten's island " and was owned by
Marten Maurits and Jan Barentse Wemp in common. §
Gerrit Marselis.
He was a son of Marselis Janse of Albany and early settled here ; — in the
massacre of ] 690 he was slain with his wife and one child. His village lot
was on the north side of State street, having a front of 55 feet Amsterdam
measure. This lot comprising numbers 139 to 143 now belongs to the
estate of the late William McCamus.
* Church Records.
f Deeds, v, 75. In 1664 one David Maries [perhaps Marinus] was in Beverwyck. —
Albany Co. Bee, 64.
% Oroote Schult boek.
§ Notarial Papers, i, 48, 74 ; see also Van Slyck and J B. Wemp ; patent of this
island of date Nov. 12, 1662, in Union College Library.
Adult Freeholders. 129
On the 6th April, 1708, the trustees of Schenectady, — Johannes Sanderse
Glen, Adam Vrooman, Jan Mebie and Arent Vedder conveyed the above
mentioned lot to Gysbert Marselis brother of Gerrit; — in the deed they say,
" whereas to our knowledge Gerrit Marselis late of Schenectady deceased,
" when Schenectady was destroyed by the French, was in quiet possession
" of a lot in said town on the north side of the street called Martelaers'
" straat, of rack* having to the east the lot of Purmerent [Van der Volgen],
'* on the west the lot of Douwe Aukes, to the north the pasture of Gysbert
" Gerritse [Van Brakel], and as the writing is lost, or destroyed," etc., his
brother Gysbert Marselis of Albany, asked for a conveyance which said
trustees granted. And on the first day of April, 1709, Gysbert Marselis
shoemaker of Albany, quit claimed this same lot to Myndert, son of Gerrit
Marselis, deceased, late of Schenectady. f
In 1716 it was owned by Daniel Danielse Van Autwerpen.
Ahasuerus Marselis.
He was a son of Marselis Janse, from Boimnel, in Guilderland, Holland,
who early settled in Albany. Ahasuerus removed to Schenectady about
1698.J
By trade he was a shoemaker and had his shop on the south corner of
Mill lane and State street. On the 20th April, 1708, Johannes Sanderse
Glen, Adam Vrooman, Gysbert Marselis, Jan Mebie and Arent Vedder,
trustees of Schenectady, for £5 [$1250] conveyed to Ahasuerus Marselis two
lots on the south side of said town under the hill ; — "one lying opposite the
" house of Gysbert Van Brakel [Col. Robert Furman's corner], 28 feet square,
"the other on the north east side of the mill dam adjoining thereto, near the
" south side of the mill path [Mill Lane] — in length on the west and east
"sides 64 ft., — in breadth on the north and south sides 34 ft."§
The first above described lot subsequently became the property of Pieter
Fonda ; and the second lot in the rear, near Mill creek, was used jointly by
Marselis Fonda and Robert Yates, all shoemakers, for their tan vats.
On the 4th May, 1753, Ahasuerus Marselis, cordwainer, quit claimed his
interest in the tanyard above described, to Abraham Yates, merchant, to
wit, one sixth of the tan pits and land as described below — :
* [ Martelaers1 straat, of rack = Martyr's street (State street) or to the highway.— M'M.]
t Deeds, v, 114.
X Annals of Albany, vn, 57 ; in, 43-5 ; vi, 292. § Dutch Church Papers.
17
130 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" Whereas Johannes Sanderse Glen, Folkert Symonse [Veeder] and Symon
" Swits trustees for sundry parcels of land belonging to the Nether Dutch
" Reformed Church of Schenectady, together with Jacobus Van Dyck and
" Gerrit Symonse [Veeder] elders, Arnout De Graaf, Harmen Van Slyck
"Gysbert Van Brakel, deacons of said church did * * * 8th Dec. 1725
" quit claim to said Ahasuerus Marselis and Robert Yates a certain piece
" of ground with the tan pits * * lying to the eastward of said Church's
" mill and to the south of the house and lot of John Myndertse [now
"Abraham Doty's], and on the west of a road that is to be left to the west
"of the fence of Capt. Johannes Bleecker 16 feet wide, for a passage [now
"Ferry street extended] to the pasture ground of said Church mill, con-
" taining in length along the said road 90 feet to a small run of water, thence
" along said run of water to the said road 65 feet, all Amsterdam wood
" measure " etc. In 1747, Robert Yates by his will, left his interest in this
tan yard to his sons Joseph and Abraham and in 1768 Abraham Yates of
the " Mohawk country " quit claimed the same to Joseph R. Yates for ten
shillings.*
In 1723-7, Marselis had a house and lot on the south side of State street,
60 feet front, next east of the present Dunlap store and lot now occu-
pied by the canal. It was subsequently divided into two lots of 30 feet
each and occupied by the Van Sices.f
Daniel Masceaft (Matheeceaft).
He and Jonathan Stevens leased Lysbet Brouwer's farm at the Hoek in
1697 • — he soon disappeared and was not again mentioned in the records.
Jan Pieteese Mebie.
Jan Pieterse, of the woestyne, married Anna, daughter of Pieter Jacobse
Borsboom. His home lot in the village was on the east side of Church
street, to the north of the Dutch church, and had a breadth in front and
rear of 108 feet, and depth of 206 feet.
He was in possession of this lot before 1690, having purchased it, prob-
ably, from the administrators of Jan Janse Jonckers.J His son Abraham
inherited it after him. On the 6th April, 1708, the trustees of Schenectady,
to wit, Johannes Sanderse Glen, Adam Vrooman, Gysbert Marselis and
* Henry Yates Papers,
f Toll Papers.
X Deeds, v, 80.
Adult Freeholders. 131
Arent Vedder, gave a new conveyance to Jan Mebie, in the following
words : — "Whereas Jan Mebie to our knowledge was in quiet possession of
" a lot in Schenectady at the destruction of the town in February 16-|-§-
" lying on ^e street called Cross street [Church], having to the north the
" heirs of Hendrick Brouwer deceased, on ye south ye town lott [Dutch
" Church lot], on the east the lot of the heirs of Jan Pootman deceased
"containing in breadth at ye street 108 feet and behind 107 feet, in length
" on ye north and south sides 206 feet wood measure," ..." and since
"the writings are lost or consumed in the destruction of said town, said
" trustees confirm said lot to said Mebie."
This lot is now divided into two lots and owned by Mrs. Washington
and Mrs. Benjamin.
His farm was on the Third flat on the south side of the river about eight
miles above the village. The whole flat, consisting of 127 acres of lowland,
was patented in 1680, to Daniel Janse Van Antwerpen by Governor Andros,
and in 1706 Daniel Janse sold the westerly half, comprising 63 acres, 79
rods, to Jan Pieterse,* who, by his will made in 1725, bequeathed it to his
son Jacob. It was then described as lying between lands of Jacobus Peek
on the east, and of Pieter Vrooman on the west.f The descendants of Jan
Pieterse still occupy this farm.J
* Deeds, v, 79; vi, 215 ; Will in Court of Appeal's office.
f Subsequently he removed and settled to the eastward of Daniel Janse.
± [The Mebee house is doubtless the oldest house in the Mohawk valley, if not in the
State of New York.
It was in existence in 1706, the year that Jau Mebee purchased a portion of the Third
flat from Daniel Janse Van Antwerpen. Its walls are of heavy stones, drawn from the
neighboring mountain side, laid up without mortar but with joints pointed on outside
and plastered inside. The roof is in the pointed gable style so easy to build and so com-
mon in the early settlements in New Netherlands. The principal door is at the east end.
It is ancient as the heavy iron hinges and latch and its construction indicate. It is in
two parts common to old Dutch doors which were said to let the light in while the pigs
were kept out.
The window frames are heavy timbers and the sashes are of the strong hand-made kind
with very heavy sash bars holding quite small glass.
The interior consists of a first and second floor and attic space in the peak of the
roof, being floored on the " hammer beams." This attic having doubtless been in fre-
quent use as a spy loft during the Indian wars which the old house has seen.
The ceiling of the lower story is formed by the planed under side of the second floor —
this and the heavy joints are discolored by age but are polished by careful rubbing for
nearly two centuries.
132
History of the Schenectady Patent.
In 1697, Rode, a Mohawk sachem, called by the christians, Dirk, with
consent of all the other Indians, granted a parcel of land on both sides of
Tionnondorogoes [Schoharie] creek, commonly known by the name of
Kadaroda, to Jan Pieterse in consideration that his wife " is something
related to the christian castle."*
His wife likewise inherited from her father (Borsboom) a quarter part of
bouwery No. 7 of the hindmost allotment on the Bouwland, and a portion
of Borsboom's lots on the southerly and easterly corners of Front and
Washington streets, f
The house is situated on a bluff at the edge of the Mohawk and at the concave side of
a bend commanding a view of the river for a considerable distance in Neither direction.
Itjis the writer's belief that this house, at least its stone walls, date from 1670-80 when
Daniel Janse Van Antwerp occupied and receive 1 a patent for the land in the^centre of
which it stands.
Other buildings have been added near to it (within a few yards) to suit present needs
and there have been rumors that the old house is to give place to a more modern and
convenient structure. In view of the fact that a brick or stone wing across the end
would connect the detached brick building and afford increased space with all modern
conveniences and yet preserve unaltered this old hofstede to the Mebee family, and a time
honored land mark in the Mohawk valley— its destruction would be regretted. — M'M.]
*,'Patents, 1579 ; Deeds, vi, 215. f See Borsboom.
Adult Freeholders. 133
Mebie also owned the easterly half of the Fifth or Wolf flat, lying opposite
to his farm on the north side of the river, which by his will made April 3,
1725, he devised to his eldest son Pieter. This flat, separated from the
Fourth flat by Jan Mebie's or Fifth flat kil, consisted of 25 to 30 (acres ?)
morgens of land. It was conveyed to Jan Mebie, 23 May, 1716, by the
patentees of Schenectady for £300, and a reserved rent of 15 skipples of
wheat, which was paid by all successive owners until 185-4, when it was
commuted.*
On the 3d Feb., I7l£, Cornells Teunise, eldest son and heir of Teunis
Swart, conveyed to Jan Mebie " a pasture bounded west [east] by land of
" late belonging to Gerrit Bancker deceased, now unto Willem Abrahamse
" [Tietsoort] of Dutchess county, east [west] by lands lately belonging to
" Barent Janse [Van Ditmars] deceased now unto Harmanus Vedder, length
"92 rods, — breadth by the river 15 rods and by the highway 17 rods by
" virtue of a patent granted by Governor Lovelace to said Teunis Cornelise
" [Swart] dated Sept. 10, 1670. "f Jan Mebie also received conveyance of
another parcel of pasture ground on the north side of Front street, Feb.
12, 17ly, " having to the west the lot of Johannes Teller, east the lot of Har-
" manus Vedder, south the highway [Front street], north the Mohawk river,,;
by virtue of a conveyance from Jan Van Eps and Evert Bancker, 15th
Aug., 1698. This conveyance was from Marten Cregier and Jannetie his
wife, heirs of Maritie Damens. This lot commenced 114 feet Eng., east of
North street and had a front on Front street of 395 feet. In 1714, the west
half of this pasture was in occupation of Marten Van Beuthuysen brother-
in-law of Jan Mebie, who sold the easterly half to Willem Claase Van Cop-
pernol.J
Besides the bequests above mentioned to his sons Jacob and Pieter, he
left to his youngest son Abraham, his house and lot on Church street, one
of his pasture lots on Front street and his quarter of bouwery No. 7, — to his
daughter the half of his land at Kacloritha for life, afterwards to his sons
Pieter and Jacob ; — the three sons to pay to their seven sisters, £650. §
* Col. MSS., xxviii ; Toll Papers ; Will, Court of Appeals ; Deeds, xvn, 312.
t Toll Papers.
X Deeds, v, 232.
§ Will of Jan Pieterse Mebie.
134 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Johannes Myndeetse.
He was son of Myndert Frederickse,* of Beverwyck and came to Schenec-
tady about 1700; by trade, a smith, he was armorer of the Fort and like
most other inhabitants of the village an Indian trader.
By the ordinances of the common council of Albany, the inhabitants of
Schenectady were forbidden to trade with the natives under heavy penal-
ties; and frequent searches and seizures were made of Indian goods by the
sheriff. In 1723, Myndertse was arrested by the sheriff for having, contrary
to the ordinances, received into and harbored in his house, Indians with
beavers and other peltry. He was brought before the council at Albany
and fined £10, and in default of payment the sheriff was ordered to keep
him safe in the common jail. Shortly thereafter he escaped, and to punish
the sheriff for his negligence or connivance, the common council resolved
that he should pay the culprit's fine.
Myndertse appealed to the Supreme Court of the Province sitting in
New York, and gained his cause ; — the common council was mulcted in
damages, fees and costs in the sum of £41-9-3. f
It is believed this decision effectually established the right of citizens of
Schenectady to the same privileges of trade as citizens of Albany.
He owned two lots on State street — one on the north side where he
had his smiths shop and a bolting house — now the site of Barney & Co.'s
store, and another on the west corner of Mill lane and State street, on which
his dwelling house stood. The latter was conveyed to him April 6, 1708,
by the trustees of Schenectady and described " as a lot on the south side of
"a street called the Martelaer 's Straat [State Street], on the east of a lot
" belonging to said Myndertse, — in breadth upon the street 64 feet and
" behind the same ; — in length [depth] on both sides east and west 35
" feet : — also another lot on the south side of his house and lot 54 feet in
"breadth and in length [depth] 17 feet all wood measure. "J The lot on
which his house stood next west of the above described lot, had a front on
State street of 54 feet ; both together had a frontage of 118 feet. Mr.
Abraham Doty now owns a portion of those lots.
Myndertse made his will May 4, 1754, — proved Sept. 7, 1757, — and left
his real estate to his three sons, Myndert, Reinier and Jacobus.§
* See " Albany Families." t Albany Annals, viii, 286-9, 293-8 ; ix, 16.
\ Dutch Church Papers. § Wills, Court of Appeal's office.
Adult Freeholders, 135
Thomas Nobel.
He married Catarina, daughter of David Marinus in 1701, and had several
children baptized in the church here, — the last in 1708. He removed about
this time to New York, where he had a child baptized in 1720.
In 1706, he occupied lot No. 36 Washington street and the lot next north
of it and was probably an innkeeper as he refused to pay for a license " to
sell strong liquors."*
Dikk Ofmulder.
But little is known of him, save that he married Alida Pieterse, widow
of Ludovicus Cobes, and in 1698, lived on the easterly half of the Fourth
flat, on the north side of the river, on a farm formerly owned by Cobes.
They gave Thomas Smith, Cobes' son-in-law, a life lease of the same in
1698.f
Helmer Otten.
He was from Isens [Essen, Rhenish Prussia (?) ] ; by trade a baker, and
owned the north corner of North Pearl and State streets, Albany. The
year before his death, which took place in 16 76, J he sold his Albany lot to
Dominie Nicholaas Van Rensselaer.§
His wife was Ariaantje, daughter of Arent Bratt, by whom he had a
daughter, Tryntje, who married Gerrit Symonse Veeder.
After Otten's death his widow married Reyer Schermerhorn.
His house lot in Schenectady was on the west corner of Church and
Union streets, and comprised one quarter of the block bounded by Wash-
ington, State, Church and Union streets, being about 200 feet square.
This lot passed to Tryntje, his daughter, and her descendants, the
Veeders.
His bouwery (No. 4), was that owned by the Schermerhorns at the mills,
to whom it came through Reyer's wife.
* Johannes Glen's will, Court of Appeal's office ; Albany Annals, v, 150.
f Toll Papers ; see also Cobes and Kleyn .
% Proceedings of Magistrates 1675-80, fol. 19, Albany city clerk's office.
§ Deeds, i, 282 ; Albany Co. Records, 122.
136 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Both village lot and bouwery, Otten purchased 13th Aug., 16 70, of
Pieter Adriaense Soegemakelyk, alias Van Woggelum.*
Jacobus Peeck.
He was a son of Jan Peeck,f innkeeper, and Maria Du Truy [Truax], of
New Amsterdam, where he was baptized Jan. 16, 1656. With his kins-
man, Isaac De Trieux, he early took up land on the Second flat, on the
south side of the Mohawk, about five miles above the village. He married
Elizabeth Teunise and had two sons, Jacobus and Johannes, who succeeded
him in the possession of his farm. His mother lived upon the lot on the
west corner of Front and Church streets, now belonging to the heirs of the
late Jeremiah Fuller ; she died befoi'e the year 1684.
The patent conferring title to the Second flat upon Peeck and Du Trieux,
was granted by Governor Andros on the 29th Oct., 1677. The survey
made by Joris Arissen Vander Baast, describes this parcel of land as being
240 rods long on the woodside, and 150 rods broad, comprising 22 rnorgens
and 230 rods, to which is added another parcel on the woodside behind
said flat 200 rods long and 30 rods broad, making altogether about 32 rnor-
gens and 230 rods of land.
Du Trieux died about 1705, when his widow sold her half interest in
this flat, probably to the Peecks.J
The Second flat is now owned by Mr. John McGue and Mr. Abraham
A. Bratt.
* Albany Co. Records, 465 ; see also Van Woggelum, Schermerhom and Veeder.
t Jan Peeck was probably a resident of Fort Orange before the year 1655, when he
sold two houses there to Johannes Dykeman for 1627 gl. — Albany Co. Records, 226.
He and his wife were frequently complained of in New Amsterdam, for selling liquor
to the Indians and without license, and finally, in 1664, she was fined 500 gl., and
banished from Manhattan island ; it is presumed that she retired to Schenectady, where
she was found living not long after. — Butch MSS., v, 455 ; vr, 4, 308 ; vin, 80 ; x, 23,
24 ; x2, 452 ; x3, 1, 2 ; Council Minutes ; Deeds, m, 324.
Mrs. Peeck at the time of her banishment, was said to be " one of the oldest inhabi-
tants of the city of New Amsterdam."
The town of Peekskill-on-the-Hudson, received its name from Jan Peeck, who ran his
vessel into the creek and wintered there.
\ Land papers, n, 59; Toll and Dutch Church Papers; Albany Co. Records in Deeds,
rv; Col. MSS., 129th vol., p. 197 ; Col. Doc, iv, 802.
Adult Freeholders. 137
•
Philip Philipse (de Moer).
He married Elizabeth, daughter of Harmen Ganzevoort of Albany, about
1685, and soon after took up his residence in the township of Schenectady.
He owned or leased a portion of the Sixth flat on the north side of the
Mohawk river, which in 1689 he exchanged with Claas Willemse Van Cop-
pernol for the Willege/i Vlachte, lying on the south side of the river about
one mile above Crane's village.*
The descendants of Philipse still reside on or near the Willow flat.
Jan Philipse.
He was probably a brother of Philip and is first mentioned as a member
of the church in 1701.
On the 10th March, 170-f-, the trustees of Schenectady conveyed to "Jan
" Philipse, bachelor, a lot of ground in Schenectady, on the south side of the
"street that leads by the church [State street], having to the east six feet
" of ground adjoining to the lot of Cornells Slingerland, south the town
" stockades, west yL vacant ground belonging to the town, — breadth on the
" street three rods and four feet [40 feet],— behind the same, depth on east
"and west sides two rods and four feet [28 feet], Rynland measure. "f This
lot was on the south-west corner of State street and Water street alley, —
in 1713, this lot then having a depth of fifty feet, was conveyed by Arent
Bratt, brewer, who lived opposite, to Hendrick Vrooman, Jr., weaver, who,
in 1721 mortgaged it to Philip Livingston, merchant of Albany. J
Bartholomew Pikkert.
He married Eva Claese and had four children baptized in the church
here between 1700 and 1706. He lived at the Yerrebergh between Albany
and Schenectady, having received a grant of land there in 1717.§
Jan Pootman (Putman).
In 1661 being then a resident of Beverwyck, he was apprenticed by Jan
Hendrickse Van Bael for three years to Philip Hendrickse Brouwer. He
* Deeds, iv, 234, 236 ; Dutch Church Papers ; see also Van Coppernol.
f Old deed. \ Deeds, vi, 30.
§ Albany Annals, vn, 61.
18
138 History of the Schenectady Patent.
was then sixteen years of age.* On Brouwer' s removal to Schenectady in
1662, Pootman became a resident here and shortly after married Cornelia,
daughter of Arent Andriese Bratt. His house lot was on the north corner
of Union and Ferry streets, having a front of 100 feet on the former street;
later he purchased the 100 feet next west, of Jan Roeloffse, son of the well
known Anneke Janse.f On the fatal night of Feb. 8, 16f£, both Pootman
and his neighbor Roeloffse with their wives were slain. Three of his sons, —
Arent, Victoor and Cornells arrived at maturity and had families.
On the 6th April, 1709, Arent Pootman, the eldest son, conveyed to his
brother Victoor, " a certain lot of ground being part of the lot now in my
" possession and occupation, bounded on the east and south by the common
"highway [Ferry and Union streets] and on the north and west by the
"other part of the lot of said Arent Pootman; — in length on the east and
"west sides 21V feet and in breadth on the north and south 69 feet 4 in., —
" wood measure. "J
PlETEE RAL.
He was a member of the church in 1700, but his name does not again
appear in the records.
JUBRIAN RlNCKHOUT.
His father Jan Rinckhout was a baker in Albany.§ Jurrian was a free-
holder here at an early date. In his will made Feb. 2, 1703, he spoke of his
wife Maria Idessen, to whom letters of administration were issued March
30, 1704; — of his father, Jan, and several children. || He gave to his wife
"the use of his real and personal estate here and in New York during her
"lifetime, — his father to be maintained out of the estate; — son Teunis to
* 14 Sept., 1661, " £k>o heeft Jan Hendr. Van Baei besteet ende Philip Hendr. Brouwer
aen genome n Johannes Pootman, jong gesel out jegenwordich omtrent sestien jaeren," — to
serve said Brouwer, " van drye achtereen wlgendejaaren." Jau Pootman signed his name
to the indentures in a clear and beautiful hand. Brouwer engaged to pay him 80 gl. a
year in lieu of outfit, for his services. — Not. Papers, i, 19.
f Toll Papers ; see also Roeloffse.
% Old deed.
§ In 1669 he hired of Bent Bagge, a house and land in Schenectady for one year. —
Not. Papers, II.
|| Wilis, i, 104.
Adult Freeholders. 139
" have the farm at Schenectady at a fair price; Ida when he comes of age
" to have the fann, near New York as made over by his father-in-law Teunis
" Idesse."
AfteT Jurrian's death his widow married John Mclntyre, June 17, 1704,
and the family was not afterwards mentioned in the records.
Where Rinckhout's farm lay is not now known.
Benjamin Roberts.
" Bent " Roberts was a householder in the village as early as 1669. His
house lot was on the north side of Union street, 150 feet westerly from
Church street, — 51 feet front and rear and 404 feet deep, extending through
the block to Front street. Roberts purchased this lot of Arent Van Curler
or of his estate and subsequently sold it to Reynier, son of Dominie Gideon
Schaets of Albany.*
His patent for this lot dated March 17, 1669, described it as " a certain
" lot of ground at Schenectady now in his occupation, which was granted to
'l him by A. Van Curler deceased, containing in length 400-feet — in breadth
" 50 feet, abutting on the West [east] side with Symon Groot, ou the north
" [west] with the bouwery [house lot] of Willem Teller and Pieter Jacobse
" Borsboom."f
His bouwery, called Maalwyck was just west of the village of Scotia and
in the confirmatory patent granted to him July 1, 1669, was described as " a
" piece of land near Schenectady on the north side of the river over against
" the hindmost piece of land heretofore belonging to Arent [Bratt] the
"Noornian, running in breadth on the east side along by the high woods 17
" rods and on the west side along said woods 56 rods, in length on the
"south side along the river 278 rods, — all cleared land, together with the
"several corners or hoeks of land, containing about 36 acres or 18 morgens ;
" as also a parcel of woodland beginning at the east end and running with
" a deep half moon to the west of the aforesaid cleared land, being divided
"by the highwoods, containing about 40 acres or 20 morgens ; — in all 38
" morgens, as conveyed by the Indians to said Roberts with the approbation
" of the commissioners at Albany. "J
He made his will June 28, 1706, and gave his property to his wife Maria,
and in case of her death or remarriage, to his" stepsons Pieter and Joseph
Clement.
* Roberts also owned a house and lot in Albany, which he sold in 1684. — Deqds, in,
266 ; v, 106 ; Not. Papers, n.
f Patents, 647. . \ Patents, 981.
140 History of the Schenectady Patent.
In 1711, Pieter Clement sold his half of the farm to Cornells Viele to-
gether with Benten island, for £445 ;* and on March 17, 1712, his brother
Joseph sold the other half to Carel Hansen Toll for £400.
Roberts was also the original owner of Poversens lying opposite to Maal-
wyck on the south side of the river.f
Jan Roeloffse.
He was the eldest son of -the famous Anneke Janse, by her first husband
Roeloffe Jansen. Until about the year 1670 he was a resident of Bever-
wyck, where he acted as the surveyor of lots. This year he accidently
killed Gerrit Verbeeck at Albany, for which he was pardoned by the
Governor. \ His house lot here was on the north side of Union street 100
Amsterdam feet west of Ferry street — the lot now owned and occupied by
Messrs. Joseph Y. and Giles Van de Bogart. This lot he sold to Jan Poot-
man, his neighbor on the east, reserving a life interest in the same for him-
self and wife. The consideration to be paid by Pootman was 50 beavers
at 8 guilders each, in merchantable grain at market price, within eight years
from date — 12 Sept., 1687, whereof, it is stated, a cow had already been
paid and delivered at nine beavers.§
On the fatal night of Feb. 8, 1690, both Pootman and Roeloffse with
their wives were slain. The latter left no children.
Reynier Schaets.
Reynier Schaets " chyrurgion," eldest son of Dominie Gideon Schaets,
was an early settler of Schenectady, where he was appointed justice of the
peace by Leisler in 1689.| His house lot was on the north side of Union
street, 100 Amsterdam feet west of Church street and extended through to
Front, — 404 feet, having a front on both streets of 51 feet.** A portion of
this lot fronting upon Union street was owned by the late Dr. Alexander
G. Fonda, now by the county. Schaets and one of his sons were killed in
1690, when the village was burned by the French and Indians. His widow
Catrina Bensing, afterwards married Jonathan Broadhurst of Albany, April,
* Deeds, v, 108, 141. f See Douwe Aukes, Toll, and Viele.
% Albany Annals, rv, 14 ; Court of Assizes, u, 524. § Toll Papers.
|| Doc. Hist., ii, 198 ; Col. MSB., xxxm, 12. ** Deeds, v, 106.
Adult Freeholders. 141
23, 1696. Two of Schaets' children, — a son named Gideon, who sold the
above mentioned lot in 1700 to Albert Vedder, — and a daughter Agnietje
who married Matthys Nak of Albany.
SCHERMERHORN.
Jacob Janse Schermerhorn, the first settler, is said to have been born in
Waterland, Holland, in 1622.* He came to Beverwyck quite early, where
he prospered as a brewer and trader. In 1648 he was arrested at Fort
Orange, by order of Governor Stuyvesant on a charge of selling arms and
ammunition to the Indians. His books and papers were seized and himself
removed, a prisoner, to Fort Amsterdam, — where he was sentenced to
banishment for five years, with the confiscation of all his property. By
the interference of some leading citizens, the first part of the sentence was
struck out, but his property was never recovered. These severe proceed-
ings against Schermerhorn formed subsequently a ground of complaint
against Stuyvesant, to the States General. f Nothing daunted by his
misfortunes, he began anew, and before his death in 1689, acquired a large
property for the times. He made his will May 20, 1688, and the year
following died at Schenectady, where he had resided for some years.
By his will he gave " to my eldest son Reyer before partition of my
" estate my lot at the river side in Albany, where Kleyn De Goyer J lived, —
'.' my wife to have during her widowhood the rents and profits of all my
" real estate, viz., my farm at Shotac [Schodac], — pasture over against
" Marten Gerritse's island, two houses and lots in Albany, the one over
"against Isaac Verplanck, the other where my son Symon lives; — my house
" and lot at Schenectady where I now dwell, — to my wife all my movable
" property." His son Jacob lived on his farm at Schotak. After his and
his wife's death, his property was to be divided equally among his nine
children. § At the final settlement of his estate, it was inventoried at
56,882 guilders.
* O'Callaghan's Hist. N. N., rr, 63 note, 587; i, 436, 441 ; Deeds, n. In 1648 he was
at South [Delaware] river. — O'Callaghan's Hist. jV. iV., n, 81.
t Col. Doc, i, 312, 337, 345, 428; ir, 459 ; in, 179.
X [De Goyer = the thrower — caster — pitcher.— M'M.]
§ Wills, i, 26.
142 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Reyer Scherm^rhorn.
Reyer was the only son of Jacob Janse, who settled permanently at
Schenectady. He was gebortigh alhier in Alba?iie, — his wife, Ariaantje
Bratt, in Esopus.* She was the widow of Helmer Otten and was married
in July, 1676, at which time, in anticipation of this marriage, she made a
contract with the guardians of her daughter Catharina, by which she mort-
gaged her farm, No. 4, at Schenectady, for the payment of 225 beaver skins
to said daughter when she arrived at mature age, or married; also to give
her one-half of her late husband's property in Holland. Tryntje f married
Gei-rit Symonse Veeder, in 1690, and in 1697, Gerrit and his wife made the
following settlement with Schermerhorn and his wife, in relation to the
patrimonial property of Veeder's wife :
Schermerhorn agreed to make over
1st. Eight morgens of land at Schenectady, out of Symon Volckertse's
hoeJc.
2d. To convey to Gerrit Symonse, four morgens of land from the south
end of bouwery No. 4, hindmost land.
3d. To make satisfaction for money of Helmer Otten obtained from
Holland.
And Gerrit Symonse agreed to make satisfaction to Schermerhorn for
the house the latter bought of Lewis Cobes for Catharina Otten before her
marriage. J
He was one of the five patentees mentioned in the patent of Schenectady
1684, and for nearly 15 years (1700 to 1714), was the only survivor, for
which reason he was complained of as exercising arbitrary power over town
affairs and rendering no account of his proceedings. In 1690 he was
member of the Provincial Assembly from Albany county and justice of the
peace. In 1700 he was appointed assistant to the Judge of Common Pleas.
The mills on the Schuylenberg Jcil, together with the bouwery No. 4, re-
mained in the family nearly 200 years and have but lately passed into other
* Will made by them 7th Sept., 1678.— Not. Papers, n. He was baptized in New
Amsterdam, June 23, 1652. — Valentine's Manual.
f [Tryntje = dutch for Catherine. — M'M.]
t Deeds, rv, 106, 287, 298.
Adult Freeholders. 143
hands. Schermerhorn made his last will April 5, 1717, — proved April 8,
1719, and died Feb. 19, 1719,* leaving two daughters and three sons, all of
whom had families.
Meal estate owned by Meyer Schermerhorn.
First. In addition to bouwery No. 4, acquired through his wife, he owned
the easterly half of the Seventh flat on the north side of the river. In 1705
he conveyed this farm to his eldest son Jan, but in 1717 devised the same
in his will to the children of his daughter Cataleyntje, wife of Johannes
Wemp, which bequest her brother Jan confirmed after his father's death in
1719, by a deed in which the whole flat is said to contain 40 morgens, and
to be bounded east by the creek called Tequatsero [Droybergh, Verf or
Color kil], west by another small kil, north by the hills and south by the
river. In 1733 the Wemps conveyed their half of this flat to Johannes
Van Eps who owned the other half.f
Second. He owned the lot on the east corner of State and Church streets,
purchased probably of Claas Laurense Van der Volgen, having a front of
170 feet on State street and 160 feet on Church street. Of this lot by his
will the corner lot, 50 feet by 160 (lately the property of Gen. Jay Cady),
was devised to his daughter, Ariaantje, wife of Jan Wemp, and the next
seventy feet, now belonging to the Schenectady bank and estate of the late
S. C. Groot, to his son Jacob, who then lived upon it; this lot afterwards
passed to Jacob's son Willem, who sold one-half of it to Cornelius Groot in
18064
Third. On the 23d February, I70f, Johannes J. Bleecker of Albany,
guardian of Catharina Otten, sold to Reyer Schermerhorn a lot on the north
side of State street, next west of the present lot and building of Isaac I.
* Wills, i, 163. The following is a copy of the sexton's bill for his funeral expenses :
Ano. 1719. Voor het aen sprecken van de overledene Reyer Gulden.
Schermerhorn en Voor het begraaven. 54
en voor het aen sprecken op Nystakayoene, 12
en voor het doot Kleet, 6
en bekenne vol daen toe zyn tato dese den 27 April. Gulden, 72
Jan Vrooman.
f Deeds, v, 69, 70, 494 ; vi, 145 ; Toll Papers.
% Deeds, xm, 513 ; Deeds, rv, 298.
144 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Truax, having a front of 73 feet. This included the lot of the late Nicholas
Van Vranken, now occupied as a public house, and probably at the death
of Schermerhorn or before, passed into the possession of Volkert Symonse
Veeder, who married his daughter Jannetie, and who also owned the lot
of 120 feet front, next east on the north corner of State and Ferry streets.
Fourth. He also owned a lot on the west side of the lot of Douwe Aukes
De Freeze, of 50 feet front on State street and 200 feet deep, which he be-
queathed to his son Arent. This is the lot on which stands the house and
store of the late G. Q. Carley.
Fifth. He also owned a parcel of land on the south side of State street,
extending from the lot of Edward Ellis to the Coehorne kill — 256 feet English,
which in 1717, he devised to his son Jan. In Jan's will made 1752, this lot
is said to comprise four morgens, it must therefore have extended in the
rear from 1,000 to 1,500 feet.
Sixth. In 1684, he owned the lot on the west corner of Union and Church
streets, — about 190 feet square, which he acquired through his wife.* This
lot subsequently became the property of Helmus Veeder, grandson of Mrs.
Schermerhorn, to whom he devised the " lot of pasture ground lying on the
" south of Schenectady next to the lot of Gerrit Symonse [Veeder] and now
" in occupation of said Gerrit Symonse."
This pasture was between Mill creek and the Canal, east of Ferry street
extended south:
Reyer Schermerhorn in his will bequeathed to his children the following
parcels of real estate :
" To his son Jan, all his real estate, provided he shall convey to his de-
" ceased sister Catalina's three children, Myndert, Reyer and Ariaantje
" Wemp, one-half of the house, farm and land where my son John now
" lives on the north side of the Maquaas river, [Seventh Flat] and the other
" half to my daughter Jannetie wife of Volkert Symonse [Veeder] : — to his
" eldest son Jan, that lot of ground lying in Schenectady adjoining to the lots
" of Ground of Hendrick Vrooman and Barent Wemp, [east end and south
" side of State street] : — to. son Jacob, eight morgens of the hindmost bou-
"wery No. 2, bounded east by land of Arent Bratt and west by lands of
" Samuel Bratt, with 5* morgens of woodland bounded by the lands of
" heirs of Samuel Bratt and the woods : — also part of the lot of ground in
"the town of Schenectady where he now lives which part shall be broad on
* Deeds, hi, 324.
Adult Freeholders. 145
" on the front 70 feet, to be taken in the middle of the whole together with
" a passage of four feet broad from the north end of said lot going Westerly
" to the street [Church] by the house now in possession of Josias Swart : —
" to son Arent the farm called the Second Flat, Avhere Symou Groot Jr.,
" formerly lived with the wood lands thereunto belonging; also one lot of
" ground in the town lying on the west side of the lot of ground belonging
" to Douwe Aukes De Ffreeze being broad in Front 50 feet and long 200
"feet [the late G. Q. Carley'slot] : — to Ariaantje daughter of Jan Wemp a
" lot of ground in Schenectady lying on the west side of the lot of ground
"hereinbefore devised to my son Jacob, being broad in front 50 feet and
"long 160 feet, [lot of the late Gen. Jay Cady] : — to daughter Jannetie
" wife of Volkert Symonse [Veeder] half of my lands on the Raritan in East
" Jersey, and the other half to my three grandchildren, Myndert, Reyer and
" Ariaantje Wemp : — to Hannah Symonse [Veeder] my lands in the Jerseys
"called Ganse gat:* — to Wilhelmus Symonse, son of Gerrit Symonse
" [Veeder] the lot of pasture lying in the south part of the town of Schenec-
" tady next to the lot of said Gerrit Symonse, now in his occupation.!
SYMON SciIERMERHORN.
When Jacob Janse made his will in 1688, he spoke of his son Syrnon
residing in Albany ; in 1690, when Schenectady was destroyed he was a
resident of the village, and though wounded in the leg rode to Albany on
the night of February 8 to carry the news. His son Johannes and three
negroes were killed. Subsequently he removed to New York where he died
about 1696, leaving his widow Willempie, daughter of Arnout Viele and
one son Arnout; from whom have descended the Schermerhorns of New
York city.
In 1693 Symon Schermerhorn was a skipper on the Hudson river. J
Manasseh. Sixbery.
He was a young Englishman from London ; coming to Schenectady he
married in 1699 Pietertje, daughter of Jan Janse Joncker and settled upon
the easterly portion of the First Jiat, called Hazlenut flat. Ten years later,
in 1709, being a soldier at Fort Nicholson [Fort Edward] and sick, he made
a will giving his property to his wife and four children, Johannes, Wilhel-
mus, Cornells and Mary.
His son Wilhelmus settled in Maquaasland about 1720.§
* [Query, Goose pond.— M'M.] f Wills, i, 163.
% Col. MSS., xxxix, 71. § Toll Papers.
19
146 History of the Schenectady Patent.
CORNELIS SLINGERLAND.
He was the eldest son of Teunis Cornelise Slingerland of Albany. In
1699 he married Eva Mebie of Schenectady, where he settled, and between
1700 and 1723 had eight of his ten children baptized in the church here. It
is supposed the family removed to Niskatha [New Scotland] where a Cor-
nelis Slingerland was buried 3d Sept., 1753. His house lot in the village,
1706-22, was on the south side of State street, forty feet east of Water
street alley and extended easterly probably to Church street.* He also had
a lot on the east side of Washington street, now owned by Mrs. Buchanan.
Thomas Smith.
Tam Smit was from New England ; — in 1696 he married Maria, only
daughter and heir of Ludovicus Cobes, and widow of Johannes Kleyn;
his wife inherited one-fourth of the Fourth Flat on the north side of the
river from her father, and Smith held a life lease of the other half from the
widow of Cobes.f
Jan. 19, I70f, the trustees of Schenectady conveyed to him " a certain
" small swamp on the north side of the Fourth Flat about 8 miles above
" the town about the bignes of two morgens, also one other morgen of land
" on the hill behind the swamp," reserving a rent "one-half bushel of good
" winter wheat yearly."];
Caspauus Springsteen.
He was a miller ; married Jannetie, sister of Reyer Schermerhorn, 28th
July, 1695, in New York, and had three children baptized here between
1703 and 1707.§
Jonathan Stevens.
Jonathan Stevens, a young man from New England, probably came to
Schenectady about 1690, with Thomas Smith.
In 1693, he married a Mohawk woman named Lea, widow of Claas
Willemse Van Coppernol.fl
* Deeds, vi, 30, 31 ; Deeds, iv ; Old Deed ; Albany Annals, ix, 89.
f See Cobes and Kleyn ; Deeds, v, 355. % Dutch Church papers.
§ Valentine's Manual for 1862 ; Albany Annals, v, 169.
| Dutch Church records ; Deeds, iv.
Adult Freeholders. 147
In 1698, he hired Mrs. De Graaf's farm at the Hbek, and the Fourth Flat
of Tarn Smith for five years.*
His home lot in the village was on the north side of State Street, having
a front of 75 ft. 6 in., Amst. measure (now reduced to 65 ft. Eng.), and
extending in the rear beyond Liberty street, and behind the lots lying on
either side of it, comprising more than an acre of ground.
Numbers 107 and 10(J, owned by Mr. G. I. Swortfiguer, and 111 and 113
belonging to the estate of the late William Cunningham, were parts of
Stevens' lot.
His farm was in Glenville, bounded east by the Aal plaats Ml, and south
by the Mohawk river, and comprised several hundred acres of flat and
woodland.
His son Arent, had great influence with the Mohawks, and for more than
20 years acted as interpreter and agent for Sir William Johnson in his
negotiations with the different tribes. He owned lands, and for some time
resided at Canajoharie.f
Isaac Cornelish: Swits.
Two sons of Cornells Claese SwitsJ of New Amsterdam, settled in
Schenectady in 1663, to wit, Claas and Isaac.§
Claas Cornelise Swits was hired Jan. 13, 1663, by Willem Teller to work
on his farm No. 5 as bouwknecht.\\ Adjoining to this bouwery on the north-
east side, was bouwery No. 2, owned by Philip Hendrickse Brouwer. In
September, 1663, Claas was plowing his master's land, when Brouwer came
along with his gun loaded with shot to shoot ducks, and forbade his
ploughing there, ordering him off as he had repeatedly done before.
Thereupon they had some words and finally Brouwer threatened if he did
not leave the land, he would shoot him; which he did, and Swits receiving
the shot, died about three or four hours later. It was claimed by Brouwer
that the injury was greater than he intended, and Swits himself before he
died and later all his near relatives, absolved him from the legal conse-
* Toll Papers.
t Col. Doc, vi, 292, 512, 783, 787, 796, 975 ; vn, 70.
X Dutch MSS., X3, 37 ; Patents G. G., 129 ; H. H., 23 ; Gen. Ent., xxiii, 73.
§ See " Schenectady Families." — Albany Records, i, 72.
| [BouwkneclU = farm laborer. — M'M.]
148 History of the Schenectady Patent.
quences of his rash act, as appears by a formal release over their hands and
seals executed March 1, IQQ^, and afterwards confirmed by Governor
Nichols.*
It would seem that the cause of this sad accident was a disputed line be-
tween the two farms.
Isaac Cornelise Swits alias Kleyn Isaack, was born in New Amsterdam in
1642, and came to Schenectady in 1663 with his brother Claas. The year
following, in company with Claas Frederickse Van Petten, he hired of
Willem Teller a " bouwerye gelegen op schauechtede bestaende in uoonhugs,
" schner, bergh en bouwlandt in twee parcelles genomeneert van den lantmeter,
" No. 5, &c."f
He married Susanna, daughter of Symon Groot and had nine children,
eight of whom were living in 1*701 when he made his will. J
His home lot in the village was on the west side of Washington street
opposite the west end of State street, extending to the Binrie kil and south-
westerly towards Mill creek.
In 1690 when the village was burned, he and his eldest son Cornells were
carried captive to Canada, but returned the following summer.§ During
his absence the Governor ordered his home lot in the village to be taken
for the site of a new fort. [Probably one angle of stockade.]
He repeatedly petitioned | the Governor and Council for remuneration in
money (£30) or land, and finally on the 16 April, 1707, was allowed the
privilege of receiving from the Indian proprietors a deed for 1,000 acres of
land lying along the south side of the Mohawk river, extending from the
Aal plaats to Rosendaal, for which a patent was granted Oct. 2, 1708,
under the following description, " a tract of woodland on the south side
" of Canastegione [Mohawk] river, bounded west by the bounds of the
" woodland of the town of Schenectady, east by the bounds of Canastegione
" aforesaid, containing 1000 acres from said river southward between the
"" bounds aforesaid/'**
Isaac Swits also had a parcel of woodland south-east of the vill age,
bounded south-west by State street from the Coehorne creek to the easterly
* Notarial Papers, i, 1, 410.
t Not. Papers, i, 439.
% Will, Court of Appeal's office; date of Will April 1, 1701 ; proved Oct. 4, 1707.
§ Doc. Hist., ii, 153, 200.
| Once Nov. 2, 1704, and again Oct. 21, 1706.
** Coun. Min., x, 62 ; Land Papers, rv, 28, 120;; Patents, 1638.
Adult Freeholders. 149
side of Nott Terrace, northerly and easterly by the Coehorn kil nearly,
and south-easterly by the south-easterly side of Nott Terrace nearly.
Portions of this large parcel of land remained in the family until the present
generation, when it was divided into house lots and sold.
When Juffrouid's land came into market, after the death of the widow
of Ai-ent Van Curler, Isaac Swits purchased a portion thereof, commencing
on the Binne kil a little to the south-east of the late John Myer's farm
house on the flats, and extending thence southerly.
In 1702 he purchased of Evert Bancker of Albany, the foremost bouwery
No. 6 on the Great Flat, for £183-12; a portion of this farm remained in
the family nearly 100 years.*
Cornelis Swits.
He was the eldest son of Isaac Cornelise Swits. At the destruction of
the village in 1690, he was carried away to Canada but returned the follow-
ing summer.
He married Hester Visscher of Albany and took up his residence there,
about 1702.
On the 7th July, 1702, he purchased of Evert Bancker for £42 [$105]
current money of the province, " a certain lott of ground lyeing at Sheu-
"nechtady aforesaid to ye North of Cattelyn Noorman's [Bratt] and to ye
" south of ye hills, being behynde to the east of the way and before to the
"west of Pieter Adriaensen's, in length fifteen rodd and four foote
" [184 ft], and in breath (sic) fifteen rodd and three foote [183 ft.],
"all which ye said Evert Banker doth convey unto ye said Cornells Swits,
"by virtue of a patent granted by ye late Governor Richard Nicolls unto
"ye aforesaid Gerrit Banker bearing date ye 7"1 of Aprill, 1667. "f
This lot was on the south corner of Washington and Union streets. It
is not probable that Swits ever resided here ; long afterwards, it came into
possession of John Duncan and John and Henry Glen.
Teunis Cornelise Swart.
Two brothers of the name of Swart were among the early settlers of
Schenectady; — Frederic Cornelise, who was proposed by Secretary Ludovicus
* See Bancker ; Patents, 382-3 ; Deeds, v, 107, 154 ; and Isaac Swits' Will in Court of
Appeal's office,
f Deeds, it, 296 ; see also Bancker.
150 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Cobes in 1676 as one of the magistrates of the village, and Teunis Cornelise
from whom all the families of this name in this vicinity are descended.
After the death of the latter about 1680, his wife Elizabeth Lendt or Van
der Linde* married Jacob Meese Vrooman of Albany; he died about 1690,
and Oct. 14, 1691 she again married Wouter Uythoff of Albany.
Teunis Swart occupied the lot on the east corner of State and Church
sti'eets, 170 feet front on the former and 200 feet on the latter street, until
his death ; and was succeeded in possession of it by his widow and son Cor-
nells, who early removing to Ulster county conveyed it in 1692 to his
brother-in-law Claes Laurense Van der Volgen, reserving for his brother
Esaias Swart a lot of forty feet front on Church street from the north end.
The deed is dated Jan. 4, 1692, conveying the lot of Teunis Cornelise
Swart, granted to and in the name of Jacob Meese Vrooman [second
husband of Elizabeth, widow of said Swart] by the magistrates of Schenec-
tady, according to deed of date Feb. 7, 168§, by Wouter Uythoff [third
husband of said Elizabeth] and said Elizabeth to Claas Laurense Van Pur-
merent [alias Vander Volgen], — " being a corner lot over against the church
" (te weten de kerk),\ two hundred feet long [on Church street] and one
" hundred and seventy feet broad [on State] street having des heeren
" Straeten\ [State and Church streets] on the south and west and to the east
" Jan Labatie according to deed of date Feb. 7, 168f-; — exceptinga piece
"conveyed to Esaias Swart by deed of July 30, 1681. "§
His farm on the bouwland granted to him by patent Jan. 15, 1667, con-
firmatory of that given by Gov. Stuyvesant, June 16, 1664, describes it as
" a certain parcel of land at Schenectady over the third creek or kil [Poenties
" kW\ marked with number ten, to the east of number nine and number six,
"to the west of number nine and number eight, to the south the hills and
"to the north the river south-west and by west, — in breath 64 rods and
"containing 48 acres or 24 morgens, 576 rods."|
This being the middle allotment of the bouwland was a double farm, ex-
tending from the river to the sand bluff or hill and was divided nearly into
* Deeds, in, 88, 310 ; rv, 35,
f The church which then stood at the juuction of Church and State streets was from
the beginning used as a watchhouse and continued to be so used nearly one hundred
years. ['te blok huys (te weten de kerc?ie) = ihe block house that is to say the church. —
M'M.]
X [Heeren Straeten = public streets. — M'M.]
§ Deeds, rv, 34, 35.
i Patents, 309.
Adult Freelwlders. 151
two equal parts by the river road. It was sold by the Swart family about
1692 (except the southernmost eight acres which Jesaias Swart held),* to
Claas Lourense Van Purmerend alias Van der Volgen, Teunis Swart's son-
in-law, who conveyed the northerly half lying between the road and the
river, to Claas Janse Van Boekhoven.f The latter dividing this portion
comprising eleven morgens, into equal parcels by a line running from the
road to the river, in 1693, conveyed the westerly half to Catharine Glen, wife
of Gerrit Lansing ; J and the easterly half to Dirk Arentse Bratt, his step-
son.§ Bratt's portion passed to Wouter Vrooman in 1741 ;|| and in 1757,
Adam, son of Wouter Vrooman conveyed the same to Isaac Vrooman.**
Teunis Swart also had a pasture on the north side of Front street, consist-
ing of two and a half morgens of land, which was confirmed to him by
patent Sept. 10, 1670, — " now in the occupation of Teunis Cornelys jonge
"pointee, lying in the pasture or Weyland, having on the south [East] Ger-
" rit Banckers on the north [west] Barent Janse [Van Ditmars] — in length
"92 rods, breadth by the river side 15 rods and by the high way [Front
"street] 17 rods."ff This lot commencing at or about the New York
Central railroad, extended along the street easterly 210 feet Eng., and was
conveyed in 1715 to Jan Mebie by Cornells eldest son of Teunis Swart.J|
Esaias, or Jesaias Swaet.
Teunis Cornelise Swart had three sons who lived to maturity and had
families, — Cornells the eldest, who removed to Ulster county,§§ — Adam who
* Deeds, in, 310.
f Deeds, rv, 34, 35.
X Deeds, iv, 37. Catharina Glen before her marriage with Lansing, was the widow of
Cornelis, son of Barent Janse Van Ditmars, former husband ofVau Boekhoven's present
wife (Mrs. Bratt). This parcel of land probably came to Catharina Glen as part of her
inheritance from her first husband.
§ Deeds, iv, 38.
|| Wills Court of Appeal's office.
** Deeds, vn, 261 ; wills of Cornelis Vander Volgen, 1735 ; of Lourense Claase Vander
Volgen 1739 ; and of Wouter Vrooman 1748, in Court of Appeal's office.
ft Patents, 754.
Xt Toll Papers.
§S Cornelis Swart was 70 years old 22 May, 1722, and was born therefore about 1652.
Wills, i, Deeds, iv, 35 ; Albany Annals, vi, 48,
152 History of the Schenectady Patent.
settled in Kinderhook,* and Esaias or Jesaias, who remained in Schenectady
and became the progenitor of those who bear this name in this vicinity.
Esaias, born in 1653, married Eva, daughter of Teunis Van Woert of
Albany, and had three sons, Teunis who settled in Schoharie; Wouter who
settled on the south side of the Mohawk river on the Thickstone place,f
whose daughter he married, and Jesaias who settled on the north side of
the Mohawk at the Sixth Jlat, of which he received a conveyance Aug. 5,
IV 13, from the trustees of Schenectady for £6-19-6 yearly rent, together
with 60 acres of woodland lying northward of the same.J
His village lot, of 40 feet front and 163 feet deep, was on the east side of
Church street, 163 feet north from State street, the same having been re-
served out of his father's lot when it was sold to his brother-in-law Van der
Volgen.§
He had also had eight acres of bouwery No. 10, which his step-father
Jacob Meese Vrooman and his mother Elizabeth, widow of Teunis Cornelise
Swart, conveyed to him Feb. 20, 168|-, — "bounded south by the hills, west
" by Symon Volckertse [Veeder], north by Claas Laurense Van der Volgen
" and east by a low place formerly a swamp, adjoining the pasture of Claas
" Laurense Purmerend [Van der Volgen], being a part of farm or bouwery
" No. 10 granted to said Teunis Cornelise [Swart] by patent Jan. 15,
" 1667."||
Willem Teller.
Willem Teller was for nearly 50 years a trader in Albany. In a deposi-
tion made by him in 1698, being then about 78 years of age, he said that he
arrived in this province in the year 1639, — was sent to Fort Orange by
Gov. Kieft, served there as corporal and was then advanced to be Wacht-
meester of the Fort; that he had continued his residence at Albany from
1639 to 1692, with some small intermissions upon voyages to New York,
Delaware and one short voyage to Holland.
* Adam Swart Van Schenegtade married Metie Willemse Van Slyck Van Nieuw
AHanie, Jan. 15, 1690 ; — in 1706 he resided in Kinderhook. — Albany Dutch Church
Becords.
f Above. Hoffman's Ferry.
X Church and Toll Papers.
§ Deeds, rv, 35.
| Deeds, m, 310.
Adult Freeholders. 153
From Albany he removed in 1692 to New York, with his sons save
Johannes, who settled in Schenectady. He was one of the first proprietors
of Schenectady [though never a resident here] and one of the five patentees
named in the first patent of the town in 1684.
He died in 1701 in his 81st year.*
His house lot was the west quarter of the block bounded by Washington,
Front, Church and Union streets, and in his patent dated June 2, 1667, was
described as " a certain house lot in Schenectady on the north-east side of
" Gerrit Bancker's, on the south-west of Pieter [Jacobse Borsboom] de
" Steenbakker, being in length and breadth on both sides 200 feet."f
In 1700, he conveyed this lot to his son Johannes, who by will gave the
same to his sons Willem and Jacobus, the latter taking the westerly half
and Willem the remainder, which he left to his son Jacobus in 1752. At
this time Gerrit A. Lansing owned the northerly half and Cornells Cuyler
the southerly half of Willem's portion. |
In 1801, the original lot was owned by Abraham Oothout, John Porteous
and Jacobus Teller. About this time the corner lot came into possession of
James Murdock who had a storehouse upon it ; after his death in 1812, it
was sold by his administrators to Dr. Archibald Craig.§
Willem Teller's bouweries on the Great flat are described in the confirma-
tory patent dated June 29, 1667, as "two pieces of land at Schenectady
' both marked No. 5, the first lying to the west of the first creek [ Willem
' Teller's Killet)e\\ to the east of No. 6, a line cutting between south west
1 somewhat southerly and so going forward on the other side of the creek
' into the woods, in bigness with the hoek about 26 acres or 13 morgens 95
' rods." ..." The other lying on the hindmost piece of land by the wood-
' side, to the west of No. 7 to the east of No. 1, a line cutting again from
'the small creek [dove gat\ to the woodland South west and by west, — its
' breadth 72 rods and contains about 20 acres or 10 morgens 165 rods ; —
' in all 46 acres or 23 morgens and 260 rods, as granted by Governor Stuy-
' vesant June 16, 1664, to Willem Teller."**
* N. Y. Wills, ii, 150-162; Albany Annals, vn, 87; Deeds, rv, 466.
t Patents, 491.
X Deeds, iv, 209 ; vi, 359.
§ Schenectady Deeds, i, 467 ; Albany Deeds, xvn, 464.
| Now sometimes called the Poenties kil.
** Patents, 491.
20
154 History of the Schenectady Patent.
June 20, 1700, Willeni Teller conveyed the above mentioned two bou-
weries to his son Johannes, " in consideration that he was much reduced in
"property in 1690, at the burning of Schenectady by the French."*
These two parcels of land remained long in the Teller family, but have
now passed out of the name either by sale or marriage.
Willeni Teller also had a pasture on the north side of Front street, com-
prising two and a half morgens lying between the pastures of Adam
Vrooman and Pieter Jacobse Borsboom, which in 1*700 he also conveyed to
his son Johannes. This lot commenced 194 feet Eng., west of North street
and extended easterly along Front street to a point 114 feet, Eng., east of
North street, f
Johannes Teller, by his will made May 15, 1V25, devised to his son Johan-
nes " a parcel of land at Schenectady No. 5, being the hindmost part by the
" woodside to the west of No. 7 to the east of No. 1 containing about 20 acres
" or 10 morgens and 260 rods with all the pasture ground and upland thereun-
to belonging, also my third part in the saw miil : " — to sons Willem and
Jacobus "a certain lot of land in Schenectady being the foremost lot No.
" 5 over the first creek, to the east of No. 6; it is in bigness with the hoek
" about 26 acres and 95 rods, together with my housing and lot of ground
" in the town of Schenectady now in my possession being in length and
" breadth 200 feet." J
Johannes Teller, son of Willem, was born in 1659, and married Susanna,
daughter of Capt. Johannes Wendel, of Albany, August 18, 1686. By the
destruction of the village in 1690, he was not only greatly impoverished,
but was carried away to Canada by the French. He had six children, —
three sons and three daughters — living at the date of his will. He died
May 28, 1725.
Domini .'•: Petrus Thesschenmaecker.
He was the first settled minister in Schenectady. Having officiated in
1676, in Kingston, to the acceptance of the people, they petitioned for his
continuance ; — in 1679, he was ordained in New York, by a council com-
prising the ministers then settled in the Province, as of the church at
Newcastle on the Delaware, where he continued until about 1684, when he
* Deeds, rv, 209 ;• vn, 359 ; xix, 56 ; — Willem Teller's will.
f Deeds, rv, 209.
% Johannes Teller's will.
Adult Freeholders. 155
came to Schenectady. In the destruction of the village in 1690, the par-
sonage the site of which is unknown, was burned, and the Dominie was
killed.*
Jeremi Thickstong.
He was brother-in-law of Carel Hansen Toll and with him settled in the
westerly bounds of Schenectady near Hoffman's ferry. His farm was first
patented to Johannes Luykase [ Wyngaard] and lay on the south side of the
river; afterwards it came into possession of Wouter Swart, who married
Thickstone's daughter.
Luykase's patent dated April 4, 1687, comprised "all that certain small
" tract of land above Schenectady on the south side of the river beginning
" at a marked tree above the steep rack strand\ and stretching along the
" river to another tree and so back into the woods as far as the trees are
"marked, containing eleven acres."f On the 24 Feb., 170f, Jan and Catie
Luykase sold the above parcel of land to Carel Hansen Toll, and on the 9th
March, 17 If, Toll sold the same and a small island in the river to his
brother-in-law Thickstone for £100. §
WlLLEM ArtRAHAMSE TlETSOORT.||
He was in Schenectady as early as 1681, but soon after removed to
Dutchess county.**
His lot in the village was on the north side of State street, late the prop-
erty of John Vrooman, deceased, now belonging to the estate of the late
Pieter Rowe. Tietsoort was in quiet possession of this lot in 1690, when
the village was burned and afterwards sold it to Willem Appel, innkeeper
of New York; — his writings having been burned, Tietsoort, on the 14 April,
1704, requested Reyer Schermerhorn, the sole surviving trustee, to give a
new deed to Appel, which he did. This lot was then 55 feet wide front and
* Doc. Hist., in, 8vo., 865; Gen. Ent., 65; Col. Doc. iv, 468 note; in, 458; County
Records, i, 28.
t Toll Papers.
\ [Touching shore or rocky riff. Stoney landing place — for canoes.— M'M.l
§ Deeds, v, 72, 300.
| [Claes Willemse in " Schenectady Families."— M'M.]
** Proceeding Justices' Court, Albany, i, 13.
156 History of the Schenectady Patent.
rear, 348 feet long on the east side and 292 feet deep on the west side,
Amsterdam measure. Nearly the whole front of this lot was taken by the
canal.*
He also in 1715, purchased a pasture of Evert Bancker on the north side
of Front street, consisting of about 2| morgens of land. This pasture lies
opposite John street.f
Willem Tietsoort of Dutchess county made his will Dec. 11, 1716, — proved
May 26, 1726, in which he spoke of his wife Neeltie, daughter of Teunis
Swart and of ten children, four sons and six daughters.!
Carel Hansen Toll.
Carel Hansen first settled on land at or near Hoffman's Ferry, which he
bought of Hendrick Cuyler and Geraldus Cambefort on the north side of
the river and of Johannes Luykase [Wyngaart] on the south side, which
latter parcel he conveyed to his brother-in-law Jeremi Thickston who
married his sister Rachel. His lands on the north side extended from
Taquaatsera, or Droybergh kil, the boundary between the Sixth and Seventh
flats, westwardly to the lands of the heirs of Philip Groot, *. e., to about
Swart's Ferry. In 1712 he purchased a parcel of land at Maalwyck from
Joseph Clement, to which he removed and where he died in March, 173-f-.
About the time of his removal to Maalwyck he owned the present court
house lot on Union street, 100 feet front and 210 feet deep, which he sold
in 1712 to Isaac Van Valkenburgh for £53 ($132.50).§ Oct. 4, 1714,
he conveyed to Caleb Beck the lot on the southerly corner of Union and
Church streets, bounded easterly by Van Valkenburgh's lot and southerly
by Jesaias Swart's lot.||
Carel Hansen married Lysbet, daughter of Daniel Rinckhout of Albany,
and had eight children, — three sons and five daughters.
He was member of the Provincial Assembly for Albany county 1714-
1726.**
* Schermerhorn Papers,
f See Banker.
X Schermerhorn Papers.
§ Deeds, v, 153.
I Deeds, v, 343.
** The Indians gave him the nome of Kingego which signifies a fish, because of his
swimming for his life to escape imprisonment. — Dr. ToWs Narrative.
Adult Freeholders. 157
The following is a description of the lands owned by Carel Hansen.
First. Cuyler's flat. This parcel of land was granted to Hendrick
Cuyler of Albany, in confirmation of a purchase made of the Mohawks Dec.
13, 1686, by license of Governor Dongan, Sept. 2, 1686, and is described as
a " piece of land situate mostly on the north side of the Mohawk river,
" called Adriutha, above Schenectady, opposite Pieter Van de Linde's and
'* a little above the farm of Claes Willemse Van Coppernol, beginning on
" the north side of the river from a white oak tree that is marked with a
" wolf, standing on the other [west] side of a small kil or creek [Lewis'
" creek] on this [east] side of a certain piece of land called Claes GraeverCs
11 hoek, with a small island that lies almost over against it, and running up
"in length above the rift of the river which lies a little above said Claes
" and that as far as a great water beuken* or beach which is also marked
" with the wolf standing just on this side of a small kil or creek [Eva's
" kil (?)] and from thence over the river on the south side from a great black
" oak tree which is also marked with the wolf, together with all the small
" islands or banks that lie within said limits, and so down the river to a
" young black oak tree growing on the site of an old tree which is marked
" with the wolf, bear and turtle, the arms of three races of the Maquaas, being
"on the water side and nigh the limits of Claes Willemse aforesaid, which
" said land contains three small flats or plains on the north side of the river,
" whereof the piece called Claes Graeven's Hoek is one, and one small flat
" or plain on the south side of the river; the low land being about 40 acres
" and the woodland and upland thereunto adjoining fifty aci*es."f
After Cuyler's death, Anna his widow and Johannes his eldest son aud
heir, sold this land on May 1, 1699 to Carel Hansen for £180 ($450).
It was then described as a " piece of land mostly on the north side of the
"river called Adriucha, opposite Pieter Van Olinda's and a little above the
" farm of heirs of Claes Willemse Van Coppernol now in tenure and occupa-
tion of Philip Philipse de more" etc., as in the above mentioned patent. J
Carel Hansen held this land until the 1st March. 17l£ when he sold that
portion lying on the south side of the river to Harme and Sander Philipse
for £100 (&250).§
That part of Cuyler's patent lying on the north side of the river and west
of Lewis' creek came into possession of the Groots, perhaps by purchase of
Toll and is still partly owned by that family.
* [Beuke = a beach tree. — M'M.]
f Council Min., v, 171 ; Patents, 1370.
X Deeds, v, 70 ; Toll Papers.
§ Deeds, v, 357, 358; vi, 9.
158 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Second. Cambeforts' flat. This parcel of land was purchased of the
Indians by Cambefort probably before Cuyler obtained his patent ; it ex-
tends from Kanquarreyonne [Towereune] up the river to Lewis' creek, the
easterly bounds of Cuyler's patent. March 8, 1694, Cambefort contracted to
sell this land to Carel Hanse. The patent to Cambefort was not granted
until 22 April, 1703 ; the farm is therein described as "20 acres of land
" near Schenectady on the north side of the river, beginning from a place
" called by the Indians Kaquarayoone, and the westerly bounds of the
" patent granted to Schenectady, — running thence up westward along the
" river to the limits [Lewis' creek] of land of Carel Hanse formerly belong-
ing to Henry Cuyler deceased." On the 18th May, 1717, Cambefort gave
a formal conveyance of said land to Toll.*
Third. The Seventh flat. The westerly half of the Seventh flat, and
adjacent uplands, were conveyed to Carel Hanse, Oct. 13, 1684, by the
trustees of Schenectady, whilst the easterly half was taken up by Reyer
Schermerhorn, who, on the 8th of June, 1705, conveyed his moiety to his
son Jan. Toll, by deed dated 18th Sept., 1720, conveyed his half to his
son-in-law, Johannes Van Eps, for the sum of £150 ($375), describing it as
" a piece of land on the north side of the Mohawk, bounded west by the
" widow of Philip Groot [Lewis' creek] called Towarjoenny, south by said
"river east by land of heirs of Reyer Schermerhorn and north by the com-
"mons," — in all about 50 acres, f
Carel Hanse, therefore, at one time owned all the land along the north
bank of the Mohawk from Verf kil on the east, to Eva's kil at Crane's
village on the west.
Fourth. Maalwyck. On the 17th March, 171 £, Joseph Clement, step-
son of Benjamin Roberts, sold to Carel Hanse, the easterly half of his farm
at Maalwyck, together with the uppermost half of Bent's island. In 1735,
the trustees of Schenectady conveyed to Toll an additional parcel of land of
170 acres.J This farm is still owned by descendants of Carel Hanse.§
Du Tseux or Truax.
Philippe Du Treux, a Walloon, came to New Amsterdam during the
administration of Governor Minuit, 1624-29; — was appointed court messenger
* Patents, 1577 ; Deeds, v, 71 ; Toll Papers.
f Deeds, v/69, 70, 494 ; vi, 145 ; Toll Papers
J Ghroote ichult boek ; Church Papers.
§ Deeds, v, 142 ; see Roberts.
Adult Freeholders. 159
or rnarshall, 1638, aud in 1640 received a patent for a lot in "Smit's valey"
[Pearl street], New Amsterdam. He was born in 1585, married Susanna
De Scheene and had seven children, three sons and four daughters, of whom
Rebecca married Simon Simonse Groot, afterwards of Schenectady, and
Susanna was the wife of Evert Janse Wendel of Beverwyck.
About the year 1670, his son Isaac, then about twenty-eight years of age,
came to Schenectady and settled upon the Second flat on the south side of
the river. This flat consisting of 221 morgens with lOmorgens of woodland
adjoining, was granted to him and his cousin Jacobus Peek in 1677 by
patent of Gov. Andros.
He married Maria daughter of Willem Brouwer and had four sons and
three daughters. His death probably occurred about 1705; the following
year his widow sold eight morgens of her land to Jacobus Peek.*
Daniel Janse Van Antwerpen.
He was born in 1635 ; in 1656 he was a deputy schout fiscal at Fort
Orange; in September, 1661 he agreed with Adrian Appel (who was an inn-
keeper in New Amsterdam and trader in Albany, and doubtless traded sub
rosa among the Indians on the Mohawk river), to serve him " in all matters
and affairs that are just and right " for one year for 35 beavers [280 guilders]
and all expenses ; in 1662 he was at Altoona (on the Delaware river) as
deputy schotit fiscal.
He went to Schenectady very early in its settlement, probably about 1665.
He had much to do with the Indians, probably as a trader and settled
eight miles beyond the village with impunity, though it is believed he
took the precaution to build a stone walled house on the bank of the Mohawk
in the centre of his bouwery, where he and friends were protected against
hostile Indians and yet were well out into the narrow channel of trade, along
the Mohawk valley. The house being close to the bank the river furnished
a route for communicating with the village of Schenectady.
This house now exists essentially as it was, or possibly as rebuilt by Jan
Pieterse Mabee,f in early part of the last century, with little change since.
* See Peek; Col. MSS., xxvi, 139; Albany Rec., i, 160, 234; Albany Annals, vin,
299; Dutch MSS., i, 48 ; Patents G. G., 34; Valentine's Man., 1861 and 1863; O'Calla-
ghan's Hist, N. N., i, 181, 344 ; n, 581, 640, 642; Toll Papers.
f See Ants, page 132, Mabee.
160 Hi8tm"y of the Schenectady Patent.
The English surveys (Sauthier's map) mark the house as late as the French
and Indian war as Jan Danielse [Van Antwerpen's], and itineraries of the
Mohawk Navigation Company show the adjacent shallow in the river as
" Van Antwerp's Reef " where boatmen expected a struggle with the current.
His village lot was on the east corner of Union and Church streets which
was occupied by him prior to 1671, when a confirmatory grant was made to
him by Governor Francis Lovelace. Daniel Janse Van Antwerp owned
this lot until 1715 when, at eighty years of age he released it to the consistory
of the Nether Dutch church " good causes and consideration him thereunto
moving " for the sole and perpetual use of the church.
In his deed it is described as " That Certain Lot of Ground Situate,
" Lying and being in the Town of Schenectady and house thereon Erected
" Containing In Lenth on the East Side Where It butts to the Lott of
" Ground now belonging to Julius [Jillis] Van Vorst two hundred foot and
" on the South Side by the Highway one hundred foot and on the west Side
" Likewise by the High[way] and on the North Side abutting the Lott now
" In Possession of John Peterson Mabee, that formerly belonged to Jan
" Jans Yoncker where it is in breadth and lenth as before And so men-
" tioned In the Confirmation above mentioned It being a Corner Lott," etc.
Prior to 1670 he settled on the "Third flat" on the south side of the
Mohawk river about eight milen above the village of Schenectady.
On the 22 Oct., 1677 (having probably secured a deed from the Indians
for it at that time),* he solicited letters of administration from the board
of magistrates to the Governor and Council for " the third plain situated on
this [south] side of the Mohawk river." The magistrates granted his request
" acknowledging that he had done many services in their favor." A week
later, to wit, on the 29 Oct., this letter was laid before the Governor in
New York and he was granted the preference, " when it shall be deemed
* [It is to be observed that in taking up lands, the Indian title was first purchased. This
required time, besides duffels, strouds and brandy. The next step was to procure the
approval of the magistrates and [their "letters of administration" to the Governor and
Council soliciting them to confirm the Indian deed and issue a patent. Indian deeds
were often given, but being valueless without the Governor's patent were not heard of
again, the land in question being otherwise disposed of. Probably the Indians sold the
same body of land repeatedly — they certainly demanded repeated pay for land in some
instances. The policy of the magistrates of Albany was against extension of the white
settlements into the Indian country as dangerous to their trade. — M'M.]
Adult Freeholders. 161
proper to take possession of these lands."* In furtherance of this grant of
the Governor and Council the following survey of this flat was made
soon after by surveyor Van der Baast.
" De derde Vlachte aen dese zyde Van de Maquaase rimer versoecht by
" Daniel Jansen is lanch by de boskant in het geheele van de ptmt tot de an-
" dere 356 Rooden ende buy ten de punten 193 rooden ende op zyn breetste
" dwars ouer van de boskant tot de rivier 83 rooden maeckende te samen 31
" morgen en 379 rooden.
"Aldus gemeten door.
" Joris Arissen Van der Baast."f
The patent for this land was granted 21 Aug., 1680, by Gov. Dongan,
and on the 22 Jan., 1V0| Van Antwerp sold the westerly half of said farm
to Jan Pieterse Mebie. The whole parcel was then described as being 356
rods long along the woodland and in breadth 193 rods and from the wood
to the river 83 rods, containing altogether 31 morgens, 379 rods or 63 acres
and 79 rods, in accordance with Van der Baast's measurement.]; A portion
of this flat is still owned by descendants of Jan Pieterse Mebie.
In 1676 he was one of five members of the court of justices of Schen-
ectady and in 1701 was supervisor of the township.
Van Antwerpen married Maria, daughter of Symon Symonse Groot, and
had five sons and three daughters, all of whom arrived at maturity and left
families. Jan the eldest son married Agnieta, daughter of Harmen Vedder
and had eleven children; Symon married Maria, daughter of Jacobus Peek
and had ten children; he bought land and settled in Schaghticoke, made his
Avill in 1744 and devised the westerly sixty feet of the lot of the late S. C.
Groot in Union street to his son Jacobus.§ Daniel married Ariaantje,
* Albany Records, xx, 333, 334 ; Col. MSS., xxvr, 139.
f Land Papers, n, 59. % Deeds, v, 79.
§ He gave to his ouiote soon Daniel Seymonse Van Antwerpen myn grooten Byble en
consider 'atie van syneerste geboorten reclit; to his wife Maria, deurende haer naturelyck leven
en wedueicschacp alle myn vasten staat roerende and onroerende, neegers, negerine, etc.; to
his three sons Daniel, Johannes and Lewis, myn erfgront leggende, in het Dorp in
Schonegtade ten westen de gront van Abraham Groot in de straadt die de wegh na Canis-
tageione gaet [Union street] ; als meede de tioee hondert en Viftigh ackers boslandt leggende
aen de suyde syden van de Mackquasse rivier ten westen boven Rosendaal. Children men-
tioned as living 1744, Daniel, Jacobus, Johannes, Lewis, Maria wife of Gysbert Van
Brakelen, Rebecca wife of Abraham De Foreest, Sara, wife of Philip Winne, and
Margaret . — SchermerJwn Papers.
162 History of the Schenectady Patent.
daughter of Gerrit Symonse Veeder and had a family of eleven children,
and Pieter married Engeltie, daughter of Jan Mebie and had twelve
children, Arent married Sara Van Eps and had nine children.
Of the Van Antwerps living in eastern New York it is believed the major
portion are descendants of Symon who founded the Schaghticoke branch of
the family. From these they have spread throughout the country.
Jan Danielse Van Antweepen.
Jan Danielse — Daniel's oldest son, was born about 1670, in Schenectady;
he married Angiiieta Vedder in 1 700; he died 20th Jan., 1 756. He probably
never lived in the village except during Indian invasion, though as an active
soldier in the militia it might have been necessary for him to put his family
with friends for safety while the men did yeoman's service as scouts. The
writer has been unable to locate his village lot, if he had any.
In 169-| he was one of Lt. Bickford's party of volunteers* who chased and
captured a squad of deserters from the garrison.
Akent Danielse Van Antweepen.
Arent, son of Daniel Janse Van Antwerpen, married Sara, daughter of
Johannes Van Eps and had nine children. His village lot was on the north
side of State street, the same as now occupied by Given's hotel and part of
Wall street. This lot he purchased of Douw Aukes in 1704. Its dimensions
were 80 feet front, 90 feet in the rear, 385 feet deep on the east side, and
433 feet on the west side. The laying out of Wall and Liberty streets in
later times has reduced the width and length of this lot.f
On the 10th March, 170f, the trustees of Schenectady conveyed to him
" a piece of woodland in Schenectady on the north side of a small spring of
" water [Jack's spring between Albany street and East avenue], that runs
" into the [Coehorn] creek by the lot of Jan Baptist Van Eps, bounded
" west by the woodland of Isaac Swits in length from said spring north along
" by the woodland of said Swits 50 rods [600 Rynland feet] and in breadth
"east 24 rods [288 Rynland feet] Rynland measure, containing two
* See Fortifications.
t Deeds, v, 187.
Adult Freeholders. 163
morgens."* This parcel of land was bounded west by Nott Terrace, north
by Cemetery avenue, south by Albany street and east by the division lane
between the property of the late Jno. G. McChesney and the late B. J.
Myndertse.f
He also owned 80 acres of land on the " Nestigeyone Hill at the Coehorn
" mill, for which he and his partners were to deliver yearly 30 boards to the
"grantors, — the trustees of Schenectady, beginning March 25, 1742. "J This
mill was probably on or near the site of Van Vorst's mill. Seventeen acres
of the above parcel subsequently belonged to Arent S. Vedder and Nicolaas
Veeder.
Marten Van Benthuysen.
He was son of Paulus Martense Van Benthuysen of Albany; marrying
Feitje, daughter of Pieter Jacobse Borsboom, he settled in Schenectady and
on the death of his father-in-law became possessed through his wife of one-
fourth of the estate. Borsboom owned the farms on the bouwland numbered
seven, the first of which he sold in 1669 to Jan Labatie, but retained the
hindmost parcel consisting of 12 morgens, till his death, after which it was
divided into four equal parts, one for each of his daughters. He also owned
an ample village lot, — the north quarter of the block bounded by Washington,
Union, Church and Front streets, — about 200 feet square, — also a garden on
the east corner of Washington and Front streets, extending north 150 feet,
nearly to the river, and a pasture of 2 J morgens, beginning 182 feet, easterly
from North street and extending from Front street to the river and having
a front upon said street of 180 feet Amstei'dam measure. Van Benthuysen
through his wife Feitje had a fourth interest in all these parcels of land.§
Claas Janse Van Boekhoven alias de Brabander.
Claas Janse an early settler of Beverwyck, in 1662, owned a lot on the
Vossen kil.\
* Dutch Church Papers,
f Col. MSS., xlix, 21.
% Groote Sehull boek.
§ See Borsboom.
|| Not. Papers, i, 200.
164 History of the Schenectady Patent.
After his marriage with Catalyntje De Vos, widow of Arent Bratt, in
1691 he took up his residence in Schenectady.
In 1672 in company with Ryck Claase Van Vranken he bought land over
the river in Niskayuna, a part of which he sold in 16*78 to Theunis Willemse
Van Woutbergh,* and the remainder came into possession of his step-son
Dirk Bratt. He made his will Jan. 11, 169-| leaving all his property to his
wife. He probably died about 1707 in which year his will was proved. f
Gysbert Gerritse Van Brakelen.
Before coming to Schenectady he was a resident of Albany ; his first wife
was Reyntje Stephens ; on the 23d July, 1693, he married Elizabeth, widow
of Jan Van Eps, who outlived him and made her will in 17344 Van
Brakel made his will Dec. 10, 1709.§
His lands are particularly described and bounded in a new conveyance to
him made Feb. 11, 170-f by the trustees of Schenectady, to replace "his
writings which were lost when Schenectady was burned."
First. A lot " on the north [east] of said town between Jan Vrooman to
" the east and Jan Luykase to the west; — in length on the west side 29 rods
" 4 feet [352 feet], on the east 28 rods 11 feet [374 feet], breadth on the south
"50 feet, on the north 59 feet." This lot lies next east of Given's hotel lot
and is now owned by the New York Central Railroad Company.
Second. "A pasture containing five morgens [10 acres] lying behind the
" lots [on State street] of several people, now improved, — to the west, north
"and south the commons or vacant land."
* Not. Papers; Col. MSS., v, 37; Deeds, i, 393; Albany Co. Rec., 166.
f Wills, i, 64, Court of Appeal's office ; Deeds, in, 141.
1 This will made Sept. 13, 1734, was proved 22 May, 1735 ; by it she bequeathed to
" my eldest son Jan Baptist Van Eps six shillings for his primogeniture ; " " to my son
Gysbert Van Brakel 2% morgens of land of lot No. 7, of hindmost land, beginning by
the wood lot of heirs of Evert Van Eps, from thence running in my lot untill he shall
include or take in 2% morgens ; " — " to my daughter Maria Brat widow of Dirk Bratt 1%
morgens adjoining the lands of my daughter Elizabeth above mentioned ; " — " to my
daughter Elizabeth Van Vorst the wife of Gillis Van Vorst \% morgens of land adjoin-
ing Gysbert's above mentioned ; " — " to my daughter Sarah Van Autwerpen 3 morgens
adjoining the land of my daughter Maria Brat for which sheis to pay £50 to my daughter
Anna Ten Eyck, widow of Conraet Ten Eyck, viz. £8, 6*. 8d., yearly after my decease
untill all is paid." Will in hands of Abm. Van Antwerp, of Swagertoicn.
§ Wills, i, 129.
Adult Freeholders. 165
This pasture so obscurely described, was bounded by Ferry, Union, Centre
and very nearly Liberty streets, which latter was not then in existence.
Third. " A lot bounded east by Goosen Van Oort, south by the highway
" [State street] north and west by said Gysbert's pasture [last above des-
" cribed and by Ferry street], — in length on the north 18 rods 7| feet
"[223 J feet], west 14 rods 9 feet [HI feet], and south [on State street] 9
"rods 11 feet [119 feet]."*
This lot was on the east corner of State and Ferry streets, and here Van
Brakel lived, just without the south gate, on the fatal night of Feb. 8, 1690,
when his son Sander was killed and Stephen was carried away to Canada
and probably never returned. It had a front of 119 feet Amsterdam
measure, or, say 107 feet English, measured from the palisades which stood
in Ferry street, and is now comprised in the property of Messrs. Furman,
Steinfuhrer and P. Levi, — Nos. 77 to No. 91, having a front altogether of
98 feet English, the remaining 9 feet being taken by Ferry street.
Van Brakel left two sons living, — Gerrit the eldest and Gysbert; the
former by right of primogeniture inheriting the estate, conveyed on Sept.
24, 1716, "to my loving brother-in-law [*. e., half-brother] Gysbert Gysbertse"
two of the above lots of ground described as follows:
First. " A lot fronting the street [State] southward that leads from the
" eastern f gate of said town to Albany, 9 rods 11 feet, — to the west the
" street [Ferry], to the east the lot now in possession of Robert Yates, to
"the north the pasture ground; — together with the half of said pasture
" ground behind said lot containing about 2\ morgens or 5 acres, butting
" the street [Union] northly that leads by Adam Vrooman's brewhouse J
" toward Niskayuna, easterly butts the land of the aforementioned Gerrit
" Van Brakel's half — to the southward by the lots of Lawrence Van der
" Volgen, Claas Van der Volgen [now lots of Meyer's Stores and Van
" Home Hall], Abraham De Graaf, Daniel Danielse [Van Antwerpen],
" Cornelis Pootman, Jonathan Dyer and the lot above mentioned [hereby
" conveyed] to said Gysbert Gysbertse Van Brakel. "§ Gerrit Van Brakel
retained for his share of his father's estate, the lot on State street next east
of the Given's hotel lot, and the easterly half of the before mentioned
* Deeds, vi, 191.
f [Southern Gate.— M'M.]
X This brewhouse stood about where the New York Central Railroad and the Erie
Canal cross each other.
§ These lots extend from the east Hue of Samuel Meyer's lot to Ferry street ; — Deeds,
vi, 191, 192.
166 History of the Schenectady Patent.
pasture lot, extending from Centre street to a point a little west of Canal
street. These parcels of land Gerrit was entitled to by virtue of his father's
will, made 10 Dec., 1709, in which he devised to his son Gerrit, " his lot where
" Gerrit's house now stands, lying next the lots of Jan Vrooman [on the east]
"and Arent Danielse [Van Antwerpen] on the west; — also his piece of land
" named Juffrouwsland and half of the pasture [on Union street]."*
This parcel on Juffrouvisland containing two morgens, lay north-east of the
car works upon the lane and was sold by Gerrit 17 April, 1741, to Robert
Yates, merchant.
Gysbert Gerritse also received a conveyance Jan. 2, 169f from the
justice of the peace, Johannes Sanderse Glen and the gemeemnannen of
Schenectady, of an island on the north side of the river, called Kruysbessen
[Gooseberry] island lying west of Spuyten Duyvel [island], consideration
32 beavers at 6 guilders each", to be paid within three years; bondsmen his
son Gerrit Gysbertse [Van Brakel] and Volckert Symonse [Veeder].f
He probably did not long retain possession of this island, for on the 10th
April, 1702, Reyer Schermerhorn by virtue of the Dongan patent, conveyed
it to Jillis Fonda, who transferred it Sept. 22, 1706, to Heudrick Vrooman
and Arent Danielse Antwerpen, comprising two morgens more or less of
land, and they sold it to Barent Vrooman Mar. 11, 170|- for £21 [$52.50].|
On the 6th June, 1750, Isaac Swits, mariner, and Maria his wife, by virtue
of the will of Barent Vrooman, made 6 Sept., 1748, sold this island to Jacob
Glen, since which time it has remained in the Sanders family.§
In 1702 Gysbert Gerritse also owned bouwery No. 7 on the second piece
of land on the Great flat.
On the 10th Mar., I70f the trustees of Schenectady conveyed to Gerrit,
son of Gysbert Gerritse Van Brakel, " a piece of woodland on both sides of
"■Hansen kil [College brook], beginning 15 rods [180 feet] west of Symon
" Groot's bridge, and runs up said creek the breadth of 24 rods [288 feet],
" 75 rods [900 feet] making 3 morgens."||
Simon Groot's bridge over the College brook, or as it was then called
Hansen kil, from Hendrick Hansen of Albany, was on the west side of
* Wills, i, 129.
f Toll Papers.
% Deeds, v, 97 ; Sanders Papers. ■
§ Barent Vrooman's will in Court of Appeal's office and Sanders Papers.
1 Dutch Church Papers.
Adult Freeholders. 167
Rorneyn street, just within the fence of the Schenectady locomotive works;
about one-fifth of/ the above parcel was within the locomotive works' yard
and the adjacent lands north of it and four-fifths was south-east of Romeyn
street reaching within the college grounds.
Claas Willemse Van Coppernol.
He married Lea, a Mohawk woman, who after his death, about 1692,
married Jonathan Stevens. In 1678 Coppernol and wife contracted to serve
Jan Conell on his bouwery at Catskil for one year for 42 beavers.* In 1679
he hired a bouwery at Schenectady of Willem Teller and subsequently pur-
chased and settled upon land at de willegen [the Willows] below Port
Jackson on the south side of the river.
The Willow flat was granted to Pieter Van Olinda and Claas Willemse
Van Coppernol by Governor Dongan, on 9th Nov., 1685, and is described as
"bounded westerly by the woods 315 rods along the highest land to the
V creek, east by the river 34 rods, the broadest part from the woods to the
" river 66 rods, the point before [easterly end] runs to nothing, the after
" [or westerly] end by Stone creek, containing 33 morgens or 66 acres and
" 390 rods; — also 200 acres of woodland adjoining." This fiat was divided
into two equal parcels, the hithermost or easterly portion to Van Olinda, the
furthermost or westerly half to Van Coppernol. f In 1689 the latter sold
his "half of the Willow flat to Philip Philipse de More in exchange for his
" land received from Jan Mebie, house, barn and ricks together with the
" Sixth flat on the over side [north side] of the Mohawk river just as he now
possesses it. "J
On the 5th June, 1714, Reyer Schermerhorn and Jan Pieterse Mebie sold
to Coppernol for £4-16 [$12], '' a lot at Schenectady having to the west
" /mother lot of said Mebie now occupied by Marte Van Benthuysen, to the
" east a lot of Albert Vedder, to the south the highway [Front street], to
" the north the Mohawk river, containing 21 morgens or 5 acres."§ This
lot originally patented to Sander Leendertse Glen, commenced at a point
* Albany Co. Rec, 182.
t Deeds, iv, 236.
t Deeds, rv, 234, 236.
§ Deeds v, 232.
168 History of the Schenectady Patent.
299 feet English easterly from North street and extended along Front street
210 feet English. In IV 18 this lot was in possession of Pieter Quackenbos.*
In 1727 Willem, son of Claas Willemse Van Coppernol lived in Green
street.
Arent Van Curler.
The acknowledged leader of the little colony at Schenectady in 1662, was
Arent Van Curler. He came over in 1630 as superintendent of Colonic
Rensselaerswyck, and continued in office until ] 646, besides acting as colonial
secretary. In 1643 he married Antonia Slaaghboom, widow of Jonas
Bronck,f and soon after settled on the " Flatts," above Fort Orange. Here
he remained until the spring of 1662, when he took up his residence
Schenectady and where he remained directing and furthering the inten
of the settlers until his unfortunate death.
Having accepted an invitation from De Tracy, the Governor of Can
to visit Quebec, on his journey he embarked in a canoe on Lake Champ]
and being overtaken by a storm was drowned in July, 1669.J No mai
his time had so fully won the confidence and esteem of the red men as ^
Curler, and to honor his memory they ever after addressed the Governoi
the Province by his name. His character for kindness and humanity
known even to the French in Canada, many of whom he had rescued ft
the hands of the cruel Mohawks ;§ to perpetuate his memory they gave
name of Corlaer to Schenectady.
Juffrouw Van Curler continued to reside in Schenectady until her do
about the beginning of the year of 1676. On the 27th Jan., 167f, in c
sideration of the loss of her husband in public service, and of her ho
barns and corn by fire, Governor Lovelace licensed her to trade with
Indians, it being thought also that her license would stop the quarrel
the other two tapsters, Cornells Cornelise Viele and Acques Cornt
Gautsh [Van Slyck], the Indian. ||
* Deeds, v, 417.
f Jonas Bronck in 1639 became proprietor of 500 acres of land in what is
Morrisania, Westchester Co.— Bolton's Westchester Co., n, 395.
% O'Callaghan's Hist. N. N.
§ Col. MSS., in, 395.
|[ Orders in Council, p. 127 ; Eng. MSS., xxin, 149 ; Col. Doc, n, 652.
Adult Freeholders. 169
The Governor's order on her application is as follows:
'• Upon ye Request of Antonio Van Curler of Schanechtide presented to
" His Honor ye Governor, that having not long since received a very great
"Losse by ffire, there may for her Reliefe bee so farr indulged as to have
" licence to sell some Ruram to ye Indyans, as also some quantity of Powder
" and Lead ; the Premises being taken into serious consideration, It is
" ordered that in regard to the very great Losse and Damage sustayned by
" the said Antonia Van Curler in having her House, Barnes and Corne
" destroyed as by her is set forth, as also the Losse of her Husband, Arent
" Van Curler while hee was employed in his Majties Publick Service, Shee,
"the said Antonia his widdow shall have free Lyberty and Licence for ye
" space and term of one whole yeare and two Months after the date hereof,
" That is to say, from the first day of Aprill next untill the 29th day of
" May wh. shall bee in the yeare of Or Lord 1674, to sell and dispose of to
" the Indyans or others in and about Schanechtide in Rumme one hundred
" Anckers and in Lead to the value of two hundred Beavers or 1,000 weight;
" But for Powder in this conjuncture of time during the Warr, Its thought
"inconvenient any Extraordinary Liberty should be granted therein."
By order, &c.
" The matter of difference between ye two Tappers [C. C. Viele, and A.
" C. Van Slyck] at Schanechtide, not thought fitt any order shall be made
" therein further, this Liberty to the Widdow probably being a mean to
" defeat both their Expectations."
Her will -was admitted to probate in New York city and letters of admin-
istration were issued to Willem Beeckman, Jan. 15, 1676.* On the 5th of
April, 1681, he reported the proceeds of her estate to be fl. 10,805-17 in
beavers [$4,322.34] ;— debts, fl. 21,171-7 [$8,468.54] ;— preferred debts, fl.
4,600-6 [$1,840.12], leaving fl. 6,205-11 [$2,482.22] fur other creditors.
The curateurs of Arent Van Curler's estate, were Dr. Cornells Van
Dyck and Johannes Provoost of Albany. f
Van Curler's home lot in the village was a portion (probably the whole
of the easterly half) of the block bounded by 'Union, Church, Front
and Washington streets. After the death of himself and his widow, with-
out issue, this lot was divided into four smaller portions and sold ; the
occupants of these parcels were as follows :
The lot on the corner of Union and Church streets, 100 by 264 ft., was
occupied by Ludovicus Cobes, in 1684 ; from him it passed to Catrina
* Bolton's Westchester Co., n, 283.
f Proceedings of Justices Court Albany, i, 20, 51 ; Deeds, in, 104.
22
170 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Otten, wife of Gerrit Syraonse Veeder, and remained in his family or
connections until after the beginning of this century.
Before the year 1684 Maria, widow of Jan Peeck, lived on the lot
immediately north of this, being the west corner of Front and Church
streets. Adam Vrooman early came into possession of this parcel. It was
here that he so bravely defended his house against the attack of the French
and Indians in 1690. In 1718, he conveyed it to Pieter Quackenbos.
The lot next west of the Veeder lot, 50 feet front on Union street and
extending through the block 400 feet to Front street was owned by Symon
Groot, the first settler, in 1669, and was still in the family in 1790.
The lot next west of Groot's and of the same dimensions, was owned by
Benjamin Roberts as early as 1669; from him it passed to Reinier Schaets,
who was killed here in 1690; in 1701 Gideon, the son of Reinier, sold it to
Albert Vedder, son of Harmen Albertse, the first settler.*
Owing to Van Curler's great services in extinguishing the Indian title
and in procuring a survey and the patents for the lands, he received more
than a double share of the choicest land on the Great flat [and village].
The confirmatory patent for this farm was issued to his widow on the
4th of May, 1668, the description being as follows:
"A certain parcel of land at Schenectady lying to the south-east of the
" Great creek or kil [Binne kil] to the north of the woodlands, to the South
"west of a certain small creek [Sand kil, now Mill creek], containing 114
"acres or 57 morgeus and thirty rods, as granted Aug. 19, 1664, by Governor
" Stuyvesant to said Arent in his lifetime."! This land was bounded ac-
cording to this description, north-east and south by the Great creek, now
the Binne kil, by " a certain small creek," subsequently called the " Sand
kil," now Mill creek and by the woods on the sandy bluff; on the west side
it was bounded by Pieter Andriaense Van Woggelum's and Catalyntje De
Vos' [Bratt's] farms numbered respectively four and one. The Schenectady
car works stand on the extreme western boundary of Van Curler's farm, the
west fence of the yard being a portion of the dividing line.
After Van Curler's death in 1667, this farm passed to his widow, who
continued to reside here until her death in 1677.
The estate being insolvent was sold by the administrators, Cornells Van
Dyck and Johannes Provoost, in 1681, to pay the debts. It was divided
* Patents, 647 ; see also Roberts, Schaets and Vedder.
\ Patents, 535.
Adult Freeholders. 171
into at least five parcels. The westernmost parcel, on a part of which stand
the Schenectady car works, was sold to Sweer Teunise Van Velsen, the
town miller. After his death in 1690 it fell to his stepson Barent Wemp.
The second parcel next east of the lane leading past the car works, was
bought by Gerrit Gysbertse Van Brakel, and later in 1741 was divided by
east and west lines into three lesser parcels owned by Johannes Abrahamse
Truax, Robert Yates and Jacobus Vedder. The third parcel was owned
wholly or in part by Isaac Cornelise Swits; the fourth by Barent Wemp
and later by his son Jan; and the fifth and largest parcel comprising 20
morgens was purchased by Adam Vrooman and his brother Jan, the former
the easterly half next the village and the latter the westerly half.
Joris Aertse Van der Baast.
He called himself " an Amsterdam boy;"* by trade he was a surveyor and
in 1689 clerk or secretary of the town. In 1670 he bought of Bastiaen De
Winter a lot 100 by 200 feet on the south corner of Church and Union
streets, where in 1690 he was slain by the French and Indians. f He also
owned Jan De La Ward's great island in the Mohawk. Pieter Bogardus
attorney for his heirs, sold all his real estate in 1699 to Gysbert Marcelis of
Albany. The description in the deed mentions Joris' great island in the
Mohawk between Claas Graven's Hoek and Scotia and the adjacent small
islands except Kruisbessen and Spuyten Dicyvel islands; which said island
consisting of 15 morgens was bought of Jan De La Warde, also three mor-
gens of land on the north side of the river for a hofstede\ adjoining the
land of the widow of Claas Graven. § On the 23d of June. 1714, Mar-
celis obtained a patent confirmatory of this purchase, in which the property
is described as — " a great island called Joris Aertse's island in the Mohawk
' river above Schenectady between Scotia and the land called Graverts hoek
1 containing 30 acres with a house lot in the town of Schenectady, having
' to the north and west the high street [Union and Church], to the east
' Pieter Van Olinda's lot and to the south the lot of the heirs of David
' Christophelse, being a corner lot [south corner of Union and Church
' streets];— as also all those small islands about the said great island called
' Joris Aertse's island in the boght or bay between the land aforesaid called
* Doc. Hist., in, 115. t Deeds, n, 790.
\ Hofstede = country house, a Farm House and its accompanying garden orchards
etc. ; a country homestead. — M'M.]
§ Deeds, rv, 140, 264.
172 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" Glaas Graveri's hoek and the said Scotia, excepting only two islands
" within the said bounds, one whereof, is called JKruisbesse island and the
" other Spiten divel; — as also six acres of land upon the main on the other
" side of the river, abutting on the east side of the land called Claes Graven's
" Hoek in possession of his [Graven's] widow, for a hofstede, or place to
" build a house and barn and for an orchard and garden."* As Gysbert
Marcelis did not become a resident of Schenectady, it is probable that he
sold the home lot on the south corner of Church and Union streets about
1714 to Caleb Beck.
The Great island was sold to Nicholas De Graaf who dying about 1796
left it to his sous Jesse and John,f Van der Baast also owned a pasture lot
on the north side of Front opposite Jefferson street, which he purchased of
Symon Volkertse Veeder, 27 Feb., 1670, " in length 75 rods bounded on the
" west by Gerrit Bancker, north by the river — breadth 15 rods, — east by the
" common pasture and on the south by the common boswegh " [Front street]. J
Frans Van de Bogart.
He was a son of Harmen Myndertse Van de Bogart, who came over to
New Netherland in 1631, as surgeon iu the ship Hendracht.§
Frans was born in New Amsterdam in 1640, came to Schenectady among
the early settlers and was killed in the massacre of 1690. His son Claas
(and probably the father also) owned a lot in the village on the north side
of Front street (near the north gate), having a front of 131 Amsterdam feet
on the street and 51 feet on the river. This parcel of ground comprises the
lots of the late Gen. Jacob Swits, Henry Rosa, and John McMichael.fl
His farm lay on the south side of the river at and below the Saratoga
railroad bridge, and a portion of it still belongs to his descendants.**
* Patents, 1673.
f Mortgages, xn, 95.
\ Deeds, n, 795-7, [Boswegh = wood road, road into the woods — M'M.]
§ For notices of Surgeon Van de Bogart, see O'Callaghaus Hist. N. N., i, 434, 441 ;
II,' 585; Dutch MSS., i, 44; n, 24; vn, 120-1; Albany Rec, i, 41; Valentine's Man. ,
1863. Doc. Hist., n, 74, 115, 200; rv, 135; Deeds, iv, 313.
I Toll Papers ; Deeds, v, 199.
** Toll Papers.
Adult Freeholders. 173
Claas Laurense Van dee Volgen, alias Van Purmeeend.
Claas Laurense, one of the first settlers in 1662, married Maritie, daughter
of Teunis Cornelise Swart, and had nine children, the most of whom
attained maturity and left families.
His village lot comprised the lots now occupied by Van Home Hall and
Myers' stores, having a front on State street of 105 feet.
In 1692, he bought the lot on the east corner of State and Church streets,
— 170 feet on the former and 160 feet on the latter street. This lot was
originally granted to Teunis Cornelise Swart, by patent of date Jan. 15,
1667; on his death, his wife Elizabeth married Jacob Meese Vrooman, of
Albany, to whom the magistrates of Schenectady gave a deed of the same,
of date Feb. 7, 168|. Vrooman dying, his widow again married Wouter
Uythoff, with whom she united Jan. 4, 1692, in a conveyance of said lot to
Claas Laurense Van Purmerend [alias Van der Volgen], — it " being a
" corner lot over against the Blockhouse (te xoeteri de Jcerk)*, 200 feet long
" [on Church street] — 170 ft. long [on State street], having south and west
" des heeren straet\ [State and Church streets], and to the east Jan Labatie,"
according to deed of Feb. 7, 168|; excepting a piece conveyed to Esaias
Swart, by deed of July 30, 1681. This latter parcel was taken from the
rear of the whole lot, 40 ft. front on Church street and is now number 31
and owned by Mr. Marten De Forest.
His farm on the bouwland was No. 10, which was conveyed to him 25th
April, 1692, by Wouter Uythoff (third husband of Elizabeth Van der
Linde), and said Elizabeth for 540 beavers, — "the bouwery, lot [in the
"Village], house, barn and rick of the late Teunis Cornelise Swart, — the
" bouwery being No. 10 over the third [Poenties~\ kil, to the east of Nos. 9
" and 6, to the west of Nos. 9 and 8 from the hill to the river Southwest by
"west, 64 rods wide; comprising 24 morgens 576 rods as granted by pat-
"ent 16 June 1664 and confirmed Jan. 15 1667."
The half of this bouwery north of the road, comprising 11 morgens, Van
Purmerend alias Van der Volgen, sold to Claas Janse Van Boekhoven,
Jan. 4, 169|; for £147, current money of the Province.
The next day, Jan. 5, the latter sold the easterly half of said 1 1 morgens
to Dirk Arentse Bratt, for £1o\.\
* [To wit the church.— M'M.]
f [Des heeren straaien — the public streets. — M'M.]
% Deeds, iv, 34, 35. § Deeds, iv, 38.
174 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Laubens Claese Van deb Volgen.
He was son of Claes Laurense Van der Volgen; at the destruction of the
village in 1690, he was carried away captive to Canada by the Indians, with
whom he remained several years, acquiring a perfect knowledge of their
language and customs.
He was thirteen years of age when adopted by the Indians. Having
obtained permission to visit Schenectady, with the promise of returning,
his relatives remonstrated with him, but he was firmly determined to go
back until his sister cut off his scalp-lock in his sleep. When he awoke
and found his lock gone, he asked who had done it. " I," said his sister.
" I am disgraced," said he, " and must remain till it is grown." Before
that time he became reconciled to the white man's mode of life, and never
again resumed his Indian habits.*
He became an expert and trusted interpreter for the Province, which
office he held until his death in 1742. In 1701, Abraham Governeur,
speaker of the Provincial Assembly, prayed Gov. Nanfan to use no inter-
preter for the Indians but Lawrence Claessen, the sworn interpreter.! His
salary was £30 until 1734, when it was raised to £60. He married first
Geertruy, daughter of Claas Van Patten, and secondly Susanna Welleven
Sept. 18, 1722. His will was made Aug. 30, 1739, — proved October,
1742,J and he died Jan. 10, 1742, leaving ten children living.
His village lot was the eastern half of his father's lot ; now the site of
the Myers' block, he also owned " the hindmost [west] part of the five plains
"[Fifth flat] containing 12 rnorgens more or less situate in the Woestytie on
" the north side of the Mohawk river come to me by the ti'ustees of Schonegte-
" day," — valued at £200, which farm he bequeathed to his eldest son Claas.
The natives also gave him the half of " five small islands in the Maquase
" river att Canastagiowne containing about five or six acres between Rosen-
" daal & Cornells Tymesen's," the lower half, — " in consideration because
" he takes much pains in interpreting. "§
* Tradition in the family.
f Legislative Coun., 161, 385, 516 ; Col. MSB., xlvii, 166, 168.
% To his eldest son Claas he left " my good [gold] seal ring; " to Neeltie " the silver
cup marked L. V. V."; to Maritie " one silver spoon come from the deceased Jannitie
Kroon," etc. Will, Court of Appeal's office.
§ Col. Doc. rv, 906, 574. [See Five Small Islands ; Van Eps.]
Adult Freeholders. 175
Laurens Claese was employed by Domine Freerman in translating pas-
sages from the Holy Scriptures and from the liturgy of the Dutch church
for the use of the Mohawks.*
Barent Janse Van Ditmars.
He came to Schenectady as early as 1664, when he married Catalyntje
De Vos, widow of Arent Andriese Bratt.f His village lot was that of his
wife, — Mrs. Bratt,— and his farm lay next west of hindmost farm No. 1,
belonging to the Bratt's. The first lock on the canal west of the city, stands
upon the southernmost line of his farm, which was the south-westerly half
of Poversen originally granted to Benjamin Roberts. J
He also had a parcel of pasture ground on the north side of Front street,
which was patented to him Sept. 10, 1670, — " a lot of ground at Schenectady
" now in his tenure lying in the pasture or Wet/land, having on the east the
" lot of Theunis Cornelissen's [Swart], and on the west that of John
" Labatie, — in length 92 rods, in breadth by the river side 15 rods and by
"the highway [Front street] 17 rods."§ This lot commenced 509 feet
English easterly from North street and extended along said street 210
feet English. Its easterly line reached the New York Central Railroad.
In 1701 this lot belonged to Harmen Albertse Vedder.
By a former marriage Van Ditmars had a son Cornells, who married
Catharina Glen; after his death she married Gerrit Lansing, Jr., of Albany.
As her dower (?) Claas Janse Van Boekhoven, who married her stepmother
Catalyntje De Vos Bratt, conveyed to her one quarter part of bouwery No.
10, consisting of 5? morgens of laudj
In the massacre of 1690 both Van Ditmars and his son were killed.
Jacobus Van Dyck.
He was son of Cornells Van Dyck, " Cbirurgeon " of Albany, and grand-
son of Hendrick Van Dyck, sellout fiscaal at New Amsterdam under
Stuyvesant's administration. Having studied medicine with his father, he
* A copy of this work is in possession of one of his descendants now living in Indiana.
f The marriage contract was made Nov. 12, 1664; see Braat.
% See Roberts, Viele, Douwe Aukes.
§ Patents, 755.
|) Deeds, iv, 37.
176 History of the Schenectady Patent.
settled in Schenectady where he practiced his profession until his death.
He married Jacomyntje, daughter of Johannes Sanderse Glen, Oct. 25,
1694, and had two children, — Elizabeth and a son Cornells who followed
his father's profession, and inherited his possessions.
Dr. Van Dyck was surgeon of the fort at Schenectady at one shilling a
day.
His house lot, 153 feet front and 105 feet deep, was on the west side of
Church street, 106 feet north from State street. This lot was sold to him
July 7, 1713, by Jan Baptist Van Eps for £10 [825], and is described in
the deed as "bounded east by the street [Church] 153 feet, south by the
"lot of the heirs of Andries Bratt, now in possession of Harmanus Vedder,
" 101 feet, — west by lot of heirs of Andries Bratt, now in possession of
" Arent Bratt 145 feet, and north by the lot of Reyer Schermerhorn, now
"in possession of Helmus Veeder, 109 feet eleven inches to the foot, —
" of which said Van Dyke has had possession since 1698."*
Van Eps.
Dirk Van Eps married Maritie Damens and had two children, Johannes
and Lysbet, who became the wife of Gen-it Bancker, of Albany. After
Van Eps' death his widow married Hendrick Andriese Van Doesburgh, and
had a daughter Jannetie, born in 1653, who married Marten, son of Capt.
Marten Cregier, and settled in Niskayuna. And in 1664 Maritie Damens
married her third husband, Cornells Van Ness, of Albany. She had lands
in Albany, Niskayuna and Schenectady, — which after her death were dis-
tributed among her three children.
Johannes Dirkse Van Eps, the eldest son of Maritie Damen and Dirk
Van Eps, married Elizabeth Jansef and had three sons and four daughters,
all of whom left families save one, who with his father was killed in the
massacre of 1690.
He was one of the five magistrates of the village in 1676 and 1678, and
named one of the five patentees in the Dongan patent of 1684.
His nome lot in the village was on the north corner of State and Church
streets, comprising one quarter of the block, — 200 by 225 feet. This lot
together with bouweries No. 2 on the bouwland, were purchased for him
* H. Yates' Papers ; Deeds, v, 217.
f After her husband's dealh she married Gysbert Gerrilse Van Brakel ; for her will
see Van Brakel.
Adult Freeholders. 177
April 29, 1664, by his step-father, Van Ness, at the sale of Philip Hendrickse
Brouwer's property in 1664.* The conveyance to him is dated April ^f,
1667, and the patent April 29, 1667, — " to Jan Van Epps, son of Maritie
"Damens, to confirm a conveyance to him made April 15, 1667, by Cornells
" Van Nesse, of a certain bouwery or farm at Schenectady on two several
"parcels of land containing about 42 acres or 21 morgens 570 rods, as set
" forth in the grondbriefe June 16, 1664, together with a house and lot and
" another lot of ground and garden lying near the place where he inhabits
" at Schenectady, being in breadth and length according as is Exprest in
" the General's grant to him said Cornells Van Nesse dated April 10, 1665."f
His eldest son Jan Baptist, inherited the above mentioned parcels of land.
Jan Baptist Van Eps.
He was the eldest son of Jan Dirkse Van Eps ; was born in 1673, and
married Helena, daughter of Johannes Sanderse Glen, in 1699, and had
eleven children, five sons and six daughters, all of whom save one, reached
mature age and had families.
When Schenectady was destroyed in 1690, he was carried away to
Canada, where he remained three years but finally escaped in the following
manner :
"169§ Feb. 8, Wed. about 2 o'clock afternoon we had the alarm from
" Schenectady that the French and their Indians had taken the Maqas
" castles ; soon after we had the news that a young man named Jan Bap-
" tist Van Eps (taken at Schenectady 3 years ago), was run over from the
" French, as they were to attack the first castle of the Mohogs, and came
" to Schenectady, who related that the French were 350 Christian and 200
" Indians."^
During his captivity with the Indians he had acquired a knowledge of
the Indian language and was subsequently often employed as interpreter
and embassador to the Five nations. §
"In 1701, the Mohawk sachems granted five small islands at Canasta-
"giowne to Jan Baptist Van Eps and Laurens Claes [Van der Volgen], to
" be equally divided between them."||
* See Ph. Hendr. Brouwer ; Deeds, n, 469.
f Patents, 392.
% Col. Doc. iv, 16, 370, 497, 499, 559, etc. ; Col. Mss., xxxix, 73.
§Col. MSS.,xlii,167.
U Col. Doc, iv, 906. [See ante, p. 77, Five small islands.— M'M.]
23
178 History of the Schenectady Patent.
In 1706 he was living on the east corner of State and Jay streets, the
latter being his private lane leading to his land in the rear and along Coe-
horne creek upon which he had a corn mill, situated a few rods above La-
fayette street. His ample lot on the north corner of State and Church
streets and hindmost bouwery No. 2, he subsequently sold to Arent Bratt
and Jacobus Van Dyck.*
In Feb., 1*70 \ the trustees of Schenectady conveyed to Jan Baptist Van
Eps, his deed being lost, " a lot at the east end of Schenectady bounded
" south by the high street [State] in breadth 9 rods, west by Symon
" Groot Jr., and the commons as far as Niskayuna high road [Union Street],
" and so upward eastwardly to a great pine, and from thence south east to
" ye hill [Prospect] to another marked tree, and from thence south to a kil
" [Coehorne], which is his east [west] boundary, containing seven mor-
«gens."f
The portion of this parcel fronting upon State street, extended from the
west side of Jay street to Coehorne kil, nine rods or 108 feet ; on Union
Street it extended from the lot of Mrs. Jackson No. 152, along the old
Niskayuna road to the foot of Prospect Hill. That portion of this land
fronting upon Union street came into possession of Isaac Quackenbos from
whom it descended to his late son, Johannes and through his daughter to
Abraham O. Clute.
There was also conveyed to him another " lot on the south side and west
"end of the town over the town bridge [in Water street], in length on the
" south side 126 ft. bounded with the highroad [Water street], on the west
" also the highroad, to ye north a small creek, to ye east Claas Van Boek-
" hoven."J This lot was on the east corner of Water and Washington streets;
in 1729, it belonged to Annatie, daughter of Jan Baptist Van Eps, wife of
Ahasuerus Wendel.§
At the same time the trustees conveyed to him a third lot of ground near
the last, " having to ye north the highroad [Water street] being 133 feet, —
" the west side also ye high road 153 ft. — south Symon Groot being 133
" ft., — east Claas Van Boekhoven 153 ft.'"|| This lot was probably on the
* See Bratt and Van Dyck ; Deeds v, 217.
f Deeds, iv, 332 ; v, 217.
% Deeds iv, 332.
§ Old deed.
1 Deeds, rv, 332.
Adult Freeholders. 179
south corner of Water street and the old river road, which at that time
occupied the place now covered by the Binnl Ml*
On the 14 Oct., 1762, Edward Collins, innkeeper, gave to John Baptist
Van Eps (perhaps son of the above Jan Baptist), " a house and lot on the
" south end of Schenectady on the north-eastei*ly side of a street leading
" from where the Old Church stood to Albany [State street], on the northerly
" side of a road that leads from said road to the grist-mill of said John
" Baptist Van Eps [Jay street], — in bi*eadth in front 55 feet, — in rear one
"chain 60 links, — in length on both sides 6 chains. "f The front portion
of this lot is now covered by Union Hall.
In addition to the above parcels of ground in the village, Jan Baptist
also owned the foremost farm No. 8, on the bouwland. This was originally
patented to Marten Cornelise Van Isselsteyn by whom it was sold Oct. 23,
1668, to Claas Frederickse Van Pet ten and Cornells Cornelise Viele; the
former immediately sold his moiety, being the foremost bouwery, to Jan
Dirkse Van Eps, and in Feb., 170£, the trustees of Schenectady gave a con-
firmatory deed of the same to his son and heir Jan Baptist,! his deed being
lost, in which it is described as " a lot containing 12 morgens, bounded
" north by y path, or highway [river road], south by ye hills, or woods,
" east by Pieter Jacobsen's [Borsboom] lot now in occupation of Gysbert
" Gerritse [Van Brakel], and west by a small kil or creek [Poenties kil],
" all wood measure."
This farm has remained in the family till this day.
He had also another village lot at the north end and on the east side of
Washington street, bought of Myndert Van Guyseling July 5, 1728, ex-
tending from Pieter Mebie's lot to the river. §
* [Rotterdam street (Frog Alley), did not then exist. The road up the river left the
gate at south end Church street, followed Water street to the present line of the Binne
kil — thence to the westward along the former bank of the stream. The wearing of the
east bank of the Binne kil by floods, gradually pushed the road back, and finally Rotter-
dam street — an extension of Handalaers (now Washington) street, was carried across
Mill creek and a new line of road was carried back a distance from the river. It was
afterwards made to conform to the line ot the Erie canal, as at present. — M'M.]j
f Deeds, vn.
% Patents, 527 ; Deeds, n, 741 ; Deeds, iv, 332.
§ Deeds, m, 99 ; xix, 193.
180 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Evert Van Eps.
He was son of Jan Dirkse Van Eps. His first wife was Eva, daughter
of Carel Hansen Toll, his second, Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Truax. He
had 13 children.
His village lot on the west side of Washington street is now divided into
two parcels, on which stand the houses of the late Judge A. C. Paige and
Mrs. Peck.*
On the 3d of April, 1707, the trustees of Schenectady conveyed to him
four morgens of land on " both sides of the Hansen kil [College brook],
" beginning from the east side of woodland belonging to Gerrit Gysbertse
" [Van Brakel], where its 30 rods [360 feet] wide and holds that breadth
" up along both sides of the said creek till it takes in four morgens."f
This parcel of ground commenced at a point on College brook 720 feet
easterly of the west side of Romeyn street or Symon Groot's bridge, and
ran up the creek from that point 960 feet, having a breadth of 180 feet on
each side of said creek, and was partly within the present [1883] College lands.
Marten Cornelise Van Esselsteyn (Ysselsteyn).
He was born in the city of Ysselteyn in Holland; his wife Mayke Cor-
nelise was a native of Barnevelt; on the 12th Jan., 167y they made a joint
will, both then living in Claverac.J He died before 1705, leaving one son
Cornells Martense.
Cornells was one of the first settlers of Schenectady; after residing here
about six years he sold his farms and removed to Claverac. His residence
was upon his hindmost farm near the site of Mr. John D. Campbell's house
in Rotterdam.
His farms are thus described in the patent of date April 13, 1668 :
"Two parcels of land at Schenectady both marked No. 8; — one lying on
" the second piece of land to the west of No. 7, — to the east of the creek
" [Poenties kil],§ a line cutting between No. 7 [and No. 8] from the creek
* Deeds, iv, 324. t Church Papers ; also H. Yates' Papers.
% Not. Papers, n.
§ [The Poenties kil crosses the river road on the west side of the old Van Eps place and
is usually dry now at that point, the water having been diverted into Willem Teller's killetje,
which also crosses the river road about a quarter of a mile east of the Poenties kil. All
these streams have failed of water of late years, though this kil comes from the sand. —
M'M.l
Adult Freeholders. 181
" or kil to the woods south-west somewhat more southerly; — in breadth 36
" rods containing about 22 acres or 11 morgens ; — the other being upon the
" hindmost piece of land on the woodside, to the west of No. 9, to the east
" of No. 7, a line being run as before from the creek [Dove gat]* to the woods
"south-west by west, — breadth 56 rods, containing about 24 acres or 12
"morgens and 130 rods, as granted June 16, 1664 by Governor Stuyvesant
"to said Cornelise."f On the 23d of October following, Van Esselstyn sold
the hindmost lot to Claas Frederikse Van Petten and Cornells Cornelise
Viele, " together with the house, barn, 3 ricks, 4 horses, 5 cows, 8 hogs,
wagon, plough and harrow." On the 25 Aug., 1670, Viele exchanged the
same with Jurriaen Teunise Tappen for a house and lot in Albany.
Tappen conveyed the same to Dirk Hesselingh, who again transferred it
to Harmen Albertse Vedder on the 1st day of February, 167|.J
The foremost lot No. 8 early passed into the possession of Jan Baptist
Van Eps.§
On the 23 Jan., 170^ " Cornelis Martense, eldest son and heir of Marten
Cornelise Van Isselstyn, deceased, of Claverac," confirmed the sale of
farms No. 8, to Claas Van Petten. |
Elias Van Gyseling.
He came to New Netherland in 1659, from Zeeland, in the ship Bont«
Koe and settled first at Beverwyck. " Sprehende goet Frans " he was
sometimes employed as an interpreter. His wife, Tryntje Claase, after hig
death married Willem Hall in 1695.
In 1670, he came to Schenectady and with Pieter Cornelise Viele pur-
chased Bastiaen De Winter's farm, described as " a parcel of land at Schenec-
" tady, wide on the west side 350 rods, long on the north side 60 rods, lying
"by the first land of Willem Teller and Maritie Damens [Van Eps], accord-
ing to patent of 21st October, 1670 from Governor Lovelace."**
* [The Erie caual in its passage across the bouwlanJ was made over a series of dove gats
or dead holes containing dead water, once doubtless the ancient bed of an arm of the
river. One ol these dove gats (called '• Maritjes Gat") near the junction ot the Prince-
town and river roads of great breadth and depth, was enclosed by the two banks of the
canal and called " Navarino Bay." — M'M.]
f Patents, 527.
% Deeds, n, 741, 777, 866 ; vn, 185 ; Not. Papers, n ; Wills, i, 285 ; Will of Johannes
Vedder, in Court of Appeal's office.
§ Deeds, iv, 332. || Deeds, iv. ** Deeds, n, 789 ; see also De Winter.
182 History of the Schenectady Patent.
This farm usually called " Ellas' plantasie " remained in the Van Gyse-
ling family until the death of the late Mr. Cornelius Van Gyseling, in 1865,
when it passed into the possession of his stepson Mr. John C. Perry, the
present occupant. One of the oldest dwellings in this region (possibly
built by Elias Van Gyseliug but mo*re probably by his son Myndert),* is
still standing on this farm.
On his death, about 1694, his eldest son, Myndert, succeeded him.
His second son Jacob resided in the village upon a lot conveyed to him
by Reyer Schermerhorn [trustee] March 17 If, and described as " a lot on
" the north side of the town with house, barn and orchard, bounded easterly
" by the lot of heirs of Samuel Bratt, length from the river to the street 550
"feet, south by the [Front] street in breadth 155 feet, bounded [westerly]
"on the house and lot of the heirs of Philip Philipse deceased 162 feet,
" south by said heirs of Philip Philipse deceased 75 ft., west by the old
" brewhouse [of the Glens], 294 feet and north by the river 255 feet." This
lot containing about 2£ acres was probably purchased of Arent Bratt the
former owner, but conveyed by Reyer Schermerhorn as being the sole sur-
viving patentee of the town by the patent of 1684. It commenced at a
point on the north side of Front street 100 feet easterly from Wash-
ington street and extended easterly to the west line of the lot of the late
Nicholas Cain excepting the lot of heirs of Philip Philipse 75 X 162 feet.
In 1725-32, it belonged to Myndert Van Gyseling.f
Bennony Arentse Van Hoek.
He was son of Arent Isaacse Van Hoek of Beverwyck ; marrying
Jacquemina Swart, widow bf Pieter Cornelise Viele, he settled in Schenec-
tady. He is not known to have possessed any real estate save what he
acquired by his marriage. J
* | Myndert was married in 1721, — died in 1771, between which dates he probably
built this house. — M'M.]
f Deeds, v, 199, 220
JB. Van Hoek, Sept. 17, 1686, was cited to appear before the court at Albany on a
complaint made by Cornells Viele and others,
" yl Bennony Arentse doth most crewellyrand barbarously Beat ye Daughter of Pr
•' Viele deceased of wh he is the step-father, wh child being stood before ye justices of
" Peace is found all blak and blew, and ye "said Bennony being sent for by a Warrant
" and appearing before ye justices doth excuse himself Because she is a whole night and
" somethings half a night out a seeking cows."
Adult Freeholders. 183
Jan Geeritse Van Marcken.
He and his wife Geertie Huybertse came over in the ship St. Jacob in
1654. For a time he was at New Amstel* on the Delaware, but came
from thence to Beverwyck about 1659, where he served two years 1661-2,
as farmer of the excise of wine and beer. He was appointed schout of
Schenectady in 1673, but remained here only a short time.f
Pieter Daniels e Van Olinda.
He was a tailor in Beverwyck in 1663, about which time he came to
Schenectady and married Hilletie Cornelise Van Slyck, — sister of Jacques
Cornelise, — a half-breed of the Mohawk tribe, through whom he received
valuable grants of land at De Willegen (the Willows), below Port Jackson,
at the Boght in Watervliet, and the Great Islands in the river atNiskayuna.
Van Olinda made his will Aug. 1, 1715, — proved Dec. 27, 1716, — and died
at Watervliet in 1715, at an advanced age.
For many years Hilletie his wife, was employed at a salary of £20 as
Provincial interpreter. Her death occurred Feb. 10, 1705.
Van Olinda in his willj speaks of only three children, — Daniel, Jacob and
Matthys. The first inherited his land at the " Boght of the Kahoos " and
married Lysbet, daughter of Martinus Cregier, Jr. To Jacob who married
Eva, daughter of Claas De Graaf, he gave his land at De Willege?i, and
Matthys being non compos mentis, was to be maintained till his death.
Hilletie though born and brought up in her early years among the
"Whereupon ordered yt ye sd Girle shal be delivered in ye hands of ye Trustees
" Jacob Meese [ Vrooman] & Arnout Cornelise [Viele], who is to dispose of her as they shal
" see meet, and if ye said Bennony Arentse shal for ye future abuse any of ye said
" children of Pr Viele upon complaint they shall be delivered to ye Trustees who shall
" have Power to dispose of ye same accordingly and ye Bond of good behaviour given
"ye tenth of yB instant to Remain in force." — Minutes of Common Goun.. Albany : rv.
* [Amsterdam is a later spelling for Amsteldam, or the dam on the river Amstel
(Holland). The city is now Amsterdam, but the river retains the spelling 'Amstel. —
M'M.]
t Dutch MSS., xiv, 116 ; Col. MSB., xxiv, 140 ; xxv, 135, 148 to 153.
% Wills, i, 148
184 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Mohawks, was soon separated from them and received the rudiments of a
Christian education in Albany and Schenectady. She made excellent use
of her advantages and is spoken of as an estimable woman. f
f " While we were there [at Schenectady], a certain Indian woman or half-breed,
'* that is, from an European and an Indian woman, came with a little boy, her child,
" who was dumb, or whose tongue had grown fast. It was about four years old ; she
" had heard we were there, and came to ask whether we knew of any advice for her
" child, or whether we could net do a little something to cure it. Sanders [Glen] told
" me aside that she was a Christian, that is had left the Indians and had been taught by
" the Christians and baptized. I was surprised to rind so far in the woods and among
" Indians, a person who should address me with such affection and love of God. She
" then related to me from the beginning her case, that is how she had embraced christ-
" ianity. She was born of a Christian father and an Indian mother of the Mohawk
" tribes. Her mother remained in the country and lived among the Mohawks, and she
" lived with her the same as Indians live together. Her mother would never listen to any
" thing about the Christians, as it was against her heart, from an inward unfounded
" hate. She lived there with her mother and brothers and sisters ; but sometimes she
"went with her mother among' the Christians to trade and make purchases, or the
" Christians came araons; them, and thus it was that some Christians took a fancy to the
" girl, discovering in her more resemblance to the Christians than the Indians. They
" therefore wished to take the girl and bring her up, which the mother would not hear
" to. The little daughter herself had no disposition at lirst to go. This happened several
" times when the daughter began to mistrust the Christians were not such as the mother
" told her. She therefore began to hearken to them, but particularly she felt a great in-
" clination and love in her heart towards those Christians who spoke to her about God
" and of Christ Jesus and the Christian religion. Her mother observed it and began to
" hate her, her brothers and sisters despised and cursed her, threw stones at her and did
" all the wrong they could. They compelled her to leave them, as she did and went to
" those who had so long solicited her. They gave her the name of Eltie or Illetie. She
" lived a long time with a woman with whom we conversed alterwards, who taught her
" to read and write and do various handiwork. She felt such a desire and eagerness to
" learn that she could not be withheld, particularly when she began to understand the
" Dutch language and what was expressed in the New Testament where her whole heart
" was. Finally she made her profession and was baptized.
" She has some children ; her husband is not as good as she is, though he is not one
" of the worst; she sets a good example before him, and knows how to direct him."
" She had a brother [Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck], who was also a half-breed, who
" had made profession of Christianity and had been baptized and who was not by far as
" good as she but on the contrary, very wicked ; though I believe he has been better and
" has been corrupted by the conversation of impious Hollanders ; for this place is a god-
" less one being without a minister and having only a homily (postyl) read on Sundays." —
Banker'' » and Sluyter's Journal, 1680, p. 301-5.
Adult Freeholders. 185
Great Island* at Niskayuna was conveyed to Hilletie Van Olinda, by the
Mohawks, Jnne 11, 1667 and confirmed by Governor Nicolls, May 8, 1668.
On the 4th March, 1669, and again 6 Feb., 170£, she and her husband con-
veyed the same to Johannes Clute, which sale was ratified by the Governor
and Council on the 2d Aug., 1671. f
His house lot in Schenectady was on the south side of Union street, 100
feet westerly from Ferry street and had a front of 100 feet and a depth of
210 feet Amsterdam measure. He held it until 1712, when it was conveyed
to Isaac Van Valkenburgh for £53 [$132.50]; it remained in Van Valken-
burgh's possession until 1764 and perhaps later; from 1793 to 1821 or later
it was owned and occupied by Hendrick Dellamot and is now the site of
the Court House.J
The " Willow Flat " (Ue u-illegeii) was granted to Pieter Van Olinda and
Claas Willemse Van Coppernol, by Governor Dongan on the 9th Nov., 1685.
It commenced at Stone creek and ran down the river 349 rods and contained
33 morgens or 66 acres and 390 rods of land, together with 200 acres of
woodland adjoining. Van Coppernol owned the westerly half and Van
Olinda the easterly half §
Goosen Van Ooet.
Nothing is known of him save that he early owned, down to 1702, the
lot on the north side of State street, now occupied by the stores of H. S.
Barney & Co., and of the estate of the late Barent J. Myndertse, Nos. 93
to 101, having a front of 84 feet.
Ci.aas Frederickse Van Petten.
He was born in 1641. His wife was Aeffie daughter of Arent Bratt and
Catalyntje De Vos. They had eight children all of whom, reached mature
age and had families save one.
They both died in 1728, she at the age of 78 years, and he aged 87 years
and five months.
* [Great Island is now known as Shaker's Island. — M'M.]
f Deeds, v, 55 ; n, 711 ; Gen. Entries, iv, 283 ; Albany Co. Rec, 436.
\ Deeds, n, 788 ; iv, 236,; v, 153, 264, 343, 354, 358 ; Schen. Deeds B., 293. etc.
§ Deeds, iv, 236.
24
186 Histwy of the Schenectady Patent.
At his first coming to Schenectady in 1664, in company with Isaac Cor-
nelise Swits, he hired Willem Teller's bouwerye gelegen op Schanechtede be-
staende in woonhuys, Schuerberg en bouwlant in twee parcelles genome-
neert .... Van de landmeter No. 5, &c*
Oct. 23, 1668, Van Petten and Cornells Cornelise Viele bought the two
bouweries numbered 8, of Marten Cornelise Van Esselsteyn and mortgaged
the same the same day to Van Esselsteyn for 220 beavers. Viele's moiety, —
the hindmost farm, — he sold to Jurriaen Teunise Tappen, and Van Petten
conveyed the foremost farm to Jan Baptist Van Eps.f
On the 30th Jan., 168f-, the Glens sold to Claas Van Petten a piece of
land between the river and the lake in Scotia, comprising 12 morgens of
land. J And on the 6 April, 1*704, John Jacobse Glen, eldest son and heir of
Jacob Sanderse Glen, eldest son and heir of Sander Leendertse Glen, both
deceased, bought back the above mentioned 12 morgens of land, giving Van
Petten in exchange therefor, "a piece of land now in his possession adjoining
" the lot of Reyer Schermerhorn, — being the foremost lot No. 3 and two
"morgens of land§ out of the hindmost lot No. 3."|| The above mentioned
foremost lot No. 3 remained in the Van Petten family more than 100 years,
and until it was purchased by the Schermerhorns who owned the adjoining
farm.
Van Petten built his dwelling house upon the south end of this farm at
the foot of the sand bluff.**
In the above exchange with Glen, Van Petten also received a house lot
in the village, a part of the Glen lot. This lot extended from the lot of
Mrs. Benjamin Willard No. 36 Washington street, to that of the late Judge
A. C. Paige No. 42.
For many years after Van Petten obtained possession of farm No. 3, the
boundary line between him and his brother-in-law Schermerhorn, was in
dispute; finally a compromise was effected in 1714-16, according to a survey
* Not. Papers, i, 439.
f Deeds, n, 741 ; iv, 325.
% Deeds, iv, 330.
§ Conveyed by Claas Van Petten to his son Claas, March 6, 1713-14 ; Deeds, v, 353.
|| Deeds, rv, 324, [Ante, page 116, Glen.— M'M.J
** He had egress from his house by a lane running northerly across the flats to the
river road along the boundary line between farms Nos. 3 and 4.
Adult Freeholders. 187
•
made by Philip Verplanck and mutual releases were executed, Scherrnerhora
reserving to his use the right of way over the lane or road along the west
side of the division fence from Van Patten's house to the river road. This
lane as well as the division fence are now removed.*
Andries Van Petten.
-
Andries, the eldest son of Claas Van Petten, born in September, 1684,
married Maieke, daughter of Jacob Coenratse Ten Eyck of Albany, Dec.
26, 1712. They had seven children, only two of whom arrived at maturity
and had families. He died in 1748, aged 62 years, — she died Jan. 31, 1779,
at the age of 91 years, 9 months and 27 days.
On the 4th June, 1711, his father conveyed the foremost farm No. 3 to
him together with horses, cows, etc.; and on the 6th March, I71f, he likewise
conveyed to his son Claas " the two morgens which he owned in the hind-
" most lot No. 3, as it had been conveyed to him by Johannes Glen."f
On the 28 Oct., 1717, he received from the patentees of Schenectady a
lease of " a certain piece of lowland about one mile from Schenectady on
''the south side of the Mohawk, bounded west by the land of Jacob Van
" Guyseling, north by the standing water [clove gat], South by the Commons,
"beginning by a small creek by the foot of the hill and runs from thence
" along the bounds of the said Jacob Van Guyseling, north 19° E. 49 rods
" to the aforesaid standing water, thence S. 58° E. 29 rods, thence
" South 34° E. 55 rods, thence S. 35° W. to the foot of said hill, thence
" along said hill to the place of Beginning, containing three morgens and
"411 rods Dutch Rynland measure; — rent one skipple of wheat yearly, —
" said to have been previously granted by patent to Bastiaen De Winter
"47 years before. "J This triangular parcel of land lay at the foot of the
sand bluff between the Van Petten and the Van Guyseling farms.
Arent Van Petten.
Arent, son of Claas Van Petten the first settler, married Jannetje, daughter
of Philip Conyn of Albany, 10th April, 1703. They had ten children. By
trade he was a carpenter.
On the 8th October, 1703, Reyer Schermerhorn [only surviving trustee]
sold to Thomas Williams, of Albany " a parcel of woodland on the north
* Deeds, v, 222. [See Ante, page 117, Glen.— M'M.
t Deeds, v, 222, 340. 341, 353.
X Dutch Church Papers ; see also Annals of Albany, vi, 79 ; Doc. Hist., ii, 200.
188 History of the Schenectady Patent.
•
" side of the town of Schenectady, over against the north-west corner
" of woodland of Adam Vrooman, running between the highway that
"leads to Niskayuna [Green street]* and the highway that leads to the
'* Aal-plaas [Front street] and westward to the church yard or burial
" place, being butted and bounded on the west the burial place or church-
" yard, on the east the woodland of Hendrick Hansen, on the south and
" north the said two roads or highways [Green and Front streets], containing
"four morgens more or less." Said Williams by deed dated 7 April, 1709,
conveyed the above land to Arent Van Petten of Schenectady, who by deed
dated Jan. 20, 174§ conveyed the same to his son Frederic of Normanskill,
for the sum of £60 [$150]. f The above parcel of land lying between Front
and Green streets extended from the then burying ground of the Dutch
church easterly nearly to John street and was from time to time divided
into building lots and sold by Frederic Van Petten.
Arent Van Petten, Myndert Schuyler and Jan Dellamont received a patent
for 500 acres of land on the Normanskil Nov. 3, 1714, on which his son
Frederic probably settled. J
Cornelis Antonissen Van Slyck.
Cornells Antonissen Van Slyck alias Broer Cornelis is said to have
married a Mohawk woman by whom he had several children, three sons,
Jacques, Marten and Cornelis, and two daughters Hilletie and Lea (?)
Broer Cornelis by reason of his eminent services in bringing about peace
and ransoming prisoners in the hands of the Indians, " which well known
services should of right be duly acknowledged," — received a grant of lands
at Katskill in 1646.§
In 1640 he lived near Cohoes falls; he died in 1676. ||
Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck.
Of the three sons of Broer Cornelis, Marten died in 1662, and Cornelis is
only once mentioned in the records, — in 1659.
* [Union street was not opened out at this time beyond Ferry. The north gate (at
Church and Front), opened out to the ferry, and to the Aal Plaats (River Road), and
Niskayuna (Green st.) roads which lead through the pasture and wood lots. — M'M.]
f Dutch Church Papers.
J Patents, 1678.
$ O'Callaghan's Hist. N. N , i, 382.
I) Brodhead, Hist. X. N. i, 306.
Adult freeholders. 189
Jacques was born in 1640, at Canajoharie ; his Indian name was Itsy-
chosaquachka ; he was also sometimes called Jacques Cornelise Gautsh.*
He married Grietje, daughter of Harmeu Janse Ryckman of Albany and
had nine children living in 1697. He died probably about 1690, as his
widow made an antenuptial contract 21 Feb., 169 J, being then about to
marry Adam Vroomau. His will was made 8th May, 1690. f In 1671, he
was one of the two licensed tapsters in the village.
He seems to have had the regard both of the natives and the Dutch and
to have had considerable influence with both peoples between whom he
acted as interpreter.];
At one time he had a house lot in the village probably on the west corner
of Washington street and Cucumber Alley, having a front on the former
street of about 166 feet and extending back to the Binne kil. The alley on
the north side — 16 feet wide wood measure, — was the passage to the Binne
kil which was crossed by a scow to his farm on the Great island.
This lot passed to his son Capt. Harmen Van Slyck ; in 1778, it was
owned by Harmanus and Samuel sons of the latter, and still later by James
Van Slyck Ryley their nephew, his mother being a daughter of Col. Jacobus
Van Slyck.
The first patent for land at Schenectady was made Nov. 12, 1662, by
Governor Stuyvesant and confirmed by Governor Nicolls April 13, 1667, —
to Sweer Theunissen [Van Velsen] and .Jacques Cornelyssen [Van Slyck]
to each of them severally the moiety of " a certain Island, — Marten's
"island — near Schenectady over against the town, etc., containing [82] acres
" first taking out six acres or three morgens on said island the title to which
" was vested in said Theunissen, who married the widow of Jan Barentse
" Wemp to whom and to the said Jacque3 Cornelise said island was granted
"Nov. 12, 1662."§
* [ Gautsh, pronounced Hotcb (nearly) ; can it be an abbreviation of Ots-tocb, bis rnotber's
name? " A squaw was queen of tbe island wbicb lies back of Wasbingtou street. Sbe
is buried on the island, under an old willow tree at tbe point towards tbe bridge. She
had two children by a Frenchman — Mr. Harttell. Otstoch was like her mother, savage
and wild. She married Cornelius Van Slyck. Kenutje, the second child, was small and
handsome, like her father Mr. Harttell ; she was very white. She married a Bratt. " —
Statement of tradition in his family, by Laurence R. Vrooman, of Cortland county. — M'M.]
fWills, i, 11.
J Col. Doc. in, 823,431, etc.
§ Patents, 357; also the original patent belonging to Union College.
190 History of the Schenectady Patent.
After Van Slyck's death, Grietje Vrooman his widow, received a confir-
matory patent April 2, 1695 for his moiety of said island in trust for the use
of their four sons, — Harmen, Cornells, Marten and Acus.* This island orig-
inally belonged to Marten Maurits,f Van Slyck's brother, who dying in
1662, it fell to Jacqties by inheritance ; hence at first it was called Marten's
island, afterwards Van Slyck's and sometimes Sweer Theunise's and Wemp's
island, all of whom had an interest in the same.
Besides the half island above mentioned, VanSlyck also received a grant
of land on the First flat on the south side of the Mohawk river to the west
of the village, described in the confirmatory patent of Oct. 30, 1684, as
" situate between two creeks, one called Stone creek to the eastward, the
"other the Platte creek to the westward ; — the low land lying along the
" river side to the south of the Mohawk river and on the north of the land
"belonging to the inhabitants of Schenectady of which said Jacques is to
"have forty morgens or eighty acres of the best clearest land lying be-
" tween said creeks, and also forty morgens or eighty acres of woodland on
" the west side of the Platte creek adjoining to his arable land along the
" river side."J
The land confirmed by this grant to Jacques Cornelise, is stated to have
come to him in right of his mother who was a Mohawk woman. His sons
Marten and Cornelis inherited and lived upon this farm which is still in
possession and occupancy of the family.§
Capt. Harmanus Van Slyck.
Harmanus, eldest son of Jacques Cornelise, married Jannetie, daughter
of Adam Vrooman, in 1704 ; they had twehye children. lie died in 1733,
His military title was given because of his commanding the company of
foot in the village.
By his father's will, fourteen morgens of land on the First flat was devised
to him, and the Mohawks gave him 2,000 acres at Canajoharie. This
conveyance was made Jan. 12, I7lf, "in consideration of ye love, goodwill
" and affection which we have and do bear towards our loving cozen and
* Patents, 1474.
■f-Col. MSS.,xxxrx, 216.
% Coun. Min., v, 11, 12. Patents, 1200.
§ "Will of Jacques Cornelise in Court of Appeal's office, and Deeds, Sec, State's office,
vii, [See Ante, page 69, First Flat, page 77, Martens, Van Slycks, Wemp's Island].
Adult Freeholders. 191
Cl friend Capt. Harmon Van Slyck of Schenectady aforesaid, whose grand-
" mother was a right Mohaugs squaw and his father born with us in the
" above said Kanajoree, ... it being his the said Harmon Van Slyke's by
" Right of inheritance from his father." This deed was signed by Roddah,
Kahekoe, Schenaktadee* and others of the principal Indians, and witnessed
by " Lea Stevens interpreter to ye above deed."f
In a deed of partition, dated 15th March, ] 771, of Capt. Van Slyck's
land, it is recited that Capt. Harme Van Slyck, deceased, obtained a patent
for 2,000 acres of land at "Anthony's Nose" ; — Nicholas Schuyler, deceased,
surveyed the same 27th Sept., 1723, and divided it into sixteen lots ; Nov.
1, 1731, said Harme Van Slyck made his will and bequeathed to his three
sons. Jacobus and Adam Van Slyck, both now [1771] of Schenectady, and
Harmanus Van Slyck, now of Canajoharie, the half of the above mentioned
tract of land, save lots No. 8 of lowland, and No. 9 of woodland, and five
morgens of lowland out of the west end of No. 6 of lowland, which he
bequeathed to his son Harmanus. Isaac Vrooman made a new map of this
property and a new sub-division, and the same was alloted to said Jacobus,
Adam and, Harmanus by lot ; and the above mentioned deed was given to
confirm this allotment.^
Capt. Van Slyck probably inherited the half of Van Slyck's island
belonging to his father ; in 1748 it belonged to his son, Capt. Jacobus Van
Slyck.§
Isaac Van Valkenburgh.
Isaac, son of Jochem Van Valkenburgh, of Albany, married Lydia,
daughter of Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck, in 1705, and settled in Schenec-
tady.
His house lot, on the south side of Union street, was the lot now occupied
by the Court House, and was bought of Carel Hansen Toll, for £53 [$13260].
The conveyance made Sept. 6, 1712, he being then in possession,
* [Is this only a coincidence ? — M'M.]
f H. Yates' Papers.
X H. Yates' Papers.
§ See Jan Wemple's will ; Wills, n, 4.
192 History of the Schenectady Patent
describes it as * bounded north by the street [Union] near where the streets
" cross [Union and Ferry], being in breadth on the street 100 feet, — east by
"the lot now in possession of Arent Bratt 210 feet, — on the west by Caleb
" Beck's house and lot 210 feet and on the south by lot of Symon Volckertse
" [Veeder]."*
He was still in possession of this lot as late as 1764. It is probable that
his father was for a time a resident here.
Sweer Teunise Van Velsen alias Van Westbeook.
Sweer Teunisen, first settled in Beverwyck where and at the Esopus
[Kingston], he remained for some years. In 1664 he married Maritie
Myndertse, widow of Jan Barentse Wemp. In 1669 he received a convey-
ance from Madam Johanna [De Laet] Ebbingh of land at Litbberde's landt
[Troy], according to contract with Jan Barentse Wemp, and in 1675 he
sold to Jan Cornelise Vyselaer and Lucas Pieterse Coeymans, a saw mill
and two morgens of land on the Poesten kil.f He received a patent in
1667 for a lot on the west corner of Broadway and Van Tromp street,
Albany, 9 rods square [108 feet English], which he sold in 1678, to Wouter
Aertse, having previously removed the house to Schenectady.
About the year 1666 he removed to Schenectady and built the first grist
mill in the settlement, on Mill lane; this was carried away by a flood and
rebuilt in 1673. In consideration of his loss he was allowed to take an
eighth instead of a tenth as toll.
The following is his petition to the Governor for redress of grievances:
" Petition of Sweer Teunise to the Governor wherein he states that he
" did build at Schenectady a corn mill and made a contract with the
" comonalty 28th Jan. 1669, by which it was agreed that he should enjoy
" all the privileges of any Miller in this countrey, being obliged to grind
" every week i. e., on Tuesdays, all the corn that was to be ground and if
"he could not grind it all that day he was to grind the day after, for which
"he was to receive the 10th or 8 stuivers sewant per skipple, or 4 stuyvers
" sewant for malt; No other mill was to be erected as long as he did ac-
" commodate the people with good meal. After about two years an
"extraordinary high flood carried off his mill; he engaged to rebuild the
" mill and completed it before July, 1673, at which time a new covenant
" was made whereby in consideration of his great damage it was agreed he
* Deeds, v, 153, 264.
f Deeds, i, 271 ; Deeds, n, 751.
Adult Freeholders. 193
" should have the 9th, or 10 stuyvers sewant the skipple and enjoy all the
" rights of the first contract; and whereas certain persons possessed of envy
" and malice did send him certain new regulations ordering him to take the
" 10th, or 8 stuyvers sewant, notwithstanding your humbleservant triumph-
" ing and winning the Process with Lewis Cobes, your schout, the Court
"releasing me of the same."
Now said Teunise petitions to have his rights confirmed and ratified by
the Governor and Council.*
In 1676 Van Velsen was made one of the magistrates of the village. In
the massacre of 1690 he was slain, with his wife and four negro slaves,
leaving no heirs here, though there were many of his name in Ulster
county.
Besides the half of Van Slyck's island acquired through his wife, he
owned the land on the south side of State street from Church street nearly
to Coehorn ci'eek easterly, and extending southerly and westerly upon the
lowland to and beyond Mill creek so as to comprehend 24 acres. Before
his death it was understood that he had in his will devised a half or a third
of his property to the church and the remainder to his wife's children by
her first husband, Jan Barentse Wemp; but as his will, if ever made was
burned in the destruction of the village, the church had no legal claim upon
his estate. A compromise was however effected in 1694, the church taking
that portion of his estate lying on the south side of State street between
Church and Dock streets, together with his grist mill, and his wife's heirs
the remainder.f
This settlement of the estate having been concluded by the claimants, J the
following property was assured to them by a confirmatory patent dated
Sept. 13th, 1694, to wit : "to Capt. Sander Glenn and Johannes Glenn,§
* Col. MSB., 45.
f Col. MSS., xxxvii, 216 ; Dutch Church Papers ; Deeds, iv, 82 ; Not. Pap., n.
% "Feb. 26, 1689-90, Diewer Weadel, widow of the late Myndert Wemp, Capt. Sender
Glen, man en vooghi of his wife Antje Janse [Wemp], daughter of Maritie Myndertse,
late wile of Sweer Teunise. Barent Janse, son of Maritie Myndertse and Arnout
Cornelise Viele, chosen guardian of all parties, — agree that the property of Sweer
Teunise Van Velsen shall be divided into three parts, — one part for Maritie, widow of
Myndert Wemp; one for Capt. Glen, husband of Antje Janse, and one for Barent Janse,
son of Maritie Myndertse." — Not. Papers, n.
§ After the massacre he married the widow of Myndert Wemp, in 1691.
25
194 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" and Barent Wemp, sundry parcels of land in Schenectady i. e. to each of
" them one equal third part of said land, — the said Johannes Sanderse Glenn
" to hold in trust one-third part for the benefit of the children of Myndert
" Wemp lately deceased and of Dinah his wife, now wife of said Johannes,
"said parcel of land being described as follows: — all that home lot of
"ground in said town of Schenectady whereon are the messuage and barn
" lately in occupation of Sweer Teunise Van Velson deceased, lying east-
" ward and westward on both sides of the kil or stream of water [Coehorn
" and Mill creeks], which the common highway from Albany to Schenec-
" tady [State street] crosseth, running with a small arch or bow to the side
" of the woods southward, to a marked white oak tree, which stands on the
"brink of a hollow, and running west to the land, fly or marsh lately
" belonging to Gerrit Bancker deceased, — the whole of the orchard, pas-
" ture and part of the marsh, containing 12 morgens or 24 acres more or
" less ; — and also one grist-mill or corn-mill standing upon the kil or creek
" [on Mill Lane] within the said town of Schenectady ; and also three
" morgens, or six acres more than the one-half part of a certain island
" [Marten's or Van Slyck's island] lying over against said town on the other
" side of the [Binn£] kil ; and also one equal half part of another island
"lying to the rear [West] of said island, separated by a small kil, both
"lying to the west of said town and the southernmost parts of said islands;
"containing the whole of both islands 22 morgens, or 44 acres; and also
" another small tract of land lying without said town upon the land com-
"monly called Juffrouw Corlaer's land bounding to the West of Gysbert
" Gerritse [Van Brakel's] land, and to the south of Isaac Cornelise Swits
" land, containing four and a half morgens or 9 acres more or less."*
The exact position of Van Velsen's house in the village cannot be fixed
with certainty, but was probably situated between the house of Mrs. Abel
Smith and the south corner of Mill Lane and State street.
From his house easterly to Coehorn kil, State street at this time was only
settled upon the north side, and the ancient burghers had a clear view from
their front stoops, of Juffiroiiirfs lanclt and the wooded heights lying south
and west of the village. That portion of the above described land, includ-
ing the mill, lying between Church and Dock streets, was conveyed to the
church ; the remainder was held by Wemp's heirs. As the demand for
house lots increased, the church divided up and sold its portion fronting
upon State street, reserving the lowland in the rear, and the corn mill on
Mill lane. This was called the " church pasture," and was not finally sold
until some time after 1800.
* Patents, 1469 ; Coun. Mm., vi, 62; Dutch Church Papers ; see also Van Slyck.
Adult Freeholders. 195
Jellis Van Vorst.
He was son of Jacobus Gerritse Van Vorst of Beverwyck, and was born
in 1670.* At the age of eleven years his father apprenticed him to Jeroni-
mus Wendel for six years, to learn the shoemaker's trade. f
Having in 1699, married Elizabeth, daughter of Jan Baptist Van Eps and
widow of Tennis Viele, he removed to Schenectady the next vear, and pur-
chased of Johannes Ouderkirk and Neeltie Claes his wife, the lot on Union
street next east of the Dutch church lot, 100 feet front and rear and 20T)
feet deep Amsterdam measure.
Sander Glen de oude and Jan Gerritse Van Marcken, magistrate and sec-
retary of the village, conveyed this lot originally to Christiaan Christiaanse ;
the deed was burned in Joris Aertse Van der Baast's house at the sacking
of the town by the French and Indians Feb. 9, 1690 ; therefore Johannes
Sanderse Glen, renewed the same Dec. 1, 1694, and the same day Chris-
tiaanse conveyed said lot to Neeltie Claase, widow of Hendrick Gardenier.
It would seem however from the inventory of Gardenier's property that he
had owned this lot long before the above conveyance.
Neeltie Claase married Johannes Ouderkirk and with him conveyed said
lot to Jellis Van Vorst 21st Feb., 170i for the sum of £21 [5250] current
money of the Province. Johannes son of Gillis, inherited it and gave the
east half to his son Johannes 20 Aug., 1767, his other son Jan Baptist, at
that time being owner of the west half.|
The west half, 50 by 200 feet now forms part of church yard, the east
half of the same dimensions Amsterdam measure, is owned and occupied by
Mr. Aaron Barringer.
Pietkr Adriaense Soegemakelyk § alias Van Woggelttm.
Pieter and Jacob Adriaense (brothers), were innkeepers in Beverwyck
or Colonie Rensselaerswyck. Although the former was one of the early
proprietors of Schenectady, it is not known that he ever resided here.
His village lot was the easterly quarter of the block bounded by Union,
Washington, State and Church streets; he received a patent for this lot in
1664, and sold it to Helmer Otten, baker, of Albany in 1670,|| who dying
soon after, it passed into the possession of Reyer Schermerhorn; the latter
* Annals of Albany, n, 98, 163; Deeds, n, 690. fNot. Paper, n.
X Toll Papers ; Wills, i, 3. § [Soegemakelyk = Oh so easy.— M'M.] | Deeds, n, 769.
196 History of the Schenectady Patent.
having married Otten's widow. The descendants of Catharina Otten, who
married Gerrit Symonse Veeder, long afterwards occupied this corner.
Van Woggeluin's bouweries No. 4, confirmed to him by patent dated
June 5, 1667, were described as "two parcels of land at Schenectady both
" marked No. 4, — one lying west of Arent Van Curlers from which a line
" being drawn between No. 3 [between which and No. 3 a line being drawn]
'' south-east by south stretches along [north] till it conies to a killetje
" bounding No. 1, containing by estimate with the vleylandt thereunto be-
" longing, 14 morgens or 28 acres 164 rods;-r-the other lying on the hind-
" most parcel of land near the river, to the east of No. 3, — to the west of
" No. 6, a line being run on both sides from the river to the small creek
" [dove-gat], south-west and by west, it is in breadth 56 rods and contains
" 12 morgens, — as granted by Governor Stuyvesant June 16, 1664."*
On the 13th Aug., 1670, Pieter Adriaense sold the above parcels of land
to Helmer Otten together with " a barn and rick lying in Schaenhechtede
and a garden in the valley {leeghte)" for thirty-five beaver skins [$112]. f
After the death of the latter about 1685, these lands passed to his daughter
and only heir, Catharina, wife of Gerrit Symonse Veeder, and to his widow
Ariaentje Arentse Bratt, who subsequently married Reyer Schermerhorn.
In the final partition of Otten's estate, Schermerhorn obtained the foremost
lot No. 4, and 8 morgens of the hindmost lot; and Gerrit Symonse 4
morgens of the latter lot and a conveyance from Schermerhorn of 8 morgens
of lot No. 9.
Foremost lot No. 4 remained in possession of the Schermerhorn family
until 1872. The mill right on this farm was confirmed to Schermerhorn in
1688 by patent from Governor Dongan,J and the farms No. 4, by quit-claim
from Jan, eldest son of Pieter Van Woglum in 1695.§
Harmen Albertse Vedder.
He was an early settler in New Netherland, residing mainly at Bever-
wyck, even after he had purchased a bouwery at Schenectady.
As agent of Dirk De Wolfe, merchant of Amsterdam, in 1661, he erected
a salt kettle on Coney Island, which was claimed by the inhabitants of
Gravesend.
* Patents, 478. t Deeds, n, 769 ; in. 108.
% Patent in the Secretary of State's office of Massachusetts at Boston ; also Deeds, v,
287.
§ Schermerhorn Papers.
Adult Freeholders. 197
Vedcler and one Pieterse laid claim to the island, but in a suit brought
before the Governor and Council, were beaten and probably abandoned their
enterprise.* After the Province passed into the possession of the English,
De Wolfe returned to Holland ; and in 1667 his house and lot in Albany,
then occupied by Vedder, was ordered to be confiscated by Governor
Nicolls.f He was a trader, at least so long as he remained in Albany, and
made several voyages to Patriot, — one in 1660, and another in 1668, on
which occasion, being in Holland, he, with other traders, having purchased
goods and chartered the ship King Charles, petitioned the King of England
for permission to send the same to New York, which was granted.^
Vedder's bouwery in Schenectady was rented in 1663 to Symon Groot,
for six years at a yearly rent of 500 guilders.§
In the spring of 1672, it is probable he gave up business in Albany, and
retired to Schenectady, for in February of that year he purchased bouweries
No. 8 of Dirk Hesselingh, to be delivered to him May 1, 1672, and the year
following he was appointed one of the three commissaries or magistrates of
the village.||
In 1674, the magistrates of Schenectady were reprimanded for not show-
ing due respect for those of Willemstadt [Albany], and for pretending to
the privilege of the Indian trade, and Harmen Vedder, schout, in particular,
was complained of because of his conduct towards Capt. Schuyler, and was
warned "to regulate himself accordingly."**
His children were probably born in Albany; but the records of the church
there prior to 1684 being lost, neither the dates of their baptisms nor the
name of his wife, are known. It is only known that in 1668 he was brother-
in-law of Johannes Provoost, secretary of Albany. ff
At the date of his death, which happened before June 18, 1714, JJ five sons
and one daughter were living and had families of their own.§§
Although Harmen Albertse was among the earliest proprietors of Schen-
ectady, his name does not appear as grantee or patentee in the records until
1672, Gen-it Bancker received the patent for bouweries No. 6, in 1664 and
1667 ;||| although in fact he had but a half interest in the same as appears by
* Val. Man., 1863 ; O'Callaghan's Hist.N. N., n, 542. f Col. MSS., xxn, 18.
t Col. Doc, in, 179; Deeds, n, 170. § Not Papers, i.
( Col. Doc, ir, 609. ** Col. Doc. it, 675. ff Deeds, n, 736.
It Deeds, vu, 185. §§ Albany Annals, vn, 35. ||| Patents, 382.
198 History of the Schenectady Patent,
the lease given in 1663, by Bancker and Vedder to Symon Groot for these
bouweries,* aud from the fact that in 1701, Vedder sold the easterly half of
hindmost lot No. 6, which seems to have been his share in the above men-
tioned patent, to his son Albert for £91-16.f That he was an early pro-
prietor also appears from the fact that he with Sander Lcendertse, Willem
Teller and others, petitioned the Governor in 1664, to have their lands sur-
veyed. Hindmost farm No. 6, lying between the river road and the river
was unfit for a hofstede by reason of the annual floods, but the purchase of
the adjacent bouwery No. 8, gave him a convenient and pleasant site for
his house aud farm buildings beyond the reach of the highest floods. J
This farm was originally allotted to Marten Cornelise Van Ysselsteyn
who sold it to Cornelis Corn. Viele, from whom it passed successively to
Jurriaen Teunise Tappen, to Dirk Hesselingh and finally Feb. I, 167£ to
Harmen Vedder, who purchased with " de bouwery (daer den Vboz: Dirk
" Hesselingh op woont op Schaenechtede), soo het landt als huys, schuer ende
" twee berghen &e. soo als het de voorn &c. Hesselingh van Jurriaen Teu-
" nissen gecocht heeft gehadt " * * * to be delivered to Herman Vedder the
coming 1st May, 1672, together with the seed in the ground. Vedder
promised to pay 20 whole beavers to Jurriaen Teunissen for the same.§
In 1701, Harmen Albertse owned a pasture of two and a half morgens
lying between Front street and the river, beginning 509 feet Eng. east of
north street and extending easterly along Front street 210 feet Eng. to the
New York Central Railroad; in 1714-18 this lot belonged to his son
Albert.!
Outside of the limits of Schenectady he owned several parcels of land be-
sides several houses and lots in Albany.
Jan. 31, 1657, he bought of Rutger Jacobsen, "syne hugs en erff gelegen
" in de doorpe beverwyck, breet voor en achter ses dertich voet, lanch vier en
" sestich voet en met a en ganch van vifte voet en breet lanch tot aen Jcil
" welcke ganch is Gelegen tusschen goossen gerritsen [van Schaick] en den
" Vercooper " &c, consideration 2325 guilders.
This lot was on the south side of State street, Albany, between Green and
Pearl streets, and extended back only to the Rutten kil now arched over and
used as a sewer; there was included in this sale Jacobsen's brewery which
was to be delivered to Vedder the following November.**
* Not. Papers, i. f Deeds, v, 107.
% This site is now occupied by the house of Mr. Jno. D. Campbell.
§ Not. Paper. | Deeds, v, 232. ** Albany Co. Rec, 20.
Adult Freeholders. 199
In 1665 he owned a house and lot on the hill in Albany next to Cornells
Steenwyck's.*
He contracted in 1662 to buy a house and lot next to Philip Pieterse
Schuyler's, for 1600 guilders.f
Aug. 21, 1670, he sold to Robert Sanders a parcel of land at Stone Ara-
bia. [Lansingburgh ? ]J
And on Oct. 31, 1677, he and Barent Reyndertse sold "to Claes Janse Van
Boekhoven [cle Brabander] and Ryck Claase [Van Vranken] a farm in Canas-
tagioene on the north side of the Mohawk river, consideration 550 skiples
of wheat. "§
After his death, his children on the 3 May, 1715, petitioned the common
council of Albany for the renewal of a release (burnt at Schenectady when
it was cut off) of a lot owned by their father Harme Vedder deceased, and
lying on the south side of Albany, which petition was granted. ||
Albert Vedder.
Pie was probably the eldest son of Harmen Albertse, and was born in
1671. At the destruction of the village in 1690, he was carried away to
Canada. On his return he married in 1699, Maria, daughter of Johannes
Sandcrse Glen, and had at least five sons and two daughters, a part of
whom were living 8th February, 175|, when his will was made. He died
August 1, 1753, aged 82 yrs., 2 mos.' and 21 days.
His village lot, on the north side of Union street, is thus described in a
deed given June 3, 1701, by Reyer Schermerhorn and others, trustees.
" Whereas Reynier Schaets was in peaceable possession of a certain lot in
"Schenectady, the patent to which is thought to have been destroyed in 1690
"by the French, and as said lot was sold by Gideon Schaets, eldest son of
"said Reynier Schaets to Albeit Vedder, and as said Vedder now desires a
" conveyance, therefore, said trustees of Schenectady conveyed to said Vedder
" said lot, having to the east the lot of Symon Groot, to the west the lot of
" Johannes Teller, north and south, the common highway [Front and Union
"streets], in breadth before and behind 51 feet, and in length 404 feet, wood
" measure."**
This same lot was in possession of Arent Van Curler in 1662, and after
his death in 1667, it passed into possession of Benjamin Roberts, by whom
it was sold to Reynier Schaets.
* A lbany Co. Roc. , 83. f Albany Co. Rcc. , 306.
% Ibid, 408 ; or Deeds, n, 775. § Albany Co., Rec, 166, also Not. Papers.
| Albany Aunals, vn, 35. ** Deeds, v, 100.
200 History of the Schenectady Patent.
He owned and occupied a farm on the north bank of the Mohawk river
at what was called Lusigh hoek, a short distance above the lower Glenville
bridge, late the property of Thomas Walmsley. At this point was the
•' Lower Ferry," until 1808, when it was removed to Van Vorst's the next
farm below, and without the limits (one mile), prescribed by the Mohawk
Bridge charter.
He also inherited his father's pasture on Front street ; in 1759 this lot
belonged to Albert Johannese Vedder.*
Harm an us Vedder.
Harmanus, son of Harmen Albertse, was an Indian trader. He first
married in 1691, Grietje, daughter of Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck and
widow of Andries Arentse Bratt, through whom he probably obtained pos-
session of the village lot on the north corner of State and Church streets,
and the use of most of Bratt's property during the life of his wife, who
died about I730.f In 1 733 he married Ariaantje, daughter of Claas Laurense
Van der Volgen and widow of Aarnold De Graaf. He had eleven children
all born before 1711.
On the 27th Sept., 1733, the Dutch church conveyed to him and his son
Harmen, Jr., for £13 [$32.50], " a lot on the south side of Schenectady and
" on the south side of Mill creek, beginning at the mill dam, — thence along
'• said creek [easterly] with a straight line 283 feet to land of Gerrit Symonse
" Veeder to a post, thence along land of said Gerrit Symonse Veeder [south]
" westerly 180 feet to land of Cornells Viele, thence along land of Cornelis
" Viele north [westerly] 215 feet and thence 70 feet to said Mill dam, Am-
" sterdam measure."};
On the 21st July, 1757, Harmen Vedder, Jr., conveyed this lot to Alex-
ander Vedder then in possession of the mill. Ferry street (extended south)
from State street passes through this lot. In 1747 he was also the reputed
owner of at least a part of his father's farm No. 9, — on the bouwland.§
* Deeds, v, 417.
f Bratt Papers.
X Dutch Church Papers.
§ Gerrit Symonse Veeder's -will.
Adult Freeholders. 201
Arent Vedder.
Arent, son of Harmen Albertse, married Sara, daughter of Symon Groot,
and had eleven children, all of whom save one were living and had families
10 Aug., 1746, when he made his will.
His village lot on the west side of Washington street, extended from the
lot of Charles Thompson to that of Mrs. Peck, about 100 feet Amsterdam
measure. This lot is now owned and occupied by D. Cady Smith.
By his will which was proved March 1, 1755, he devised to his youngest
son Albert, " my house and lot in Schenectady where I now dwell, bounded
" south by the lot of Myndert Veeder, north by the house and lot of
" Hendrick Brouwer, east by the street [Washington], and west by my son
" Harmanus Vedder,"*
He had a farm at Hoffman's [late Vedder's] ferry, which was confirmed
to him by patent of date March 21, 168-f- ; — " a certain parcel of land lying
" above Schenectady on the south side of the river, beginning at the end
" of the limits of said town and so along the river side to the steep strand
" just over a little stoney kil, stretching itself into the woods as far as the
"trees are marked, containing 16 acres, according to the Indian deed thereof
" dated July 20, 1686, and the warrant of Governor Dongan, dated 26 May,
1686."f
By his will he gave to his eldest son Harmen £3; — to son Symon " the
" east part of my land on the south side of the Mohawk river in the
" Woestyne [opposite Hoffman's ferry], where I now live, with house, barn
" and hofstede, beginning at the division between me and Jan Wemple and
" running up the river to Ifromme kil, and a morgen on the hight over or
" on the west side of the Kromme kil between the ditch (slooi) and the river
"and then with a right line where the uppermost or most western line of
" that morgen comes over the kromme kil from the river or to the Kings
" highway, with bosland behind my house; — to my son Harmen my westerly
"part of my bo uwland on the south side of the Mohawk in the Woestyne
" where he has built a house and barn,— beginning on the west side of the
" Kromme kil, &c, — to youngest son Albert Vedder, my house and lot in
" Schenectady where he now dwells, &c — Also three morgens of lowland
" at Schenectady [part of farm No. 8] bounded north by the King's high-
" way, east by the land of Harmanus Vedder, south by land of Corset
"Vedder, west by land of Abraham Mebie, — and my hay pasture ( Weytje)
" \ of a morgen lying in the lowland on the south of Schenectady bounded
" south, west and north by the pasture of heirs of Lourens V. D. Volgen
" and east by the road."J
* Wills, I, 285. f Patents, 1364 ; Toll Papers. % Wills, i, 285
26
202 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Johannes Vedder.
Johannes, fourth son of Harmen Albertse, was carried away to Canada in
1690 with his brother Albert. After his return he married Maria, daughter
of Johannes Fort of Watervliet, in 1705, and secondly Engeltie, daughter
of Gerrit Symonse Veeder in 1732. He had 13 children and died Aug.
14, 1748.
He inherited perhaps a portion of the hindmost farm No. 8 from his father,
to which was added 120 acres of upland in the rear, by patent dated June
12, 1714 ; this land was situated about 600 yards south of the Poenties kil.*
Corset Vedder.
Corset the fifth son of Harmen Albertse, settled in " Schaghkook " about
1708, where he remained until 1720. His first wife was Margarita Darrith
in 1709; she died before the baptism of her first child; his second wife
was Neeltje, daughter of Christiaan Christiaanse of Albany. He had twelve
children.
In 1721, he sold his farm in " Schaghkook " and moved to Niskayuna.f
He owned four morgens of his father's farm No. 8. J His will was dated
Oct. 25, 1745 and he was not living Sept. 20, 1748.
Symon VolckErtse Veeder alias de Bakker.
He was born in 1624; in 1644 he belonged to the ship Prince Willem
plying between Holland and New Amsterdam. §
In 1652 he was in New Amsterdam where he purchased a house and lot,[|
which he sold in 1654 to Albert Gerritse for 30 beavers and removed to
Beverwyck.** In 1665 he owned a house lot in Albany and the year follow-
ing purchased another house and lot by the river of the heirs of Cornelia
Theunise Bos.ff
* Patents, 1672. f Albany Annals, v, 184, 186 ; vn, 17 ; vin, 231, 264, 308.
% Deeds, vn. § Albany Rec. , n, 278 ; Albany Annals, rv, 44.
| Patents, H. H., 3. ** Deeds, n, 36. ft Albany Co. Rec, 76, 408.
Adult Freeholders. 203
His home lot in this village was on the north corner of State and Ferry-
streets; — 120 feet front on the former and 268 feet on the latter street. On
his death about 1700, this lot became the property of his son Volkert who
bequeathed it to his thi*ee sons.
Of the allotments made in 1662 of the bouwland, Veeder received the two
parcels numbered 9, which by the confirmatory patent of Jan. 15, 1667, are
described as — "two parcels of land at Schenectady, both marked No. 9: —
one lying by the river to the east of No. 10 alongst the low ground, a line
running between No. 9 and No. 10 then going forward, its encompassed
by the river and the creek [Poenties kil], containing 24 acres or 12 mor-
gens; — the other parcel lying upon the hindmost piece of land next to the
woods, to the west of No. 10, to the east of No. 8, a line running on each
side from the creek [dove gat] to the woodland south-west and by west,
in breadth 50 rods, in bigness 24 acres or 12 morgens in all '24 morgens."*
These two farms remained in the family wholly or in part for several
generations.!
He also had a pasture lot in the Kalver-viey between Front street and the
river which he conveyed to Joris Arissen Van Baast 27 Feb., 167y, — "in
" length 75 [95 ?] rods, bounded on the west by Gerrit Bancker, on the north
"by the river, breadth 15 rods on the river, on the east by the common
"pasture, on the south by the common boswegh [Front street] 17 rods."|
This pasture containing nearly 2 \ morgens was opposite the pi'esent
Jefferson street.
Nov. 2, 1682, he bought a farm with house, barn, &c, on the Normanskil,
of Jacob Casparse Hallenbeck of Albany, giving in exchange his foremost
lot No. 9, commonly called De Bakkers hoek,§ and on the 16th June, the
following year he purchased of Hallenbeck the same farm, probably, which
passed to his sons Pieter and Johannes. ||
In his will Veeder speaks of his wife Engeltie, and five sons and three
daughters all of whom married and left families.
* Patents, 310.
f See Wills of Symon Volckertse and sons Volkert and Gerrit; Deeds, iv, 106; Not.
Pap., ii.
% Deeds, n, 795.
§ Not. Pap., ii.
j Deeds, m, 183 ; Will.
204 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Gkrrit Symonse. Veedek.
Gerrit, son of Symon Volckertse, married in 1690 Tryntje, daughter of
Helmer Otten.
They had eight children — four sons and four daughters, all of whom lived
to maturity.
Through this marriage in addition to other property, he obtained possession
of lots in the village on the north and west corners of Union and Church
streets, which remained in the family several generations.* The lot on the
west corner came to him by Otten's purchase from Van Woggelum; that
on the north corner was purchased by Reyer Schermerhorn, of Ludovicus
Cobes; — 100 feet on Union street and 223 feet on Church street. By his will
he divided this lot into four smaller ones and gave to his sons Hendrikus
and Symon the lot on the corner, 50 by 180 feet, to his daughter Catriena,
the lot of the same size next west having a front on Union street of 50 feet; —
to Cornells a lot on Church street 40 by 100 feet 180 feet north of Union
street and another 51 X 100 feet north of Cornells' lot to Hendrikus and
Symon. A large portion of these lots fronting on Church street belonged
to the estate of the late Col. Stephen Yates.
December 9, 1718, the Dutch Church conveyed to him a lot on the south
side of State street, " bounded north by the street, 52 feet, east by the lot
" Folkert Symonse [Veeder, his brother] 142 feet, west by the lot of Adam
" Smit 140 feet, and south by land belonging to the afore mentioned
" church 44| feet wood measure."! Subsequently this lot came into the
possession of Thomas Brouwer Bancker, who built upon it the house now
occupied by Mr. John Lake and a blacksmith shop next east, which portion
now belongs to the estate of James Walker deceased.
Besides the above lots within the village, Gerrit Symonse owned several
parcels of land on the bouwland among which were the two farms numbered
* By the contract between Helmer Otten's widow and Jan Janse Bleecker and Hans
Hendrickse, guardians for her daughter Catryna, made July 1, 1676, said widow agreed
to pay her daughter as soon as she was of age or married, " ye somme of 225 whole
beaver skins for the payment of which said Ariaantje dotli bind the farm [No. 4] at
Schenectady," &c. The money in Holland was to be equally divided between mother
and daughter, — a very comfortable estate for a young woman in those times — Veeder
Papers.
f Church and Veeder Ptpis.
Adult Freeholders. 205
nine, patented to his father, four small gardens on the lowland between Mill
creek and the canal and the mill privilege at u Veeder's mill " and the land
adjacent.
He built a mill at this locality quite early. On the 19th Feb. 171-f-, he
received title to the lands on both sides of the creek, (then called Sand kil)
from Vrooman's mill-right (at the Brandywine mill) to and north of the
gasworks on Centre street ; this conveyance gave him 100 yards on each
side of the creek, and that portion lying between the mill and the city along
Centre street was called " Symon's meadow."*
In 1762 the Veeders obtained from Isaac Vrooman (the owner of the
Brandywine mill lot) a conveyance of 603 yards of land and stream above
" Veeders mill" and this remained in the family until 1812, when Judge
Gerrit S. Veeder conveyed the mill right and land at the "cotton factory"
so called, to the "Schenectady Manufacturing Company."
He made his will in which he was joined by his wife, Mar. 12, 174^,
proved July 8, I755,f — making the following disposition of his estate: "To
" his eldest son Helmer the hindmost lot of lowland [No. 9], which he now
"has in possession, — 12 morgens more or less, — lying between the land of
" Harmanus Vedder and Sander Glen, except a morgen that lies on the
" Kings' highway [River road], — item two gardens lying next Cornelis
" Vielen's pasture, that, part next Ephraim Smith's; — item those two gardens
" which lie next above the foregoing gardens, which came from his grand-
" mother" [OttenJJ to Henderikus his "corn mill and half part of the saw
" mill, with the house, barn, stables and all belonging thereto lying on the
" Zant Ml, — the whole pasture as it lies in fence called the vley belonging
u to the right of the above written house and mills excepting six morgens
" of the above written vley beginning at the village and next the pasture
" of Jan Barentse Wempel;" — to his son Symon "the six morgens of the
" vley above mentioned, "§ — to sons Hendrikes and Seymon " four morgens
" of lowland lying in the Hoeck on the bouwland [part of foremost farm
" No. 9] next the path or Kings highway; also my house and part of the lot
" in the village of Schenectady next the new Dutch church, on the corner
* Dutch Church and Veeder Papers.
t Will in Court of Appeal's office.
X These four gardens lay between Mill creek and the canal.
§ These six morgens of land commencing at or near the " Coehorn kil " on Centre
street and extending southward, on the death of Symon without issue were the occasion
of much doubt as to the interpretation of his father's will ; they were in the end sold to
James Willson, merchant.
206 History of the Schenectady Patent.
of the street [north corner of Union and Church streets],* being in breadth
on the south side [on Union street] fifty feet and in length along the
[Church] street on the east one hundred and thirty feet to the lot which I
below give to our son Cornells, and a lot on which my barn stands, being
fifty feet broad along the [Church] street on the east side and one hundred
feet long to the lot of Nicolas Groot, all Amsterdam measure; — to my four
daughters Engeltie, Ariaantje, Annatie and Magdalena, all the rest and
remainder of my land in the Hoeck which I have not above devised, being
four morgens to each one equal morgen; — to son Cornells, a lot lying in
the aforesaid village near the new Church, lying to the south of the lot
and barn that I gave above to my son Symon and Hendrikes, in breadth
on the east side along the [Church] street forty feet and length from the
street to the lot of Nicolas Groot one hundred feet; — to our sons Hen-
drikes and Seymon and Gerrit, son of our son Helmer I give all our land
in the Jersey at a place called the Ganse Gat; — to Catharina Vedder,
daughter of my daughter Engeltie, wife of Johannes Albertse Vedder a
lot of ground lying between the houseand lot of Nicolas Groot and the
house and lot which I have herein above devised to our sons Hendrikes
and Seymon being in breadth on the south side [on Union street] fifty
feet and in length on both sides one hundred and thirty feet to the lot
above devised to my son Cornells, — a little pasture remaining from the
pastures which we herein above have devised to our son Helmer as it lies
in fence next to Cornells Vielen's pasture and the church pasture and Jan
Vrooman's in the corner where they go into the pley y also a morgen of
woodland lying on the hill next the mill-right to the south of Jan
Barentse [Wemps] woodland, which sometime ago was cleared, also a
morgen of lowland lying on the road on the hindmost lot of lowland [No
9] hereinabove devised to my son Helmer on condition that my son Helmer
shall have a waggon way over this morgen of land from his bouwland;
and our sons Hendrikes and Symon shall have the right to drive their
waggons to the saw and corn mills through the little pasture as the path
now runs through it; — to Gerrit Van Antwerpen, four feet in breadth of
ground lying by his house and lot on the south side thereof and one
hundred feet long."f
Gerrit Symonse Feb. 9, 173|, conveyed half of his sawmill to his son
Wilhelmus [Helmers ?], who lived just south of the mill near the Veeder
burying ground. \
* This house and lot on the death of Symon without issue came to Hendricus, who by
will made 3 Mar., 1790, devised it to his daughter Catharina, wife of Jellis J. Fonda. —
Veeder Papers.
f Gerrit Symonse's will.
\ Deeds, vn.
Adult Freeholders. 207
PlETER SYMONSE VeEDER.
Pieter, son of Symon Volkertse, married Neeltje, daughter of Claas
Lawrense Van der VolgeD, in 1704. He settled on the Normans kil, prob-
ably on land given him by his father. At the date of his last child's
baptism in 1709, he was not living.
Johannes Symonse Veeder.
Johannes, son of Symon Volkertse, married, first, Susanna, daughter of
Myndert Wemp, in 1697, and secondly, Susanna Wendel, of Albany, in
1718. He had seven children, all, save one, living at the time of his will,
July 15, 1746,* children of his first wife.
He resided on the Normans kil, where he had a portion of his father's
land, to which he added a part of Jan Hendrickse Van Bael's patent, by
purchase.
Volkert Symonse Veeder.
Volkert, son of Symon Volkertse, married Jannetje, daughter of Reyer
Schermerhorn, in 1698. They had twelve children, seven of whom are
mentioned in his will made August 4, 1733, and proved February 21, 1760.
He died 12th August, 1733. He lived on the north corner of Ferry and
State streets, on a lot received from his father, 120 ft. front, to which his
father-in-law added about 60 ft. more on (he west, as a bequest to his wife
Jannetje.
This lot was divided into three equal shares and devised to his three sons,
Symon, Hendricus and Johannes — to each a lot of about 60 ft. front. He
also owned a lot on the south side of State street, east of the lot of the
Young Men's Christian Association Building, which he devised to his wife.
In 1729, he had an interest in the mill-right, for which he paid a quit rent
to the town of 30 boards. f
Pieter Cornelise Viele.
Two brothers of this name were among the early settlers of Schenectady.
Pieter Cornelise and Cornells Cornelise Viele.
* Will, Court of Appeal's office,
f Groote schult boek.
208 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Pieter came to Schenectady with his brother Cornelis, senior, and in com-
pany with Elias Van Gyseling purchased De Winter's bouwery in 1670.*
His wife was Jacomyntje, daughter of Tennis Swart the first settler, by whom
he had two sons and one or more daughters. He died sometime before
1690, after which his widow married Bennony Arentse Van Hoek, who was
killed in the massacre of 1G90. She subsequently married Cornelis Vinhout
and removed to Ulster county, where she was living as late as 1700.
Viele's village lot was confirmed to him by patent of date Oct. 21, 1670,
" containing as it lies along the highway 200 feet, having to the west Bent
"Bagge and on the east the woodland; as also another small piece of land
" for a plantation, of two morgens or four acres bounded west by the fence
" of Claas Van Petten and on the lot aforementioned, * * behind on the
" line of Pieter the Brasihaen's lot."f
On the 12th Dec, 1684, Pieter Viele and Jan Janse Jonckers obtained a
conveyance from the trustees of Schenectady of the Second flat, next above
Maalwyck on the north side of the river, the former taking the easterly 17
morgens and the latter, the westerly 17 morgens. After his widow's removal
to Ulster county, she conveyed her bouwery on the Second flat in 1699 to
her only surviving son, Lewis Viele, who about 1708 being about to remove
to Schaghticoke, reconveyed the same to the patentees of Schenectady; and
they on the 25th March, 1718, conveyed it to Reyer Schermerhorn.J
Cornelis Viele.
Cornelise Viele in company with Claas Frederickse Van Petten, in 1668
purchased the two bouweries No. 8, of Marten Cornelise Van Ysselsteyn, in-
cluding his house, barn, three ricks, four horses, five cows, eight hogs,
wagon, plough and harrow. Viele sold his moiety, the hindmost farm to
Jurriaen Teunise of Albany.§
He was one of the two licensed tapsters of the village, his inn being on the
south corner of State street and Mill lane near Church street. He was suc-
* Deeds, n, 789.
f Patents, 752. The locality of these lots is unknown to the compiler.
X Deeds, iv, 215, 216 ; vi, 464 ; Gen. Entr., xxxn, 12.
§ Deeds, ii, 740, 741, 777.
Adult Freeholders. 209
ceeded here by Douw Aukes, who married Maria Vielef his grand-daughter.
It was at his house that the traditional merry making was going on when
the village was destroyed on the night of the*8th Feb., 16ff ; Aukes' wife,
two children and a negro servant were slain, and his brother-in-law, Arnout
Viele was carried away to Canada.
The following action was taken Jan. 9, 16*71, by the Governor in refer-
ence to a " Lycence for Cornelyse Cornelyssen Vielen of Schanechtide to tapp
" strong Beer & Liquors there" &c. " Whereas Cornelys Cornelyssen Vielen
" of Schanechtide haveing made this Address to ye commissarya att Albany,
" desiring hee may have Liberty to tapp strong Beer & Liquors and to keep
" an Ordinary, in recompence for several services done by him between us
" & ye Maques, the wh : they have Recommended to mee for my approba-
" tion. But in regard there is a Person already there by name Aques Cor-
" nelyssen Gautsh [Van Slyck] an indyan, that doeth y- same by Lycence
" and Appointm'- of my Predecessor, Coll: Richard Nicolls, would give noe
" Determinacon therein :
" And it being likewise represented that ye said Acques hath not sufficient
" Aceotnmadagon for Strangers wh. ye said Cornely's Cornelyssen Vielen
" doth promise to bee well provided off ye relief e of Strangers & Travellers,
" Upon considerayon had thereupon I have Thought fitt to graunt ye Request
" of ye said Coruelys Cornelyssen Vielen & by these Presents doe give him
" free Lycence and Liberty to tap or sell by Retayle strong Beere &
"Liquors to Strangers & Travellers at Schanechtide, wth this Proviso,
"That this Lycence now granted shall not take away ye priviledge of ye
"former Lycence given by my Predecessor to Aques: And that ye said
" Cornelys Cornelyssen doe keep fitting Accommadacon for men and horses,
" but doe not presume to sell any strong Liquors to ye Indyans to cause
" any disturbance that way under ye penalty of forfeiting this Lycence
" & paying such ffine as ye Law shall Require.
" Given under my Hand at Fort James in New York this 9th day of
January 167l."f
* [The Viele chart compiled by Gen]. E. L. Viele of N. Y., records : Maria married
Matthys Vrooman, Mary married Douwe Aukes.
The text agrees with Trouw boek and other Dutch church records. There were but two
daughters mentioned. Willempie who married S. J. Schermerhorn, and Maria who mar-
ried first M. Vrooman ; second Douwe Aukes.
Sewell's Dictionary Amsterdam 1708, compares names: Maria, Mariken, Mary, Mar-
ritje, Marytje Maartje, Maaike = Mary in the English. Was not this Maria of one mar-
riage the Mary of the other ? — M'M.]
t Gen. Entries, 83.
210 History of the Schenectady Patent.
A dispute having arisen between the two above mentioned tapsters,
Governor Lovelace on the 6th of May, 1672, "ordered that both have Lycence
to tap without molesting each other."*
On the 15th of Aug., 1671, Cornells Viele received a patent to confirm to
him a parcel of land at Schenectady on the north side of the Mohawk river,
" beo-innino- at a certain oaken tree markt on the east and west sides thereof and
" so goes alongst the river S. S., east to ye Point containing in breadth 130
" rods and from ye Point goes again north-west 106 rods, lyeing south [North]
" west from yp hindmost lot of bouwland belonging to Gerrit Bancker and
"running along ye bush or woodside north-west, its in length 132 rods; —
*' all ye said land as it lyes having been markt out by ye Indians at the
"uttmost limits thereof ; — as also a certain island [Sassians] bounded on ye
" south side by ye Maqaaees river over against ye north end of Jacques
" Cornelissen's [Van Slyck's] island, on the north-east side with a creek or
'• kil that lies by the aforementioned Hoeke of bouwland, containing in
" bigness fourteen acres, or seven morgens of land."f
Benjamin Roberts owned a farm at Maalwyck west of Viele's, also the
land opposite on the south side of the river, called Poversen, which he sold
to Hend. Lamb Bont, and Bont to Viele, to whom said lands were con-
firmed by a patent of date Sept. 29, 1677, and by Bout's son to Douwe
Aukes who conveyed the same to his adopted son Cornells Viele, Jr., son
of the first settler. J
After Robert's death his farm at Maalwyck came into possession of his
two step-sons, Pieter and Joseph Clement; the former sold his share to
Cornelis Viele, Jr., in 1710, being the westerly moiety. The deed recites
that " whereas Benjamin Roberts late of Schenectady, obtained a patent
" July 1, 1669, from Governor Lovelace for a piece of land on the north
" side of the Mohawk river over against ye hindmost land heretofore belong-
"- ino- to Arent [Bratt] the Norman, &c, and whereas said Roberts by his
" will June 28 in y ' 5lh year of Anne gave said land to his wife Mary for
" her support while living and a widow, and if she married then to [his step-
" sons] Pieter and Joseph Clement to be divided between them giving to
" the former the house, barn, &c ," — therefore Pieter Clement aforesaid con-
veyed the westerly half of said farm together with the easterly half of
Benten island to Cornelis Viele [Jr.,] for the sum of £445. §
* Gen. Ent., 133 ; Orders in Coun., 127.
+ Patents, in, 64. This land lay in Maalwyck and the island was subsequently called
Viele's island.
% Patents, 1038 ; see also Bont,
§ Deeds, v, 108, 140, 141.
Adult Freeholders. 211
Comelis Viele, senior, also had a gift of land from the natives at the Aal
Plaas on the north side of the river. This ti'act extended two miles down
the river and five miles into the woods. The certificate is dated 12 Feb.,
17 If-, and states that Viele had possession thereof eighteen years and then
sold it to his daughter, Jannetie, wife of Johannes Dyckman, who left it at
the time of the massacre (in 1690) after occupying it two years.*
His wife was Suster [sister ?] possibly of Mohawk blood.
Children: Arnout Cornells, Pieter, Volkert, bp. Dec. 1, 1689, [died without
issue], Jannetie [wife of Johannes Dyckman], Debora [wife of Daniel
Ketelhuyn].f
Arnout Cornelise Viele.
Arnout, son of Comelis Viele, the first settler, married Geeritje Gerritse
of Amsterdam; the records mention but three children, — Arnout, Willempie,
who married Symon Jacobse Schermerhorn, and Maria,} who married first
Matthys Vrooman, and secondly Douwe Aukes of Schenectady. He usually
resided in Albany and was for many years provincial interpreter at all the
important negotiations with the Indians, and at their yearly gatherino-s at
Albany. On account of their high esteem for him and as a recognition of
his services, the Mohawks in 1683 gave him a parcel of land above Schen-
ectady on the north side of the river called Wachkeerhoha.
In 1687 while on his way to Ottawa to trade with the natives, he was
taken prisoner by the French. §
Espousing the cause of Leisler in opposition to Col. Ingoldsby he was
dismissed from his office of interpreter, after which he retired to Long
Island,! but being held in "great esteeme with the Indians " and "being a
* Land Papers, vn, 78.
f [The Viele family chart gives him eleven children : Arnout Cornelisson, 1677 ; Willem-
pie, ; Maria, 1684; Mary, 1685; Cornellise, 1687; Debora, 1695; Pieter Cornellise,
1700; Susannah, 1707; Ludovickus, 1709; Teunis, ; Volkert, . It also makes
Maria Cornellise instead of Maria Arnoutse, the wife of Mathys Vrooman and Mary
Cornellise, the wife of Dowe Aukes. This does not accord with the Schenectady and
Albany Dutch Church Records but Gen. Viele may have family bible of that date as
authority.— M'M.]
% [See Ants, Cornells Cornelise Viele, note.]
§ Col. Doc, in, 431.
|| Col. Doc, iv, 198.
212 History of the Schenectady Patent.
good and faithful interpreter," he was recalled and reinstated in his office.*
At the burning of Schenectady in 1690, his son Arnout was carried away to
Canada and remained with the Indians three years, but on the occasion of
the attack made upon the Mohawk castles by the French in 1693, he
escape d.f
The above mentioned grant from the Mohawks was that parcel of flat land
afterwards called the Fourth flat. It is not probable that Viele settled upon
it, or that his title was regarded as good, for it was about this time occupied
by Ludovicus Cobes and his son-in-law Johannes Kleyn, \ under title re-
ceived from the trustees of the township in 1684.
Hendrick Meese Vrooman.
Of the three brothers of this name who came to New Netherland, two,
Pieter and Jacob, settled in Albany, and left no male descendants ; Hen-
drick, after living at Kinderhook and Steene Raby [Lansingburgh] removed
in 1677, to Schenectady, and on the sale of the Van Curler bouwery, pur-
chased 20 morgens of the same. This parcel was a strip of laud, commenc-
ing a little south of Water street, and extending south-westerly to or near
the sand bluff, embracing the land covered by the canal and railroad tracks,
being bounded on the east by the land belonging to the Veeders. As there
were then no public roads across the flats in this direction, Vrooman's land
was reached by a lane still in existence, called Vrooman's alley, or lane,
leading from Water street south-westerly, nearly parallel to Rotterdam
street.
His village lot on the north side of State street, extended from Lange
gang (Centre street), to within 49 feet of Given's Hotel, and extending
back northerly about 500 feet.
Here Hendrick Meese was slain in 1690, with a son and two negroes.
His two sons, Adam and Jan, inherited his estate.§
* Col. Doc, iv, 214, 329, 347.
\ Col. Doc, iv, 17.
X [He may have transferred his claim under Indian title to Ludovicus Cobes schout
and secretary. It would require no record, as no patent had been issued to him by the
Governor. — M'M.]
§ Albany Annals, v, 79 ; Deeds, n, 848 ; Not. Papers, n.
Adult Freeholders. 213
Adam Vrooman.
Adam, son of Hendrick Meese, was born in Holland, in 1649; in 1670,
with consent of bis fatber, he bound himself for two years to Cornells Van-
den Bergh, of Albany county to learn the millwright's trade, for 80 guilders
in silver and a pair of new shoes the first year, and 120 guilders in silver
the second year; and in 1683 he built a mill on the Sand-kil where the
Brandywine mill now stands. In 1690, when Schenectady was destroyed,
he saved his life by his bravery in defending his house, which stood near
the north gate on the west corner of Front and Church streets.* On this
occasion his first wife, Engeltje, with her infant child, was killed, and his
two sons, Wouter and Barent, were carried away to Canada. In 1697, he
went to Canada with an embassy to obtain the release of his sons (one of
whom had become a Catholic), his brother (Jan ?) and cousin (Matthys,
son of Pieter Meese, of Albany), all held as prisoners. He made his will
Sept. 12, 1729, — proved June 13, 1730, and died on his farm in Schoharie,
Feb. 25, 1730, and was buried in his own private burying ground on lot No.
35 Front street.
Vrooman married three times, first, Engeltie , secondly, Grietje
Ryckman, widow of Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck, in 1691, and thirdly,
Grietje Takelse Heemstraat, Jan. 13, 1697, in Albany. He had thirteen
children, — nine sons and four daughters, all living at the date of his will
save two daughters.
Besides his village lot above mentioned he owned divers other parcels of
land.
On the 22 April, 1703, he received a patent for his mill right on the Sand
kil, described as "all that creek called Sand creek near Schenectady and the
mill thereon erected and all profits &c. to the said creek belonging." He
is said to have " enjoyed the same" about 20 years. f
In 1707, he petitioned to have his patent confirmed and explained because
some people insinuate that twro small springs or sprouts of water which run
into said creek and all meet at a place called Symonse's [Veeder's] meadow
were not included in his patent ; he therefore desired a new patent, which
* Henry Yates and Dulcli Church Papers,
f Patents, 1578.
214 History of the Schenectady Patent.
should include the same and the whole Sand kil to the Mohawk river.* The
result of this petition was a new patent dated Sept. 17, 1708, for " all that
" creek, called the Sand Creek and the mill thereon erected with two small
" springs or sprouts of water which run into the same creek and all meet at
" a place called Symon's meadow and so continue under the name of the
" Sand creek till it empties itself into the Mohawk river." This mill prop-
erty and land adjoining were conveyed to his son Wouter.f
Jan. 2, 170^ Vrooman bought additional land of the trustees of Schenec-
tady for the purpose of erecting another saw-mill there.!
All that remains to show the occupation of this spot for milling purposes
by the Voomans, is the ancient brick house built probably by Adam's son
Wouter, still standing and used as a dwelling.
Vrooman's patent for lands in Schoharie is dated Aug. 26, 1714 ; this
tract comprised " 600 acres of lowland and upland," and was occupied by
his son Pieter and his descendants.!
March 30, 1726, he obtained a new Indian title to the flats known as
"Vrooman s Land" about 1400 acres of the best land in the Schoharie
Valley. 1
He likewise with his brother Jan, inherited about 20 morgens of land
from his father Hendrick, who bought the same of the administrators of
Mrs. Antonia Van Curler.
Adam's portion, consisting of 10 morgens, lay directly south of the village
and is now largely occupied by the canal and railroads; he conveyed his
portion to his son Jan, in 1726.**
June 5, 1688, " Adam Vrooman doth petition ye Common Council [of
" Albany] yl whereas Rode ye Maquaase sachem, for divers considerations
"hath about three years agoe granted him two flatts or plains upon both
" sides of ye Maquaase river above Hendrick Cuyler's land [at Crane village]
"containing about eleven morgens wh: said land he doth presume is in-
" eluded -in ye grant given to this citty and inserted in their charter and
" therefore prays y1 ye Mayor, Aldermen and commonalty would be pleased
" to grant him a conveyance for ye said two parcels of land lying near ye
*Land papers, iv, 106. tPatentp> 1624- Deeds, vi, 259.
\ Groote sclndt boeJc. § Patents, 1680.
)| Simm's Hist. Schoharie. ** Old deed.
Adult Freeholders. 215
" stone house [Juchteminda] so called by ye Indians, as ye goe to y8
" Maquaase Country, and forty acres of Woodland adjoining them, which
" would be a convenient settlement for ye s'1 Adam Vrooman, and is willing
" to pay a small acknowledgement for ye same yearly."*
These lands were granted and consisted of sixty acres, for a yearly rent
of two bushels of winter wheat, conditioned that he should build a small
house on it and plow a part of the land next spring. This grant is described
as " being on both sides of the Mohawk river west of Hendrick Cuyler's
" land; — on the south side ten morgeus opposite a place called by the Indians
" jucJetanunda that is ye stone hoiises, being a hollow rock on ye river side
" where ye Indians generally lie under when they travill to and from there
" country. The other pieces on the north side of the river, one a little
" higher than ye said hollow rock or stone houses att a place called by ye
" natives Si/ejode)tawadde and so eastward down the river so as to compre-
" hend twelve morgens The other just above the marked tree of
"Hendrick Cuyler, .... one morgen and three or four little islands."!
The patentees of Schenectady, on May 4, 1718, conveyed to him " a piece
" of woodland containing three morgens 527 rods, butting the street south-
*' ward [Union street] that leads from the town 49 rods, and on the north-
" most end [on Green street] 49 rods, and butting westward the land of
"Symon Groot 47 rods, and butting the woodland of his son Barent 48 rods
" all Rynland measure."]; This wood lot commenced on the north line of
Union street at the westerly line of the lot of John B. Clute, and extended
along Union street to the original easterly line of the grounds of Union
school, now occupied by the New York Central railroad track, and was
bounded northerly by Green street. This lot he gave to his son Jan, January
17, 172-f, "being four morgens of bushland with one-half of the brewhouse
" thereon erected, and likewise one-half of the furnaces, coppers, vats,
" vessels and all other utensils in said brewhouse, being at present in the
" use aud occupation of said Adam Vrooman and Barent his son." This
brewhouse stood on the easterly end of the aforesaid lot where the canal and
railroad cross Union street, which was often called Brewer's street. §
On the 4th May, 1718, being about to dispose of his house and lot on the
west corner of Front and Church streets, the patentees of Schenectady gave
him a new deed describing it as a lot " in Schenectady fronting the street
" eastward [northward] that leads from the Fort to the river [Front street]
* Albany Aunals, n, 101.
f Deeds, iv, 2.
% H. Yates' and Dutch Church Papers.
§ Old Deed.
216 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" 97 feet, and butting the lot of Gerrit Symonse [Veeder] southward 97
" feet, and butting the lot of Symon Groot [westward] 144 feet, all Dutch
" wood measure, together with the houses, brewhouses, &c."
On the 6th of May he conveyed the above lot to Pieter Quackenbos.*
The patentees likewise conveyed to Adam Vrooman on the 4th May,
1718, "a piece of pasture land butting the road [Front street] south that
" leads from the north gate towards Jan Luykasse'sf forty rods and four
"feet, northward by the Mohawk river 29 rods, butting eastward the
" pasture ground of Johannes Teller 46 rods, and westward the land in pos-
session of David Lewis 42 ruds, allRynland measure, containing 2 morgens
" 346 rods. "| This lot commenced on the north line of Front street at the
east line of the lot of Nicholas Yates' and extended easterly along said
street 498.5 feet English, to a point 194 feet westerly from the west side of
North street,§ including that part of Ferry street between Front street|| and
the river.
In 1727 he conveyed all that portion of this pasture lot lying between the
west line of No. 35 Front street and the easterly line of said lot, — 335 feet
Amsterdam measure, — to his son Jan, reserving however a parcel 35 feet
long and 18 feet broad, for a burying place for himself, his heirs and assigns
forever.
This burying place now forms a part of lot No. 35.**
Jan Vrooman.
He was son of Hendrick Meese, and married Geesie, daughter of Symon
Volkertse Veeder, July 4, 1680, and had fifteen children, nine sons and
six daughters, the most of whom attained maturity and left families. He
made his will April 24, 1732.
His village lot, inherited of his father, had a front on the north side of
State street of 172 feet, extending from a point 49 ft. east of Given's Hotel
lot to the Stanford block.
* Deeds v, 417, 514.
f The north gate through the palisades was at the north end of Church street, and
Jan Luykasse's lot was on the west comer of Jefferson and Front streets.
\ H. Yates' Papers.
§ To the lot of the late Isaac Ledyard.
| This part of Ferry street was not then opened.
** Deeds, vi, 209.
Adult Freeholders. 217
His house and the westerly half of this lot, by his will were devised to
his son Cornelis, who died the next year, leaving his property to his mother,
by whom it was devised to her son Bartholomew, in 1734. The easterly
half Jan Vrooman devised to his son Jacob, who had already built a house
upon it.
In 1686 he bought half of Jan Hendrickse Van Bael's patent, on the
Normanskil.*
On March 10, 170£, the trustees of Schenectady conveyed to Jan Vroo-
man, " a piece of land near Schenectady, to the west the highway [Jefferson
" St.] that's laid out on the east side of the woodland of Philip Schuyler,
" to the north and north east ye woodland of Arent Bratt, to the east and
" south the highway [Pine street] that leads to Symon Groot's bridge,
" containing two morgens."f This parcel extended the whole length of
Jefferson street, from Front to Pine streets, and of a sufficient breadth to
comprise four acres.
Jan Vrooman's portion of his father's bouwland was conveyed to him
June 8, 1714, by his elder brother, Adam, to wit, "one half of a certain
" piece of land called Juffrouw Corlaer's Weyland, which half contains ten
" morgens or thereabouts, Bounded north by the other half belonging to
" said Adam, east by the meadow of Gerrit Symonse [Veeder], south and
" west by the land of Jan Wemp; together with free ingress and regress of
" the waggon road [ Vrooman's lane] to the said piece of land and half the
" benefit of the grass growing on said road. "J By his will, made April 24,
1732, this parcel was divided among his sons.
Capt. Hendbick Vrooman.
He was the fourth son of Adam Vrooman and until 1705 was resident of
Albany. He married first Geertruy , and secondly Maria, daughter
of Barent Wemp, and had eleven children. When the church was built in
1732 he was baes of the carpenters.
Among other parcels of land owned by him, was one conveyed by the
trustees of Schenectady 10 Mar., 170f, and described as "one morgen of
" woodland on ye south side of the highway [State street], on the side of
" the [Coehorn] creek that runs by Johannes Baptist Van Eps dwelling,§
* Deeds, in, 309, 322. f Dutch Church Papers. % Old Deed.
§ J. B. Van Eps lived on the east corner of Jay and State streets.
28
218 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" breadth in front on the [State] street twenty rods [240 ft.] and runs back
" south along said creek and land of Barent Wemp [which was on the west
" side of the creek] thirty rods [360 ft.] untill it takes in one morgen."*
The front of this lot extended from Coehorn kil south-easterly along State
street to a point about 62 feet beyond Clinton street and to the rear towards
Smith street 330 feet English.
The patentees of Schenectady, Jan. 3, 17 If, likewise conveyed to him
another parcel of land on the south corner of Union and Centre streets
described as " a piece of woodland in the east part of the town, beginning
"at the north west corner of the lot of Jan Barentse Wemp by the street
" [Centre] and runs from thence along said street north 35° E. 37 rods [444]
"to the crossway [Union and Centre streets], thence south 78° E. 19 rods
" [228 ft.] along the road that leads to Niskayuna [Union street], thence
" south 34° W. 40 rods [480 ft.] — thence to the place of beginning, con-
" taining one morgen 105 rods, Rynland measure."f
This lot extended south from Union street nearly to Liberty street and
there joined upon his brother-in-law Wemp's lot which fronted upon State
street, and easterly to No. 120 Union street. In 1755, Tobias Ryckman of
Hackensack, N. J., conveyed the northerly half of this lot to Ryckert Ryck-
ertse Van Vranken for £86 [$215]; it was then described as "a house and
" lot bounded north by the road to Niskayuna, 19 rods 3 feet [231 ft.], East
" by lands of Dirk Bratt 18 rods 8 ft. [224 ft.], south by land of Wouter
u Vrooman 19 rods 3 ft. [231 ft.] and west by the road [Centre St.], leading
"to Jellis Fonda's, 12 rods and 8 ft. [152 ft.]."J Wouter, who in 1755
owned the southerly half of Hendrick Vrooman's lot was his brother.
Barent Vrooman.
Barent, son of Adam Vrooman, maried Tryntje, daughter of Takel Heem-
straat of Albany, June 18, 1699. He died and was buried in Albany, Aug.
14, 1746. (?)
His village lot on the north corner of State and Centre streets had a front
on the former street of 86 feet and extended in the rear to Liberty street.
It was afterwards owned by Maj. Abraham Swits, now by Mr. Charles
Stanford.
Jan. 2, 17 Of- the trustees of the town conveyed to him " a piece of wood
land at Schenectady adjoining on the east side of the woodland of Adam
" Vrooman, on the north side of the cross way [Union street], on the south.
Dutch Church Papers. f Dutch Church Papers. t Ibid.
Adult Freeholders. 219
" side of the waggon way that leads to the bridge called Symon Groot's
"bridge* [Green & Pine streets], on the west of the highway that comes
" out from the lot of the said Barent Vrooman & the lot of Barent Wempf
" [Centre street], containing in length on the west side along y- fence of
" ye said Adam Vrooman's woodland 48 rods, and on the east side the like
" breadth, on ye north end 37 rods 10 ft. and on the south end at the said
"Crossway [Union street] 20 rods 3 ft. Rynland measure;" — consideration
£9 [$2250]"J This parcel of woodland bounded by Union, Centre and Green
streets and the New York Central railroad nearly, and containing about
4.64 acres was sold for $22.50 or about $4.84 per acre.
In Feb. 170-f- the trustees of the town sold to him another parcel of land
described as "a piece woodland on ye east side of ye common highway that
" leads betwixt the lot of Barent Vrooman and lot of Barent Wemp towards
" Symond Groots bridge [Centre and Pine Streets], which piece lies opposite
" to. ye pasture land of ye said Barent Vrooman and contains ye same
" breadth of ye pasture, being 48 rods and holding that same breadth east-
" ward along the north side of the highway that leads from Schenectady to
"Niskayuna [Union street], till it takes in the quantity of four morgens, or
" 8 acres."§ The consideration for these eight acres was £15 or $3750 being
$4.68 per acre. This parcel extended from Centre street to a point 152 feet
easterly from Fonda street having a front on Union Street of about 618
feet, and in the rear to Pine street.
In 1744 he bought of the town seven morgens 545 rods of land lying on
the hill along the Nestigeyone road; — rent three shillings and three pence
yearly. ||
He also owned Kruisbessen island containing about two morgens of land,
which he purchased of Hendrick Vrooman and Arent Danielse Van
Antwerpen, March 11, 170-f, and by his will made Sept. 6, 1748, devised to
Isaac Swits and his wife Maria.**
* Pine street at tbis time extended easterly through the lot of the Schenectady loco-
motive works, crossing the college brook, then called Symon Groot's kil, within the yard,
by a bridge called as above and so on through college grounds to Nott street.
f As stated above Barent Vrooman's village lot was on the north corner of Centre and
State streets ; Barent Wemp's lot was on the opposite or east corner, now occupied by
the Carley house.
\ Deeds, v, 95^; Groote schult boek.
§ Deeds, v, 96. | Groote schult boek. ** Sanders Papers.
220 History of tJie Schenectady Patent.
Barent Vrooraan was by trade a carpenter, Indian trader and brewer,
owning the brewhouse on Union street* with his father Adam, and after-
wards with his brother Jan.
WOUTEE VEOOMAN.
Wouter, son of Adam Vrooman, married Marytje, daughter of Isaac
Casparse Hallenbeck of Albany. They had sixteen children. His wife
died Jan. 19, 1748; he made his will May 7, 1748, — proved April 18, 1757, —
and died Oct. 26, 1756.
He owned the following parcels of real estate in or adjacent to the
village.
1st. The south half of his brother Hendrick's large lot on the south
corner of Union and Centre streets. This lot fronted on Centre street com-
mencing on the east side thereof — at a point 152 feet south-westerly from
the south corner of Union and Centre streets and had a front of 292 feet
and a depth of 231 feet Rynland measure, f
2d. A pasture lot on the north side of Front street next west of his father
Adam's lot, which on the 21st April, 1711, he sold to Jacob Cromwell inn-
keeper for £130 [$325], — " a house and lot bounded north by the river,
" south by the street [Front], east by the lot of Adam Vrooman and west
"by the lot of Claas Fransen Van de Bogart, — length 542 feet; — breadth
" on south end 95| feet and on north end 33 feet one inch, Dutch measure.''^
This lot is now owned by Joseph Harmon and Nicholas Yates.
3d. His father also conveyed to him Oct. 13,1710, — consideration £292-10
the mills and land at the " Brandywine mills," which passed to Adam and
Isaac, sons of said Wouter.§
The mill property and lands were confirmed to him in 1716 by a new
lease for which he paid £15 and 600 boards, with a yearly rent reserved of
one board. I
4th. He owned 5| morgens of bouwland, — a portion of farm No. 10,
which he purchased of Dirk Bratt of Niskayuna, April 3, 1741, for £207,
" just over the third bridge [on the " Poenties kil], between the lot late
" belonging to Reyer Schermerhorn and the lot late belonging to Catrina
"Glen, late widow of Cornelis Barentse Van Ditmarse and late wife of
* At the crossing of the N. Y. Central railroad and the canal.
f Deeds, vti ; Dutch Church Papers.
X Deeds v, 496. § Deeds vi, 259. J Dutch Church Papers.
Adult Freeholders. 221
" Gerrit Lansingh, Jr., decd, having the waggon way [river road] to the
" south and Maquas river to the north, in breadth to the waggon way 32
" rods, and the same breadth towards the river, formerly belonging to
"Cornells Teunise Swart deceased."*
5th. His father Adam, by deed of gift of date 15 Feb., 172f, conveyed to
him " a certain lot in Schenectady bounded south by the road [Front street]
" over against the house and lot of the widow of Capt. Philip Schuyler
" deceased, 75 feet, and west butting the lot of his sister Christiana
"deceased, wife of Teunis Swart 215 feet from the roadway or street, on
" the north end butting the land of his father Adam deceased (?) 65 feet
"and on the land and orchard of his father Adam east 210 feet up to the
"street; — Amsterdam measure."! The westerly line of this lot is now the
westerly line of the lot of Daniel Vedder who owns a portion of said lot.
In 1748 Wouter Vrooman devised this lot and the house "in which I now
" dwell as the same was conveyed to me by my father," to his youngest son
Nicholas also "that parcel of land, — 1i morgens, — purchased by me of
" Philip Livingston near the fort. "J This latter lot, on the north side of
Front street, was originally patented to Sander Leendertse Glen in 1664, and
commenced at a point 299 feet English, east of North street and extended
along the street easterly 210 feet English.
Jan Vrooman.
Jan, son of Adam Vrooman, was by trade a brewer. lie probably did
not marry, — if so there is no record of it in the Dutch churches of Albany
and Schenectady.
On the 17 Jan., 172f, his father conveyed to him the following parcels
of land :
1st. " A lot of Ground in Schenectady on the north side of said town and
•' on the north side of the street that leads to the pastures [Front street]
" near and partly over against his Majes4y\s_Fort, with barn, 2 dwelling
" houses and kitchen thereon, the easternmost house, kitchen and barn being
" now in possession of said Adam Vrooman, and the westernmost house,
" now in possession of Takel Dirkse [Heemstraat], — beginning from the east
" corner of Douwe Fonda's lot [No. 33 Front street] and running easterly
" along the front to the lot of the heirs Johannes Teller [to a point 1 94 ft.
"west of North street] 335 Amsterdam feet, then northerly along the lot of
" heirs of said Johannes Teller to Schenectady river, then westerly up said
* Deeds vi, 259. t Deeds vi, 259. J Will Court of Appeals.
222 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" river to the lot belonging to the heirs of Jacob Cromwell, deceased, then
" southerly up the said lot till it comes to the bottom of the lot belonging
'■ to Teunis Swart, then easterly along the bottom of the lots of the said
"Teunis Swart, Wouter Vrooman and Douwe Fonda aforesaid as the fences
" now stand, then southerly up the east side of the lot of the said Douwe
"Fonda till it comes to the street or front where it first began (excepting
" only one small piece of ground lying on the east side and adjoining to the
"fence of the lot of ground of the said Douwe Fonda, which the said Adam
"Vrooman reserves for a burying place for himself, his heirs and assigns
" forever, by the fence of the said Douwe Fonda, being 35 feet long and 18
" feet broad)."*
" Also four morgens of bushland with one half of the brewhouse thereon
" erected and likewise one-half of the furnaces, coppers, vats, vessels and
" all other utensils in said brewhouse, the said brewhouse being at present
" in the use and occupation of said Adam Vrooman and Barent his son,
" bounded on the south by the Cross street [Union street], on the east
" by the land of the said Barent Vrooman, on the north by the highway
" that leads from the Fort by the house of Willem Coppernol into the
"woods [Green and Pine streets] and on the west by the lot of Dirk
" Groot."f
" Also a lot of arable land on the sOuth west side of the town of Schen-
" ectady on the first part of the land called Mrs. Corlaer's land, bounded
" north west by land of Jan Wemp, south west by land of Jan Vrooman,
"brother of said Adam Vrooman, where a large white oak tree stands,
" & south east by land of his [Adam's] said brother Jan Vrooman and
" further on the south east side, by the land of Hendrick Vrooman son of
" said Adam Vrooman, and on the north east side by the lands of Gerrit
" Symonse [Veeder] and the garden of Dirk Groot, as it now lyes in fence, —
" about 8 morgens and 200 rods, all Rynland measure."]; This parcel
lying west of the city is now mainly covered by the canal and railroad.
Pibter Vrooman,
Pieter, son of Adam Vrooman, married Grietje, daughter of Isaac Van
Alstyne of Albany, Feb. 2, 1*706. They had twelve children. He settled
early upon Vroomari's land in Schoharie, purchased by his father for him.
He made his will Oct. 10, 1768, proved Dec. 20, 1771, — in which he speaks of
most of his children and grandchildren. §
* This burial lot is now included in lot No. 35 Front street.
f This lot had a front on Union Street from the west line of John B. Clute to the N. Y.
Central railroad.
X Deeds, vi, 209. § Wills, Court of Appeal's office.
Adult Freeholders. 223
Simon Vrooman.
Simon, son of Jan Vrooman and Geesie Veeder, married Eytje, daughter
of Jacob Delamont.
In 1710 he bought of Willem Appel for £48 [$120], the lot lying on the
west side of the canal extending from State to Liberty streets, now the pro-
perty of the estate of Peter Rowe. This lot originally had a front on State
street extending from the lot of Samuel Myers to that of Robert Ellis, the
larger portion of which is now occupied by the canal.
From his father he inherited a parcel of land bounded by Jefferson and
Pine streets now in the occupation of the Schenectady elevator company,
and Messrs. Vedder and Van Voast.
By his will made in 1752, his son Jacob inherited his house and lot above
mentioned, and his son Johannes the "tan pits" near the Church mill on
Mill lane.
Jan Barentse Wbmp, alias Poest.
He arrived in Beverwyck in 1643 or 1645, where he became a resident
owning from time to time several house lots in the village of Beverwyck, and
parcels of land in Rensselaerswyck. His wife Maritie Myndertse, after his
death about 1662, again married in 1663, Sweer Teunisse Van Velsen alias
Van Westbrook.* Wemp had six children, three of whom were sons.
He purchased of Mad. Johanna De Laet, a bouwery in Lubberde's Landt
[Troy], which after his death his legal representatives sold for 250 beavers
to Pieterse Van Woggelum, whom Wemp's son, Myndert sued in 1675 for
the fourth payment of 40 beavers, f
This bouwery was on the Poesten Ml which probably received its name
from his alias, Poest.
Nov. 12, 1662, Governor Stuyvesant granted the first patent for land at
Schenectady to Jan Barentse Wemp and Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck. This
grant was for the great island in the Mohawk, lying west of the village,
called later Van Slyck's and sometimes Wemp's island, containing about 82
acres of the best land in the valley.J The description given in the patent
* See Ante-nuptial contract, Not. Paps., i, 435, 438.
f Albany Co. Rec, 456, 492 ; Proceed, of Magis., 1675-80, folio 7, Albany City Clerks
office.
X Bee Patent in Union College Library.
224 History of the Schenectady Patent.
is as follows, to wit: "the island till now named Marten's island, lying
" near Schenectady over against the town on the west side of the creek
•' \_Bi7inb kil]* in its entirety, notwithstanding there is a little creek running
" through it f comprising about [41] morgens."
In the confirmatory patent given April 13, 1667, by Governor Nicoll to
Sweer Teunise Van Velsen.J and Jaques Cornelise Van Slyck " in quality
of brother and heir of Marten Mourits;" it is described as " a certain island,
" called ' Marten's island near Schenectady, over against the town containing
" [82] acres, first taking out six acres, or 3 morgens, on said island the title
" to which was vested in said Theunissen, who married the widow of Jan
" Barentse Wemp to whom and the said Jacques Cornelise said island was
"granted Nov. 12, 1662, by Governor Stuyvesant."§
Wemp's village lot was on the west side of Washington, commencing on
the north side of the lot of Charles Thompson and extending southward
166 feet more or less, and westward to the river. This lot was inherited by
his son Myndert, who was killed in the massacre of 1690.
Myndert Wemp.
Myndert, eldest son of Jan Barentse Wemp, was born in 1649 ; he mar-
ried Diower, daughter of Evert Janse Wendel of Albany. There is no
record of more than two children. In 1689 Leisler appointed him justice of
the peace and the following year he was slain when the village was de-
stroyed by the French, and his only son Johannes with two negroes was
carried to Canada.
* [Binne kil (inner creek), is the modern name given to this branch of the Mohawk
river. — M'M.J
f The land thus separated from the greater island by this " little creek " was called later
Varken's island. In 1693 Rode, a Mohawk Indian, declared that about 30 years ago
when Schenectady began to be settled, he and other Mohawk Indians granted to Marte
Cornelise Van Slyck the island known as Varken's on the north side of Akus' island. —
Col. MSS., xxxix, 216.
X Van Velsen married Wemp's widow in 1663, and therefore took his place in the
land graut.
§ Patents, 357. This island was evidently at first owned by Jan Barentse Wemp and
Marten Mourisse, brother of Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck, for Sept. 16, 1662, they hired
Hendrick Arentse to labor on their bouwery at Schenectady, and Mourise must have
died between that date and Nov. 12, 1662, the date of the patent in which Wemp and
Jacques Van Slyck are joint owners, the latter in character as heir of his brother Marten. —
Not. Pap., i, 74.
Adult Freeholders. 225
Myndert Werap inherited his father's village lot on Washington street.
After his death it was divided into two parcels, — the northerly part embrac-
ing the lots of Messrs. Thompson and Swortfiguer falling to his daughter
Susanna, wife of Johannes Symonse Veeder, and the southerly portion hav-
ing a front of 66 feet, to his son Johannes. In 1748 the latter bequeathed
his lot to his two grandsons Johannes and Myndert ; the latter became the
sole owner and in 1784, conveyed it to William Scott, who in 1816 sold it
to Nathaniel Burdick. The northerly portion comprising about 100 feet on
the street was divided into two lesser lots of 50 feet each, and after their
mother's death allotted to her two sons Simon and Myndert Johannese
Veeder, the northerly half to the latter and the southerly half to the former.
In 1802, Myndert disposed his lot to Samuel McWilliams ; and in 1761,
Symon conveyed his parcel to his son-in-law Col. John Glen, who in 1802,
disposed of it to James Murdock, finally in 1803, Murdock sold it to Mrs.
Ann Constable. The ancient house now standing on this lot and occupied
by George Swortfiguer was built by " Quarter Master " John Glen.
Johannes the son of Myndert, married first Catalina, daughter of Reyer
Schermerhorn, June 15, 1700, and secondly, Ariaantje, daughter of Isaac
Swits, Oct. 6, 1709, and had twelve children, — six sons and six daughters.
He early moved up the river into Montgomery county. In 1711, he
lived in " the Mohawk's country on the Mohawk river.'' He owned land in
the present town of Rotterdam, bounded on the north by the river extend-
ing from the Zandig kil to the burying ground of the Reformed church.*
On the 16th Dec, 1737, he obtained a patent for 450 acres of land in the
town of Florida.f Besides the house lot in Washington street, he also
inherited from his father a portion of Van Slyck's island, which came into
the family through his grandfather, Jan Barentse Wemp. He was one of
the five patentees appointed by the new charter of 17L5, and continued to
hold that office until his death, Oct. 14, 174'.).
He made his will March 5, 1 74f,— proved Dec. 27, 1749, and disposed of
his estate as follows, to wit : — " to Myndert ray oldest son one acre of
" land in Schenectady in the Mohawk river on the south side of the fore-
" most island [Van Slyck's]— also my eighth part of a sawmill <fcc. inSchen-
* This was purchaser! in 1742, of Pieter Vrooman.
f Wills, Court of Appeal's office ; Deeds, vn, 451 ; xi, 1 ; xvni.114; Wills, Albany
Co. Clerk's office, i, 285 ; Schen. Deeds B., 152 ; Patents, 1889.
29
226 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" ectady on the east side of tbe Mohawk river about four miles north east
" from the village on a certain creek called Mill creek [Jan Wemp's creek] ;
" — to Reyer my messuage or tenements on the south side of the Mohawk
" within the limits of the township of Schenectady where said Reyer lived
" so as it now belongs to me (commonly called Dans Kamer and War-
" moes gat at a place called Woesty?ie) ; — to Isaac and Ephraim the westerly
" part of the flats on the south side of the Mohawk river, where I now live
"in the Mohawks Country; to John Jr. the easterly part of my flats &c. ;
"to children of my deceased daughter Ariaantje, — viz.: Arent Bratt and
" Catalyntje Bratt children of Capt. Andries Bratt, two morgens on the
" [Van Slyck's] island near Schenectady west of the said town on the
" southerly half of said island, bounded west by the two morgens I con-
" veyed to Widow Van Driessen, north the half belonging to Capt. Jacobus
"Van Slyck, south by the creek and so running along said creek and parti-
" tion fence of Capt. Jacobus Van Slyck easterly till it takes in two mor-
"gens; . . . to my daughter Maria Butler wife of Lt. Walter Butler Jr.
" two morgens of land on the aforesaid island &c. ; ... to my daughter
" Rebecca wife of Pieter Conyn two morgens of land on the aforesaid
" island &c, ... to the two sons of my deceased son Myndert, — John and
" Myndert, — all the rest of the said Island also my house and lot in Schen-
" ectady bounded east by the [Washington] street south by Daniel De
" Graaf, north by the lot of Symon Johannese Veeder and west by the creek
" [Binne kil] :*
Capt. Barent Wemp.
Barent, son of Jan'Barentse Wemp, was born in 1656, and married Folkje,
daughter of Symcn Volckertse Veeder. They had ten children. He was
appointed captain of the company of foot by Leisler in 1690.
His village lot was on the east corner of State and Centre streets, which
was conveyed to him in 1703, by the trustees; this lot he made over to his
son Jan Barentse, who by deed dated Feb. 7, 172-^, conveyed the same to
his brother Barent, described as " a lot in Schenectady, bounded east by the
" lot of Dirk Bratt, south and west by the common highway [State and
" Centre] and north by a lot of Wouter Vrooman's in length by the lane
" [Centre street] 675 feet, and on the other [east] side 725 feet, in breadth
"in front [on State street] and rear 100 feet wood or Dutch measure; — by
"virtue of a transport to him given by his father Barent Wemp, 9 Mar,
"170f, which is confirmed by a transport made over to his said father
" Barent Wemp by Reyer Schermerhorn, J. B. Van Eps and Jan Wemp as
"trustees of Schenectady, 11 Feb., I70|."f
* Wills, ii, 4. f Deeds, vn, 275.
Adult Freeholders. 227
The front of this lot is now occupied by the Carley House.
Barent Wemp also owned the land on the south side of State street from
Dock street, nearly to Coehorn kil and extending in the rear to the meadow
of Gerrit Symonse Veeder, which land was inherited by his son Jan Barentse
Wemp.
Jan Luykase Wyngaard.
He was probably son of Luykas Gerritse Wyngaard of Albany.
His village lot was on the north side of State street and included the
present lot of Given's hotel and the larger portion of Wall street, having a
front of 78 feet, 433 feet deep on the west side, 385 feet on the east side
and 90 feet in the rear, Amsterdam measure. In 1703 he sold it to Douwe
Aukes, who again sold it, next year, to Arent Danielse Van Antwerpen.*
He also had a lot on the south side of Front at or near the corner of
Jefferson street.
His earlier residence was on a farm on the south side of the Mohawk river
a little above Hoffman's ferry, from which he fled in 1690, when Schenectady
was destroyed by the French and Indians and never returned.
In 1757 his son Luykas owned a lot on the south side of State street, of
51 feet front, 118 feet west of Mill Lane or Ferry street.
Jan Luykase obtained a license to purchase his farm on the south side of
the Mohawk on the 26th of May, 1686, and on the 31 March, 1687, obtained
a patent, for " that small piece above [the limits of] Schenectady on the
" south side of the Mohawk river, beginning at a marked tree above the
" steep rocky strand and stretching along the river side to another marked
" tree and so back into the woods as far as the trees are marked, containing
" eleven acres as purchased by said John of the Indians under a license of
" Governor Uongan, May 26, 1686."f
On the 24 Feb., 170^, Luykase conveyed this farm to Carel Hansen Toll,
and he sold the same to his brother-in-law Jeremie Thickstone, together with
an island opposite Thickstone's house, of about three acres, for £100.J
Subsequently this farm came into the possession of the Swarts'.
* Deeds, v, 187.
f Toll Papers; Patents, 1371. Deeds, v, 72, 300.
228 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Yates (Yets, Yetz, Yattes).
The first of this name in this vicinity was Joseph Yates, an Englishman,
who settled in Albany about 1664, when the colony was occupied by the
English.
In early documents the name is very commonly spelled Yets or Yetz,
which would be pronounced as at present — Yates.
He died in Albany and was buried May 22d, 1730.
He either learned the trade of cordwainer or shoemaker, or worked with
Marcelis Janse Van Bommel, in Albany. He married Hubert je Van
Bommel, and had seven children.
His sou Robert settled in Schenectady, at the age of 23, (probably soon
after acquiring his father's trade,) and married Grietje Claase De Graaf of
the Hoek in Scotia.
His village lot was on the Albany road near the present Ferry street.
His tan vats and tannery buildings were situated on the bank of the Mill
pond on Mill lane (near Ferry street extended), where the considerable
quantity of water required in tanning leather was at hand, as appears by
the following: Whereas, the trustees of the Dutch church did "8th
"December, 1725, quit claim to said Ahasuerus Marselis and Robert Yates
" a certain piece of ground with the tan pits * * * * lying to the east-
" ward of said Church's mill and to the south of the house and lot of John
" Myndertse [now Abraham Doty's], and on the west of a road that is to
" be left to the west of the fence of Captain Johannes Bleeker 16 feet wide
" for a passage [now Ferry street extended] to the pasture ground of said
" church mill," &c.
Robert Yates in 1741 bought a parcel of two morgensbouwland lying on
east side of the car works lane, being a part of the original Van Curler's or
Juffrouio's Landt.
In 1747 Robert Yates by his will left his interest in tan yards to his sons
Joseph and Abraham, and in 1768 Abraham Yates of the "Mohawk
Country " quit claimed the same to Joseph Robertse Yates (his brother)
for 10 shillings.*
* H. Yates Papers.
Adult Freeholders.
229
Robert son of Joseph, settled in Schenectady before 1712, and his nephew
Joseph Christoffelse, also a cordwainer, married and settled there in 1734.
Abraham the son of the latter, owned a house* and lot on Union street
opposite the court house.
ABRAHAM YATES HOUSE,
[1710 to 1730.]
/
Christoffel (son of Joseph Christoffelse and Eva Fonda), was a land sur-
veyor and a man of intelligence and energy. He was colonel of a regiment
of (fatigue men, engineers who cut approaches to fords, constructed bridges,
cut roads through the forest, built fortifications, etc.), during the revolution.
He was a gallant soldier and was wounded at " Bloody Pond." He was at
the battle of Saratoga where he picked up a book on fortification, bearing
the crest and signature of Col. Frazer, 24th British Infantry, which is now
in possession of the Hon. A. A. Yates, of Schenectady.
During the construction of his house (in Front street) he died, leaving a
family in somewhat straitened circumstances. It is said that his brother
Jellis had " practical " views and as executor urged that his nephews, should
be taken from school and put to trade to earn their living, but their mother
* [The house now standing on this lot was doubtless built by Abraham Yates about
1730 as indicated by its style of architecture.
The pointed Dutch gable going out of fashion and higher buildings with gambrel roofs
(as seen in cut of the church of 1734), coining into fashion — M'M.]
230 History of the Schenectady Patent.
with greater foresight, insisted on their education, for which she made great
personal sacrifices and she was rewarded by the result; Joseph became
governor of the State, Henry was a member of Congress, John engineer of
of the Welland canal and a millionaire, Andrew a minister and professor in
Union College.
Other members of the family have occupied a high position in the civil,
military or political histoiy of the State and nation.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 231
INDIAN WARS ON THE BORDER, 1662-1713.
In 1614 a handful of Dutch traders ascended the Hudson river and erected
their trading post on what is now the site of the city of Albany. The five
nations then possessed all the territory north and west of this point to the
St. Lawrence and the lakes. This powerful confederacy was the terror and
scourge of their neighbors; they annihilated or absorbed the Hurons, the
Neuters, Dinondaties and other lesser "tribes, and from the year 1615 when
Champlain uniting his forces with the Algonquins and Hurons attacked the
Mohawks, (Five Nations,) hoping to force them to a peace with his Indian
allies, down to the close of the French war in 1763, the Iroquois carried on
an intermittent warfare with the French of Canada. On the contrary, with
the Dutch, and after them the English, they always maintained peace and
good fellowship, "keeping bright the chain of friendship" by annual con-
ferences, trade, gifts and other good offices. Why then the necessity of
fortifying all important points along the frontier and the constant and pain-
ful apprehension of the border settlers ? Firstly, the peaceful conduct and
intentions of the Iroquois towards the Dutch and English could never be
fully trusted. The Indian character was fickle and untrustworthy. So long
as he was dependent on the white man for powder, rum and duffels, he
maintained an interested friendship. From the French he received his
religion, — from the English his supplies. Secondly, whenever England and
France were at war, their colonies in America were at war also, and it be-
came necessary to fortify and garrison the frontier towns.
All settlements in the valley of the upper Hudson were made on this river
and the Mohawk. Here was the gate to the Province on the side of Canada.
This once carried, New York city must succumb and New England become
isolated. The danger line was along the banks of the Mohawk and the
shores of the Hudson above Haalve-Maan [Waterford].
Hence it was proposed by Governor Clinton in 1746, to build a line of
block houses west from Fort Massachusetts to the Mohawk castle at Fort
Hunter.
232 History of the Schenectady Patent.
The chief settlements and fortifications along this line were at Halve-
Maan, Canastagioone [Niskayuna], Saratoga [Schuylerville], Schenectady,
Claas Graven's Hook [Crane's village] and later Amsterdam, Caughnawaga
[Fonda], Canajoharie, Palatine and German fiats. The period of greatest
danger and alarm were the ten years prior to the peace of Ryswick in
1697;— " the war of the Spanish succession," 1701-1713, which was followed
by the peace of Utrecht and more than twenty-five years of comparative
qniet; — "the war of the Austrian succession," 1743-8, commonly called the
"Old French war," and the "Second French war," 1753-60, when the
French power forever ceased on this continent to create any serious alarm.
During a period therefore of more than seventy years, — 1688 to 1760, — the
English provinces were more than half the time in a state of war or painful
apprehension.
No formidable body of Frenchmen, it is true, ever crossed the Mohawk
but once, — in 1690, — but parties of their Indian allies, in squads of five to
twenty, were constantly sent out to skulk along the border and pick off
unwary husbandmen. Every dwelling along this danger line was con-
structed for defence as well as for habitation. Moveable blockhouses were
placed in the field for temporary shelter, and the farmer labored with his
musket by his side; yet, in spite of every precaution suggested by experi-
ence, scarcely a year passed in which some households were not bereft of
one or more of their members.
Less than four years after Schenectady was settled, occurred the first
alarm to the inhabitants.
M. De Courcelles, Governor of Canada, on the 29th Dec, 1665, began
a march from Montreal, with six hundred volunteers, "to seeke out their
" inveterate ennemyes called the Mohanke Indians, to take revenge upon
" them for the severall murthers and spoyles, which the Barbarians had for
*' many yeares exercised in Canada." The snow was four feet deep; the sol-
diers marched on snow shoes, whilst their provisions were drawn on "slight
sledges" by mastiff dogs. On the 9th of February, they encamped within
two miles of Schenectady, having been misled by their guide. That even-
ing "60 of their best Fusileers being let into an ambuscade by the Mohaks
lost 11 men besides divers others" who were wounded. Governor Cour-
celles applied to the inhabitants for provisions which were supplied
according to the " best accommodations ye poore village afforded," but
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 233
refused shelter for his men, fearing if " hee had brought his weary and halfe
starved people within the smell of a chimney corner," he could not keep
them from straggling or running away.
Seven of his wounded were sent to Albany. " The Dutch bores carryed
to the camp such provisions as they had, especially peaz and bread of which
a good quantity was bought." On the 12th February, the French began
their return to Canada.*
Three years later, to wit, in 1669, another Indian battle was fought on
the western borders of the town.
In August, Caughnawaga [Fonda], a stockaded village of the Mohawks,
was attacked by the river Indians or Mahikanders. After an obstinate re-
sistance the latter were repulsed and retired. The Mohawks descended the
river in their canoes and attacked the retreating foe at a place called
JS'inaquariones and put them to flight. f
In the Indian deed of 1673 for the township of Schenectady, the westerly
bounds were " at ITmaqiiariones, where the last Battell wass between the
" Mohoakx and the North [river] Indians. "J
Although England and France were at peace with each other for nearly
twenty years from this time, their provinces in America were unquiet and
suspicious.
The intermittent warfare carried on by the French and the Iroquois was
a constant source of apprehension to the English provinces. The latter
claimed the Five Nations as subjects of the English crown, and their ter-
ritory as part of the province of New York, and as such that they should
not be attacked without information thereof being first given to the Governor
of New York.
The French denied the authority of the English King over either the
people or lands of the Iroquois, at the same time claiming for the French
crown the valleys of the St. Lawrence, of the great lakes and of the Mis-
sissippi, and the innumerable tribes of natives inhabiting this vast region.
The French, moreover, charged the English not only with furnishing the
Indians with muskets and powder but with inciting them to war upon the
*Col. Doc, in, 118.
f Kinaqnariones is the steep rocky hill on the north side of the river just above
Hoffman's ferry and now called Towereoune.
X Land Papers, i, 47.
30
234 History of the Schenectady Patent.
French and their allies in Canada. Such being the feeling of the two
peoples, there remained nothing but suspicion, want of confidence and re-
criminations between them.
In 1666 Governor Nicolls, writing to the commissaries at Albany, highly
commended them for their care in the preservation of His Majesty's interest,
" in these times of Difficulty with the ambitious French," promising to have
all the " souldiers at the Sopes ready upon an houres warning."* So in
writing to Arent Van Curler of Schenectady, in the winter of 1666, after
commending him for his " conduct in these troubles," hopes the French will
be discouraged from attempting "to disturbe yow and the Maquaes."f
Governor Winthrop also in writing to Secretary Arlington in 1667, says,
" Wee know the pretence of those French forces uppon the lake behind us
"against a nation of the Indians called the Mohaukes with whom they are
" at war; but wee have good cause to be jealous of there great designes."J
In 1670, Governor Lovelace in a letter to Secretary Williamson writes,
" but that which comes near to us is the incroachment of the French in
" Canada, * * they pretcnt it is no more but to advance the kingdom
" of Christ when it is to be suspected it is rather the kingdome of his most
"Christian Maj»e." §
In 1678 the country was " much allarmed with news of a French war,"
though nothing came of it.|| In 16 85 Governor Dongan wrote that " the
"French are more quiet. Wee have a very good trade this year and shall
"have much better if wee take but the same care as the ffrench."**
In this long peace, Schenectady slowly gained in population and agricul-
tural wealth and comforts. Some trade too, was had surreptitiously with
the Indians. But now in 1687, came the news of an attack by the French
upon the Senecas, which caused great uneasiuess to the people of the pro-
vince. The Senecas were furnished with arms and ammunition by the
Provincial authorities, but with no active aid.
As early as 1684 and subsequently, Governor Dongan and M. M. De La
Barre and Denonville had an exasperating correspondence in relation to the
Senecas, the former claiming sovereignty over the Five Nations, the latter
denying it.
* Col. Doc, in, 144; [Sopes = Esopus or Kingston. — M'M.]
\ Col. Doc, in, 145. t Col. Doc, in. 155.
§ Col. Doc. in, 190. U Col. Doc, in, 272. ** Col. Doc. m, 363.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 235
The winter of 168|-, was looked forward to with apprehension. When
the Hudson was closed by ice all communication with New York was cut
off. It was then that the French taking advantage of the helplessness of
the border settlements sent out their maurading expeditions. Governor
Dongan writing at New York, Sept. 12, 1687, says, "some messages have
" come to my hands from Albany of their apprehensions of the French,
" which obliges me to carry up thither 200 men besides the garrison and go
" and stay there this winter and to get together five or six hundred of the
" Five Nations about Albany and Schenectady."*
The gathering of these savages about Schenectady was always a source
of annoyance to the inhabitants. They were given to drink and were then
reckless and quarrelsome, many complaints were from time to time made of
these disorders to the Governor.
In Sept., 1687, Maj. Peter Schuyler says, " we find that the selling of
" strong Liquor to the Indians is a great hindrance to all designs they take
"in hand; they stay a drinking continually at Schenectady. "f
On the same day Robert Livingston wrote to the Governor from Albany
that '"Reman came here last night and his brought the six
" prisoners allong with him al women, which has occasioned, his so long
" stay, the seventh being a boy, is at Cayouge, and will he here in a few
" days; the prisoners att his house at Shinnectady, being wearied could not
" reach this place. "J
On the 5th Sept., Livingston wrote again that " there are 70 Maquase
" lying at Schenectady, who are thought to be disinclined to go out until
" they heard what the Governor would do with one Janitie."§
Not long before this Arnout Cornelise Viele, the interpreter, traveling
to Otawawa on a trading expedition was taken prisoner by the French.
He was held in great esteem by the Indians because he "hath don good
" service for us in travelling up and down in our Country, and wee having
" a French prisoner according to our custome doe deliver him to the family
" of Arnout in his stead and Room to wash of the tears of his wife and
" children. "|| This gift was made by the Mohawk sachems to the mayor
and aldermen of Albany. At this time — Sept. 9, 1687, — they had "at
" Schennectady a company of one hundered and thirty men that goe out to-
" morrow toward the Lake of Canada [Lake Champlain], to do all the
* Col. Doc, in, 477. f Col. Doc, in, 479.
% Keman was an interpreter and perhaps an Indian ; no white man of this name is
known. — Col. Doc, in, 480.
§ Col. Doc, in, 481. I Col. Doc, ni, 483.
236 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" mischeife they can against the French."* On the 14th and 15th Sept.,
the Onondagas held a council with the mayor and aldermen at Albany, by
whom they were advised on account of the threatening aspect of affairs the
coming winter, to send their wives and children to Cattskil and other places
on the Hudson, " and let none stay in the Castles butt such as are fit for
warr" They were also advised that the Governor "desired a 100 men
"from the Sinnekes, 50 from the Cayouges, 60 from the Onondages, 50
" from the Oneydes and 40 from the Maquasse, to be at Schannectada this
"winter to joyne with the forces of his Excel >'."f
The year 1688 was generally quiet and barren of exciting events. Dongan
kept up a paper war with Denonville until relieved in the spring by Gov.
Andros. So long as James the Second occupied the throne peace between
France and England was reasonably assured. Both Louis and James were
bent upon converting England to the Romish faith.
In December, 1688, the latter abdicated the throne and fled to France;
whereupon Louis espoused his cause and furnished material aid in his efforts
at reconquering his kingdom. In the spring of 1689 " rumours of War with
France " alarmed the inhabitants of the Provinces, and incited them to pre-
parations for defence. On the receipt of the news of the revolution in
England and of the accession of William and Mary to the throne, a miniature
revolution was attempted on this side. Governor Andros was imprisoned,
his Lieutenant, Nicholson, departed and in New York city the train bands
took possession of the fort under the lead of Leisler, dispossessing the
Governor's Council and setting up a more popular government.
All this done avowedly in the interest of William and Mary and the
Protestant succession, was bitterly opposed by the more wealthy and intelli-
gent portion of the community.
In Albany the Anti-Leislerians held their opponents in check, but the
parties here in Schenectady were so nearly balanced in influence, if not in
numbers, that neither had the power to act energetically in fortifying the
village and preparing to repel the anticipated irruption of the French. The
Leislerians " blessed the Great God of heaven and earth for deliverance from
Tyranny, Popery and Slavery " through the happy accession of William
and Mary to the throne; — the Anti-Leislerians complained that " Fort James
* Col. Doc. , in, 484. f Col. Doc, in, 485-6.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 237
was seized by the Rable," whose ill and rash proceedings " hardly one person
of sense and Estate within the City [of New York] do countenance." During
these unhappy divisions rumors were rife that the Indians of the Five
Nations " were very jealous which if not prevented would cause great mis-
chiefe " and " that the French from Cadaragua [Kingston, Canada] were
comeing over with 1000 men and a great number of Indians."
In August, 1689, the Five Nations made a destructive raid upon Montreal,
killing several hundi-ed persons and holding the place until October. Re-
taliation was naturally to be expected. The border settlements, as winter
approached when relief from New Yo:-k would be cut off, cast about for
help.
The general apprehension of an attack by the French led to a kind of
committee of safety called "the Convention," which convened in Albany
from time to time to watch the progress of events and prepare for de-
fence. This Convention was composed of the mayor and aldermen of
the city, and the magistrates and chief military officers of the country.
They were unanimously opposed to Leisler and would obey none of his
orders. Many persons during the summer of 1689 meditated and prepared
to flee to a place of greater safety, which led to the following proclamation
published by the justices of the peace, forbidding all persons to depart from
the country.
A Proclamation.
"Whereas we are credibly informed yt diverse persones upon ye late news
of ye approach of ye french and there Indians are making Preparations
to Transport themselfes out of this County by which means and bad
Example of such Timeorous and Cowardly People others will be Dis-
couraged to stay and Defend there maj,s Interest in this Frontier part of
ye Province, and Foreasmuch there is no setled government for ye p'sent in
this Province, and that thereby it is a duty Incumbent upon us to Prevent
any Danger and Inconvenience yt might happen ye Inhabitants of our
County wh may arise by Suffering1 men to Depart yt are able to do there
majls service if any attempt should be made wee Therefore doe hereby De-
clare That no Person or Persones (except masters of sloops & Boats) being
fit & able to bear arms who have been setled or liveing in this county for
these six monthes last past shall in ye space of three monthes Presume to
Depart or absent themselfs out of this County of Albany whither they are
under ye Roll or List of ye Respective Capt'18 or not without a Passe from
238 History of the Schenectady Patent.
one Justice of ye Peace of this County upon ye Penalty to be Esteemed,
Pursued & followed after as fugitives Cowards, Runnaways & Vagabonds,
<fc as such to be Prosecuted by ye utmost severity of ye Law, & yt all
People take notice thereof accordingly, given at ye Cetty Hall of Albany
ye Vlh day of August 1G89 in ye first year of there MajeIS Reign." — Doc.
Hist., ii, *&. £ if.
The following proceedings of the convention during the month of Sep-
tember, 1699, show very clearly the agitation of the public mind, and that
the attack of the French on Schenectady which took place the following
February was not unexpected.
"Att a Convention &c, att ye Citty Hall (Albany) ye 4th day of September,
* * * 1689.
******
"Resolved, since there is such' Eminent Danger Threatened by ye French
of Canida and there Praying Indians* to come into this County to kill
and Destroy there Majss Subjects that there be Immediately An Express sent
doune to Capt. Leysler and ye Rest of ye Militia Officers of ye Citty and
County of New Yorke for assistance of one hundred men or more for ye
secureing of there Maj8S Fort and ye out Plantations of this County as also
a Recruite of six hundred weight of Ponder and foure hundred Ball Vist
200 Two Pounders and 200 four Pounders with some match and one
hundred hand grenadoes out of there Maj8S Stores and Two hundred
Pounds out of there Maje? Revenue, which we understand is dayly collected
by them for to employ y- Maquase & oyr Indians in there Majes service for
ye Securing yt- frontier Parts of this County from any Incursions of sd
Indians or French.
* * * * * * %
"Upon ye news y' three People should be kild at Bartel Vrooman's at
Sarachtoge by ye Indians.
" Resolved by y* Convention y1 Rob1 Sanders & Eghbert Tuenise forth-
with goe to Sarachtoge to lye there till further order, whither any mischeefe
be done there or nott & yt they goe themselfs with sd Indians to Sarachtoge
where Leift Jochim Staets will stay there Comeing & if Eghbert be not
at ye farm yl he take any oyr whom he shall think Convenient.
******
"Resolved that there be a fort made about ye house of Bartel Vrooman at
Sarachtoge & Twelve men Raised out of ye Two Companies of ye Citty
* [Praying Indians. — The Caughnawaga band of Mohawks who had moved to the
St. Lawrence River near Montreal, having been converted to Catholicism by the
French priests. Their descendants still occupy the village of Caughnawaga on the
Lachine Rapids. The Indian pilots so familiar to summer tourists are of this
band.— M'M.]
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 239
and 2 Companies of ye County to Lye there upon pay, who are to have 12d
a day besides Provisions and some Indians of Skackkook to be there with
them to goe out as Skouts in y1 Part of yc County.
******
"Understanding by ye Commission officers of Schennectady that there is
no settlement there how or what way they are to Behave themselfs if ye
enemy should come, since they can not agree amongst themselves in yl
particular.
"Resolved that Mr Dirk Wesseles and Cap1 Johannes Wendel Justice of yc
Peace goe thither & Conveen ye Company together and consult what
measures they are to take upon occasion if an enemy should come, to ye end
there may be unity in such extremityes & ye Inhabitants there are ordered
to submitt to what ye sd gent" and ye head officers of there Toune shall
Conclude upon, upon there oun Perill.
" Resolved since we have Recd Certain Information of Some Praying Canida
Indians lately taken by our Maquase that ye french Design to send out there
Indians and french to kill and Destroy there Majls Subjects of this County
that Dirk Tuenise Esqr. * * * g0e ^0 ye County of Ulster for ye as-
sistance of 25 or 30 men to be Ready upon occasion if any attaque or In-
cursion should be made on ye frontiers of this County. * * *
"By ye mayor aldermen and Commonality ye Citty of Albany and ye Jus-
tice of ye Peace of ye County aforesaid.
" Whereas the selling and giving of Strong Drink to ye Indians at this
present juncture is founde by Experience Extreame Dangerous insomuch yt
divers Inhabitants of Schenectady and Elsewhere have mad there Complaint
that there is no living if ye Indians be not kept from Drinke, Wee doe
therefore hereby strikly Prohibite & forbid in the name of King William
and queen Mary yt no Inhabitants of the Citty and County of Albany doe
sell or give any Rum, Brandy, Strong Liquor, or Beer to any Indian or In-
dians upon any pretence whatsoever upon ye Penalty of Two monthes Im-
prisonment without Baile or main prise & more over a fine of five Pounds
toties quoties, ye Proofe here of to be made as is Iucerted in ye Proclama-
tion Prohibiting ye Selling of Strong Drink dated ye 21l!l day of May 1689
which is by Proof or Purgation by oath, always Provided yt it shall and
may be in ye Power of ye Mayor aldermen & Commonality of ye said Citty
if they see cause to give any Smal quality of Rum to any Sachim who
come here about Publick Businesse, any Prohibition aboved in any manner
notwithstanding, given att ye Citty hall of Albany ye 12"' day of Septem-
ber, 1689.
"Att a Convention &c Sept. 17th, 1689.
"The messenger Johannes Bleeker, who was sent Express to N: Yorke with
a letter to Capt. Leysler * * * being Returned * * (Reports that
Leisler would have nothing) " to doe wth ye Civill Power, he was a Souldier
and would write to a Soulder."
240 History of the /Schenectady Patent.
" Leisler wrote to Captains Wendell & Bleeker, and the Convention were
forced to send to Sopus for Indians to act as Schouts, & proposed to send for
men from New England. Gov. Treat of Connecticut, agreed to, & did,
send them eighty men under the Command of Capt. Bull, but requested the
County and City to pay the officers wages.
" Upon which this following was Resolved Cap' Sander Glen Leifts Jan
Van Eps Ens: Johannes Sanders Glen, and Sweer Teunise doe vote in ye
Behalf of ye Toune of Schennectady yt ye men may be sent for from Conet-
ticut and that they will bear there Proportiones of ye Cherge of ye Officers
there wages and maintain them accordingly, Provided they be under Com-
mand and obey such orders and Instructions as they shall Receive from
time to time from ye Convention of this City and County and in ye time of
there not sitting to ye mayr & aldermen of this Citty.
" It is the opinion of ye Convention yt ye 8 men still att Sarachtoge doe
Remain there til further order." — Mortgage Hook B.
Schenectady equally with Albany was rent by party spirit, the in-
habitants being divided into Leislerians and Anti-Leislerians. Leisler prom-
ised the people the same privileges as Albany, to wit : those of trading
with the Indians hitherto forbidden them and the right of bolting flour.*
This was a strong bid for public favor, but Adam Vrooman, who was
addressed as Leisler's agent very modestly and prudently declined the
honor.
" Memorandum that on ye 10,!l Day of November [1689] being Sunday,
" The following letter was Sent by Adam Vrooman of Shinnectady to ye
Mayr which Milborne had sent to him to warne all ye People there forthwith
to come to Albany and Receive there Rights Priviledges and Liberties in
such manner as if the governm* of King James ye 2"(1 never had been,
or any of his arbitrary Commissions or what is Illegally done by his gov-
ernours never had been done or Past, which Letter followz in Terminis : —
(Translation).
" Whereas I am authorized by the Honblt Delegates or members elected at
a Free and Publick Election of the Freemen and Respective counties of the
Province of N. York and Military Council thereof, to arrange and settle the
affairs of the City and County of Albany according to the Constitution of
the other Counties of the Province aforesaid pursuant to the interest of His
Majesty our Sovereign Lord & King and the Welfare of the Inhabitants of
said Counties.
* [Grinding meal at Schenectady was at this time claimed by Sweer Teunise Van V el-
sen as a monopoly, — but bolting could only be done in Albany and New York. — M'M.]
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 241
" These are to advise & require all the Inhabitants of Schinnectady and ad-
joining places to repair forthwith to the aforesaid City of Albany to receive
their Rights and Priviledges & Liberties in such manner as if the Govern-
ment of King James the 21"1 had never existed or any of his arbitrary Com-
missions or any of his Governors illegal acts had never been executed or
done. signed.
Jacob Milbokne,"
Upon which Adam Vrooman sent him this answer.
(Translation).
" Mr. Jacob Milborne, — Worthy Friend — I have just now received your
letter. Firstly I am not a person of quality; Secondly, the Indians lie in
divers squads in and around this place and should we all repair to Albany
great disquiet would arise among the Savages to the general ruin of this
Country; therefore please excuse me as I am a person of no power nor au-
thority.
Your affectionate friend,
Adam Vrooman."
" By which letter it is Plainly Evident ye sl1 Milborne Designs ye Subver-
sion of y,: Governm1 Confirmed by there Majts Proclamation of ye 14
feb. last, and thereby to Disturb ye Peace and Tranquility of there Maje*
Leige People Especially in this Juncture when the Indians are Round about
us, who much Depend on the Present Magistracy that have with So much
trouble, Pains and Cost Secured them to this governm' which if they should
see y1 ye authority here should be troden under foot would undoubtedly
undertake Some Dangerous Design.
" And that it may be apparent to y1-' world yl ye Design was Laid at N.
Yorke, ye following Letter writt by Hend. Cuyler one of there Councill of
warr as they Term themselfs, to y People of Schinnectady Desyreing there
assistance, and that they would come to Albany, Telling them itt was Re-
solved upon that they should have no lesser Priviledges then they of Albany
both in Tradeing and boalting which Jacob Milborne would Disclose unto
them and Such like false notions doth Sufficiently Demonstrate."
(Translation).
N. Yorke, 2 Nov., 1689.
" Copiavera of a Letter from London.
"All Lands, Plantations, houses and Lots which were escheated (prys
gemaekt) since the year 1660, are again restored by Act of Parliament. It
was communicated to his Majesty who approved of it. It will be passed in
a few days. Parliament is resolved to a public example of Sr Edmund
Andros to the next Generation on account of his Arbitrary illegal proceed-
31
242 History of the Schenectady Patent.
ings. I break off herewith as it is too long to enlarge upon. Hearty
respects to all Noble friends of Shinnectady. This goes by Mr. Vedder's
hand.
I remain your friend and Servant,
Hend. Cuyler."
"P. S. We earnestly request the aid and diligence of the Noble gentlemen
there for the promotion of the Public Good in assisting those whom we
Send up at Albany's request being to the number of 50 men, of whom
Jochim Staets is Commander; not doubting but the gentlemen of Schen-
nechtady will be preferred to those of Albany in tlie approaching New
Government as we pledge ourselves to speak in favor of your Diligence. I
promise to send up to you the first Order which we expect from England.
" We expect a short answer from You by the next opportunity.
"Sir, we have this day resolved that you shall have no less Privileges than
those of Albany in Trading and Bolting which Mr. Milborne will explain to
you. We therefore request that you will exhibit all diligence in repairing
together to Albany to welcome said Milborn." — Doc. Hist., n.
Early in November, 1689, news reached Albany " that Leysler is about
to send up an armed force to take possession of the place and overthrow the
government." Capt. Sander Glen, Jan Van Eps and Sweer Teunise Van
Velsen of Schenectady, were opponents of Leisler and sustained the Conven-
tion to the last, Capt. Glen being one of the eight men appointed by the
Convention to sign articles with Milbourne, Leisler's agent.
On the 25 Nov., Capt. Jonathan Bull arrived with 87 men from Con-
necticut, and on the 29th Lieut. Enos Talmage of Capt. Bull's company,
" inarched with 24 men to Shinnectady to keep y* Post as it was agreed
upon by ye five gentlemen appoint*1 by ye Convention and ye Capt. Bull and
Jochim Staats." Dec. 9th, was ordered as a day of fasting and prayer. All
was confusion at Albany; Mr. Staats who commanded Leysler's soldiers
would not submit to the Convention, and send ten of his men to Schenectady
as they wished, but went thither himself with some of his faction to stir up
the people so that the Convention thought it necessary to send some one
after him.*
Jan. 12, 16-0I-. "While the convention were debating whether to submit
to Joachim Staats as deputy of Leysler a letter comes from Capt. Sander
Glen there Majies Justice of the Peace at Shinnectady Informing them how
that there are five commissions come to Shinnectady from Captain Leysler
Mortgage Book B.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 243
for five justices of ye Peace, brought thither by Jeronimus Wendel &
Gerrit Luycasse [Wyngaard] ; — Ye Persons are Dowe Aukus, Ryer Jacobse
[Schermerhorn], David Christoffelse, Myndert Wemp and Johannes Poot-
man; — and a commission to call the people together, to choose new Capt.,
Lieut., and Ensigne and Town Court, and y' ye sd five justices come here
to-morrow to assist Mr Jochim Staats and to enter upon there office."
" The said Capt. Sanders [Glen] together with ye Lieut, and Ensigne and
Sweer Teunisse, — members of ye Convention doe write to the gent" that
there vote is not to obey Capt. Leysler's orders, But to protest against his
Illegal proceedings." — Col. MSS., xxxvi.
" Albany ye 20th of January, 16|£.
" The Mayor and Aldermen haveing consulted to day how to Procure some
Christians and Indians to goe towards ye Great Lake to Lye as skouts for
ye space of three weeks to give notice if ye ffrench, should come with an
army to Invade there maj'e< Territory, but could fynde none yt would goe
under 2 shil 6d to 3 shil. per day, for Capt. Bull would suffer none of his
men to goe alledging it Contrare to his Instructions, and while they were
bussy to discouse sa affare ye following Indians came and s1 as follows
-y* y\ • ^ 2p !|S $fi
"Brethren — We have (been) sent by ye 40 Maquase Souldiers now at
Shenechtady to acquaint y w that tlrey are come to goe out as Skouts toward
ye Lake and Otter creek to wath ye Designe of ye Deceiver ye govr of
Canida to see if he will come and Invade our Country again & if we Dis-
cern any Progresse of his we have 4 Indians y' wee send forth Post to give
yu & our people advertisem* * * * *
" The sd Indians were very thankful and sd they would withal speed goe to
Shinnechtady & forward ye Compe & hasten them upon there march." —
Doc. Hist., ii, 86.
These preparations to " wath the Designe of ye Govr of Canida," miscar-
ried; and before the Indian Scouts reached "ye Lake and Otter creek," the
invading force had passed those points and the fatal blow was struck,
destroying'the village and scattering such of its inhabitants as were spared.
244 History of tJw Schenectady Patent.
BURNING OF SCHENECTADY.
The story of the massacre of 1690 has often been told. The essential
facts are few and well established, both by the English and French ac-
counts. The causes of this attack were first, the war between England and
France occasioned by the English revolution of 1688, and secondly, the
desire of the French in Canada to intimidate and detach the Iroquois from
the English, by delivering a stunning blow and capturing both Albany and
Schenectady. The destruction of these places would perhaps have decided
the fate of the Province, for they then would have held the key to the navi-
gation of the Hudson.
A march from Montreal to Schenectady — a distance of 200 miles, was one
of extreme labor, requiring great pluck and endurance.
Between the St. Lawrence and the Mohawk rivers there was then an un-
broken wilderness, without a single habitation.
In mid-winter the snow lay in the forest from three to six feet deep and
could be traveled only on snow-shoes.
In addition to their heavy muskets and ammunition, the French were
forced to carry provisions for the march of 22 days. Such were the condi-
tions of an attack upon Schenectady, — only possible in winter without a
flotilla of canoes, to pass the lakes.
The attacking party consisted of 114 Frenchmen, 80 savages from the
Sault and 16 Algonquins,— in all 210 men.
The commander was Lemoine de Sainte Helene, assisted by Lieutenant
D'Aillebout de Mantet. They started from Montreal on the 17th of
January, and after suffering incredible hardships on the way, arrived in
sio-ht of the town about 11 o'clock at night on the 8th February. It was
their intention to make the attack later, but the intense cold forced them to
enter the town at once.
The village at this time lay mainly west of Ferry street, and was stockaded
with palisades of pine logs ten feet high. It had at least two gates;* one
* [The French account in Paris Documents states precisely, the town of Corlaer forms
a sort of oblong with only two gates.— M'M.]
Burning of Schenectady. 245
at north end of Church street opening out to the highway [Front street],
which led to the eastward to Niskayuna. Another at south end of Church
at State, opening out to Mill lane and the Flats and the Albany road [State
street].
The only dwellings outside the stockade were built on the northerly side
of State street, extending as far south-east as Lange gang (Centre Street).
It is said there were 80 good houses* in the village and a population of 400
souls, both numbers doubtless greatly exaggerated.
In the northerly angle of the village on the Binnl Ml [near corner
Washington and Front Streets] was a double stockaded fortf garrisoned by
a detachment of 24 men of Capt. Jonathan Bull's Connecticut company
under the command of Lieut. Talmadge.
Thus fortified and garrisoned the inhabitants should have repelled any
ordinary attack, or at least held the enemy at bay until succor could reach
them from Albany.
The destruction of the place was occasioned by divided counsels and a
fatal apathy. The whole Province was then divided into two factions, —
the Leislerians and the Anti-Leislerians — the short hairs and swallow-tails.
Divided feelings and counsels ran so high in Albany and Schenectady as to
counteract the sense of self preservation. Both parties were determined
to rule, neither was strong enough to take the lead.
On the fatal night of Feb. 8th, the Noche triste of the ill fated village, the
inhabitants went to rest with their gates open and no guard set. They
trusted that the Indians who had been sent out as scouts to Lake George
would forewarn them of the enemy's approach. The French marched upon
the village from the north, crossed the river on the ice and divided their
men into two companies with the intention of entering the town, one by
the north or Church street gate, the other by the south or State
street gate. The latter entrance being in a measure covered by the
dwellings on that street could not be found; both companies therefore
entered by the north gate and separating, spread themselves through-
out the village, five or six before each house. At the signal agreed upon
a simultaneous onslaught was made upon each dwelling and before the
* [This probably included barns and out buildings as " good houses." — M'M.]
f [Block-house properly speaking. — M'M.]
246
History of the Schenectady Patent,
terror stricken inhabitants could seize their arms the savages, were upon
them. Resistance was vain. Within two hours 60 of the people were
slaughtered without distinction of age or sex. After selecting such booty
as they could carry away, the French fired the houses and burnt all but five
or six.
Capt. Sander Glen's family and relatives with their habitations and other
property, on account of former kindness shown to captive Frenchmen, were
DESTRUCTION OF SCHENECTADY EY FRENCH AND INDIANS IN 1690.*
* [From painting by Gilos F. Yates now in possession of his niece Mrs. A. A. Yates
of Schenectady. The painter has doubtless taken the traditional poet's license in his
drawing. It is very improbable that a single brick or clear two story house stood in
Schenectady in 1690 — or until the middle of the next century when large bodies of
British troops in the town or passing through, gave quiet and prosperity to the people. ,
In 1690 they were poor farmers and Indian traders, with little wealth in money, carrying
on their trade in produce, skins or sewant. — M'M.]
Burning of Schenectady. 247
spared by express order of the Governor of Canada. The utter helplessness
of the inhabitants to offer resistance, is shown by the fact that only two of
the enemy were killed and one severely wounded.
The plucky fight made by Adam Vrooman and his family comes down to
us by tradition. His house stood on the west corner of Front and Church
6treets opj)osite the north gate.
By keeping up a brisk fire from his dwelling he kept the enemy at bay
and extorted a promise from the French commander to spare his life.
After taking a few hours of much needed rest, the French began their
retreat at 11 o'clock of the 9th, with 27 prisoners, men and boys, and fifty
horses laden with plunder.
Nineteen of their men perished in the retreat and the remainder were only
saved from starvation by killing the horses.
Of the many accounts of this transaction written at the time, the follow-
ing are the most trustworthy.
The first is the French report, and may be found among the " Paris docu-
ments " Vol. iv, in the secretary of State's office.
" An account of the burning of Schenectady by Mons. De Monsifnat
comptroller General of the marine in Canada to Madam de Maintenon, the
morganatic wife of Louis XIV.
" The orders received by M. Le Comte [De Frontenac] to commence hos-
tilities against New England and New York, which had declared for the
Prince of Orange, afforded him considerable pleasure and were very neces-
sary for the country. He allowed no more time to elapse before carryino-
them into execution than was required to send off some dispatches to France
immediately after which, he determined to organise three different detach-
ments, to attack those rebels at all points at the same moment, and to
punish them at various places for having afforded protection to our enemies
the Mohawks.
"The first party was to rendezvous at Montreal, and proceed towards
Orange ; the second at Three Rivers, and to make a descent on New York,
at some place between Boston and Orange ; and the third was to depart
from Quebec, and gain the seaboard between Boston and Pentagouet, verg-
ing towards Acadia. They all succeeded perfectly well, and I shall com-
municate to you the details. * * * *
"The detachment which formed at Montreal, may have been composed of
about two hundred and ten men, namely : eighty savages from the Sault
and from La Montague y sixteen Algonquins ; and the remainder French-
men— all under the command of the Sieur Le Moyne de Sainte Helene,
and Lieutenant Daillebout de Mantet, both of whom Canadians.
248 History of the Schenectady Patent.
"The Sieurs le Moyne d'Iberville and Repentigny de Montesson com-
manded under these.
"The best qualified Frenchmen were the Sieurs de Bonrepos and de La
Brosse, Calvinist officers, the Sieur la Moyne cle Blainville, Le Bert du
Chene and la Marque de Montigny who all served as volunteers.
" They took their departure from Montreal at the commencement of Feb-
ruary. (?)
"After having marched for the course of five or six days, they called a
council to determine the route they should follow, and the point they should
attack.
" The Indians demanded of the French what was their intention. Mes-
sieurs de Sainte Helene and Mantet replied that they had left in thehope
of attacking Orange, if possible, as it is the Capital of New York and a
place of considerable importance, though they had no orders to that effect,
but generally to act according as they should judge on the spot of their
chances of success, without running too much risk. This appeared to the
savages somewhat rash. They represented the difficulties and the weak-
ness of the party for so bold an undertaking.
" There was even one among them, who, his mind filled with recollections
of the disasters which he had witnessed last year, enquired of our French-
men,— " since when had they become so desperate ? "
" In reply to their raillery, 'twas answered that it was our intention, now,
to regain the honor of which our misfortunes had deprived us, and the sole
means to accomplish that was to carry Orange, or to perish in so glorious an
enterprise.
" As the Indians, who had an intimate acquaintance with the localities, and
more experience than the French, could not be brought to agree with the
latter, it was determined to postpone coming to a conclusion until the party
should arrive at the spot where the two routes separate — the one leading to
Orange and the other to Corlaer [Schenectady]. In the course of the
journey which occupied eight days, the Frenchmen judged proper to diverge
towards Corlaer, according to the advice of the Indians; and this road was
taken without calling a "council. Nine days more elapsed before they
arrived, having experienced inconceivable difficulties, and having been
obliged to march up to their knees in water, and to break the ice with their
feet in order to find a solid footing.
" They arrived within two leagues of Corlaer about four o'clock in the
evening, and were harangued by the great Mohawk chief of the Iroquois
from the Sault. He urged on "all to perforin their duty, and to lose all
recollections of their fatigue, in the hope of taking ample revenge for the
injuries they had received from the Iroquois at the solicitation of the
English, and of washing them out in the blood of the traitors.
" This savage was without contradiction the most considerable of his
tribe, — an honest man, — as full of spirit, prudence and generosity as it is
possible, and capable at the same time of the grandest undertakings.
Burning of Schenectady. 249
Shortly after, four squaws were discovered in a wigwam, who gave every
information necessary for the attack on the town. The fire found in their
hut served to warm those who were benumbed, and they continued their
route, having previously detached Giguieres, a Canadian, with nine Indians,
on the lookout.
" They discovered no one, and returned to join the main body within one
league of Corlaer.
" At eleven of the clock at night, they came within sight of the town (but)
resolved to defer the assault until two o'clock of the morning. But the ex-
cessive cold admitted of no further delay.
" The town of Corlaer forms a sort of oblong with only two gates — one
opposite the road we had taken ; — the other leading to Orange, which is
only six leagues distant. Messieurs de Sainte Helene and de Mantet were
to enter at the first which the Squaws pointed out, and which in fact was
found wide open. Messieurs dTberville and de Montesson took the left
with another detachment, in order to make themselves masters of that lead-
ing to Orange. But they could not discover it, and returned to join the
remainder of the party. A profound silence was every where observed
until the two commanders, who separated, at their entrance into the town for
the purpose of encircling it, had met at the other extremity.
" The signal of attack was given Indian fashion, and the whole force rushed
on simultaneously. M. de Mantet placed himself at the head of a detach-
ment, and reached a small fort where the garrison was under arms. The
gate was burst in after a good deal of difficulty, the whole set on fire, and
all Avho defended the place slaughtered.
"The sack of the town began a moment before the attack on the fort.
Few houses made any resistance, M. de Montigny discovered some, which
he attempted to carry sword in hand, having tried the musket in vain. He
received two thrusts of a spear — one in the body and the other in the arm.
But M. de Sainte Helene having come to his aid, effected an entrance, and
put every one who defended the place to the sword. The massacre lasted
two hours. The remainder of the night was spent in placing sentinels, and
in taking some repose.
" The house belonging to the minister was ordered to be saved, so as to
take him alive to obtain information from him; but as it was not known
it was not spared any more than the others. He was slain and his papers
burnt before he could be recognized.
" At daybreak some men were sent to the dwelling of Mr. Coudre
[C-ondre (?) Sander], who was major of the place, and who lived at the other
side of the river. He was not willing to surrender, and began to put him-
self on the defensive with his servants and some Indians; but as it was re-
solved not to do him any harm, in consequence of the good treatment that
the French had formerly experienced at his hands, M. dTberville and the
Great Mohawk proceeded thither alone, promised him quarter for himself,
32
250 History of the Schenectady Patent.
his people, and his property, whereupon he laid down his arms, on parole,
entertaining them in his fort, and returned with them to see the command-
ants of the town.
"In order to occupy the savages, who would otherwise have taken to drink
and thus render themselves unahle for defence, the houses had already been
set on fire. None were spared in the town but one house belonging to
Condre [Sander Glen], and that of a widow [Bratt], who had six children,
whither M. de Montigny had been carried when wounded. All the rest
were consumed. The lives of between fifty and sixty persons, old men,
women and children were spared, they having escaped the first fury of the
attack. " Some twenty Mohawks were also spared, in order to show them
that it was the English and not they against whom the grudge was enter-
tained.
" The loss on this occasion in houses, cattle and grain, amounts to more
than four hundred thousand livres. There were upwards of eighty well
built and well furnished houses in the town.
"The return march commenced with thirty prisoners. The wounded, who
were to be carried, and the plunder, with which all the Indians and some
Frenchmen were loaded, caused considerable inconvenience. Fifty good
horses were brought away. Sixteen of these only reached Montreal. The
remainder were killed for food on the road.
"Sixty leagues from Corlaer the Indians began to hunt, and the French not
being able to wait for them, being short of provisions, continued their route,
having detached Messieures dTberville and Du Chesne with two savages
before them to Montreal. On the same day, some Frenchmen, who doubt-
less were much fatigued, lost their way. Fearful that they should be
obliged to keep up with the main body, and believing themselves in safety
having eighty Indians in their rear, they were found missing from the camp.
They were waited for next day until eleven o'clock, but in vain, and no
account has since been received of them.
"Two hours after, forty men more left the main body without acquainting
the commander, continued their route by themselves, and arrived within
two leagues of Montreal one day ahead, so that there were not more than
fifty or lixty men together. The evening on which they should arrive at
Montreal, being extremely fatigued from fasting and bad roads, the rear
fell away from M. de Sainte Helene, who was in front with an Indian guide,
and who could not find a place suitable for camping nearer than three or
four leagues of the spot where he expected to halt. He was not rejoined
by M. de Mantet and the others until far advanced in the night. Seven
have not been found. Next day on parade, about ten o'clock in the fore-
noon, a soldier arrived who announced that they had been attacked by
fourteen or fifteen savages, and that six had been killed. The party pro-
ceeded somewhat afflicted at this accident, and arrived at Montreal at
3 o'clock p. m.
Burning of Schenectady. 251
" Such, Madame, is the account of what passed at the taking of Corlaer.
The French lost but twenty-one men, namely four Indians and seventeen
Frenchmen. Only one Indian and one Frenchman were killed at the capture
of the town. The others were lost on the road." — Doc. Hist. N~. Y., i, 186-. %4~f
" In a Look entitled " Mortgages B " found in the office of the clerk of
Albany county, is the following account:*
"Albany ye 9th day of February 16f£
Die Sabbathi.
"This morning about 5 o'clock ye alarm was brought here by Symon Scher-
merhoorn who was shott threw his Thigh y* ye french and Indians had
murthered ye People of Skinnechtady ; haveing got into yeTowne about 11
or 12 a Clock there being no Watch Kept (ye Inhabitants being so negli-
gent & Refractory) and yt he had much a doe to Escape they being very
numerous. They fyred severall times at him at last throw his Thigh and.
wounded his horse and was come over Canatagione (Niskayuna) to bring ye
news. * * * *
"Severall ye People haveing Escaped ye Cruelty of ye french and there In-
dians came Running here & told us ye Village was a fyre and yt they had
much a doe to Escape for all ye streets were full of french and Indians & yt
many People were murthered and yt ye enemy were marching hither which
news was Continually Confirmed till afternoon. * * * *
"Some horse men sent out to Discover ye Enemies force and there march
but were forced to Return ye snow being so Deep yet some were sent out
again who got thither. Lawrence ye Indian with ye Maquase yt were in
Towne were sent out also to Skinnechtady to Dispatch posts to ye Maquase
Castles for all ye Indians to come downe, but unhappily sad Indians comeing
to Skinnechtady were so much amazed to see so many People murthered and
Destroyed that they omitted ye sending up to ye Maquase Castles according
to there Engagement, While ye Euemy was at N. Scotia a man came to
Ensign Joh : Sander Glen and said he would goe to ye Maquase Castles and
warn ye Maquase to come downe who was ordered to goe in all haste but
comeing to ye Upper Plantations went for fear along with some of ye oyr
Inhabitants into ye Woods and never went to ye Maquase Castles, this night
* In an ancient Dutch bible owned by Jacob 6. Sanders of Albany, — a descendant of
the Glens who settled at Scotia, — is the following account of the massacre :
1690. " tusschen de 8 & 9 Februarie is de droovige mort gedaan hereop Schenectady
by de Franse en haar Wildes : — alles verdestreurt en Verbrant * * * op 5 huysen naer
maer ; maer op Schotieage [Scotia] neen quaet gedaen by akpresse order van haer gover-
neur, Voor het goet doet myn grootvader [Sander Leendertse Glen], myn vader en Oem
[Johannes & Sander Glen] aan een gevange paep priest & verscheiden anderen gevangen
gedaen hadde in de oorlogh tussche onse Wildet & de Franse."
252 History of the Schenectady Patent.
we gott a letter from Skinnechtady Informing us yt ye Enemy yt had
done yt mischieffe there were about one hundred and fifty or 200 men
but that there were 1400 men in all. One army for Albany & anoyr for
Sopus which hindered much ye marching of any force out of ye Citty fear-
ing yt ye enemy might watch such an opportuuity.
"The 10th day of February.
"Present. — Pr. Schuyler, Mayr ; D. Wessels, Recr ; J. Bleecker, Capt.
Bull, Capt. Staets, Aid. Schaick, Aid. Ryckman, Joh : Cuyler, Ens. Ben-
nett,
" Resolved yt Capt. Jonathan Bull be sent w'1, 5 men out of each Compy to
Skinnechtady to bury ye dead there & if ye Indians be come doune to join
with them & Pursue ye Enemy.
" The way how ye Bloody French and Indians committed this tragedy was
thus.
" After they were gott into ye Toune without being discovered (no watch
or guard being kept, notwithstanding severall gent" of Albany no longer
than three days before were up there to Perswade yrn to it), The french and
ye Indians besett each house and after they had murthered ye People they
burnt all ye houses and barns Cattle &ca Except 5 @ 6 ; which were saved
by Cap' Sander [Glen] to whom they were kinde as they had particular
orders so to be by reason of ye many kindnesse shevvne by his wife to ye
french Prisoners." — Mort. Bk. B. Alb. Co. clerk's office.
A few days subsequent to the massacre at Schenectady, Pieter Schuyler,
mayor, and Dirk Wessels Ten Broeck, recorder of Albany, and Kilian
Van Rensselaer Patroon of Rensselaerswyck, addressed the following ap-
peal to the Governor Bradstreet and Council of Massachusetts. This letter
as well as one from Capt. Bull, was answered by the Governor and Council
on the 27th of February.
" Albany y« 15'h day of febr, 16f&.
"Honrd Gent".
" To our great greeffe and Sorrow we must acquaint you with our Deplora-
ble Condition there haveing never ye Like Dreadfull massacre and murther
been Committed in these Parts of America, as hath been acted by ye french
and there Indians at Shinnectady 20 miles from Albanie Betwixt Saturday
and Sunday Last, at 11 a clok at night. A Companie of Two hundred
french and Indians fell upon said village and murther'd Sixty men women
and Children most Barbarously, Burning ye Place and Carried 27 along
Burning of Schenectady. 253
with them Prisoners, among which the Leif1 of Cap'. Bull Enos Talmadge
& 4 more of sd Company were killed <# 5 taken Prisoners y e Rest being In-
habitants and above 25 Persones there Limbs frozen in ye flight.
" The Cruelties Committed at s1' Place no Penn can write nor Tongue Ex-
presse, ye women bigg with Childe Rip'd up and y(' Children alive throwne
into yc flames, and there heads Dash'd in Peices against the Doors and
windows.
" But what shall we say we must Lay our hands upon our mouth and be
silent. It is Gods will and Pleasure and we must Submitt, it is but what
our Sinns and Transgressions have Deserv'd. And since Generally humane
things are Directed by outward means, so we must ascribe this sad mis-
fortune to jc factions and Divisions which were amongst yc People and
there great Dissobedience to there officers for they would Obey no Com-
mands or keep any watch, so y' ye Enemie haveing Discovered there
Negligence and Security by there Praying maquase Indians (who were in
sd Place 2 or 3 Days before yr attaque was made) Came in and Broak open
there verry doors before any Soule knew of it, ye Enemy Divideing them-
selfs in 3 severall Companies Came in at 3 severall Places no gate being
shutt, and Seperated themselfs 6 or 7 to a house and in this manner begunn
to Murther spareing no man till they see all y houses open and masterd,
and so took what Plunder they would, Loading 30 or 40 of y - Best horses
and so went away about 11 or 12 a Clock at noon on Sabbath day.
" It was as if y heavens Combined for y Destruction of y1 Poor Villadge;
That Saturday night a Snow fell above knee Deep and Dreadfull cold, and
ye Poor People y* Escaped and brought us ye news about break of day
did so much Increase yu numbers of ye Enemy that we all Concluded
there was a Considerable Army comeing to fall upon our City as was affirmed
were upon there March hither; we being told not only then but ye day
that they were 1900 att Least, we sent out some few horse forthwith after
after we had Rec1 y° news, but scarcely could get throw yL Deep Snow,
some whereof gott to y* De Solato [desolate] Place, and there being some
few maquase here in Towne we got them to goe thither with our men in
Companie to send messengers in all haste to ye Maquase Castles, and to
Spye where the Enemy went, who were not very free to goe ye Snow being
so Deep and afraid of being Discovered by there Tract; but comeing to y
Village were in such Consternation seing so many People & Catle kill'd and
Burnt, that it was not Effected till 2 days after, when Ave heard y1 ye Maquase
knew nothing of it, upon which messengers were sent, and the Maquase of
y° first and 2 ' Castle came downe in 24 houres whom we sent out with some
of our young men in Pursute of y Enemy: afterwards y Maquase of jc
31 Castle came downe who are also gone out, but are afraid will not overtake
them, & which is worse if they doe fynde tnem fear will doe them no great
hurt y Indians amongst them being all of y? kindred of our Indians; for
y1' Policy of y ' freuch is so great that they Declar'd to some of y Maquase
254 History of the Schenectady Patent.
which they founde at Shinnechtady that they would not doe the Maquase
harm Yea if they should burn and Destroy never so many houses at Canida
and kill never so many f reach, they would not touch a hayr of there head;
for there Govern1 had such an Inclination to that People he would live in
Peace with them; nay to -gain the hearts of ye Maquase whatever they
Desyred at Shinnechtady was graunted ye women and Children that were
left alive upon there Desyre were Released and saved, ye very houses where
ye Maquase lay at were saved upon there Request, so that they leave no
stone unturned to bring y Indians to there Devotion.
"The 40 Maquase that were out as Skouts at ye Lake whom we furnish'd
with Powder and Lead to lye there a Purpose, we must Conclude have
knowne nothing of ye Enemies Comeing; for they had Posted themselfs at
one of y Passages, and before they had sent men to y oyr Passage ye
Enemy was Past by, which we must Impute to there negligence..
"The s ' French had Belts of wampum along with them which they showed
to a maquase Squae at Shinnechtady which they Design'd to have given to
our Indians upon Proposealls of Peace if they had met with any upon ye
way, soe y* we must Conclude they want nothing but a Peace with our
Indians to Destroy al the sel Parts.
" Our Maquase have got one of there Indians Prisoner whom they have
Tortur'd and afterwards have Released him, but Delivered him into our
Custody; for we feard he would make his Escape and Runn away to ye
Enemy; y s1 Indian Confesses that there were 600 men Preparing to come
out upon this Place or N. England, and one hundred men were gone out
against Skachkook Indians which Was Besides this 200 men; & that this
Company had been 22 days from Canida.
"After ye french had done y Principall mischieffe at Shinnechtady Capt.
Sander a Justice y' lives cross y- River was sent for by y Cap1, of ye
french, who had Put himself in a Posture of Defence in his fort with the
men that he could get by him ; when 13 came there and told him they
should not fear for there orders was not to wrong a Chicken of his, upon
which Cap' Sander Ordered them to lay downe there arms, and so were let
in where they Left one man for a hostage & Cap*. Sander went to ther,
Commander who told him he had Commission to come and Pay a Debte
which they owed ; Col Dongan our govr. had stirrd up our Indians to doe
mischief at Canida, & they had done the same here ; and Pulling his Com-
mission out of his Bosom told he was strikley Charged not to doe any harm
to him or his, since he but Especially his wife had been so Charitable to ye
french Prisoners, so yT Capt Sander saved sundrey houses from being burnt
and women & Children irom being Carried away ; But ye Snow was so
Extream Deep y1 it was Impossible for any woman to march a mile, so yl
they took none but men and boys that could march.
Burning of Schenectady. 255
" As soon as ye Maquase of ye first and 2d Castle came downe and see yc
Ruines of Shennechtady were Verry much griev'd The 2 Principall Cap,n«
said to Mr Wessels and some oyr gen', y' were sent from Albany to Dis-
patch ye Christians and Indians away in Pursute of ye french. Now you
see your Blood spilt, and this is y bpginning of ye miseries if not suddeuly
Prevented. Therefore write to all them that are in Covenant with us Viz'.
New England Virginia and all ye English Plantacons of America to make
all Readinesse to master Canida early in the Spring with Great Shipps Else
you cannot live in Peace You Say ye King is a great king, and you are Very
numerous here in this Country farr above yd french you are so But now is
the time to show it, else ye more you are ye greater shame it is to suffer yu
french to be master; and then we and all the 5 nations yea all ye fan-
nations must acknowlege ym for a great People and master of ye french if
you now Subdue it. But hitherto we see ye french are the Souldiers they
have been at y; northwest and killd ye English there ; They have killd ye
Indians at ye Sinnekes Country and now they come here and kill ye Dutch
meaning yK Inhabitants of Shinnechtady who were formerly of ye Dutch
nation. They are Victorious wherever they goe. Them of N. England
have told us they would Destroy Canida, we have much Depended upon
there great Promises since we know they are Potent Enough to doe it, &
now we know there is open wavr. If we were but assured y* ye English
would minde theree Interest now and make Ready agaiust ye spring we
would keep them in alarm, we must goe hand in hand and Destroy the
french, we hope y* y Govern1 with men is come which you have often told
us off. You told us also y* ye king of England was so Potent that he had
Blokt up the french havens; yet y french govr is come & we hear nothing
of yours. In ye mean time we goe out now with Sixty Maquase of ye first &
2J Castle 25 River Indians Besides ye Christians and above 100 men of jK 3''
Castle are comeing to morrow, we will Pursue ye Enemy and doubt not but
to overtake them too; and Rescue yc' Prisoners.
" Now Gent" The Indians Speak well yet we ai-e Satisfyed by all there
actions that they will side with ye Strongest and ye Indians y' are among
ye french are all of our Indian Relations, so y! it cannot be Imagined that
they will Destroy or anoy; Therefore if there majts subjects doe not Rise
like one only man against ye french there Majes Interest in these Parts will
be Destroyed, and they once being Rooted out all oyr Evills which Spring
from them as the fountain will be quashed, the Longer we stay the worse
it will be, for we must doe it at last and then probably after we have lost
many hundreds of our People which would be fitt to help in such an Expe-
dition; we have felt ye smart of that nation and Pray God our neighbours
may not come to ye same Disaster, we are Satisfyed they did not Design to
Destroy Shinnectady but all our out Plantations but fyndeing them so
secure sett upon them & left the oyr untoucht thinkeing they could never
Escape there Cruelties.
256 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" Dear neighbours and friends we must acquaint yu y' never Poor People
in yl world was in a worse Condition then we are at Present, no governour
nor Command no money to forward any Expedition and Scarce men enough
to maintain ye Citty and we must Conclude there only aim is this Place
which once being attaind y 5 nations are Rent from ye English Crowne &
in Stead of being a Bulwark to these Dominions as hitherto they have
Proov'd will help to Ruine and Destroy the Countrey and Lay all waste.
We have here Plainly Laid ye Case before y" and doubt not but you will
so much take it to heart and make all Readinesse in ye Spring to Invade
Canida by water. We Pray God Continually for ye arriveall of our Govr
without which we can doe but litle haveing enough to doe to keep y Indians
to our side with great Expense; for these Distractions and Revolutions at
N: York e hath brougt us into a miserable Condition, That without yr assist-
ance and the 50 men from N. Yorke we should not be able to keep ye Place
if any Enemy came wee begg an answer with al haste y< we may Satisfy ye
Indians, we write to N: Yorke and oyr Parts of our mean Condition. We
long much to hear from yr honrs haveing sent an Indian Expresse y 15
January last with what papers Related to y Indians at y1 time, since when
our messengers are come from onnendage and ye Indians al declare to be
faithfull to this governm*. We have writt to Col Pyuchon to warn ye
upper townes to be upon there guarde feareing y* some french <fc Indians
might be out to Destroy them. We have no more to add in these Trouble-
some times but ye we are Hon!,le gent.
^ Your most humble & obed1 serv,s
g ye Convention of Albanie
£ 'o Pr Schuyler, Mayor
5J S *3«r
o sf.S =* "* [Mass. Archives, 239-246.]
<% "3 *! a J
*%& '<*/><^!£&yU^
-55
S (- (Si o
* [Prof. Pearson makes these signatures Dirk Wessells, Rekw and Kilien Van
Rensselaer. I think they should be read Derck Wessells, Rekor and P. (Richard ?)
Van Rensselaer, Justice. — M'M.]
Burning of Schenectady. 257
" The Governor & Council of Massachusets to the Mayor, recorder, &c, of
Albany.
"Boston, 27' '' February, 16f£.
" Hon-"" Gent".
Yors of the 15"' instant bringing the sad and Solemn News of the desola-
tion of Schinectedy, and the barbarous cruelties exercised towards the
people of that place came to hand on Munday the 24,:i of this instant, which
is a loud Alarm to the whole Country to make all meet preparation to put
themselves in a posture of defence. The Government here have had before
them the consideration of an expedition against the French in the Eastern
parts And have consented to severall propositions for the Encouragement
of such as shall undertake the charge of carrying on the same, divers con-
siderable Gentlemen Offering to advance towards it, and hope that some-
thing will be soon brought to Effect in that matter the people here seeming
to be greatly Spirited therein. It is very unhappy that the animosities and
divisions amongst the people in yor parts and refusing to Subject to any
Order should make them careless and neglectiveof their duty for their own
Security and to expose themselves thereby to the incursion of the Enemy.
It's hoped this sad providence will Awaken them that are yet unattacked to
unite for the conion Safety and to make provision accordingly, and be very
diligent in their watches to prevent Surprise. Should the French gain any
more such advantages it is to be feared that it would farther their Jesuitical
insinuations with the Indians and draw them to their side, when thev see
their Success and Observe the security and divisions that are araonir the
English, yor care and Endeavours to hold the Indians firme to their promiss
and Covenant lately renewed may by no meanes be wanting at this time;
And it will highly concern the English of these Colony'* and those of New
Yorke and Maryland & V:1 to maintain a good correspondance and intelli-
gence at this critical time and to unite against a comon Enemy. In which
wee shall not be wanting on our parts as Occasion shall offer.
" Wee thanke you for yr care in the Speedy Intelligence and notice given
of the danger to the upper Towns of this Colony. And desire the farther
comunication from time to time of what may occur for their MalirS Service
Copending you to the gracious Protection of the Almighty.
Subscribe
Gent" yor Friends and Servant the Governo'
and Councill of their Ma' ies Colony of the
Massachusetts Bay. Signed by their Order."
— Mass. Archives, Book xxxv, 277-8.
33
258 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" Governor Bradstreet & Council of Massachusetts Bay in answer to a
letter from Capt. Jonathan Bull commander of the Connecticut troops
stationed at Albany & Schenectady.
" Boston Feb. 27 16f£.
" Cap' Bull.
" Altho' we are excedingly greived for the horrid Tragedy lately acted
at Schenectady, yet the matter of fact being so, we are glad to be inform'1
of it by the Albany Magistrates, and your self. Because tho' it's to late to
succor that dolefull desolate place; yet the Example of it may be a means
to prevent the like Ruine to ourselves. And if their Destruction doe
thoroughly awaken us, that being forewarn*1 we may become forearm*1 we
shall be so far happy. Your sorrowfull account does the more concern us,
because we therein take notice of five of our Men slain & five Captivated,
the Leiu' being among the slain. Twas very Commendably done of you
to endeavour a pursuit of the Enemy; and when that designe Jail*1 to shew
the last office of Humanity in providing a Grave for y bodyes of our mur-
dered Freinds and Neighbours. One would hope that the very looks and
hideous Complaints of the poor frosen persons who escaped would be an
Oration powerfull enough to persuade your Cityzens to peace & Unity.
Tis an universall Truth that a Cyty divided against itself cannot stand
Albany New York and Boston must finally die the death, if stricken with
the same Division Plague. The Lord inspire you and the Citizens with
that Courage, Prudence and Unanimity, as not to think of deserting so im-
portant and defensible a Post as Albany is • the hinge upon which in a
great measure the weight of our present New England affairs doth turn.
Division is your Ruine you say; but where can you so probably expect a
Cure of it, as in tliat Neighbourhood: And without a Cure that disease
will prove mortall Whatsoever Town or Climate you betake your selves to.
Twould be satisfactory to us for you in your next to say how many fight-
ing men were in Schenectady, how well provided with Great Guns and
small Amies, of what strength & Circumference the fortification whether
it be now Tenable or no, so as to give any encouragem1 to the French to
place a Garrison there; what Church & Minister was in the place.
" An Embargoe is laid upon all vessells here this day which is to take
effect the eight of March next That so we may the more vigorously apply
our selves to the present Expedition against the French at the Eastward
and to the defence of our own Frontier Towns, of which by the Blessing
of God we hope we may in some short time be able to give you a good ac-
count. We are very sensible of the good Corresponclance Albany Gentle-
men hold with us in Communicating to us what occurs. In the same storm
wherein Schenectady was lost, Skippar Dotey of Plimouth, his son, and
Elkana Watson were Cast away on Barnstable Barr, & all three lost their
Burning of Schenectady. 259
Lives, but whether by sea, or by persons, on shoar more inimicall than the
sea itself, is matter of Doubt & Jealousy. The America a ship of near
two hundred Tunns is near ready to saill for London, by which Conveyance,
shall give a full account all Passages to our Agents, if we do not send on
purpose. Not doubting but all prudent means will be used by your
Magistrates to fix the five Nations on our side. We pray God to prosper
you and us, as that our Actions may gain Credit with them, and so take
leave l'emaining yor Loveing ffriends.
The Treasurer has given The Govr & Councill of the
ye Bearer Fourty shill- Massachusetts Colony signed
ings to help bear his by their order.
charges and even ye score
in Town as to himselfe
his Companion and
Horses." — Mass. Archives, xxxv, 279.
The survivors of the massacre had become so'discouraged by their late ter-
rible experience, that it was seriously debated whether the settlement should
not be abandoned. The frontiers were now so harrassed by straggling par-
ties of the enemy, that the husbandmen could not safely plant and harvest
their crops.
In the midst of these discouragements the Mohawks strove to dissuade
them from abandoning their plantations, promising them aid, and counsell-
ing them to fortify their village more substantially.
At a council held in Albany by the Sachems and the chief inhabitants of
Albany and Schenectady, the Mohawks made the following speech to their
white brethren.
"25 Feb. 1690
'* Propositions made by the Sachims of ye Maquase Castles to ye Mayor
&c— of ye Citty of Albany, * * 25th day of February l6g$.
" Brethern. — Wee are sory and Extreamly grieved for ye murther
Lately Committed by ye french upon our Brethren of Shinnectady wee Es-
teem this evill as if done to ourselfs being all in one Covenant chain, * *
" Wee Lament and Condole the death of so many of our brethren so
basely murthered at Shinnectady, we can not accompt it a great victory for
itt is done by way of Deceit.
" Bretheren. — Doe not be discouraged this is butt a beginning of ye
Warr we are strong eneugh the whole house have there Eyes fixed upon
y3 and they only stay your motion and will bee ready to doe whatever shall
be resolved upon by our Brethren. * * * *
260 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" Wee Recommed ye brethren to keep good watch and if any Enemies
came take care y* mesengers be more speedily sent to us than lately was
done we would not advise ye brethren quite to deseret Shinnectady but
to make a fort there. The Enemy would be too glorious to see it quite
desolate and yr Towne is not well fortifyed ye Stockades are so short ye
Indians can jump over them like a dogg. * * * " — Doc. Hist. n.
"Leisler to the Bishop of Salisbury, 31 Mar. 1690.
* * they murthered 60 persons and bore away with them 27 prisoners,
wounding some others so that there remain but about one sixth part of them,
having their cattle, goods and provision destroyed ; and arrested from
them, the remnant sheltering them selves at Albany, where there is provi-
sion made for them from New Yorke.
"Robert Livingston to Sir Edmund Andros, ap. 14, 1690.
* * * On ye 9,h of Feby last a Compy of 250 French and Indians
came upon y* place when they were all asleep about 11 a'clock at night, and
killed & destroyed 60 men women and children, carryed 27 men and boys
prisoners and burnt 37e towne except 6 or 7 houses which are saved by Capt.
Sander [Glen], whom they did not touch, having Expresse command to med-
dle with none of his relations for his wifes sake, who had always been kinde
to ye French prisoners.
" The people of that Towne were so bygotted to Leysler that they would
not obey any of ye Magistrates neither would they entertain ye Souldiers
sent thither by y4 Convention of Albany, nothing but men sent from Leys-
ler would do theire turn.
" Thus had Leysler perperted yt poor people by his seditious letters now
founde all bloody upon Skinnechtady streets, with the notions of a free
trade boalting etc., and thus are they destroyed ; they would not watch,
and where Capt. Sander [Glen] commanded, there they threatened to burn
him upon ye fire, if he came upon the garde.* * * " — Doc. Hist, i, 193.
Extract from Leisler's letter to Maryland.
March 4, 16fg.
* * 200 men fell upon them (Shenectady) and barbarously murdered sixty-
two men, women and children and burned the place left but 5 or 6 houses
unburned, carried away captive 27; the rest escaped, many of which being
about 25 persons much damnified by the french. * * *
"By the Comrs for Albany &c.
" Forasmuch as it is of high Concern to preserve his Majlies City and
county of Albany from the rage and mischief of the French and their ad-
herents, who to or sad experience have made divers attempts upon the
skirts of the same; Wee doe therefore Order, and hereby it is ordered that
Burning of Schenectady. 261
the Posts of Schanechtede, Connestigieonc and the half Moone be forthwith
supplyed with proper numbers of men to defend the same, ***** \2^
day of May, 1690."— Doc. Hist., n.
In regard to the number of persons killed and carried away to Canada at
the destruction of Schenectady, the best accounts agree substantially. The
names of sixty persons massacred and of twenty-seven captives, have been
preserved among the historical documents in the office of the secretary of
State and are given below, accompanied by remarks as to their residences
in the village. It will be noticed that the largest number of the slain resided
when living on State Street; hence the survivors called this street Mar-
telaer's straat, in pious remembrance of their slaughtered relatives and
neighbors, — a name whose significance and sentiment are in striking con-
trast with the utter poverty of invention and good taste shown by their
descendants in borrowing a name from Albany for their chief business
street.
' List of ye People kild and Destroyed by ye French of Canida and there
Indians at Skinnechtady twenty miles to ye Westward of Albany, between
Saturday and Sunday ye 9lh day of February, 16f£.
Myndert Wemp kild " 1
He was the eldest son of Jan Barcntse Wemp (Wemple) who owned half
the great island west of the town and died in 1663, leaving another son
Barent and two daughters.
Myndert's house lot was on the west side of Washington street a little
north of State street. His son Johannes was carried away to Canada but
was redeemed and lived many years afterwards.
" Jan Van Eps and his sonne and 2 of his Children kild." 4
Jan Van Eps was the only son of Dirk Van Eps and Maritie Damens.
The father died early and the mother married two husbands afterwards,
the last of whom was Cornells Van Nes of Albany. With Jan Van
Eps were also killed three of his children, and a fourth, Jan Baptist, then
seventeen years of age was carried away by the French. He remained
with the Indians three years, but finally escaped in one of their excursions
against the Mohawks. On account of his familiarity with the language of
the natives, he was often employed by the Governors of the Province as an
interpreter.
262 History of the Schenectady Patent.
The Van Eps house lot was on the north corner of Church and State
streets and embraced about two hundred feet on each street.
The east half, including the corner, was early sold to the Bratts.
It is probable that Van Eps resided upon the west half at the time of the
massacre.
" Serg* Church of Capt. Bull's compy." 1
"Barent Janse [Van Ditmars] killd and Burnd his sonne kild." 2
His son's name was Cornells, — a young man of mature age, the husband
of Catharina Glen, daughter of Sander Leendertse Glen.(?) The elder Van
Ditmar's in 1664, married Catalyntie De Vos, widow of Arent Andriese
Bratt, one of the earliest settlers of Schenectady, by whom she had six
children, all living at the time of her second marriage.
At the time of the massacre she was living with her family on her village
lot — on the east corner of Washington and State streets, and it was here
that Van Ditmars and his son Cornells were slain.
" Andries Arentse Bratt shott and Burnt and also his Child " [one
child]. 2
He was the eldest son of Arent Andriese Bratt and Catalyntie De Vos
above mentioned, and lived on the same ample lot (200 ft. square), as his
mother, on the north side of State street. In the massacre his wife,
Margareta Jacobse Van Slyck, and two other children were sjsared.
" Maria Viele wife of Dowe Aukes and her two children killd, 3
and his Negro Woman Francyn, 1
Maria Alolff Wife of Cornells Viele Junr Shott." i
These five persons were killed in one house, standing on the south corner
of Mill lane and State street next the ancient church. Aukes kept an Inn
there; Viele was uncle of his wife and subsequently became heir of his
property.
At the same time Arnout Cornelise Viele, brother of Aukes' wife, was
carried away to Canada.
" Sweer Teunise [Van Velsen] Shott and burnt his wife kild & burnt, 2
Antje Janz daughter of Jan Spoor kild & burnt, l
Item 4 Negroes of ye said Sweer Teunise ye same death, 4
Enos Talmidge Leift. of Capt. Bull kild & burnt." l
All in one house.
Burning of Schenectady. 263
Van Velsen's bouse was next east of Douwe Auke's above mentioned, on
the south side of State street, now numbers 54 and 56. He was the town
miller and directly in the rear of his house stood his corn mill on Mill lane.
As he died without heirs, his estate was divided among his wife's child-
ren,— the Wemps, — a portion being reserved for the church.
" Hend : Meese Vrooman & Bartholomeus Vrooman kild & burnt, 2
Item 2 negroes of Hend : Meese ye same death." 2
He lived on the north side of State street where the New York Central
railroad crosses. All the Vroomans in this vicinity are his descendants
through his two sons Adam and Jan.
" Gerrit Marcellis and his wife and Childe kiled," 3
He was son of Marselis Janse of Albany. At the time of his death he
was residing on the lots now occupied by McCamus & Co's stores.
" Rob* Alexander souldr of Capt Bulls Shott." I
He was probably quartered in the blockhouse at north angle of the village
at the corner of Front and Washington streets.
" Robert Hesseling." Residence unknown. 1
" Sander ye sonne of gysbert gerritse [Van Brakel] kild & burnt," 1
He lived on the east corner of Ferry and State streets.
" Jan Roeloffse de goyer burnt in ye house," 1
He was son of the famous Annke Janse, and lived upon the lot of Mr. G.
Y. Van de Bogart opposite the Court House. He left no descendants.
"Ralph grant a souldier in ye fort shott," 1
" David Christoffelse & his wife wth 4 children all burnt in there house," 6
His house lot was on the east side of Church street now occupied by the
late Mrs. Volney Freeman.
He was the son of Christoffel Davids of Albany, an Englishman by birth.
" Joris Aertse [Vander Baast] shott and burnt, Wm Pieterse kild," 2
His house lot was on the south corner of Church & Union streets.
" Job : Potman kild his wife kild and her scalp taken off," 2
His house stood on the lot on the north corner of Ferry and Union streets
where Mr. Barney now lives.
He was the ancestor of the Putmans of this vicinity.
264 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" Dome Petrus Tassemaker ye minister kild and burnt in his house" 1
" Frans Harmense [Van de Bogart] kild." 1
His house lot was on Front street — and near the north gate.
His son Claas was carried away, but was afterwards redeemed.
'• Engel the wife of Adam Vrooman shot and burnt her child the brains
dashed out against y«= wall." 2
Her maideu name was Engeltie Blom. Vrooman's house stood on the lot
on the west corner of Front and Church streets.
His son Barent and a negro were carried away to Canada.
"Reynier Schaats and his sonne kild." 2
He was son of Dome Gideon Schaets of Albany ; — surgeon and physician
of the village as well as justice of the peace. His lot was on the north side
of Union street, now owned by the county of Schenectady.
" Daniel Andries & George 2 souldiers of Capt. Bull." 2
" A french girl Prisoner among the Mohogs kild." 1
"A maquase Indian kild." 1
" Johannes ye sonne of Symon Skercnerkorn, 1
3 Negroes of Symon Skermerhorn." 3
He probably lived on the west corner of Church and Union streets — the
Tomlinson lot.
" Lyst of ye Persones which ye French & there Indians have taken
Prisoners att Skinnechtady and caried to Canida ye 9!h day of February
16f o, Johannes Teller & his negroe." 2
The Teller lot was on the east corner of Union and Washington streets,
extending 200 feet along each street.
Teller was redeemed from the Indians.
" John Wemp sonne of Mynd* Wemp and 2 negroes." 3
The Weinp's lived on the west side of Washington, a little north of
State street.
" Symon, Abraham, Phillip, Dyrck and Claas Groot all 5 sonnes of
Symon Groot." 5
His house lot was next west of Reynier Schaet's on the north side of
Union street, now owned by the county of Schenectady and A. W. Hunter,
Esq. All these sons were redeemed with perhaps the exception of Claas.
Burning of Schenectady. 265
" Jan Baptist sonne of Jan Van Eps." 1
The Van Eps lot was on the north corner of Church and State streets,
Jan remained among the Canadian Indians about three years, and in one
of their expeditions against the Mohawks escaped and returned home.
"Albert & Johannes Vedder sonnes of harme Vedder." 2
Harmen Vedder the father, had a hofstede on the bouwland, now owned
and occupied by Mr. John D. Campbell of Rotterdam, and it is not cer-
tainly known that he had a village lot.
Both were redeemed.
" Isaak Cornelise Switts & his Eldest sonne." 2
He lived on the west side of Washington street directly opposite State.
Both were redeemed.
" A negroe of Barent Janse [Van Ditmars]" • 1
Van Ditmars married Mrs. Bratt in 1664 and lived upon the lot on the
east corner of State and Washington streets.
" Arnout ye Sonne of Arnout Corn: Viele ye Interp1." 1
Arnout was brother-in-law of Douwe Aukes and was residing at his house
on the south corner of State street and Mill Lane near the church.
" Stephen ye sonne of Gysbert Gerritse [Van Brakel]"
Van Brakel resided on the East corner of Ferry and State streets.
" Lawrence Sonne of Claes Lawrence Purmurent [Vander Volgen]." 1
The Vander Volgen home lot included the lots on which are built the
Van Home Hall and the Myers' Block.
Lawrence remained with the Canada Indians about eleven years, becoming
perfectly familiar with their language and customs. After his return he
was employed as Provincial interpreter.
" Arnout Sonne of Paulyn Janse." Residence unknown. 1
" Barent ye Sonne of Adam Vrooman and ye neger." 2
" Claes sonne of Frans Harmense [Van de Bogart]." ]
His father's village lot was on the north side of Front street, now the res-
idence of Mr. Henry Rosa.
"Stephen adopted Sonne of Gcertje Bonts." Residence unknown. 1
" John Webb a souldier belonging to Capt Bull," 1
34
266
History of the Schenectady Patent.
" David Burt belonging to ye same Compe,"
" Joseph Marks of ye same Comp6,"
In all*
1
1
27
" List of the Goods sent from New York and received from Monsr Jan
Hendricksen Brujn and Johannes Proofoost to be distributed among the
Refugees of Schoonechtede, to wit :
2348| Dutch ells of Osenb: Linen.
3 ps Serge,
13 prs. Stockings,
72 ells pennestont,
And delivered to the Deacons of Schoonechtede and the Deacons of
Albany, to wit :
Barent Wemp, Johannes De Wandelaer,
Jan Byvanck, Jacob Loockermans.
first distributed to
Barent Wemp
Harmen Vedder,
Symen Schermerhoorn.
Symen Groot,
Arent Vedder,
Anne widow of Frans [Van de Bogart],
Willem Appel,
Goosen Van Oort,
Samuel Bradt,
Andries Bradt,
Johannes Dyckman,
Geertruy Groot,
3 ps. sarge distributed of
List of the Pennestont to
Aces Cornelise [Van Slyck],
Dirck Bradt,
Isack De Teurex [Truax],
Nieces Volekers,
Johannes Dyckman,
Jan [Van] Eps,
Loowies Coopeele [Cobes],
Pieter Van Olinda,
Gerret Jansen,
William Van Erde,
Sarge.
6| ells
6|
•I
6f
6|
6|
*\
61
H
79 & |
Pennestont
7 ells
7
8
H
3
7
3£
7
5
H
* Doc. Hist. I, 191.
Burning of Schenectady. 267
Arent Vedcler, 3^
Elias Swart, 7
Jan Buys, 4
Geertruy Groot, 3
72 ells
List of Stockings.
Man us Veclder, one pair of Stockings, 1
Symen Groot, one pair, 1
Jan Buys, 1
Willem Appel, 1
Symen Schermerhooren, 1
Gyspert Gerrets [Van Brakel], 1
Harmen Vedder, 1
Hendrick Gardeniers, 1
Samuel Bradt, 1
Dirck Hesseliugh, 1
Adam Froman, v 1
Teunis Carstensen, 1
Gerrit Gysbersen [Van Brakel], 1
The number of Stockings, 13 prs.
< List of the Osenburg Linen.
Harmen Vedder, 80 ells
Jan [Van] Eps, 70
Catlyn Barensen [Van Ditmars], 70
Dirck Bradt, 65
Barent Wemp, 70
Dirck Hesselinger, 58
Willem Appel, 80
Goosen Van Oort, 50
Geertruy [Groot (?)], 31
Susanne Tellers, 50
Aces Cornelise [Van Slyck], 50
Dieur Wemp, 55
Anne Harmensen [Van de Bogart], 65 •
Tryntje Bosboom, 20
Symon Volcker [Veeder], 30
Samel Bradt, 50
Gyspert Gerrets [Van Brakel], 80
Nieces Volckertsen [Veeder (?)], 20
Jacob Van Laer, 20
Willem Van Eerde, 75
Cornells Viele, 40
Manus Haegedoorn, 40
268
History of the Schenectady Patent.
Jannetie Scherraerhooren,
Cornells Schermerhooren,
Citte Bradt.
Hendrick Gardeniers,
Cornells Claesen,
Tryntie Schaets,
David Christoffelsen's children,
Johannes Pootman's children,
Adam Frooman,
Symen Schermerhooren,
Purmerent [Van de Volgen],
Symen Groot,
Fytie Pietersen Bosboom,
40
20
60
40
20
80
50
70
10
50
40
80
20
Distributed in Sehoonechtede,
1809 ells.
List of the Linen distributed in the Bush.
[ Woestine.~\
Elias Swart,
36 ells
Lauries Coopesen [Ludovicus Cobes],
20
Isack Teurx [Trnax],
40
Jan Buys,
23
Tennis Carstensen,
35
Binnonie Arentsen [Van Hueck],
25
Davit Marienissen [marinus],
30*
Elias [Van] Gyseling,
30
Arent Vedder,
30
Pitter Van Olinda,
35
Jan Frooman,
30
Manis [Harmanus] Vedder,
24
Tuenis Viele,
20
Tryntje Verwy,
15
Claes '[De] Graef,
35
Jan Hilt,
25
Cornells Groat,
20
Jan Luycessen [ Wyngaardt],
18
Johannes Dyckman,
30
Ifysbet Cornelissen,
15
540
From the other side,
1809
By me Johannes De Wandelaeb,
Deacon of Albany*
2349
* Doc. Hist. N. Y., ii, in.
Burning of Schenectady.
269
As the people of Albany were connected with those of Schenectady by
ties of blood and marriage, the latter received much aid from the former.
Thus in the Deacon's book of the church of Albany, immediately after
the destruction of Schenectady, are found the following entries for goods
given away.
Aen Purmerent [Claas Laurense Van der Volgen], 8 el linne en 7
el plets (?) ~ 29 guld.
Aen ditto 2\ el duffels en 7 el linne, 30 guld.
Aen Jan Spoor 8 ell linne.
Aen Kornelis groot een kempt, 8 gul.
Aen purmerent [Claas Laurense Van der Volgen], 2 el duffels,
16 gul.
The following ballad, though "without much literary merit, has some
value for the facts set forth therein.
Tt was evidently written by a person belonging to the English garrison
stationed at Albany.
1690
Feb.
12.
u
13.
u
14
((
17.
"A BALLAD,
In which is set forth the horrid cruellties practised by the French and In-
dians on the Night of the 8th of Last February. The which I did compose
Last Night in the space of one Hour, and am now writing, the Morning of
Fryday, June 12, 1690.
God prosper long our King and Queen
Our lives & Safeties all
A sad misfortune once there did
Schenectady befall.
From forth the woods of Canada
The Frenchmen tooke their Way
The People of Schenectady
To captivate and slay.
They march'd for two & twenty dais,
All thro' the deepest snow ;
And on a dismal Winter Night
They strucke the Cruel Blow.
The lightsome sun that rules the Day,
Had gone down in the West ;
And eke the drowsy Villagers
Had sought and found their reste.
w. w.
They thought They were in Safetie all,
And dreampt not of the Foe ;
But att Midnight They all awoke,
In Wonderment & Woe.
For They were in their pleasant Beddies,
And soundelie sleeping, when
Each Door was sudden open broke
By six or seven Men.
The Men and Women, Younge & Olde,
And eke the Girls & Boys,
All started up in great Affright,
Att the alarming Noise.
They then were murther'din their Beddes,
Without shame or remorse ; [stew'd
And soon the Floores and Streets were
With many a bleeding corse.
270
History of the Schenectady Patent.
The Village soon began to Blaze
Which shew'd the horrid sight : —
But, O, I scarce can Beare to Tell
The Mis'ries of that Night.
They threw the Infants in the Fire,
The Men they did not spare ;
But killed All which they could find
Tho' Aged or tho' Fair.
0 Christe"! In the still Midnight air,
It sounded dismally, [screams,
The Women's Prayers, and the loud
Of their great Agony.
Methinks as if I hear them now
All ringing in my ear ;
The Shrieks & Groanes & Woefull Sighs,
They utter'd in their Fear.
But some ran off to Albany,
And told the dolefull Tale :
Yett tho' We gave our cheerful Aid,
It did not much avail
And We were horribly afraid,
And shook with Terror, when
They told us that the Frenchmen were
More than a Thousand Men.
The News came on the Sabbath morn
Just att the Break of Day.
And with a companie of Horse
I galloped away.
But soone We found the French were gone
With all their great Bootye ;
And then their Trail We did pursue,
As was our true Dutye.
The Mohaques joynd our brave Partye,
And followed in the chase
Till we came upp with the Frenchmen,
Att a most likelye Place.
Our soldiers fell upon their Reare,
And killed twenty-five,
Our Young Men were so much enrag'd
They took scarce One alive.
D'Aillebout Them did commande,
Which were but Theevish Rogues,
Else why did they consent and Goe
With Bloodye Indian Dogges?
And Here I End the long Ballad,
The Which you just have redde ;
Iwish that it may stay on earth
Long after I am Dead.
WALTER WILIE.
Albany, 12th of June, 1690."
Indian Wars on (he Border, 1662-1713. 271
INDIAN WARS ON THE BORDER, 1662-1713.
The destruction of Schenectady and the uncertainty of future safety of
the border settlers in the vicinity of that village, awakened in their minds
serious doubts as to the expediency of rebuilding their dwellings and put-
ting seed into the ground. To reassure the courage of the people, the con-
vention at Albany passed the following resolution on the 22 Feb., 1690.
Resolved that for ye p'servation of there maje8Intrestin these parts & ye
Secureiug of there Subjects in this time of war wth ye french, yt all means
be used to Perswadeall ye maquase to come & live & Plant at Schinnectady
lately Destroyed by ye french and there Indians wh will be a means yt ye
winter Corn sowed there may be reaped & ye Indians in Readinesse to joyn
with our forces upon any occasion if ye enemy should come. — Doc. Hist.,
ii, p. 90.
The Five Nations too in a council held at Albany, May 3, spoke encourag-
ing words, —
" Brother Corlaer be no wise discouraged but make your fort strong (as
we have our castles) at Schenectady and maintain a garrison there, that
your Corne may be preserved & reap your harvest, also send for your wifes,*
and children from New York and encourage them that we shall be safe, and
fear not, * * * The words of Diadorus are ended."f
In April an attack was made on the feeble settlement at Canastagione
where eight or ten people were killed by the French Indians, " which has
made the whole country in an Alarm and the People leave there planta-
tions."!
Of this attack Leisler wrote to Governor Treat of Connecticut, April 19, as
follows :
"It hapened y* last Sabeday, at Nistigione, 12 My le from Albany, ye
people there gathered all in one house & keept watch, the said ffrench and in
* Mr. Van Cortland writing to Gov. Audros May 19, says, " most of the Albany women
Are att New Yorke."
f Col. Doc. in, 714 X Col. Doc. in, 716.
272 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Indians, finding in the night the houses empty, & perseving their retreatr
went in a swamp, the people going in ye mourning, each to their houses,
were surprized, 9 Christians, 2 negers were kild & captivated, which must
needs encourage the enemie to further attempt if not prevented by a
vigorous attake in Canada.*" * * *
To the same effect, he wrote to the magistrates of Albany, April 30, in
his Dutch English.
* * "mest riarsf desired som guns with iff your seemeth most be taken
from sloop or petrares for Schonectede with Wee Desiers ma not be deserted
doo It shuld kost 50 soldiers to maentain." * * * J
May 12, 1690, the magistrates of Albany to stay the general alarm and
provide for the protection of the border, " Ordered that the Posts of Schen-
echtade, Connestigioone, and halfe-moone be forthwith supplyed with the
proper number of men to defend the same, — and that none doe presume to
post any other forces saving at the 3 places aforesaid at their uttmost
perill."§
" Whereas it is judged necessary for to defend Schanechtede and to that
purpose it is likewise found requisite that a Fort shall be built to defend ye
Inhabitants and oppugn the Enemy if he should attack the same," — Capt.
Sander Glen and others are ordered to build a " substantiall Fort on that
lot of grounde called by y name of Cleyn Isaacs."!
Robert Livingston — a strong and active Anti-Leislerian, in a letter of June
7 to Lt. Gov. Nicholson, makes serious charges against Leisler's agents at
Albany of their " drinking and Quaffing while the French Indians comes and
cutts off the People at Canastagione and above Synechtady and never one of
them cacht. We have all Leisler's seditious letters secured which was the
occasion of the destruction of Synechtady, miraculously found in the streets
all embrued with blood the morning after the massacre was committed."**
So impoverished had Albany and Schenectady become, that aid was called
for from Connecticut for " fournishing the souldiers with provisions, Shen-
nectady being destroyed and most of the out plantations deserted, that your
honrs would be pleased to send a supply of an hundred barrels of porks or
beefe equivalent for maintaining their Maje9 Forces."ff
On the 9th June, 1690, four persons of those who had been captured by
the French and escaped from Canada, arrived in Albany, to wit, Klyn
* Doc. Hist., ii, 131. f [Ryer Schermerhorn — M'M].
X Doc. Hist, ii, 131. § Col. MSS., xxxvi.
| Isaac Svvits lot at foot of State street.
** Col. Doc, in, 727. ft Col. Doc, m, 693.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 273
Isack [Swits] of Schenectady, and his eldest son Symon, — Ryck Claessen
[Van Vranken] of Niskayuna and one of Capt. Bull's soldiers taken at the
destruction of Schenectady.* Four more captives taken at the same place
were brought in March, 1091, by a "party of Christians and maquase."f
In the beginning of June, 1691, Gov. Sloughter, who succeeded Andros,
visited Albany and Schenectady to inspect the defences and hold a council
with the Five Nations.
In his speech June 1, to the Sachems assembled, he said:
* * " I must acquaint the Brethren that it was very unpleasant news to
me, which was told me at Schenectady two dayes ago, by the poor distressed
Inhabitants of that Village, how that some of the Brethren have burnt and
destroyed several of their deserted houses and Barns, and have killed their
horses, Cattle, Hoggs and Poultry in the woods, left by the Enemy, which
is an uncharitable act, and ought to be enquired into and for the future
prevented and remedied."];
"The maquasse propose for themselves and say: * * * * (4 June, 1691).
" We were glad to see your Excellcy safe arrived here to the Gentu of
Albany and as soon as you have visited the Magistrates here, you took
hoarse and rode to Schenectady where you see the mines to that Towne
occasioned by the French, and there the poor people made there complaints
to your Excellcy of the killing of their Cattle and Hoggs; — we must confess
the thing was done, but could not be avoided for we were ready to pursue
the Enemy when they had done the mischeife at Schennectady & comeing
home were almost starved and therefor for mere necessity we were com-
pelled to do what we did; you expect satisfaction for the same, but pray
consider how business is now circumstanced that it cannot conveniently be
done, for if you should draw us from prosecuting the warr to go to hunt to
make satisfaction for that injury, it would be of badd consequence.
"Brother Corlaer, we have often told you that you should fortifye your-
selfe well, but you always tell us, the French were a Christian Enemy and
they would warn you but you see how they have warned you by Schennec-
tady, therefore pray you make the Citty as strong as the Forte and when
our Indians doe goe out a fighting, then pray send seaven or eight Men in
our Castle to make a noise (which is the manner of their Watching, a
nights) that so our women and Children may be secure and not taken
Captive whilst we are abroad."
*Doct. Hist., ii, 153 ; Col. Doc, m, 781-2.
f Col. MSS., xxvii. % Col. Doc. , in. 773.
35
274 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" We deliver you a prisoner vis* Joseph Marks* which we brought from
Canada who was taken at Schenectady by the French and their Indians and
shall endeavor to bring more by all occasions."! — (June 1, 1691.)
During the summer of 1691, Major Pieter Schuyler raised an expedition
for Canada, in which he employed the Mohawks. Robert Livingston
writing to Gov. Sloughter says, " I designe to send provisions to Schenec-
tady for them to prvent their sotting & drinking here, that they may march
from thence directly. "J
About this time the Indians took prisoner one Cornells Clatie at Canas-
taguijone. " In the end of June 2 men went over the river att Canastogione
to make hay upon Claas [Janse Van Boekhoven's] de Brabander's land, —
the most dangerous place in all the Province; some French Indians sur-
prises them, kills the one and takes off his skull & what is become of the
other we know not. The other people that were mowing of hay upon
Claes de Brabander's Island that now belongs to John Child [Clute], heard
3 gunns goe off went to the river side1, see noc body but the Cannoe; we
sent a party of horse thither who found one of the men lying in the water
at the shoare side."§ Such was the alarm that the people durst not stay
upon their farms, and there was danger the crops would not be harvested.
On the 11th July, Gov. Sloughter wrote to the Governors of the other
Provinces, that he had just returned from Albany, where he "found our
Plantations and Schenectady almost ruined. — I have garrisoned Schenectady
and Halfe Moon with some of the 100 fusileers raised by our Assembly."!
Again Aug. 6, he says, "I found Albany full of disorder, the people
ready to disert it; about 150 farms deserted & destroyed by the French."
October 5, 1691, " At a council held at Fort William Henry [N. Y].
" This Board having the Garrison of Schenectady under consideration, it
is thought convenient to remove the 4 eruns from there to Albany and that
Peterardoes be placed in their steade."**
Late in the year 1691, another of the prisoners taken at Schenectady the
year before was brought back by an Oneida Indian, who was rewarded in
" Duffels and Rom " to the amount of £2, 2s.
In January, 1692, Cornelis Van Slyck, Ilarmen Van Slyck and Hendrick
Janse went out from Schenectady with the Maquase upon the Brandwach
towards Canada, Capt. Sander Glen furnishing " Sno Shoes " for them.ff
* A soldier of Li. Enos Talma^e's detachment posted in the fort at Schenectady.
\ Col. Doc, in, 778, 779. % Col. Doc, in, 781, 782, 805.
§ Col. Doc, in, 783-4. || Col. Doc, in, 784, 792, 795.
** Council Minn., vi, 57; Col. MSS., xxxvin.
•ft Col. MSS., xxxvin.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 275
Iu February came an alarm from Albany to Governor Fletcher that "350
French and 200 Indians had come within 36 miles of Schenectady."
The Governor proposed to h detach three hundred men out of the City
regiment and adjacent counties to be transported to Esopus by water,"
from whence they were to be sent on to Albany and Schenectady by
horses.*
In May there was a new alarm and Major Ingoldsby visited Albany
where the officers " represented that they need a force of 400 men on this
frontier, — 200 at Albany, 50 each at Schenectady, Canastagione, & half
moon, & 50 to go out with 100 Indians as constant scouts in the woods."f
Returning from Albany, the commander-in-chief, Maj. Ingoldsby, reported
to the Council in New York, June 10, that he found the place in great
disorder from the false alarm occasioned* by some skulking Indians from
Canada; — that the fortifications were very much out of repair; — that he had
confirmed the chain of friendship with the Five Nations and River Indians,
and that he "had detached 30 men from the garrison at Albany to Schen-
ectady;— 30 to Half-Moon and that 50 more were wanting at least for Can-
nestgioenna but could not afford to detach any more from Albany."];
In October, Governor Fletcher visited Schenectady and put it in some
posture of defense for the coming winter.§
In September, three French prisoners being examined at New York said
that last summer (1692) the French of Canada " had a design to fall upon
Albany & Schenectady & the Mohac country, but first, to take Shenec-
tady where they resolved to build a fort * * but their design failed."!
The Provincial Council, July 1, for the purpose of obtaining information
in relation to the late massacre at Deerfield, examined Jan Baptist Van Eps
(of Schenectady), " aged about 19 years, who had been a prisoner or captive
amongst the ffrench Indians in Canada, the space of three years, and made
his Escape from them in february last, when the ffrench and Indians attackt
the Maquaes Castles, and came to Schenectade being the Uppermost ffrontier
of this Province where His Excellency Ben]. Fletcher, &c, then was with
the fforces from New York to repulse the Enemy."**
In August, 1692, a new expedition was fitted out at Schenectady, consist-
ing of 350 Indians of the Five Nations under Canachkorie to attack Canada.
The expense of the outfit was £54, 3s. 5d. Among other things furnished
was 4 ells of " red & blew " ribbons " to Tye in his Fares."
* Council Min., vi, 165. f Col. MSS., xxxvni.
X Coun. Min., vi, 104. § Coun. Min., vi, 134 ; Leg. Min., vi, 50.
| Col. Doc, iu, 855. ** Col. MSS., xxxix
276 History of the Schenectady Patent.
P. Davitse was allowed nine shillings for making two gun-stocks; Jellis
Funda nineteen shillings and six pence for making four gun stocks, — & Barent
Mynderse and Christian Smith £7, 6s. 8c?., for repairing arms for the Indians.
While at Schenectady the " Mayor & the Rest " stayed with Johannes
Glen; — Hille Van Olinda their interpreter, made two great belts of wampum
for which she received £2, 8s.
There was furnished for the expedition 600 lbs. of " Beefe & Pork besides
the 4 quarters of a small beast," amounting to £1, 16s., — 25 skipples of
Pease @ § and 24 Loaves of Bread @ Id.
A large quantity of wampum belts was sent along to draw over the Pray-
ing Indians of Canada.
The zewant for two great belts cost £3, 12s.
The low condition of Schenectady is plainly shown by the following
petition, »-so impoverished had the poor people become that a paltry tax of
only £29-7s ($73 -nnr) was considered too great a burthen for the whole
township to bear.
11 To his Excell : &c. Ac.
The Humble Peticon of the Inhabitants of Skenectady in the county of
Albany, —
Humbly Sheweth
That youre Excell8 Peticon™ have received many great damidges and
Losses by the ffrench & there adherents, By Murdering of there ma]"83
good Subjects and Burning there habitations and Cattle &c, and daly great
Charges and truble with the Indian Souldgrs and there Wifes & Children as
lately aboutt 300 of these were here 21 days before they Marched toward
Canida, Destroying our grain &g. in our plantations, that our Winter Main-
tenance for our poore ffamilies is much Shortened to our Ruin haveing many
poore Widows and Children from the out places here to Secure there
Lyves : — as alsoe the magtrates &c. of Albany have Lotted to us to pay
towards the Tax of 315lbs for our part £29-7p. which Seemes to our poore
Condicon very hard, not Knowing how to Raise it, being Constrained to
plant together that we can not [lose] that Little What wee have Left, &c.
Whereupon your Peticonrs humbly Implore Your Excellency .for a Re-
dress, & that wee may be freed of all Taxes till the Warr is ended and your
Excellency's further assistance with Souldgrs &c. for a defence against the
Enemies &c. [no Signatures.]
Petition granted 'uemine contradicente ' 11 Oct. 1692."*
*Coll. MSS., xxxviii.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 277
In February 1693, the French attacked and took the first and second
Mohawk castles. Major Ingoldsby writing on the 1 1th to Governor Fletcher
from Albany, informed him that the French and Indians to the number of
550 had marched to the attack, " which we had by a youth [Jan Baptist
Van Eps] taken at Schenectady three years agoe and made his escape from
them just as they were to fall upon the castles an hour before day."*
On the 14th Governor Fletcher started from New York, arrived on the
17th by water and the same day set out for Schenectady, ordering the troops
as they arrived from below to follow. On the ISth by the break of day the
men who had gathered at Schenectady were ready to be set over the
Mohawk but were hindered till the afternoon by a violent storm. The next
day the rest of the forces attempted to cross but were hindered by floating
ice ; by 10 o'clock the ice packed and the men walked across, within two
hours after the river was open again.
On the 20th the Governor sent another company of 42 men with 13 horses
loaded with provisions and ammunition.
21st. Horses being carried over the river and men ready to be transported,
an express came from Maj. Schuyler that he was near at hand on his
return.
22d. The Governor and Major Schuyler returned to Albany with the
forces.f
Major Peter Schuyler who commanded the force first sent out to meet
the French, received the first news of their attack upon the Mohawk Castles
on the 8th February, " soon after which " he writes " we had the news that
a young man named Jan Baptist Van Eps (taken at Schenectady 3 years
agoe) was runn over from the French, as they were to attack the first
castle of the Mohogs and come to Schenectady, who related that the French
were 350 Christians and 200 Indians." That night Lieut. John Schuyler
and Cornet Abeel with 55 horse marched to Schenectady.
9th. The Mohawks at Schenectady being exasperated at the delay of the
Christians to pursue the French, Major Schuyler was sent to Schenectady
to pacify them.
10th. Major Schuyler sent Lieut. John Schuyler and Lieut. John Sanderse
Glen with 6 men to reconnoitre the enemy: — they brought word that the
French occupied both the first and second castles or forts.
* Col. Doc. iv, 2, 6. f Col. Doc, iv, 14.
278 History of the Schenectady Patent.
11th. A party of 50 men was sent out to watch, a part of whom returned
on Sunday the 12th, reporting that firing was heard, on the receipt of which
tidings Major Ingoldsby despatched 200 men from Albany out of the
several companies of militia, who arrived in Schenectady the same day.
13th. Major Schuyler receiving no orders to march from the commander-
in-chief moved his men over the river (Mohawk).
In the afternoon orders were received to advance, and at the same time
news came that the French had burned the three Mohawk Castles and were
on their retreat. Major Schuyler marched 12 miles that evening with a
force of 273 Christians.
At 10 o clock he received word by a scout that 600 Indians were coming
down to his assistance and despatched the same scout to Major Ingoldsby for
more provisions and ammunition for them.
About 1 or 2 o'clock in the morning of the 14th they broke camp, receiv-
ing advice that the French were not above 8 miles from them. Lt. Harmen
Van Slyck of Schenectady and two Indians being sent out to reconnoitre,
brought word that the enemy had marched.
15th. Two hundred and ninety Indians, men and boys, some armed and
some without arms joined the party.
16th. Major Schuyler sent word to Major Ingoldsby that the French had
built a fort and had resolved to fight. In the march this day " Arnout
[Viele] the interpreter's son came to them, who had been 3 years a prisoner
among the French."
In the morning the two parties were within a mile of each other.
17th. " Decamped and marched toward the enemy. At 8 o'clock in the
morning came in sight of the enemies fort. The enemy sallied out but were
beat back; so a 2'1 & 3'1 time;" finally the French became quiet and the
English fortified their camp. A messenger was sent to Maj. Ingoldsby to
hurry up provisions and ammunition, as many of the men had not had pro-
visions for two days.
18th. Cold and stormy. The enemy retreated, but the men being out of
provisions refused to follow.
19th. "News came that the provisions were near at hand with Capt.
Simms and 80 men; 5 biscuits to a man were distributed & the march com-
menced. Coming within a mile of the enemy, the Indians refused to attack
for fear the French would kill all their wives & children whom they had
prisoners."
Indian Wars on (he Border, 1662-1713. 279
On reaching the river the enemy crossed on " a flake of ice " all being
open above and below.
20th. Major Schuyler resolved to march over and pursue the enemy, but
the men being wearied, " their shoes quite worn out & provisions scarce
were not able to make any further pursuit." The most discouraging obstacle
however, was the aversion of their Mohawk allies to attack the enemy for
fear of the safety of their wives and children. Whereupon a retreat was
ordered.
21st. Arrived at Schenectady where he found Governor Fletcher with 280
men from New York. In this expedition, the English lost four soldiers and
four Indians, — wounded twelve, — killed of the enemy 33, including their
captain commandant and 20 other officers and two of their commanding
Indians, and rescued 40 or 50 prisoners.*
During the summer of 1693, active warfare ceased, but as winter ap-
proached, preparations were made to strengthen the fortifications and gar-
risons on the frontier.
Governor Fletcher writing to the Board of Trade Oct. 9, says, " the Pro-
vince of New York is hardly circumstanced at present; we do not now
muster 3000 militia, formerly 5000; — more families are dayly removing for
Peusilvania & Connectictt to be eased from the taxes and detachments. The
Assembly have provided for 300 men to be at Albany this winter, — too
small a number by half to justify the fronteers."f
On the 3d and 5th of October, Major Schuyler advised the Governor that
the French were approaching Albany ; that two men were taken prisoners,
*' near the Flats'' above Albany and that a party of the enemy on the east
side of the Hudson river fired upon a canoe coming down. J
During the winter of 169£ and summer following, there were no important
movements on either side ; the French using their best endeavor to make
peace with the Five Nations by which they would be free to attack the En-
glish ; the latter striving to counteract their projects.
About the 15th October, 1694, there was a disastrous "fire att Schenec-
tady which burnt 1000 skippel of wheat."§
May 29 1695. " Some small skulking party of French & Indians have
lately killed an old man near Albany & carried away one or two prison-
ers."!
* Col. Doc, iv, 16. f Col. Doc, rv, 55.
X Col. Doc. rv, 65. § Col. Doc. iv, 118.
280 History of the Schenectady Patent.
In 1695 Willem Appel, who had been severely wounded at the destruc-
tion of the village in 1690, presented the following petition to the Gov-
ernor and Council ;
" The humble petition of William Appell,
Humbly sheweth,
" That yor poor petitioner was grieviously wounded when Schonechtade
was cutt off, in so much that he could not gett up in his bed for 2 years
together ; but through the blessing of God can now just walk about though
his wounds still open ; and that yor Excellency's petitioner hath a wife &
3 small children, and that your Pettitioner is incapacitated to maintain them
onely by the selling of bier."
" Prays for the remission of the Excise of £14 per year."*
During the summer of 1695, there were constant conflicts between the
Five Nations and the French ; and in July, Capt. Sander Glen of Schen-
ectady conveyed a report from two Indians to Albany, that the French had
landed in force at Cadarachqui [Kingston, C. W.]. Whereupon Dirk Wes-
sels, Richard Ingoldsby, Charles Lodwick, Roger Wright, William Pin-
horne and others were sent to Schenectady but could learn nothing further.
April 21 1696, Gov. Fletcher offered by proclamation £3 bounty, and
four pence per day above provisions for all soldiers, who will voluntarily
enlist for one year, afterwai'ds raised to £4, 6s. f
May 14, 1696, Col. Peter Schuyler writes, " Since my last I am obliged to
give your Excellency an accompt of another man sculpt over against the
Patroon's island."J
In July the French attacked and burnt the castle of the Oneidas ; the
Onondagas finding themselves too weak to cope with them, burnt their
castles and retreated. There was great alarm at Schenectady lest the
French should move down and attack the village.§
The declining condition of the border is well represented by the follow-
ing petition :
" Att a meeting of ye Mayor, Alderman & Assistants of ye Citty and ye
Justices of ye County of Albany, the 30,h of Sept., 1696, who Represen-
ted as follows:
" To his Excell. Benj. Fletcher, Capt. Gen1 & Governor in Cheeffe of his
Majs Province of New York, &c.
* Col. MSS., xl. f Col. MSB., xl.
X Col. Doc. § Col. Doc. iv, 173.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 281
The bumble addresse of ye Mayor, Alderman & Assistants of ye Citty
and ye Justices of ye County of Albany, who Representeth ye State and Con-
dition of ye Citty and County aforesaid, humbly Sheweth :
Imprimis, That since ye beginning of ye present warr by ye dayly depart-
ing of ye inhabitants of ye Citty and County, we are weakened about 250
men, and that ye present garrison being 3 comps. Red Coats doe weaken
dayly as well by desertion as oyrwise, so yt ye same with all ye Recruits
from ye Governm1, where severall of our Inhabitants have Listed themselfs
under can hardly make up two hundred men, which is not sufficient for ye
Defence of this fronteer against ye Enemy.
2nd. That wee cannot Expect ye assistance from ye five nations as for-
merly since wee can Reckon that ye Proselites alone have lost about 60 men
in severall Renconters, besides ye Mohoggs upper nations and River Indians,
and since the Last Invasion by ye French and there Indians in Onondage
& oneyde, wee fear yx ye five nations will not be so zealous for ye Crowue
of England and this Governm* against ye french our enemy as formerly.
3dly. That our Plantations round about ye towne can not be farther im-
proved without ye great danger of there Lives, as it doth appear by ye bar-
barous murder and skalping of severall People this summer in there Labour.
4thly. That by ye Examination of a french Prisoner from Cauada this
Summer, who Reports yt there was Prepared 500 pare of Snow Shoes for a
Design this winter.
That by reason of ye above articles many families as well from Shinnech-
tady as Albany are departed and severall more are Preparing to Depart,
which can not be oyrwise but a fatal consequence.
Wee do therefore begg your Excell: would be pleased to take this adresse
in his Serious Consideration and humbly Pray yt wee may have ye favour
of your Excell Presence here this winter with sufficient strength as your
Excell shall think fitt, which will without Doubt be an occasion for many
inhabitants to Continue and will Extreamly oblidge your Excell most humble
and obed* Petrs to Pray forever. (Signed by the city & county officers). —
Albany City Mec, Albany Annals, in, 16.
On the 10th Jan., 1696, about 12 o'clock at night, the whole guard of the
garrison at Schenectady consisting of 16 men, deserted. Lieut. Bickford
the commandant pursued them, — a fight ensued in which several of the
deserters were killed and wounded. The remainder were brought back,
tried by court martial and condemned to be shot.*
17 Sept., 1696. "About ten days ago a skulking party of French Indians
killed a man & wounded another near Schenectady."f
* Col. Doc, 160-1. f Col. Doc, rv, 198.
36
282 History of the Schenectady Patent.
In the autumn of this year several small parties of French and Indians
appeared on the frontiers and great apprehension of a more formidable
attack during the winter was felt, so that " many of the Inhabitants thought
of removing to New York." To allay their fears the Governor went up to
Albany with a detachment of his own company.*
This anticipated raid during the winter of 1696-7, happily did not take
place, but in the spring of 1697 small parties appeared on the Mohawk doing
much mischief as opportunity favored. The following letter describes one
of these raids:
" Col Schuyler.
" Just now came hither two Indians & a Indian woman from the Maquas
Country giving an ace1 that to day about noon an onondage Indian was
Killd coming from Albany by 8 French Indians though they found but 3
clubbs. They fired first upon another party but misst them, Escap'd then
came this poor Dog, was knockt on the head and scalpt, a little Afterwards
the French Indians saw a Young Indian man & endeavour'd to take him
prisoner, but he Defended himself so long that another party of Onondages
came to his reliefe upon sight of which the French Indians fled & run
through the River. This happen'd Just on this side the Willigen [just
below Post Jackson] where peter van olinda formerly lived.
I break off and rest.
" Your humble servant
" Schenectade Johannes Glenn.
" 6 May 1697."
" A letter from Cap' Johannes Glen from Schenectade to Coll. Peter
Schuyler at Albany translated from the Dutch by M. Clarkson."f
So bold did the enemy become that " some [French] regulars and Indians
captured at the gate of Schenectady a very influential Onondago Chief."
" They were not able to make any prisoners, as recommended, having
been pursued immediately after striking the blow by a number of the enemy
half again as strong as they. "J
Earl of Bellomont succeeded Fletcher as Governor in April, 1698; in
July he made a journey in great state to Albany and Schenectady, staying
two weeks at the former and two days at the latter place, " My Lady "
accompanied him.
* Col. Doc, iv, 234, 243, 245. \ Mass. Sect. State's office vol. xxx, 416.
% Col. Doc. ix, 666.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 283
Among the items of expense were the following:
" To John Anderson who goes to Shennectady for beer 3 shillings ; —
"To Robert y° Coachman for ye horses at Shinnectady ann grease for ye
Calesh, £0-8-3.
" To My Lord's Butler John to give ye Servants at Shinnectady qwhen
My Lord was there 6 Lyon Dollars, £1-135.
" To Capt. Sanders [Glen] at Shinnectady for provisions, £8-9-3s.
"To Willem Gysbertse [Van Brakel] for a man & horse Expresse to fetch
Capt. Nanfan's men from Shinnectady 12 shillings,
" To Jacob Teunise for his horse to Shinnectady with my Lord 6 shillings,
" To Capt. Sander [Glen] his company of Train-bands at Shinnectady each
man one shilling, — [63 men] — £3-3s.
" To Harme Janse Knickerbacker for his Waggen & horses to Shinnec-
tady £l-17s."
At Albany the Governor and suite embarked on board a vessel with their
calesh and 6 horses for their return to New York and a pinnace and crew
were sent along to bring off provisions from the shore during the voyage.
The whole expense of the journey was £245, of his Excellency's table £34.
While at Schenectady Governor Bellomont gave orders for repairing the
" ffloor, Roofe, hearth & beds of the middle Barracks."* During the year
1697-8 Lt. Daniel Hunt commanded the garrison at Schenectady which
consisted of a detachment of Capt. Nanfan's company, formerly Capt.
Hyde's.f
On the 20 Sept., 1697, articles of peace were signed between France and
Great Britain called the peace of Ryswick. For nearly ten years the
Mohawk valley had been the scouting ground of the two hostile parties.
The husbandman had labored with his musket by his side and made his
dwelling literally his castle.
The news of peace did not reach Canada until May, 1698, and then by
the way of New York in a communication from Governor Bellomont.J
Although peace had been declared between the two nations, the French
of Canada still threatened war against the Five Nations, and Gov. Bellomont
prepared to espouse the cause of his Indian allies by calling upon the train-
bands of Albany and Schenectady to hold themselves in readiness to march
with the regulars. The dangers and alarms of these times are clearly stated
by Gov. Bellomont in a letter to the Lords of trade dated 24th Oct., 1698;
* Col. MSS., xlii. f Co1- MSS-. XLI1- X Col. Doc, rv, 344-5.
284 History of the Schenectady Patent.
"If by providence " says he, " the last winter had not been the severest
that ever was known in the memory of man the French had certainly
destroyed both Albany and Schenectady. I am well informed they were
prepared at Mont Reall for it, having in readynesse 1500 pair of rnquetts or
Snow Shoes, 140 small boats & 250 Canoes; but the snow being deeper
than the height of a man, they durst not venture to put their designe in
execution. Albany & Schenectady are equally defenceless, being only forti-
fied with a single row of Stockades; — no ditch or wall, so that an enemy that
would be hardy enough may come and with their muskets single out what
men they please in either place. For I observed the stockades had in many
places wide spaces between them and they are even with the ground. * * *
In my next letter * * I shall propose a fund for building the Forts at Albany
and. Schenectady, which are so necessary for the defence of this and the
neighboring Provinces. * * * If such were built & well garrisoned the
French could never make any impression on this Province. * * * They are
both of them very well seated for frontier places; Albany for covering all
the Province from attack, on Canada side & Schenectady for doing that
in part, and for covering the Mohacks, it being very commodiously seated
on the Mohacks river and much more pleasantly than Albany."*
After the proclamation of peace, early in 1698, the fortifications and gar-
risons on the border were greatly neglected. May 25, 1700, Gov. Bello-
mont wrote to the Lords of trade " that at the very time they [the French]
are fortifying against us and keeping up the same number of soldiers still,
which they did all the war; we on our part let our wooden forts fall to the
ground & reduce our pittance of soldiers and neither mind paying nor re-
cruiting them."f
1700. On the 29 August, Gov. Bellomont held a conference with the
sachems of the Five Nations at Albany, to whom he made the following
complaint :
"I have some complaints at this time made to mee of mischief lately done
by some of your people ih killing their cattle above Schanegtade; I desire
you will inquire into the matter and take such order that reparation may be
done the people that have been so wronged." * * * J
From 1697 to 1701 there was peace between England and France, conse-
quently^ between Canada and the English Provinces. Nevertheless the
constaut intrigues and threats of the French towaids the Five Nations made
it necessary for the Provincial authorities of New York to use persistent
and vigilant circumspection to counteract these intrigues.
* Col. Doc, i\,'m. f Col. Doc, rv, 644. J Col. Doc, iv, 735.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 285
Governor Bellomont died 5th March, 1701. Already rumors were rife
in New York of a prospective war between France and England, on which
account Col. William Smith, President of the Council and ex-officio Governor
of the Province, in writing to the Lords of Trade, " begs leave humbly to
repeate the state and condition of the forts at Albany and Schenectady
which are almost totally decayed & unserviceable."*
In 1709, orders were sent from England to Governor Lovelace to prepare
for an attack upon Canada and Nova Scotia. It was proposed to send out
a naval squadron and 5 regiments of regular troops to Boston, there to be
joined by 1200 men of New England.
These troops were to attack Quebec, whilst 1500 men marching by way
Albany were to attack Montreal. f
The Five Nations and River Indians were to assist. This expedition was
to be commanded by Col. Francis Nicholson and Col. Samuel Vetch, but like
the attempt in 1691 proved a miserable failure. The English ministry in-
stead of sending the promised armament to their American Provinces, sent
it to Portugal.
The Five Nations during the war 1701-13, between France and England,
being neutral became corrupted, and less firmly attached to the latter.
In 1711 another attempt was made to conquer Canada, as abortive as the
others, the naval expedition proving a failure. As a consequence the French
Indians commenced their skulking attacks upon the frontiers, killing two
families in Schaghtakook.J
Jan. 1, 1712, Governor Hunter wrote to the Lords of Trade "all is quiet
at present upon the Frontier."§
From this time until the " Old French war " in 1744, there was peace
between France and England and consequently between Canada and the
colonies.
In 1715 the township of Schenectady had two military companies of foot
consisting of about 60 men each, including officers. The following lists
show the names of the officers and men enrolled in these two companies at
that date:
* Col. Doc, iv, 867. f Col. Doc, v, 73.
% Col. Doc, v, 281. § Col. Doc, v, 303.
286
History of the Schenectady Patent.
1st. FOOT COMPANY OF SCHEN^.
" D Letst van Capt. Johs Sanderse Glen zyn Compenye.*
Cap*. J. Sanderse Glen
Luy* Gerret Symer feed1 [Veeder]
Luy* Jan Wemp
Luy* Arent Brat
Luy1 Barent Wemp
Corpr Evert V. Eps
Corpr theunis V. d Volge
Corpr Manus Vedder
Abm Glen
pieter Vrooman Jur
ghysbert V. Brakel
Helmus Veeder
Joh8 teller Jur
Jacob Swits
Sander Glen
Cornells Van Dyck
Claes franse [V. D. Bogart]
Jacob Schermerhorn
Jan Schermerhorn
Symon tol
Jan Dellemont
Andries V. Pette
Jan Marselus
Jacob V. Olinda
Johs Vedder
Cornells V. Slyck
Cornells Viele
David Marenus
Joh Peck
Jellis fonda
30
Jacobus Peck Jr
Abrm D. Graef
Pieter Danyelse [V. Antwerpen]
phlip phlipse
symon folkertse feeder [Veeder]
• Jacob Vrooman
pieter quinez ?
Jelles Van Vorst
Abr"1 Groot
Cornells Slingerlant
theunis Swart -—
Dirck Groot
Sweer Marselus
Jan baptist V. Eps
Arent Danyelse [V. AntwerpenJ
Barent Vrooman
Hendrick Vrooman Jr
Myndert Wimp
Jacob teller
Willem Marenus
Claas V. Putte jr
Jacob flipse [Philipse]
Welm hael [Hall]
Rob' Ets [Yates]
Nicolas Stensel (?)
Arent Samuel brat
Symon Groot
Marte V. Slyck
Hendrick flipse [Philipse]
Wilm Daes 30
30
In all 60 men
Signed
Joh Sanderse Glen
Gerrit Symonse [Veeder]
Jan Wemp.
* Col. MSS., lx.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713.
287
2d FOOT COMPANY OF SCHEN.
"D Leyst van Capt Harme van Slyck Compenye Ano. 1715. f
Cap' Harme V. Slyck
- Luy* Hendrick Vroomah
Luy* Jacob Glen
Sergaut Joh8 teller
Sergant Gerret V. Brakel
Sergant folcket Symonse [Veeder]
Corp1 Jacob V. Ghyselinge
Corp1 Andries D. Graaf
Corp1 Harme Vedder
Jan Barentse Wemp
Jan Vrooman Jur
Cornelus Van der Volge
Benyemen V. Vleck
Marte V. Benthuysen
Samuel Hagadorn
Willem teller
■>Wouter Vrooman
Jan Danyelse [V. Antwerpen]
— Esyas Swart -
Josepb Clement
Arent Schernierhorn
Jacob Meebie
Myndert Van ghyselinge
Joh8 Marenus
ficktoor pootman
Daniel tol
Bertolomew picker Jr
Joh8 Van Eps 29
Symon Swits
Arenout d Graef
Wilm Brouwer
Pieter mebie
Tyerck franse [V. D. Bogart]
Philip Groot
ysack aGraaf
Philip Bosie
-Johannes Vrooman
Abraham Meebie
Harme Vedder Jur
Jonetan Stevens
Arent Van Putte <~
Jacobus Vedder
Wouter Swart -
Jeremy tickstoon
Sander flipse [Philipse]
Wilm Coppernol
Hendrick hagedorn
Pieter Vrooman
Harme flipse [Philipse]
Rob* Dyyer (?)
Nicklas Stevens
Pieter Brouwer
pieter Clement
Adam Smith
John feerly 27
29
In all 56 men
(Signed)
Harme V. Slyck
hendrick Vrooman
Jacob Glen.
Although the peace of Utrecht brought comparative quiet to the border
settlements of this Province, the Five Nations still distrusted the French and
their Indians and stood prepared to defend themselves against their
attacks.
f Col. MSS., lx.
288 History of the Schenectady Patent.
The English sympathized with them and furnished them every aid and
help short of an armed force. They built their forts, supplied them with
arms and ammunition, — repaired their muskets and tomahawks, clothed
them with duffels and strouds and in times of scarcity sent them corn. In
many cases the smiths and carpenters sent there, were citizens of Schen-
ectady.
In 1711, Governor Hunter, the better to protect his faithful allies, — the
Iroquois, — contracted with Gerrit Symonse [Veedcr], Barent Vrooman,
Hendrick Vrooman, — John Wemp aud Arent Van Petten, carpenters of
Schenectady, for £1000, to build two forts in the Indian country, — one for
the Mohawks 150 feet square and 12 feet high of logs one foot square, with
a blockhouse at each angle two stories high and 24 feet square;* also a
chapel within the fort 24 feet square; the other for the Onondagas of like
dimensions.
In 1724, Harmen Vedder was appointed captain of a party of smiths
stationed among the Senecas, at a salary of £50; and Andries Brat at £15,
Hendrick Wemp at £25 and Harmen Van Slyck at £25, as smiths among
the Onondagas.*
In 1726, Joseph Van Sice of Schenectady, presented a bill to the Governor
for seven months service as smith in the Seneca's country for which he
claimed £20.
At a conference between Governor Burnet and the six Sachims at
Albany.
9 Sept., 1726.
A Seneca Sachim said:
* * * " It is three years ago that you Offer'd us a Smith, and told us we
might look for one to our minds, we found one then who pleased us very
well. It was Myndert Wemp; when his time was expired he told the
Sachims that he was going home whereon they desired him to come again
because he was good and charitable to the poor, therefore we desire he may
be our Smith and go with us when we go home. We desire also an
Armourer who can mend our Locks and Arms, such a Man lives at Schen-
ectady."*
* Col. Doc, v, 279. f Col. MSB., lxvi. % Col. Doc, v, 797.
Indian Wars on the Border, 1662-1713. 289
"5 Oct., 1728.
" Brother Corlaer
" It has been Customary when we came here towards the fall that a
Smith and an Armourer to be sent to work for you, but then to work in
our Country we beg you to grant us now that Joseph Van Sise and Hendrick
Wemp may be Ordered to go up with us who are fit persons for our Oc-
casion.
" His Excellency answered I will order a Smith and an Armourer to be
sent to work for you but then I Expect that you will not suffer the ffrench
Smith who is now there nor any other from Canada to reside among you
for the Future.*
" A Sinneke Sachim said
"Brother Corlaer.
" We desired a Smith & an Armourer but we do not hear further of it.
You spoke about a ffrench Smith who is with us now, he can Make no work
for he is an old man And can scarce see So we beg again that Joseph Van
Size and Hendrick Wemp may go up with us. We would fain have the
Smith and Armourer go with us Now that we may be sure of them other-
wise it may be neglected.
" His Excellency answered
" Bretheren,
" I will give Effectual orders to the Commissioners to send a Smith and
an Armourer with you to work in your Country. +
"Oct. 4, 1728.
* Col? Doc, v, 867. f Col. Doc, v, 868.
37
290 History of the Schenectady Patent.
THE OLD FRENCH WAR, 1744-1748.
The Old French War, so called to distinguish it from that of 1753, waa
declared by Louis XV. on March 15, 1744, and accepted by England,
March 29th. It was two months after before the news reached New Eng-
land although known a month earlier by the French of Canada. To secure
the friendship and active aid of the Six Nations, the Governor of New York
called a council of the chiefs of the confederacy, who met at Albany, June
18, 1744 and "renewed, strengthened and brightened the covenant chain
that had so long tied them and the subjects of his majesty the great king
their father, in mutual ties of friendship."
Although inclining to peace they promised in the strongest terms to stand
by their friends if attacked. During this war as in the others preceding it, the
French and their allies were the most actively aggresive, sending out almost
daily small parties of their Indians to annoy and distress the frontier set-
tlements and bring back such plunder and captives as they could find. The
points of attack in this Province were settlements along the Mohawk and
Hudson, particularly Saratoga, Schenectady and Albany and the outlying
places.
No family was safe unless protected by blockhouse or palisade; no man
was exempt from military duty save by age or infirmity. In Schenectady
and Albany each, able bodied men kept watch and ward every third or
fourth night. French and English reports alike give sad accounts of shock-
ing barbarities practiced on both sides by skulking parties of savages and
white men. The following examples, among many otr ers taken from French
reports, clearly show the cruelties practiced by these two Christian nations,
who rewarded their savage allies in proportion to the number of scalps
returned.*
" April 20, 1746, a party of fourteen Iroquois belonging to the Sault St.
Louis commanded by Ontaseago, the son of the grand chief of that village
who sojourned at Fort St. Frederic [Crown Point] made several scouts to
Sarasteau [Saratoga]."
These extracts are taken mainly from Drake's " Particular History" of this war.
IIEHMWII BV F. H. JAISB8. I'lIOTO. I.rfM, BY \. WILD, ALBANY, R. V,, FOB MAJOR MAC MURRAY, V- *■ A.
The Old French War, 1744-1748. 291
" April 26, a party of thirty-five Iroquois, belonging to the Sault set out.
They have been in the neighborhood of Orange [Albany] and have made
Borne prisoners and taken some scalps."
" April 27, 1746, a party of six Iroquois of the Sault St. Louis struck a
blow in the neighborhood of Orange [Albany]."
"May 10, 1746, Gatienoudean Iroquois of the Five Nations who has been
settled at the Lake [Champlain] for two or three years, left with five Indians
of that village, and Sieur St. Blein to strike a blowe in the neighborhood of
Orange. This small party brought in one prisoner, Gatienoude the leader
of the party is killed and scalped by the English on the field of battle."
" May 24, 1746, a party* of eight Abenakis of Missiskony has been fitted
out, who have in the directions of Corlard [Schenectady] and have returned
with some prisoners and scalps."
"May 27, 1746, equipped a party of eight Iroquois of Sault St. Louis,
which struck a. blow near Orange and brought back six scalps."
" A party of Abenekis of Missiskony struck a blow near Orange [Albany]
and Corlard [Schenectady] and brought some prisoners and scalps."
"June 2, 1846, equipped a party of twenty-five warriors of the Sault and
three Flatheads who joined the former in an expedition to the neighbor-
hood of Orange and who returned with some scalps."
"June 3, 1846, equipped a party of eighteen Nepissings who struck a
blow at Orange & Corlard [Schenectady]."
"June 17, 1846, equipped a party of ten Abenekis who went to make an
attack at the river Kakecoute and were defeated near a fort ;f their chief
Cadenaret, a famous warrior, has been killed; — the remainder returned
with some scalps and left others which they were not able to bring away,
the dead having remained too near the fort."
"June 19, 1746, equipped a party of twenty-five Indians of the Sault St.
Louis, who struck a blow near Orange [Albany].
One or two of the Indians were wounded : — they brought away some
scalps."
" June 20, 1746, equipped a party of nineteen Iroquois of the Sault St.
Louis, who went to Orange to strike a blow."
" June 21, 1746, equipped a party of twenty-seven Iroquois of the same
village to go to Orange. Sieur Parqueville an officer and Sieu:1 Blein, a cadet,
have been of this party, which has brought in a prisoner that was in the
scout to Sarasteau [Saratoga] and some scalps."
* It was probably in this raid that John Groot of Schenectady was captured. He died
in Quebec Nov. 20, 1746.
f Probably the English Fort at Schaghticoke on the Hoosac river.
292 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Such is an example of the energetic manner the French and their savages
made war upon the almost undefended frontier settlers who were taken by-
surprise and almost wholly unprepared for this war.
The earliest and most severe attacks were upon the New England Prov-
inces, which in 1745, raised an expedition and took the strongly fortified town
of Louisburgh. The greatest annoyance to New York was experienced
from the frequents parties sent out from Fort St. Frederick [Crown Point]
which the French held strongly fortified in 1731.
"Nov. 16, 1745, a large body of three hundred French & two hundred
Indians came upon the Dutch settlement at Saratoga,* murdering the in-
habitants without any opposition. The enemy were commanded by one M.
Marin, accompanied by a mischeivous priest, Francis Piequet.
" They ravaged a large extent of country, burning all the houses, several
saw mills with much sawed lumber and a block house which belonged to
John Henry Lydius ; f also all the cattle. Thirty persons were killed and
scalped and above sixty taken prisoners.
" All this was effected without so much as a wound to any of the French.
A large number of negroes were among the captives. In the course of the
winter the captives were sent to the prison in Quebec ; where many of
them died of sickness.
" The news of this attack reached Albany three days after it happened,
and Deerfield nine days after, namely on the 25th"J
Among the prisoners were Jonathan Hagadorn§ t:iken near Fort Ann while
on a scout. He died on the 3d January, following, a prisoner at Quebec, after
a long and painful illness, as also Capt. John Fortfl March 21, taken at the
same time and place. He died of consumption.
* Sckuylerville aud vicinity.
•)■ Son of Dominie Lydius of Albany.
% Col. Doc, x, 38, aud 761 ; vi, 289.
§ He was a son of Hendrick Hagadorn of the Aal plants, and was baptized Sept. 17,
1721, and married Lea Hagen Oct. 30, 1742.
|| Son of Johannes Fort of Niskayuna. He died at Quebec Dec. 7, 1746.
Martha Quackenbos, a girl taken at Saratoga, Nov. 17, 1745, after a long and tedious
sickness died Dec. 7, 1746. She was ten years of age.
Abraham Fort, son of Capt. John Fort, taken Nov. 17, 1745, died at Quebec May 19,
1747. Also Jacob Quackenbos and Isaac his son; both taken at Saratoga, Nov. 17,
1745, died May 26, 1747.
" March, 1747, there came into prison at Quebec a Dutchman from Schenectady and
a woman from Saratoga.
April 26, there came into the prison at Quebec three persons taken some time before
at Saratoga.
The Old French War, 1744-1748. 293
'* In the spring of 1746, Edward Cloutman and Robert Dunbar,* broke
prison at Quebec 23 Oct., 1746, and escaped; Dunbar was taken not long
before as he was scouting on the ' Carrying Place ' and his loss was greatly
lamented as he had performed the most important service as a ranger ever
since the war commenced. He was a New York man probably and the
' Carrying Place ' was that between the Hudson river and "Wood creek,
doubtless."!
"May 7th, 1746, One Christian Tedder or Tether [Vedder] is taken at
Schenectady. He died at Quebec after a year and eight days captivity,
namely May 15, 1747."J
May 7, 1746, "The inhabitants along the Mohawks river have left
their settlements so that we are now reduced to great distress. As we
wrote in our last If a very considerable Force be not Immediately sent to
our assistance we must remove and look out for New Settlements. We
have neither Men, Money nor Warlike Stores "§
" P. S. Just now is news come that a house and Barn are burnt at Can-
astagione [Niskayuna], and 4 men carried off or killed."
"May 8th, seven in the morning."||
" May 10, 1746, six persons are killed in sight of the city of Albany, just
across the river, two of whom were negroes. Pursuit was immediately
made but before we could cross the river and pursue on the other side the
enemy got into the woods & escaped."
"May 13, 1746, as three men belonging to the garrison of Saraghtoga
were fishing near the Fort, they were surprised by Indians, who killed a
son of William Norwood, took another, a German who used to live with
Col. John Schuyler while a third effected his escape to the Fort. Another
person narrowly escaped being taken in his own garden within a fourth of
a mile of the city of Albauy. So daring have the enemy become that they
are daily seen about the settlements, and yet none of them are either killed
or taken."
June 11, we had an account from the French that they had taken a number of Indians
and Dutch who had first done some mischief in Canada. There was about fifty in the
whole scout, and they had taken about ten or twelve of them in this month." — Brake'*
Particular History.
* Son perhaps of John Dunbar of Schenectady, — if so he was born in Albany Nov.
20, 1709.
f Drake's Particular History.
\ He was son of Corset Vedder of Schaghticoke, born Jan. 7, 1720, and married
Hillegonda Van Vranken, Sept. 27, 1745, both then residing at Niskayuna.
§ Extract from letter of Commissioner of Indian affairs at Albany to the Governor.
i Col. MSS., lxxv.
294 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" About the same time two negroes were takea at Stone Arabia, since
Palatine, on the Mohawk river, a German settlement commenced in
1721."*
" About the same time, Simon Groot and two of his brothers are butchered
three miles from the village of Schenectady. The enemy burnt their build-
ings, killed their cattle and destroyed their other effects. They were dis-
covered while doing this mischeif by the settlers on the opposite side of the
river, who knew some of the Indians, particularly Tom Wileman who had
lately removed from the Mohawk country to Albany."
It was doubtless to this raid that Smith refers in his history of New
York, he says:
" One hundred and six men were detached from Schenectady. The track
of the Indians was discovered by the fires they had made, and they were
pursued above Schenectady. At the house of one Simon Groot they had
murdered & scalped a boy, taken o)ie man prisoner, plundered & set fire
to the house & shot a man in attempting to escape by swimming over the
river."
During this year Abraham Glen asked permission to raise a company of
100 volunteers for the defence of the frontiers, which the Governor and
Council granted. f
" May, 1746, at Norman's creek about eighteen miles to the westward of
Albany as fourteen men, all armed went with a waggon to bring corn from
a deserted farm to a house where several families had removed for safety,
they were met by a party of Indians, who killed and took all the party
but two who made their escape to Albany. One of these was wounded in
the shoulder."|
" Near the end of this month [of August, 1746], it was reported that three
Mohawks had killed the officer of the French garrison at Crown Point and
another person as they were walking in the garden attached to the Fort.
These they scalped and brought their scalps to Schenectade intending to
present them to the Governor. Sixteen other Indians of the same tribe
went towards Montreal with a design to seize some of the French, with a
view to bring them to Albany but what success they met with is not re-
ported."
"About the middle of August, 1746, six men are killed at Scooduck or
Schodac, eight miles below Albany. Another is missing supposed to be
taken captive. Perhaps at the same time or it may be some days earlier,
two men are wounded at the same place, one in the arm who is likely to
do well, the other in the neck which 'tis thought will prove mortal."
* Drake's Particular History. f Smith's Hist, of N. Y.
X Drake's Particular History.
The Old French War, 1744-1748 295
" The Indians killed four men and took four others prisoners at Saratoga.
Capt. Schuyler in command of the militia post there went out to their assist-
ance, but came near being cut off and with difficulty retreated to the Fort.
Had the enemy effected this it was thought they would have taken the
Fort."
" To which affair the following refers is not very clear. ' A party of
Abenekis headed by Ensign Monsigno who had been detached from Sieur
Piquads [De Vaudreuil's] party after his attack on Fort Massachusetts pro-
ceeded towards Fort Sarasteau [Saratoga]. They met seventeen soldiers
belonging to the garrison, took four of them and scalped four others.
The remainder threw themselves precipitately into the Fort pursued by our
people who killed some of them.' "*
" Oct. 12. 1746, at Saratoga sixteen men are killed aud taken about a mile
from the Fort. They belonged to Langdon's and Hart's companies. The
men attacked behaved with great cowardice except Lieut. Johnston and
the Ensign of Hart's company. The latter having killed two Indians,
returned to Albany with the gun of one of them. The party attacked was
guarding some waggons."
" On the 3d Dec, 1 746, news reached Boston that the Mohawk Indians
had made a successful incursion into Canada. One party struck a blow at
Caterougui Lake [Lake Ontario] killed eight persons and brought away six
scalps and took seven or eight Frenchmen prisoners, all of which prisoners
and scalps they brought to Albany. Another party under the chief Hen-
drick went to Montreal and after a conference with the governor of Canada
went to Isle La Motte in Lake Champlain where they fell upon some French-
men getting out ship timber, killed & scalped one and took another prisoner.
The Mohawks took their canoes and with their prisoners & scalps proceeded
to Albany/'f
" April 3, 1747, a company of Mohawks were sent out from the Mohawk
Castle towards Crown Point, by Col. Johnson in pursuance of orders from
Governor Clinton. The party was led by Lt. Walter Butler, Jr."J;
They went towards Crown Point and dividing into two parties, one of
thirteen Indians had a smart skirmish with twenty-seven Frenchmen and
three Indians, several of whom they killed and wounded, bringing away six
scalps. § This expedition is thus noticed in the French accounts: "We
learn (May 7) by a carrier just arrived from Montreal that in the last days
of April a party of Mohawks and English had fallen on twenty-one French
scouts near Fort St. Frederic [Crown Point] and killed and scalped five of
* Drake's Particular History. f Drake's Particular History.
t N. Y. Col. Doc, vi, 343-4.
§ May 7, " I have paid £60 for the 6 scalps brought from Crown Point." — Col. Doe.,
vi, 361.
296 History of the Schenectady Patent.
them. Sieur Laplante an officer had been very badly treated on that occasion
having received seven gunshot wounds. This unfortunate occurrence was
the result of too much confidence on the part of the French who have been
surprised."*
"April 7, 1747, the enemy appeared in large force at Saratoga, where
they ambushed a party killing eight and wounding several others. Capt.
Livingston despatched Capt. Bradt with a company who came up on the
opposite side of the river and soon after the enemy drew off leaving some
plunder and one wounded Frenchman behind them."f
April 10, 1747, "The same party of the enemy next appeared at Kinder-
hook, where they surprised a party of eleven men at work, killed two of
them and made the other nine captives. They then burnt the house &
barn of Mr. John Van Alstyne and escaped unmolested."
April, 1747. " A party of ten French Indians captured a man. Two
others heard the man halloo for help and ran to his assistance and fired upon
his captors killing one and wounding another, at which the rest fled leaving
their dead companion behind them."
June 1, 1747. " About this date the Indian Chief Kintigo returns to the
Lower Mohawk Castle, whence he went against the French with six men.
They brought in seven prisoners and three scalps taken at St. Pierre a little
below Montreal."
June 15, 1747. "News came to Boston that the fort at Saraghtoga had
been attacked by two thousand French and Indians who killed sixty of the
garrison and the attack was still in progress. The place was relieved soon
after by the arrival of Col. Schuyler. "J
June 26, 1747, "The well known chief Hendrick returned from a march
into the enemies country. He had some thirty Indians under him. They
were surprised on an island in the St. Lawrence above Montreal by the ene-
mies Indians in which four of the white men and nine of the Indians are killed
by the first fire. The names of the whites were Cornells Van Slyck [of
Schenectady], Johannes Pootman§ Le Roy and Gott. Hen-
drick and the rest succeeded in escaping."
July, 1747. "It was reported that a woman & six children were carried
off from Burnetfield on the Mohawk river, the only out settlement undis-
turbed hitherto in that region. ||
The distress occasioned by this war is clearly set forth by the following
petition of the inhabitants of Albany for relief made to the Provincial
assembly July 27, 1747.
* Drake's Particular History. f Col. Doc, x, 112, 115.
X Drake's Particular History.
§ Son of Cornelis Pootman [now Putman] of Schenectady, born March 18, 1720.
|| Drake's Particular History.
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A(,II()R()(;i{A|>mrvi MAT of ^e .Northern Department of JT OH TH AM KltlCA
The Old French War, 1744-1748. 297
The sufferings of Schenenectady were even greater because more ex-
posed, more impoverished and less secure.
..." That the inhabitants of the corporation of the city of Albany are
in great misery and distress by reason of the present war with France and
with the Indians in their alliance : — That the Inhabitants of the said city
ever since the Commencement of the war by their frequent watching have
been very much taken off from themselves and families : — that every man
of our corporation have been obliged to attend in person or pay a hired
man in their stead upon Watch & ward every third or fourth night during
the whole time excepting a small interval of time in the spring the duty
was demanded only every fourth night, but now and for sometime past for
the safety of this frontier and the poor inhabitants we are obliged again
to come upon a fourth night : — that our Corporation by reason of the pre-
sent war are indebted. . . . for the supplying of fire wood and candles for
the night watches & for powder <fc ball for the poorest of the inhabi-
tants : . . . . besides what the inhabitants have done by a voluntary tax-
ing themselves for providing & setting up new Stockadoes where the old
ones were gone to decay."
Whilst the people of [Schenectady were striving to protect their borders
from the attack of the enemy, they were called on to send men to Oswego.
The following answer of Col. Jacob Glen discloses a sad state of morals
at that important fortress.
" Col. Schuyler
" It is impossible to procure men for going to Oswego, especially when
John Vischer remains there. John Baptist [Van Eps, the interpreter], says
if a hundred pounds was offered him over and above his Wages [he] would
not remain a year under his command.*
Jacob Glen."
" Schenectady, )
Sept. ye 8, 1747." \
Glen in a previous letter says the officers at Oswego are drunkards.
During the year 1747, Capt. Tiebout's company of foot was stationed at
Schenectady. f
* Col. MSS., lxxv, 158.
f Stone's life of Sir Wm. Johnson, I, 268.
38
298 History of the Schenectady Patent.
THE BEUKENDAAL MASSACRE.
As the war drew to a close, in 1748, Schenectady met with the severest
loss it had suffered at any one time since the year 1690. This is generally
called the Poopendal* massacre. It was however in no sense a massacre
like that of 1690, except perhaps in the killing of the first victim, but a
stand up and hand to hand fight in Indian fashion, in which the whites
were the attacking party, and on that account suffered more severely than
the savages.
About 20 of the former were killed and some 13 or more made prisoners;
of the losses of the latter we have no sufficient accounts.
Beyond tradition the accounts of this skirmish are meagre and uncircum-
stantial.
A brief letter to Col. William Johnson written by Albert Van Slyck,
July 21, 1H8, — three days after the affair, is the only semi-official narrative
we have by one who was in the fight.
"From the details preserved in this letter it appears that a party of men
from Schenectady, the leader of whom was Daniel Toll, had been dispatched
to some place in the vicinity to bring in a number of horses, which was
surprised by a party of the enemy whose presence in the neighborhood was
neither known nor suspected.
" The firing being heard by Adrian Van Slyck a brother of the writer of
the account, who seems to have resided at a distance from the town, he
sent a negro man to the latter place to give the alarm and obtain reinforce-
ments. Four parties of Armed men successively repaired to the scene of
Action, the first of which was composed of the ' New England lieutenant
with some of his men and five or six young lads,' accompanied by Daniel
Van Slyck, another brother. The second party was led by Ackes Van
Slyck ' and some men,'— how many of either party is not stated.
" Adrian Van Slyck followed next at the head of a party of New York
levies, but on reaching the scene of action, where Ackes with inferior
numbers was holding the enemy at bay, the levies all fled, in the most
cowardly manner.
" The fourth party was composed of Albert Van Slyck (the writer of the
letter) Jacob Glen ' and several others ' on the approach of whom the
enemy drew off leaving Adrian among the dead.
" The letter adds, — It grieves me, 1 not being Commander, that when we
went, Garret Van Antwerp would suffer no more to accompany the party."f
* A corruption of Beukendaal, i. e., Beechdale.
f Stone's life of Johnson, i, 350.
The Old French War, 1744-1748. 299
The second account written by Giles F. Yates, Esq., and published in the
Schenectady Democrat and Reflector, April 22, 1836, was gathered from
tradition then floating about among the aged people of that day, with whom
Mr. Yates had an extended acquaintance.
"In the beginning of the month of July, 1748, Mr. [Daniel] Toll and his
favorite servant Ryckert, went in search of some stray horses at Beukendal,
a locality about three miles from this city. They soon heard as they sup-
posed the trampling of horses; but on a nearer approach, the sound they
mistook for that made by horses hoofs on the clayey ground, proceeded
from the quaits with which some Indians were playing.
" Mr. Toll discovered his danger too late and fell pierced by the bullets
of the French savages, for such they were. Ryckert more fortunate took
to his heels and fled. He reached Schenectady in safety and told the dread-
ful news of the death of his master, and the presence of the enemy.
" In less than an hour about sixty volunteers were on their march to
Beukendal. The greater part of these were young men & such was their
zeal that they would not wait until the proper authorities had called out the
Militia. * * *
" Without discipline or experience and even without a leader they hastened
to the Indian Camp.
" Those in advance of the main body, before they reached the enemy
were attracted by a singular sight. They saw a man resembling Mr. Toll
sitting near a fence in an adjoining field and a crow flying up and down
before him.
" On coming nearer they discovered it to be the corpse of Mr. Toll with
a crow attached to it by a string.
" This proved to be a stratagem of the Indians to decoy their adversaries.
The Schenectadians fell alas ! too easily into the snare laid for them and
were in a few moments surrounded by the Indians who had been lying in
ambush. Thus taken by surprise they lost many of their number, and some
were taken prisoners before they could make good their retreat.
" They however succeeded in reaching the house of Mr. De Graaf* in the
neighborhood which had been for some time deserted. But while retreating
they continued to fire upon their enemy. On reaching Mr. De Graaf s house
* [The view of the scene of the fight at Beukendaal is from a photograph by the editor.
The view is taken looking north along the Sacandaga road. The hollow to the right is
Beuken-daal (or Beech Vale) in which at a distance the fight commenced. The whites
were forced back and they took possession of the De Graaf house shown in picture and
there defended themselves. It will be observed that this house is on high commanding
ground which made it a strongly defensive position. Doubtless the whites' losses were
mainly in the ambuscade along the creek further north. — M'M.]
300 History of the Schenectady Patent.
they entered, bolted the doors and ascended to the second floor. Here they
tore off all the boards near the eaves and thro the opening thus made fired
with success at the savages and succeeded in keeping them at bay- In the
meantime Dirck Van Vorst, who had been left in the charge of two young
Indians effected his escape.
"The two youngsters were anxious to see the fight and secured their
prisoner by tying him to a tree and left him alone. He succeeded in getting
his knife from his pocket and cutting the cord with which he was bound.
On the approach of the Schenectady militia under Col. Jacob Glen the
party in Mr. De Graaf's house were relieved from their perilous situation
and the enemy took up their line of march for Canada.
"On this occasion there were thirty-two citizens killed [?] : — of these we
are able to give the names of Jacob Glen (cousin of Col. Glen), Peter
Vrooman, John Darling, Adam Conde, Van Antwerpen, Cornelius"
Viele, Nicholaas De Graaf and Adrian Van Slyck : — wounded, Ryer
Wemp, Robinson and Wilson: — prisoners, Abraham De
Graaf* and his son William, John Phelps, Harmen Veeder and Lewis
Groot.
"The bodies of De Graaf and Glen were found lying in a close contact
with their savage antagonists with whom they had wrestled in deadly
strife.
" The corpses were brought to Schenectady the evening of the massacre
and deposited in the large barn of Abraham Mabee, being the identical one
now standing on the premises of Mrs. Benjamin, in Church street. The
relatives of the deceased repaired thither to claim their departed kindred
and remove them for interment."
The third narrative may be found in Drake's " Particular History" and
seems to have been gleaned from various sources. It is particularly valua-
ble as giving more names of the killed and missing than any other account.
"July 18, 1/48. About three miles from Schenectady, Daniel Toll,
Dirck Van Vorst and a negro went to a place called Poependal to catch
their horses ; but not finding the horses as they expected they went into
the adjacent woods to a place called the Clay pit [A7e_y Jcuil\. They dis-
covered Indians and attempted to escape from them, but were pursued by
them and both Toll & Van Vorst where shot down, but the negro escaped.
Van Vorst, though wounded was not killed but taken prisoner. The firing
was heard at Maalwyck about two miles distant and the people there know-
* " Abnn. De Graaf and his son Wilbelmus were taken captives to Canada, Oct. 30,
1746. He died at Quebec and was buried tbere June 12." June 12, 1747, died at Que-
bec, Abraham De Grave [Graaf ] of iScbeuectada taken Oct., 1746.— De Graaf Bible, 1747.
The Old French War, 1744-1748. 301
ing that Toll & Van Vorst had gone for their horses suspected the occasion
of the firing. This was about ten o'clock in the morning and a messenger
was at once dispatched to the town where the alarm was sounded about
twelve. Some of the inhabitants with a company of new levies posted
there under Lieut. Darling of Connecticut in all seventy men marched out
toward Poependal cautiously searching for the enemy, as far as the lands
of Simon Groot, but made no discovery of the enemy. At this point the
negro before mentioned came to the party and told them where the body of
his master was.
The negro was furnished with a horse and they (about forty in number)
were piloted to the spot where his master lay dead ; and near Poependal at
Abraham De Graaf's house. They immediately entered the woods with the
negro where they at once discovered the enemy in great numbers upon
whom they discharged a volley with a shout. The enemy shouted in return
accompanying it with a volley also. This was the commencement of a most
desperate fight. All but two or three of the English stood to it manfully,
although they were hemmed in on every side by the great numbers of the
enemy, and fought over a space of about two acres; yet the battle ground was
left in possession of the settlers. In this hand to hand encounter twelve of the
inhabitants of Schenectady were killed outright, five were taken prisoners
and seven of Lieut. Darlings men including himself were killed and six of
them missing supposed to be taken prisoners. The news of this battle
reached Albany in the evening of the same day and by midnight Lieut.
Chew with one hundred English and two hundred friendly Indians were on
the march for the scene of action, but to no other purpose than as showing
their willingness to meet an emergency of this kind. The names of the
people killed so far as ascertained were Daniel Toll, Frans Van der Bogart
Jr., Jacob Glen Jr., Daniel Van Antwerpen, J. P. Van Antwerpen, Cornells
Vielen Jr., Adrian Van Slyck, Peter Viooman, Klaas A. De Graaf, Adam
Conde, John A. Bradt & John Marinas.
" There were missing, Isaac Truax, Ryer Wemp, Johannes Seyer Vroomau,
Albert John Vedder & Frank Conner all belonging to Schenectady. Of
the soldiers seven were killed & six missing."*
From these accounts it is certain that the presence of the Indians was not
suspected until the first shot; — that Capt. Daniel Toll was the first victim; —
that the alarm was given by his negro Ryckert — that a company of Con-
necticut levies under Lieut. John Darling accompanied and followed by
squads of the inhabitants marched to the scene, and that after a hot en-
gagement the Indians retreated leaving twenty of the whites dead and
taking away thirteen or fourteen prisoners besides the wounded.
* Drake's Particular History, 169-70.
302 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Considering the number of the whites engaged, their loss was very severe,
amounting probably to one-third of their force.
The following is the fullest list of killed and missing that can now be
given :
Killed.
John A. Bradt, Adrian Van Slyck,
Johannes Marinus, Jacob Glen, Jr.,
Peter Vrooman, Adam Conde,
Daniel Van Antwerpen, J. P. Van Antwerpen,
Cornells Viele, Jr., Frans Van der Bogart,
Nicolaas De Graaf,* Capt. Daniel Toll.f
Lt. John Darling, J and seven of his soldiers, in all twenty men.
Wounded.
Ryer Wemp, Dirk Van Vorst,
Robinson, Wilson.
And probably many others.
Missing. — Prisoners.
John Phelps, Harman Veeder,
Lewis Groot, Isaac Truax,
Johannes Seyer Vrooman, Albert John Vedder.
Frank Connor,
And six soldiers, in all thirteen men.
After the close of hostilities Governor Clinton sent Lieut. Stoddert to
Montreal to arrange for an exchange of prisoners. With Capt. Anthony
Van Schaick he went into the Indian country to recover the captives, but
* " 1748, July 18, Nicolaas De Graaf and twenty others, were murdered at Poopendal
by the savage Indians." — De Graaf Bible.
f At the Poopendal massacre Capt. Daniel Toll was killed ; he was standing by a tree
when the fatal bullet struck him. His name was to be seen cut in the bark for many
years after, but is now gone. — Claas Veeder, tJie Centennarian.
\ Commander of the Connecticut levies.
It would seem that Capt. Stoddard commanded at Schenectady during a portion of
the year 1748, but was doubtless absent on this occasion. — Stone's life of Johnson, i. 365
The Old French War, 1744-1748. 303
with indifferent success. Among those who returned with Lieut. Stoddert
were Capt. Anthony Van Schaick, John Vrooman, Peter Vasborough [Vos-
burgh], Albert Vedder and Francis Connor. Efforts were made to induce
others to return but without success; of these were Rachel Quackenbos
Simon Fort and Philip Phillipsen. Rachel Quackenbos abjured the English
religion and Lieut. Stoddert could not persuade her to return. Fort and
Phillipse also desired to remain with the Iroquois; the former belonged by-
adoption to a sister of a chief named Agonareche. She refused to give him
up at any price. Capt. Van Schaick offered six hundred livres for Fort
without succeeding in obtaining him. On the contrary, so determined was
his squaw owner to retain him, that she said she would obey the French
commandant and deliver him up, but that she and her husband would
follow him, and he should not reach home alive. Lieut. Stoddert left
Canada on the 28th June, 1750, with twenty-four prisoners.*
* Drake's Particular Hist., 178-9; Col. Doc, x, 209, 215.
304 History of the Schenectady Patent.
FORTIFICATIONS AND GARRISONS.
All considerable settlements on the upper Hudson and Mohawk rivers
were from the first protected by wooden walls. Though never attacked
nor even seriously threatened by the Iroquois or Mohicans, there were but
few short periods down to the close of the French war (1763) when they
were not subject to frequent alarms from the French or their Indian allies
from Canada.
The method of fortification was by stockades, which the abundance of
timber at their very doors made a cheap and ready protection. Guns were
only used for defense, attacks being always made by the musket.
The stockade consisted of a series of posts or logs from 15 to 18 feet long
and 12 inches or more thick, sharpened at one end and hewed flat on
opposite sides.*
Pine was usually chosen because most abundant and easily worked.
The line of stockade being marked out, a trench three feet deep was dug,
the posts were set therein, the flattened sides together and the earth
shoveled back and rammed against them.f To strengthen the top two
adjoining posts were bored and fastened together with oaken trenails.
* [Doubless after the manner of the Mohawk Castles. The only illustration which
represents one of these castles is that shown in the cut from Champlain and Jesuit
accounts.
This shows after a crude fashion that poles or palisades were planted in the ground
forming a wall. That the Indians used round poles or light saplings and to reduce the
chance of missiles passing through the interstices, two or more rows were planted in
quincunx order. The palisades used by the Dutch were of larger diameter and were
flattened on two sides so that adjoining palisades were in contact and there was no
interval through which an arrow could be sent. — M'M.]
f " 22 May 1716, Albany. This day the Commonalty agreed with Jacob Luykasse
and Jacob Schermerhorn pow'r to Sett up ye Stockados where they are wanting about
this City, which they are to square at two sides and shari e at ye top and to sett them
three feet in ye ground, which they are to perform at or before primo July next, for
which they shall be paid six pence apiece and give bonds of £15 to perform said
agreement." — Albany Annals, vn, 56.
Fortifications and Garrisons.
305
At the angles, gates and other important points, blockhouses for the shelter
of the garrison and guards were built, and within the stockade all around
was a free space called the Rondtceg, of sufficient width for the patrol to
march.
In addition to this outer circle of fortification, in Albany and Schenec-
tady* there was a fort in one of the angles of the latterf place, surrounded
by a double row of high palisades, furnished with barracks for the garri-
INDIAN CASTLE, FROM CHAMPLAIN'S ACCOUNT.
son, platforms, guns, lookouts, &c. And in later times, when Schenectady
became a depot for men and materials, there were barracks outside the
* [See note to Miller's map.— M'M.]
t [Not so certain as to Schenectady prior to 1704, though it was as to Albany.— M'M ]
39
306 Hietory of the Schenectady Patent.
walls ; in 1765, the troops were posted along the east side of Ferry street,
from Union to the Episcopal church ; in 1762, on the south side of Union
street from Ferry to Mrs. Colon Clute's house;* in the Revolutionary war,
on the south side of Union street from Lafayette eastwardly to Quacken-
bush street.
For protection and safety Schenectady was admirably placed, being
surrounded with water and marsh on three sides and open only to the south-
east, from which side the inhabitants had little to fear.
The first settlers though their land lay elsewhere, built their habitations
mainly together for their greater protection. Doubtless as soon after the
settlement in 1662, as it could conveniently be done, the village was
stockaded. Starting at State street the line ran along the east side of
Ferry to about the gate of the Episcopal church — then in a straight line to
the north side of Front a little beyond Washington street, — then southerly
and parallel to the same to State and lastly along the same 28 feet south
thereof to Ferry street or Mill lane. This was the original plat enclosed
and contained most of the houses of the first settlers.
The south and west lines remained substantially the same down to the
time of their extinction soon after the Revolutionary war. The Front and
"Washington street lines were later moved north and west to the river
bank, and the Ferry street line sometime after 1765, was carried south-
easterly to the New York Central railroad depot, and thence northerly
through the Dutch church burying ground to the river bank.
Gates. In 1690 it was said in the French account of the village, that
there were but two gates, — one at the north end of Church street called
the "north gate ", — the other at State. This was doubtless at the junction
of State and Church Streets — and opened out to the roads through Mill
Lane and Water street leading to the bouwlands and to the Mohawk
country.
In later times there were others — at Front and Union streets. The
foundations of the gates and guardhouses where Ferry crosses State and
Union streets were exposed in laying the water pipes in 1871.
* Mortgages in, 147 ; Deeds, rx, 51.
Fortifications and Garrisons. 307
Forts. Schenectady was so important a post for the protection of the
Province against the incursions of the Canadians, that for the first hundred
years of its existence it was deemed necessary to strengthen it by a fort
and garrison.*
The writer is led to believe from references in the records, that the first
blockhouse was in the north angle of the stockade at or near the junction
of Front and Washington streets. f This was destroyed in 1690 by the
French, at which time it was garrisoned by a small detachment under Lt.
Enos Talmage, from Capt. Jonathan Bull's company, then stationed at
Albany. These troops were Connecticut men.
The magazine stood on or near the lot of Mrs. Willard, then belonging to
Capt. Sander Glen.
A second was built in 1690 between Washington street and the river
opposite the west end of State street, covering the lot of Kleine Isaack,
(that is Isaac Swits,) who with his son Cornells was carried away by the
French to Canada. On his return from captivity next year, he found his
homestead occupied by soldiers, — his orchard cut down and his home utterly
ruined. He repeatedly petitioned for remuneration for his losses, but it
was not until 1708 that his son received a patent for 1000 acres of land in
Niskayuna as a recognition of his father's claim.
The following order was issued by Leisler's commissioners at Albany for
the rebuilding of the fort at Schenectady.
" Whereas it is judged necessary for to defend Schanechtede and to that
purposed it is found requisite that a fort shall be erected to defend ye In-
habitants and oppugn the Enemy if should attack the same."
" These are in his Mati<!8 name to require your Capn Sander Glen and all
Officers & Inhabitants belonging to ye said Schanechtede and adjacent
Parts, with the Souldiers there in Garrison, to build a substantiall Fort of
due magnitude and strength upon that part or parcell of ground (called by
the name of Cleyn Isaacs), and that all are aiding and assisting therein
according to their abilitye to dispatch and compleat the same, as they will
* Petition of New York merchants.
* * * " That a new [fort be built at Schenectida which lyes twenty miles above
Albany and is the utmost English settlement toward the Indians and French, and that
fourteen gunns and sixty men be placed there. — Col. Doc, in, 653.
+ [See note to Miller's map. — M'M.]
308 History of the Schenectady Patent.
answer the contrary at their utmost perills. Given under our hand this
13th day of May in the Second year of his Ma*169 Reigne Annog : Dom
1690."*
The damage to Swits though considerable and most evident, was redressed
only after many petitions and a delay of eighteen years. The following
papers show the progress of the negotiation for redress.
" Petition of Isaac Swits.
To his Excellency Edward Viscount Cornbury,
Captain Generall and Governor-in-chief," etc.
" The humble petition of Isaac Swits an ancient
Inhabitant of the ff rontier Garrison of Schen-
ectady.
" Sheweth
"That your Excellencies petitioner while yourLordshipp was at Albany in
July 1*702, preferred his humble petition to your Excellency, setting forth
that about the beginning of the late happy revolution, the town of Schen-
ectady being surprised & Destroyed by the ffrench of Canada, your Excel-
lencies petitioner and his son were taken and carried away prisoners ; —
That during your petitioners imprisonment the then governor of this pro-
vince ordered the ground whereon your Excellencies' petitioner's house,
Barne, orchard, Garden &c. stood to be for his majesties service Inclosed
and stockadoed as a fort, and garisoned the same during the Warrf to your
petitioner's very detriment; and your petitioner has not any manner of way
been relieved therein, and therefore prayed to be redressed for the damages
he has suffered," etc.
•' May it please your Excellency To grant unto your petitioner your
Lordship's warrant for the said sume of thirty pounds, or otherwise to
favour your petitioner with her majesties Grant for a parcell of Land on
the Norman's Creek in Lieu thereof.
" And your Excellencies petitioner shall ever pray. "J [Read in council,
•2d Nov., 1704].
The second fort was a large and spacious enclosure surrounded by " a
triple stockade, a new blockhouse at every angle and in each blockhouse
two great guns."
It contained twenty-eight huts for inhabitants of the village, two wig-
wams for Indians, a large barn & styes for hogs.§
* Col. MSS., xxxvi, 70 ; Doc. Hist. N. Y.. n, 125.
f The peace of Ryswick was declared in 1697.
\ Land Papers, iv, 28.
§ [ See Miller's map. — M'M.]
Fortifications and Garrisons. 309
At a court martial held at Schenectady, Aug. 7, 1691, upon a soldier
named George Castleton, it was proved that he quarreled with a fellow
soldier named Desvallons, about some beer ; the latter struck the former
with a stick, whereupon Castleton, drawing his sword, thrust it into his
side, causing almost instant death. The facts of the case were mainly-
proved by persons living within the fort,* among whom were the following:
Daniel Janse Van Antwerp, aged 57 years, deposed that "he waa.
walking by to go to Douwe Aukes' house " in the fort, and witnessed the
fight.
Josias Swart, aged about 33 years, testified to the facts in the case.
Douwe Aukes, aged about 47 years, "being in his house in ye fort at
Schenectady with Cobus Peek looked out and saw George Castleton and
James Desvallons pass at one another," &c.
Tryntie Claas,f wife of Elias Van Gyseling, aged about 43 years, " being
in Schenectady fort at her house neer ye cort of garde * * * went into
her house and heard ye sword and stick Ratle together, came out of her
house forthwith & she see ye Prisoner, George Castleton make a thrust
at James Desvallons," &c.
Maritye Pieterse wife of Wm. Noble, aged about 40 years "being in
her house in ye fort at Schenectady heard a noise in ye street and comes
out of doors and sees George Castleton attack Desvallons."
The culprit was adjudged guilty of manslaughter, burnt in the hand and
banished the Province. J
* [All these people were of prominent families in Schenectady, and they all lived
inside the town, even though, owning and working farms elsewhere. Their houses
constituted the town and were surrounded by palisades, which constituted the whole
fort ; " the fort," or strong place of Schenectady. When the English made a strong place
they named it a Royal fort in contradistinction to the town or fortress. — M.'M.]
f [Tryntie Claes Van Gysling being .... at her house near ye "Cort of Garde,"
that is to say, the court of the guard or parade ground in front of the main guard house.
Miller shows such a space, which corresponds to State street from Ferry to near Church.
This would be the place where the guard mount took place, and where the garrison
assembled for drills or parades, as is customary. — M.'M.]
J Common Council of Albany Minute9, iv.
310 History of the Schenectady Patent.
If Miller's drawing of this fort be correct* it must have extended quite
across the west end of the village from State to Front street, and included
much of the land between Washington street and the Binne kil. The
blockhouse in the south angle covered Swit's lot.
* [" Dependent on this City [Albany] and about twenty miles northward from it, is th«
Fort of Scanectade, quadrangular with a treble stockado with a new block house at every
angle and in each block house two great guns." Miller's description of Schen., 1695.
"This Schoonectheu deel is 24 miles west from Albany. * * The village proper is a
square set ofl by palisades. There may be 30 houses which are situated on the side of
the Mohawk river, etc." Danker & Sluyter, 1680.
Schenectady " being in form of a long square entered by two gates."
Charlevoix, 1690.
Miller's map of New York city is fully supported by contemporaneous and later maps.
His map of Schenectady is doubtless as correct in all essentials. Certainly after nearly
two centuries have elapsed the sketch of what an intelligent man observed and recorded
is entitled to acceptance unless some other contemporaneous plan or detailed description
can be found. Rev. John Miller was chaplain to the British forces stationed at New
York city. He visited all the up-river posts and returned to England in 1695. His
manuscript " Description of the Province and City of New York, with Plans of the City
and several Forts as they existed in the year 1695. By the Rev. John Miller, London.
Printed and Published for the Enlightenment of such as would desire information Anent
the New-Found-Land of America," is in the British Museum.
The stockade therein depicted was probably in the main on the site of the stockade
destroyed in 1690, and represented the growth of five years. The first fort or strong
place built after the massacre on Clyn Isaack's laud, was the blockhouse at foot of State
(Jay Westinghouse lot) where it dominated the bouwland and Great Island— and was
guarded by the then bluff banks of Mill creek and the Binne kil. It was a purely military
position — a blockhouse to which the few remaining settlers could rally, and probably
became the south-west blockhouse of Miller's map.
The guard house was at State and Ferry streets and was a blockhouse also. The
writer believes that the small garrison was at this point on the night of the massacre —
and many of those who escaped from their houses naturally ran to the guard house and
were there killed — a good enough reason why State street from Centre to Washington
street' should be called Martyr's street. This blockhouse was at State and .Ferry— its
"two great guns" commanded the Albany road, the town mill and bouwlands as well
as the plain east of Ferry street.
Miller's map shows the " spy loft " or look out station (where perched high up the
look out could see all that was in sight in the vicinity and give the signal of danger), the
" centry box " and flag staff, which indicate the main guard and headquarters. It was
put there because it was the best site in 1691, and the site was the same in 1690, and
earlier.
Another blockhouse was at the angle opposite the Episcopal church, to which
point Front street originally ran ; that is to say when it was the Rondweg inside the
north wall.
A fourth blockhouse was about Washington and Front streets, and was larger than
the others (No. 8, Miller's map); — protected by being near the junction of the river and
the Binne kil it was probably intended for a store house as well as church. [Query.
Notwithstanding the description of the land in the deed where the phrase occurs — Notarial
papers, page 320 — was not this " 't blok huys (te weten de Kerche)," — the blockhouse
Fortifications aud Garrisons.
311
Map of Schenectady in 1695. — Rev. John Miller.
(Original in British Museum.
2 "W
Explanation.
1.1. Block houses. ■ 8. The block house designed for
22. Rivers running beside ye Fort. a church.
3.3. Indians Wigwams. 9.9. Those and others like them
4. Flag staff. houses.
5. Centry box. 10. A great barn.
6. Spy loft. 1 1.1 1. The treble stockadoes.
7 .7.7. Sties for hogs. 12.12. The Fort Gates.
312 History of the Schenectady Patent.
The renewal of the stockadoes, which being made of pine logs lasted but
five or six years, became very burthensome to the inhabitants of the village
after its destruction in 1690. Having built a new fort in 1690 they were
ordered to renew the palisades in 1695. On this occasion Reyer Scher-
known as the church ? Only occasional services were held at Schenectady from 1690 to
1704, and in a place which besides falling to decay was "not a fit and proper place
dedicated to the service of God, as represented in petition to Governor Nanfan. — See
chapter on Church History].
At the massacre the town was destroyed, but few houses being unburnl — the site was
practically abandoned and only the strenuous efforts of government and Indians induced
the return of the major portion of the people. A large number of Mohawks established
themselves there and the following summer they gathered the crops which had been
planted — [winter wheat]. Miller's map shows their two large "long houses" inside the
walls. The triple stockade was probably built by, or with the aid of the Indians, and in
their fashion, of light poles or saplings — and not the regular hewn stockade of civilized
peoples.
Miller's map shows twenty-eight houses within the stockade in 1695.
In 1698, the population of the township from Niskayuna to Hoffman's Ferry was 50
men, 41 women and the 133 children. (Alb. Annals, ix.)
Of these the Glens, Schermerhorns, De Graafs and others lived at a distance from the
village, so that if the 41 women represented nearly as many families, which is probable,
twenty-eight houses would suffice for the inhabitants — the soldiers barracking in the
blockhouses.
The "Fort of Schaueethede " doubtless contained all there was of the village, save a
few houses on the Albany road and on the bouwlands, and was the whole occupied town
west of Ferry street.
Miller indicates two gates — one at the south end of State street, where its location
protected it from sudden attack and where the ancient church covered, or in military
parlance traversed it. The writer believes, after careful study of the site and the history
of the town, that this south gate located at twenty-eight feet south of State street, was
the early outlet of the town.
On passing out of the gate the road to Albany via Normans kil, (the oldest road,) lay
across the bouwlands and via Schermerhorn mills over the hills. Later to avoid the
hill and the sand, the road up Albany hill was traveled. It was for a century a mere trail,
in common with others equally poor but occasionally used, — this road led from the
gate along the hill side under the guns of the south-east blockhouse and above the 'mill.
(In digging cellars and foundations of Vrooman's hardware stor§, stone McAdamizing
or pavement was found 75 feet south of State street, as also at other houses along the
same block at other times).
It was improbable that any man with a military eye would locate a blockhouse back
from the steep bluff bank of mill creek — it would be placed on the crest so that the guns
of the blockhouse could fully command the whole slope. Again a road along under
such a slope would be in proper position for its protection but very wet and muddy in
spring, or in wet weather — hence it was paved very early but abandoned for the higher
level where State street now is, probably not long after the Queen's Fort was built in
1704. When the road was moved, the gate was moved, and the English army topographers
at the time of the " old French war " locate the road as State street now is, and open a
gate at its crossing of Ferry street.
Miller indicates another gate at the west side (on present lot of Jay Westinghouse
probably), which opened to the Binne kil, which was a canoe harbor, — to the ferry, — to
the Great Island, and also on the old river road on the Mohawk country. There had been
Fortifications and Garrisons. 313
merhorn refused to cut and draw his proportion of the logs, it may be because
living at the mills he thought himself exempt from this burthensome
service, or that his quota was too large. Thereupon Justice Johannes
Sanderse Glen fined him twelve shillings,* and continuing contumacious
Gov. Fletcher on the 9th of April, 1698, directed the sheriff of Albany-
county to bring him before the Council in New York to answer for his
conduct. On the 30th he appeared before the council and " stood upon his
vindication," whereupon he was " committed to answer at the next Supreme
Court & Col. Courtlandt was desired to take bond with sureties for his
appearance and that he be of good behaviour in the mean time."f
In the winter of 16D5-6 the gar-rison at Schenectady consisted of £ de-
tachment under command of Lt. Bickford, from the companies of Captains
a gate at norlh end of the town, but after 1690 it was not rebuilt, as the small garrison
had enough to do to guard the south end of the town, which contained the mill, guard-
house and gardens and the roads to the bouwlands and Albany. The whole tendency
seemed to be to concentrate force at the State street side of the town, and new build-
ings clustered about the neighborhood. Besides, settlements were neither near nor
numerous along the Mohawk, and the Indian incursions made roads there very unsafe.
' As the need for them arose, and their safety was assured, new gates were opened.
The building of the Queens fort, called for reopening the norlh gate, which it com-
pletely protected. Likewise, when the original four blocks of four lots each, included in
the stockade, afforded insufficient area, the walls were moved to include them, notably
when the west Rondiceg was made into the present Washington Avenue, by moving the
stockades to the Binne kil, and the north Rondiceg was converted into part of the present
Front street and partly into an open space or parade ground by moving the pickets
toward the Mohawk, as in map of 1750, where the line of pickets is decidedly irregular
and has a number of blockhouses as flankers to protect it from assault from straggling
small parties of Indians, while the comparatively strong citadel on the highest ground the
site afforded dominated Ihe whole fortress and the open approaches by land or ice, and
it3 cannon pointed up Front and Green streets on the direct route to Canada, whence
attack was a constant probability. — M'JVL]
* " William by ye grace of God of England, Scotland, france & Irelande Kinge
defender of ye faith, to John Mebee &Dirack Brat Constables of Scanectedj', yu are in
his Majestyes name to requier & commande Ryer Jacobse Schermerhorn to pay ye sum
of twellve shillinges for ye Disobayinge my formur wrarande in not adinge & assistinge
ye rebuelldinge, of ye forte of Scanectedy, wh. are for his Majestyres sarvis <fe ye
Publick good : I do fourder commande yu yt with in fouer dayes from ye dayte of thes
presants yt yu leed & bringe ye complyment of Stockades as I have given yu formur
notis as is Aloted yu for yr share & yt yu do mount & fix ye sd Stockades answerabell
to ye rest of ye inhabitants at yr parill as yu will answer ye neglect, given under my
hande ye furst day of Novbr in ye seventh yeare of his majestyes reane Anno dom : 1695.
Johannes Sanderse [Glen],
Justes."
f Council Min. vn. 183, 188.
40
314 History of the Schenectady Patent.
James Weems and William Hyde, stationed at Albany. " On the 10th
Jan., about 12 of the Clock at night deserted the whole guard except one &
others, to the number of sixteen broak through the north west Block house
next the water side." [Binne kil].
" They drew the guns of both powder & Shott. The Lieutenant about
two o'clock discovering their desertion, notified by express Col. Richard
Ingoldsby at Albany, and with ten volunteers of the inhabitants and eleven
soldiers started in pursuit. The serjeant & seven red coats soon gave
out and were left behind. At four in the afternoon the lieutenant and his
14 men came up with the 16 diserters ; ordering them to lay down their
arms, they answered with a volley and both sides continued to fire until five
of the deserters were killed and two wounded when the remainder sur-
rendered."
These facts were stated by Lieut. Bickford in his account of the affair to
Governor Fletcher, of March 9th. In closing his dispatch he says, "Here
is a strong and regular Fort built by the inhabitants with foot works and
a stone magazine fitt for this garrison." The following were the volun-
teers from Schenectady who accompanied Lt. Bickford in his hazardous
enterprise ; " Harmen Van Slyck, ensigne of the trained bands of Schen-
echtide and Gerryt Simons Veeder, Peter Simons Veeder, Albert Veeder,
Gerryt Gysbert [Gysbertse Van Brakel], Jan Danielse Van Antwerpen,
Dirck Groot, Jonas De Roy, John Wemp, Daniel Mutchcraft [Mascraft] &
Thomas Smith."
At a court martial held in Schenectady April 21, the survivors of the de-
serting party were accounted guilty and condemned to be shot.*
The commander of the garrison who succeeded Lieut. Bickford in the
spring of 1690 was Lt. Daniel Hunt from the garrison at Albany.
He reports in relation to the military stores and effectiveness of the mili-
tary force at Schenectady as follows:
" In July, 1696, and in ye beginning of April '96 I was commander on ye
frontieers at Schonactady, when ye French Indians destroyed Onondage &
Oneide, when all ye news that, arrived to mee concerning the enemy, I did
* [In the petition of Lieut. Abraham Bickford for reimbursement for bis extraordinary
expenses in pursuing and re-capturing deserters from time to time " more Particularly
in January, 169/: -6, when the whole Guard spikt the great Gunns and Deserted from
his Majesty* fort at Schenectady all with their Arms and in the Dead of night;" he
6ays " yey were Tryed at a Court Marshall condemned and one of the Chiefe Leaders
Executed the Eest being Pardoned having obtained his Maj^" Mercy."
From this it would appear that the hardships they endured were considered as extenua-
ting their crime. — M'M.]
Fortifications and Garrisons. 315
from time to time by express Signifie to Col. Ingoldesby then Comander in
Chiefe of ye frontieers, who as his letter makes appeare did truly acquaint
his Excel: Coll: Fletcher, who did after ye euemy was gone come up to
Albany without any forces : — when I came up to ye garrison at Schonec-
tady and where ye enemy was marching towards us, I had but part of a
barrel of powder and but little shott, but I writt to Col. Ingoldsby who sent
me a one barrel of powder with G cannon balls.
Daniel Hunt,"
" An account of what stores of Warr was in the frontieer garrison at
Schonectady when commanded by Lieut. Daniel Hunt, in June, July, Aug.
1696, being the time when Count Frontenack the French governor of
Canada destroyed the habitacons and castles of ye Onondgoes and Oneides
Viz:4
8 Pieces of Ordinance,
4 Pattararoes, whereof one unserviceable,
28 Shott llb weight each.
6 Shott 4lb weight each, j
1 Barrel of Cannon powder.
Part of a barrel of small powder not good,
I Runlet -| of musquet ball,
Part of a Schaine of match,
10 Linstocks,- 2 Priming horns,
9 Sheets of Cartharidge paper, 8 flints,
32 Cartharidges for ye ordinance,
I I baggs of musquett ball, viz*, partedges,
1 Ax, 1 Flagg,— 1 pr. of Shackles,
2 Buckets, 4 Iron potts, 4 Canns.
The forces in ye Garrison was one Lieut, one Serj1, one drum and thirty
of his MatyB Soldiers and no more.
Witness Daniel Hunt."*
After the second fort had been occupied about 15 years, 1690 to 1705
the blockhouses wei-e abandonedf and " Queens new Fort " was built at the
east angle of the stockade. This was the " Old Fort " about which all the
traditions of the people cluster.
It was at first simply a double or triple stockade 100 feet square, with
bastions or blockhouses at the angles. In 1735 it was rebuilt in a more
substantial manner of timbers on a stone foundation. J The four curtains
*Col. Doc, iv, 431.
f [Abandoned as barracks only. — M'M.]
t Col. Doc, vi, 120 ; Smith's Hist. N. Y.
316 History of the Schenectady Patent.
were "about 76 ft. each and the four bastions or blockhouses 24 ft. square."
In 1754 at the beginning of the French war, it contained one 6 and one 9
pounder on carriages but no " Port holes in the curtain to fire them."
The following petition gives an account of the condition of the fortifica-
tions of the village in 1754.
" To the Honorable James De Lancey Lieut. Governor and Commander in
Chief in and over the Province of New York and the Territories depend-
ing thereon, &c, &c.
" The Humble petition of the Officers of the four Companies of Militia
at Scbonechtady and also the Magistrates and Principal Inhabitants thereof.
" Most Humbly Sheweth that the security of this place as well as the
preservation of the Lives of our Wives and children greatly depends on the
strength of Fort Cosby as the only place of refuge in case of an Attack or
surprize. The Hostilities committed by the Indians on our Neighbours and
the Daily Expectation of their Attempts upon us also; Induces us most
humbly to represent to your Honour the state of the said Garrison which
Consists of 4 Curtains of about 76 feet each and four Bastions or block-
houses 24 feet square, the superstructure built with timbers on a foundation
of a stone wall about two feet above the surface of the earth.*
♦[Description of the country between Oswego and Albany, 1757].
Extract.
"From Fort Hunter to Chenectedi or Corlnr is seven leagues. The public carriage way
continues along the right bank of the Mohawk river. About 20 or 30 houses are found
within this distance separated the one from the other from about a quarter to half a
league. The Inhabitants of this section are Dutch. They form a company with some
other inhabitants of the left bank of the Mohawk river about 100 men strong.
Chenectedi or Corlar, situated on the bank of the Mohawk river is a village of about
300 houses. It is surrounded by upright pickets flanked from distance to distance.
Entering this village by the gate on the Fort Hunter side, there is a fort to the right which
forms a species of citadel in the interior of the village itself. It is a square, flanked with
four bastions or demi-bastions, and is constructed half of masonry and half of timbers
piled one over the other above the masonry. It is capable of holding 2 or 300 men.
There are some pieces of cannon as a battery on the rampart. It is not encircled by a
ditch. The entrance is through a large swing gate raised like a drawbridge. By pene-
trating the village in attacking it at another point, the fire from the fort can be avoided." —
Paris Document, xin.
" After the Earl of Loudon had resigned to Genl. Abercrombie the command of the
Army which had reduced Oswego, my father, then a young man, was called to Schen-
ectady by sudden business.
m.n\i*:r.m\\%
Fortifications and Garrisons. 317
" On the Parade stands one Nine Pounder and one six pounder on car-
riages rotten and unfit for service. Nor is there any Embrasure or rather
Port-Hole in the Curtains to fire them.
" Above is a sort of Gallery Loophold but of little or no service. In each
of the Bastions or Block houses Chambers* stand of three or four pounder,
mettle, very insignificant, Should the enemy make a lodgement in any part
of the town; Nor is there Powder or any other Military Stores in the Gar-
rison;— Garrisoned with only an Officer, a corporal and sixteen Private men.
" And we further beg leave to represent to your Honour the Ruinous and
Defenceless condition of this town; — the Block houses in Decay and the
town open and exposed; and that the number of Indians passing & repass-
ing is a daily burthen to us, too heavy to be borne to which add the Ex-
penses of frequent Indian Expresses makes the weight still more grevious
as there is no Allowance or Publick fund to Reimburse and we still groan
our Losses, sufferings and fatigue in the Late War as well as heavy Debt
then contracted.
" To expatiate on the value of this town as a frontier of the Province
would be troublesome, your Honour Avell knowing it to be the Key of a
Large Country and of the greatest Consequence to the Metropolis as well
as to the province in General you have the Honour to command.
" Your Petitioners therefore most humbly entreat your Honour will be
pleased to take the premises into your Serious Consideration and Grant us
two Nine Pounders for each curtain and a Nine Pounder for each Bastion
& that you would be pleased to give orders that the Port Holes be made to
open and shut as in a Man of War, and to grant us a proper supply of
Military stores, and such other assistance as you in Your great Wisdom
shall think meet.
" And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever Pray.
" Schenectady, }
31 Aug., 1754. j
" Jno. B. V. Eps, Justice.
" John Visger, Justice.
" Nicolaas Groot, Jacob Glen, Arent Bratt, and thirty others. "f
"That place was then fortified. It had the shape of a parallelogram, with two gates,
one opening to the eastern the other to the northern road and was garrisoned by 50 or 60
soldiers." — Recollections of a Sexagenary.
[Manifestly the petitioners refer to the citadel or fort within the walls of the town.
The description by the French officers shows both existed. The Sexagenarian seems to
have considered the wall as the strong part of the town's defences. Besides the guns
were probably on top of the work as they should have been. — M'M.]
* [Chambered Cannon — such as Mortars or probably Howitzers. — M'M.]
f Col. MSS.. lxxiv, 20.
318 History of the Schenectady Patent.
On the 15 Oct., following, the inhabitants of Schenectady again petitioned
the Governor to build a fort in the village, signed by Daniel Campbell,
Arent Bratt, Abm. Glen, and others.*
The open space on which this fort stood at the junction of Ferry, Front
and Green streets was about 264 feet by more than 200 feet, — extending
from the Episcopal church yard to Green street.
The fort was built nearly in the centre of this plat, the south wall ex-
tending aoross Ferry street, thi*ee feet south of the north corner of the
parsonage house.
The well of the fort was in the middle of the street, three feet south of
the north corner of Mr. James Sanders' house, f
Garrison at Schenectady. Whilst the Province remained under the
Dutch rule a small body of soldiers was stationed in Fort Orange, — after
the English occupation in 1664, there was seldom less than one full com-
pany there, — sometimes two; and Schenectady was gai-risoned by a detach-
ment therefrom of 20 to 40 men under command of a lieutenant.
In times of alarm and war as in the ten years war between England and
France — 1688-1698, the regulars were supplemented by the militia of the
town or from Connecticut.
Hardly a year passed that the importance of having Schenectady better
fortified and garrisoned was not recognized either by the Governor and
Council, the Legislative assembly or the ruling powers in the mother
country. In 1671, Governor Lovelace wrote as follows to Capt. Delavall
in command at Albany, "upon rumor that the French were coming to
invade us »****" It will be necessary that in ye first place a good and
careful correspondence be maintained between Albany and Schanechtidee
for I look on that [Schenectady] as a Frontier; and that ye Inhabit*' of that
place putt themselves into some posture of Defence by keeping out Schouta
*Col. MSS.,Lxxiv, 60.
f Mr. Nicholas Veeder, who died in Glenville in 1862, aged 100 years, said that this
fort was about 20 feet high and built of hewn timber, — that it was taken down in the
Revolutionary war and the timber used in the frame of soldiers barracks built on land of
Johannes Quackenbos, at the south corner of Union and Lafayette streets. The village
then had an armament of iron cannons and swivels, — the largest of which were the
" Lady Washington "and the " Long nine Pounder," which were placed in the streets so
as to command the gates. In digging trenches for water pipes in 1871, the south wall
and well of the fort were discovered. See also Mortgages, 1784, v, 102.
Fortifications and Garrisons. • 319
and making some Block house wch may give some Check to ye Enemy, in
case hee should pr sume to advance into his Royall Highness Dominions:
* * * That out of each Squadron [of horse] one be constantly sent to
schout between you and Schanechtide, to bring dayly Intelligence, and
they from Schanechtide to doe ye like further into ye Country, & that
these Schouts be constantly relieved."*
N". York, July 6, 1671.
In accordance with the spirit of the above letter Capt. Thomas De Lavall
chief officer at Albany, on the 15th of July, ordered all the inhabitants of
Albany and Schenectady over 15 and under 60 years to provide themselves
with guns, side arms, two pounds of powder and four pounds of lead each
under a penalty of 100 guilders, — all within 14 days. The year following
this order was renewed at a meeting of the chief officers of Albany and
Schenectady, those of the latter place being Ensign Jacob Sanderse Glen
and Ensign Sweer Teunise Van Yelsen.f
In 1687 Major Brockholes being in command at Albany reported to the
Governor and Council assembled at Fort James July 19, the condition of
things at Albany and Schenectady, — that " he is now come from Albany to
Schanectade with Instructions ffrom the Government to bring up there with
all convenient Speed a certain number of men & some Provisions."
Whereupon it was " ordered that sixty men be reysed in & out of ye
Citty & county of New York & fifty men out of Queens County."
" It being now plaine that ye French are Resolved to do all tha Prejudice
they can to the Kings subjects of this Government it is for ye Prevention
thereof ordered that ye People of ye Citty and county of Albany Do Cutt
Pallysade and by ye five & twentieth day of March cart them to ye Cittv,
and ye town of Schanectade to fortify the place in the spring, — that in the
meantime they keep a careful Watse and that this order be sent to ye
Justices of the peace of ye County who are to take care that it be put in
execution. "J
The same order was again made by the Council on the 7th Sept., 1637,
and Maj. Chambers was directed to " march his company of militia on horse-
back to Albany and Schenectady."§
In anticipation of an immediate attack upon the frontiers, the mayor,
Common Council of Albany, military officers and justices of the peace of the
county, met in convention at Albany, on the 4th of Sept., 1689, as a com-
* Court of A.ssize, 11. f Not. Papers, n.
X Council Minutes, v, 195, 203. § Orders in Council, vi, 7-12.
320 History of the Schenectady Patent.
mittee of safety and after deliberation resolved to send an express to Capt.
Leisler of New York for one hundred or more men, " a Recrute of six
hundred weight of Powder and foure hundred Ball, viz. 200 Two pounders
and 200 foure pounders with some match and one hundred hand Grenadoes."
In November, 1689, there were two companies of militia stationed at
Albany — one from Connecticut commanded by Capt. Jonathan Bull, — the
other from New York under Capt. Jochim Staats, an adherent of Leisler.
The convention before mentioned, being desirous of having the out-posts at
Schenectady, Canastagioene & Half Moon, garrisoned, appointed a committee
of five to arrange with two captains for this duty. After much higgling
it was finally agreed that Capt. Bull should send his Lieutenant, Enos
Talmadge, with 24 men to hold the post at Schenectady, the magistrates of
which were Anti-Leislerian.
The people however were divided and party spirit ran so high that their
sense of safety was lost in the bitter strife.
The period from 1688 to 1698, "was the most trying and critical in the
history of Schenectady. First there were alarms and apprehensions of an
attack by the French and their Indian allies, the destruction of the village,
the slaughter and the captivity of a large part of its inhabitants and lastly
the departure of many of the remainder to Albany, New York and other
places of safety. The town was in danger of being depopulated in spite
of stringent ordinances against removal and the encouragement of the
Mohawks to stay by the post, fortify and maintain a vigorous warfare
against their enemies.
For ten years the town gained little or nothing in population and pros-
perity and until the peace of Ryswick, the chief aim of the government and
inhabitants was to hold the village, keep in repair its fortifications and
maintain a sufficient garrison.
Thus on May 30, 1696, Governor Fletcher writing to the Lords of trade
says .... "I have always thought 500 men necessary to the defence of
Albany & Schenectidy ettc, yet I hope with those three companies to
justify those places against the French & their Indians.*" * * *
And again writing from Albany to the Council in New York, he says :
" The 30th [Dec, 1696] I went to Schenectady, directed the paym* of that
Garrisson equal to * * * which is four months ending the last of August,
* Col. Doc, iv, 151.
Fortifications and Garrisons. 321
and I doe earnestly desire yr endeavours to gett in money for the paym* of
them three months more, which will give great Satisfaction both to the Gar-
rison and Citty."
" The 31st in the forenoon I dispatched scouts to the Lake [George],
gave Instructions under my hand & seal to Ens. Harman Van Slyke with
power to command them. I walked with them to the [Mohawk] River,
gave them a bottle of Rum, Saw 'em putt on their Snow-Shoes and begin
their march. I view that little fortification & saw some defects which can
not be cured for want of money.
"The inhabitants of that .place [Schenectady] presented me with an Ad-
dress,* which being in Dutch I could not read, but accepted it as a mark of
their esteem, I sent it to the Clerke of Councill, together with those from
the Magistracy & Millitia of this place [Albany]. After dinner I returned
to Albany, "f
In 1698, the Government sent over one Col. Romer, a military engineer
to examine, report upon and build certain forts needed on the coast and the
frontiers. In May and August he sent the following letter and report to
Governor Bellomont:
* This letter dated Jan. 9, 1696-7, was published in the Hist. Mag., in March, 1865.
f [The following from records in office of the Secretary of State show somewhat of
the panic which existed in Albany county.
To His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher Captain Generall and Governor in Chiefe of His
Majesties Province of New York and all the Territoryes and Grants of Laud depend-
ing thereon in America and Vice Admiral of the same, &c.
May it Please your Excellency
Wee the Mayor Justices of the Peace & cornm1** of this citty & county of Albany
haveing formerly Adres your Excellencey for your favourable presence this winter &
have been very sencible how much it hath been obstructed have Notwithstanding been
so happy as to have your Excellencey's Presents no hardship Danger or Difficulty haveing
been the least Preventive to your Excellencey's care of us & the frontiers to direct and de-
fend us against our enemy, &c.
Wee being extreamely sencible of your Excellcys Extraordinary Goodnesse to us do in
the due sence of highest Gratitude Returne our most gratefull acknowledgments. Wee
must owne that your Excellency's presence hath Kept many familys here which nothing
but the sence of your Excellencys conduct could have retained in this place.
Wee are so well satisfied with your Excellency's management of the affairs of the five
Indian Nations & all other Administrations both Civill & Military & wee do think our
selves extreamly happy under the Umbrage of your Excellency's Couradge & conduct,
Wee do heartly Wish & Pray for your Excellency's long continuance wth us and do
41
322 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" Albany, 27 May, 1698.
" My Lord,
" I consider it my duty to inform your Excellency that I arrived here
on the 23d instant, and as soon as I had landed in the city of Albany, I
found an opportunity to proceed to Schenectady in order to inspect that
important frontier.
" This I did successfully, running over 40 miles; for I took a general ob-
servation of said place, and can assure you, My Lord, that the situation of
Schenectady is admirable and good and deserves attention on account of
the importance of the frontier.
" It is a pity and even a shame, to behold a frontier neglected as we now
perceive this is; and had the public interest been heretofore preferred to
individual & private profit, which has been scattered among a handful of
people with diabolical profusion, the enemy had never committed pernicious
forays on the honest inhabitants generally."
" As regards Albany I find that as important as the other *****
I have since been to observe another frontier, named the Half -Moon [Water-
ford] concerning which I have been spoken to a great deal; I find it of very
little consideration; but there is a place seven leagues higher up the
[Hudson] river called Cheragtoge [Schuylerville], which must be an im-
portant frontier." * * *
" I am told your Excellency is to come here in the beginning of the next
month. That being the case I have considered it my duty to propose to
Unanimously & faithfully pray for your long life, health & prosperity & wee do cordially
& truly assure yor Excels that wee will Assist, Defend & Stand by your Excellency
with our Lives & fortunes.
Decembr 26, 1696.
Dirck Wessells, Mayor.
J. Janse, [Bleecker] Recorder.
Hend van Rensselaer
Jan Lansingh
Jan [surname not given] y Aldermen.
Albert [surname not given]
Hendrick Hanse
K. V. Rensselar )
hett merik van Gerret >■ Justice*.
tun esse [surname not given] )
Johannes Wandelar
B. Corlaer
Johannes Roseboom
Evert Wandel
Johannes myngaell
Eghbert tunesse J
Fortifications and Garrisons. 323
you the necessity of a good & faithful interpreter, — which will he difficult
to find here, — and I would dare say not a faithful one, according as I see
affairs managed, with extraordinary division & jealousy. And though
people may flatter your Excellency with the contrary and that a woman *
may answer you as an interpreter, it will be my Lord, only for the purpose
of deceiving you, and keeping you in ignorance of important affairs; for
I find every thing in a state of confusion, through the management of some
of your predecessors & of those who prefer their own to the publick
interest.
"Wherefore my Lord I take the liberty to propose to you a good & faith-
ful interpreter, name Ai*nout Oornelissen Vile, living in the Bay [Wallabout]
on Long Island. Dr. Staats will cause him to come to New York to you
so that your Excellency may be master both of the man & his time. I
would advise also your Excellency to send your Calash a head of you with
four of the smallest sets of harness. Horses are to be had here. The roads
to Schenectade and Nestegione are good & safe "f
Report of Col. Romer on the frontiers of New York to Earl Bellomont.
[New] "York, 26 Aug., 1698.
" My Lord,
"In obedience to your Excellency's orders, I proceeded, on the 18' h May
of the present year 1698, to the frontiers of the New York government, and
in the first instance toward Albany, Schanegtade, Kanestigioune and the
Half Moon; and after having observed these places, I fouud the City of
Albany situate on the Hudson river 144 miles north of New York, an im-
portant frontier, as well as Sohanegtade 20 miles west of Albany on the
Great Mohawk River; but these frontiers are neglected, built of wood and
palisades of poor defence.
" Saving better judgment, my opinion would be to build stone forts there,
constructed & proportioned according to the respective situations, and the
importance of the one & the other of these two places.
"For I consider if these two places should one day fall into the hands
of the enemy, the provinces of York, Jarse, Pensilvania and Connecticut
would be obliged in a short time to submit; and that Maryland, Virginia
and New England would consequently greatly suffer. Also as York is
the depot of all the islands for flour, grain and other provisions these would
experience a Very serious injury.;];" * * *
Governor Bellomont fully appreciated the importance of Schenectady
and the necessity of its being properly fortified for the protection of the
Province on the side towards Canada. Hence he constantly importuned the
Lords of trade for men and means to complete and garrison the forts. Thus
* Reference is doubtless here made to Hilletie Van Olinda.
f Col. Doc, iv, 328. % Col. Doc, rv, 440.
:224 History of the Schenectady Patent.
in a letter dated Oct. 24, 1698, he says "if by Providence the last winter
had not been the severest that ever was known in the memory of man the
French had certainly destroyed both Albany & Schinnectady." * * *
They "are equally defenceless being only fortified with a single row of
stockades, no ditch or wall; so that an enemy that would be hardy enough
may come & with their musketts single out what men they please in either
place; for I observed the stockades had in many places wide spaces between
them, and they are even with the surface of the ground." * * He also
assures the Lords of trade that a well built and strongly garrisoned fort
would greatly animate and encourage the Indians of the Five Nations, who
were well aware of the weakness of the fortifications here; alleging that
Albany and Schenectady were well seated for frontier places, the former
for covering attacks on the side of Canada and the latter for the same pur-
pose in part and " also for covering the Mohacks & the rest of the In-
dians, it being very commodiously seated on the Mohack's River & much
more pleasantly than Albany."*
On May 3, 1699, Gov. Bellomont again speaks of the forts at Albany and
Schenectady, that they " are so scandalous that I cannot give your Lord-
ships a low enough idea of them. They look more like pounds to impound
cattle than Forts. "f
So likewise, Oct. 1 7, 170(1, he calls attention again to these forts, saying
" the inhabitants came all about me at my leaving Albany and told me in
plain terms that if tlie King would not build a fort there to protect 'em,
they would on the very first news of a war between England and France
desert that place and fly to New York, rather than they would stay there
to have their throats cut.
"Several of the Inhabitants of Schenectady told me the same of their
Fort. I sent Coll. Romer to view it and he reported to me that the gates of
that fort were down & that a cart might pass through the palisades or
rather stakes."!
From this time on, the letters of the Governors of the Province to the
Lords of trade, the reports of the military commanders at this post, the
orders and warrants of the Provincial Council, the acts of the legislature
from time to time and the petitions of the chief inhabitants, all combine to
show the culpable neglect of the mother country of the safety of this her
most important Province. All accounts of the condition of the fortifications
and garrison at Schenectady after the peace of 1698, show that the stockades
were neglected and suffered to rot down, rendering the town an open village,
that the barracks became uninhabitable and that " it was by no foresight or
* Col. Doc, rv, 409, 410. f Col. Doc, iv, 513. % Col. Doc, iv, 718.
Fortifications and Garrisons.
325
energy of the Home government that Schenectady & its neighbors had
been preserved from a second attack & destruction."
Lieut. Daniel Hunt still commanding the small detachment* of men posted
here, in 1698 was ordered by the Governor and Council to make some much
* The following roll of Capt. Ingoldsby's company of which Lieutenant Hunt's detach-
ment formed a part, shows not only the regular company of 50 men but the extra men
from this vicinity who were added during the Indian troubles.
" Wee underwritten non commissioned officers & PriVate Centinells under ye com-
mand of Coll : Richard Ingoldsby doe acknowledge to have Received of his Excellency
Richard Earl of Bellomont our cap* gen11 by the hands of Re Livingston each of us
ye summe of five and forty shillings & three pence pr diem for each soldier for six
months commencing pmo novemb 1697 & ending pmo May 1698 out of ye money raised
by act of assembly for the making 300 Effective men at ye fronteers at Albany.
Thomas f Smith's mark
Samuel 5 Gilbert's mark
Rob1 U Doick's mark
Tho p holms mark
William X Bryen's mark
Phill + hams wifes mark
David Mac creat
Thomas Q merry
Richard hill
John -f- Williams,
John Aleson atkins
Thomas B Bombus
William k Turner
Tho: Rogers
John 8 Tippin
John $ Apleston
Will : H hilton
John X Seawell
Ralph noles
William 4- Renn
William X R Rodgers
John Careter
william + hatter
Robert R Farringtons mark
Ro Barrett
Symon C Williams
John -f- Douglas mark
Wm + Shaw
Edward Clayton
Tho : X carter
John Forster
Richd x Turner
John 2 Oliver
Richd x Langdale
henry X Bebe
luke -|- Thomas
Benjam + mosely
John +- Cox
John -f Jones
will + makeaway
Rob* + Giles
John + woodcok
John + hams
Richd -f- Tudor
John + cole
Bartholw + Pickard
George Ingolclesby
Lev X Shanke Recd for Her
Slytie Patrik magregorys wife
Ren by Leiut Nicuke
Charles C R Rodgers mark
daniel brat voor pieter harmense
John car for Sam1 holmes
Samuel + Doxy
Dirk + brat for D1 Fillips
Gregory + magregory
Wm X Webb
John X hull
John Gilbixtt
william white
william white for Tho: pond
francis neall
John Radcliffe
R4 Livingston for Jos: Yetts
Rt Livingston for Wm hall absent
Ll Hunt for Dan Johnson
Lev X Shanke for John Younker
Math Shank
In all 66 men at 45s. 3d., a man, amounts to
£149:6:6.
The above men were Pd by me
Robt Livingston.
326
History of the Schenectady Patent.
needed repairs to the barracks which were " before all open to the weather
whereby the souldiers suffered very great hardships," for which repairs he
received a warrant for £7, 16s. 6c?. ;* and another bill of £9,15s. 6d. was pre-
sented by Johannes Sanderse Glen for repairs to the fort, and one of
£16, Is. 6d. for work upon the barracks. f
In 1701, Capt. Weems' company being still stationed at Albany, he re-
ports upon the ruinous condition of the fortifications at that place and says
" that the garrison at Schenectady is in the same condition in which there
is neither house nor lodging to quarter officer or souldier, but one little
small hole which can contain only twelve men. "J
On the -19th Aug., 1701, the legislature directed that £50 be placed in the
hands of Ryer Schermerhorn and Isaac Swits for repairing the fort Schen-
ectady ; § — and Lieut. Gov. Nanfan on the 24 Sept., confirms the same
order. ||
The following March, 1702, Capt. James Weems addressed a letter to
Col. Peter Schuyler & the Mayor & Common Council of Albany, in behalf
of the Companies posted there and at Schenectady, in which he asserts that
" many of ye souldiers are reduced to Bread and water."**
Lord Cornbury writing to the Lords of trade 24 Sept., 1702, reported that
Albany and Schenectady were garrisoned then by two companies, Major
Ingoldsby's and Capt. Weem's, — that Schenectady was then " an open
village, formerly stockaded round but since the peace they are all down,
and that the stockaded fort is more like a pound than a Fort. There is
eight Guns in it not above three fit for service, no garrison in it when I
came but a serjeant & twelve men, no powder nor shot neither great nor
small, nor no place to put them into. "ft
He recommends that a stone fort be built and garrisoned with " a captain
and one hundred men."
In the year 1703, Gov. Cornbury laid the foundations for a stone fort at
Albany and by the " advice of Her Majesty's Council of this province re-
paired as well as possible the stockaded Fort at Schenectady." * * *
The two forts of Albany and Schenectady were garrisoned at this time by
two companies, — that of Major Ingoldsby of 84 men, and that of Capt.
Weem's of 92 men.JJ
* Council Minutes, vin, 61, 69, 180.
t Col. MBS., xliv, 78.
| Col. Doc, it, 915-6.
ft Col. Doc, iv, 968-9, 971.
t Col. MSB., xm, 47.
§ Albany Annals, rv, 211.
** Albany Annals, iv, 155.
%% Col. Doc, iv, 1057, 1035.
Fortifications and Garrisons. 327
" In 1703, Sept. 1, John Myndertse presented a bill against the Province
for blacksmith work on the fort of 49 guilders, and again on the 11th
another bill of 28 guilders and 10 stuyvers, for repamng guns for the gar-
rison.*
Jan., 170f, Johannes Sanderse Glen, Adam Vrooman, Isaac Swits and
Jan Pieterse Mebie, furnished 450 stockades for a new fort at Schenectady,
for which they charge £35 or nearly 20 cents apiece.f
March 13, 170f, Johannes Sanderse Glen and Jelles Van Vorst, furnished
the garrison 218 double loads of wood at 2-6 the load. \
March 29, 1704, Arent Danielse Van Antwerpen, carpenter, petitioned
the Governor and Council for the payment of £14 for repairing the fort
and for materials supplied.§
April 13, 1704, Governor Cornbury in his speech to the legislature re-
commended an increase of the garrison by 30 men to be raised and sent up
for the ensuing year.||
19 May, Johannes Glen, Adam Vrooman, Isaac Swits and Barent Wemp
presented a bill against the Province for £35 for stockades.**
Up to this time the palisades on the west side of the village stood about
100 feet back from Washington street, but on the 29th July, 1704, Governor
Cornbury issued the following order for removing them to the bank of the
JBinnl Ml.
" You or Either of you are hereby required as early as the weather will
permit ye next spring to cause the stockades sett upon the West side of the
town of Schenecktady to be removed from the place where they now stand
and be set up as near the River as the ground will permitt and hereof you
are not to faile.
" Given under my hand at Schenechtady this 29th day of July, 1704
''To
"Johannes Sanders [Glen],ff
" Adam Vrooman."
To understand the significance of this order it should be remembered
that since the destruction of the first fort in 1690, the ground lying west of
Washington street had been outside of the west wall of the second fort. By
* Col. MSB., xlix, 36, 38. f Col. MSB., xlix, 105.
% Col. MSB., xlix, 22. § Col. MSS., xlix, 17.
| Leg. Coun., 208. ** Col. MSB., xlix, 114. ft Col. MSB., xlix.
328 History of the Schenectady Patent.
the year 1704, the "Queen's New Fort"* had been erected in the east
corner of the village at the junction of Front, Ferry and Green streets, the
Governor therefore orders the removal of the west line of second fort by
setting back the stockades to the bank of the Binne kil, the land along
Washington street reverting to the original owners, f
Aug. 8, 1704, "The commonality [of Albany] being desyreous to know
what instructions Capt. Higley hath received relateing ye posting ye De-
tachment on ye fronteers of Albany, which Capt. being desyred here doth
appear, Producing his Instructions it appears that at ye
Half Moon is to be posted 20 men,
Shinnechtady 20 "
Canastagioene 20 " &c.J
Aug., 1704, Maas Kykse [Van Vranken] presented his bill against the
Province for £12 for building a fort at Canastagioene [Niskayuna].§
Feb., 170|-, Johannes Mynderse for blacksmith work done on the fort at
Schenectady was paid £12, 8s. 6d.\\
July 4, 1706, Jacobus Van Dyke petitions the Governor & Council for
the payment of his salary as surgeon at the fort.**
Aug. 12, Capt. Philip Schuyler was paid £6, 10s., for material and work
on the fort, ff
27 Sept., 1706, Governor Cornbury announced to the Assembly in session
at New York " that By accident very Lately the Guard Room in the ffort
* Queen Anne of England.
f [Was not this wall moved out to include houses built beyond it toward the Binne kil
which had rendered it useless as a defence while it cut theinoff from access to the street?
Eeferring to the Vrooman map of 1768 (page ), it will be seen that the square of four
blocks was left intact by the Queen's Fort, it having been built beyond the old palisades
in the triangle bounded by the palisades on the south— nearly Ferry street on the east
and the River road (now State street) on the north side. The original wall went straight
from corner Front and Washington to the site of the door of St. George's church. There
was a gate at Church street at most times. From this gate ran the river road — the
placing of the fort of 1704 threw the road beyond the north bastion of the fort and
Green street when laid out conformed to it also. After the abandonment of the old
fort — the triangle of land was converted into house lots.— M'M.]
t Albany Annals, iv, 195. § Col. MSS., L, 14. || Col. MSB., Li, 148-9.
** Col. MSS., li, 152. His salary was one shilling a day.
ft Col. MSS., li, 178.
7 fc^U^^-
I'
REDUCED COPY OF VROOWIAN MAP OF 1768.
Fortifications and Garrisons. 329
at Schonechtady was Burnt down with a Great quantity of firewood which
had been provided for this winter now coming on. I should be glad that
it might be repaired before the cold weather comes, Else it will be impos-
sible for the men to keep Guard in that place, which lies the most exposed
of all our ffronteers."*
25 Nov., 1710, an act was passed by the assembly for repairing "ye
Blockhouses, Platforms and other the ffortifications of ye City of Albany &
towne of Schonectady in ye said County."f
The next year the repairs mentioned in this act were made, as appears by
the following two communications from Johannes Sanderse Glen to the
Governor.
" May it please yr Excy.
" Upon ye receaving yr Excys ordr of ye 10th of this Instant I repaired
imediately to Schonectady accordingly to repair the fort there, but found
never a good stockado in ye fort; upon which I had it viewed by the Under-
written persons who found the Stockados all rotten and one Piatt forme in-
sufficient and the Carriages of the Guns rotten also; upon wh I have rid
Stockados for the whole and tomorrow I begin to sett ym up and shall pre-
pair carriages for ye guns and repair ye Piatt forme. — Your Excy was so
kind to promise me a fflag, I beg leave to put your Excy in Mind of it who
am with due regards yr Excys."
Most faithful and
Obedient Serv*
Albany Octobr )
23 1711.
Joha. Sanderse Glen"
Dow Aucas, De Freest "Bareut Vrooman,
Caleb Beck, Jacob Van Dyck,
Claus Permerent vander Volgen, Aerent Daniellse Van Antwerpen,
John Vrooman, Barent Wemp,J
Sweer Marcellis,
" May it please your Excy-
I have made up the charges of the ffort at Schonectady to this day and
have also made the Carpenters' calculate an ace* wth the Remaining Ex-
pences of Platforms, carriages for Gunns and Centry boxes together with
what is already layd out will in the whole amount to — wch they compute
at one hundred & eighteen pounds tenn shillings. I am going on as fast
as possible with the remaineing part of Platforme &c, — there is now pntt
* Leg. Couu , 242. f Leg. Coun., 309 % Col. MSS., lvi., 137.
42
330 History of the Schenectady Patent.
up five hundred and ninety Stockados wch all work a ffoot at the top, — If
your Excy pleases any body here should receave & approve my ace* I shall
be ready to render ace1 to such persons whom yr Excy shall appoint for yl
purpose.
I wish yr Excy and Lady health and happyness and am your Excy'"'
most dutifull and
Obedient humble Serv*
Albany Novr 13th )
1711 ) Joha. Sanderse Glen."*
Sometime in the year 1711, a change was made in the commanding
officer of the garrisons of Albany and Schenectady as will appear by the
following letter from Capt. Peter Matthews to Governor Hunter.
" May it please yr Excellency,
I have received yr Excellcie8 letter of the 29th Decembr by the post. I am
much surprised that Capt. Sanders should write to yr Excellency that there
was but twenty four men at Schonecktady, for three days after yr Excel-
lency left this town Capt" Schuylerf Marched with forty men to that garri-
son. Sometime after a Serg* and four men of the Country forces deserted
and as soon as Coll. [Peter] Schuyler came from York and the palatines
were come I Ordered a Serg1 and four men to goe to Schonecktady to corn-
pleat the numbr of fourty men whoe are all there as will appear to Your
Excellency by the Inclosed Role signed by Capt" Sanders.
I am sorry these Gentlemen doe not better consider before they write to
yr Excell: for such storrys as these may be of ill consequence & I hope I
have not given yr Excellency cause to believe I would be Guilty of soe great
breach of my Duty as to send but twenty-four men when I have your
written orders to send fourty.
The gentlemen here seem much displeased that your Excellency has
Ordered the Country Detachmts to doe any duty at Schonechtady or the
Indian Country. * * *
Your most obedient humble servant.
Albany, Jan. 8, 17^.
Petek Matthews."!
On the 10th Dec, 1712, the Assembly passed an act "for the better re-
pairing the Fortifications of * * the Town of Schenectady and providing
their Millitary watches with Firewood. "§
* Col. MSS., lvi, 167.
f Capt. Philip Schuyler perhaps, who died at Schenectady 23 May, 1725, leaving a
widow named Catharine. — Am. Hist Mag., i, 762.
% Col. MSS., lvii, 47. $ Leg. Coun., 353.
Fortifications and Garrisons. 331
After the peace of Utrecht in 1713, between Great Britain and France
until the "Old French war" in 1744, the people on the borders enjoyed
reasonable quiet and safety.
There were efforts made from time to time however to keep up a show of
defence by rebuilding the wooden forts and posting small garrisons therein.
Thus in 1715 and again in 1719, the Assembly passed acts for repairing
the fort here.*
In 17^0, it is reported "that the kings fort att the Mohawks Country
[Fort Hunter] is the one-fourth part of it fallen to the ground — & That the
fort att Schenectady is in the like condition."!
In 1721, an act was passed by the Assembly to pay for stockades for the
fort.
In 1726, a bill for labor and materials used on the fort, amounting to
£41, 4s. 2c?. was presented to the Governor and Council. J
In 1 734, an act was passed to enable Schenectady to raise £50 to make
the old church defensible and for other fortifications. § A debt of £32 was
contracted in this work which was provided for in another act passed in
1740.
Similar acts were also passed in 1735, 1736, 1739, 1743, 1745, and in 1746
Governor Clinton recommends a line of blockhouses to be built from Fort
Massachusetts to the Mohawk Castle at Fort Hunter. ||
Before the close of this war, in 1748, and before the news of the peace
of Aix la Chapelle between Great Britain and France, had reached this
country, an act was passed in the Assembly to enable Schenectady to build
two new blockhouses.**
In 1749, Governor Clinton reported that the forts of "Albany, Schen-
ectadee, Oswego & in the Mohawk's country were all garrisoned by the
Independent companys, but are very badly contrived and tumbling
down."ff * *
*Leg. Coun., 395, 448.
f Col. MSB., lxii, 144 ; Col. Doe., v, 631. % Col. MSB., lxviii, 123.
£ Leg. Coun., 645. The old stone church stood at the junction of Stale, Church and
Water streets, and after 1736, when the new church was completed, was used for many
years as a guard and watch house and market.
|| Col. Doc., vi, 27, 87, 160 ; Leg. Coun., 750, 827, 917, 924.
** Leg. Coun., 1015. ft Col. Doc, vr, 509, 940, 1196
332 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Six years later at the beginning of the second "French war " the Assembly
passed an act for raising £3,000 [$7,500], " to be expended in fortifying "
the village, but after the close of this contest and the fall of French power
in Canada in 1763, the defences of the village fell into decay through
neglect and were in a very ruinous condition until renewed at the outbreak
of the Revolutionary war.
Thus Governor Tryon, June 11, 1774, writing in relation to the Province
of New York, says: — * * * " Albany & Schenectady are defended by forts
and both places incircled by large Pickets, or Stockades, with Blockhouses
at Proper distances from each other, but, which since the Peace [of 1763],
have been suffered to go to Decay and are now totally out of repair."*
After the close of the Revolutionary war the defences of the village were
never repaired, or renewed; — the old fort was removed and the land sold; —
the stockades rotted and fell and Schenectady became an " open village."
There are aged persons still living [1872], who remember seeing in their
youth palisades then standing and used along the Binrie Ml for tying posts
for the batteaux.
Of the illustrations to this chapter the maps are of special value.
The Miller map of 1695, is the oldest, and only lacks a scale and street
lines to be all that we could desire of that date.
The map of Schenectady was made by British army topographers about
1750, and was published in a little book giving plans of thirty fortifications
in North America, by Mary Anne Rocque, topographer, etc., at the beginning
of the 2d French war. The line of pickets shown there with blockhouses
at intervals and the Royal Fort built in 1704, in the north-east angle, was
essentially the defensive work of Schenectady during more than half a
century. The location of the church, the fort and their relation to the
streets which were by 1750 practically as now, is of great value.
The Vrooman map dated 1768, shows the Royal Fort, the market place,
the two churches and several mills and are doubtless correctly located.
No map has come to hand after most diligent search which shows the
change made during the Revolution, when the palisade line was carried out
as far as Given's Hotel on the south or State street fiide and thence north to
the old Dutch church burying ground.
*Col. Doc, viii, 451.
Fortifications and Garrisons. 333
It is worthy of note that the old north side Mond weg, Front street ex-
tended straight from Washington Avenue to the corner of St. George's
church, — is still to some extent indicated by the shape of the lots on Front
street from Church to Ferry. They have manifestly been added to the old
block of four hundred feet square, as their oblique fronts clearly show.
This is shown in the Vrooman map. General Fuller now in his 91st year
(1883), states that the line of Front street at Church street (the old Adam
Vrooman corner where he now resides) was altered by continued encroach-
ment on it. Its line was made to conform to the needs of the fort and con-
venience of its garrison. There being necessary a clear space about the
citadel not only for parade and drill of the garrison, but to give the guns
clear command of the approaches to the work on all sides. This work com-
manded the north and east sides of the town. As settlements extended
along State street and to the south, the need of a strong place there was
manifest, and in 1734 the old church in the middle of State street at Church
being abandoned for the new church of 1734 at intersection of Church and
Union streets, the opportunity was offered to turn the old structure to use
as a town, watch and market house and a redoubt covering that end of town
as well, and in that year £50 [$125] were appropriated to render it defen-
sible. This probably consisted in loopholing the walls, barring and shutter-
ing the windows and doors.
334 History of the Schenectady Patent.
THE REFORMED NETHER DUTCH CHURCH.
At the first settlement of Schenectady in 1662, there were but five Dutch
churches and ministers in the Province, viz: those of
New Amsterdam (New York), whose ministers were Johannes Megapolensis
and Samuel Drisius.
Beverwyck (Albany), Gideon Schaets.
Breuckelyn (Brooklyn), llenricus Selyns.
Esopus (Kingston), Hermanus Bloom.
Midwout and Amersfort (Flatbush, L. I.), Johannes T. Polhemus.
Of these the church at Beverwyck, founded twenty years before, was the
oldest in the colony except that of New Amsterdam. Her first domine
(1642 to 1647), was Johannes Megapolensis who now ministered in New
Amsterdam; the second, Gideon Schaets (1652-1690). The latter probably
assisted at the organization of the church at Schenectady, to which he oc-
casionally ministei'ed until his labors ceased in his own church in 1690.
The date and circumstances of this organization are involved in much
obscurity, the early records of both churches being lost. But from oc-
casional mention made in contemporaneous papers and records it is safe to
say that the church of Schenectady was in existence between the years
1670 and 1680, and probably earlier. Thus, on the occasion of the death of
Hans Janse Eenkluys, in 1683, the deacons petition the court at Albany
for letters of administration on his effects and say * * * " dat eenen
Hans Janssen op den 7 meert 167^ heeft overgedraegen aende aermen van
Schaenhechtade zeecke syne plantage" &c. &c, in other words that Hans
Janse, in 1675, made over to the poor of Schenectady his plantation, on
condition he should be maintained in his old age and weakness, which they
say they have done, and paid the expenses of his burial. Now this plantage
was simply the " Poor Pasture," and was the property of the church from
Eenkluys' time down to 1862, when it was sold.
These facts seem to point to the existence of the church as early as
1674, for it is a well known fact that the Dutch churches were the guardians
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 335
of the poor, the orphans, and the aged, who were without natural protectors
and received and dispensed large alms and property for this purpose.
The next incidental mention of this church is found in the records of the
city of Albany. In February, 1679, " the court and consistory of Schen-
ectady request that Domine Schaets may be sent four Sundays in one year
to administer the Lord's supper to said place and community, which request
is granted in so far that Domine Schaets is allowed to go four times in one
year to administer the Holy Sacrament, but not on a Sunday, whereas it
would be unjust to let the community [of Albany] be without preaching."*
Thirdly, The prosperous condition of the poor fund of the church from
1680 to 1690, shows pretty clearly that it had been organized some years
previous to the former date. At the close of the year 1689 Domine Thes-
schenmaecker audited the deacons' accounts and found that the unexpended
alms contributed for the poor amounted to about 4,000 guilders, of which
about 3,000 guilders had been loaned to individuals on bonds dating back
in one case to 1681. Though the Dutch were a liberal people in matters
appertaining to their church, it is not probable that such an accumulation
of alms was made entirely within the ten years above mentioned, especially
when their numbers are considered, and that in this time the parsonage
house was constructed and their first Domine was called and maintained.
It is fair therefore to conclude that the Dutch church of Schenectady was
certainly an organized body in 1674, probably much earlier.
The first twenty years of the village was a struggle with the hardships of
frontier life; its energies were spent in removing the forest and subduing
the soil. For religious privileges it was dependent upon Albany; until in
168|, when the little hamlet having grown sufficiently strong in numbers
and wealth, called its first minister. The earliest mention of Domine Thess-
chenmaecker in the church records is found in a book of miscellaneous
writings, the first leaves of which unfortunately are wanting.f
* Annals of Albany, 1, 103.
f The following is a copy and translation of the first page in its present mutilated
condition :
(Copy.) (Translation).
TJytgyeve. [1683?] Expenditures. [1683?]
aen Myndert Wemp, F. 48 To Myndert Wemp, guilders, F. 48
aen een kan, 8 To [paid for] a pot, 8
aen Jan Roelofsen voor 24 To Jan Roelofsen, for 24
336
History of the Schenectady Patent.
From these accounts we learn the following facts:
1. That Domine Thcsschenmaecker came to Schenectady before the death
of Domine Schaets (1690).
aen 5 Witte broden,
aen domine Tassemaker
aen amanual Oonsaul,
aen Lubbert gysbertsc voor 2 dagen
Wercke,
aen spy eke rs van Albanie,
aen den 1., duyzend harde steen
aen 2 bevera aen LaseyBers tot het
linys te singelen,
aen 13 gulden aen .... door stackeu
en . . . voor verbruyek aen de
beyninge,
27 aprll voor wyn tot het naglit mad
aen domine tasschenmaker betalt,
27 May domine Schats Verstelt,
Schoonmaken van der Kerehe,
Voor wyn van hoi Daght inael,
aen Adam Vroom,
nogh aen domine taSBChemaker voort
maken vande heyninge aen bet
erf,
nogh voor 7 maal witte broot tot het
avout inael @ fl., 1.10 a maal,
Claas permurent eon dagen rydeu,
2:;, dagen aen de heyninge,
Voor te singelen van 't buys,
aen 2 Vraysteu posteu gasacht,
2 ghizz Raamen,*
1
24
6
6
6
18
48
12
20
36
13
1.10
5.
2.10
20. 0
24.
45.
10.10
18
12
6
10
To 5 white loaves,
To domine Tassemaker,
To Bimanual Cousaul,
To Lubbertse Gysbcrtse for two days-
work,
To nails trom Albany,
To the half thousand hard bricks,
To two beavers to Laseysers shing-
ling the house,
To 12 guilders .... for stakes
for use on the fence,
27 April, For wine for the Lord's
supper paid to Domine tasschen-
makei-,
27 May, presented to Domine Scbaets
• 'leaning the church,
For wine for the Lord's supper,
To Adam Vrooman,
Also to Domine tasschemaker for
making the fence to the lot,
Also for white bread 7 times for the
Lord's supper @ 11. 1.10 a time,
Claas Purmerent [Van der Volgen]
one day carting,
2 ;1.l. days on the fence,
for the shingles of the house,
To two loads of posts sawed,
2 window glasses, (or sashes)
1
.42
6
6
6
18
48
12
20
, 36
13
1.10
5.
2.10
20. 0
24.
45.
10.10
18.
22.
12
6
10
Soinina,
fl. 516-13f
Total,
a pane of glass ; Kaam
florins 516-13
a frame ; Venster
* [SewelPs Duteh-Kng. Dictionary, 1708, gives Glaze Kaam
Kaam a wiudow frame.— M'MJ
t The money of accounts of the Dutch was the guilder or florin and stuyver, 20 of the latter to one of the
former. There wire the guilder sewant and the guilder beaver ;-thc latter of the value of about 40il*. M
three times that of the former. The guilder of accounts was commonly valued at one shilling N. Y.
currency.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 337
2. That the first house of worship was then huilt.
3. That the consistory this year (1683 ?), was building a parsonage house
and fencing the lot. For although it is not stated that H huys was for the
Domine's use, we can hardly conceive of his being engaged in building, and
the church in paying for, a dwelling for any other person.
Of the five houses of worship built by this church, the one above men-
tioned was the first. We know little about it except that it was small and
inconvenient and that it stood at the junction of Church, State and Water
streets.
The house erected for Domine Thessclienraaecker, who was an unmarried
man, must have been of humble dimensions judging from the number and
cost of the " glass Ramen " purchased for it in the above account.* It be-
came the funeral pile of its first occupant when the village was burned in
1690. Its site is unknown though it has heretofore been assumed to be
that of tne present church, but an old deed of 1715, shows that lot was in
possession of Daniel Jansen Van Antwerp from prior to 1672 to 1715,
when he deeded it to the church.
1684-1690. Domine Petkus Thekschknmaecker.
Domine Thesscheninaecker best known for his tragical end, came to
this country from Guiana whither he had gone from Utrecht, a young theo-
logical student, \ and is first mentioned in following petition of date 1676:
[* There is no evidence that this was a dwelling house for the minister, or that a lot
was assigned to build one on. In so poor a community a parsonage for a bachelor was
hardly a pressing need. Is it not likely that a minister settled among them, had the
house of worship repaired and put in order ? A church without a minister is seldom well
kept, and the arrival of a new one is usually marked by alterations if not improvements
in the church building. This one never having had a minister, was doubtless much
dilapidated — yet only two lights of glass — 500 bricks, % 1.50 worth of shingles were used
on the house — most of the materials and labor being put on the fence, which was pos-
sibly around the grave lot adjoining the church.
There is a tradition that the D° was killed in the house of one of his parishoners.
The Consistory did not own the present church lot. — M'M.]
f The Amsterdam foot consisted of about 11 in. English.
% Hist. Mag., ix, 323.
43
338 History of the Schenectady Patent.
To the Rt. Honoral6 Sr. Edmond Andrus Kt. of Sau^mares : under hia
Royall Highness Duke of Yorke and Albany and dependances : The humble
petition of Seuerall of the Inhabittanse of Esopus humbly shewith unto
yor Honor,
Whereas this place is destitute of a minister for the Instruction of the
people : It is our Ernest desiar and humble request with all Submission
that yor Honor will be pleased to be aiding and assisting in the procuring
one for us that can preache both Inglish and Duche, weich will be most
fitting for this place, it being in its minority and having great charges is
not very able to maintaine two ministares ; nether to be at the charge of
sending for one out of England or Holland ; and we are Informed Mr.
Peettar Tasetmakr is at liberty, who is a person well knowne to yor Hon'
and officiated in this [place] for sum time; And if to bee procured, is very
well approved and much desired by moste, bee being a man of Sober life
and conversacon having Deportted himselfe to satisfaction of ye Inhabi-
tancy,—
Wherefor wee Humbly pray that your honor will bee pleased to bee In-
strumentall in the same and yor Honors humble Pettigeners shall ever pray
&c.*
This appears to be a sufficient certificate of his fitness for the sacred office,
but whether he returned to Esopus on this flattering call is not known. It
appears that at this time he had not been ordained, for in 1679 on applica-
tion from New-Castle, on the Delaware, the Governor directed Doraine
Newenhuysen to examine and induct him into the ministry of the Protes-
tant Reformed church. Probably he was then a resident of Staten Island.
After his ordination Domine Thesschenmaecker departed immediately
for his new field of labors; for November 20th, following, he received a
patent f for a lot of land at New Castle, 300 by 480 feet, respecting which
the colonial secretary received a letter J dated January 17th, 1679-80, prom-
ising his fee of 4 0 shillings in wheat.
Here he remained three years until 1682, " when in consequence of some
disagreement with his congregation he left and accepted a call from
Schenectady."§
* Doc. Hist., in., 583. t Patents, iv, 90.
% " Do. Tesschenrnaecker katk promised to make satisfactory in ye Spring for ye
pattent and ye otker wrytiDgs, 40 shillings in wheat, as by yorself demanded, wh I think
is soe reasonable as can be considering ye trouble wh to my knowledge yrself had in yt
buisnesse." Eph. Herman to Matthias Nicoll. — Albany Records, Jan., 17, 1679-80.
§ Anthology of New Netherlands, p. 100-1.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 339
In the latter place he labored six years with reasonable success; and in
spite of the distant mutterings of war between Britain and France the little
community grew in numbers and wealth. The virgin soil of the neighbor-
ing flats and islands yielded abundantly, and the population, gaining con-
fidence, ventured beyond the palisades of the village and gradually crept
up the Mohawk river, occupying the fertile lands on either bank.
It was while resting in fancied security that the place was surprised, on
the 8th day of February, 1690, and totally destroyed. The work of des-
truction commenced under such favorable circumstances was soon com-
pleted;— day dawned upon a ghastly scene, — the labors of thirty years in
ashes, — sixty of the inhabitants slain, — twenty-eight captives selected for
the long winter march to Canada, — and the miserable remnant, wounded
and frost-bitten, painfully seeking relief in flight towards Albany. The
French commander had ordered his men to spare the life of the clergyman,
but his savage allies knew no difference between minister and people; — he
was slain and burned in his house.*
Doraine Thesschenmaecker left no heirs. A farm of " eighty acres and
a proportional quantity of meadow ground" granted to him 3 Nov., 1685,
on the south side of Staten Island, f was claimed by the inhabitants of
Richmond county as a poor fund. J
For seven years from this sad event, till the peace of Ryswick in 1697,
there was no safety north and west of Albany outside of the fortifications.
Many forsook their plantations and sought places of greater security § and
* " Dora. Petrus Tesschenmaker the minister at Schenectady has met with misfortune.
He anfl most of his congregation were surprised at night and massacred by the French
and Indians in their interest. His head was cloven open and his body burned to the
shoulder-blades." Domine Selyns to the Classis of Amsterdam. — Antlwlogy of New
Netherland, p. 116.
\ Patents, iv, 902.
\ 1692, 2 Nov. " Upon reading Anoyr Peticon of the sd Representatives [of the county
of Richmond] setting forth (hat Mr. Tuschemaker having some reall and personall Estate
in Staten Island was killed by the French and Indians at Schenectady and in his lifetime
had promise'! the sd Estate to the Poor haveing noe heirs, praying an order for the
same.
The sd Peticon is likewise referred to the Attorney Generall who is to report what
may be proper therein to be done." — Leg. Council, 4, 28.
§ See chapters " Indian Wars on the Uorder."
340 History of the Schenectady Patent.
it is a matter of surprise that the hardy pioneers of Schenectady clung to
the soil in the midst of such discouragements. It argues well for their
pluck and endurance.
Until 1*700 the church was without a pastor, and indeed it does not appear
that the people had any religious privileges, except such as might be had
by a visit to Albany, until 1694, when Domine Dellius began to minister
to them occasionally. His first recorded visits this year were on the 11th
of April and 9th of October, on which occasions new members were added
to the church and children baptized. In 1695 he came four times, viz: oi
the 2d Jan., 27th March, 26th June and 9th October. In 1696 five times —
Jan. 8th, April 15, July 1, Sept. 19th and Dec. 30th. In 1697 three times-
April 6th, June 30th, and Nov. 10th, and in 1698 four times — 27th April,
20 July, 19th Oct., and 28th Dec. In all eighteen visits in five years.
In 1699 Domine Dellius returned to the Fatherland and Domine Johannes
Petrus Nucella succeeding to his place as minister of Albany, visited
Schenectady once— on the 31st of August. The following year he came
twice, viz: on the 9th January and 25th May.
The number of members added to the church by these two ministers was
twenty-five ; the number of children baptized seventy-six, seven of whom
were Indians.
Taking into consideration, therefore, the fact that at this time all children
were christened, ?ome idea may be formed of the small number and slow
increase of the population when only sixty-nine were baptized in six years.
Durin"- the same period five couples were married by Domine Dellius and
seven by Johannes Glen, " Justis Van de peace"
But no sooner was peace proclaimed in 1697 than both village and church
began a new career of prosperity. Within five years a second minister was
called, and a new house of worship was erected.
1700-5. Domine Barnardus Freeman,* Second Minister of thb
Church and Missionary to the Mohawks.
When Domine Dellius returned to Holland in 1693, his church gave him
leave of absence for ten months, but subsequently commissioned William
Bancker and others of Amsterdam to procure another minister in case he re-
mained beyond that time.
* He sometimes wrote his name Freeman, but oftener Freerman.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 341
Do. Freeman was a man of mature age, a native of Gilhuis in the county
(Graafschap) of Benthem. In 1698 he was a member of the church of
Amsterdam, and on the 9th of March of that year was licensed to preach by
the Classes of Worden and Overrynland. Immediately after the above call
from the church of Albany, he was ordained by the Classis of Lingen (16th
March, 1700), and departed for his distant charge accompanied by
Domine Johannes Lydius. On the 20th of July they arrived in Albany
where the latter remained, while the former passed on to Schenectady, and
on the 28th commenced his labors as pastor of the church and missionary
to the Mohawks. His appointment to the latter office, brought about doubt-
less after his arrival in New York, furnishes a reason for the change in his
destination.
Domine Dellius had filled the same office many years, and both for political
as well as religious reasons it was considered important to continue so
powerful an agency among the native tribes.
In regard to this matter the Earl of Bellomont, Governor of the Provinces,
said to the assembled Sachems of the Five Nations on the 26th of August,
1700. * * * "I have sent to England for ministers to instruct you in the
true Christian religion. I expect some very soon ; for the present I shall
settle Mr. Vreeman, an able good minister, at Schanectade, who I intend
shall be one of those that shall be appointed to instruct you in the true faith.
He will be near the Mohacks, and in your way as you came from [the]
several castles to this town, [Albany], and will take pains to teach you.
He has ju'omised me to apply himself with all diligence to learn your lan-
guage, and doubts not to be able to preach to you therein in a year's time."*
In a comnmnication to the Board of Trade the Governor says: "I send
your Lordships a copy of Mr. Freeman's Letter. He is the Dutch minister
at Schenectady and a very good sort of a man."f * * *
The following is a copy of the letter referred to:
"Schenegtade ihe 6th Jan., 1700-1.
May it please your Excellency.
I have received your Excellci' letter of the 15th Nov', 1700, whereby I
understand that your Excellcy was satisfied with what I had done to promote
the Gospel among the Indians, I shall also use my utmost to intreat them
to be firm in their allegiance to his Majty and for as much as appears to me
they are good subjects to His Majty whereof they desire me to give your
Excell07 an account.
* Col. Doc, iv, 727. f Col. Doc, iv, 833.
342 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Your Excellcy may remember that there are not above one hundred
Maquasse in number, thirty-six whereof have embraced the Christian faith,
ten whereof through the grace of God are brought over through my means,
for I found but twenty-six.
I shall do my utmost with the rest. So wishing your Excell07 a happy
new year and a continuation of your health, recommending myself to your
favour,
I remain,
Your Excellci08 most obedient Servant,
B. Frkeuman.*"
As Albany was the headquarters of Indian trade as well as of the yearly
Council held with the Five Nations, Do. Lydius was also appointed to in-
struct the natives in the Christian faith, and " ye bettar to enable him to
serve them in ye work of the Gospell ye Interpretesse [Hillitiejf was
appointed to be his assistant in that affair as formerly."^ * * *
In the five years spent at Schenectady, Do. Freeman became well versed
in the Indian tongue so as not only to preach, but to write in it. In this he
was assisted by the Provincial interpreter, Lawrens Claese (Van der Volgen),
a member of his church. And so attached were the natives to him that five
years after he left Schenectady they petitioned Governor Hunter for his re-
appointment, " and that he live [with us] at our Castle and not at Schin-
nectady nor Albany. "§
Probably his was the first attempt made to translate the church service,
or portions of the Holy Scriptures into the language of the Mohawks. In
addition to the morning and evening prayers, Do. Freeman translated " the
whole of the Gospel of St. Matthew, the three first chapters of Genesis,
several chapters of P2xodus, a few of the Psalms, many portions of the
scriptures relating to the birth, passion, resurrection and ascension of
our Lord, and several chapters of the first Epistle of the Corinthians, par-
ticularly the fifteenth chapter, proving the resurrection of the dead. But
his work was not printed. "||
A copy having l>een presented to the "Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel in Foreign parts," was given to their missionary, Rev. William
Andrews, who was sent out in 1712, and by him printed in New York two
years afterwards.
* Col. Doc, rv, 835.
f Hillitic was a half-breed, — sister of Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck. She married
Pieter Danielse Van Olinda. — See Van Slyck.
% Lord Cornbury to the Five Nations, 1702 ; Col. Doc, iv, 983.
§ Col. Doc, v, 227. || Col. Doc, via, 815.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 343
The salary of the early ministers of this church was one hundred pounds
of New York currency ($250), house and garden rent free, pasturage for
two cows and a horse, and sixty cords of wood delivered at the parsonage.
The salary commenced from the day the Domine sailed from Holland and
the expenses of the voyage until he arrived in Schenectady were paid by the
church. The following is Do. Freeman's first bill, rendered August 25,
1700:
"16 mar. 1 700 to 25 aug. the Consistory is indebted to Domine Freeman:
For current salary from the 16 march to the 25th of august, — is five
months and nine days and amounts to a sum of fifty pounds and something
more, — is in sewant, gl. 2.000
Also expenses incurred on the voyage, in fresh provisions, wine, brandy,
vegetables and hens, besides about three weeks expenses on the Isle of
"Wight, — is the sum of gl. 374
gl. 2.374
"Schenectady. Babnhardus Freerman."*
The above bill shows that the expenses. of the voyage were 374 gl. ($46.75),
and that the whole amount of salary and expenses was 2374 gl. or $296. 75. J
Trifling as this amount may seem, the little community were unable to
raise it, and on the 3d of September, 1700, applied to the Common Council
of Albany for permission to solicit contributions in Albany. In reply the
Commonality advise " that they first goe and Visite there own Congrega-
tion, and if they do not obtaine said Sallary by them, then to make their
application to the Commonality at ye next Court day.-"
* Ano 1700 den 1G martius tot 25 Augustus is de kerkenraat Debet an Do. freeman
Voor de Verlopene tractement van den 16 maert tot 25 august is 5 maenden en 9 dagen
en bedraegt een somrae van fyftig pont en wat meer — is an sewant. 2.000
Noch ankostinge op Reise gehad so an Versche waren, wyn, Brandewyn, Creuderye
en hoenden neffens onitrent dry weeke expences op het Eylant wigt is een som tot 374
gl. 2.374
Sceonegtade
, Barnhardus Freekman.
— See Church Papers.
\ This sum is exclusive of 800 gl. paid by the Albany church as part of the expenses
of Do. Freeman's passage. — MunselVs Collections, i, 53, 54.
344 History of the Schenectady Patent.
On the 21st of September the application was renewed, " Whereupon ye
Commonalty have concluded and doe allow and admitt two or more of said
Church wardens of Shinnechtady to goe once Round for contribution to use
as aforesaid from ye inhabitants of this Citty and no more, in ye time of
the Sessions, which will be first and second of October next ensuing."*
When Do. Freeman was appointed missionary to the Indians by Governor
Bellomont, he was promised a salary of £60 ; for expenses £15, and for the
interpreter, Laurens Claese Van der Volgen, who was his assistant £25.
The Governor expected to obtain this salary from the corporation for the
propagation of the gospel at Boston, but in case he failed there, promised
to secure it for him out of the revenue of the Province, f
It is presumed that said corporation declined to assume this burden, and
as a consequence, the General Assembly passed an act in his favor. In a
petition which Do. Freeman addressed to Governor Cornbury, in 1703, he
affirms that " he has taken great pains in going to their [Mohawks] Castles
and translating Divine things into their language for ye easier bringing
ym over, and as he hopes with very good success ; for wh reason a con-
tinuance of ye said salary was promised him by ye late Lieften't Governour,
Capt. Nanfan, and confirmed to yr Petitioner by an act of Generall Assem-
bly of this Province, wh said sallaries (tho' tis now two years since they
were first settled) are unpaid, and no Warrants have yet passed for any part
thereof, "t
On the death of Do. Lupardus of Kings county, in 1 702, the consistory of
the churches there applied to Governor Cornbury for permission to call Do.
Freerman,§ who at the same time gave encouragement of his acceptance.
The Governor answered :
" I have duly Considered the Within petition and having been well In-
formed that Mr. Bar. ffreeman has misbehaved himself, by promoting and
* Albany City Records.
| Mr. Freerman yck veresoeck dat gyu de voor aeu went om de heydeos tot bet Kristen
geloof over te brengen en tot gerhoorsaembeyt van bekonning gy suit geensins on
beetaalt blyve. yck sal nu boston schryve die dispositse bebben van bet corperasi gelt
en yck Verspreeekne 60 pons in 't year en so die van boston bet wygeren yck Verse-
kerene het yt de revenue van dese provinci. etc. — Gov. Bellommd's Letter, Col. MSS.,
XLIV.
X Col. MSS., xliv, xlv, 134, 179; liii, 7, 70.
§ Doc. Hist., in, 89.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 345
Encouraging the unhappy division among the people of this province, do
not think it consistent with her Majesties Service that the sd ffreeman should
be admitted to be called as is prayed by sd petition. And the petitioners
are hereby required not to call or receive the sd ffreeman."*
Fearing their minister might be enticed away from them, the Consistory
of the church in Schenectady the next year presented to Lord Cornbury the
following petition:
" The humble Petition of the Church Wardins of the Nether Dutch
Church of the Town of Schoneghtede, sheweth:
That the four severall towns to witt : Midwout or Flatbush, the Bay,
New Utreght and Brockland, by their Certain writing doth Indeavour to
Draw Mr Barnardus Freeman, Present Minister of Schoneghtende, from
his Congregation, who are not able of themselves Without your Excellecy's
assistance to gett another, and since we, your petitioners, have been att a
great Charge and trouble with assistants thereunto from this County for De-
fraying the Considerable Charge of Mr. Barnardus Freeman's Passage and
other Charges that doih amount to the Valiable summe of near upon Eighty
Pounds, so that if the sd Mr. Barnardus Freeman should be Drawn from us,
as they Indeavor to Doe, we could not Preted that such a small Congrega-
tion as we are can be able to Send for another, and they Who are of a
greater Congregation could had another before this If they had not
Endeavoured to Deprive us their neighbors ; therefore we, your Lordship's
and Councill's Petitioners humbly Pray that yr Lordships and Councill be
Pleased to take this our Great Case In Your Great Wisdom and Serious
Consideration to give Such Incouragements to the Instructing of the
Indians, that we may be more Enabeled to the Paying of his Salary and
your Petitioners as In Duty Bound Shall ever Pray.
Schoneghtende the 29th of May, 1703.
Claes Wirbessen [Lawrense. Johannes Glenn, deacon.
Vander Volgen] Elder. Isack Swits, elder.
Daniel Jansen [Van. Jan Vrooman, elder.
An twerpen] deacon. Claes Van Patten, deacon."
Read in Council 24th June, 1703, and rejected."!
Notwithstanding the above remonstrance and the fact that many persons
in the congregation in Kings county were disaffected towards him, he
visited the island and on the second of August, 1703, accepted the call
under certain conditions.! It was not, however, until the summer of 1705
* Doc. Hist., in, 89. f Council Minutes, Doc. Hist., in, 93.
44
346 History of the Schenectady Patent.
that he finally left Schenectady for Flatbush. The license thus to change
his pastoral relations was granted by Governor Cornbury on the 26th of
December, of the same year.
1703-28. Building of the Second Church. Domine Thomas Browkr
the Third Minister.
Soon after Do. Freeman came to Schenectady, the house of worship* then
used was found to be unfit for the accommodation of the inhabitants and
*[In an ancient deed dated 1692, the phrase occurs " 't blok huys (te weteu dekerche)"
that is to say '* the block house known as the church."
This deed is supposed to apply to a lot on corner of Church and State street. Miller in
1695 indicates a blockhouse at the north-west corner as " the blockhouse designed for a
church." The Dutch deeds were so blind and crude in their descriptions that they con-
vey little information without collateral evidence. They usually refer to something
somewhere near, and are not usually very clear as to what direction or how far.
There were but five or six houses spared in the town and the last building one might
suppose would be left by French and Indians led by Jesuit propagandists of their faith
would be the heretical church, more particularly if that church was capable of being
used as a military defence.
To add to the probability that in 1695, (three years after the deed of 1692), and even
later, the statement in the petition to Governor Nanfan in 1701, for aid in erecting a
new place of worship " the place where itt is now Exercised in Nott bein Large Euough
to contain the whole assemply oft ye Inhabitants & Indian Proselytes," &c. " The Town
of Schonegtade hath been wholly destroyed by ye French in ye late War & Sins the re-
sattling oft ye same being verry low & oft mean Estates have not bein able to Erect a
place convenient for ye Public Worohip of God " they want assistance in " ye
buylding a convenient Place for ye Public Worship of God."
Any sized church large enough before 1690 was large enough surely for the depleted
almost depopulated town of 1692 to 1701, when there were not exceeding 250 souls in
the township.
Gov. Nanfan grants the petition because "nothing conduces more to the peace and well
being of this Province than that the public worship of Almighty God be punctually ob-
served and celebrated especially on the frontiers in a public and acknow-
ledged place thereto dedicated." He authorizes contributions to be collected '* to be em-
ployed solely for the erection and building a necessary and becoming place for public wor-
ship."
In view of the phraseology of the petition and permit and the known circumstances,
may not the church that was too small have been either Blockhouse No. 8 of Miller's
map or possibly an improvised house of worship on the walls or site of the destroyed
church ?
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 347
Indian proselytes, but as the little community had not yet fully recovered
from the effects of the late incursion of the French and their savage allies,
the funds necessary for a new house could not be raised without aid from
abroad. A petition therefore was presented to Governor Nanfan in 1701,
asking permission to circulate a subscription throughout the Province for
this purpose.*
This petition being favorably received by the Governor and Council, on
the 27 Oct., 1701, he issued his license to the inhabitants of Schenectady*
If the French and Indians did not destroy the church, they were remarkable lenient
for their time ; for this was one of the wars Louis XIV. waged against Holland and Eng-
land mainly on religious grounds. They would certainly have been remiss in their duty as
soldiers The sack of an heretical town in which it was wholly destroyed by infuriated half
frozen Canadian French and Indians who were avenging their losses and disgrace at the
sack of Montreal the previous year, could scarce have been complete without the destruc-
tion of the heretical church which owned the civil authority and religious faith of Wil-
liam of Orange. — M'M.]
(Translation).
* " To the Honble John Nanfan, Esq.,Lt. Gouvr and Command' in Cheifoft ye Province
oft New Yorke in America and ye Honble Councell oft ye same.
" The humble Peticion oft Barnard us Freerman minister oft ye Gospell att Schanegtade
& Ryer Schermerhoorn, Esqr in ye behalf oft the Inhabitants oft said Town.
Showeth,
" That whereas The Town oft Schouegtade hath been wholy destroyed by yc french in
ye late Warr & sins the resattling oft ye same The Inhabitants oft ye same being verry
low & oft mean Estates have not bein able to Erect a Place convenient for ye Publick
Worship oft God, the Place where itt is now Exercised in nott being Large Enough to con-
taine [the] whole Assembly of ye Inhabitants & Indian Proselytes.
" They Therefore humbly pray yor houn" Lyceuse for the collecting a free will offering
oft ye Inhabitants oft this Province for ye buylding a convenient Place for ye Public
Worship oft God in ye town aforesaid and yor Peticra shall ever Pray, &c.
" Ryer Schermerhooren "
" B. freerman, Ecll. Skagnagt. "
— Vol. MS8., xt,y.
f "' By the Honorable John Nanfan, Esq., Governor and Commander-in-Chief over the
Province of New York and territories dependent thereon in America, &c.
"Whereas the Village of Schenectady in the Couuty of Albany, has been wholly
destroyed through the incursion of the French in the late war, and after the rebuilding
thereof the inhabitants have been and still are in a poor and low condition, so that they
have not been able to erect a proper place for the public worship of Ood : — and whereas
348 History of the Schenectady Patent.
to receive contributions from the people of the Province for the space of
six months from that date, and directed all justices of the peace, schouts
and other officers of his Majesty as well as ministers of the Gospel to use
their utmost endeavors to aid this laudable object.
This appeal to the liberality of their neighbors was successful and the
church was probably finished in the year 1703. The site was that of the
first house of worship at the junction of Church, Water and State streets,
and the dimensions, fifty-six feet north and south by forty-six feet east and
west Amsterdam measure. The burying ground adjoined the church upon
nothing conduces more to the peace and well being of this Province than that the public
-worship of Almighty God be punctually observed & celebrated in all parts & places and
especially on the frontiers, in a public and acknowledgod place thereto dedicated, that the in-
habitants and sojourners of this province may through their good example of piety and
religious reverence be brought over & persuaded there to dwell to the great strengthening
of said frontiers, which thereby become a defence for the other parts of this province if
a war should again occur between his most Sacred Majesty and the King of France: —
Therefore I by and with the advice of His majesty's council for this province and in his
majesty's name hereby give and grant full & free liberty and licence to the Inhabitants
of said Village of Schenectady in said county of Albany, or to such person or persons as
by them or the majority of them shall be employed to gather, collect and receive the
the free and voluntaiy offerings and contributions of all and every of his majesty's faith-
ful subjects, — inhabitants of this Province at any time after this date and during the
time of six months; — the said contributions to be employed solely for the erection and
building a necessary and becoming place for the public worship of God by the Inhabitants
of said village. And I hereby in his majesty's name require alibis majesty's justices,
schouts, and all other his majesty's officers within this Province, together with all Pro-
testant ministers in their sundry & respective Counties, Cities, Colonies, Churches,
districts & jurisdictions to use tbeir utmost endeavors and diligence to arouse the liberality
of the inhabitants on this occasion, which conduces to the honor and service of Almighty
God, the welfare of this province in general & fbr the peace & security of all the inhabi-
tants thereof.
" Given under my hand and seal in Fort William Henry in New York, this seven and
twentieth day of October, A0 1701, and in the 13th year of the reign of our Sovereign
Lord William the third by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France & Ireland,
King, Defender of the Faith, &c.
" Was signed,
John Nanfan."
" Pr order of the Council,
B. Cozens, Sec. Coun." *
* B. Cozzens Secretary of the Council in a letter to Reyer Schermerhorn, of date 30 Jan., 1701, says " The
Gov and Councill have given £10 towards the church at Schonectady."— Schermerhorn Papers.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 349
the west side and was fifteen feet wide by fifty-six feet long.* Speaking of
Schenectady in 1710 the Rev. Thomas Barclay says: "There is a convenient
and well built church which they freely give me the use of."f
Probably it was substantially built of stone, for after its abandonment in
1734, as a place of worship it was used for some years as a fort. J A wooden
building would hardly have been devoted to such a purpose. By the
year 1754, it had been either removed or used as a barracks, watch-
house and market,§ by 1768 the site was clear and designated the Market
Place. In 1 792 the spot being vacant the consistory proposed to erect there-
on a house at a cost of £170,|| but it is believed this project was never carried
out, for in 1794 they resolve to lease it to Arent S. Vedderfor building pur-
poses upon condition that it should never be dug up, save so far as was neces-
sary to lay the foundations or to set the fence posts, — that the foundation
should not be laid farther west than where the old church's west wall stood
and that the house built thereon should never be used for " Tap-drink-of-
VrolyJc-huys (so als men deselve gewoonlyk noent."** To account for these
singular conditions in a deed of conveyance, it is only necessary to remember
that this was then looked upon as sacred ground and that here for sixty
years, to 1720, the dead of the village were buried. ff
The building above mentioned was never erected. The next year, 1795,
the trustees of the common lands resolved to make an offer of this lot,JJ but
if made, nothing came of it, for in 1800, the consistory directed that it " be
properly ascertained and marked out," and in 1805 agreed to lease it to
Anne McFarlane for $10 per annum but she was not allowed to dig upon it.
The removal of Do. Freeman was a disheartening event to the church.
He had gained the confidence of the people and considerable influence over
the neighboring Indians. To obtain another minister from Holland in their
present circumstances was impossible. They were not only a small but a
poor people and without aid not in a condition to support a minister.
* [Mary Ann Roque's map, 1750, indicates its greatest dimension as east and west. The
site certainly indicates that. — M'M.]
f Doc. Hist., in, 540. J Act of the Assembly (1734 ?)
§ Jno. Myndertse's will in Court of Appeal's office .... and Deeds, xii ; Collins to
Van Eps.
II Consistory Minutes. ** Consistory Minutes.
ft When the public cistern was built here in 1848, the ancient burial ground was en-
croached upon and many bones were thrown out.
XX Minutes of the Board.
350 History of the Schenectady Patent.
For the following ten years they were destitute of the stated ministry,
being only occasionally visited by the ministers of Albany and other more
distant settlements.
Between the years 1705 and 1715, Domines Johannes Lydius and Petrus
Van Driessen of Albany, Petrus Vas of Kingston and Gualterus Du Bois
of New York made 24 visits to Schenectady, baptizing 152 children of whom
19 were Indians. In all this time the records show but one member added
to the church.
Rev. Thomas Barclay, chaplain to the fort in Albany preached occasion-
ally in Schenectady. In a letter* dated Sept. 26, 1710, he says: "At
Schenectady I preach once a month, where there is a garrison of forty
soldiers, besides about sixteen English and about one hundred Dutch fami-
lies. They are all of them my constant hearers.
I have this summer got an English school erected amongst them, and in
a short time, I hope their children will be fit for catechising. Schenectady
is a village situated upon a pleasant river, twenty English miles above
Albany, and the first castle of the Indians is twenty-four miles above Schen-
ectady. In this village there has been no Dutch minister these five years
and there is no probability of any being settled among them. There is a
convenient and well built church, which they freely give me the use of.
" I have taken the pains to show them the agreement of the articles of
our church, with theirs. I hope in sometime to bring them not only to be
constant hearers, but communicants."
As early as 1713, the church applied to Governor Hunter for permission
to call a new minister and received his license dated July 27 that year. On
the 17th day of May the following year, the consistory addressed a letter to
Willem Bancker, merchant of Amsterdam and Rev. Matthias Winterwyck
of Alphen (Dalphin ?) Holland, authorizing them to procure a minister for
the church and promising him a salary of £90 to commence on his arrival,
a dwelling free of rentf, fire wood at the door, a large garden, and free
* Letter to the secretary of the society for the propagation of the Gospel in foreign
parts ; Doc. Hist, ni, 540.
f [Shortly after the arrival of Do. Brouvver the larger portion of the present church lot
was acquired by deed from Daniel Janse Van Antwerp. (See fac simile.) It was for
" 'te Dominie's huys." The original deed was found by the Ed. in a bundle of ancient
papers in the Deacons' chest stored in the tower of the present church. This old pack-
age was wrapped in a piece of leather tied hard with a leathern string and from appear-
ance may have been unopened for many years — its existence seems to have been for-
gotten. Early in this century strong efforts were made to remove the church to a
locality more central for the majority of the church people, but the terms of this deed
seem to have barred the sale of this lot and the new church [1814] was built on it.— M'M.]
Fold-out
Placeholder
This fold-out is being digitized, and will be inserted at a
future date.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 351
pasture for two cows and a horse. The result of this negotiation was the
arrival of Dominie Thomas Brouwer in July, 1714.
He probably came from the province of Overyssell, where he had two
brothers living in 1728, the one Gerardus, at Zwoll and the other Theo-
dorus, minister at Dalphin.
He made his will * on the 24th Nov., 1 727, and died on 15th of Jan., I728.f
He left £25 — one half to the church and the other for the poor ; his gun,
pistols, horse, table linen, etc., to various members of the families of Gerrit
Symonse Yeeder and Johannes Bancker, and his books, best clothing, linen,
etc., to his two brothers above mentioned. He speaks of neither wife nor
children.
1728 — 36. Domine Reinhardus Erichzon the Fourth Minister. Thb
Third Church
The fourth minister of the church was Do. Reinhardus Erichzon. His
call or Beroep brief was dated 30th March, 1728, two and a half months
after the death of his predecessor.
He was probably a native or at least a resident of Groningen, North Hoi
land and before his call to Schenectady had ministered three years to the
churches of Hackensack, Paramus and Schraalenbergh, New Jersey.
The consistory of Schenectady agreed to give him a salary of £100 ($250),
a parsonage house in good repair, a garden kept in fence, pasture for a horse
and two cows and fire wood \ at the door.
* On file in the office of the clerk of the Court of Appeals.
f He had been disabled by sickness however, since the month of August, 1723, and
unable all that time to perform the active duties of his calling. An assistant was em-
ployed to do his work but the records do not give his name.
% Sixty or seventy loads of wood was the Domine's annual supply in these early
times. For this purpose a bee was made, usually in the month of January.
The congregation then turned out with their teams and in from one to three days his
yard was filled.
The consistory made bountiful provision for the entertainment of the bee makers on
these occasions as appears by the following extracts from the treasurer's books :
16 Jan. 174% to Johannes De Peyster for five gallons of Rum for the
Domine's bee @ 3-6 £-17-6
19 Jan. 174% to Pieter Groenendyk for % Gall, wine 4-0
23 Jan. 174% to Metie Fairly for the use of the house at the bee 4-0
352 History of the Schenectady Patent.
During the eight years of his pastorate here he married seventy-nine
couples, baptized about three hundred and fifty children and received two
hundred and six members to the church.
Domine Erichzon left Schenectady in October, 1736, having received a
call to the church of Freehold and Middletown, N. J.
His ministry in Schenectady seems to have been a successful one. Since
the treaty of Utrecht in 1713, the country had been at peace, and wealth
and population increased rapidly.
Our village was no exception, and before the church erected in 1703, had
stood thirty years, the population had outgrown its capacity and it became
necessary to erect a larger.
This matter began to be agitated soon after Do Erichzon became pastor,
and instead of appealing to their neighbors for aid as in the former case,
the congregation was able not only to build a house which for the times
was both substantial and spacious, but also to furnish it with a bell and
clock.
As a preliminary step in this new enterprise, a subscription paper was cir-
culated through the town in 1730, by which £322 was obtained, and ex-
tending the appeal up the valley into Maquaas Landt* a still further sum
of £33-15 was subscribed in money and wheat.f
1748, 28 April to Jacobus Mynderse for rum for the Domine's bee £3-12-2
1749, Jan. Beer for the bee 1-14-6
1751, Jan. 1 for rum and sugar 1-7-6
1751, Jan. 2 for beer 0-12-0
1751, Ap. 28 to Anna Wendell for house hire twice for a bee 9-0
to Isaac Abr : Truex for rum and sugar* 1-13,6
* Maquaas Landt was that part of the valley of the Mohawk river lying west of Amsterdam.
f The following is that portion of this list made up of Schenectady names :
July, 1730.
List of the voluntary gifts which were promised here at Schenectady in the county of
Albany, for the building of a new church for the behoof of the Dutch Reformed church
at Schenectady :
* 16 Jan. 174%, aan Joh : de Peyster Voor 5 gall : Ehum Voor Do. bee a Ssh. $d. £0-17-6
19 Jan. 174%, aan Pr. Groenendyk Voor y2 gall : Wyn 4-0
23 Jan. 174%, aan Metje Fairly Voor 't buys gebruyck op de bee 4-0
1748, 28 April, an Jacobus Mynderse Voor rum Voor Doras Bee £3-13-2
1749, Jan. Bier Voor de Bee 1-14-6
&c. — ( Old church accounts.)
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church.
353
This sum did not amount to quite one-third the cost of the church, which
was £1,167-17-10 [$2,919.73];— the remainder was probably derived from
We or I the underwritten promise to pay to Arent Bratt, Jacobus Van Dyck, Dirck
Groot and Cornells Van der Volgen and Robert Yates, Jacob Swits, Wouter Vrooman
and Jan Barentse Wemp, Elders and Deacons, or to their successors, the sum which we or
I subscribe with our hands so soon as the foundation of said church is laid ; and failing
of the same, we or I promise to pay ten pounds current money, if we or I are negligent
in the payment of the sum of money, which I with my hand subscribe, as witness our
hands or my hand.
Jellis Vonda
drie pont*
Henderick Vooman
fyf pont
Capt. Harme Van Slyck
Ses pont
Albert vedder
drie pont
Abraham Meebie
4 pout
helmis Veder
Vier pont
John fairley
3 pont
Myndert Wymp
3 pont
pieter Cornu
3 pont
Daniel tol
3 pont
Barcnt Vrooman
2 pont
Wyllcm Teller
4 pont
Gysbert V. brakel
5 pont
John VroomaD
6 pont
Johannis Van Vorst
3 pont
Johannis Marselis
2 pont
Abram groot Vier stuck van achte
Comelis Van Slyck
drie pont
Symon Veder
drie pont
Reinhart Erichzon, pred
5 pont
Arent brat
nege pont
Jacobus Van Dyck
drie pont
dirck groot
vier pont
Cornelus van der Volge
Vyf pont
Robbert yets
vyf pont
Yacoep Swits
2 pont
Wouter Vrooman
twaels (12 ?) pont
Jan Barentse Wemp
4 pont
Abram D. Graaf
3 pout
Cornelus Van Dyck
3 pont
Joha. Sanders Glen
Jacobus Peeck
Arenout do Graaf
Sander Laseng
Jacob Glen
barent heudrickse vrooman
Joseph Van Sice
Abraham Truax
Sander Van Eps
Davet Marinis
Nicolaas Groodt
Daniel Danielse [Van Antwerpen]
Symon Vrooman
Johannys ouderkerck
Philip Van Putte
haerme Vedder
Reyer Wempel
Gerret Van Vorst
Johannis Vedder yu [Jr.]
Abraham Glen
Arent braet, yu. [Jr.]
hendrick Vrooman, iunier, belofte
William Peters
Takel Maerseles
Yacobus Vedder
adryaeu Van Slyck
harme M (?) Vedder
Cornelus Veder
harm an us Vedder
3 pont
drie pont
Vier pont
3 pont
acht pont
een pont
3 pont
4 pont
2 pont
1 pont
2£
3 pont
4 pont
2 pont
1 pont
2 pont
3 pont
2 pont
2 "
3 "
4 "
2 "
2—10
2 pont
2 pont
1 "
2 "
2 "
3 "
58
£195—14
* The pound New Yo:k currency was $3.50.
45
854
History of the Schenectady Patent.
the accumulations of former years and from the sale of lands or leases, —
the gift of the trustees of the common lands.
Job: Visger 2 pont
Wilhelmus Ryckmau 2 "
lourens Van der Volgen, Vrywillig 6 "
Arent Stevens 1 "
tieik franse [Van der Bogart] 3 "
dou'vve ankis, geordcucert voor hem
of syn erfgenamen 3 "
Pieter Felinck. 7 stuck 8 of £2—8
Johannis Mynderse 12 gul.
Johannis Bleecker 80 guld.
Sara kiykes 12 sbil.
pieter Winne 1 pont
bartholomewis Vrooman 1 pont
Jan V room an 1—4
marya Van der Volgen 1 pont
elysabet van brakel 1 "
barent wemp, junior 2 "
geertruy mynders 4 "
Sancb-rGlen 3 "
Jacop teller 2 "
antie beck 2 "
Jan dellamond 3
Capt. bencks [Banks] 2 "
Jellis Van Vorst 2 "
Jacobus Van Vorst 1 "
Domve Vonda 3 "
anna lythall 1 "
Jannetie Veders 2 pont Voldaen
elyas post 1 — 10
Jan baptist Van eps 6 pont
Anna Wendell 6 sbil.
Catrina brat 6 "
Cornelya brat 6 "
engelie Symonse [Veeder] 1 pont
gerret Symonse [Veeder] 6 "
Wilem bancker 2 "
evert Van eps 2 "
De lyst Van de val en maquaaes landt De
bet core tege 4 — 10 pr sch:
Cornel is pooetman
pieter Veder
Jacop Vrooman
Jacop truex
Gysbert Marselis junior
Gerret (?) Danielse [Van Antwer-
pcn] 6 betaelt pont
Volkie wemp 2 "
Jan leenderse 10 shil.
75
£229—4
Jobn Dunbar 2 pont
gerret gysbertsc [Van Brakel] 2 "
gysbert van brakel, junior, 2 "
Swear marselis 2 "
Joseph Dance 3 "
Johannis teller 3 "
akis brat 2 "
claes de graef 6 shil.
daniel de graef 6 "
Jacop Schermerhoorn 1 pont 4s.
Johannis peeck 2 "
Jan Danielse [Van Antwerpen] 2 "
piete danielse [Van Antwerpen] 2 "
Jacop mebie 3 "
pieter Vrooman 3 "
arent vedder 1 "
Jacobus peeck, junior, 2 " en
een tonne bier.
Myndert van gyselingh 4 pont
Johannis haell 1 — 10
Samuel brat 1 pout
Wilyem Berret 2 "
[total]
gelt belofte comt
£322—2
£19—16
13—19
[£355—17]
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 355
After thorough preparation the work was begun in the spring of 1732.
Hendrick Vrooman was Baas * of the men of whom seventeen were car-
penters, besides masons, glaziers, &c. His wages were seven shillings a
day; — the others were paid from five to six shillings. The Preeck-stoel f
[pulpit] was built by Pieter Cornu for £20; — and Gysbert W. Van den
Bergh of Albany, contracted to do the mason work for £80.
Among the first articles of hardware purchased were,
twee vaten spykers £18 — 16
en een Ockshoft roni 13 — 12
and before the close of the year the latter article was exhausted and more
purchased. The same liberal supply was made for the year 1733. J
This house was dedicated Jan. 13, 173|, on which occasion Do. Erichzon
preached in the morning. In the afternoon Do. Van Driessen of Albany,
preached. The following Sabbaths — Jan. 20th and 27th, the pastor con-
tinued the subject of his first sermon. §
This third house was situated in Church street at its junction with Union
street, and was eighty feet in length north and south and fifty-six feet
wide;|| — the trustees of the town conveyed to the church not only this site
but also the land around the same ten feet in width, except on the west
6ide, where by reason of the narrowness of the street, it was limited to five
* This is a genuine Dutch word signifying master or chief.
t In 1761 the pulpit was newly adorned at an expense of £1—14— 1 as follows :
aan casa Betalt voor 't Bekleeden van de Predickstoel £0 — 3—0
12£ elle Swarte Saloen voor Predickstoel te Bekleeden @2-6 1 — 10—7
Kleyne spikertjes Gd 6
£1__14_1
— Church accounts.
\ Church Records.
§"173%, Jan. 13. — De Eerste predicatie gedaen in de nieuwe Kercke door heer
Doomeny Erichzon uit den prophet Yesaia het 2 Capittel Vers 3. — Syn inlyding ait Luce
22 Verse 32 ent'tot besluit gesonge uit psalm 100, Vers. 3. — De twede predicatie gedaen
door den Heer domeny Van Driessen uit den prophet Yesaia 35 capittel Vers. 1 en 2 en
tot besluit gesonge uit 118 psalm, Vers 1.— 20 ditto [Jan.] Den predicatie uit jesaia 2,
Vers. 3 het middel part en tot besluit gesongepsalm 25, Vers. 2.— ; 27 ditto [Jan.] De
vierde predicatie uit jesaia 2 cap. 3 Vers., laste part, en tot besluit gesonge psalm 110
\ ers. 2. — From Simon Volkerlse Veeder's Bible now owned by Mrs. H. J. Bratt.
I Church Charter, Aug. 23, 1734.
356 History of the Schenectady Patent.
feet*. The building material was blue sandstone or greywacke from the
quarries east of the village. It had two entrances, — one on the south end, —
the other on the east side, over which was built a porch with a staircase
leading to galleries. The roof was in the gambrel style, a few specimens of
which still remain in the city. The belfry and clock tower stood on the
north end. As seen from the east end of Union street it presented a pleas-
ing and imposing appearance. The tub shaped pulpit fixed upon a narrow
pedestal and surmounted by a conical sounding board, was built against the
west wall, in front of which an open space was railed in called the Doop-
huisje. Here the Domine stood while administering the rite of baptism.
There was a gallery upon all sides save the west, whether built with the
church, or at a later day is not known, as no mention is made of it before
the year 1788, when it began to be occupied by adult males who could not
obtain seats below. In this as in other Dutch congregations the males and
females sat apart; — the former upon raised seats called gestoelte, placed
against the walls of the church, and the latter in slips or bancken upon the
floor of the house.
PLAATSEN IN DE KKKKE.f
In the first allotments of seats little regard was had to family relations,
nor was there any exchange of sittings, and so long as the yearly rent was
paid they were the property of the occupants, but in case of removal or
death passed to the nearest relative of the same sex. Only in case of non-
* Patentees Deed, 10 July, 1733.
f The slips or Bancken were numbered nearly alike in 1734 and 1754, but the numbers
were quite different in 17^8.
As before stated, each silting in the church was held by its occupant for life, unless for-
feited by nonpayment of the seat rent, or by removing from the town; and descended
to his or her nearest male or female heir. Hence the same sitting was in some cases
retained in the family for three or four generations. It will be noticed also that the males
occupied the wall pews (ge$toelte) chiefly, which were slightly raised above the others;
whilst the females sat upon the benches (bancken) in the body of the house. The slips for
the two sexes were numbered from one upwards, — those of the males from i to xnr: —
those of the females from 1 to 62 (see plan).
Bench No. i was Occupied by magistrates and men of note.
The Deacons and elders sat in the four benches on either side of the pulpit or doop-
huiye. and the magistrates and other men of note upon the long bench on the west side
of the church extending from the pulpit around to the south door.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church.
357
payment of the customary rent was a seat forfeited. It was then allotted
anew at the discretion of the cousistory. Every transfer of a sitting cost
the new occupant twelve shillings besides the yearly rent of five shillings,
for males and four shillings for females.
*I5
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7aXfrpffTJiurcJi of J 7)* .
During the eighty years that this church stood, but few and trifling
changes were made in the slips or bancken first erected, and these chiefly
by additions to accommodate the increasing congregation. The number of
places (plaatsen) occupied by adults at different periods were as follows:
men's seats men in gallery. Women's seats. total.
In 1734 86 0 218 304
" 1754 104 0 328 432
" 1788 125 35 346 506
From 1788 to 1814 when the old church was removed, newcomers could
not rent seats without great difficulty except in the gallery, which being
ohiefly occupied by boys and negroes was not considered quite respectable.
358 History of the Schenectady Patent.
The people worshipped on the Sabbath almost to the beginning of this
century even in the coldest winter weather without any other artificial heat
than that derived from foot stoves. The first stoves used in this church
were bought in December, 1792 and set up that winter. They were placed
upon two platforms elevated to the height of the gallery and reached by climb-
ing over the balustrade. It is said that the klokluyer was accustomed to re-
plenish them at the beginning of the Domine's sermon and — to notify to the
congregation of the importance of his vocation, — was particularly noisy in
opening and shutting the stove doors. By this arrangement it is said that
" the top of the church was comfortable but the people below had to carry
foot stoves to keep themselves warm." So unsatisfactory was this first ex-
periment in warming the church that the matter came up and was discussed
by the consistory and the result was that the elevated platforms were
removed and the stoves placed upon the floor of the church.*
1731-4. The Bell and Clock.
On the 10th of February, I73y a subscription was opened for a bell. The
heading of this paper is as follows :
* The following bill for these stores is translated from the treasurer's book.*
£. ». d.
1792, Dec. 23. Paid James Mm dock for 2 stoves 12—15—8
29 Dec, to cash for riding stone for the stove floor 0 — 13 — 3
Paid James McWilliams for setting the stoves in the church 0 — 12—0
to a cart to Albany to haul the gryp (?) ironf for the stoves 0 — 10—0
to 1403^ lbs. of iron by Swits for the small work about the stoves 3 — 10— \%
to 1 quart of ruin for the workmen 2 — 5
119%, Jan. Cash to Maas Schermerhorn paid for set{?) iron, 251bs at 11 pence
a pound 1 — 2 — 11
Cash paid Walter Swits & Peter Symens for the iron work on the stoves 8 — 19 — 6
* 1792, Dec. 23. Aen James Murdock betalt voor 2 kaghels
" 29. aen cass vour Roye stein voor de Caghel vloer
aen Jsimes McWilliams betaelt * + de Kagbele in de Kerk to sette
aen Een wa^c na Albany voor 't gryp Eyser, an de Kauhels te hale
aen 140v4 lb. Eyser Door Swits voor Clyn werk an de Kagbcls
aen 1 qart rom'an de wi rk Lnyde
l'i9%, Jan. Caesa aen Mans Schermerhorn voor set eyser betalt251b. at 11 pence p pont
Cassa betalt aen Walter Swits cu pieter Symens voor het eyser werk an Cagels
£28-05-10^
+ [Is this grip irons = grapple irons or braces to hold the stoves on their elevated platforms.— M'M.]
£28—05—10^
£12-
-15— 8
0-
-13— 8
0-
-12— 0
0-
-10- 0
3-
-10- 1#
2— 5
1-
- 2—11
8-19— 6
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 359
" Subscriptions of persons for the bell.
We the underwritten promise what wo with our hands or by our orders
have here subscribed and promised, to pay for a new bell for the Low
Dutch church here at Schenectady and we promise to pay the same to the
Domine and Consistory of the Low Dutch church of Schenectady, viz : —
to Domine Erichzon, Dirck GroQt, Cornelis Vander Volgen, Harmauus
Vedder, Abraham Mebie, Jan Barentse Wemp, Wouter Vrooman, Abraham
De Graaf and Cornelis Van Dyck, or to one of them, on or before the first
day of May next coming. Done in Schenectady the 10th of February, 173£."
To this paper are appended 152 names and the amount raised was c€45-6-6
($113.31).
The bell was procured in Amsterdam and did " good and faithful service
for more than a century " until it was cracked in 1848. It bore the follow-
ing inscription:
" De Klok van de Neder-duidsch gemeente van Scon-
echiade door Haar self bezorght anno 1732.
Me fecerunt De Grave et muller Amsterdam*."
In 1740, the church had a public or town clock purchased probably at the
same time with the bell.
The Charter.
Although the church had owned considerable real estate more than fifty
years, it had no corporate existence in law and could neither hold nor
alienate property save through individuals acting as its trustees. Feeling
the precarious nature of such tenure, when the church edifice was finished,
the consistory petitioned the Governor and Council for a charter.
This application was favorably considered and on the third day of August,
1734, a charter was granted under the great seal of the Province.
*" The bell of the Low Dutch Church of Schenectady procured by themselves in the
year 1732."
" De Grave and Muller Amsterdam made me."
It was the custom to ring the bell three times before commencing religious services
down to January, 1810, when the consistory
" Besolved, that in future the Bell shall be rung twice as usual, previous to the com-
mencement of public worship and that tolling shall be substituted lor the third ringing."
It is said the bell was also rung at the close of the service that the servants at home
might have the dinner ready on their masters' return.
360 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Do. Erichzon died in January, 1752, and until 1755, the church had no
regular pastor, being dependent on Do. Frelinghuysen of Albany, Do.
Vrooman of New Paltz, or some divinity student temporarily filling the
pulpit.
However the consistory opened a subscription for funds to pay for a
minister when one should be called. One hundred and sixty-eight sub-
scribers contributing from one shilling to thirty-six shillings, a fund of £165
was raised. The seat rents were increased and the income from these
sources as well as rents of the mill, Eenkluy's " Poor Pasture," etc:, sufficed
for current expenses.
Parsonage.
The ancient parsonage on the present church site had now stood fifty
years or more and was falling to decay. It was doubtless the house men-
tioned in the deed of 1715, to Do. Brouwer and the consistory, (the deed
is endorsed " H D° kmjs ") and was probably of wood, as were all other
houses of its date.
It was therefore removed in 1753, and a new building of brick* erected on
the same lot. It was one storey and a half high, with the usual pointed
Dutch gable ends.
There were two rooms in front on the Union street side. The door was
in the middle, over which was a gable.
This house stood about sixty years when it gave place to the church of
1814.
The Church of 1814.
As early as 1805, the subject of repairing the old church was agitated.
The church which had stood for so long in mid-street in Albany, had
gone before the march of improvement and there was a feeling that Schen-
ectady should follow in its wake. In 1810, the consistory appointed a
committee to draw a plan and to report as to the possibility of a new church
building, and still another committee to meet the wishes of those who
desired to see the old church put in repair. The result of this was a de-
cision to build anew on the parsonage lot. There was much opposition to
* The bricks used in it were made by Jacobus Van Vorst at £1 [$2.50] per M —Church
Treasurer' 8 book.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 361
this on the part of those whose affections clung to the old church in the
street, as well as a considerable party who urged that this lot was not
central enough but that the church should be built further to the east as
population had extended in that direction. Petitions to this effect numerously
signed by towns people and those residing on the roads eastward, are in the
deacons' chest in the church tower.
The consistory's plan was adopted and in 1812, the two sites of the
former churches were sold to the city to be thrown open to the streets, and
the contracts for the new house of worship signed.
In the autumn of 1814, a new house was so near completion that it could
be used for worship, and on the 20th November, the last services were held
in the old building.*
The increase of this congregation had doubtless been much retarded by
the want of seat room. This was felt many years before the church of
1734 was removed.
In view of this fact, it is singular that the church of 1814 should not have
been built larger. It could accommodate but few more persons than its
predecessor. :£ Indeed it may be said that from 1734 to 1862, a period of
128 years, the church accommodations of this congregation remained sub-
stantially the same. In the meantime the little hamlet grew into a village
and the village into a city of respectable dimensions. It had but few com-
petitors in the field, and though it became the mother church of this region,
with one exception all her colonies were sent out some years subsequent to
1814.
* The old church was sold to the contractors for 450 dollars, and they were about to
remove it in the spring of 1813, when on a remonstrance being made to the consistory
against thus depriving the congregation of a place of worship, whilst the new house was
building, the contract was annulled and it was left standing until 1814.
In the remonstrance allusion is made to the desecration of the old_church by lawless
persons breaking the seats and pews and it was advised to prosecute the marauders.
— Consistory Min
In the treasurer's book is the following entry under date 5th July, 1814. " To paid for
liquor when the old spire was taken down, 37}^ cents. Nov. 30, 1814, Charles Kane
and Henry Yates bought the old church for $442 50."
f The dimensions of the church of 1734 were 80 feet by 56 feet, those of the church of
1814 were 86 feet by 57 feet.
46
362 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Before closing this short account of this house it may be proper to
mention the honored names of Nicholas Van der Volgen and his wife, who
were considerable benefactors to it.
Many of the congregation remember the huge brass chandeliers and
pleasant organ of the old church. These were their gifts, the former in
1792, the latter in 1797.
The great chandelier (groote Kroori) had eighteen lights, besides which
there were seven lesser ones (JKleymdere kroonen) of six lights each, —
costing altogether £67-10 New York currency.
The money for the organ was given in 1797, and suffered to accumulate
until 1826 (?) when an instrument was obtained from Henry Erben, of
New York, at the cost of 1,000 (?) dollars. This was consumed with the
church in 1861.
Voorlezer and Voorzanger.
The duties of Voorlezer and Vborsanger were usually united in the
game person and defined by resolution of the consistory : —
Jan. 8, 1810, <c Hesolved, that in future the clerk of the church shall
commence the public service in the morning with the reading of the ten
commandments, a chapter of the Bible* and Psalm or Hymn at discretion,
and in the afternoons with the reading of the articles of the Creed together
* 1759 Aen Johannes Vedder Voor een Voorlezer's Bybel £2.0.0. — Church account
Book.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 363
with a Chapter and Psalm or Hymn." In addition to the above he had "the
right and emoluments of burying- the dead of the congregation." Next to
the minister he was the most important officer of the church.
According to tradition the first Vborlezer of this church was Harmen
Albeiiise Vedder, and the second his son Albert.*
To improve the psalmody of the congregation, on the 13th Feb., 1794, the
consistory took the following action:
"The consistory taking into consideration the defective condition of the
Dutch Psalmody in the public worship of this church : Resolved, that
Cornelis De Graaf the chorister shall use his endeavors, in each family of
this village and elsewhere, to obtain pupils in singing, on condition that
each shall pay one shilling and six pence a month, the Consistory also adding
thereto for each scholar for the term of six months, one shilling and six
pence a month ; provided a certificate be shown to the consistory signed by
Mr. De Graaf that each scholar has diligently spent his time as he ought.
" Also Mr. De Graaf in singing shall try to observe the measure of the
half notes and soften his voice as much as possible. "f
If tradition tells the truth respecting Mr. De Graaf's singing, the advice
last given was by no means inappropriate. It is said that while sitting on
the " back stoop " of his house, then stauding upon the site of Mrs. Abel
Smith's house in State street, he beguiled the evening hours in summer by
psalm singing, and that his voice could be clearly heard two miles up the
river in a straight line.
Klokluyer.
The sexton of the church was called the klokluyer, or bellringer, and his
duties seem to have been not only to ring the bell but to keep the benches
and seats in proper order and to dig and fill the graves. The earliest mention
of this officer by the church records is the following:
" At a Consistory held this 1st July, 1696, it was resolved that Simon
Groot, Senior, for ringing the bell and arranging the benches and stools in
* Philip Ryley was catechisatie meester (and probably Voorsanger and doodgramr) of the
church of Albany in 1761 ; in 1767, the church of Schenectady complained that he had
taught unsound doctrine and he was called upon by the church of Albany to recant,
refusing to do so, they deprived him of his office of Vborlezer, doodgraver etc., and
ordered him to vacate his house. — Albany Church Minutes.
f Cornelius De Graaf was voorzanger 1771 to 1800.
364 History of the Schenectady Patent.
the church, shall receive annually out of the income of the church, or out
of the deacons' money, the Bum of 60 guilders seawant [$7.50], to begin on
this 1st July."
Simon Groot, senior, mentioned in this resolution was the first of the
name who settled at Schenectady, and the ancestor of all the Groots found
in this vicinity. He and his five sons were carried away captive into
Canada by the French and Indians in 1G90.
The salary of the sexton down to 1735, was 60 guilders or $7.50. This
year Hendrick Vrooman filled the office and was succeeded by Joseph Van
Sice until 1747, at a yearly stipend of £6 or $15.
Margarita Veeder,* widow of Symon Volkertse Veeder, held the office
during the years I74f, for £3-10 or $8.25.
From 1750 to 1758, Sara Marselis was Mokluyer, the duties being per-
formed for £4, or $10, " bij haar neger Sees."
In 1759, Isaac Quackenbos' neger rang the bell; — and " Peeter Seesar "
(Caesar) from 1760 to 1766, for £6 per annum.
Jacobus Van Sice was sexton from 1771 to 1791, at a salary of £10, and
was succeeded by his son Gysbert, who was dismissed from office in 1799
for an unfortunate indiscretion, as appears from the consistory minutes. f
It would appear from the following resolution of the consistory, that it
was the duty of the sexton to preserve order in church during public
worship.
" June 8, 1810. Resolved, That the sexton is authorized by this board to
maintain due order in church during public worship, and that he shall be
indemnified against any legal process, which may arise in consequence of
correcting or turning out of church, the unruly and refractory; provided he
do not essentially injure, or scandalously abuse any person."
* She lived on the north corner of Union and Church streets.
f " Oct. 25, 1799. A complaint having been delivered in against Q. Van Bice, the
sexton, that he had delivered the scull of a corpse to the house of Doctor Anderson;
being sent for and interrogated, he finally confessed that he had taken a ecull out of the
burying yard and delivered it to Mr. Haganian, student of medicine with Dr. Anderson."
" Resolved, that Van Sice without fail return the scull to-morrow morning and deposite
it in presence of one of the members of this board in the place whence it was taken."
" Resolved, moreover, that said Van Sice be and is hereby dismissed from his service as
sexton."
" 26 Oct., 1799, Mr. James Lighthall was appointed sexton in place of G. Van Sice,
removed."
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 365
Baptisms.
The baptismal register (Doep-boeJc) of this church from 1694 to this time
is entire with the exception of ten years during Domine Vrooman's ministry;
and as all children wei'e baptized, both colored and Indian as well as white, —
legitimate and illegitimate, — it is the only authoritive source, if rightly
interpreted, whence the descendants of most of the old Dutch families of
this region can derive their pedigrees. In early times baptism was
always performed in the church, unless unavoidably prevented and within
a few days after birth; sometimes on the birthday. And it was the duty of
the Domine to register each child so baptized with parents and witnesses
(getuygen) names.
The number of registered baptisms from 1694 to 1852 is 11.396.
Mabkiages.
The marriage register or Trouw-boek of this church contains the names of
2,543 couples married between the years 1694 and 1852.
Under the Dutch government of New Netherlands, marriage was con-
sidered a civil contract, and might be confirmed (bevestiyht) either by a
magistrate or by a minister of the Gospel. Preliminary to such confirma-
tion however, due notification of intention of marriage was required. Tho
banns were published three Sundays or market days, by the minister of the
church where the parties resided or by a magistrate in court, after which
the marriage could be confirmed by any minister or magistrate on presenta-
tion of a certificate (attestatie) of such publication. No particular place
was required for the marriage ceremony; — sometimes it was performed in
church, at other times in private houses.*
As it was impossible or inconvenient to comply with the law of publica-
tion in all cases, a dispensation and license were granted by the Governor,
* [Little can be learned now of the courtship customs in the early days of the frontier
settlements.
" Old maids " were unknown and widows with families of helpful hands were well
endowed and in such request that they seldom died in widowhood unless at very advanced
age. After a year or sometimes less, they took another husband, a very necessary pro-
tection in the sparse settlements of the border lands.
366 History of the Schenectady Patent.
on the presentation of a "penal bond of £500 that there was no lawful let
or impediment " to the marriage.
The first marriage by license recorded in the " Trouw-Boek " of this
church was in 1717. (?)
The practice of issuing licenses ceased with the British rule in this State
in 1783.
The girls were needed at home and they were also in great demand as huysvrouws
(literally house wives) by the bouwers as in all newly settled districts. They needed no
fortune save health and strength as their marriage portion.
Until the Revolution the law of primogeniture was generally strictly observed. As a
rule, inheritance was by the male line, the daughters having provision for support merely,
or some agreed upon dower if they married. The eldest son was the Erf genaame or heir
(patrimony named).
If marriages of convenience were made, the wealth brought the husband was in the
bride's strength, housewifely skill and the family influence gained by the match.
According to the Holland custom the Dutch here kept the sexes apart in church, but
not elsewhere.*
The settlement was isolated and small. Every one was related to or intimately ac-
quainted with every one else, the houses were small, bringing people in close contact,
no newspaper, cheap book or circulating library was in existence and they had hut their
own local affairs to discuss. This enforced an intimacy and familiarity which would be
called license now. While it would be intolerable at present, for the small com-
munity there then, it had advantages. Faults were well known and criticised and
the wrongdoer was sure of punishment either by public opinion or legal condemna-
tion.— M'M.]
* [From Notarial Papers of Albany and other sources, tradition being the most prolific as well as the most
uncertain, the practice of " bundling " was common in the early days along the whole of both sides of the
Hudson river and in all the settlements of the back country.-' As civilization advanced the practice grew
into desuetude and along the great highways of travel it had become uncommon before the close of the last
century in the cities and towns of this vicinity.
In searching for information as to such customs the trace is always difficult to follow. They w§re seldom
matters of record, and very old men consulted rarely locate the practice in their own town. In Albany it
was eaid to be a enstom along the Mohawk. At Schenectady no one is old enough to remember it as
nearer than the Catskills.'.Helderbcrgs and Schoharie and German flats. It is difficult to say where the
people there locate it. It is like malaria, always over in the next valley.
Records of Albany county show some early cases in this locality. In 1804 the testimony is clear as to
the practice in Orange county then and previously (Seager v. Slingerland ; Caine, S. C. Reports).
In Graham v. Smith, 1853, witnesses of the highest respectability testified that that manner of courtship
was the universal custom of that part of the country. One lady fifty-six years old said that such had been
the custom since she was a little girl.
The court stated that some of the early settlers of the country from the continent of Europe had brought
with them the custom, which had been proved in this case. At the time of the Revolution it was generally
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 367
When a widow or widower with infant children married again, it was
customary for the parties to contract with the Orphan's Court guardians,
to protect and preserve the property of said children until they arrived at
lawful age.
These were called Weesmaster's or Orphan Masters.
Funerals.
At funerals " no woman attended the body to the grave, but after the corpse
was borne out, remained to eat cakes and drink spiced wine. They retired
quietly before the men returned, who resumed the feast and regaled them-
selves.
Spiced wine and cakes and pipes were provided, and wine and cakes were
sent to the friends of the family. The best room in the house was specially
prevalent in the Dutch settlements on both sides of the Hudson river, insomuch that the idea of anything
wrong in it did not prevail. The custom still (1853) lingers in the land, back in the woods and mountain*
not habitually accessible to the moving, advancing world outside.
Other cases might be referred to.
Stiles' "Bundling" contains much poetry or rhyme devoted to its defence and some in deprecation of
the custom as generally practiced in Connecticut. Sermons were preached attacking it and the minister
soundly rated for them.
It was doubtless common in most provincial parts of England, Scotland and Wales, and brought to Con-
necticut by^mmigrauts from those districts.
Washington Irving refers to the practice and quotes it as imported from Connecticut. It may have been,
but it was like carrying coals to New Castle, it was already a time honored and highly respectable custom
in the Dutch and German settlements.
Sewall's Dutch-English Dictionary (1708) defines the custom as " Queesten, an odd way of wooing usual in
tome Sea towns or Isles of Holland" &c.
The derivation of Queesten is not given, but was doubtless analogous to Quest to examine, to discuss, to
•eek and Queste to question, debate.
We know from dry court records and from tradition that the practice existed. Tradition says that within
this century, sermons were preached against it in the Dutch church here and that it was earnestly defended,
but thus far neither sermon nor rhyme has been found to compare with Stiles' collection of Connecticut
doggerel verse.
Doubtless it was the practice at remote times of all peoples — and was maintained by poor communities in
out of the way places from motives of habit or economy ; later it fell into disus3 save in the fishing
islands, remote nesses orj>roniontories— out of the way glens or mountain valleys, where the people lived in
hardship and poverty, their houses far apart, merely of one or two rooms, and even light and fuel deemed
luxuries. In the thinly settled regions of the new world in early days these conditions existed, but the
compact settlement of Schenectady was productive of easy social intercourse and the custom was not
necessary for very long. It was easy for young people to get up their merry makings and other means of
acquaintance which the isolated settlers could not do, but must go to distances after their day's work wu
done and do their courting in the dark, returning many miles to their work before daybreak. — M'M,]
368 History of the Sclienectady Patent.
appropriated as the ' dead room ' and was rarely opened but to be aired and
cleaned.*
Wealthy citizens in anticipation of a death in their families, were accus-
tomed to procure a cask of wine during their lifetime and preserved it for
* July 14 [1758]. Predikant Vrooman and some of ye quality of ye town attended
Prayers in ye Fort in ye Evening.
July 15. Three o'clock p.m. attended ye funeral of Mr. Vrooman's Brother-in-law. After
ye people were collected who kept abroad, except the relatives of the Deceased ; the
clerk proclaimed from ye Stupe before the door, " If any where disposed to see ye corpse
they might come in." But few from the many abroad went in ;— the corpse was soon
brought out and laid upon the Bier. The coffin was made with a regular Taper from
head to foot ; the top like a pitched roof of a house. The relations to remote cousin*
follow next ye corpse two and two.
The mourners all silent at the grave.
All returned from ye Grave to ye house and drank wine plentifully. — Rev. Danid
Shute's Journal, Essex Inst. Coll., April, 1874.
1718-19 De Erfgename van Rijer Schennerhoorn Dr
Voor Aenspreecken iu de Stadt en buijten De ttomme van 14sh.
Theuuis brat
Ano 1719 gGlde
Voor het aen spricken van de over leedene Reijer schermerhooren en voor hot
beegraaven 54
en Voor het aen sprecken op nijstakaijoenie 12
en Voor het Doot kleet 6
die bekene Voldaen guide 72
toe zyn tato dese den 27 April
Jan Vrooman
I will give you a sketch of the manner of burying the dead among the Dutch nobility.
When any one was dead the friends would commence to make preparation for the funeral ;
in the first place after the corpse was laid out they would send for 35 or 50 gallons of
Chewy wine, and some 15 or 22 gallons of it was taken and a compound of spices was
put in it and made hot, and the rest was used cold ; also two or three bushels of small
sugar cake was made which was called Dote Kooken or dead cake, also three to five
pounds of tobacco and from two to three hundred pipes ; then a table was set through the
house in every room, on those tables is plates of cake, plates of tobacco and at each side of
the plates of tobacco is a number of pipesand a roll of paper done up to light the tobacco ;
also candles lit, also wine put up in bottles and set on the table, and wine glasses ; the
spice wine was put in silver tankers and sat on the tables.
After the funeral has taken place and while the corpse is going to the grave then the
tables was set by the slaves or hired help and after the person is buried then they return
to the house and to partake of the wine, cake, and smoke ; it was more like a wedding
than a funeral.
The coffins was black and a large silver plate weighing from five to seven ounces the
name age and time of death carved on it and the coffin was carried on a bier with the
corpse iu it, they had from six to eight pall bearers and each of those pall bearers had
four yards of liunen given to them for scarfs and also had the minister the same.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 369
this purpose."* When the coffin was removed from the house, it was placed
upon a bier at the door and covered with a pall of black cloth. f
The bier was then borne upon the shoulders of the bearers to the grave
followed only by invited guests. The chief direction of the funeral cere-
monies was taken by the Vborlezer assisted by the Mokluye)\ and all their
charges were regulated by the consistory.!
If there was spiced wine left after the funeral was over, it was taken in the silver
tankers and sent to the sick friends and those that were not able to come to the funeral.
No one would attend a funeral in the old times without they had a invitation to come.
There was always a list made out by the friends of the deceased who they wished to have
come to the funeral, and this list was given to the sexton of the church and he would go
around and invite them to attend.
The bell of the church would ring three times and toll once, the day the person was
a going to be hurried — End.
I give you the tacts just as they are and you will have to dress it up in your own lan-
guage to make it read well. — L. R. Vrooman, Cortland Co., 1856.
* Annals of Albany, i, 129.
f The church owned two palls, which were always used on these occasions ; for the
use of the great pall a charge was made of three shillings; for the small pall nine pence.
\ The following is a list of prices established in 1771 :
"Rules for Cornelis De Graaf, appointed sexton the 18th November, 1771, in regard to
what he is at liberty to take for inviting [the friends] and burying [the dead].
" For a person of 20 years and upwards, 16s. to 20s.
For a person of 15 to 19 years, 15s. to 19s.
For a person of 10 to 14 years, 14s. to 18s.
For a person of 5 to 9 years, 13s. to 17s.
For a person of 1 to 4 yrs., 8s. to 12s.
For an unbaptized child [infant] when the bell shall be rung once, 6s. to 10s.
For ditto when the bell shall not be rung, 3s. to 7s»
For the Great Pall, 3s.
For the Little Pall, 9d
All thus when he is obliged to invite [the friends] within the village ; but when he
likewise is obliged to extend the invitations without, he may ask 4 shillings [altered to 6
shillings] more each; — this is to be understood, as far as Claas Viele's [upper end of
Maalwyck], or this side ; but when he is obliged to extend invitations further, — to Syme
Vedder's [Hoffman's Ferry] or this side, — then he may ask yet 3 shillings [altered to 6
shillings] more. The prices in the above standing rules are increased by reason of the
hard limes."
" Regulations for Jacobus Van Sice appointed grave digger and bell ringer for the
dead on the 18th November 1771, in respect to what he may take for grave digging and
bell ringing.
For a person of 7 up to and above 20 for a grave 3s. and for the bell 3s.
For a child of 1 to 6 years, for the grave 2s. and for the bell 3s.
For an unbaptized child when the bell shall be rung once for the grave 2s. and for the
bell 2s.
For tolling the bell he may likewise ask one shilling more.
The above mentioned Jacobus Van Sice, shall at his own expense, keep proper tools
for making and filling graves, likewise proper cords, etc."
47
370 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Prior to the year 1800 there had probably been no hearse in the village ;
in all funeral processions the bier and pall were used ; hence as it was not
convenient to carry the dead great distances in this manner, the people in
the country buried upon their own lands.
At a meeting of the consistory held April 7, 1800, it was "Resolved:
That a herse be procured as soon as convenient for the use of carrying the
dead of this congregation to the burying ground, and also for the use of
the public, under such regulations as this board shall afterwards prescribe."
And again Dec. 3, 1800, having obtained a hearse if. was "Resolved,
That the herse and harness be kept by the sexton in some convenient place
as near the burying ground as possible, to be provided by the consistory ;
and that whenever any of the citizens may want it, application be made to
him, and that it be his duty to collect the fees."
Burial Places.
The earliest public burying ground* in the village was on the west side
of the first church at the junction of Church and State streets. After this
plat of ground had been used for this purpose about 60 years another was
selected without the palisades, — the grave yard situated between Front and
Green streets, lately sold by the church for building lots — with exception
of Yates' lot and vault.
In 1705, this spot together with all the land lying west of it to the fort,
then covered with woods, was granted to Philip Schuyler for £18 N. Y.
currency, or 45 dollars. Two years before, Ryer Schermerhorn, the sole
living patentee had granted 4 morgens of woodland lying to the eastward
of the burying ground to Thomas Williams of Albany, who conveyed it
April 7, 1709, to Arent Van Petten; from whom it passed to his son
Frederick.
The following are abstracts from the conveyances of the burial ground
made to the church:
Aug. 1, 1721. The patentees of Schenectady conveyed to the Dutch church
a lot, "for a Christian burial place for all the Christians of the town of Schen-
* It was usual for persons residing without the village to bury their dead upon their
own lands. Many of these enclosures are still found on the old homesteads along the
banks of the Mohawk. The only private burying ground known to have been within
the village was that of Adam Vroouian. This was on his pasture lot on the north side
of Front street, on lot now numbered 35, its dimensions were 46 feet in depth by 9%
feet in width.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 371
ectady and adjacent places ;" " lying Eastward of the ffort of Schen-
ectady, the south side butting the roadway [Green street] opposite over
against Dirk Groot's pasture ground 160 feet, — on the west side 240 feet,
and on the east end 338 feet long, butting the lot of Arent Van Petten; —
and on the north side [on Front street] is 195 feet long."*
This conveyance was confirmed by another conveyance to the church
made March 1, I73f, by Jan Wemp and Arent Bradt, the surviving trustees
of the common lands.
On the 7th of August, 1765, Frederic Van Petten for the sum of £125,
conveyed to the church a parcel of ground for an addition to the east side
of the burial ground, which parcel is described as follows:
"All that parcel of land on the East side of the town on the south side
of a street that comes out of said town and leads by Jacob Fonday's to the
Ael plaas, \ [Front street], and also on the north side of a street [Green],
that comes out of said town and leads back of his Majesty's fort by the
house of Jacobes Van Vorst and Jeroniraus Barheyt, — being putted and
bounded as followeth: — On the north the Highway leading by Jacob
Fonday's to the Ael plaas aforesaid; — on the West the church yard or burial
place; — on the south the Highway that leads back of the Fort by Jacobes
Van Vorst afsd; — on the east by a lott of ground [which the said Frederic
Van Petten reserves for himself] laid out between the lott of Myndert
Wemple and the hereinabove recited land, which lot is to contain in front
along said street [Green] fifty feet and in rare [rear] along the lot of
Zeger Van Santfort 53 feet all wood measure, and the above rented ground
is also bounded on the east by a lot of ground heretofore sold to Zeger Van
Santfort."t
A great majority of the towns people buried their dead in the common
burying ground, but for those who coveted the honor or sanctity of a grave
in the church, this privilege could be bought for about twenty times the
price of a common grave.
The following were the rules for burying the dead in the church in
1759:
" For persons of twelve years old and upwards there shall be paid three
pounds.
* See old deed among church papers.
f The Ael plaas was above the state dam at the aqueduct.
\ It is believed that this lot of Zeger Van Santvoord, fronting on Front street, was
■ubaequently acquired by the church and added to the burial ground. — See Church Papers.
372 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" For graves of children of four years to twelve, forty shillings.
"And for the grave of a young child up to four years of age, four A
twenty shillings."*
Monuments.
No headstones are found at the graves of first settlers ; the graver's art
did not then exist among them and the marble and granite had not then
been quarried.
The oldest gravestone found in the city was a few years since taken from
a cellar wall into which it had been built, having been used evidently as a
whetstone many years after it had served the purpose of a funeral monu-
ment. It was a fragment of the blue stone found in the quarries east of the
city ; its dimensions were fourteen by seven inches and four inches thick,
and bore the following inscription rudely and slightly cut :
Anno 1690
DEN XX8 MAY
IS MIN SOON
IN DEN HEERE
GERUST
HENDRICK
IANSEN
VROOMAN
IAN
VROOMAN
* Regelatie voor Graften in do kerck van Dooden als Volght :
Van Twalf Jaaren out tot dat sy out syn sullen daar Voor Betalen Drie Pont,
En voor de Graften van kinderen van vier Jaar out Tot Twalf Jaaren out Veertigh
Schellinge, —
En voor Een graft van Een Jonck kint Tot vier Jaaren out vier en Twentigh Schellinge.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 373
[Translation.] " On the 28th of May in the year 1690 my son, Hendrick
Jansen Vrooman, rested in the Lord. Jan Vrooman."
The oldest gravestone in the church burying ground, was set up in 1722
and is of the same material as the above mentioned stone.
Endowments
Probably no church in the State, outside of the city of New York, was
so munificently endowed as that of Schenectady. In 1740 she owned fully
twelve square miles of land in this county, which, had it been conveyed by
long leases and not in fee, would have been worth to her now from
$300,000 to $500,000. All this magnificent estate has passed away; at this
time she possesses barely a fine house of worship and the lot upon which
it stands.
Several reasons may be assigned for the dissipation of this large
property.
Inasmuch as the pew rents covered but a small part of the current
expenses of the church, this deficiency was supplied from time to time by
the sales of the patent lands, which were held of little account except for
pasturage and timber, and were sold, therefore, at a low figure. Moreover,
if tradition be correct, large portions also of this fair domain were frittered
away in gifts to the relatives and friends of influential members of the
congregation, under cover of conveyances with a mere nominal considera-
tion.
Only a brief description can be given here of the chief pieces of real
estate that have been owned by this church.
Church Sites.-
The first in order of time, was the old site at the junction of Church and
State streets. It must have been reserved for this purpose from the first
laying out of the village, before the year 1664. Its dimensions north and
couth were 56 feet, — east and west 46 feet, Amsterdam measure, together
with a strip fifteen feet wide upon the west side for a burying ground.
Subsequently it was extended south 84 feet towards the creek, — the rear
line being 44^ feet.*
* About fifty years after the village was laid out, the church first received a formal
conveyance of their house of worship and lot from the Patentees of Schenectady. This
374 History of the Schenectady Patent.
After having been used for various public purposes, the consistory resolved
in 1785, to build their new academy upon it; — afterwards to erect a dwelling
house upon it, — and finally to convey it to Arent S. Vedder, for the same
purpose. But all these projects failed because it was manifestly unsuitable
for a building site, and especially that portion which had been used for
more than fifty years as a village burial ground.
The present church site was acquired from Daniel Janse Van Antwerp in
1715 — as seen in deed of which a fac-simile is here inserted.
A strip along the east side was added by purchase as noted under head
of Van Vorst.
De Abme Wey ok Poor Pasture.
Of all the ample domains of the church, De Arme wey was the longest
held and the last sold. The title deeds of this property are lost if any ever
existed; even tradition is at fault and the donor's true name has nearly
perished from the remembrance of those who have been benefited by it.
The story has been told that Jan Rinckhout gave this property to the
church, reserving simply " a small spot on which he erected a hut partly
under ground," and there lived a hermit's life.
Rinckhout was a baker in Albany, but about 1670, removed to Schenec-
tady having leased his house and bakery to Antony Lespinard " with privi-
lege of baking for Christians and Savages." He was living in Schenectady
as late as 1704, when his son Jurriaen dying made provision in his will that
his wife, six children and father, Jan, should be maintained out of his real
and personal estate here and in New York. It is certain that the church
owned De Arme Wey seventeen years prior to this date. These facts there-
fore render it quite improbable that Jan Rinckhout was the donor.
Discarding tradition and romance, the evidence is clear that the true bene-
factor of " the poor of Schenectady " was Hans Janse Eenkluys, an ancient
servant and soldier of the Dutch West India Company. He early came to
is dated 3d October, 1715, and on the back is this endorsement, made doubtless at an
earlier date :
"Wood measure" [11 inches to the foot]
"The front is 60 [feet]
"behind 44^
"Deph 140."
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 375
New Netherland and was sent by Governor Van Twiller in 1632 to erect
the arms of the States General at a spot called Kievits Hoek [Saybrook] at
the mouth of the Connecticut river.
On the occasion of Governor Stuyvesant's visit to Rensselaerswyck in 1648,
he was employed to clean the Heer Patroon's cannons and to fire the salutes.
As early as 1668 he was an inhabitant of Schenectady, where he continued
to reside until his death in 1683, after which event the deacons of the
church, Johannes Pootman and Sweer Teunise Van Velsen, petitioned the
court of Albany for authority to administer upon his estate, saying that on
the 7th day of March, 167^, he [Hans Janse Eenkluys] had made over to
the poor of Schenectady his plantation upon condition that he should be
maintained in his old age and weakness, and that on the 2d of May, 1680,
he had made the deacons of the church administrators of his whole estate.
They aver also that thirteen years ago [1670] he began to be very weak,
that they had given him support while living and had paid the expenses of
his funeral.
This Plantasie is first mentioned in the church books in 1687, when it
was leased to Symcn Groot, Barent Werap and Gysbert Gerritse Van
Brakel for 82 guilders ($32.80), per annum. The rent was paid chiefly in
wheat at five skipples the beaver, or 80 cents a bushel.
About this time it began to be called De Wei/, Hans Janse's wey, and
De Arme Wey.*
In its original condition it consisted of eighteen morgens (about 36 acres)
of the finest Mohawk flats, and was bounded by the river on the north, —
the river road (a continuation of Front street) on the south, — the " Fonda
place," on the west and the " Hansen kil " (now College brook) on the east,
by which it was separated from the Boght.
This latter parcel of land consisting of 16 acres was purchased of Har-
manus Van Slyck in 1806 for $1,750.
Several attempts were formerly made by the church to dispose of this
property but without success.
* A memorandum made by D° Van Santvoord makes mention of the conveyance of
The Pasture by Gov. Lovelace (Grondbrief van de wei'de by Gov. Lovelace), as among the
important papers of the church. This was probably the Governor's patent to Eenkluys
and must have been dated about. 1670. It is no longer among the church papers.
376 History of the Schenectady Patent.
In 1795, the consistory " Resolved to sell the Arme wey for not less than
£800" ($2,000), at which price no purchaser was found; but in 1863, it was
disposed of, including the Boght, at auction for about $11,000, and the
avails were mingled with the general funds of the church.
Thus passed away Eenkluy's gift " to the poor of Schenectady " after
having been in the possession of the church nearly 190 years. Long ago
the old soldier's name was forgotten, but the results of his benefaction are
perpetuated to this day, not indeed in the direction which he had indicated,
but in that beautiful structure lately dedicated as a house of worship.
Among the honored names there emblazoned that of Hanse Jansk
Eenkluys, is entitled to special consideration.
Church mill and mill pasture.
This fine property, — the bequest of Sweer Teunise Van Velsen (alias Van
Westbrook), the town miller, consisted of six acres of land bounded
northerly by State street, southerly by the Sand kil (laterly called Mill
creek), easterly by Dock street and westerly by the lot of Douwe Aukes
Defreeze, which latter lot 140 feet front on State street (Amsterdam
measure), was on corner of Mill lane and State street.
Defreeze was an innkeeper and next east of his lot probably stood Van
Velsen's house, his grist-mill being- in the rear on the creek. Both houses
were burned in the massacre of 1690 by the French and Indians, at which
time Sweer Teunise with his wife Maritie Mynderse perished in the flames.
As he left no heirs here, his property passed to children of his wife by her
first husband, Jan Barentse Wemp.
It was understood however before his death that he had made a will de-
vising the half or third of his estate to the church; but no such instrument
was ever found. Nevertheless his step-children to carry out his wishes re-
leased to the church the mill and six acres of land above described.
The church took possession of this property soon after Van Velsen's
death and within about thirty years disposed of the entire front upon State
street for building lots.
That portion between Ferry and Dock streets was divided into ten parcels
varying in width from 45 to 53 feet (Amsterdam measure). The lowland
in the rear called the Church pasture was retained until early in this century.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 377
The Church mill stood upon, or near the site of the old brick mill now
standing in Mill lane. It was usually leased for about £50 New York cur-
rency. After holding it for 120 years, the church sold it in 1800 to David
Burt and John J. Peck for $2,570. In 1813 it was turned into a cotton
mill by Dr. Archibald Craig who built the present brick building.
The Sixth Flat.
On the 20th May, 1714, Ryer Schermerhorn, the only surviving patentee
of Schenectady, conveyed to the Dutch church, "A lot of land on the north
side of the Mohawk river about 7 miles above Schenectady, called the Sixth
flat, containing about seven morgens or fourteen acres;" — " Also 10 morgens,
or 20 acres of Woodland behind said Sixth flat and so going up to a creek
called by the Indians Toggutchero, — in English named ' Color creek, [in
Dutch Verfkit], at the east end of the ' Seventh flat,' and so on north
behind the said flat into the woods as far as the bounds of the said town."
From a petition presented to the trustees of the town, on the 16th Jan.,
1716, by Jacobus Van Dyck, in behalf of the consistory, it appears that
these parcels of land had been purchased, but on account of pi'essing debts
and urgent need they are asked to remit the purchase money. How long
the church retained this farm and how or when they disposed of it is not
known.*
On the 25th Jan., 171^, the trustees of Schenectady conveyed to the
Dutch church a piece of woodland, " in the East end of the town, bounded
north by the highway [river road to the Aqueduct] — south by the common
woods, West by the woodland of heirs of Hendrick Brouwer, and East by
the land of Claas and Tjerk Fransen " [Van de Bogart]. This land lay
opposite to and this side of the lower (late Freeman's) bridge on the river
road and was still in possession of the church in 1734.
How or when it was disposed of is not known.
The Burial Lot.
As has been before stated the earliest burial place used by the founders of
Schenectady was on the west side of the old church at the junction of State
and Church streets.
Some were buried under the church, especially such as could afford to
pay for this privilege.
* See Church Papers.
48
378 History of the Schenectady Patent.
The first mention made of the burying ground between Front and Green
streets is in the deed of this plat given by the patentees of the town to the
church, dated Aug. 1, 1721.
The Niskayuna Patent.
This tract lay to the east and south of the Schenectady patent and ex-
tended from the Ael-plaats south to the north line of the manor of Renssel-
aerswyck.
On the 5th of August, 1738, a patent was obtained for this land by Arent
Bradt and Jacob Glen in trust for the Reformed Protestant Dutch church
of Schenectady, it was then estimated to contain 2500 acres, but owing to
an error in measurement rectified in 1786, fell considerably short of that
amount.
The west line of this church patent was the east line of the Schenectady
patent, the starting point for which line at the Ael-plaats had been fixed by
the citizens at the mouth of Jan de Laggers Ml.\ The consistory claimed
and rightly too, that this point should be at the mouth of the Ael-plaats Ml,
thus claiming a strip of land from the east bounds of the town, of more than
1200 acres. This controversy was finally determined in favor of the church
and Arent Bratt, only surveying patentee of the town on Feb. 5th, 1754,
gave them a deed of conveyance of the property.
The whole number of acres conveyed to the church by these conveyances
was 3621.
Finances.
In early times the Dutch churches often acted as guardians of widows
and orphans ; they provided for the poor and kindly looked after the aged
and infirm, who had no natural protectors : and it was not unusual for the
latter to place their property in the hands of the consistory from whom they
received from time to time such support as their wants required. The con-
sistory were the almoners of the church ; every Lord's day a collection was
*Jan De Laggers kil is a small brook or rill emptying into the Mohawk river from tbe
north side near the Aqueduct and many rods easterly from the Ael-plaats kil; by assuming
this as the starting point of the south-easterly line of the town patent, the area of the
town lands was increased at the expense of the church, whose lands adjoined them on
the south-east.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church. 379
taken of the free will offerings of the people for this and certain other pur-
poses, and this duty was not omitted even though there were no present
objects upon whom their bounty might be bestowed.
In the outset, the little community of Schenectady seems to have had few
or no poor people, with the exception of a " shirt for a captive Frenchman,"
it does not appear from the accounts that the deacons gave a stiver to any
person during the years 1687-9. As the funds accumulated they were loaned
on bond at 6% interest to citizens. Thus in the audit of 1689, obligations
to the amount of nearly 3000 guilders were included in the assets of the
church. Moreover the consistory traded with another portion of these
funds, buying and selling brass kettles, nails, linen, thread, baize, coverlets,
etc. This seeming perversion of the funds given for a more sacred purpose
was simply a temporary necessity of the times and ceased altogether when
private enterprise provided for the wants of the people.
Among the permanent sources of income, were de wet/ or " Poor Pasture,"
originally given by Hans Janse Eenkluys " for the poor of Schenectady;" —
the church mill and mill pasture given by Sweer Teunise Van Velsen; —
leases received from the trustees of the town; — seat rents and burial fees.
Besides the payment of the domine's salary and the Voorlezer's and
Klokluyer's stipends, out of these funds the bread and wine and sacred
utensils for the Lord's Supper were purchased; the church was cleaned,
and incidental repairs to the parsonage were made, such as glass for
windows, posts, nails, &c, for the fence. The following from the church
account books are illustrations:
" 1735, By een predication Boek, £1-4-0."
1777, Dec, the church paid " Voor een gifte aan afgebrande menschen
van dese plaats."
"13 Sept., 1794. Bey cassa voor een groten Engelsen Beybel."
5 Sept., 1815. The consistory resolve to refund to the deacons enough to
buy 4 silver mugs and one metal flaggon, which is still used in the church
at communion service.
A knowledge of the domestic habits and church customs of a people is
most difficult to be learned after a lapse of two centuries; — even uncommon
events were seldom recorded, how much less likely then that social
manners and every day occurrences should become matters of history.
380
History of the Schenectady Patent.
Particularly unfortunate has it been for Schenectady that the flames of
1690, spared almost nothing of her early records; — with the exception of a
few leaves of the deacons' account book, all is blank.
As something however may be learned, even from such unpromising ma-
terials as these, both in respect to the customs and finances of the church,
the following extracts are subjoined.
During the year 168£, the church accounts were kept by Deacon Johannes
Sanderse Glen and are quite legible.
[Translation.]
1686 1686
den 20 oktb. Jan brouwer debet. 20 Oct. Jan Brouwer Dr
aen 14 el linnen a 7 el. pr bever* gl. 16. — to 14 ells of linnen a 7 ells the beaver 16 gl.
Maria Clyn
ditto
aen 6 el linnen a 7 el. pr bever,
aen een kombaers a f. 10
aen 6 el. bay
aen 4 lbs spykers
aen 7 el. linnen a 7 el. pr. bev.
aen 2 strenge garen
debet
fl. 6—18
10—
8.—
2.
8.
0. 5
Maria Klein
Dr
ditto
to 6 ells of linnen a 7 ells the beaver 6 — 8
to a coverlet a 10 guild gl. 10 — 0
to 6 ells bfize 8.—
to 4 lbs. nails 2.
to 7 ells linnen a 7 ells the beav. ' 8.
to 2 skeins thread 0 — 5
Johannes potman Credet
den 15 Septem. aen de kerck gewerekt
11 dagen a f . 7 des dagen. 25
ditto. Isack de Trou [Truax]
aen 6 lbs spykers 3 —
15th Septem. Johannes Potman
11 days work on the church a 7 guilders
a day 25
Cr
ditto Isaac de Trieux [Truax]
to 6 lbs nails
3.—
den 20 Novem. Adam Vroman
aen 9 lb spykers, scwant 14
aen 2 lb spykers, bever
ditto Sander Glen
aen 9 lbs spykers
1686
den 30 Septe. Johannes Glen,
aen 42 lbs spykers a 20 lb. pr. bev.
aen 34 lb. spykers a 20 lb. pr. bev
aen 2 sgepel taru
1689
80 oktober
2 bevers aen silv. gelt
aen bever
noch by reckeninge
* The guilder or florin beaver was worth'about 38 or 40 cts. — the guilder seewant, or wampum, was
equal to one shilling N. Y. currency or one-third of the former;— the beaver skin being considered the
specie of the Province. _
These accounts are kept in guilders and stivers, partly seewant and partly beaver.
debet
20 Nov. Adam Vrooman
Dr
f.4.—
to 9 lbs nails sewant 14
4.
1.
to 2 lbs nails beaver
1.
debet
ditto Sander Glen
Dr
fl.4
to 9 lbs nails
1686
4.
debet.
30 Sept. Johannes Glen
Dr
'. 17.
to 42 lbs nails a 20 lbs pr
beaver
17-
. 13—15
to 34 lbs nails a 20 lbs pr.
to skiples of wheat
1689
beaver
13-
-15
Credit,
30 Oct.
Cr
fl. 16.
2 beavers in silver money
16.-
8
one beaver
8.
6—15
also by settlement
6-
-15
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church.
381
den 8 ockto. domenie tassemaker,
aen 14 el. linnen a 7 el. pr bever
Credet Wouter Vrooman
Voor plaes voor sin vroouw
ditto
Barant Wemp
aen 14 el. a 7 el. pr bev.
1689
Ockt.
2 bevers aen zilvr
debet 8 Oct. Domine Thesscbenmaecker Dr
16 — to 14 ells of linnen a 7 ells pr beaver 16. —
Cr. Walter Vrooman for a place [seat]
36 gul for his wife* 86 —
ditto
debet Barent Wemp Br
16. — to 14 ells of linnen a 7 ells pr beaver 16. —
1689, Oct. Cr.
Credit 2 beavers in silver 16 —
16.—
ditto Sweer tunisse debet,
aen 14 el. linnen a 7 el. pr bev. fl. 16.
aen 7 el linnen door syn myt Jannetje
gehaelt fl. 8.
den 1 novem. Credit,
aen sulver tot fl. 26 bevers 26
ditto. Sweer Teunisse [Van Velsen]f Dr
to 14 ells linnen a 7 ells pr beav. 16. —
to 7 ells linnen fetched by his maid
Jaunetie 8.
Nov. 1 ' cr.
to silver fl. 26— beaver 26.
den 10 Oktob Daniel Janse debet
aen 26 el. linnen a 7 el. pr. bev. 29 — 15
1688 den 20 Augus. credet
aen fl. 89 — 5 sewant 29 — 15
1686
10 Oktob. Abratn Groot debet
e en 14 el. linnen a 7 el. pr. bev. 16.
1688 Credet
2 bevers door barent Janse op recken-
inge van domine tassemaker 16.
10 Oct. Daniel Janse Van Antwerpen Dr.
to 26 ells linnen a 7 ells Dr beavers 29—15
1688, 20 Aug. Cr.
to 89-5 sewant 29 — 15
1686
10 Oct. Abraham Groot Dr
io 14 ells linnen a 7 ells pr. beav. 16 —
1688 Cr.
two beavers by Barent Janse [Ditmars]
on a reckoning of Domine Thesscben-
maecker 16
ditto. Andries Arentse [Bratt]
to 17£ ells linnen a 7 ells pr. beav. 20.
Dr
Dr
ditto. Andries Arentse debet.
aen 171 el. linnen a 7 el. pr bev. 20.
ditto Jan Van Rotterdam, debet,
aen fl. 12 sewant over een aksic die hey
met hendrik mese hat 4. —
den 6 meert.aen fl.12 sewant over questie
die hey met hendrik lammerse hat 4.
ditto
hendrik lammerse debet
aen fl. 12 sewant over qestie die hey met
rotlerdam had 4.
* It would seem from this that a single seat in the church at this time cost 36 guilders or $4.50.1
t The town miller, killed in the massacre of 1690.
X Did ihe Consistory act as a court of justice imposing and collecting fines, or were the fines collectedOjy
the magistrates handed over to the deacons for the poor?
ditto. Jan Van Rotterdam
to 12 guilders sewant in an action
which he had with Hendrick Meese
[Vrooman] 4.
6 Mar. to 12 guilders sewant in the con-
test which he had with Hendrick
Lammerse 4
ditto
Hendrick Lammerse
to 12 guilders sewant in the contest
which he had with Rotterdam:! 4.
Dr
382
History of the Schenectady Patent.
den 10 oktob.
de Commissariss:
aen 20 lb. spykers
Content Verkoght.
10 lb. spykers
40 lb. spykers sewant
li el. linnen
8 streuge garen
3 lb. spykers voor de kerk
Uyt gift.
den 6 novem. voor bet klyne doot
kleet 108.-
voor bet naye 1-
den 5 desem. voor het nagbtmaels
wyn 25.-
voor ryen van een vert spyke von de
Vuyk, 4 lb. spykers 0-
voor de ^lasen van de kerck 30-
1687 den 28 Maret
aen ryer Jacobse, sewant 600.-
en 47 sgepel taru a 5 sg. d bever die
by van Sweer tunesse ontfangen
beeft
nogb door Synien Groot 12£ sgepel
taru
nog door gysbert gerretse 16 sgepel
taru
nog door barent Wimp 11 sgepel taru
dit alles a 5 d bever.
Den 4 sept.
nog aen wyn Voort nagt maels 30.
nog voor linnen 4 ell 7.-
nog een henit voor een gevangen Vrans-
meu 8.
nog 2 sgepels taru gekogt 10.
nog voor wyn aen't nagtma 15.
nog f. 27 sew: aen Potman gelyck het
by syn reckening te sien is 27.
10 Oct.
1
debet
The commissaries*
Dr.
fl.8.
to 20 lbs. nails
Account of sales
fl.8.
4.
10 lbs. nails
4.—
48.
40 lbs. nails sewant
48.—
5— 3
1£ ells linnen
5- 3
2—16
8 skeins thread
2—16
4—10
3 lbs nails for the church
4—10
Expenditures.
6 Nov. for the little pallf fl.108
for the sewing [same] 1 — 6
5 Dec. for the wine for the Lord's
supper 25. —
for freight of a tub of nails from the
Fuyclc\ 4 lbs. nails 6 —
for glass for the church 30 —
1687 28 Mar.
to Ryer Jacobse [Schermerhorn] 600—
and 47 skiples of wheat a 5 skiples
pr. beaver, which he has received
of Sweer Teunisse [Van Velsen]
also through Simon Groot 12| skiples
of wheat,
also through Gysbert Gerritse [Van
Brakel] 16 skiples of wheat
also through Barent Wemp 11 skiples
of wheat, all a 5 skiples per beaver.
4 Sept.
also to wine for the Lord's supper 30 —
also for linnen 4 ells 7 — 6
also a shirt for a captive Frenchman
8.—
also 2 skiples of wheat bo't 10 —
also for wine for the Lord's supper 15 —
also 27 guilders sewant to Potman as
is to be seen by his settlement 27.
[Audit of the past year's accounts.]
A° D* 1687 Den 5 Decembr in Skach-
nechtade
So heeft de kercken-raed so predikant,
A. D. 1687, 5 Dec. in Schenectady. The
consistory, minister, elders and dea-
cons,— have received an account of
* The magistrates of the village.
+ The " little pall " owned by the church was used at the funeral of children .
% A name given to that part of Broadway, Albany, from State street to Steuben street, as also to Albany
itself.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church.
383
onderlingen als diackenen de Recker-
ingh Van de Cas en alles opgenomen
Van Johannes Sanders en Levert de
Reckening aen Claes Lowrense pur-
merent aldus voer Dat hy in zewant
& silver gelt in Cas heeft g.697-
2
en hy nioet ontfangen aen nystaenden
schulden van linnen 423.
Purmerent heeft volgens
Zyn Boek verkoegt 2494 lb. spykers
noch onbetaelt 128 lb spykers.
noch heeft Purmerent in zyn
huys 149 lb. spykers
the cash and all other things from
John Sanderse [Glen] and delivered
the same to Claas Lourentse Purme-
rent [alias Van der Volgen] as fol-
lows:— he has in sewant [wampum]
and silver money g.697 — 2
and he is to receive in outstanding
debts for linnen fl.423
Purmerent has sold according
to his books 2494 lb. nails
in his book yet unpaid 128 lb. "
also Purmerent has in his
house 149 lbs. "
[H samen]
[Signed.]
Petrus Thesschenmacker
Meyndert Weinp.
528| lbs
total
Petrus Thesscheumaker,
Meyndert Wemp.
5284
The accounts for 1688 were kept by deacon CU^as Lourentse Purmerent [Van der
Volgen].
The sales being similar to those of the year preceding but few extracts will be made.
1687
den 15 april. Symon Groot, bareut
Wjmp ende Gysbert Gerritse [Van
Brakel], syn debat voor een jaer huer
van de plantasie*, — bever f.82
1688 den 15 april
Symen Groot, barent Wemp en gys-
bert gerritse (Van Brake]) nog een
jaer huer van dite plantasie a
bever fi.82
fi.164
1687
15 ap. Simon Groot, Barent Wemp and
Gysbert Gerritse (Van Brakel) are in-
debted lor a year's hire of the plan-
tation*— guilders 82
1688 ap. 15.
Simon Groot, Barent Wemp
and Gysbert Gerritse [Van Brakel]
are still indebted for a year's hire of
this plantation 82
fl.164
16^9 15 ap.
Symen Groot, barent wemp and gys-
bert gerritse (Van Brakel) deb. een
jaer Huer van de plantasie f.82
1687 den 28 meert.
Symen Groot credet
aen 134 sgepels taru a 5 sgepel pr
bever f!20
1689 15 ap.
Simon Groot, Barent Wemp and Gys-
bert Gerritse [Van Brakel] debit for
a years' hire of the plantation fl82
1687 28 Mar. Simon Groot,
to 134 skiples of wheat a 5 skiples pr
bever fl.20
Cr
* The • plantasie here mentioned for the first time in these accounts, but afterwards called de wey and de
Arme wey was the 18 morgens of land bequeathed "for the poor of Schenectady by Hans Janse Eenkluys.
This parcel of ground was known later as the Poor Pasture.
384
History of the Schenectady Patent.
Gysbert Gerritse , Credet
aen 16 sgepel taru a 5 sgepel d bever
25—12
barent wemp Credet
aen 11 sgepel taru a 5 sgepel pr bever 17 — 12
1688 gysbert gerritse credet
10 schepel erten a 5 schepel per bever 16 —
dirck brat Credet
15 schepel taru 24
door Jan Roeloflse, credet 6
109— 4
Gysbert Gerritse (Van Brakel) Cr.
to 16 skiples of wheat a 5 skip : pr.
beaver 25 — 12
Barent Wemp Cr.
to 11 skiples of wheat a 5 skiples pr
beaver 17—12
1688 Gysbert Gerritse (Van Brakel) Cr
10 skiples of peas a 5 skiples pr
beaver 16
Dirck Bratt Cr.
15 skiples of wheat 24
by Jan Roeloffse* (De Goyer) 6
109-
1688
de diyacony deb.
66 lb. spykcrs aen de Ileyninge en 39£ lbs
spykers Aen't buys
1688'
de diyacony Credit
66 lbs spykers.
Verkoght 34 strengen garen a 6 sfuy-
vers pr streng: de strengen Konipt fliO — 4
credet
1688
The diaconate Dr
66 lbs nails on the fence and 39i lbs
nails on the House
1688
The diaconate Cr.
66 lbs. nails
sold 34 skeins of thread at 6 stuyvers
pr skein, the skeins come to 1110 — 4
credit
Voort verkoght garen
fllO — 4 For the selling of thread,
10— 4
[Audit for the year 1688.]
A° D1 1688 Den INovemb: in Skack-
uechtadie
So heeft de kerckenraad van Shach-
nechtadie, so predicant, ouderlingen
als Diaeekanen De Reckeninge van
de Cas opgenomen van Claes Lou-
rentse Purmerent en de selveopdato
aen Adam Vrooman overgelevert
in dese naer Volgende posten.
In casa en Zewant A99.-7
noch vier Stucken vanachten 48.
aen Boeck schuld 696.
Een obligatie op Hendrick meese~
van't jaer 1681 den 23 ap1 g> 350
Een obligatie op Bennony Adre- I £
sse Vau 't jaer 1686 den 2 Augs. ' » 336-1
Een obligatie op Willem Abramse s
van t jaer 1687, den 28 Novr J " 600
A.D. 1688 Nov. 1 in Schenectady
The consistory of Schenectady, minis-
ter, elders and deacons, have received
from Claas Lourentse Purmerend [alias
Van der Volgen] an account of the cash,
and at this date have delivered over the
same to Adam Vroomau in the follow-
ing items:
in cash in Zewant
four pieces of Eight (spanish)
by book accounts
An obligation against Hendrick
meese [Vrooman] of the year
1681 Ap. 23,
An obligation of Bennony Aren-
tse [Van Hoeck] of the year ►
1686, Aug. 2,
An obligation against William
Abrahamse [Tietsoort] of the
year 1687, Nov. 28,
fH99.-7
48.
696.
350.
336- 1
600.
* Son of Anneke Janse by her first husband Roeloff Janee.
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church.
385
Eeu obligatie op Reyer Jacobse van
't jaer 1087 den 28 maert 1008
except de interest
Verschenen gelt van't weyland van 't
jaer 1688 den 15 ap1 verschenen 184 —
Van Gerrit Banckert Van 't wey-
land 44
Vrywillige besloften van Barent Deip-
mars 24
% lb garen
sa A3369-
't welck wy getuygen
Petrus Thesschemnaecker, predicant.
Sweer thooniscben Van Velsen,
Reynier IScbaets
Meyndert Werup
Claes Louresses
Adam Vroomman
Dit I C C/3 is 't merck van Isaac Swits
-16
An obligation against Reyer Jacobse
[Schermorhorn] of the year 1687, 28
mar., A1008.—
except the interest,
Sundry sums from the pasture land of
the year 1688 ap. 15, 164— 8
From Gerrit Bancker for the Pasture
land, 44 —
Freewill offerings of Barent Ditmars, 24 —
% lb thread,
sum. fl3369— 16
The which we witness —
Petrus Thesschenmaecker, preacher
Sweer Tcunise Van Velsen,
Reynier Schaets,
Meyndert Wemp,
Claes Lourenise [Vander Volgen]
Adam Vroman,
This is I C C/3 the mark of Isaac Swits.
Deacon Adam Vrooman was treasurer of the Diaconate for the year 1689.
lowing are some of the expenditures.
The fol
1689
6 ianwari. betaelt aen Lysbet Van
Trych voer bans iansen Kluys 57 — 12
1689
6 Jan. paid
[Tricht*]
klys]
to Elizabeth Von Trich
for Hans Janse [Een-
57—12
febwer. acn meyndert wemp betaelt
7 schep a taru 28.
maert, betaelt aen wyn voerhet avont-
mael 17.
betaelt aen de wesvaders van Pyeter
kwyns 144.
1689 den 30 mey
noch aen lodewyck cobes op renten
gelandt 132.
den 23 July
noch betaelt voer 4 dagen gewerck
my wey van bans iansen * * * * 16.
Feb. to Myndert Wemp paid 7 skiples
of wheat, 28.
March, paid for wine for the Lord's
supper, 17.
paid to the guardians of Peter
Kwyns 144.
1689 30 may,
also to Ludovicus Cobes lent upon in-
terest, 132.
23 July.
Also paid for 4 days work in the pas-
ture of Hans Janse [Eenkluys], 16.
* Daughter of Willem Teller and wife of Abraham Van Tricht of Albany.
49
386
History of the Schenectady Patent.
den 30 okto.
noch bctaelt voer wyn Voer het avont-
mael 17-10
den 3 septetn.
noch aen teunis karsten op renten
gelandt 120.
30 Oct.
also paid for wine for the Lord's sup-
per 17-10
3. Sept.
also to Teunis Karstense lent upon in-
terest, 120
[Audit for tG89.]
A0 D' 1689 Den 26en Novemr in Skacknechtadie.
So heeft de kercken raad van Skah-
nechtadieso Prrdicnnt, Oudcrlingen
en Diacckcnen De Rcekeningh van
de Cas en alle Schuld en Obligatien
en Van de wey op genomen van
Adam Vroomman, en deselve op
data aen Isaac Swits overgelevert
in dcse uaer volgende postein :
The consistory, minister, Elders and
Deacons, — have received from Adam
Vrooman an account ot the cash,
debts, obligations and [dues] for the
[Poor] Pasture and delivered the
same to Isaac Swits at this date in
the following items :
In cas in zewant
De wey is debet
Aen Obligatien Debet
Hendrick meese
Benony Aersse
Keyer Jacobse Scher-
merhooren
Willem Abramse
Ludovicus Cobes
Teunis Carstense
Carel Hansen
aen Boeck schulder
Jan Brouwer
Maria Cobes
Isaac de Triex
Sander Glen
Johannes Glen
Jacob Van Laer
Philip Philipse
Jan Joncker
Hendrick Lammerse
Andries Bratt
Willem Abramse
A245— 14 In cash sewnnt, gl. 245—14
The Poor Pasture is in-
212—11 debted 212—11
458—5
451— 5
396— 1
1128.
612.
132.
120.
120.
54
115—19
16—10
15—15
33—15
3—
27—12
24—
12—
24—
30
Obligations Debit
Hendrick meese [Vroo
A2959— 6
458— 5
A451— 5
[Van
man],
Bennoni Arentse
Hock], 396— 1
Rycr Jacobse Schermer-
hooren, 1128
Willem Abramse [Tiet-
sooit], 612
Ludovicus Cobes, 132
Tennis Carstense, 120
Carel Hansen [Toll], 120
A2959— 6
Book debts.
John Brouwer,
54
Maria Cobes,
115-
-19
Isaac De Triex [Truax]
16-
-10
Alexander Glen,
15-
-15
John Glen,
33-
-15
Jacob Van Laer,
3
Philip Philipse [De Mort
:]27-
-12
Jan Joncker [van Rot-
terdam],
24.
Hendrick Lammerse,
12
Andries Bratt,
24
Willem Abrahamse
[Tietsoort],
30
The Reformed Nether Dutch Church.
387
Douwe A ukes
31— 1
Douwe Aukes
Freese]
[De
31— 1
Jan Meby
13—10
Jan Mebie,
13—10
Joris Aerse
12—
Joris Aersse [van der
Baast],
12.
Jesaias Swart
12—
Jesaias Swart,
12
Benony Aersse
33—10
Benoni Aersse
[Hoek]
[Van
33—10
Qerrit Banckert
44— 8
Gerrit IJancker,
44— 8
Barent Deipinars
24—
Barent [Jause] van Dit-
raars,
24
s8
527
527
A3944— 11
fl3944—ll
[Signed by]
Petrus Thesschenmaecker, Predicant
Meyndert Wemp / , ,.
frans Harmeuse f ouderlingen
Adam Vrooman
Dit is 't I C c/3 merck
Van Isaac Svvts I dese vicr
Willem Appel j Diaeckenen
Dit B W is 't merck
Van Barendt Weinp J
Petrus Thesschenmaecker, preacher
Myndert Wemp, )
Frans Harmense, \ Elders.
[Van der Bogart], )
Adam Vrooman,
This is the I C C/3 mark
of Isaac 8 wits, [These four
Willem Appel, (Deacons.
This is the 15 W mark
of Barendt Wemp [Wemple],
Memorandum.
The foregoing compilation is in the main, from original matter collected
by Professor Pearson and published imperfectly in the church history
issued in 1880, on the supposed 200th anniversary of the founding of the
Dutch church in Schenectady. It contains an abstract of facts of interest
to the general reader and some additional notes as to peculiar Dutch customs
as well as some conclusions by the editor.
In 1715, the church was called "The Reformed Nether Dutch church,"
which title in 1727 was transposed into " Nether Dutch Reformed church"
(Nederduytse gereformeerde gemynte), or commonly the " Dutch church."
The authorities for the foregoing are records and papers in the " Deacons'
Chest," the baptismal and marriage books here and in Albany county,
records of Albany and Schenectady counties, as well as data in State offices
and State library.
The Doop and Trouw books begin in 1694, prior registers having been
lost in the flames of 1690 There are a few imperfect records kept by the
treasurer, of somewhat older date.
388 ffistory of the Schenectady Patent.
This church with its vast estates and civil interests must have had many
valuable papers pertaining to the ancestry of the people and defining many
historical facts which are now but conjectures. A committee " to examine
the papers in the old box belonging to this Board and to destroy all such
papers as they may deem useless," was appointed in 1813, and they probably
destroyed much history. It is said that the old records of Virginia were
destroyed to cover up sins of the destroyers' ancestors and tradition has it
that the consistory of this church in its business aspect was a close corpora-
tion for the benefit of its friends. However this may be, this committee
swept out of existence the original titles to much of the land and doubtless
obliterated the ancestral trace of many worthy as well as unworthy Dutch
settlers whose descendants are numerous throughout the country.
The most valuable of these records were the Notarial papers of Schenec-
tady kept by Ludovicns Cobes, schout and secretavy from 1677 to about
1695, when he died. They contained all deeds, wills, marriage contracts,
testimony of witnesses prior to trial, and similar miscellaneous official matter.
On examining the Albany Notarial papers one feels the deepest regret that
those of Schenectady should have disappeared. Possibly there were un-
pleasant Tacts but as facts they were worthy of preservation.
Whether they were destroyed with other unreadable Dutch documents by
this committee, it is impossible to say now. They were appointed to destroy
and not to preserve and they left no list of what went to the flames.
The Dutch quoted in the foregoing was " Mohawk Dutch." In Father
Jogues time (1643) there were eighteen different languages spoken at New
York, presumably as many at Albany. A considerable number of the early
settlers had Indian wives. (Domine Megapolensis says the Dutch are
constantly running after the Mohawk women.) The children growing up
with Indian relatives, among the tribes and with men speaking so great a
variety of tongues built up a patois of their own, the "Mohawk Dutch;"
many words met with in it defying the dictionary of the schools and yield-
ing only to the explanation of very old men who had been familiar with this
kind of Dutch and the Indian languages in their early youth. Many words
are untranslatable save by the context.
The English Church. 389
ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH (EPISCOPAL).
This church was the natural outgrowth of the English occupation from
1664, to the Revolution. There were many immigrants from England and
the New England colonies and many discharged soldiers turned settlers.
There were always considerable garrisons of British regulars or New Eng-
land militia more particularly during the French wars. Where they had mar-
ried Dutch wives their families were usually brought up in the Dutch com-
munion, this was especially true of those whose business carried them away
with the troops to Oswego 01 beyond trading, during a large part of the year.
English chaplains doubtless had many hearers among the inhabitants.
After the peace in 1754, at the close of the old French war, few troops were
stationed here, and those of the inhabitants who desired to hear preaching
in the English language such as the English, Scotch and New Englanders
were forced to build a church for themselves. Paucity of numbers and of
means delayed this for years, though the foundation was commenced in 1759.
The old church still stands — transepts have been added in same style of
architecture. Unfortunately the old sounding board has been removed from
over the pulpit but the general quaintness of the interior lias been preserved.
The following letter in answer to some inquiries addressed to the late
Archbishop Tait by the Bishop of Albany, quotes some data from records of
the " Society for Promotion of the Gospel in Foreigu Parts" pertinent to the
early history of this old church.
"S. P. G. House, 19 Delahay St., Westminster,
November 24, 1882.
Mem. for Major MacMiirray, IT. /$. A.
Schenectady.
We have no " sketch, map, or diagram " of the town of Schenectady —
the only information here, likely to be useful is contained in the following
extracts : —
I. From the Petition of the European Protestant Inhabitants of the town
of Schenectady and Province of New York."
"Your Petitioners from Sundry parts of Great Britain and Ireland have
mostly since the commencement of the late war settled in this remote part
890 History of the Schenectady Patent.
of His Majesty's Dominions, where they have had no opportunity of hearing
the gospel preached there being no established church nearer them than six-
teen miles.
"They have from their small ability and great desire to become like other
Christians, with much perseverance almost finished a small church for pub-
lick worship, but being unable to support a Clergyman, renders all their
endeavours abortive.
" Your petitioners therefore humbly pray the Venerable Society will
grant them a mission and enable them to compleat the work begun, or other
assistance out of their great wisdom they please."
[This petition is dated "Schenectady March 23,1765" and signed by
55 persons. It will be noted that they speak of having "almost finished"
a church, Maj. MacMurray (in his letter to the Bishop) states that a church
was built there in 1759.]
II. From the Report of the Society, for 1766.
" Upon the Representation of Sir William Johnson in his letter of Oct. 8,
and of Dr. Auchmuty in his letter dated Oct. 24, 1766, together with the
petition of the Protestant Inhabitants in communion with the church of
England in the town of Schenectady about 17 miles from Albany, the
Society have engaged to appoint a missionary to that place, it appearing
that there is but one Clergyman in all the extensive county of Albany, and
that the church people of Schenectady have purchased a glebe lot and by
Subscription, chiefly amongst themselves, erected a neat Stone church."
III. From a letter of Sir William Johnson to the Society, dated :
"Johnson Hall October 8, 1766.
" Some members of the church of England settled at the town of Schen-
ectady purchased a lot there and by subscriptions chiefly amongst them-
selves, erected a neat stone church and petitioned for a missionary
In the meantime the Dissentors claimed a principal property thereon because
some of them had been promised the use of it when it did not interfere with
the service of the church of England — not content therewith they have
done all in their power to obstruct the work and draw of the members
threatening to pull it down. The Governor, at my instance lias promised
bis protection but unless something is immediately done for these people the
next generation must become dissentors and all future hope of the increase
of the church will prove abortive, neither is that town the only one where
such practices are carried on."
The English Church. 391
IV. From a letter of Rev. Dr. S. Auchmuty to the Society, dated :
" New York, October 24, 1766.
" The enclosed petition was sent to me a few days ago, with a request to
forward it to the Society, Schenectady is a growing village about 17 miles
beyond Albany. The people that have signed the petition are (the most of
them) respectable in those parts and have exerted themselves in building
their church. There is not one Church Clergyman in all the extensive county
of Albany except Mr. Browne, whose usefulness I have informed you is
little, little indeed. It may not be amiss for the Society to give the peti-
tioners some encouragement provided they set about purchasing a glebe
house etc."
V. From letters from Rev. William Andrews to the Society.
"Schenectady, March 15, 1771.
"The first time I preached here was on Sunday the 6th of January last
and since that I only baptized 5 children, buried 1, and administered the
Sacrement to 20 communicants I have preached twice every Sunday
in the evening I catechise the children — several of whom are Dutch. 24
June 1771, The number of my people I believe may be about 80 grown up
persons who attend regularly and devoutly, besides some of the other De-
nominations come at times. My church is particularly more filled in the
winter time, as several of them are Indian traders or Batteaumen, who,
when the Mohawk River is open, proceed in those kind of vessels to Fort
Detroit and even to Mishillimackauac in sloop which is reckoned upward of
1000 miles from here."
The Rev. William Payne, D.D., Rector of the church, preached an his-
torical sermon November 12th, 1882 ; the following extracts give an
outline of the growth of this church:
" In tracing out the history of the building, we must go back nearly to
the beginning of the preceding century. The memories of the old French
war, in which the inhabitants of this town suffered severely, had hardly
begun to fade away, and there was not the first thought of that Revolution
which, seventy years afterwards, resulted in our independence of the mother
country. The smoke of the Indian wigwam still arose all along this Mohawk
valley, and the cry of the wolf and the panther could be heard on its hillsides
and in the forests. Though fears of another savage invasion had mostly
subsided, yet the Old Fort, near by the spot where we are now assembled,
392 History of the Schenectady Patent.
was still standing, stocked with arms and surrounded by the pickets or pali-
sades, within which the early settlers had been accustomed to find refuge in
case of alarm.
" At this early period, the Rev. Thomas Barclay, missionary of the. English
church at Albany, visited Schenectady, and so far as I can ascertain, was
the first Episcopal minister who held service in the place. Writing to
London, to the society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign parts,
by which he had been sent over, he says, under date of 1710 : 'At Schen-
ectady I preach once a month, where there is a garrison of forty soldiers,
besides about sixteen English and about one hundred Dutch families. They
are all of them my constant hearers. I have this summer got an English
school erected amongst them, and in a short time I hope their children will
be fit for catechising.' ' Schenectady,' continues Mr. Barclay, ' is a village
situated upon a pleasant river, twenty English miles above Albany, and the
first castle of the Indians is twenty-four miles above Schenectady. In this
village there has been no Dutch minister these five years, and there is no
probability of any being settled among them. There is a convenient and
well-built church, which they freely gave me the use of. I have taken pains
to show them the agreement of the Articles of our church with theirs. I
hope in some time to bring them not only to be constant hearers, but com-
municants. * * From New York to the utmost bounds of my parish there is
no minister but myself.'
" Two years after Mr. Barclay left Albany, where he was succeeded by
the Rev. Mr. Milu, and he by other missionaries, till 1746. These gentle-
men doubtless often crossed the pine plains to minister to the few church-
men here, though I do not find on our records any mention of their visits or
acts. The Dutch pulpit became regularly occupied by its own pastors, and
the English people who were the feeblest of the two, seem to have been
brought under its predominating influence, instead of vice versa as Mr.
Barclay so fondly anticipated.
"In 1748, the Rev. John Ogilvie came to Albany as rector of St. Peter's.
And the same year arrived in Schenectady a layman, who, from the love he
bore to the principles and usages of the English church, and the zeal he
showed in promoting them, has been called the father of this parish. I refer
to Mr. John W. Brown, whose memory is appropriately preserved by a
tablet on these walls. He is said to have come from London, and was only
The English Church. 393
twenty-one years old at the time of his arrival here. Through a long life,
till the day of his death at the age of eighty-seven, he was the steady friend
and unwavering supporter of this church. From him probably it received
its name, St. George being the patron saint of bis native country.
" The earliest baptism, by an Episcopal minister, on our parish register
is that of a daughter of Mr. Brown, in 1754, by the Rev. Mr. Ogilvie, who
performed the same office for another child of Mr. Brown in 1759. It also
records the baptism of three other children of Mr. Brown by Dutch minis-
ters— the Revs. Thomas Frelinghise and B. Vrooman.
" That year— 1759— the erection of the church edifice seems to have been
undertaken; for under date of that year our parish books still preserve,
among other items of disbursement, to ' Richard Oldrick and Horseford,
for digging the foundation of the church, £4. 3s. 9cV Amounts for drawing
timber, and work of the like kind, are mentioned from that date onward.
The woodwork was done under the superintendence of Mr. Samuel Fuller,
who also became the builder of Johnson Hall. He was master of the king's
artificers, and came to this vicinity from Needham, Massachusetts, with
Abercrombie's army. To obtain the necessary assistance for fulfilling his
part of the work on the church, he went back, in 1762, to Needham, and
engaged several carpenters; and besides having their regular wages while
here, they were to be allowed a specified sum for the seven days it would
take them to come from Needham, and also for the same number of days
for their return. It was several years before the building was completed
for occupancy and use, though as early as 1767 we find sums collected for
pew rents among the treasurer's papers. These papers also show the names
of persons who subscribed for the erection of the church, with their respective
amounts.
" At that time lived in the Mohawk Valley Sir William Johnson.* He
was a major-general in the British service, and general superintendent of
Indian affairs in North America. The English church had in him a warm
friend. He not only contributed liberally himself to the erection of this
building, but also obtained subscriptions from his friends in various parts of
the colonies — at one time £61 10s. from the Governors of Pennsylvania and
New Jersey, and other distinguished gentlemen, while attending a treaty
* At Fort Johnson, near Tribe's Hill, before he built Johnson Hall, Johnstown, where
he died in 1774.
50
394 History of the Schenectady Patent.
of peace at Fort Stanwix. Sir William was also of great service to the
church here, in procuring for it missionaries from the Venerable Society in
England, which seems to have consulted him in most of its appointments to
this region of country. Through his co-operation the wardens obtained
from the Governor of the colony a charter for their church in 1766, and Sir
William was requested to act as one of the trustees. He was a frequent
worshipper in these walls, and tradition says that his pew, which was on
the south side, was distinguished by a canopy. The church, as it then was,
according to a ground plan of it in one of the old books, had two doors —
one on the west end, and the other on the south side (the arch of which
still remains), with a communion table against the east wall in the middle,
and directly in front of it two desks for reading and preaching; and only
a part of the church was finished with pews.
" During those years the building was used more or less by the Presby-
terians, who had none of their own.* I have before me a curious statement
on this point, said to have been found among the papers of a Mr. Alexander
Kelly, a member of that body. He says: ' Betwext 1760 and 1770, the
Episcopalians and presbyterians agreed & build a Church Betwext them,
The Former to goe in at the west Door the Later at the South Door when
the Church was Finesht John Brown Belonig to the English Church went
to New York & get it Consecrated under the Bishop unknown to the pres-
byterians, The presbyterians highly ofended at this John Duncan James
Wilson James Shuter Andrew & Hugh Michel Andrew McFarland & Wm.
White & Alexander Merser purchest a lot From a Gentelm in New York
Colected money in varies places To Build a Church. The Dutch Inhabi-
tants Seing How they were Served advanct very Liberal in money Boards
plank Nails Hinges & paint The Church was built about the year 1770.'
" Mr. Kelly's representation of the case must be as faulty as his or-
thography. To prove this, it is enough to state two facts — one, that there
* [This church is on part of the site of British barracks which extended along the
Rondweg (Ferry street) from Union street to the " Queen's New Fort," at Front street.
It wa3 immediately under the walls of this citadel of the town and close to the palisades
along Ferry street.
All British regiments had chaplains ; the English those of their faith, the Scotch, Pres-
byterians. The regulations of the war dcparlment then as now required very strict
attendance at divine worship by the troops, thus having services in which citizens and
army followers were welcome to engage. Is it not probable that this was the origin of the
joint use of the "English church " by both denominations of English speaking people?
— M'M.]
The English Church. 395
was no bishop in this country till 1784, thirty years after this alleged trans-
action; and the other, that the church was never ' consecrated ' till nearly
one hundred years later, by Bishop Potter, in 1859. The long and short of
the whole story is, that the Presbyterian party was disappointed in not
getting permanent possession of the building, to which they had no claim
except that they had kindly contributed to its erection.
" As connected with this part of the ecclesiastical history of Schenectady,
I take the liberty of quoting from a note on the subject, received from my
esteemed friend, the Rev. Dr. Darling: ' One of the oldest members of
my church (Presbyterian), when I came here, informed me that the south
door was walled up after the Presbyterian exodus, ' and the Lord put a
curse on the mortar, so that it would not stick;' though, as she had no
prophetic credentials, you may prefer to account for it in some other way.'
"It was to matters of this kind, I suppose, that Dr. Darling's predecessor,
the venerable Dr. Backus, referred in his historical sermon, preached in 1869,
when he said: 'Ritualism and evangelicism long contended here for the
mastery.' One of the champions in that contest was this same Mi*. Kelly —
Sandy Kelly, generally called — who, when a pitch-pipe was introduced into
the Presbyterian worship, rushed down the aisle and out of the door, crying,
« Awa' with your box o' whistles ! ' What would he have said and done,
had his evangelic ears been shocked by the noble organ which now vies
with that of St. George's in improving the ritual of God's house ?
" While the church was being built, the Rev. Thomas Brown, who suc-
ceeded Mr. Ogilvie at St. Peter's, Albany, and after him the Rev. Harry
Monroe, seem to have ministered now and then to the church people here,
baptizing their children and burying their dead, until the arrival of Mr.
William Andrews. This gentleman had been for some time catechist among
the Mohawk Indians. He was a native of Great Britain. He returned
home in 1770, when he was ordained by the bishop of London, and ap-
pointed missionary at Schenectady. He may be considered the first resident
minister, or rector, of St. George's. Mr. Andrews opened a grammar school
here in 1771; but the labor attendant on this and his parish broke down
his health, and he relinquished the mission in 1773, and went to Virginia.*
* A glimpse of the state of the parish in Mr. Andrews' time is preserved in a letter
then written by the wardens to the secretary of the Venerable Society. They complain
of the difficulty of pledging a fixed salary for their rector, owing, as they say, "to the
absence of many of the congregation (which must make the contributions casual and
uncertain), who are Indian traders over the Great Lakes, and do not always return within
the year.
396 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" Mr. Andrews was soon succeeded by the Rev. John Doty, a native of
Westchester, and an alumnus of King's (now Columbia) College. It was
now the eve of the Revolution. Not long had the new incumbent been
proclaiming within these walls the gospel of peace, before the sounds of
war were echoed from Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill. The rupture
between the colonies and the mother country was to try the souls of all,
but of none more than the clergy of the English church, who were sustained
by the bounty of its society at home, and whose ordination vows would not
allow them to disuse the liturgy, with the prayer for the king and royal
family. Like many of his brethren, Mr. Doty suffered between a sense of
duty and the pressure of the times. He was arrested, and kept in ward for
a while. On being released, he left for Canada; and divine service was
suspended in the church during the remainder of the war.
" When the independence of the States was established, and peace de-
clared in 1782, the few sheep which Mr. Doty had been forced to abandon
were almost entirely scattered. The church edifice had become dilapidated,
the windows were broken out, and desolation reigned within and around.
I have been told by those who remember those times, that it became a
resort even to the swine, which were then allowed to run in the streets of
this Dutch city. As soon, however, as the little remnant of church people
recovered their courage and strength, they took measures to restore their
house of prayer, and liberal offerings were made for the purpose, especially
by Mr. Brown and Mr. Charles Martin, for a long time the faithful treasurer
of the society. Soon after, in 1790, the parish was admitted into union
with the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal church, which had become
duly organized. But it was some time before it could enjoy the services of
a settled clergyman, depending upon those of Albany and other neighboring
towns.
"In 1798, the Rev. Robert G. Wetmore became rector, in connection with
Christ church, Duanesborough; and from that day its affairs moved on in
uninterrupted order and with increasing success. At the first election of the
corporation, Charles Martin and John Kane were chosen wardens. In a
register book, then begun, there is a rude pen-and-ink sketch, by Mr. Wet-
more's own hand, of the church as it then was — a little, oblong, stone
structure, fifty-six feet long (about half its present length) by thirty-six
feet wide, with three windows on each side (the old south door being walled
The English Church. 397
up), and in front a small wooden steeple, crowned by a low bell tower with
a cross upon it. It contained thirty-six pews (about one-third of its present
number), and no gallery, except across the west end, which was reached by
a stairway within the church in the north-west corner. The pulpit, with a
long flight of stairs, was against the east wall in the centre, with a reading
desk in front, and a clerk's pew in front of that, and the altar, with rails,
on the north side — an arrangement similar to that still existing in the old
church at Duanesborough.
"Mr. Wetmore resigned in 1801, and some years elapsed before his place
was regularly supplied. Meanwhile the services of neighboring clergy
were occasionally obtained, and several improvements made in the chui-ch
edifice. At a meeting of the vestry in 1804, ' Charles Martin and John W.
Brown represented to the board the necessity of taking down the steeple,
on account of its being in a decayed situation; and proposed to obtain by
subscription a sum adequate to the erecting a new steeple.' Messrs. David
Tomlinson and Win. Corlett were appointed the committee, and the result
was the wooden tower (which was taken down twelve years ago) and the
beautiful belfry and spire which crowned it, and which were deemed worthy
of preservation.
" The foundation of that tower was laid by a young man who had then
just arrived in Schenectady, and who, though born and reared a New Eng-
land Congregationalist, soon attached himself to this church, and afterwards
became most intimately identified with all its changes and improvements —
David Hearsey.
" The next rector was the Rev. Cyrus Stebbins, who, having been a
Methodist minister at Albany, was ordained with special reference to this
parish, by Bishop Moore. He was here from 1806 to 1819, but I do not
find that any alterations were made in the church edifice during his incum-
bency.
"For a year or two after Dr. Stebbins' resignation, the services were kept
up, with much acceptance to the congregation, by Mr. Alonzo Potter, as
lay reader, then tutor of Union College, aud afterwards the Bishop of
Pennsylvania. A tablet to his memory has been placed by the trustees of
the college on the walls of St. George's.
"In 1821, the Rev. Alexis P. Proal was called to the rectorship, and he
continued in it till 1836. During those fifteen years, several substantial
398 History of the Schenectady Patent.
additions were made to the church property. A house with lot, belonging
to Ahasuerus Wendell, was brought for a rectory by the church's side on
the north ; and more sittings being found necessary in the church, side gal-
leries were erected, running from the west to the east wall.
" Dr. Proal was succeeded by the Rev. Aldert Smedes, during whose
rectorship of three years a radical change was made in the church edifice.
Increased accommodations being required, the vestry debated whether to
pull down the old building and erect a new one, or to enlarge. The latter
course was adopted, for which we may well be thankful ; for, apart from
the loss of the charm of age and historical associations, a new structure
would very likely have proved an abortion. It was a period in the history
of ecclesiastical architecture in this country, when ignorance and false ideas
prevailed on the subject. In place of that which, though simple and rude,
was not unchurchly, there might have been entailed upon the parish some
monstrosity, perhaps a wooden Gothic building, such as those times often
gave birth to. From that misfortune we were saved by the wisdom and
right taste of those who had the direction of matters ; and so, in the spring
and summer of 1838, two transepts, or wings, were added to the old nave.
But, alas ! the former chancel arrangement was discarded, and in lieu of it
arose a huge three-decker — a pulpit large enough for several, and desk of
corresponding size, with a communion table in front. Under the pulpit was
a hole, where the clergyman could go and change his surplice for a black
gown between the service and the sermon. Thirty pews were gained on
the lower floor, besides many others by continuing the galleries around the
new transepts ; and the graceful arch over your heads was shut out of sight
by a floor, making the whole upper ceiling flat. Another important event
in the history of the parish during Dr. Smede's rectorship, was the purchase
of the house next south of the church, called the Peek house, where the
Sunday school met and the sexton lived. The garden was added to the
burial ground."
The Presbyterian Church. 399
AN HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE FIRST
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
By Rev. Timothy G. Darling, the Pastor.
The early history of the Presbyterian Church in Schenectady is obscure.
As late as 1756 we learn from Smith's History of the Province of New York
that there was no Church in the town except the Dutch. Before this date,
however, settlers from England and Scotland and from New England were
drawn to this " frontier " town by the facilities afforded for trading with
the Interior. Missionaries, chiefly for the Indians, had been sent- into these
parts by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel early in the 18th
century.
One of these, the Rev. Mr. Barclay, under date of 26 Sept., 1710, reports
preaching once a month at Schenectady, " where there is a garrison of 40
soldiers, besides about 16 English and 100 Dutch families * * * the only
' dissenters ' there are Dutch.' " There was a chapel in the fort at Schenec-
tady which was built about 1735.
In July, 1759, the Rev. Dr. Johnson writes to Archbishop Seeker, " They
are building a church at Schenecty, a fine county town on the west side of
the river above Albany, and will soon want a minister there," " Chenectedi
or Corlaer," is said about this date to be a village of some 300 houses.
Concerning this building, now St. George's Episcopal Church, a tradition
existed that Presbyterians subscribed to its erection with the understanding
that it should be used in common by both denominations.
Unfortunately all the ecclesiastical records which might have thrown light
on the earliest Presbyterian history here, have been destroyed by fire.
It is not unlikely that such Presbyterian missionaries as had penetrated
to Albany had also visited this region, but there was no minister settled
over the Presbyterian church here before 1770. For some time prior to
this, however, there had been a congregation worshipping statedly in a hired
400 History of the Schenectady Patent.
"meeting-house," as under date of 11 Jan., '69, there is an entry in "An
account of what Andrew McFarlan has laid out," as follows: "To Balance
due on the first 2 years of the old house £6 14s. 6c?."
On the 12th Oct., '69, a lot was purchased from Peter De Bois for £100,
and work seems to have begun at once in earnest, as almost immediately
follows: "To 2 Gallons Westd Rum when cutting the timber for the church
lis." — the next item being, " To cash paid to Phinn & Ellice for rum and
sugar when rideing timber £4 9s. 4c?.*
The site of the old meeting house cannot now be ascertained, nor can I
learn concerning it more than that it was furnished with a bell. It was still
in use 22 March, 1773, as at that date Mr. Fuller was paid £1 16s. 0c?., for
attending to the windows.
By the end of '73, the edifice seems to have been completed, and the bell
in the new steeple with its leaden ball adorned with " 6 bookes of gold leaf "
no doubt called the congregation to a joyful service of dedication, of which
we have no notice whatever.
The church and lot are credited with an expenditure of about $1,800. The
carpenter's work was done by Sam'l Fuller and John Hall. The church had
a gallery and, on the ground floor, 21 wall and 22 " Boddy " pews and the
carpenters agreed " to do the work on the Pulpit In the Same manner as In
the English Church only it is to Joyn the wall So as to have no piller for a
Soport & to make the Clark's Seat."
Of the size and strength of the congregation there is no record until much
later; but in 1768 they felt able to compete with their brethren in Albany;
for a letter of Mr. Brown to Sir Wm, Johnson at this time, in urging the
necessity of securing Mr. Murray for St. George's, says: " We are the more
Anxiously Solicitous on this Head as the Presbyterians are busee to get Mr.
Bay among them " — this Mr. Bay being called about this time to the Pres-
byterian church at Albany. The first minister who is known to have
preached to the congregation statedly is the Rev. Alexander Miller.
Mr. Miller was a pupil of Rev. James Findley, a graduate of Princeton
College in 1764, a student of theology under Dr. Rodgers, of New York, was
* As illustrating the " better days of our Fathers " may be mentioned also this entry, 3
Aug., 1771, To tickets bought at New Castle Lottery £4 16s. ; but I cannot learn that
we enjoyed any such good luck here as did our friends and neighbors of St. George's
church.
The Presbyterian Church. 401
licensed 1161, and ordained by the Presbytery of New York, 1770, which
is the date of his settlement here. He may have preached here, however,
prior to this date, and may possibly be the person alluded to in a letter of
25th Feb., '60, from the church wardens to Sir Wm., expressing their dis-
appointment at not securing Mr. Murray, which " will be attended with the
consequence of losing some part of our congregation by their joining the
Dissenters, as they have provided themselves with a Gentleman who is
much admired."
. Mr. Kelly states that Mr. Miller left in 1781, during the summer. Mr.
Miller also preached at Currie's Bush and Remsen's Bush in connection with
his charge here. The elders in Mr. Miller's time, were James Wilson, James
Shuler and Andrew McFarlan, with William White as deacon. The gram-
mar school which was taught by Mr. Miller during the Revolutionary war,
was, according to Spafford's Gazeteer, a very respectable one, " in which
Gov. Tichenor of Vermont (and in which the late John Wells received his
education), and others since celebrated acted as assistants."
During the war the Church, though not exposed to the outrages which
were perpetrated upon the neighboring Episcopal church for political reasons,
seems to have suffered greatly. Mr. Andrews had reported to the S. P. G.
(year ending Feb., 1773) 43 communicants and 16 catechumens ; but Mr.
Doty, his successor, reports in 1780 from Montreal, where he had taken refuge,
that '' his poor little flock has been almost dispersed and the few remain-
ing were in the most deplorable circumstances" and had been informed by
a young man, lately from Schenectady, that the congregation consisted of
only 27 white adults, 20 children and some blacks. It is not likely that the
Presbyterian Church was much less afflicted. The congregation was in'
arrears for salary due to Mr. Miller at the time that his successor, Mr. John
Young, was called. Mr. Young* first came here about the middle of 1787,
was ordained June 14th, 1788, and gave one-third of his time to Currie's
Bush or Princetown. In the interval, however, there had been occasional
supplies,! there is recorded the payment of £6-10-0 to Mr. Ball, whom I
take to be the Rev. Eliphalet Ball of Bedford, N. Y., who was so much
pleased with the country that in 1788 he took a portion of his congregation
to settle in the region which is now called in honor of him, Ballston).
♦According to Mr. Kelley'a
■ f I" the absence of Mr. Miller (1771).
51
402 History of the Schenectady Patent.
The congregation at this time, and for years later, was composed of ele-
ments which did not mix very kindly, Formalism contending stubbornly
against the growing evangelical spirit in the Church, and Mr. Young was
dismissed in consequence of the dissensions, 9th Dec, 1790.* Perhaps one
cause of the disaffection with him may be found in Mr. Kelley's note, "no
session in his time."
From 1791 to 1795, among those preaching here occasionally, are Rev.
Messrs. Baldwin, Chapman, Coe, Cook, Davenport, Dod, Dun, Judd,
McDonald, Pomeroy, Schenck, Thompson and Williams.
With the election of the Rev. John B. Smith, to the presidency of the
College, a brighter day dawned for the Church. Dr. Smith did much to re-
organize the Church, ordaining 4 elders in 1795 or I796,f viz. Alexander
Kelly, John Taylor, Alexander Walmsley and John McAtyre. .
On the 13th Sept., 1796, the Rev. Robt. Smith of Pennsylvania, a
graduate of Princeton, was installed over the Church, which at this time
numbered only 37 communicants. There were however about 85 pew
holders, and the income of the Church from pews and subscriptions was a
little over $700.
Mr. Smith remained until July, 1801, when the severity of the climate
having impaired his health he sought refuge in Savannah, Ga., dying soon
after his removal. He is said by Dr. Dwight to have been a man of re-
markable gifts, resembling in many traits President Smith of the College,
but excelling " him and most other men in amenity and tenderness of dis-
position and sweetness of deportment." His life was sacrificed to his zeal
and affection for his people. Under his ministry the Church received 51
additional members.^
During Ihe illness of Mr. Smith the Rev. Mr. Adair and Dr. Jonathan
Edwards, Jr., second president of the College, frequently supplied the pulpit,
*Mr. Young requested a dissolution of the pastoral relation, Nov. 10th, 1790, on the
ground of non payment of salary and ill health. The Church had not yet settled-its in-
debtedness to Mr. Miller who was still seeking payment, and the Church at Currie's Bush
applied to Presbytery for two thirds of Mr. Young's time on the ground that the Church
in Schenectady, was no longer able to support him.
f Mr. Kelly's paper gives the date as May 1st, 1796.
1 The township of Schenectady contained in 1796, 3472 inhabitants, 683 being electors
and 381 slaves.
TJie Presbyterian Church. 403
and as the collections for 1801 show an increase over previous records, and
additions to the Church are also recorded, the impetus given by Mr.
Smith's pastorate would seem not to have been arrested.
In March, 1802, three elders and 73 others, petition Presbytery for the
speedy instalment of the Rev. William Clarkson, 20 petitioners, including two
elders, however, pray that the installation may not take place. Mr. Clark-
son's settlement was the signal for war among the discordant elements in
the congregation, and shortly after such serious charges were preferred against
him as that he did not " preach," but read sermons " contrary to Luke
4 : 16-23 where our Lord preached, said preaching being without notes."
Mr. Clarkson was also charged with saying that " we never had such preach-
ing here before, we had nothing but like the reading of an almanack," and
the Presbytery failing to see the heinousness of Mr. Clarkson's homiletic
shortcomings, a temporary secession of 24 families took place. Although
considerable accessions to the Church took place in Mr. Clarkson's brief
pastorate, his opponents claimed that the communicants had diminished one-
half. During this unhappy contention in which perhaps Mr. Clarkson was
rather the occasion than the cause of the quarrel, an election for elders had
occurred and the session now consisted of Alexander Kelly, Alexander
Walmsley, John McAtyre, Jas. Murdock, Jos. Shurtleff, Rob't Loague, Wm.
Dunlap, Geo. Leslie and Caleb Lyon (elder John Taylor died 1801). The
election seems to have intensified the strife, and in September, 1803, Mr.
Clarkson sought peace in departure.
In the succeeding December, the Rev. John B. Romeyn, a son of Dr.
Romeyn of the Reformed Dutch Church and founder of Union College, was
settled over the Church at a salary of $625. But the Church was at strife,
and in November, 1804, Mr. Romeyn also left. The number of communi-
cants at this time could not have been much above 100, the highest rental
for pews was but $35 and the support of the Church and pastor in the midst
of such difficulties very doubtful and precarious. At least, Mr. Nathaniel
Todd, ordained over the Church 11 Dec, 1805, was dismissed by Presbytery
in the succeeding November, on the ground that the congregation were
unable to support him.
For some time the Church depended upon temporary supplies, but, as if
still further to complicate and confuse matters, the ear of the congregation
was taken by an Irishman of the Methodist Church, a lay preacher, Mr.
404
History of the Schenectady Patent.
John Joyce. In spite of the pevil of a threatened schism if Mr. Joyce were
not settled over the Church, Presbytery declined to entrust the Church to
his care and declared it expedient for the session to resign that new elders
might in the interest of harmony he elected. The new session consisted of
Messrs. Kelly, Walmsley, Daniel Chandler and Prof. Henry Davis, after-
wards president of Middlebury, and still later of Hamilton college.
Notwithstanding its want of a pastor, and its internal differences, the
Church does not seem to have lost any confidence in itself, for on the 3d of
July, 1809, the corner stone of a new edifice wns laid,* the old building on
the site of the chapel being taken down, and the congregation worshipping
for a time in the college chapel.
No doubt a large part of the strength and impulse in this movement came
from the college. Dr. Nott from his accession to the presidency in 1804
had been a warm friend, and to his kindness, as well as that of Dr. McAuley
and other members of the Faculty, it was probably in large measure owing
that the Church came through its crisis with so little loss of strength. It
was no doubt in grateful acknowledgment of their sympathy and practical
help that the galleries of the church which was elliptical in form were so
constructed as to enable the graduating classes to march down an inclined
plane into the pulpit for their diplomas, and up again into the opposite
gallery.
Meantime, the Rev. Alexander Monteith had been caUed to the pastorate,
and on Aug. 29th, 1809, he was settled over the Church, remaining its
pastor until his death, Jan. 29th, 1815. lie must have been a judicious and
good man, for there seems an absence of all party-strife during his ministry.
The church must have also prospered generally, as there was an increase in
its collections, its communion roll was enlarged by 62 additions, and the
pastor's salary was advanced from $700 to $1000.
Mr. Monteith's successor was the Rev. Hooper Cummings, whose eloquence
covered not a few of his own sins and other men's sermons. Eccentric and
* Concerning the form of the original church building, nothing
is cenainiy known, but it is believed that the church seal (an
impression of which is here reproduced) represents it. This seal
was made under the supervision of the late Dr. Magoffin, and it
was the understanding of my predecessor and quite in conformity
with Dr. Magoffin's habit of mind, that the seal was intended to
represent the original structure.
Tlie Presbyterian CJmrch.
405
unfortunate, to speak mildly, Mr. Cummings' brief pastorate, judged by
statistics, was most successful. Installed 22d Nov., 1815, and dismissed
18th Feb., 1817, C5 persons were added to tlie communion roll, and work
among the colored people prosecuted with vigor and success, Presbytery
having authorized Messrs. Wisner and Davis, then members of the Church
in Union College, to catechise and exhort among them.
During Mr. Cummings' ministry however, old strifes broke out again and
it was not till the Sih of June, 1820, that another pastor could be secured,
changes having occurred in the session, and some withdrawing from the
Church, which in the interval enjoyed the services of Drs. Nott and
McAuley. In April, 1820, the famous Mr. Nettleton preached, and the
Church seems to have enjoyed spiritual prosperity, not less than 120 being
added to the Church during the year. " Tokens"* at the communion were
etill in use, not being dispensed with till March, 1821, when members of
other Evangelical Churches were welcomed to the Lord's table. Besides
these changes, during Mr. (Walter) Monteith's pastorate (1820 to 1826),
the old psalm book (Rouse) was relinquished, which indicates that a decided
change was taking place in the sentiment of the Church. In Mr. Monteith's
time also the old "Session House" was built by subscription, and not
without much opposition from those who did not favor Sabbath Schools,
prayer meetings and other "new fangled ideas." The Sunday School had
been started by Mr. Jonathan Crane, an elder in the church, in the basement
kitchen of his own house as a Mission Union School in 1817, but in 1824,
it divided into two church schools, one Dutch, the other Presbyterian,
which found a home in the session house, though viewed with suspicion if
not with dislike by many who regarded it as "a school for outcasts."
Mr. Monteith's successor was the liev. Erskine Mason, a son of the cele-
brated Dr. John M. Mason, whom in intellectual strength he in no small
degree resembled. A scholarly and finished preacher, the three years of his
service here were years of strength and blessing to the Church, which received
during his brief pastorate an addition of 89 members, 806 being the total
number of communicants reported to Presbytery in 1830.
From July, 1830, until December, the church seems to have depended for
service upon various ministers, when the Kev. Win. James, a brilliant but
somewhat eccentric preacher, became its " Stated Supply," declining, how-
PR E S B Y.N
CHURCH
SCHEN.DY
* 1809 *
I I . T I M :
I I . X I X
I. COR: XI .
XXVIII
*The "Token" was intended to prevent any
unknown person, or member underdiscipline
from coming to the Lord's table. Tokens
were distributed by the elders before com-
munion to all who were in good standing,
and were taken up by the elders again from
the communicants at the table. They were
mide of lead, or pewter, were about an inch
square having inscripiions on each side.
406 History of the Schenectady Patent.
ever, in 1832 the call to become pastor, and ceasing to preach in the spring
of the same year, for the Rev. James W. Henry appears to have supplied
the Church in April and May.
The day of rapid changes in the pastorate and shifting fortunes was soon
to end, for the pulpit having been supplied by the Rev. Jonathan Trumbull
Backus, May 2 7th, 1832, a call was extended to him, and on the 6th Dec,
1832, he was ordained and installed over the Church, remaining its pastor
until the 18th June, 1873. During all this long pastorate, under the blessing
of God, the Church steadily grew and strengthened; old differences died
out; larger ideas of the privilege of Christian benevolence obtained; more
efficient methods of work were adopted, and the usefulness of the Church
greatly increased.
During the ministry of Dr. Backus, over 1,000 persons were added to
the communion of the Church and a new era of benevolence entered
upon, the aggregate of the reported benevolence during this period
being over $160,000. The Church edifice was enlarged in 1834, and again
in 1859; and the old "Session House" in 1843 gave way to the chapel to
which was added in 1857 the session room. During this century not less than
60 of its members have entered the Christian ministry.
The Pastors and Supplies of the Church, as far as known, are:
Rev. Alexander Miller, 1770-1781. Rev. John Young, 1787-1791. Rev.
John Blair Smith, D.D., 1795, etc. Rev. Robt. Smith, 1796-1801. Rev.
Wm. Clarkson, 1801-1803. Rev. John B. Romeyn, D.D., 180 :-1804. Rev.
Nathaniel Todd, 1805-1806. Rev. Alexander Monteith, 1809-1815. Rev.
Hooper Cummings, 1815-1817. Rev. Drs. Nott & McAuley, 1817-1820.
Rev. Walter Monteith, 1820-1826. Rev. Erskine Mason, D.D., 1827-1830
Rev. Wm. James, D.D., 1831-1832. Rev. J. Trumbull Backus, D.D., LL.D.,
1832-1873. Rev. Timothv G. Darling, D.D., 1873-.
Mr. Kelly's Paper, to which reference has been made, contains a list of the ministers
of the Church down to Dr. Mason's day and could not therefore have been written before
1827, when Mr. Kelly was nearly 80 years old. In this paper it is stated that between
1700 and 1770. the Episcopalians and Presbyterians " agreed and built a church betwext
them, The former to Goe in at the west door, the Later at the South Door. When the
church was Finesht John Brown belonging to the English Church went to New York
and got it consecrated under the Bishop unknown to the presbyterians. The Presby-
terians Highlie offended at this, John Duncan. James Wilson, James Shuter, Andrew
and Hugh Michel, Andrew McFarland, William White and Alexander Merser, purchest
a lot from a Gentelmin New York, colected money in varies places to Build a Church.
The Dutch Inhabitants seing How they were served advanst very Liberal in money,
Boards, plank, Nails, Hinges & paint, The Church was built about the year 1770," &c.
The allusion to consecration by the bishop is a manifest anachronism ; Seabury, the
first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in America, receiving his consecration as
bishop in Scotland in 1784, New York beinu under the care of the bishop of London,
who succeeded in defeating all attempts of the Presbyterians to procure incorporation.
The Presbyterian Church. 407
Mr. Kelly is evidently referring to something which gave legal title to the property and
which was done in New Yoik and not on the spot. Writing in extreme age, his memory
might tail to disting ish between consecralion and incorporation.
In a letter from Mr. Brown and others to Sir Wm. Johnson, 20th Dec, 17G5, it is
stated that " the congregation of the Church of England have come to the conclusion to
petition H. E., the Governor to grant them a charter to secure their Rights &, Privileges in
the Church built here," and seek Sir Wm's consent to acting as a Trustee " as we can have
no doubt if a Gentleman of your known merit and character will Espouse our Cause, it
will prevent for the future the Presbyterians from making any unjust attempts on our
privileges in the church."— (Doe. Hist., N. Y, iv, page 229.) On the 4lh Dec, 1766, it
is stated that the charter had been granted (lb., p. 234). Of this petition and charier I
can find no trace, though the kindness of Mr. Fernow, of the State Library, has furnished
me a copy of the petition of 1774, in which it is stated that the title to the church lot
was vested in Dr. Ogilvie and others, petitioners.
A letter from Sir Win. to the S. P. G., 8th Oct., 1760, states that the church was built
chit fly by subscriptions among themselves. " In the meantiuje the Dissenters claimed a
principal property therein, because some of them had been promised the use ot it when
it did not interfere with the seivice of the chinch of England," and that they were so
incensed at the turn of affairs, as to desire to destroy the organization and demolish the
building.
The Rev. Dr. Payne, of St. George's church has with great courtesy put at my disposal
his church records of this period, and 1 have diligently searched them, without coining,
however, to any very positive conclusions. .
In 1759 both bodies must have been very feeble and in no condition, unaided, to
support regular services, and the application to the S. P. G., does not seem to have been
made till some time after. In 1769, Dr. A uchmuly thought that " Albany and Schenectady
should be but one living," and in 1773, Mr. lnglis join's with Dr. Auchniuty in thinking
the grant to Schenectady a perversion of the sociely's bounty, which ought to be ex-
tended to larger bodies of people without worship.— {Due. H ist., JY. Y., iv, pp. 263 and
311), though Sir Wm. about the same time, writes to the society that although because of
poverty and small contributions the "Church of England be then in its infancy, it is such
as affords the most flattering hopes, if properly nourished and improved."— {Abstract of
Proceedings of the S. P. O. Hid. /Society's Libr^try, N. Y.)
The lists of the contributors to the two edifices are extant. The subscribers were
mainly residents of New Yoik city, Albany and Schenectady, and in the two latter
places, the names are largely Dutch. In Albany there were about 126 subscribers to the
Episcopal, and 107 to the Pn sbyterian church, 22 of the above subscribing to both. In
New York 71 to the Episcopal and 161 to the Presbyterian, and only 15 names in common.
In Schenectady 192 to the Episcopal, and 212 to the Presbyterian, 47 in common. Of
the Schcn<ctady subscribers I think 1 have identified 63 ot the Presbyterian, and 47 of
the Episcopal subscr.bers as pew holders in the Dutch church, and many with like names
not recorded as pew holders.
Unhappily there are no pew lists of the Presbyterian church prior to 1796. Of the 25
or 26 names attached to the agreement that the money from the sale and rental of pews
be at the disposal of the church wardens and the vestry, dated 31st March, 1766, stands
the name ot John Duncan* He was one of the largest benefactors of the church, sub-
scribing £30, and giving besides "a fine of Pat'k Parkins" £4-12-0. Before 1760, he
had bought pew No. 1 at £5. On a loose sheet, apparently a part of the original record,
he is charged 12s. pew rent and £5 for Mrs. Hephburu's grave. The latter is marked
laid on the record, but I cannot find that he ever paid pew reut. On tlie other hand
Mr. Jas. Willson who subscribes £4-10-0, and Mr. James Shuter who subscribes £4-4-0,
S
* Which he likely did not himself affix, as his name and that of John Glen and Sir Wm., are in the same
handwriting.
408 History of the Schenectady Patent.
both pay pew rent as late as Jan., 17G7, but do not sign. These men are prominent in
the Presbyterian movement, and disappear about tins time from the Episcopal records.
This would tally with the publication of the charier which Dec, 1709, " would shortly
be sent up."
On a loose slip of paper in St. George's Records, with memoranda of different dates,
under a most curious " Church a Count of Hatts," and after a date of 1765, is this writing
" Ye Daley Labor I Have stot down in This Count I wold Now if Church wold take
Back ye Seets again Seuce ye Presby terns are Sepyerated."
It was a time when ministers were few, and in 1759 tlicre could scarcely have been
strength enough in both parlies combined to support a minister. Nor was the idea of a
building common to several congregations, so foreign to the necessities of the times as to
our notions ot fitness. The churches so built by Sir Wm. Johnson, at Johnstown, 1763
and 1767, were used in common by Lutherans, Episcopalians and Presbyterians (after
the war the Chun h building of '67 was granted by the legislature to the Piesbyterians
except for eight Sabbaths In the year. — (Gillett Hint. Pres. Ch , I, 888). Moreover, there
was at this time the beginning of a movement in the Dutch church in favor of services
in English. All these circumstances incline me to believe that there was a concerted
effort, independent of denominational control, to erect a building in which there might
be services as occasion offered in the English language in which all classes united
harmoniously, until about 1767, when the Presbyterians felt themselves aggrieved and
withdrew.
Curiously enough, in the plans of St. George's church, to which reference is made,
March, 1766, the " South Door," referred to by Mr. Kelly, is just west ot Mr. Duncan's
pew, and the six " body pews" (there are 17 wall pews) are near the two desks in the
eastern portion of the church, leaving more than half of the body of the church vacant.
In the second plan, winch seems to be of only a little later date, the "south door'
walled up, and there are sixteen "body pews," but removed quite far from the desks
near to the western wall, suggesting in connection with note on taking back the seats,
the query whether in the original building the Presbyterians did not have the western
halt of the church, with a movable desk near the western door, which would then not
unnaturally, be kept closed during worship, entrance being at the south door, for which
no necessity would exist after the Presbyterian exodus. Not earlier than February,
1768, John Moffatt is credited with £14, 12s. Od for " masonry," and as the previous
credits on this account are in 1763, this may indicate the date of the closing of the door
— though work was still being done upon the church, 6th December, 1768, when Mr.
Brown regrets that there is " not one Plasterer in Town," and that for the joiner's work
"the way Mr. Daves and he proposes, will Vastly exceed what we can pretend to do."
Whatever uncertainty may attach to these conjectures, the above items, in conjunc-
tion with the allusion to "the balance due or the first two years' rent," indicate certainly
a regular organization lor Presbyterian worship not later than 1766, and probably at
the time of beginning to budd in 1759, what afterwards became St. George s church
edifice, to which justly or unjustly the Presbyterians made joint claim.
Indian Trade. 409
INDIAN TRADE.
New Netherland was first occupied for the purposes of trade only. For
the first fifteen years but few persons came over, save the servants and
factors of the trading companies. So intent were they upon the Indian
traffic that agriculture was greatly neglected and hardly breadstuffs enough
for the trading posts were raised. The colonization of the country was
neglected or positively discouraged, until the attention of the States General
was called to the fact, when in 1629 they passed an act called Privileges
and Exemptions for the creation of great manors with feudal rights and
powers.
The servants of the United New Netherland company built the first
trading house on the Hudson river on Casteel JEylandt* in the year 1614.
Their charter expired in 1618, at which time their stockaded fort called
Nassau was destroyed by high water, and the post was removed two miles
below at the mouth of the Norman's kil.
The privileged West India company was chartered in 1621, with extra-
ordinary powers of sovereignty and trade, and two years after erected Fort
Orange where Albany now stands. f Manhattens was the port of entry and
departure of all vessels trading with New Netherland, but the chief seat of
the Indian trade was at Fort Orange, where in the business season, to wit,
in June, July and August, the natives gathered in great numbers with their
peltries. Until 1630, the two chartered companies above mentioned claimed,
and practicalty had, a monopoly of the Indian traffic. Van Rensselaer, who
had obtained possession of about 700,000 acres of land around the fort in
that year, claimed not only a share of the profitable beaver trade but the
land also on which Fort Orange stood. Not only so but it was found that
the servants of the West India company as well as interlopers, made private
* This island is now comprehended within the limits of the city of Albany, and is
used for manufacturing purposes.
t [About the steamboat wharf or the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad freight
depot.— M'M.]
52
410 History of the Schenectady Patent.
ventures of their own, so that by 1639, when trade was nominally thrown
open to all, the income of the company from this source had very much
diminished.
In 1652, Stuyvesant established a court at Fort Orange and Beverwyck.
Hitherto the jurisdiction of Rensselaerswyck had extended to all the
inhabitants; but as the boundaries of the little village had not been defined,
there were constant clashings between the two civil authorities thus es-
tablished. With Stuyvesant's courts came municipal rights, excise, taxes,
civil officers and all the privileges thereto belonging; among which was
claimed the monopoly of trade with the Indians.
Every burgher (for outsiders were denied this privilege) who could
purchase an anker of brandy, a tub of beer or a piece of duffels or strouds,
claimed and used his right to trade for beaver, and often forestalled the
market by sending bos loopers, or runners, up the Mohawk to purchase the
natives' peltries. Such was the condition of the Indian trade when the first
settlement was made at Schenectady in 1662.
Having extinguished the Indian title to the " Great Flatt," the settlers
applied for a patent from the Governor and Council, which was granted and
in 1663 the Provincial surveyor was sent up to survey and allot the lands
to the inhabitants, but only on condition that they "promise not to carry on
or allow to be cai-ried on at the aforesaid Flatt or there about any the least
handeling (trade) however it may be called." To this prohibition they
demurred, hoping " they should not be treated less liberally than others."
To this remonstrance Van Curler added a letter to the Governor in which
he says that " it seemed to him that those who followed agriculture ought
not to be worse treated than those who pursue commerce; and that it
would be lamentable were the settlers and their posterity to remain for
ever under the ban of slavery and be excluded from bartering either bread,
milk or the produce of their fanns for a beaver, so as to be able to pur-
chase some covering for their bodies & dwellings." All appeals to Stuy-
vesant were vain. The schout of Fort Orange was ordered to proceed to
Schenectady and take an inventory of all goods brought thither, " as it was
not the intention to build one place for the purpose of bringing ruin on
another, yea on the whole country." Thus the matter rested another year
and not till the spring of 1664, were the lands legally measured and
allotted.
Indian Trade. 411
This arbitrary prohibition, though for the time apparently acquiesced in
by the people, outraged their sense of justice and right. It soon began to
be reported that these trade regulations were disregarded at Schenectady;
Gov. Lovelace therefore in 1669-71, promulgated the following orders and
instructions:
" An order prohibiting to trade with Indyans at Schanechtade
"Whereas I am given to understand that divers persons doe presume con-
trary to former acts and Lawes Establisht within this Govern' to trade with
the Indyans from divers places to Schanechtade and that other of that place
pretending or that the goods really belong to them do trade there with the
Indyans contrary to the custome and practice of former times and the Con-
diceons upon which they first settled, which already doth & hereafter may
tend to the mine & destruction of the trade in the towne of Albany, which
is of farr greater consideragon & benefitt of the governm* — then the private
end and respects of particular persons can redound to, — These are to require
you to see that the former acts and laws in the behalfe aforesaid bee putt in
Execucon and that you take care that no such liberty bee taken or hereafter
graunted for any persons under what pretence whatsoever to traficke or
trade with the Indians at Schanechtade, — And that the Inhabitants have no
further liberty to trade with them but onely for their necessary subsistence
and reliefe, Hereafter you are not to fayle.
"Given under my hand and seale at Fort James in New York this 7th day
of June in the 21st yeare of his Majties Raigne Annoge Dominie, 1669."*
" 11 ap. 1670 [Gov. Lovelace's] Instructions for M. Thomas Delavall &
Capt. Dudly Lovelace at their arrival to Albany;
* * * " To make a prohibition that no strangers coming from hence or
goeing from Albany that have no residence at Schanektade do trade there
and that ye Inhabitants of that place be likewise lymitted as to their Trade
with ye Indians."f * * *
The next year, 1671, the Governor issued another order against trading at
Schenectady of which the following is a copy:
" An order prohibiting handling (trade) with the Indyans at Scheneetide.
" Whereas it has not been found convenient that ye Trade of handling
with the Indians at Scheneetide should bee permitted or tolerated, for that
it may prove a great prejudice to ye towne of Albany; And complaint
having been made unto mee that divers small Partyes of Indyans doe come
privately to Scheneetide wth whom diverse of ye place do presume to Trade
and handle notwithstanding the severall orders to ye contrary; ffor ye pre-
vention whereof for ye future. These are to authorize and Empower Capt.
Sylvester Salisbury, commander of ye Ffort at Albany and Sellout there
* Orders and Warrants, n, 431. f Court of Assize, n, 490.
412 History of the Schenectady Patent.
and in ye places adjacent, as he shall have informacon, or shall see cause, —
to make such search and enquiry in any suspected House at Schenectide
or parts adjacent, for such Indyan Goods as are prohibited to be handled
there; And that hee bring the Transgressors to condigne punishment, ffor
ye doing of which this shall bee his warrant.
"Given this 9lh day of Jan., 1671.
" ffrancis Lovelace."*
The earliest innkeeper of the village was probably Ackes Cornelise Van
Slyck. The privilege of retailing beer and strong waters was granted in
early times by license from the Governor on the payment of a certain yearly
sum as excise. In 1671, Cornells Cornelise Viele, through the commissaries
of Albany, petitioned Governor Lovelace for the right to open another inn
in Schenectady, basing his claim upon services rendered with the Mohawks
and upon the fact that Van Slyck had not suitable accommodations for
strangers, which Viele promised to provide. The Governor granted his
request as appears by the following minute :
" Lycence for Coi'nelys Cornelyssen Vielen to tapp strong Beer &
Liquors at Schanechtide.
"Whereas Comely s Cornelyssen Vielen of Schanechtide having made
his address to ye commissaryes at Albany desii'eing that hee may have
Liberty to tapp Strong Beere & Liquors & to keep an Ordinary, in Recom-
pense for severall services done by him between them and ye Maquaes the
wcb They have recommended to mee for my approbation. But in regard there
is a person already there (by name Aques Cornelyssen Gautsh,f an Indyan)
that doth ye same by Lycense and appointment of my Predecessor, Coll.
Richard Nicolls,J would give no determination therein and it being likewise
represented that ye said Aques hath not sufficient accommodacon for
strangers wch ye said Cornelys Cornelyssen Vielen doth promise to be well
provided off, forye reliefe of Strang" and Travellers, Upon consideracon had
hereupon, I have thought fitt to grant ye request of ye said Cornelys Cor-
nelyssen Vielen &c. Jan. 9, 1671.
" F. Lovelace."
* General Entries, iv, 84. t General Entries rv, 83, 133.
t Alias Aques Cornelise Van Slyck.
The ordinary kept by Van Slyck if it was any thing more than a beer shop, was prob-
ably on the lot on the west corner of Cucumber alley and Washington street. Being a
half breed Mohawk he doubtless had a thriving trade with his tribe not only in fire
water but in whatever else they required.
Viele's ordinary was on the south corner of State street and Mill lane next the church :
he was succeeded by his relative Douwe Aukes, and it was here that the traditional
merry making was held on the eventful night of the 8th Feb., 1690.
Indian Trade. 413
The following year a violent dispute arose between these two tapsters, but
on appealing to the Governor he refused to interfere.
In June, 1678, Gov. Andross being in Albany it would appear that the
Albanians renewed their complaints about the contraband trade at Schenec-
tady, whereupon his excellency laid the little village under an embargo for
three months* by the following extraordinary proclamation:
" By the Governor.
" Whereas I have been Informed of the frequent goeing off waggons or
carts betwixt this place and Shinnectady Upon verry slight or frivolous
occasions or Pretences, which att this time and Season of the year might
Proove Verry Prejudiciall. I have therefore by the advice of the Magis-
trates, Resolved and doe hereby order that for the space of three months
next Ensueing, no waggon cart or carts whatever doe or be Permitted to
goe between said towns unLesse on Extraordinary occasions, with the
Knowledge and consent of the Magistrates, but to carry no Passengers or
merchandable goods whatever upon Penalty off forfeiting all such waggons
or carts and horses. Given under my hand in Albany, 26 day June, 1676.
" Sic sub$cribitur.\
" Andross."
But orders and proclamations were not the only means used against the
offending town. In 1678, sheriff Pretty was sent over " to visit all the
houses" and search for any goods which might possibly be sold to the In-
dians; at the same time the Governor and Council renewed their prohibi-
tions. In anticipation of the sheriff's visit the magistrates of Schenectady
state that they cannot discover that his commission gives him power to
visit Schenectady, but those dependences of Albany which have no bench
of justices. "Indeed," they say, " referring to our commission given by his
Excellency Sept. 6, 1678 it is required that the duty and respect due to our
bench shall be given. Wherefore we can not allow any visit to our place
by the sheriff of Albany."
[signed] Jan Van Epps,
, Daniel Janse [Van Antwerpen]
Harme Vedder,
Barent Janse [Wemp],
Ludovicus Cobes, Schout "*
* The months of June, July and August were called the handel-tyde (business season).
This proclamation was made to cut ofl any supplies for trade at Schenectady.
f General Entries. % Col. MSS., xxvin, 24.
414 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Notwithstanding the above protest, Sheriff Pretty reports Oct. 22, that
he went to Schenectady on the complaint of divers individuals to visit the
houses for contraband goods and that the magistrates resisted him; for
which reason the justices of Albany presented their complaint to the
Governor, setting forth the enormity of the crime which the people of
Schenectady were guilty of in trading with the Indians, and praying for an
abatement of this offence.*
Whereupon the Governor orders
" Sconextady strictly prohibited all Indian trade, as well all other out
places, as pr order to be executed by the court scout of Albany as formerly
against all infringers in sd Sconextedy as in appeals to be in this case of
trade and in all cases relating to itt concluded by ye court of Albany."
And at a council held Oct. 31, 1678, an order was passed "to ye Com-
issarys of Schenechtade minding them of the intent of their settlement for
husbandry and not to trade wth the Injens & to be under the jurisdiction of
Albany as formerly. "f
Neither orders of the Council nor proclamations of the Governor, served
to quell their resistance to the inquisitorial visits of the sheriff. In 1686,
forcible resistance having again been made to sheriff Pretty in the exercise
of his duty at Schenectady, in search for Indian goods, on this occasion
" Myndert Wemp, Reynier Schaets, Gysbert Gerretsen [Van Brakel] and
Adam Vrooman late of Schonectide were brought before the court of Oyer
& Terminer at Albany, and fined 18 shillings each and 3 shillings costs
each."|
Albany was chartered as a city in 1686, before which time though claim-
ing a monopoly of the Indian trade, the magistrates were powerless to pass
ordinances for its regulation, but operated through the Governor and
Council.
Immediately after the granting of the charter, however, the Common
Council passed the following extraordinary ordinances which in a modified
form were renewed from time to time.
" Common Council, City of Albany,
14 Sept., 1686.
"•Governor Dongan having by the city charter of the 22d July last past,
' amongst divers other things granted, ratifyed and confirmed unto us, ye
* Col. MSS., xxvrn, 25, 26. \ Col. MSS., xxvm, 27. % Col. MSS., xxx.
Indian Trade. 415
said Mayor, Alderman and Commonalty of the Citty of Albany to have,
hold and enjoy the Privilege, Preheminence and advantage of having
within our own walls the sole management of ye Trade with all ye Indians,
Living within and to ye Eastward, Northward and Westward of ye said
county of Albany within ye compasse of his said Majesties Dominion here.'
By virtue of said monopoly of trade thus conferred the Common Council
prohibited all ' Trade or Traffique with the Indians for Bever or Peltry or
any Indian Commodities without ye Gates of this Citty; Except for Indian
Corn, Vennison and Drest Dear Skinns on Penalty of forfeiting such
Indian commodities so traded for as aforesaid, and a fine at discretion of
the Court not exceeding £20 Courant Money of this Country.' One-third
to the mayor, one-third to mayor, aldermen and commonalty and one-third
to the person who shall sue for the same;
" That no person shall keep within their houses or elsewhere outside of the
city gates, ' any Gunns, Strouds, Blanketts, Rumm, Powder, Lead or other
Indian goods;'
"That no person within the said Citty or County ' shall take or Receive
on an3^ Pretence whatsoever any Paun or Paunes (zewant excepted) from
any Indian;'
" ' That no person within this Citty shall upon ye arrivall of any Indian or
Indians address themselfs or speak to them of and Concerning Trade, nor
Entice yra Either within or without ye Citty gates by signs or oyr wise how-
soever to trade with themselfs or any other persons.'
Penalty £10 if committed without the gates, and if within Qsh. ;
" ' That no person within this Citty shall send out any Broakers* whether
Christians or Indians,' — Penalty £5.
" That no person shall trade for or Receive any Bevers, Peltry, &c, ' after
ye Ringing of ye Bell.' Wampum, wampum pipes, Indian Jewells, &c,
not to be transported out of the city.
" Whereas it has been for some time past the Practice of Severall Indian
Traders within this Citty themselfs to send for there Indian merchandises
to England,' &c, whereby ' ye Indian Trade is for most part engrossed into
there hands, — the other Traders who for ye smallness of their Stocks want
the means of doing ye Like not being able to afford such Penneworths, have
themselfs bought ye goods of ye merchants here, by means whereof the trade
of the Place is much Decayed, in that our Merchandizes are Rendered by
farr more cheape to ye Indians and by consequence there Commodities
more dear to us,' therefore all Indian traders are prohibited from Importing
any Duffels, Rom, Strouds, Blankets, Plains, half-thicks, woolen stockings,
White ozenbridge, Kitles, Hatchetts, hoes, Redlead, Vermillion, Cotton,
Redkersey, Indian haberdashery or any oyr Indian goods;' — upon penalty
of paying £40 on every £100 of their value.
* Brokers = bos loopers.
416 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" Whereas the selling of ye Severall Small Indian wares hereinafter named
would conduce much to ye affording ' of a Comfortable Livelyhood to
Severall People — Inhabitants within this Citty, whose mean stocks renders
them uncapable of dealing in Commodities of greater Value, in ye doeing
whereof they are obstructed by ye Constant Resort of ye Indians to such
Persons, as sell all sorts of goods, for ye Remedy whereof and for the making
a more equall Distribucon of ye Indian trade amonst ye inhabitants of this
Citty; — Its hereby ordered that no Trader who hereafter shall sell or Dis-
pose off to any Indian or Indians whatsoever, Duffels, Strouds Blanketts or
other Indian goods of Value; — shall or may sell these small wares after-
mentioned, vizt. Knives, Lookeing Glasses, Painting Stuff, Boxes Aules,
tobacco-Pipes, Tobacco, Tobacco-boxes, flints, Steels, Sizers, wire of any
sort, Ribboning, Bottles, thread, Salt, Sugar, Prunes, apples, Razines, Juise-
harps, bells, thimbles, Beeds, Indian Combs and needles,' — Under penalty
of 20 sh. And because there might be a ' Violent presumption ' but no
positive proof of a violation of these, any trader might be required to take
his oath that he had not violated them, upon the instance of any person
who believed him to have violated them."*
These severe ordinances had not the effect of confining the Indian trade
within the walls of Albany; — her own citizens were as great offenders as
those in the country; and again they appeal to the Governor for aid, com-
plaining that their " small trade is snatch't away by the inhabitants of
Schenectady and others in the County, who not only sell all sorts of goods,
but rum and other strong liquors * to the Indians without paying any
excise for ye same to the apparent diminution and impoverishment of his
Majestes revenue of this Province."!
The following remarks on the Indian trade as connected with the settle-
ment of the back country were made in a communication of Robert
Livingston to the Board of Trade in 1701. As secretary of Albany for
many years he was well able to give advice on this subject.
* * * " I humbly beg leave to propose. * * *
That his Majesty's subjects be encouraged to extend their settlements
into the Country, under cover of said forts, by the liberty of the Indian
* Col. MSS., xxxiv. f Col. Doc, iv, 753.
J 15 Jan., 1716-7, Albany.
Whereas ye chamberlain of this city complains that Caleb Beck of Schinnectady is
severall year in arrear for his liberty to draw or sell liquor by retaile
Resolved, that he be ordered to make an account how much he is in arrear, and that
Mr. John Collins be employed to prosecute the said Caleb Beck in behalf of ye Com-
monalty.— Albany City Bee, Albany An., vn, 61.
Indian Trade. 417
trade, without being imposed upon by the City of Albany or any other
town or City. The City of Albany always praetis'd to hinder such settle-
ments, because they have ingrossed the Indian trade in this Province, and
having built large houses and made good farms and settlements near to
Albany care not to leave them to go further into the Country and will not
suffer others to goe beyond them to intercept the trade; and the giving of
land gratis to soldiers or planters (who know better how to use it) will not
tempt them to remove so farr into the country; the Indian trade will do it
as the inland country comes to be settled it will be valuable, not before.*
Notwithstanding the resistance to and rough handling to which the
sheriff of Albany was subjected in his former inquisitorial visits to Schen-
ectady, these searches did not cease, or if he had sufficient reason to suspect
a citizen of possessing Indian goods, he cited him to appear before the
mayor's court in Albany to answer for this offence.
Thus two pieces of strouds having been found in the house of Volkert
Symonse Veeder in 1719, he was cited to appear and answer before the
court why the same should not be condemned according to the city charter.
On Aug. 11th, "the court having taken into consideration the two
pieces of Strowd seized by Adam Haydon Deputy Sheriff, from Volkert
Symonse, do condemn them to be disposed off according to the directions
of ye charter of ye City of Albany."
But on application' of Veeder, the Common Council released their third
of the goods condemned.!
Again in 1721, Henry Holland sheriff of the county, " made a seizure of
some Strowds at Schinectady lying to ye North of ye East and West lines
drawn from y6 North limitts of this City, which has been duly condemned;"
and as an additional penalty of £100 for every such offence might be in-
flicted according to an act of the Provincial Assembly, Governor Burnet
gave orders " to stop ye execution for levying ye sd fine," " wherefore "
say the Common Council in their petition, " we hope that your Ex"y for y"
safety and prosperity of this City will be pleased to lett the Law have its
course wh. if not duly observed we humbly conceive will tend to ye rum.
and destruction of ye Inhabitants of ye sd City."J
Again in 1723 and 1724 we find another citation issued to the sheriff, —
for Isaac Truex and Van Slyck of Schenectady.
Hitherto the jurisdiction of the city of Albany over the village of Schen-
ectady in the matter of trade, had not been contested in the highest court
* Col. Doc, iv, 874. f Albany Annals, vin, 236-7.
X Albany Annals, vm, 2G9.
53
418 History of the Schenectady Patent.
of the Province but had been reluctantly and sullenly acquiesced in; in the
year 1723 however, began a legal contest, which in 1727 resulted in freeing
Schenectady from the authority of those hateful ordinances that had fettered
its trade for more than fifty years.
Johannes Myndertse, a trader residing on the west corner of Mill lane
and State street was on the 15th June, 1723, informed against by Johannes
E. Wendell and Robert Roseboom with having " taken Indians with bever
& peltry in his house."
Whereupon a warrant was issued to the sheriff to bring said Myndertse
before the Common Council " to answer for his said offence." When brought
before the court on the 25th June, and charged with the above offence "he
confessed to have taken Indians into his house." Whereupon a fine of ten
pounds was imposed upon him and the sheriff was directed to commit him
to gaol until said fine was paid.
He was detained however, only " till a Habeas Corpus was sent, for re-
moving him to the next Supreme Court " where he immediately commenced
an action against Johannes Pruyn, Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders,
Dirck Ten Brocck and Johannes De Peyster, Esqrs, aldermen of the city of
Albany for trespass and false imprisonment.
Feeling confident of a verdict against Myndertse in the above suit, the
Common Council shortly thereafter, to wit, on Feb. 1st, 1724, "Resolved
that the following articles be concluded and remain as a standing rule till
the same be effected:
" That Johannis Myndertse pay the ten pound and charges accrud there-
on, and the witnesses against Nicholas Schuyler be further examind;"
"That an ordinance be made for the better regulation of the Indian trade
in the city of Albany, against Schinnechtady and elsewhere to the West-
ward, northward & Eastward;"
"That no lycences be granted to the Indian Traders at Schinnectady as
Johannis Myndertse, Nicholas Schuyler, Harmanus Vedder, Harme Van
Slyck, Jan Baptist Van Eps, Barent Vrooman, Maritie Brouwers, &c, nor
to any above Schinnectady and others to the north of this city which cant
be otherwise but stretch to the Ruine of this city."
Not only did the Common Council make it a standing rule that Myndertse
should pay the fine of ten pounds and charges, but in April, 1724, they
resolved to employ Evert Wendell " to sue Philip Verplanck, late sheriff
for ten pound & charges accrued in prosecuting Johannis Myndertse, for
suffering the sd Myndertse to escape out of his custody being committed in
the Comon gaol for refusing to pay a fine of ten pound."
Indian Trade. 419
Myndertse's suit against the Common Council commenced in 1723, was
not determined in the Supreme Court until 1727, and then in his favor.
As a consequence the defendants, Johannes Pruyn, Dirck Ten Broeck,
Barent Sanders, Ilendrick Roseboom and John De Peyster were mulcted
and an execution was served upon them for £38 — Is. for damages and costs,
which with sheriff's fees amounted to £41 9s. 3c?.*
Thus was finally settled the right of the inhabitants of Schenectady to
trade with the Indians, after innumerable annoyances from sheriff's visits,
court citations and fines for more than sixty years.
The trade in strong liquors both at Albany and Schenectady had very
disastrous effects upon the Indians and was often spoken against by the
better class of whites and natives. Thus in 1687 Col. Peter Schuyler wrote
to the Governor, " we find that the selling of strong liquor to the Indians is
a great hindrance to all designs they take in hand; they stay a drinking
continually at Schinectady; if your Excell: would be pleased to prohibit itt
for two or three months it would do very well."f
So also at a convention of the four nations at Albany, 3 Sept., 1720, Hen-
drick in the name of the Sachems acquainted the president " that it was Im-
possible they Could Exercise their Devotions as, Long as rum was sold so
Publickly in their Country ; that Joho. Harmense [Visscher], Capt. Scott,
Joseph Clement and Thomas Wileman sold Rum so plentifully as if it ware
water out of a fountain and that if it cannot be Privinted they cannot Live
Peaceably in their Castle."J
Again at an Indian Couucil held in New York, June 12, 1753, Hendrick
Sachem of the Mohawks, spake as follows :
" Brother I am going to tell you how many persons we design to drive
away from our Lands, viz : Barclay, Pickett's wife who lives just by us and
who does us a great deal of Damage by selling us liquors and by that means
making us destroy one another."§
Sir. Wm. Johnson at an Indian council held Feb. 26, 1756, addressed
them iu regard to trade, promising that as he had no goods to sell (himself)
he would take all possible care that they should not be imposed upon in
their trade at Schenectady. "I shall give directions to Mr. (Arent) Stevens,
the interpreter, to assist you and see that justice be done you in every re-
spect for I have a great I'egard for your castle."|| He also gave directions
* Common Council Minutes of city of Albany.
t Col. MSS., in, 479. % Col. Doc, v, 569.
§ Col. Doc, vi, 783. | Col. Doc, vn, 70.
420 History of the Schenectady Patent.
March 26th, to Myndert Wemp of Schenectady, to stay in the Senecaa'
country " till their corn was a foot higher in order to keep their Arms and
Working Utensils in Repair."*
Returning, 29th April, Wemp reported that the scarcity of provisions wag
such among the Senecas, that the Indians told him he must leave, for they
could not supply him and his son with food. He also reported to Sir Wil-
liam that they were greatly pleased at his promise to build them a fort and
that they desired " some of Myndert Wemp's sons when the Fort was built
might reside there as they understood their language and were known to
them and were smiths."
In respect to the illicit trade in rum, Wemp reported that last winter John
Abeelf (of Albany) " brought so much Rum & sold it amongst the Indians
& caused so much drunkenness that he was greatly molested and hindered
in his work by it and when he threatened John Abeel that he would com-
plain against "him he said he did not care ; he would sell it and that for
every quart of Rum he sold he got a Spanish Dollar."
The sole motive of establishing the various Dutch stations in the New
Netherlands being trade — they were from the first simply trading posts.
Some gardening and farming was done by nearly all the people but all were
traders in Indian goods. Their standard of value was the "good merchanta-
ble beaver" sometimes quoting its value in guilders (money of the Nether-
lands) or in " guilders sewant," the alternative currency.
The trader had strouds and duffels, beads and other gew-gaws, guns,
powder, lead, rum, molasses, sugar, pans, kettles, knives, axes, hatchets and
other simple utensils, hoop iron to make arrow heads of and files to make
them with and some pottery.
The Indian had skins of animals, such as the elk, deer, fox, wolf, polecat,
etc. and most valuable of all, furnishing the standard of value of the Indian
trade, the fur skin of the beaver. Even to this day Holland furriers excel
in dressing most of these furs, though by a somewhat singular coincidence
* Col. Doc, vii, 95.
f [John Abeel settled on the present site of Fort Plain. Probably all Indian traders
who resided among the Indians had Indian wives. It is supposed that Abeel was the
father of the famous chief Cornplanler, who was a friend of Washington and who died
on his tract of land on the Allegheny river, within the state of Pennsylvania. A
monumeut erected to his memory bears an inscription which states he was the son of
John O'Ball.— M'M.]
Indian Trade. * 421
Albany, " the oldest Dutch settlement in the New Netherlands," produces
finer finished and more enduring dyed furs than any other city in the world.
As the posts grew in population, more and more of the inhabitants devoted
all their time to some other pursuit, but even to a very late day merely as
an auxiliary to the Indian trade. Grants of " bouwlands " in out of the way
valleys simply gave the bouwers a nearer approach to some band of Indians
with whom they could trade.
The Manor of Rensselaer — twenty-four by forty-eight miles — included
the valley of Norman's kil, the junction of the Mohawk and upper Hudson
and had practical control of the Indian trade of a thousand square miles
of the best hunting lands of the Iroquois and River Indians. The West
India Company's trading post was in competition and bos loopers from
Beverwyck and the Colonie Rensselaerswyck scoured the territory of the
various tribes as assiduously as the modern "drummers" — of whom they were
the proto-types. The affairs of the Colonie and Manor — were directed for
a time by Arent Van Curler who had visited some of the Indian castles more
than once, doubtless in the interests of trade. The Mohawks after the
coming of the whites, receded from the line of the Hudson where they had a
town at mouth of Norman's kil, and later deeded away the beautiful
tract upon which Vau Curler many years before had looked with covetous
as well as admiring eyes, — the "Great Flatt of the Mohawks." Officially
this infant settlement was born in 1661, but there must have been for years
before a number of bos loopers, if not regular traders, at the Indian villagef
—which was on the site.
Then began the war against Schenectady which lay in the throat of the
valley of the Mohawk, and by its proximity to the Indian castles and
affiliation or intermarriage of many of its people with the Indians, had the
decided advantage of getting the greater number as well as first choice of
furs, as the Indians possessed limited means of transportation and were
caved the difficult "carry " at the Cohoes Falls. This advantage was some-
what offset by its exposed situation — so exposed that only the Indian blood
in the veins of many of the second generation kept it in existence, but the
* North of Clinton Avenue, Albany.
\ Of great age as attested by the immense quantity of remains found within the present
Bite of the city.
422 History of the Schenectady Patent.
settlers of that time who were accustomed to the barbarities of the wars
of Spain and France in the old world as well as the battle of the low
countries with the sea, were too hardy to fly from any threatened danger nor
until it had appeared and had exhausted them in the unequal strife.
During more than sixty years after the settlement at the " Groote
Vlachte," there had been contraband trade only, — there was much of that,
as shown by the court records of Albany.
After 1727, by decision of the highest court in the Province, trade was
made free. The flow of emigration to the westward; the coming of the
Palatines who had been despoiled of their houses in the Palatinate and
were settling on the upper Mohawk and along the Scoharie; the Scotch
and Irish settlers of the hill lands, pushed the frontier further off and greatly
increased the volumes of trade.
"With free trade came traders, who receiving their goods in bulk at Albany,
distributed them at and beyond * Schenectady. Better roads were made
from Albany to the foot of navigation here, as owing to the impediments
in the lower Mohawk, Schenectady was always the best place of departure
while the distance from Albany was little if any greater than points farther
down the stream.
The Schenectadans who had traded in defiance of the law, were ready
for the new conditions and extended their journeys to the extreme westernf
parts of the State and even to Detroit and Michilimackinac in later years.
* The first merchant in the Mohawk Valley west of Schenectady, was Major Jellis
Fonda, a son of Douw Fonda — an early settler at Caughnawaga. For many years he
carried on an extensive business for the times, at the latter place, — trading with the
white citizens of the valley, and the natives of western New York; the latter trade
being carried on at old Fort Schuyler, now Utica; Fort Schuyler (called in the Revolu-
tion Fort Schuyler), now Rome, and Forts Oswego, Niagara and Schlesser. An
abstract from his ledger shows an indebtedness of his customers at one time just before
the Revolution, amounting to over ten thousand dollars. Many of his goods he im-
ported directly from London. To his Indian customers he sold blankets, trinkets,
ammunition and rum ; and received in return, peltries and ginseng root. The latter
was at that time an important item among the exports of what was then western New
York ; and the two named, added to the article of potash, almost the only commodities
purchased in a foreign market. — Simm's Hist., p. 136.
f Congress of the Six Nations at Johnson Hall,
A p. 9, 1773.
He (Sir Wm. Johnson), then acquainted them (tho Indians), with the intelligence
he had just received from the Geueral respecting the conduct of the Pawtawatamies, six
Indian Trade. 423
Canoes afforded the only means of transit by water at the earlier periods
They were the simple bark or log canoe — very light and carrying considerable
cargo. One or two men sitting in the bottom, propelled the little vessel by
paddles and at riffs or shallow places waded and pushed or pulled it over.
Where water failed them or the fall could not thus be overcome — the boat
and cargo were carried around the portage, when navigation was again
resumed.
Later, the cargoes were heavier and boats called batteaux were used.
They were paddled or poled, or towed by men along the bank or the shallow
places.
POLING A BATTEAU,
In the riffs a channel was made by throwing out boulders which were
in the way.
In time the line of deepest water became defined and all the riffs came
to be named and were land marks in the itineraries of travelers.
The efforts of the boatmen during a century were furthered by the " In-
land Lock and Navigation Company," which built a series of wing dams on
all the riffs. They were usually crude affairs and intended only to serve
their office in low water.
These wing dams — collections of stone which were dragged from the
channel and arranged in shape of a V5 the wings stretching over the shallow
from the shore to the centre, where there was a narrow outlet. The effect
of this was to throw what water there was into the centre of the stream and
float the boat. Then by dint of wind and muscle— sail and poles, and men
towing at a long line, the boat was hauled over the rapid into stiller water
again and so pursued her journey.
of whom, and three squaws last December had wounded and attempted to murder Mr.
Van Slyck a considerable trader at St. Joseph's, killed one of his people and dangerously
wounded another, and that one Indian was killed, and two wounded. That, Air. Van
Slyck was obliged to fly leaving goods of his and Mr. McComb's of above £1,500 value
behind them — Col. Doc, vin, 368.
Jacob Brouwer, an Indian trader, was "barbarously murdered" at the falls on the
Oswego river, in the spring of 1730, by an Onondaga Indian.— N. T. Goun. Min..
xvi, 28.
424
History of the Schenectady Patent.
The later form of boat which carried a fair cargo, and which held its own
until the Erie canal sounded the death knell of the Mohawk river as a navi-
gable stream, was the " Durham" boat, said to have been first used on Long
Island Sound. The name occurs early as a Dorem or Deurem. The Dorey
or Dorry common along the coast is probably similarly derived.
The Schenectady Durham boat was the pride of the place, and extensive
boat yards were employed in construction and repair of these crafts, which
were roughly treated by the boulders on the many riffs and landing places.
DURHAM BOAT PASSING A RIFF.
This gallant craft was broad, flat bottomed and straight sided with easy
lines at bow and stern to help her flotation on striking a rapid. She was
decked fore and aft and along the gunwales which were cleated to give
footholds for the boatmen. The balance of the deck was open and in the
well hole thus formed was stored the cargo, covered from the weather if
necessary by canvass tarpaulins.
A mast was stepped near the bow and was equipped with square sails.
When wind and tide were favorable these Durhams sailed easily, but
owing to the crookedness of the channel and its shallowness, this was only
for very short reaches. The main reliance was on the pole or tow line using
the sails as an auxiliary power only.*
In the cut taken from a work published many years ago a boat is seen
forcing a "riff." The wing dams are shown — the sails are filled by a breeze
dead astern and the crew are wading and pushing the craft through the
pass.
* Schultz Journal.
Indian Trade. 425
As the country became more fully settled — and more especially after the
Revolution, the traffic on the river grew to immense proportions. A stone
tramway was built at enormous cost by the " Albany and Schenectady turn-
pike company," to expedite the hauling of goods to the harbor on the
Binne kil, which in time was lined with batteaux and Durham boats load-
ing or discharging cargoes.
The goods were simply supplies for farmers, going west and farm staples
coming east, and need no further description.
The New York Central Railroad carries many thousand times the bur-
then of the Mohawk flotilla but Schenectady profits relatively less thereby,
while the picturesque element has gone completely.
54
426 History of the Schenectady Patent.
BOROUGH AND CITY CHARTER, 1765 AND 1798.
The inhabitants of the township of Schenectady for more than a hundred
years from its first settlement, had enjoyed no civil privileges or political
rights other than those appertaining to other towns in the Province.
During and subsequent to the French war, which closed in 1763, the
town made rapid growth in population and importance.
All goods and supplies destined for the western tribes and forts were em-
barked in batteaux at this point, and all furs and peltries received in return
passed through Schenectady for New York. To prevent disorders and
excesses, therefore, in so large an influx of foreign people, the magistrates
and people were anxious to secure an independent government and in 1763
and 1764, applied to Governor Monckton for a city or borough charter.
Their petition dated April 11, 1763,* was laid before the Governor and
Council April 19, 1764; — on the 2d of May following, the corporation of
Albany presented a counter petition, which though it may have delayed
did not prevent the granting the Charter.
* " To the Honble Cadwallader Colden, Esq., His Majesties
Lieut. Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of
New York and the Territories thereon depending in Ameiica,
in Council.
"The petition of the principal Inhabitants of the Township of Schenectady, whose
names are Subscribed to the Schedule hereunto annexed, in behalf of themselves, and
the rest of the Inhabitants of the said town,
" Humbly Slieweth
" that the Town of Schenectady is an Ancient Town, scituate on the Mohawk river
and with the Lands thereunto belonging, is thus described in the respective Grants
thereof:—' Beginning at the Maqucs River by the Town of Schonectady and from thence
runs on both sides of the River to a certain place called by the Indians Canqvarioeny,
being reputed three Dutch or twelve English miles; and from the said Town of Schon-
ectady down the river, one Dutch or four English miles to a kil or creek called the
Ad Floats, and from the said Maques River into the Woods south towards Albany to
the Sand kil, one Dutch mile, and as much on the other side of the River north,
bein°- one Dutch mile more,'— the said tract was conveyed by the Indian Proprie-
tors^thereof in the name of certain Trustees, for the use of the Inhabitants of said
town by their deed dated the third day of July, 1672, and granted and confirmed to
Trustees for their use, by Col. Thomas Dongan then Governor of this Province, under
his Royal Highness the Duke ot lork, by Patent dated the First day of November, 1084.
The Borough. 427
This struggle had been going on for many years and after securing
freedom of trade, the citizens of Schenectady hoped for, and Albany feared,
their complete emancipation from the control of the latter city.
The latter were alert as the following correspondence indicates:
Albany, 21st Feb., 1761.
Gentlemen :
We are apprehensive that we will be obliged to contend with the Inhabitants of
Schonectady about the Bounds and Jurisdictiou of our City.
We inclose you a Copy of our Charter dated 1686 in July, and a Copy of the Schonec-
tady Patent dated Nov., 1684, with a Map of the Premisses, therefore desire you will
send us your Opinions as soon as may be ; you will observe by the Patent that his
Majesties grants to rive Trustees for the use and behoof of the Inhabitants of the Town
of Schonectady.
1st Station.
A certain Tract of Land beginning at the Maquas River by the Town of Schonectady
(See the Map at D), which from thence runs westerly on both sides up the said River to
a certain Place called by the Indians Kagwarione being reputed three Dutch or twelve
English Miles as at F on the Map.
2d Station.
And from the said Towu of Schonectady down the River one Dutch or four English
Miles to a Kill or Creek called the Ael Place at E.
" That the said town from its advantageous situation ou the Mohawk River, the only
communication by water to the numerous Tribes of Indians to the West, has long been
the place where all goods intended for the Indian trade, have been imbarked. and at
which all the returns have been unladen ;— that this intercourse with the Western Nations
and the extent of the important commerce with them has long occasoued not only a
great increase of Inhabitants of the said Town and the parts adjacent, but also a vast
resort of others imployed in carrying on that trade, all which have for some years been
highly augmented by the communication and Support of the various fortresses occupied
by us, in these extended countries, that amongst so great a concourse of People, many
crimes and excesses are frequently committed, to the great Prejudice of His Majesties
subjects, and disturbances of the Publice pace, which it is to be feared will increase for
want of sound wholesome Regulations for the Government of the said Town.
Your Petitioners therefore most humbly pray that your
honour will be pleased to take the premises into your favor-
able consideration and create the said town a city, incorpora-
ting the Inhabitants with such officers, powers, privileges
and Immunities and Liberties, as to your honour shall
seem meet,
And your Petitioners shall ever pray etc.
We whose names are hereunto subscribed, being the magistrates, the officers of the
militia, the ministers and Church Wardens joined with the principal Freeholders of the
428
History of the Schenectady Patent.
3d Station.
And from the said Maquas River into the Woods South towards Albany to the Sd
Kill one Dutch Mile at G or H.
4th Station.
And as much on the other side of the said River North being one Dutch Mile more
as at
His Majesty reserves all Grist Mills and Saw Mills already built or hereafter to be
built, as the above Lines do not close and the meaning must have been to take in
Lands.
How are the Inhabitants of Schonectady to run their Lines to Entitle them to any
Lands? they make pretence to one Dutch Mile on each side of the River from the Ael
Place at E to Kanoweryone at F which we conceive they have no right to.
How do you understand the Words of the 1st Station? (a certain Tract of Land on
both sides up the River &ca)
How do you understand the Words of the 3d Station ? (and from the said Maquas
River into the Woods South towards Albany to the sd Kill one Dutch Mile as at G.
township of Schenectady, do hereby agree that a Petition shall be made to his Excel-
lent Governor Mcnckton, in our name, to have the said town of Schoueetady made in
a Corporation City, as Witness our said names in Schonectady April the 11th 1763.
John Duncan. J. P. John Fisher
John Duncan for John Glen Jr.
Daniel Campbell by his order Isaac Vrooinan Justices
B. Vrooman, minister of the Gospel
Jacobus Van Slyck, Coll,
Joseph R. Yates, Town Major.
[— Council Mm.,xs.nt, 469, 472.1
We the Subscribers, Freeholders of the Township of Schenectady, do hereby agree
that a Petition be made to his Excellency Governor Moncktou, to Endeavour to get a
charter for this town, to be made a county town corporation, April 12, 1763.
John Hale [Hall], ^Karel H. Toll,
John Steveus, Jacob Swits,
ReyerMeyndertse
Maas Van Vranken,
Arent Andriese Bratt,
Samuel Vedder,
John Cuyler Jr.,
Jno. Brouwer,
Peti-us Vander Volge,
John Mynderse,
Harmanus Bratt,
Johannes Vedder,
Hendrik Brouwer,
Elias Post,
Cornelius Vrooman,
Peter Fonda,
Reuben Horsford,
C. V. D. Volge,
John S. Vrooman,
Cornel8 Runkel,
Jacob Vrooman,
Henry Glen,
Jno. Vedder,
Isaac Vredenburgh,
Jno. Van Sice,
Hendr- Vcder,
William Scherrnerhorn,
Barent Veder,
Christopher Velthuyse,
Abraham Wemple,
Corn8 V. D. Volgen,
Henry Peck,
Job: Van A-itwerpe,
Isaac Marselis,
Fouli Van rene, (?)
John J. Bastiau,
Andrew Truax,
Abm Truax,
Thos. Brouwer Bancker,
Adam Smith."
[Toll Papers.]
The Borough. 429
The Scbonectady People take this to he in their favour and insist upon it that the Ab-
breviation Sd Kill is intended for Sand Kill at H), and that it gives them a Dutch Mile
all along the river from E to F, and the same on the other Side of the River by the 4
Station — if you Think that the Abbreviation Sd may be taken for (Sand) as the Schon-
ectady People will have it lhan it will be Sand Kill as at II in the Map which be it at
G or H must they not run from thence to Scbonectady at D ? if not must they not then
go with a Straight Line to Kanoweryone at F ?
The Bounds of the City of Albany you will find in the Charter inclosed Page 4 viz :
from — the South by a Line to be drawn from the Southerraost end of the Pasture at the
North end of the Said Island called Martea Gerretsons Island at B, runuiug back into
the Woods sixteen English Miles Due North West to a certain Kill or Creek called the
Sand Kill.
Must this Line be run North West as the Needle Points as you see the Prickt Line in
the Map ? or must this Line be run North 33 D : West so as to Touch the Sand Kill at
C ? which is near Due north West wanting only two Degrees if we allow Ten Degrees
for Variation, if the Latter must we then stop at the Sant Kill winch is 14 Miles and 37
Chains from the River ? or must we extend the 16 Miles on the North to a Line to be
drawn from the Post that was set by Governour Styvesant near Hudsons River running
Likewise, North West Sixteen English Miles and on the West by a straight Line to be
drawn from the Points of the Said South & north Lines follow the Charter from (B) to
C. If you are of Opiuion that the South Line is to touch at the Sand Kill from (B) to
(C,) are we then to run parrellel to that Line? or must we run the cource of the Prickt
Line and must we stop at the same Length or must we extend to the end of the 16
Miles?
If you should Judge that the Lines of the Scbonectady Patent should Interfiere with
the Bounds of our Charter (as the Charter seems to be very express as to the Jurisdic-
tion). Tho older then the Charter will they not be subject to our Jurisdiction ? And
as his Majesty reserves alt Grist Mills and Saw Mills out of their Patent, will not they
belong to us tho the Soil should be theirs ? (see Albany Charter Page 3, at A.)
Whatsoever information you may want to give you a further Idea hereof you may
have from Messr Ten Eyck, Dow and Ten Broeck.
We are apprehensive that the People of Schonectady are or have been about obtaining
a Charter or some instrument or other whereby they might be excluded from our & have
a Court and Jurisdiction of their own which We conceive would be a detriment to this
City ; we therefore would also have you to Consider whether if such a thing was At-
tempted, there Would be a probability of their succeeding and what steps would be
necessary for us to take in order to prevent them.
By order of Common Councill,
Ha. Gansevoort,
Clerk.
430 History of the Schenectady Patent.
In accordance with this petition Lt. Governor Colden, on the 22d
of October, 1*765, granted the inhabitants a borough charter, seemingly-
fashioned after an English model, with great care, formality and minute-
ness, which is as worthy to be called a city charter as any that have suc-
ceeded it.
After reciting the chief facts stated in the petition, the boundaries of the
township, the Dongan patent, the advantageous situation of the village; and
the necessity of a city government to restrain those employed in the carrying
trade from crimes and excesses, — the Lt. Governor created " said township
of Schenectady a borough town " under the name of the Borough town of
Schenectady, and the " Mayor, Aldermen and commonalty of the said
borough town of Schenectady one Body Politick and corporate by the name
& title of the Mayor, Aldermen and commonalty of the Borough town of
Schenectady."
The following is a list of the first officers named in the charter, Isaac
Vrooman for mayor; John Duncan, Recorder; Jacobus Van Slyke, John
Glen, Jr., John Sanders, Daniel Campbell, John Visger and John B. Van
Eps, — Aldermen; — Garret Lansing, Rynier Myndertse, Ryer Schermerhorn,
Tobias Ten Eyck, Cornelius Cuyler and Hermanus Bradt, Assistants; —
Thomas Mcllworth town clerk; Christopher Yates, Treasurer or chamber-
lain; Isaac Merselis and Isaac Swits, assessors; Barent S. Veder, Collector;
Richard Collins High-Constable; Thomas Murray, Hermanus Terwilliger,
John Van Vorst, Charles Dennison, James Dunlop, and John Wassou Jr.,
sub-constables; and Alexander Campbell, Sergeant of the Mace. The mayor
recorder and town clerk were to be appointed and were removable by the
Governor and Council ; the aldermen and assistants, assessors, collector and
constables were elected by the plurality of votes, or voices of the freeman
assembled yearly for that purpose, on the feast day of St. Michael the Arch-
angel,— the high-constable and chamberlain were named by the mayor and
Common Council and the sergeant of the Mace by the Mayor.
The mayor or recorder with three or more aldermen and three or more
assistants, by the name of the " Common Council of the Borough town of
Schenectady " — were to have power to " make laws, ordinances, &c, for the
good rule of the Borough aforesaid," and the trade carried on there, for
regulating the watermen and ferriage, for the preserving and selling the
lands of Schenectady, &c, — to remain in force for twelve months. The
freemen of the borough were to be such persons of lawful age as had been
The Borough. . 431
born therein, or such as had resided therein ten years previously, or such
as had that privilege granted by the Common Council, and none but free-
men were allowed to use any art, trade or mystery, or to expose for sale
any manner of goods or wares at retail under penalty of five pounds.
It is doubtful if this very elaborate charter was ever carried into effect;
it was altogether too complicated a piece of machinery for the simple
minded burghers of Schenectady. The mayor, recorder, aldermen and as-
sistants were called together the following December to hear it read and
take their official oaths; whether they ever met again or performed any
acts under it is not known, no records being now extant of their doings.*
A fatal defect of this charter was, that it did not finally dispose of the
dispute about the management of the common lands; the trustees appointed
under Arent Bradt's will did not relinquish their office and power to the
new Common Council; they still held and managed all the property of the
town.
Soon after this charter was granted the contest for independence began
with the mother country. All local differences were merged in this, and
it was not until some years after the war closed, that the dispute about the
public lands of the town was settled and a new city charter obtained.
In the beginning of the year 1798, the Board of Trustees of Schenectady
petitioned the Legislature for the passage of a bill which they had pro-
cured to be drawn up by Abraham Van Vechten of Albany; and on the
]3th Feb., a resolution was passed by the Board in relation thereto as
follows, — " that unless the principles of our bill now before the Legislature,
according to resolution of this Board, or the amendments now made by this
Board be inserted in the bill now pending in the Legislation, and should
those amendments not be inserted, we therefore Resolve that we will never
surrender or convey our right & trust, and that we appoint Abm Oothout,
John Glen, Jellis Fonda, & Nicholas Veeder a Committee [who] shall im-
mediately petition the Legislature and recall our former Petition." On
* The following is the call for the first meeting of the Common Council under this
charter.
" Isaac Vroornan, Esq., Mayor, & Jno. Duncan, Esq , Recorder of the Borrowgh town
of Schenectady, as appointed by Charter bearing date the 23d Octr Last, is now arraived,
Desires Theire Compliments To Reyer Schermerhorn, Esq., assistant Alderman for said
Bin-rough, & Beggs the favour of his Company at the House of Alexander Campbell
Tavernkeeper, on Monday Next the 2d December, at Ten O'Clock in the forenoon, in
order to Take the Oatli ol Office & be present at reading The Charter. November the
29th, 1765.
432 History of the Schenectady Patent.
the 26 Feb., said committee "reported that they have perused a bill, which
was to be laid before the Legislature, which they disproved of; — having
added several amendments to the said Bill, Therefore Resolved by this
Board that John Glen, Abm Oothout, Andries Van Petten & Jellis Fonda,
being appointed a committee to go to Albany in order to examine the said
Bill and if approved of by said Committee, then the said Bill to be delivered
into the Legislature, — Otherwise to lay in a remonstrance before the Legis-
lature, to recall the petition of the Board of trustees."*
After many conferences between the inhabitants and the trustees, a
common understanding was finally reached, which resulted, March 26th,
1798, in an act to incorporate all the freemen within the ancient limits of
the township into one body politic " by the name of the Mayor, aldermen
& Commonalty of the city of Schenectady."
By this charter the surviving trustees became divested voluntarily of
all right and claim over the common lands, the same being vested in the
mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city, three commissioners were
appointed to settle all accounts against and in favor of the trust, and it
was provided by the act that no sale or transfer of the common lands
should be made " unless two thirds of the whole number of aldermen and
assistants of said City shall give their assent to such sale."
The territory embraced in the city limits was divided into four wards, the
present town of Glenville forming the fourth ward, Rotterdam the third,
and the village including the territory to the east line of the patent formed
the first and second wards, Union street and the Niskayuna road being the
dividing line.
All monies received for rents or sale of lands was to be divided between
the four wards, one half for the first and second wards, and one quarter for
each the third and fourth wards ; and finally " all the unimproved woodlands
within the limits and bounds of Schenectady which shall not have been
lawfully granted by said trustees at the time of passing this act-" were to
remain "in common for timber and fuel for the use of the free-holders and
inhabitants aforesaid," and it was not lawful for the common council to
sell any part of the same.
* Min. Board Trustees of Schenectady.
/iv tAs CeutUry oftfu viat ffatumsprvptrismjanttftatpart wiihin which tAr\ prirwipaMjy rafide
astkey r&suU wUAtn M/ UxtUa . i GrntyoAitr* parteftfa 0nsi,da,£Z>un&y
Utsals* " Ufa '■■ ■' • ■■•'■■>■ fbrm fii. st€£h Ifati&n art enu&e&hawf a
Explanation
A. .Indian VUiaatj
a, i kief Jt-n'i) orUargt ViUag
Jn.dia.ri Path J &
Jlir JOouincLa.rti Jettlect with the
J„Ma„, in Ot?g U 'f'Jr,-,/,,./ (\
To His Excellency
William Tryon Esq'
i Genera! & Governor m Chiei
Province of NEW -YORK A;
'J' his Map .
Country of (tie VI. Nations /
.M'ith .l'\iri of the Qdiacent Cot i
hhi irucribed by hu> excellency ■
I H<>, I OoedierU bionhl,-
Schenectady Academy and Union College. 433
SCHENECTADY ACADEMY AND UNION COLLEGE.
Schenectady academy out of which grew Union College, was commenced
in 1785. Domine Romeyn, who came to the village the year before was
the soul of this new enterprise. Through his influence the church was
induced to erect a commodious building, and the citizens engaged to give
it their patronage and furnish it with a library. After a prosperous exis-
tence of ten years, a college charter having been obtained, the Academy
property was passed over into the hands of its trustees. The progress of
this undertaking can be clearly traced in the minutes of the consistory.
Their first official action was taken on the 21st day of February 1785, when
they resolved to construct as speedily as possible with the help of the church,
a house of two stories with two rooms in each story upon the lot of ground
belonging to the church upon which the old guardhouse* now stands; and
that upon the completion of the building three of said rooms shall be
assigned for the use of the school and academy. f
Moreover on account of the great cost of the academy house to the church,
it was "resolved that said church shall receive four shillings yearly from every
scholar taught in said house, and if said academy or Illmtre school shall
become changed into a college, then the president of such college as well
as the rector of said school, shall be a member of the Dutch church and
minister of this church ; and the said four shillings for each scholar shall be
bestowed upon such poor scholars as the church shall name."
March 5, 1785. The consistory about this time were still negotiating
with the town magistrates for the improvement of the common schools
* After the erection of the church of 1734, that of 1715, standing at the junction of
Church and State streets, was used as a fort, guard or watch house.
f Bestolen so spoedig als mogelyk met de hulpe van nun E. Gemeente, een Huys van
twee Verdiepingen en twee Verbrekken in yeder Verdiepinge te Bouwen op het Lot
grondt tot de Kerk behorende, daar tegenswoordigh het Oude Wachthuys staat; sul-
lende op volvoeringe van het gebouw, drie van desselfs Vertrekken worden of gesondert
tot school en Academie gebruyk. — Consistory Minutes.
55
434
History of the Schenectady Patent.
(triviale schooleri) of the town and for the establishment of an Illusive school
or academy.
March 16, 1785. The consistory order the gathering of materials for the
academy building.
March 28. It was considered expedient to build the academy, not upon the
old guardhouse lot, but upon the north corner of Union and Ferry streets, on
land then belonging to Johannes Pootman: — ordered that building materials
shall be procured as speedily as possible, — also carpenters and masons.
April 7, 1785. The academy building being now well under way, the
consistory and twenty-seven respectable citizens of the town met at Reuben
Simonds' public house in Church street, to close the matter of the academy
by signing articles of agreement for the management and support of said
academy.*
ACADEMY BUILDING.
April 22, 1785. The consistory appoint Win. Schermerhorn to superin-
tend the building of the academy.
Aug. 1, 1785. Committees, both of citizens and consistory, are appointed
to urge forward the academy building. f
* This agreement is drawn up with great formality and particularity in eleven sections
and is written on fifteen pages of foolscap. It was probably drawn up by Dr. Romeyn
who was president of the meeting.
f A stone of an oval shape was built into the front on which were cut the names of
the building committee ; this stone is now in Union College Museum.
Schenectady Academy and Union College.
435
An effort was made in 1791, to endow this school by a grant of Indian
lands; and Nov. 16, Dr. Dirk Van In gen announced to the consistory that
he and others had rented 10,240 acres of land of the Oneida Indians for 21
years, on consideration that he paid after five years £100 yearly to said
Indians. Dr. V., offered said land to the consistory to be held for the
benefit of the Schenectady church, inasmuch as said academy unincor-
porated could not hold real estate. At first the consistory agreed to receive
the land but subsequently gave it up, finding doubtless that it could not be
legally held by the church.
On the second day of April, 1793, the trustees of the academy ask that
the building erected by the Dutch church be made over unto them, to which
the consistory consent. And on Sept. 24, 1796, the trustees of Union
College ask that the building be made over to them unconditionally, to be
sold and the money put into a more commodious building; on due con-
sideration this request was granted and the proceeds of this sale with other
moneys 'were used in building the present Union School edifice.
UNION SCHOOL.
436 History of the Schenectady Patent.
SCHENECTADY.
Probably no city has enjoyed so many names or rather spellings of names
as Schenectady.
That first recorded is in the Indian deed in 1661, to Van Curler for the
flats, — Schonowe. In his honor the Iroquois called it Curler or Corlaer,
meaning the village of Curler, or Corlaer's village. Similarly the wild Indians
of the "plains" speak of the President of the United States as " Wasseeton,"
and the great dome of the National capitol as " Wasseeton's Campo" i. <?.,
Washington's wigwam or tent.
The French designated the town as Corlaer after they had become ac-
quainted with it; though the first map, in which the editor has found the
settlement mentioned, is in Jesuit Relations (Madam le Mercier's relation to
the Superior of the Society of Jesus, dated Kebec, 1665), where it appears
as " Les nouvelles habitations hollandoises."
Doctor Samuel Mitchell in a communication to the New York Historical
Society (i, 43), gives the following names which he derived from John
Bleecker the old Indian interpreter at Albany:
" Cahohatatea = Hudson's River.
" Schenectadea = Albany.
" Scheneotadea Cahohatatea = Albany River.
" Ohonowa-langantle* = town of Schenectady.
" Schenectadea (Albany), signified the place the natives of the Iroquois
arrived at by traveling through the pine trees."f
* Compare first half of this word Ohonowa with Schonowe the name in the deed, and
consider that the Mohawk gutterals were unrenderable in Dutch. They are likely to
have been identical.
t Comparing these words with the derivations of Dr. O'Callaghan, we may have with
little straining, Ca-ho-hact-at-ea — the river that flows without (or beyond " the cabin.")
Schen-ec-ta-dea Ca-ho-hact-at-ea = the river that flows beyond the town without the door.
Schenectady. 437
Similarly the present town of Schenectady took the name when referred
to at Albany, as "beyond the pine plains."
Danker and Sluyter having described the beautiful valley in which it
lies, speak of it as " this Schoon-echtendeel." Hon. H. C. Murphy in his trans-
lation of their journal, notes this as a play on the words Schoon-echten-
deel = beautiful portion.
When the Dutch arrived at the head of navigation of the Hudson's river
in 1609, the Mohawks had castles at the mouths of the Norman's kil and
the Mohawk river, but the larger portion of the natives first seen were
Manhattans, Minguas, Mohegans, Delawares and other river Indians.
These gave names to remoter places, by which they became later known,
and the name Schenectady was connected with the Mohegan explanation of
its meaning. The Mohawk country was to the north and west of the highest
point to which ships could go.
The following hitherto unpublished memorandum by the late Dr. E. B.
O'Callaghan presents a different and probably the correct explanation of
the term Schenectady as it was variously used.
As it applies to the town on the site of Albany at an earlier date its au-
thenticity is the more probable.
"The usual signification attributed to this word is believed to be erroneous
having been derived not from the Mohawk but from the Mohegan
language.
" In the former tongue
Gaun-ho-ha = door,
S'Gaun-ho-ha = the door,
Hac-ta-tie = 'without.
"These two words combined form:
S'Gaun-ho-ha-hac-ta-tie, this abbreviated and written
S'Ga.un-hac-ta-tie = without the door.
"SJ Gaun-ho-ha, appears also in another name given to the town by the
Mohawks at an earlier date. The Indian title to the land in the immediate
vicinity of Schenectady was extinguished July 27, 1661, by a convevance
to Aveut Van Curler. In his deed the land called by the Dutch ' Groote
Vlacht,' is named by the Indians Schon-o-we, identical probably with
S* Gaun-ho-ha in sound and signification.
438 History of the Schenectady Patent.
" To understand the full import of these terms it should be remembered
that the Mohawk tribe was the head of the confederacy called the Five
Nations or Iroquois; they claimed the exclusive power to initiate treaties
with other tribes and foreign powers; in their figurative language the
Mohawks were the door of the cabin, i.e., the. confederacy.* All ambassadors
to the Five Nations approached the confederacy by the Mohawk tribe.
"On one occasion the Governor of Canada seeking to divide the counsels and
strength of the Iroquois sent an ambassador to the Senecas. The Mohawks
resented this infringment of their prerogative, and informed the Governor
that they were the Door of the Cabin ' but,' say they, ' you enter the
Cabin by the chimney, be cautious lest you get smoke in your eyes.'
"It is well known that the present site of Schenectady was early occupied
as a Mohawk settlement — probably the chief town of the tribe. What
name could then he more significant than Sgaun-ho-ha, — the door f But
when their principal settlement was removed west to Fort Hunter; —
Schon-o-we — the door — would become Sgaun-hac-ta-tie — without the door.
"It should also be remembered that the Iroquois called Albany Schanec-
tadea, and very properly according to the above signification of the word,
especially whilst our town was occupied by the Indians."!
On a hill on the flatsj at the outlet of valley of the Norman's Kil
was a town, noted by the early Dutch navigators as Taw as- garnishee .
This, the most easterly castle of the Mohawks, was literally the eastern door
of the long house of the confederacy, and here the Five Nations concluded
that formal treaty of peace and alliance which never was broken. From
*"The Iroquois consisted of five nations, Mohawks, Oneidas, Cayugas, Onondagas and
Senecas, occupying the heart of what is now the State of New York. The Mohawks
lay on the river of that name; the Oneidas, Onondagas and Cayugas, successively to the
west, near the lakes, and west of all towards the Niagara lay the Senecas. These names,
except the first, are corruptions of their own. The Mohawks called themselves Oagnie-
gualiague, but as the tribe collectively was styled Oanniageari, the She Bear ; the neigh-
boring Algonquin tribes called them Magna, the Bear, a name which the Dutch and
English accepted. These five nations formed a league, and iu their idea, constituted a
complete cabin, hence the name for the whole was Holinousionni, meaning, ' they form a
cabin.' " — Br. J. O. Sliea, in note to Oowan's Ed. Miller's N. T.
f Based on notes furnished by the late Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.
X Prof. Pearson.
Schenectady. 439
there along the Tawas-gauntha (Norman's Kil), led the trail* to the valley
of the Mohawk river and thence through the gate or gap in the mountains
to the Indian castles near and above Schoharie creek. f
It would not be difficult to connect this Sgaunshee or (Sgauntha) with
S* Gaun-ho-ha, as derived by Dr. O'Callaghan. The scribes of the time were
not skillful in the spellings of their own languages, and were not very likely
to render the terms and sounds of an unknown tongue either literally or
consistently, the same Indian term being variously spelled and as variously
sounded. This is equally true of Dutch words in records of that date.
In the Vroomau map of 1768, it will be seen the Mohawk is designated as
the "Schenectady River." Was this the Mohawk name of the river which
led through the eastern gate of the Iroquois country ?
In a note to Gowan's Edition of Miller's Description of the Province of
New York, the editor, Hon. John Gilmary Shea, says: " Scanectade
(Schenectady) is the Mohawk. The name means, beyond the openings. It
was given by the tribe to Albany, and retained on the division by the
present town."
He does not quote his authorities, but beyond the opening was probably
as near to beyond or " without the door" as the limited vocabulary of the
Indians could be expected to go. What he means by "retained on the
division" is not clear, as the division of Schenectady from Albany occurred
in this century.
"The ancient Mohawk village which stood at this place, was called Con-
nocharie-gu/iarie, or, as Benson writes it, Oronowaragouhre, in allusion to
the vast piles of drift wood which were left every spring on the flats. The
term Origoniwoutt appears to have been applied, at a later period to the
village at the same place." * * * * "it does not appear from any author
* For a century or more this was the common route from Albany to the present
Schenectady.
f Tawas-Schohor was the Mohawk name for Schoharie. — Simm's Pioneers.
The Schoharie creek was a gateway to the Mohawk valley, and after Schenectady was
ceded and was without ihe door, the locality became the real door to the Mohawk country,
whether from the south along the Scoharie — the east along the Mohawk or the North
Woods. Spelled sgau-hor it would sound the same as Sc/io-hor, and we are doubt-
less indebted to crude ears and cruder recorders for the present soun dand spelling of
the name.
440 History of the Schenectady Patent.
that Schenectady — the original Mohawk name for Albany — was applied to
it till after the first surrender of the colony to England, four years after
the date of the Patent.'''' — Schoolcraft, Notes on the Iroquois*
It is evident from the " indenture "f prepared to be signed by the "land-
holders on the plain called " that Governor Stuyvesant did not
know the Dutch name for the place May 5, 1663, probably ignoring the
Indian name. Van Curler registered the baptism of the town as Schan-
echstede, in the agreement of May 18, 1663, \ sent to the Commies at
Albany.
In official papers of 1664, the town is designated as Schaneghstede and
Schanechstede (egh and ech being used interchangeably).
In the Indian deed for the Schenectady township,§ in 1672, the name is
Schan-hech-ta-de, which is very like S' Gaun-hac-ta-tie. This is as recorded
by Van Marken, Notary Public. In 1675, Ludovicus Cobes — schout and
secretary, writes it in the same manner except the middle h which is
dropped, and as if to make up for this, changes Schan into Schaun, thus
reverting very positively to Dr. O'Callaghan's derivation.
In Governor Stuyvesant's order of June, 1663, the word is spelled as now,
Schenectady, and with slight variation this seemed to be the official orthog-
raphy.
In 1802, a petition signed by original settlers, familiar with its history
and surroundings, and at a time when the Mohawk language was more or
less familiar to all of the inhabitants, — was accompanied by "a list of ye
Lands and Income of the township of Schon-hec-ta-dy". The Rev. John
Miller, the best educated man who had the visited the town up to 1693-5,
spelled the name as he had heard it pronounced, when he visited the town,
Scan-ec-ta-de and Scati-ech-ta-de. He may have gotten this spelling from
Glen whom he knew, and who during the year 1695, at least, spelled it
Scanectady.
In 1696, the commander of the fort, Lieutenant Hunt spelled it Schon-ae-
ta-dy.\\
Governor Andross orders" Sconextady strictly prohibited all trade," etc.,
in 1678.
* Introduction, see page 14. f Ibid , 12.
% Introduction, page 14. § Ibid, page 18.
j Fortifications and Garrisons, page 313.
Houses in Ancient Albany County. 441
HOUSES IN ANCIENT ALBANY COUNTY.
The first settlements in the county were on Castle Island at the mouth of
the Norman's Kil. Being a mere trading station, the buildings were simple
in design, and probably after the pattern so common for a long period here
and still common in the Netherlands. They were built by mechanics brought
over for the purpose and it was long before there was need of any others.
When the settlement grew in dimensions, houses were scattered along the
river bank to suit the needs or convenience of the traders. Doubtless the
log or block house was common but the Dutch gothic taste was most pre-
valent. They were either of usual Indian pattern or a simple rectangle iu
plan, from fifteen to eighteen feet wide and two or three times as long. The
walls whether after the Indian pattern or of framed timbers boarded,* or
brick filled, or partly one and partly the other, or of brick or stone masonry,
were usually about eight to twelve feet in height. Across these were laid
heavy beams, the covdring of which, very heavy plank usually two and a-half
to four inches thick, formed floor of upper and ceiling of lower rooms.
On each beam was framed a pair of rafters tied by a hammer beam, thus
forming a triangular truss of simple construction and very great strength.
The exterior was sheathed with broad heavy planks which in turn were
thatched or covered with shingles.
* The dwellings in the Jarseyes are wretchedly constructed, "most of the English, and
many others, have their houses made of nothing but clapboards, as they call them there,
in this manner ; they first make a wooden frame, the same as they do in Westphalia and
at Altona, but not so strong ; they then split the boards of clapwood, so that they are
like cooper's pipe staves except that they are not bent. These are made very thin, with
a large knife, so that the thickest end is about a little finger thick and the other is made
sharp like the edge of a knife, they are about five or six feet long and are nailed on the
outside of the frame with the ends lapped over each other. They are not usually laid so
close together as to prevent you from sticking a finger between them in consequence
either of their uot being well joined, or the boards being crooked. When it is cold and
windy the best people plaster them with clay. Such are most all the English houses in
the country except those they have which were built by people of other nations."— Danker
and Sluyter, 1679,
56
442 History of the Schenectady Patent.
No masonry save chimneys was used in any house in Albany prior to 1656
when father Jogues described the town of Albany.
The earlier houses of the average traders were built of poles after the
fashion of the Indians in the locality, as later houses were erected and sawed
lumber was introduced, the houses were framed of timber and boarded on
the exterior, as in the description of the ancient commissary's residence at the
fort. That they Mere poor, shabby affairs even as late as 1643, appears from
the statement of Father Jogues who describes Fort Orange as a miserable
structure of logs. The settlement about it consisted of some twenty-five or
thirty houses roughly built of boards and roofed with thatch, scattered along
near the river above and below the fort (about the site of the Susquehanna
R. R. depot).
While in Albany he was lodged in a large building like a barn, belonging
to a Dutch farmer. It was a hundred feet long and had no partition of any
kind; at one end he kept his cattle and at the other he slept with his wife, a
Mohawk squaw, and his children, while his Indian guests slept on the floor
in the middle.* As he is described as one of the principal inhabitants it is
clear the civilization of Rensselaerswyck was not very high.f
That the cattle were in the end of the house was not very peculiar, the
practice is still common among peasantry of many countries, notably Switzer-
land, Germany and Holland; bains were uncommon during the early years
of the settlement of this section of country and in transfers of hofstedes
they are rarely mentioned, all crops being kept in cellars or under bergen or
* This description implies a long house built after the general plan practiced by the
Indians and the easiest thing for the first settlers (all Indian traders) to erect.
"Iroquois and Huron dwellings were fifty yards or more in length and twelve or
fifteen wide, framed with sapling poles closely covered with bark, each containing many
.fires and many families" — TarlmaiCs Pioneers of France.
^Parkman.
j(1679.) " Their [the Indians'] house was low and long, about sixty feet long and fourteen
or fifteen feet wide. The bottom was earth, the sides and roof were made of reed and
the bark of chestnut trees; the posts, or columns, were limbs of trees stuck in theground
and all fastened together. * * * * On the sides, or walls, of the house the roof was so
low that you can hardly stand under it. The entrances or doors, which were at both
ends were so small and low that they had to stcop down and squeeze themselves to get
through them. The doors were made of reed or flat bark." — Banker and Sluyler'*
Journal, description of Indian house.
Houses in Ancient Albany County. 443
ricks. With woods full of roaming Indians, cattle could not be allowed to
stray and they were housed in the end of the domicile or annexed to it
under the same roof.
"It is said on New Year's night in 1655, during a controversy between Jean
Baptiste Van Rensselaer and Governor Stuyvesant's officers, some soldiers
armed with matchlocks sallied from the fort and fired a number of shots at
the Patroon's house. Several pieces of wadding settled on the roof which
was of reeds and had caused the destruction of the building had not the in-
mates been on the alert." — ( G* Cattagaharfs .Rensselierswyck).
Johannes La Montagne was appointed commissarie of Fort Orange in
1656. The residence of the commissarie was an old building about twenty-
five feet long, one story and a half high with the typical Dutch peaked roof
covered with old shingles. At the north end was a room about fifteen feet
square and at the south, one about ten by fifteen, into which the door opened
and was thus a sort of entry. The second floor was undivided aud was under
the roof, access being had by ;i straight ladder through a trap door. There
was a cellar under the house.
This was condemned in 1756, and a stone house built, as one of timber
would cost as much owing to the distance the timbers had to be hauled.
This was to serve as a residence for the vice director as well as for a court
of justice. It cost about $3,500 and was the first stone house in Albany.
The new building had a foundation of stone, brought from a quarry four
miles distant, three to four feet thick and six feet high, and the cellar was
divided into two rooms each twenty feet square. The foundation was
carried above the ground to a height of two feet of "baked stones three
stones," or three bricks thick [probably about twenty inches] and on this
were laid thirty-three floor beams. The walls were carried up, "a stone and
a half" thick. On these rested the upper floor beams and nine pairs of raf-
ters, of the roof was covered with sound tiles; there was a double chimney
(double fined chimney ?) in each gable, masoned of choice bricks and the
whole was bound with forty-two iron anchors. The window frames were of
white oak.
The first tioor was divided into three compartments; in the centre was an
entry or vestibule separated from the hall, five feet wide by a four inch brick
wall. At the north end was a room about twenty feet square with a stone
444 History of the Schenectady Patent.
chimney, at the south end a kitchen about twenty by fifteen with a chimney,
a recess for a bed and pantry.
The upper floor was divided into two rooms about twenty feet square,
access was gained by a winding stair which also led to the attic where
ammunition and other stores belonging to the fort were stored.*
This building corresponds in description very closely to many old Dutch
buildings the writer has examined.
The Bratt house now standing on the hills overlooking the first lock to
the west of Schenectady has the central hall, the rooms to correspond with
their great fire places, a jutting partition which forms an alcove for a bed
on one side and a pantry on the other, the winding stair leading to the
upper floor and to the attic. The walls of this house are of bricks; dark
colored arch bricks being laid to form diamonds all over the face. In a
brick in the front is cut the inscription "A Bradt 1736." The building may
have been built some time then.
The following are a few citations from common authorities referring to buildings:
(1G40.) Ship Houtluyn was freighted with good* for the Cohnie (llensselaerswyck)
* * * four thousand tiles and thirty thousaud bricks. f
(1643.) The greater number of the houses around forts Amsterdam and Orange, were
in those days, low sized wooden buildings with roofs of reeds or straw aud chimneys of
wood. Wind or water mills were erected here and there to griud earn or to saw lumber.
(1616.) The city * * [of Albany] contained in 1646 not more than ten houses.
(1646.) Bricks $4.16 per thousand in Albany.
" Conditions and terms on which Juffrouw Johanna De HuHer} proposes to sell her
brick kiln (Steen bakkerij) as it stands :
"First. The brick kiln shall be delivered to the buyer as it stands fenced and shall be
shown to him, in free ownership except that he shall pay as an acknowledgment two
guilders yearly to the patroon. The delivery shall be made 8th Nov., 1657," &c.
Adrian Jausen Van Ilpendam bought for 1,100 guilders.
Madam Johanna De Hulter proposes to sell at public sale her tile kiln (pannen backerij)
on the same terms as the brick kiln.
* First stone house in Albany.— E. B. 0' Callaghan.
t O'Callaghan's Colony of Rensselaerswyck. ;
X Johan De Hulter one of the partners of Rensselaerswyck embarked in May, 1653, from Amsterdam in
a vessel called the Graef with different families, taking with them a number of freemen amoni,' whom were
several mechanics, as one extraordinary potter (Steeubakker). who intended to settle in the colony or any
other convenient place. — Albany Rtcords, iv, 93.
IJouses in Ancient Albany Comity. 445
Teter Mecse (Vrootnan) purchased for three thousand seven hundred and seventeen
(3,717) guilders. — Pearson's Albany County Records.
(1G58.) A claim for value of pan tiles and bricks furnished for the church.*
(1658.) Claim for payment for 12,000 bricks and 1,600 pan tiles.*
(1658.) Claim for 5,500 bricks.*
(1658\) TjerkClaesson for laying bricks*
(1658.) Noted, — the Hoogebooin brothers tile makers in van Slechtenhorst's bakery or
kiln.*
(1662.) Pieter Jacobse Borseboom de Steenbakker sells his Steenbakkerij prior to moving
to Schenectady of which he was one of the first proprietors.
(1671.) Saw mill in Bethlehem.
The Patroon had saw mills prior to this.
(1683.) House sold for 95 beavers (or about $300.00).
(1683.) Tjerk Harmenson Visscher contracts to build a house for Hendrik Roseboom,
18 feet X. 10 feet, with a standing gable ; a garret and floor. One cross bar window
and door case in the front gable. Strips for tiles, likewise a back door and light over the
door, a chimney and a mantel, for ten hearers ($32,00).
(1690-1734.) Bricks are quoted at $2.00 to 3.00 per thousand in Schenectady. Albany
rates about the same.
(1704.) Wouter Quackenbos bill for 1,300 bricks with carting to the fort, £1-2-0
(1723.) Granted to Lambert Radley and Jonathan Broecks, one acre with the clav in or
near the same fit to make bricks to the west of Luykas Hooghkirk's brick kill. (Albany )
(1736.) Granted to Wynant Van De Bergh ground where he makes bricks. (Albany).
(1725.) Van der Heydeu Palace, erected 1725, demolished 1833.
" Built by Johannes Beekman in 1725." Dimensions 50 X 20 feet, having a hall and
two rooms on each floor.
This building stood in Pearl street near State street. It was said to have been con-
structed of bricks, etc., brought from Holland.
Munsell's note to this says : " This is a common tradition of all the old houses, yet there
were many brick and tile makers here and abundant material for the manufacture of the
article. Probably bricks were brought over as ballast in some case3. It is also asserted
that the timbers of certain houses were imported from Holland, although the best
of timber abounded here which could be had at the mere cost of cutting and haulin°\
" Although it had been somewhat modernized internally, the massive beams and braces
projecting into the rooms, the ancient wainscoting and the iron figures on the gable
ends, carried the mind back to days of old.
" Washington Irving described it iu " Bracebridge Hall " as the residence of Heer An-
tony Vanderheyden.
«' The iron weather vane, a running h >rse, was placed above the peaked turret of the
door at Sunny Side."
* Notarial papers— Magistrate's Court Albany.
446 History of the Schenectady Patent.
(1743.) In contract for a house : prescribed that there should be built : " Stone founda-
tion above the ground with lime, new roof of squared white pine boards ; to make a
chimney and to mason it with hard bricks and lime above the roof."*
(1749) Peter Kalm.
" The houses in the town (Albany) are very neat and partly built of stones [brick?]
covered with shingles of the white pine. Some are slated with tiles from Holland because
the clay of this neighborhood is not reckoned fit for tiles.f Most of the houses are built
in the old way with the gable end towards the street, a few excepted which were lately
built in the manner now used. A great number were built like those of New Brunswick
which I have described ; the gable end being towards the street, of bricks and all the
other wails of planks.
* * * " Tne gutters on the roofs reach almost to the middle of the street. This
preserves the walls from rain but is extremely disagreeable in rainy weather for the
people in the streets."
The street doors are generally in the middle of the houses and on both sides are seats.
(1755.) " The Dutch Chimnies have very small Jambs with 3 or 4 Rows of Tiles, some
no Jambs at all. * * * Some Stone Houses many Brick. * * * The Brick houses many
of them curiously floured with Black Bricks and dated with the same, the Governour's
house has 2 Hearts in Black brick. Houses chiefly but one storey high and Brick ends
notched like steps. Window shutters and loop holes in Sellars. On top of the Houses
for weather cocks Horses, lions, Geese, Sloops," <&c, &c.%
(1786.) Albany had 550 houses.
(1789.) Morse's Geography, Edition 1789.
" The houses are mostly built in the old Dutch gothic style, with the gable end to the
street, which custom the first settlers brought from Holland with them. The gable end
is commonly of brick with the heavy m julded ornament standing with notches like stairs
and an iron horse for a weather cock at top. The houses are seldom more than one story
and a-half high and have but little conveniences and less elegance, but they are kept
very neat."
Skenectady,
"The town is compact and regular, built of brick and excepting a few, in the old
Dutch style, on a rich flat of low land surrounded with hills."
(1795 ) Rochefoucault Liancourt.
" Skenectady is a small town and containing mostty old houses built in the Dutch style
which gives it altogether the appearance of an ancient European cit3r."
(1795.) Isaac Weld, Jr.
* Albany Annals, x.
t Yet there were pan tile (roofing tile) bakeries here a century before.
X Journal of Rev. Sam'l Chandler, Chaplain Mass. Troops, 1755.
Jlouses in Ancient Albany County. 447
"Albany contains 1.100 houses. * * "In the old part of town the streets are narrow
and the houses are frightful ; they are all built in the old Dutch taste with the gable end
to the street and ornamented ou top with large iron weather cock."
(1798) Dr. Timothy Dwight, president of Yale College, says : " The houses (of Albany)
are almost all built in the Dutch manner, standing endwise upon the street, with high
sharp roofs, small windows and low ceilings. Their appearance is ordiuarily dull and
disagreeable. "
(1800.) Worth's Random Ree. — " All the old buildings, and they constituted a large
majority — were but one story high with shaip peaked roofs surmounted by a rooster,
vulgarly called a weather cock. Every house having any pretense to dignity was placed
with its gable end to the street, and was ornamented with huge iron numerals announcing
its date of erection."
There is a popular belief in some quarters that in the Dutch times houses
in Schenectady were built of bricks brought from Holland. To support
this it is advanced that the bricks are exactly similar to bricks of Holland
cities aud that vessels coming out for cargoes of furs, brought bricks as
ballast.
Dutch steen backers (brickmakers) had brick yards in Albany prior
to 1G50, and there were a number of brick yards and pantile (rooting tile),
bakeries as appear by their sale* in Notarial papers. The business of brick
making is one of the least skillful arts, (one skilled brickmakcr diluting the
ignorance of many common laboring men,) brick clay of good quality and
quantity was exposed on the hillsides — wood for burning was near the clay —
the bricks were small and were largely the hard burned arch bricks made
in small kilns, especially kilns built to make a small number of bricks. Many
of the so-called Holland Dutch bricks contain the gravels of this region
(mostly argillaceous shales), and besides nearly all the old Dutch " brick
houses" are not built of brick but of strong yellow pine timber and have only
brick fronts which were added in later years of prosperity and comparative
wealth. There is no evidence that a single brick house was built before
1710-15.
That bricks were brought from Holland as ballast, seems very unlikely
especially as to bricks for Schenectady. Almost immediately after the
settlement of Schenectady, the colony passed into the hands of Great
* Peter Jacobse Borsboom de steenbnkker sold his brick kiln in Albany just prior to
taking part in settlement of Schenectady, in 1662.
448 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Britain and all direct trade with Holland ceased at once. If we follow
the course of a vessel from Amsterdam to Albany by the then common
trading routes, we shall see that such bricks even as ballast would be
expensive. The Dutch West India Company freighted a ship with a cargo
of stroud s and duffels, hardware, cutlery, arms and similar goods. She
cleared for a market and arriving in the Dutch Islands of the West
Indies, traded for rum, sugar and molasses, an amply heavy cargo "with-
out ballast. She then in regular course sailed for the South (Delaware)
or North (Hudson's) river — and supplied traders with goods from Holland
and some of the rum, molasses and sugar for the Indian trade, taking on
furs which were as good as gold — then her route hiy home, via, Isles of
Slmals or the banks of New Foundland, where she took on as many quintals
of fish as she could purchase-. When the trade here was more important
and carried on more directly, heavy hardware, etc., served ample purpose
as ballast for the small ships of that time.
Grant that some cargoes of brick ballast were landed at Albany from
the sixty ton s-hips of that day, would any one be justified on commercial
grounds, which the Dutch closely considered, in hauling them through the
woods and over the sand hills twTenty odd miles, via, Niskayuna or the
Norman's Kil ? There were no real roads for a hundred years and even
now the same trails used then are impassable most of the year for heavily
loaded wagons.
From the foregoing quotations it is manifest, that except in the very
first settlement of the colony, bricks were made in this locality, that they
were very cheap, costing less than one-half or one-quarter the present
market price, and that bouses cost very little to construct or at any rate as
they were in the main alike in style and character, they sold at very mode-
rate prices.
Bricks that were brought from Holland were sent for building a house
for the commies of the colonie by the Patroon's company and do not appear
as imported on private venture.
Stone walls were ordinarily laid up " dry," or with mud mortar, only using
lime on the exterior and exposed sides or above the ground. Chimnies
•were usually erected inside the houses and were likewise built of stone or
Houses in Ancient Albany County. 449
bricks, with clay mortar within the roof, and bricks laid in lime mortar
above the roof. In the earliest times chimneys were built of wood, plastered,
or daubed with mud. Probably this was commonly done in log or block
houses.
Of the notable houses in Albany, the oldest dated is the Pemberton house,
corner of Pearl and Columbia streets. This is brick on the two street sides and
wood on the others The gable is the normal Dutch gothic with the indented
steps rilled with oblique courses of brick. The house fronted on Columbia
street and had the side extension, and was otherwise almost identical in
appearance with the Abraham Yates' house in Schenectady. The house
was one and a-half stories on Columbia street, and was doubtless one of
those referred to in the preceding quotations from accounts of travelers in
the last century.
Another ancient house on corner of Steuben and Chapel streets, is of two
brick sides, one of which, the gable, looked down on its accompanying
garden which extended to Pearl street. Several years ago there were visible
on the boards on the Chapel street side, the pocket knife records of long bye-
gone day's amusement, in cutting names, initials and dates as early as
1708 or 9 and later. Whether these dates were correct or only cut care-
lessly or were the dates of birth of the artists, cannot be known of course,
but the entire building in materials and details of construction, indicate that
it may be as old if not many years older than the Pemberton house.
Another similar house is buried amid modern surroundings on Maiden
Lane above Pearl street. It is now (April, 1883) being removed.
At Schenectady " the oldest house " is that built by Capt. Arent Bradt,
on State street near Washington. Its front is essentially that of the Pem-
berton house in Albany in almost every detail, its date is from 1715 to 1730.
The house is heavily framed of timber, and the front is of bricks anchored
to the front of the frame. It is the writer's* belief that the front was added
after the construction of the house.
The Vrooman house at the Brandywine mills, about the same date, is
entirely of bricks. It is well built and is staunch enough to staud more
centuries if modern improvements do not sweep it away.
The Van Gyselling house on the flats is a wooden building and is a remarka-
ble specimen of early Dutch architecture. The house is largely roof, a form
of building both easy and economical of construction, requiring the minimum
of iron work and nails and yet standing firmly against the winter's blasts.
It is claimed to have been built in the 1 7th century, which, if true, makes
it the oldest house in the valley, unless the Mabie house out dates it.
A part of one of the buildings at the Schermerhorn's mills, dates about
1715 to 1720.
450 Illstory of the Schenectady Patent.
The Abraham Yates house on Union street near the Dutch church, dates
about 1 1-iO. It is brick fronted, whether so built or added later to the timber
frame is unknown.
The Bratt house in the Woestyne, the Glen houses in Scotia, the Mabie
house in the Third flut have been described elsewhere.
The town was doubtless as much Indian in appearance as Dutch, for
many years. In 104-3, according to Father Jogues, the houses of Albany
(then the frontier), were roughly built of boards and rudely thatched, with
no masonry save chimneys. Up to the early part of the 18th century when
there was a period of peace and confidence, greater population and prosper-
ity, Schenectady was doubtless in about the same condition architecturally.
Timber was plenty and immediately at hand, and the writer believes from
careful study of the subject that there was not a single brick dwelling house
in Schenectady prior to 1700, probably not before 1715, and that the houses
were rarely ever more than one and a half stories high. The Capt. Arent
Bratt house was built by the wealthiest man in this section of the country
and was doubtless the best here.
The wood built Glen house, of the usual Dutch pattern, probably soon fol-
lowed, jind then the large square gambrel roofed house of Quarter Master
Glen, in 1713.
A wooden house of uncertain date, stands on the north side of Union
street between Ferry and College streets. It is of the same pattern as the
Abraham Yates house including the L, and it still has its ancient Dutch
door cut into upper and lower divisions, serving as door and window all in
one. In the cut of the church of 173^ this form of door is shown.
There is not an ancient stone house in the city. This material was not
popular with the Dutch, they prefering baked steenen or bricks for their
masonry.
All the earlier churches, save possibly the first, were built of stone; its
permanency and massive character commending itself for that purpose.
About the middle of the last century the English taste began to prevail
and walls were carried higher and gambrel roofs came in fashion. The
platform on the top served for a family gathering place on hot nights and
the view of the valley bounded hy the spurs of the Heldeibergs and the
Kayaderoseras hills was secured, unencumbered by the dense foliage and
thickening houses of the town.
The place was peculiar and quaintly old in appearance, until the fire in
1819 swept blocks of the densest portions of the town away. On the site
arose modern styles of buildings in no wise different from the heterogeneous
styles of brick, wood and stone, common to all small cities and towns. The
depot of the great railroad suggests a town of yesterday that might be
hurried out of existence by extension of the road beyond, rather than a place
of the hoary age of two and a quarter centuries and yet in the bed of the
trackway was found a skull cleft by an Indian tomahawk in 1690.
Appendix. 451
APPENDIX.
Indian Wars on the Border. (Page 281).
To his Excelly Benjamin ffletcher Captain Gremrall and comandr in chiefe of
the Province of New York, &c.
The humble petition of Cap* Kilian Van Ranslaer
Sheweth
That yor Excell petitioner is Proprietor of the colony of Ranslaerwick in
the county of Albany.
That the settlements & Plantations in the said colony are deserted by
* * being a frontier place so that it brings no rent nor profite to yor Excell'
petitioner bnt a charge & trouble.
That by his Patent there is a considerable quitrent reserved payable to his
Maty.
Yor Excell petitioner therefor humbly prays * * yor
petitioner yor * * of his arrearages of qnit rent
* * the time of warr & for such time as the warr
may continue & yor Excell petitioner as in Duty
bound shall ever pray &c.
K. V. Rensselaer,
June 10, 1691.
Population in 1714. (See page 287.)
"In ye Township of Schinectady."
White males above 60 years 12
White males 16 to 60 years 110
White males less than 16 years 154
White females above 60 years 13
White females 16 to 60 years 107
White females less than 16 years 151
Slaves male over 16 years 7
Slaves male under 16 years 10
452 History of the Schenectady Patent.
Slaves female over 16 years 19
Slaves female under 16 years 8
591
It will be seen from the above official census that there were only 110
white males of from 16 to 60 years and as the two foot companies of that
year (see pages 286-287) numbered 116, it followed that every able bodied
male was in the active militia of the place, the additional 6 being either over
or under " age."
Indian Fortifications. (Page 304.)
The Indian town * * " Nothing was visible but its encircling palisades.
They were of trunks of trees, set in a triple row. The outer and inner
ranges inclined until ihcy met and crossed near the summit while the upright
row between ihem aided by transverse braces gave to the whole an abundant
strength. Within were galleries for the defenders * * * It was a mode of
fortification practiced by all the tribes speaking dialects of the Iroquois
language." — Pioneers of France, Parhnan.
Dutch Church (Page 335.)
"The parish reader (vorleser van de plaats) [Schenectady] who is the
son of minister Schatts came to visit my ccmradc, and said he had heard of
us and had been desirous to converse with us. lie was a little conceited,
but my comrade having heard he was the voorlczcr, gave him a good lesson
at which he was not badly content and with which he went away." — Banker
and Sluyter's Journal, 1679.
Marriage (Note page 366).
" Marriage in the colony [at Albany] was always early, very often happy
and very seldom interested.
11 When a man had [a] son there was nothing to be expected with a daughter
but a well brought up female slave, and the furniture of the best bed
chamber. At the death of her father she obtained another division of his
effects such as he thought she needed, or deserved, for there was no rule in
these cases." — Mrs. Grant, Memoirs.
Appendix. 453
Bundling or Queesten. (Note, page 367.)
" Those who in earnest do intend to be married together are in so much
haste, that, commonly, enjoyment precedes the marriage, to which they
seldom come till * * * * *they must either submit to that, or to
shame and disgrace which they avoid by marrying; ante-nuptial fornica-
tion, when that succeeds, being not looked upon as any scandal or sin at
all." — Rev. John Miller's account of the Province of New York, 1695.
Mr. Miller was alien to the people and their customs and doubtless greatly
overstates the condition of affairs. It is probable that his observation of the
life of some of the ruder people about the trading posts has colored his
judgment and he has confused queesten or bundling with the crime he speaks
of. He evidently did not understand that the custom was European and
was in most instances perfectly honorable.
(1658). Albany. Before the magistrate's court a young woman's reputa-
tion having been assailed, the principal witness testified " when we were
visiting together," " we slept together in the garret," also that the lady was
" perfectly virtuous," as doubtless she was in her day and generation.
Cost of Military and Indian Supplies. — (See pp. 409-425).
The Comrs DT To Sundrys Deliver" Cap Helling at Saraghtoge Viz* :
To
512
lb brod
£2
14
9
(«
514
" beef
at 2*
£5
7
11
<<
487
" Do
"3
6
1
9
M
46
" poork
" 4h
0
17
3
«
76
" Vensen
" <l\
0
15
10
((
3J
schep" peas
" 35 Gd
0
12
3
'(
J
11 salt
0
2
0
a
3
" petad
es
0
8
0
c<
9 lb flower
0
1
6
<(
8 "
nayls
0
8
0
(C
23 "
poork
0
8
7*
a
8 Days Work for
a Negro
& 2 h
orses 3
12
0
£21-
—09-
-10|
Err" Excepd
per John Schuyler,
W
illaim Helling.
454 History of the Schenectady Patent.
[The following items are extracted from sundry accounts against the
province of New York rendered by inhabitants of Albany in the year 1698.]
6 gall. Rom to ye Indians at 5s 9c? y* is 4s Gel at n. york 4d ye Custome at
n. York 3d to ye Towne of albany, Loyr Charges besides ye Excyse, £2 — 12.
To John Pruyn for making 3 trench prisoners coals 6s.
To 200 loavs bread delivered to ye Indians of ye five nations a spr lukas
ye bakers acce £1 — 10.
To a Bar1 Syder at ye propositions, £1.
To 8 p8 strouds att £12—10.
To 8 ps Duffels 386 yards att 7s Gd pr yard.
Aug. 4. To Jean Rosie for ye pasturage of his Excellencys Coach horses
while at Albany, £3 — 6.
By order of Coll. Schuyler given to ye trench Indians when they were
here 6 fyn shirts ye linuing amounts to 12s apiece is wth making & threed,
£3—18.
Schenectady. (Page 438.)
Cornplanter, the great Seneca chief, made a speech at the council, at Fort
Harmar, of the Six Nations, Wyandots, Shawanese, Delawares, Munsees, Ojib-
ways ,Ottawas, Pottowatomies and Sauks in which he said "when the Amer-
icans first dropped on this Island, they found the Six Nations very powerful
and willing to assist them, taking them by ye hand " etc., mentioning the
treaty of Schenectady. * * * *
" Taking up up ye Great Belt he offered one end to ye governor and said he
and his Brothers of all ye nations held ye other — this contained ye Treaties
of Schenectady "* etc., meaning doubtless that the first treaty with the
whites, made at the village on the Hudson's River at the mouth of Norman's
Kil, was the first link in the covenant chain and that he held it unbroken.
♦Mag. of Am. History, April, 1883.
INDEX.
Aal Plaats, 7, 109, 122,
148, 188, 211, 371,
378
Abeel, Cornet, 277
J., 28, 420
Abenekis, 291, 295
Academy, 374, 434
Accession of William and
Mary, 236
Account of stores, 315
Accounts, Dutch, 380
Ackes, 17
Address of the Mayor, 281
Adherent of Leisler, 320
Adriaensen's, Pieter, 86,
149
Adrincka, 76, 121, 157
Advertisement on the
Church door, 37
Aertse's Island, 79, 107,
171
Affidavit,»Citizen,8, 58
Aggrieved, 16
Agreement, signers of
proposed, 37, 38
Agriculture neglected, 409
Aiadane, 11, 12
Aid from Connecticut,
272
from Massachusetts,
256
Akus Island, 79, 224
Alarm at Schenectady,
280 -
from Albany, 275
Alarms from the French,
304
Albany, 2, 3, 6
chartered, 414
path, 58
people of, 2, 3, 6, 9, 17,
269
Alderman, 54, 57
Alexander, Kev. George,
viii
Robt.,263
Algonquins, 1
Allies, French and Indian,
23, 50.
the Iroquois, 2S8.
Allotments, 58, 62
Almoner, 378
Alluvial deposit, 8
Alolff, Maria, 262
Ambuscade, 232, 299
Amsterdam, 4, 8, 232
boy, 171
foot, 337
Ammunition, 444
58
Ancient brick house, 95.
96, 98, 214, 443
Andries, Daniel, 264
Andros, Gov., impris-
oned, 236
Anti-Leislerians, 245, 272
Antiquarian, xvi
Anneke Janse. 263, 384
Annual floods, 8
Appendix, 452
Archbishop Tate, 389
Architecture, xiii
Armament of Schenec-
tady, 315
Arme wey or poor pas-
ture, 110, 111
Armorer, 134, 289
Appeal, Notice of, 42
of Gov. and Coun. of
Mass., 252
Appel, Adriaen, 82, 159
Jan, 82, 83
Willem, 35, 82, 83, 109.
155, 223, 266, 267, 280
Arable land, 22, 68, 82
Arentsen Binnonie, 268
Arlington, Sec'y, 234
Articles of agreement, 36
Assembly, Gen., 44
Attack, cause of, 244
French upon the Sene-
cas, 234 /
Quebec, 285
signal of, 248
upon Mohawk Castles,
277
Attempt to conquer Can-
ada, 2S5
Attempts made to violate
women, 15
Auchmuty, Dr., 390,407
Aukes, D< uwe [De
Freeze], 63, 68, 80, 83,
90,91,129,162,209,211,
227, 243, 262, 265, 309
Auroensie, 17
Baas, 355
of the carpenters, 217
Backus, Rev. J. T., 395,
404, 406
Bagge, Bent, 138
Baker, a, 135
Ballad, Walter Wilies,
269
Bancken,0, 356,357
Bancker, Evert, 28. 87,
94, 133, 149, 156
Gerrit, 15, 65, 87, 149,
197
Johannes, 350
Thos. Brower, 204
William, 340, 350
Banns published, 365
Banyar, Go]., 43
Baptism, 365
Baptismal records, ix
Barbarities practiced, 290
Barclay, Rev. Thos., 392
Barheit, Barheyt, Bar-
huydt, 88
Barhydt, John, 73, 74, 88
Andries Hanse, 88
Barker, Robert, 94
Barns, "442
Barracks. 283, 305, 306,
315, 324, 326, 349
Batteaux, 332, 423
men, 391
Beaver, 336
Beck, Antje, 89
Caleb, 89, 90, 124, 156,
192, 329, 416
Capt. Will, 90
Rev. T. Romeyn, 89
Bee, 351, 352
Beeckman, Williem, 169
Belfry, 356
Bell, 352, 358, 359, 369
Bellomont, Earl, 282, 283
Lady, 282
Belt, great sand, 8
Belts of Wampum, 276
Bends audEddies of river,
S
Benefactor of rhe poor,
374
Benevolence, 406
Benten island, 103, 113,
140
Bergen, 442
Beroep brief, 351
Berrit, Willem, 99
Beuken or beach, 157
Beukendael Massacre,
298, 299, 300. 301, 302
Beverwyck, 6, 11, 13, 15,
16, 223.
Beyond the pine plains,
437
Bickford, Lieut., 281,313,
314
Bill, for stoves, 358
in Chancery, 51
BinnekU, 9, 58, 60. 77. 79,
97, 101, 117, 123, 179,
189, 224, 327, 328, 382
Bishop Albany, 389
London, 407
Seabury, 406
Blacksmiths to Indians,
288
Bleecker, Jan Jansen, 67,
322
Block house, 150, 232,
290, 305, 308, 310,
311, 314, 315, 316, 317,
331, 346
Blom, Engeltie, 264
Bloody Pond, 229
Blue slate, 7
Board of Trustees, 53
Boat, Durham, 424
Bogardus, Pieter, 107
Botrht, 183
of the Kahoos, 183
Bolting, 90. 1:34, 240, 242
Boin, Willem, 124
Bont, Geertje, 265
Heiidrick Lambertse,
68, 80, 90, 91, 210
Jan, 91
Stephen, 265
Book Treasurer's, 361
Borough, 426, 430, 431
Borsboom, Pieter Jacobse
{de Steenbacker). 15,
65, 79, 445
Borsboom, Fytie Pieter-
son, 268
Maria, 100
Piet. Jac, 91, 92, 101,
126, 130, 139, 153, 154
163, 179
Bosloopers, 6, 9, 410, 421
Boswegb, 172, 203
Bounds of Schen., 429
Albany, 429
Boundary dispute, 427
Bouweries 20, 62
Bouwknecht, 147
Bouwlands, 8, 9, 59, 60,
61, 62
Brandwach, 374
Brandywine mill, 205,
220, 449
Bratt, 82, 286, 296, 444
Ab. N., 69
Arent, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39,
44, 50, 51, 60, 62, 70,
71, 80, 94. 95, 96, 97,
98, 135, 137, 164, 178,
185, 192, 286, 296, 317,
371
Ar. And., 15, 63, 93, 95,
96, 98, 175, 262
456
Index.
And., 88, 89, 97. 266, 288
Alb. And., 93, 95
Cat. And., 95
Cate , 86, 149
Cittie, 268
Dirk, 63, 98, 99, 164, 220,
266, 267
Dirk Arentse, 67, 173
Harmanus, 45, 53, 97
John A., 301, 302
Margaret, 63, 95
Theuuis, 368
Samuel. 25, 53, 63, 266,
267
Samuel Arentse, 98
house, 444, 450
widow, 250
will, 40
Brewer, 141, 221
Brewhouse, 182, 215, 216,
220, 222
Brick ballast, 448
Bricks, 336, 360, 441, 443,
444, 445, 446, 447, 448
cost, 444
Holland
house, 117, 246
maker, vii, 107, 360
layer, 109
Bridge, Sym. Groot's, 166,
180
Freeman's, 115
Brokers, bos loopers, 415
Brouck, Jonas
Brough:on, S.S., opinion,
29
Brouwer, 25
Hend., 66, 91, 93, 101,
124
Hend. W., 100
Jacob, 423
Lysbet, 70, 130
Martie, 66, 91
Philip Hendrickse, 10,
14, 63, 99, 100, 137.
138, 147, 177
Do. Thos., 346, 351
Willem, 100, 107, 159
Brown, John, 406, 407
Rev. John W., 391, 392
Buildings, 337
Building of church, 346
of academy, 434
Bull. Capt., 240, 242, 243,
245, 252, 253, 258, 262,
263, 273, 320
Bundling, 366, 367
or Queesten, 454
Burger's excise, 20
Burial customs, 369
lot, 377
places, 370
under the church, 377
Burnet, Governor, 288
Burns, Charles, 96
Francis, 96
Burt, David, 266
Burying ground, 213, 216,
222, 225, 348, 349, 374.
398
private, 370
Butler, Jr., Lieut. Walter,
295
Buys, Jan, 267, 268
Bybel Voorlezeir, 362
Byvanck, Jan, 266
Cadarachqui (Kingston,
C. W.), 237, 280
Cahohattea, 436
Callebergh, 127
Calver Wey, 62, 203
Cambefort, Geraldus, 75,
101, 156
Cambefort's patent, 75,
76
Canachkorie, 275
Canachquo, 19
Canada, carried away to,
165, 199
attempt on, 285
population of, 3
Canal, Erie, 68
Canatagione (Niskayuna),
251
Canastagione (Niskav-
una), 99, 271, 275,328
Canastegione, 148
Canastagioone [Niskay-
una], 232
Canastagiowne, 77, 174,
177
Canastagiocne, 105, 199,
272
Canistageiooue, 94
Connestigioone
Canistageione, 161
Canajoharie, 232
Cinnon, 238
Canoes, 423
Cantine, Peter, 57
Cantuquo, 11, 12
Cape Cod, 4
Capital, New York, 248
Mohawks, 9
Captain of foot, 226
Captive Frenchmen, 382
Captives in Canada, 364
Capture of deserters, 162
Captured by the French,
272
Carley House, 227
Carried away to Canada,
165, 174, 199
Carrying place, 293
Carstense, Carsteu, 101
Elizabeth, 113
Teunis, 101,267, 268
Car works, 171
Casteel, Eylandt, 409
Catechist among the Mo-
hawk Indians, 395,
398
Caughnawaga, 110, 232,
422
Chief of the Iroquois, 248
Children, Arent Bratt's,
94
Joh. Glen's, 120
Christiaanse, Christiaan,
101, 123
Christoffelse, David, 102,
108, 243, 263, 268
Case betweeu trustees and
Schermerhorn, 48
Castle, Indian, 8, 18, 236,
305, 315, 341
christian, 132
Mohawks, 251, 253
Oneidas burnt, 280
Castieton, George, 309
Cattskill, 6
Cayugas, 2, 236
Centry bos, 310, 311, 339
Central Railroad, New
York, 60
Champlain, 1
Champlain's account, 1
Chandeliers, 362
Chaplain, 310, 350
Chapel in the fort, 399
Charter, 426
Dongan, 6
college, 433
the, 33, 359
Cheragtoge (Schuyler-
ville), 322
Chesapeake Bay, 3
Chest, deacon'?, 350
Children slain, 209
Chimnies, 446, 448
Christian Castle, 132
Christoffelse, Davidt, 63
Chucktenunda, 7
Church, viii, 150, 154, 100,
217, 312, 331, 333, 335,
337, 340, 348, 349, 355,
390, 433, 451
Church accomodation, 361
accounts, 335, 336, 379
Albany, 6
block house designed
for, 346
building of, 346
cleaning of, 336
clerk ot, 362
clock, 359
commenced, 389
contribution for, 346
cost of, 353
defensible, old, 331
desecration of the old,
361
destruction of, 347
dimensions of, 361
Dutch, 36, 42, 62, 75,
123, 306, 359, 387
English, viii, 389, 390,
406
Episcopal, 42, 206, 401
German Methodist, 99
mill, 376, 377
mother, 361
of 1814, 360
organized, 335
plan of, 357
pasture, 194, 376
people of Schenectady,
390
Presbyterian, xii, 42,
121, 399
records, 335, 385
Reformed, 334
seal, 404
seats in, 356
Sergt., 262 !
service in Mohawk, 342
stone, 390
sites, 373
trade, xii, 380
Cistern, public, 349
Citadel, 317
Citizen's affidavit, 58
Civilization in Rensse-
laerswyck, 442
Civil officers of Albany,
321
privileges, 426
Clerk of the Church, 362
452
Clock, 352, 356, 358,
359
Claas Graven's Hook
[Crane's Village], 232
Claesen, Com., 268
Clapboards, 441
Clarkson, secretary, 112
Claverac, 6
Clay, Clay loam, 7, 8
pit (Kley knil), 300
Clement, Joseph, 81, 103,
139, 210
/Pieter 71, 73, 81, 103,
139, 140, 210
Cloet, JoUn, 106
Cloutman, Edward, 293
Jr., John, 106
Clute, 104
Bata, 77
Frederick, 104, 105, 106
Jan, Capt., 104, 105
Johannes, 77, 104, 105,
106, 185
Cobes, Lndovicus or
Lewis, 19, 72, 73, 103,
124, 125, 135, 142, 146,
149, 150, 161, 193, 204,
212, 268
Loomis, Coopeele, 266
Maria 103, 124
Coehorn kil, 7
Coe'ymans, Lucas Pie-
terse, 192
Coffin, 368
Colden, Cadwallader, 40
Colonie, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16 —
Collegebrook, Hansefi's
kil or, 110
Collins, Mr. John, 416
Colonie, Kensslaerswyck,
83, 421
Commies, 13, 109
Commissaries, 49, 50, 125,
443
Commissioner, 6
Committee, 54
Commodities, prices, 455
Commonalty, 54, 57
Common lauds, 35, 36, 39,
49, 51, 52, 57
Company, 5
Complaint, 30, 82
Compromise, 43, 54
Index.
457
Conde, Adam, 300, 301,302
Conference with Sachems
of Five Nations, 284
Congratulation to Gov.
Fletcher, 321
Congregation build a
Bouse, 352
Congress of the Sis Na-
tions, 422
Connecticut levies, 302
Connocharieguharie, 12
Conner, Frank, 301, 302,
303
Consistory, 37
Contention about bound-
ary, 427
Contraband trade, 413, 422
Contract for a house, 445,
446
Contributions for church,
346, 407
public worship, 346
Condition of people, 256
Condre (Sander Glen), 250
Coney Island, 196
Connecticut troops, 302
Convention, 237, 238, 242
Conyn, Pieter, 226
Corlaer, 17, 108, 248, 240,
250, 251, 271, 273, 2S9,
201
B., 322
Corlaer, French descrip-
tion of town of, 249
Corlard, 291
Cornbury, Lord, 26, 75,
326
Cornelise, Hilletie (see
Van Slyek), 76
Jacquese, 17, 23
Cornelissen, Lys., 268
Country was much
alarmed, 134
Cornelys jonge pointee,
Teums, 151
Corn, Indian, 8.
Mill, 178, 19-2.
Corn planter, 420, 454
Cornu, Pieter, 75
Cortelyou, Jaques, 13, 16
Cort o» Garde, 309
Cosby, fort, 316
Cosens, B., 30,31,348
Cost of bricks, 444
of houses, 448
of Mit. and Ind. goods,
455
Courcelles expedition, 232
Council called, 290
Count of hats, 408
Court at Fort Orange, 410
martial, 281
of Chancery, 32
of justice, 3S1
Courtship custom, 365
Cow path, 59
Crane's village, 76
Crage, 18
Creek, of the lake, 7
Platte, 69
Stone, 69
Cregier, Jr., Martinus,
133, ia3
Creupel-bosch, 61, 126
Cromwell, Jacobus, 106,
222
Crown Point, 3, 295
Cruelties, 253
Cummings, Rev. Hooper,
404,405
Currie's Bush, 401
Curateurs of Arent Van
Curler's estate, 169
Customs, 366
courtship, 365
funeral, 368
Cayler, Ann, 76
Hendrick, 101, 152, 157,
242
Cuyler's Vlachte, 76
D'Aillebout, 270
Damens, Martie, 63,
100, 105, 108, 127,
133, 261
Dams, 423
Danger line, 231
of sale liquor, 239
Danielse, see Van Ant-
werp 159
Banker <& Sluyter\s Jour-
nal, 59, 184, 441, 442,
453
Dans Kanier, 226
Darling, John, 300, 301,
302
Rev. T., viii, 395, 399,
406
Davids, Chist.. 263
Davidts, Kit, 102
Davitse, P., 276
Day of fasting and prayer,
242
De Arme wey, 374
Deacon's account book,
380
chest, 350
Dead room, 368
De Bakker (see S. V.
Veeder), 66
De Bakkers fwek, 80, 121,
203
De Bonrepos, Sieurs, 248
Deed, Dutch, 11, 346
Deerfield, 275
De Freeze (see Auker),
83, 144, 145, 329
De Frontenac, M. Le
Comte, 247
De Goyer, Kleyn, 141
De Graafe, 312
Abraham, 56, 165, 300,
301
Aernout, 287
An Iries, 107
Claas, 76, 107, 183, 286,
301
Claas Andriese, 70, 107,
306
Cornells, 363, 369
Grietje Claase, 228
house, 299, 300, 301
Isaac, 94, 237
Jesse, 88
Maria, 88
Mrs., 147
Nicholas, 172, 300, 301
De Graaf's singing. 363
De Hulter, Jotian., 444
Mad., 91, 444
Mons, 102
De La Brosse, 248
(De Laet) Bbbingh, Mad.
Johanna, 192
Delamont, Jacob. 223
Jan, 188
De Livall, Capt. Thos.,
319
De La Warde, Island, 79
Jan, 80, 107, 171
Delaware Bav, 4
Dellius, Doniine, 340
De Mantet, M., 244, 247,
249, 250
De Metselaer, Marten, 91
De Moer, see Philip Phil-
ipse, 70, 74
De Montessea. Repen-
tteny, 248
De Monti gny. Marque,
24S, 249, 250
Denonville, correspond-
ence in relation to
Senecas, 234
Departure from Montreal,
248
Derivation of Schenec-
tady, 454
De Roy, Jonas, 314
De Scheene, Susanna, 159
Description of country,
316
Albany, 441, et seq
Fort Orange, 249
houses, 441
Lord Cornbury, 326
Scnen. French, 316
Deserters, 281, 314
Destroy the church, 347
Destruction of the town,
50
De Sweedt (see Barhydt),
88
De Tracy, Governor of
Canada, 168
De Treux or Truax, 158
Isaac, 136
Philip, 120, 158
De Vos, A'!dri-s, 93
Catelyn, 15, 62, 63, 98
Catalyntie, 51, 164, 170,
175, 185, 262
Catalyntie Andriese, 51
De Wandelaer, Johannes,
268
De Willegen (the wil-
lovs), 70,167, 183, 185
De Winters' or Elias
Plantasie, 61
De Winter, Bastiaen, 15,
102, 108, 126, 171, 187
De Wolf, Dirk, 196
Diadorus, 271
Dialects, xvi
D Iberville, Sieur C.
Moyne, 243, 249, 250
Director in Amsterdam, 4
Dirksen, Cornelys, 87
Dispute between two tap-
sters, 413
Dissenters, 390, 398, 407
Dissentions at Schen., 239
Divine service suspended,
396
Division of lands, 58
of patent, 41
Doep book, 365, 387
Domain frittered away,
373
Domestic habits, 379
Domiuie's Hoek, 102
house, 59
salary, 379
Doncassen, Catalyn, 113
Dongan, Governor, 21, 23,
24, 49, 76
paper war with Denon.
vide, 236
patent, 6, 26, 33, 35, 39,
50, 78
Dood-graver, 363
Doop-huisje, 356
and town books, ix, 3
Door of the cabin, 438
south, 408
Dorowingoese, 17
Drinking and quaffing:,
272
Droybergh, verf or color
kil alias Tequatsera,
7, 74, 75
Du Bois, Gnalterus, 350
Du Chene, La Bert, 248,
250
Duffels, 274, 455
Du Mond, or Dumont,
Francyntje, 106
Dunbar, Robert, 293, 407
Duncan, John, 45, 86
Duncan's pew, 408
Durham boat, 424
Dutch account of burning
of Schenectad ', 251
arrived at head of navi-
gation, 437
bricks 444, 447
church, xii, xiii, 36, 42,
62, 75, 123, 130, 306,
387, 408
customs, xii
deeds, 11, 346
East India Co., 3
language, x
liberality, 335
Mohawk, 388
"myl," 18
style, 446
West India Co., 448
Duties of Klockluyer, 363
of sexton, 364
of Voorleezer 362
Du Trieux, see Truax,
69
Dwight, Dr. Timothy, 447
458
Index.
Dyckman, Johannes 82,
109, 266, 268,
Dyer, Jonathan , 83, 109,
165
Earliest baptism, 393
Early history of
Presbyterian Ch.,
399
houses, 442
proprietors, 195
records, 380
Easterly Castle, 438
Eastern boundary, 7
Edifice dilapidated, 396
Endowments, 373
Een dracht, 172.
Eenkluys' gift, 376
Hanse Janse, 62, 109,
334, 374, 375, 379, 385
Kil, xiii
Effects of incursion of
French, 347
Election of aldermen, 57
Elias' plantasie, 182
Eltie or Illetie, 184
English Church, 389, 406
crowd the Dutch, 1
Entrances, 356
Episcopal Church, 42,
306, 401
Erection of the Church,
393, 406
Erichzon, Do. Reinhar-
dus, 351, 352, 355, 360
Erie Canal, 68
Esopus (Kingston), 234
Ets (Yates), Robt., 286
Evil, apparent, 4
Exacting demands, xvi
Exchange of prisoners,
302
Exempt from military
duty. 290
Expense of outfit, 275
Extraordinary ordinan-
ces, 414
Extract from Leisler's
letter to Maryland,
260
Faithful allies, 288
Families, large, 82
family chests, x
Farm, 49, 58, 60, 61, 62,
63, 64, 65, 66, 67
Farmers, 82
Farmer of the excise, 82,
83
Fate of the Province, 244
Father Jogues, 388, 442,
450
Fifth Flat, 73
Kil, 74
Finances, 378
Findley, Rev. James, 400
Fines, 381
Ferry, 75, 201
Feudal System, 4
Fire in 1819, 451
First Flat, 69
grist mill, 192
houses, 441
piece, 60
proprietors, 68
settlers, 52
settlement, 9, 49, 170,
442
stone house, 443, 444
Fishing rights, 122
Five Magistrates, 176
patentees, 176
Five Nations, see Iro-
quois, 2, 281,285, 341
at Schenectady, 279
conference with sach-
ems of, 284
in council, 271, 273
neutral, 285
raid Montreal, 237
Flat, De Willegen or Wil-
low, 21,70, 137,167
Fifth or Wolf, 73, 74,
133
First, 69
Fourth, 70, 72
Great, 9, 11, 13, 58, 62,
68, 115, 149, 153, 170
Hazlenut. 45, 69
second, 69, 71. 72
third, 69, 70, 126, 131
sixth, 74, 377
seventh, ?6
Great, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
58, 62, 6S, 421
stone, 8
Flats, north side 70
south side 68
Fletcher, Governor, 282
Floods, annual, 8
Foot Company, 286, 287
Fonda, Abraham, 45, 53,
115 »
Douwe, 222, 422
island, 80, 111
Jelles A., 56
Jellis J., 54, 55
JillesDouwese, 110, 276
Jiliis, 54, 62, 67, 78, 110,
121, 180, 422
Marselis, 129
Foray by French Indians,
282
Forces, British, 310
Foreign and Domestic
trade, 6
Foremost farm No. 8,
179
Forms of names, vii
Fort, Captain John, 292
Simon, 303
Fort,221, 238, 260, 271, 273,
274, 277, 278, 284, 285,
288, 293, 295, 305, 307,
308, 309, 312, 315, 317,
318, 324, 326, 332, 333,
349 368,442
Albany, 59, 324
Amsterdam, 16
Ann, 292
at Bartel Vrooman's,
238
Casimer, 114
Massachusetts, 295
Mohawk, 238
Nassua, 114
Onondaga, 288
Orange, 6, 10, 13, 16,
409,442
Queens, 312, 313, 315,
328
Royal, 309
Sarasteau (Saratoga),
295
Schenectady, 309, 31J,
324, 326, 327
site of a new, 148
St. Frederick (Crown
Point) 292
Fortifications, 232, 275,
304, 305, 316, 320, 321,
322, £29, 330, 331, 339
Indian, 304
Fortify, 259
Foundations, 446
Fourth Flat, 52, 72
Franklin, Beni., 3
Freeholders, 53,82,428, 432
Freeman's bridge, 115
Freerman, Dominie Barn-
hardus, 112, 175, 340,
341, 342, 343, 345, 346.
347, 349
Freerman's Portrait and
signature, 112
Free trade, 6, 422
Frelinghuysen, Do., 360,
393
French, 3, 65
ace. dest. Schen., 247
approaching Albany,
279
attack Schen., 120, 245
attack Mohawk castle,
277, 278
character, flexibility of
the, 1
commenced to settle in
Canada, 1
crowd the English, 1
description of town of
Corlaer, 247, 249
designs, 239, 275
endeavor to make peace
with Five Nations,
279
garrison at Crown
Point, 294
girl prisoners, 264
loss, 251
kindness to captive.
246
of Canada, 2
prisoner, 8, 235, 281
retreat, 247
supplied by people of
Schenectady, 232, 233
war, 332
war, last, 3
and their Indian allies,
23, 50
Frontiers of New York,
323, 329
Fuel and Timber, 57
Fuller General, 333
Funeral, 368
invitation to, 369
expenses, 368
procession, 370
Fuyck, 382
Gables, 446
Ganse gat, 145, 206
Ganzevoort, Harrnen, 137
Garden, 49, 58, 61
Gardeniers, Hendrick, 11,
267, 268
Garrison*, 281, 283, 284.
304, 307, 330, 331, 333,
392
Gurrison of Schenectady,
274, 281, 297, 318, 326
Gat, Dove, 87, 92, 97, 203
Gates, 244, 245, 282, 305,
306, 311, 312,313
Gate to the Province, 231
Gathering of Savages
about Schenectady,
235
Gaun-ho-ha, 437
Gautsh, Jacques Cornel-
ise, 189
Geeritje, 211
Geological formation, 7
George 1st, King, 50
German Fiats, 232
Gen. assembly, 44
Methodist church, 99
Gerritse, Barcnt, 110
Frederick, 113
Gestoelte, 356
Gifts, 362, 373
Giguieres, 249
Gilbert, Catharine, 88
Given's Hotel, 65, 84,
111, 227
Glebe lot, 390
Glen, 82, 312
Abraham, 36, 294
Alex. Leeudertse, 113
Catharine, 67, 151
Helena, 117, 118
Henry, 87
House (New Sanders)
79, 117, 149
Jacob, 64, 78, 117, 118,
287, 297, 298, 300, 317
Jacob, Jr., 301, 302
Jacob Sanderse, 117,
118, 319
Johannes, 25, 27, 64,
86, 89, 116, 118, 120,
187, 224, 282, 340, 345"
380
Johannes Jacobse, 25,
11.5, 118
Johannes Sanderse, 25,
26, 30, 31, 78, 117,
119, 166, 176, 177, 199,
251, 277, 286, 313, 327,
330, 380
John, 30, 45, 47, 54
Index.
459
Sander, 64, 72, 106, 115,
116, 119, 128, 193, 242,
246, 272, 274, 283, 307,
380
Sander Leendertse, 14,
16, 18, 19, 62, 64, 108,
118, 119, 167, 198
Glen's sons, 113
Glenville, 432
Gospel, Soc. for Prop., sii
Gouverneur, Abraham, 31
Government, aim of, 320
Governor, 72
and Council, 60, 68, 77
of Mass., 257, 258, 259
Stuyvesant, 6
Governor's authority, 11
patent to Eenkluys,
375
Grammar school, 395
Graven, Claas, see De
Graaf, 70
Grave digger and bell
ringer, 369
Graven's hoek, 76, 171,
172
Graves in Churches, 371
Gravestones, oldest, 372
Great Britain, 2
Great Flat, 9, 10, 11, 12,
13, 58, 59, 62, 68, 86,
421
island, 105, 107, 172,
183, 185
island of Niskayuna, 21
Pall, 369
sand belt, 8
Grievances, 26
Grinding meal, 240
Grist mill, 60
Groesbeck, Stephanus,
73
Groot, Abraham, 120, 121,
264, 381
Claas, 120, 264
Corn., 268
Dirk, 73, 120 121, 264,
314
Gertruy, 266 267
Kornelis, 269
John, 291
Lewis, 76, 300, 302
Nicholas, 36, 206, 317
Philip, 76,120, 121, 156,
264
Sym, 25, 99, 104, 120,
139, 148, 178, 197, 198,
199, 201, 215, 216, 264,
266, 267, 294, 301, 364,
375, 382, 383
Symon Symonse, 80,
120, 159, 161
Seymon, Jr , 31, 121,
124, 144
Groote Vlachte, 10, 59,
86
Groot's bridge, 166, 180
captured by French and
Indians, 120
kil, 7
mill, 101
Gryp irons, 358
Guard, 245, 252, 281 , 314
desert the garrison, 281
houses, 306,310,433
Guardian of widows and
orphans, 378
Guilder or florin beaver,
380
Guns, 304, 329,
Gunstocker, 110
Gyse's island, 71
Hagadorn, Manus, 267
Jonathan, 292
Hendrick, 122
Half breeds, 9
moon (Waterford), 6,
232, 272, 274, 275, 322
Hallenbeck, Casparse, 220
Jacob Casparse, 67
Handel-tyde (business
season), 413
Haud of Wampum, 18
Hansen, Hendrick, 88
Kil (College brook), 166,
180
Hanse, Carel, 35, 75
Rachel, 128
Hazlenut Flat, 69
Head of navigation, 3
stones, 372
waters of the Hudson, 4
Heer Patroon's cannons,
109
Heeren straet, 150, 173
Helderberg. 7
Hendrick, Chief, 296
Hendrickse, Philip, 100
Hesselingh, Di:k, 66, 123,
181, 197, 267
Hesseling, Rob., 263
Hillitie, see Van Slyck,
76
Hilt, Jan, 268
Hindmost piece, 61, 62
History of church build-
ing, 391
Hoek, 64, 67, 70, 71, 80,
107, 121, 130, 147, 206,
228
Claas Graven's, 76, 107,
111, 115, 121, 157, 171,
172
De Bakker's, 80, 121,
203
Symon Volckertse'8,142
Hoffman's Ferry, 75, 227
Hofttede, 71, 80, 86, 111,
' 132, 171, 172, 198, 201,
442
Holland, 1
Hollanders, 59
Hotel, Given's, 84, 111,
165, 227
Houses, 159, 245, 306, 337,
355, 360, 441, 446, 447
about Orange, 442
Ancient, 119, 159, 224,
229 .
brick, 246
Dominie's, 59
Houses,
first stone, 443
in Albany, 441, 442, 443,
444, 445, 446, 447
English, 441
DeGraaf's, 299, 300, 301
Glen, 79, 117, 118
Indian, 442, 444
Indian at Schen., 2
in Jarseys, 441
log or block, 441
Mabee, 131,133, 159,450
Patroons. 443
in Schen., 250, 446
S. P. G., 389
lots, 62, 82
Mebie, 131, 133, 159
of worship, 348
set on fire, 250
spared, 346
stone, 7
Vrooman, 214
watch and market, 333
wooden, 118
Hudson, 2, 3
river, 2
shales, 7
Hunt, Lt. Daniel, 283, 314,
315, 325
Hunter, Fort, 316
Gov., 35
Patent, 39
Huys, Jacob Janse, 107
Hjde, William, 314
Idesscn, Maria, 138
Illicit trade, 420
Immigration, increasing,
5
Imperfect records, 387
Importance of Schenec-
tady, 323
Income of Dutch Church
379
of English Church 396,
of Presbyterian Church,
402
of the public property,
53
Increase of congregation
retarded, 361
Indenture, 14
Indian Blacksmith, 288
Castles, 8, 305
character, 231
corn, 8
council, 419
decoy, 299
Deed and First Patent,
17
destroy deserted houses
and barns, 273
fortifications, 304, 453
haberdashery, 415
houses, 2, 441, 442
at Schenectady, 2
incursions, 313
killed, 273
linguist
name of the Vlachte or
flats, 12
owners, 11
Proselytes, 347
n fuse to attack, 278
Scouts, 243
titles, 17, 60, 76, 160
trade, 409, 417
traders, 6, 418, 423
village, 9, 453
wars on the border, 231,
271, 452
wives, 420
Infancy of time, 52
Influence with the Mo-
hawks. 147, 167
Ingoldsby, Ma]., 278
Inhabitants, 16, 23, 24, 49,
51, 55
armed, 319.
of Schenectady for-
bidden to trade, 134
Inland lock and Naviga-
tion Co., 423
Inn, 83
keeper, 82, 89. 106, 135,
136, 155, 195, 376, 412,
418, 423
Inquisitorial visits of the
sheiiff, 414
Inscription on the bell,
359
Interpreter, 77, 147, 174,
177, 183, 211, 212, 261,
265, 276, 278, 297, 323,
344, 419
Interprete?se, 342
Intiigues of French, 284
Introduction, 1
Inundation, 11
Invasion, French, 281
Inverness, xi
Invitation to funeral, 368,
369
Irons, grip, 358
Iroquois consisted of five
nations, 438
dwellings, 442
see Five Nations, 1
of the Sault, 291
Isaack Kleine, 272, 307
Island, 58, 78
Akus, 79, 224
Benton or Bent's, 81,
103, 113, 140
De Brabander'e, 274
five small, 77, 177
Fonda's, 80
Great, 76, 105, 172, 183,
185
Joris Aertse's or
Guises, 71, 79, 107, 171
Kruysbessen (Goose-
berry), 78, 111, 118,
166, 219
De La Warde's, 79, 107
Marten's, 14, 62, 77,
128, 141
Patroon's, 280
Sassians or Claas
Viele's, 80, 81, 90
Spuyten duy vel, 78, 118,
166
460
Index.
Island,
Van Slyck's, 62, 77, 78,
92, 107. 128, 191, 193
Varken's or Hog, 79, 92,
221
Van Eps, 79
Wemp's, 77, 190
Itsychosaquachka, 189
Jack's spring, 162
James, Rev. Wm.
Jan de Laggin kil, 378
Jan Mebie's kil, 7
Janse, Anneke, 138, 140,
263
Antje, 262
Arnout, 265
Dan el, see Van Ant-
werpen, 69
Ger., 266
Hendrick, 274
Marse'is, 83, 128
Panlus, 101, 123
Paulyn, 265
Roeloffe, 140
Jesuit propagandists, 346
relations, 1, 436
Johnson, Col. William,
29S
Daniel, 30, 31 —
Sir William, 147, 390,
393, 407, 419, 422
Sir William's pew, 394
Joint plea and demurrer
in Court of Chancery,
32
Joncker, Jan Janse, 71,
72, 123, 130, 145, 208.
Jucktanunda, i. e., stone
house, 215
Juffrouw's landt, 60, 149,
166, 194, 228
Jurisdiction over the vil-
lage, 417
Justice, 224, 254, 428
of the peace, 83, 243
Kadoritha, 133
Kallebergh, 122
Kalm, Peter, 446
Kalver wey, 203
Kanestigioune, 323
Kanquaragoone (now To-
wereune), 76, 158
Kelly, Alex., 394, 406, 407
Kemau, 235
Kennighke, 17
Kievits Hoek (Saybrook),
109, 375
King George the 1st, 50
Kil, 78
Aal plaats, 7, 122, 147
Arent Mebie's, 72, 73,
125
Binne, 9, 58, 60, 77, 79
Coehorn, 7
Cromme, 7
Droybergh, 75
Fifth Flat, 74
Kil,
Hansen (College brook) ,
166, 180
Jan Mebie's, 7
Platte, 7
Poenties, 7, 61, 65
Poesten, 192
Reghel brugse, 7, 69
Schuylenberg, 64, 142
Sand, 9
Stone, 68
Symon Groote, 7
Van Eps, 75
Verf, 158
Vossen, 163
Zand, 7, 70
Killed atBeukendaal,300,
301, 302
Norman's creek, 294
Saratoga, 295
Scooduck or Schodac,
294
near Albany, 293
In massacre, 123, 381
wife and two children,
83, 209
Killetje, Willem Tellers,
61, 153
Killing cattle, 284
Kilns, brick, 445, 447
Kinaquariones, 233
Kinderhook, 6
Kingego, 156
Kingston, 234
Kintigo, Indian Chief,
296
Kleyn, Anna, 125
Baata, 125
B:iefle, 73
Catiina, 125
Clara, 125
Isaack, xi
Johannes, 72, 103, 124,
125, 146
Weyntja, 125
Johannes' death, 73
Klokluyer, 358, 363, 364,
369, 379
Knickerbacker, Harme
Janse, 283
Kreupelbos, 92, 111
Kromme kil, 201
Kruisbessen island, 78,
111, 118, 166, 171, 172,
219
Kyler, Hendrick, 176
Labatie, Jan, 66, 91, 92,
108, 116, 125, 163
Lady Bellamont, 282
Lake Cftaniplain. 1, 3
in Scotm, 62, 186
La Montagne, 12, 16, 247,
443
Lambeth palace, viii
La Moyne, De Blainville,
248
De Saint Helene, Sieur,
247, 249, 250
Lands, co:. mon, 35, 36, 39,
49, 51, 52, 57
Lands,
division of, 58
legally measured, 410
native's corn, 8
purchased, 49
Lane, Derick, 57
Lange gang (Centre St.)
58, 212
Lansing, Gerrit, Jr., 68
Gerrit A„ 88, 89, 151, 153
Sander, 36
Lapie, 72, 103
Laplante, Sieur, 296
La Warde's island, 107
Law of primogeniture in
force, 39
Laws, 52
Lawrence, ye Indian, 251
Lawyer, David, Jr., 74
Lea, Mohawk woman
named, 146, 168
Leases, 52
Leeghte, 196
Leendertse, Sander, 114,
115
Legal contest, 418
heirs of the first free-
holders, 39
Legislature, 41. 54, 56, 57
acts of the, 44
Leisler, 140. 211, 237
letter to Albany, 272
opponents of, 242
overture toSchen., 242
to Bishop of Salisbury,
260
Lendt or Van der Linde,
Elizabeth, 150
Lens (Lensh), Jan, 127
Leuyn (Linne, La Noy),
Benjamin, 124, 127
Lespinard, Antony, 374
Letter. Freeman's, 341
to Stuyvesant, 9
Lewis, David, 106
Liberty to tapp, 209
Library, N, Y. State, at
Albany, 25
Licensed tapsters. 189
Lient. Bickford, 313, 314
Lime, 448, 449
Limestone, 7
Linen distributed in the
Bush [Woestine],268
Line of stockades, 304
Linguist, Indian, 112
Liquor, a great hindrance
to all desiens, 235
List of people killed, 261
of stockings, 267
of ye lands and income,
28
Littel, John, 42, 43
Little Pall, 382
Livingston, Capt., 296
Philip, 80, 122
Robert, 77, 260, 272, 416
Locomotive works, 167
Log or block-houses,
441
Loonenburgh, 104
Lords directors of the pri-
vileged West India
Co., 11
of trade, 285
supper, 382
Lots and farms surveyed
and patents, 17
house, 62
village, 59
Lottery, New Cagtle,400
Louisburgh, 292
Lovelace, Governor, 234,
411, 412
Loveridge, Wm., 91
Lower Mohawk Castle,
296
Lubberde's landt (Troy),
110, 123, 192, 223
Lupardus, Do., 344
Lush, Stephen, 54
Luykasse, Jacob, 304
Luysig hoek, 115, 200
Lydius, Dom. Joh., 341,
350
John Henry, 292
Maalwyck, 7, 71, 90, 91,
113, 124, 139, 140,
156, 158, 210, 300,
369
Mabie, Arent Kil, 72, 73,
125
Anna. 66, 91
Eva. 146
house, 131, 133, 159, 450
Jacob, 287
Jan, 7, 25,73, 74, 96,123,
131, 133, 151, 162, 287
John, 74
Jan P., 70, 91. 130, 160,
161, 167, 327
Nicholas, 69
Pieter, 56, 74, 179, 287
Magistrates, 20, 193, 195,
197, 272, 320
Maugelse, Pieter, 128
Manhatten, 4, 439
Manor of Rensselaer, 420
Map of Bouwlands
Indian
Miller's. 59, 307, 310,
311, 332
Mary Anne Rocques
Sauthiers
of Schenectady, 310
Vrooman's, 332, 333, 439
Maquase, 235, 236
castles, 251, 253, 259
Maquaas country, 127
landt, 352
river, 77
Marcken, J. G. V., 17, 18
Maria, 209
Marinus, David, 128, 185,
268
Joh, 301, 302
Maritie, 98
William. 73, 100
Marks, Joseph, 266, 274
Mary, 209
Index.
461
Marriage by license, 366
civil contract, 365
records, is
Marselis, Ahasuerus, 129
Gerrit, 128, 263
Gysebert,25,71, 107,129
Sara. 364
Sweer, 329
Martelaers straatof rack,
129, 134
Marten Gcrritse's island,
141
Marten's island, 14, 62,
77, 128, 224
Mascraft, Daniel, 70, 107,
130, 314
Masonry, 355,442, 448
Massacre, 50, 102, 193,
208. 244, 252, 275
the Benkendaal, 298
Mastiff dogs, 232
Matthews, Capt.Fletcher,
84
Petter, 330
Maumee river, 2
Maurits, Marten see Van
Slyck, 77, 128, 190
Mayor, 54, 56
alderman and common
alty, 54
McCne, John, 69
Meadow, Gerrit Sy-
monse's, 60, 61
Meeting house, 400
Megapolcnsis, 388
Merchantable beaver,
good, 420
Michillimackinac, 391
Milborne, Jac, 241
Military duty, 290
Militia, 285. 318, 320
Connecticut, 318
officers, 23S
Mill. 36, 194, 200, 205, 213,
220, 263, 379, 444, 445
Brandywine, 205, 220
carried by flood, 192
church, 193, 376, 377
corn, 178, 192
creek, 58
grist, &i, 192, 193, 376
Groot's, 101
right, 196
saw. 192, 214, 226
Schermerhorn, 60, 64
Van Velsens, 193
Veeders, 60, 205
Vrooman's, 205
Miller, town, 171, 376
Miller, Rev. Alexander,
400
Rev. John, 310, 311, 392,
440
Miller's map, 59, 307, 310,
311, 332
Milling regulations, 192
Minister, the first, 154,
249, 346
Missing, 302
Missionary, 340, 342, 392
Mississippi valley, 1
Mohacks, 284
Mohawks, 2, 7, 59, 76, 79,
284, 288, 312, 395
Mohawk bridge, 200
castles, 18,212,231,277,
278, 295 296, 304
country, 1, 225, 228
Dutch, x, xvi, 388
flats, 8
flotilla, 425
river, 2, 8, 9, 59, 68,79,80
sakemakers, 72, 103
valley, 7
women, 09, 146
spared, 250
Mohoakx, 18, 233
Mohogs, 177
Mohegan explanation of
Schen., 437
Moncktor., Gov., 426
Money of the Dutch, 336
Monopoly, 4, 240
Monsigno, Ensign, 295
Montiigne, Willem, 12
Mont Reall, 284
Monuments, 372
Morals at Oswego, 297
Motive for Dutch stations,
420
Mouris, Marten, 12
Mrs. Grant's memoirs,
453
Muds of oats, 10
Munitions, 238
Munaell, Joel, ix
Mnrdock, James, 87, 153
My lady, 282
My), Dutch, 18
Myndertse appeals and
gains his cause, 134
arrested, 134
Barent, 276
Jacobus, 53
Johannes, 25, 134, 418
Joseph, 54
Marine, 192
suit, 419
Myngaell, Johannes, 322
^Tak, Matthys, 141
N Names, rare, 34
Nanfan, Capt., 283, 344,
348
Native's corn land, 8
first seen, 437
Navigation, 422
Negotiation and com-
promise, 33
Nepissings, 291
Ness, xi
Nesti<_ieYone, 163, 219
New Amstel, 183
England, 5
lieutenant, 298
states form a confede-
racy, 3
New Netherland, 4
population of, 5
New trustees, 41, 54
New York Central Rail
Road, xiii, 60, 425
currency, 353
distraction and revolu-
tion at, 256
Newenhuysen, Dominie,
338
Nicolls, Governor, 65, 76.
77
Nicholson, Col. Francis,
285
Niskatha (New Scotland),
146
Niskayuna, 6, 312, 448
berg or Schuylerberg, 9,
122
great islands in, 76
five small islands of, 77
patent, 37S
Nistigione, 271
Noble, Maritye Pieterse,
309
Thomas, 135
William
Noorman, Cattelyn, 149
Norman's Kil, 67, 188,
207, 454
creek, killed at, 294
North gate, 89, 172, 213,
216
west passage, 3
Norwood, William, 293
Notable houses, 449
Notarial papers, 3S8
Notice of appeal, 42
Notification, 41
Nott, Kev. Dr., 404
Nova Scotia, 118, 251
Nucella, Dom. Johannse
Petrus, 340
0'Callaghan,Dr. E. B.,
437, 440
Ocquarry, 19
Officers, Calvauiet, 248
Ofmulder. Dirk. 135
Ogilivie, Rev. John, 392
Ohio, 1
Ohonowa-laugantle, 436
Old building, 443, 449
church removed, 357
French war, 285, 290
maids, 365
trustees, 57
Oliver, John, 66, 91
Trvntje, 66, 91
Oneidas, 2, 236
Onondagas, 2, 236, 288
retreated, 280
Oothout, Abraham, 54,
153
Opponents of Schermer-
horn, 33, 34
Orange, 291
Ordinary, 209, 412
Order prohibiting trade,
411
Organ, 362
Original name for Albany,
440
owners, 62
settlers, 48, 49
Origin of church, 335
Origoniwoutt, 12
Oronowaragowhre, 12
Oseuburg linen, 267
Oswego, morals at, 297
Otten, Catharine, 64, 142,
143, 196
Helmer. 135, 142, 195
Ouderkerk. Johannes,
113, 195
Palatine, 232, 294
Palisades, 62, 165,
244, 290, 305, 327,
332, 370
used by the Dutch, 304
Panic in Albany, 321
Paper, a subscription, 352
Papers in old box. 3S8
Pappen, Leghten Jan, 78
Paikman, 1, 442, 453
Parsonage, 337, 351, 360
Pastors, 406
Pasture, 49, 58, 59, 62, 68,
121
poor, 2
Patent, 21, 49, 50, 54, 55,
56, 57
bounds of the, 76
Oambefort's, 76
division »f, 41
Dongan, 23, 26, 33, 35,
36, 39, 50, 78
for the ancient town-
ship, 21
fourth and last, 35
Hunter's, 39
J. C. Van Siyck's, 69
Stuyvesant's, 77
of 1714, 35, 36, 38, 39
Van Siyck's island, 128
Patentees, five, 38, 153
not disturbed, 36
of Schenectady, 72, 182
Patria, 6
Patroons, 4, 5, 6, 8, 125
company, 448
house, 443
island, 280
Payne, Rev. William, xii,
391, 407
Peace, 284
between England and
France, 284
declared, 283
of Ryswick, 232, 283,
320, 3 9
of Utrecht, 232, 331
Pearson, Caleb, xv
Prof. Jonathan, ix, xv
Peek, Harmanus, 121 "
Jan, 136, 170
Jacobus, 25, 69, 72, 103, ■
136, 159, 161, 309
Jacobus, drowned, 121
Johannes, 69, 104
Mrs., banished from
Manhattan Island, 136
Peekskill, named, 136
Pels, Evert, 125
462
Index.
Pennestont 266
People killed. 238, 261
of Albany, 269
Permit to cut wood, 57
Persons killed near
Albany, 293
Petition, 31, 33, 54, 55,
276, 337, 345, 390
Bickford's, 314
for charter, 426
for removal of church,
361
in state library, 25
Isaac Swits', 308
Eyer Schemerhorn's,
40, 41, 45, 46
signers, 41
the trustees, 47
to Gov. Nanlan, 347
to Gov. and Coun., 24,
280
William Appell, 280
Petitioner, 52
Philipse, Jan, 137, 300,
302
Maria, 106
Philip, see de Moer, 25,
70. 74, 137, 157, 167,
303
Picquet, Francis, 292
Pieterse. Wm., 263
Pikkert, Bartholomew,
137
Pine plains, beyond the,
437
Pitch pipe introduced, 395
Places in church, 357
Plains of Abraham, 1
Plan of church, 357
of settlement, 56
Plans for the managemert
of the common lands,
53
Plantasie, church (Een-
kluys), 375
Ellas, 61
Plantations deserted, 272,
281, 339,452
Plasterer, 408
Plat, village, 58
Piatt, Zephaniah, 57
Platte kil, 7, 69, 190
Poentieskil, 7, 61,65,153,
180. 220
Poesten kil, 192, 223
Points of attack, 290
PoMers, 59
Poopendaal (Beukendaal),
12S, 298
Poor fund, 335
of Schenectady, 62
pasture, 2, 374, 375
Pootman, Arent, 138
Cornells, 165
Jan, 124, 137
and wife slain Jan., 140
Johannes, 138, 243, 263,
268, 296, 375
Population, x, 58, 245, 312,
402, 452
Beverwyck, 6
of New Netherland, 5
of Canada, 3
Porteous, John, 153
Port Jackson, 21, 282
Potter, Bishop, o95, 397
Poversen, 7, 68, 91, 140,
17 5, 210
Power of attorney, 31, 33,
54
to treat, 438
Praying Indians. 238, 239,
276
Preeck-stoel, 355
Presbyterian church, 42,
121
party, 395
Primogeniture, 52, 96
Prisoners, 123, 235, 247,
250, 278, 291, 302
Privileges of trade, 16, 20
Privileged West India
Co., 4, 409
Proal, Eev. Alexis P., 397
Proclamation, 237
forbidding departures,
237
made to cut off trade,
413
Promise not to trade, 410
Proposed line of block-
houses, 231
Proprietors, first, 68, 153
Provisions, cost, 455
Province, 2
Provincial assembly, 156,
174
Provisions to Schenec-
tady, 274
Provoost, Johannes, 197
Pruyn, John, 454
Public property, income
of, 53
Pulpit, 355, 356, 397
Purchase of lands, 49
Putman see Pootman, 137
Quackenbos, Martha,
292
Isaac, 178
Pieter, 168
Rachel, 303
Quaint architecture, xiii
Quebeck, attack, 285
Queesten, 367, 454
Quit rent, 23
Rack strand, 155
Railroad, N. Y. C,
60
Pal, Pieter, 138
Eamen, 337
Real estate owned by
Reyer Schermerhorn,
143
Rebuilding fort, 331
Records, Church, xvii, 335,
408
Rectors, 71, 72, 391
RectOTy, 398
Reef, Van Antwerps', 160
Regelbrugse kil, 7, 69
Register, baptismal, 365
marriage, 365
Regulation, milling, 192
Remarks on the Indian,
416
Remonstrance, 345
Removing to New York,
282
Reneselaerswyck, 5, 13,
15, 16, 88, 93. 223, 252
Rent, 20, 50, 52, 73, 74, 75
Repairing guns for the
garrison, 327
Representatives, House
of, 46 <-"
Returned prisoners, 303
Revolution, 2, 52, 332. 333
Reynier, Jacob, 31
Rich valley, xv
Rights, 52
Rinckhout, Daniel, 156
Jan, 121, 138, 374
Jurrian, 138
River, Hudson, 2
fiats, xiii
Indians, 233, 281, 285
Maumee, 2
Mohav k, 8, 9, 59, 68, 77,
79, 80
south side of, 68
road, 221
Road, oldest, 312, 448
Roberts, Benj. or Bent,
25, 68, 71, 81, 92, 139,
158, 170, 175
Robert Livingston to Sir
Edmond Andros, 260
Robinson, 300
Rocque, Mary Anne, 332
Rode (Roddah) a Mo-
hawk, 79, 132, 191,
214, 224
Roeloffse, Jan, 138, 140,
263, 384
and wife slain Jan, 140
Roofing tiles, 446
Roll of Col. Ingoldsby's
company, 325
Romer, Col.. 321, 323, 324
Romeyn, Catharina The-
resa, 89
Rev. Doctor, 89
Rondweg, 305, 310, 313,
332
Roseboom, Johannes, 322
Rotterdam, see Joncker,
71, 432
Ruin of Schenectady, 255
Rules for burying, 371
Ruyting, Anna, 103 I.
Ryley, James Van Slycf,
189
Ryswick, peace of, 283
Sachem, 79
of the Mohawks'
land, 12
Saint Helene, Le Moyne
de, 244, 247
Sale, strong drink dan-
gerous, 239
patent lands, 373
Salt kettle, 196
Sakemakers, 17, 72
Sanders family, 76
Chas. P., 119
Condre [Condre ?], 249
Jacob, 115
Jacob G., 251
John, 54, 118
Robert, 17, 59, 238
bible, 251
Sand, fine, 8
kil, 9
stone, 7
Sarachtogc, 238
Saraghtoga, 293
Saratoga country, 7
(Schuylerville), 232
Sarge distributed, 266
Sassian (see Bont), 80, 90
island, 90
Sault, 247
St. Louis, 290
Saw mill, 192
Scarcity of provisions,
420
Schaets, Dominie Gideon,
139, 199, 264, 334, 335,
336, 453
Reynier, 140, 199, 264
Tryntie, 268
and son killed, 140
Schaghtikook, 285, 291
Scan-ech-ta-de, 440
Scan-ec-ta-de, 310, 439,
440
Schaeuhechtede, 196
Schanachstede, 14
Schanagtade, 284
Schanechstede, 16, 440 J
Schanechtade, 411
Schanechtede
Schanectadea, 438
Schaneghstede, 16, 440
Schanegtade, 284, 323, 347
Schaenhehtade, 334
Schanechtade, 18,20,73
Scbanechted, 17, 18
Schanechtide, 169, 209,
319, 412
Schancchtidee, 318
Schanectade, 124, 341
Schanechtade, magis-
trates of, 20
Schanechtede, 307
Schauecthede, 312
Schanektade, 411
Schan-hech-ta-de, 440
Schanuectada, 236
Schannectade, 20
Schaunectade, 21
bought, 20
Schenechtade, 272, 414
Schenecktady, 327
Schenectadea, 436
(Albany), signified, 436
Schenectade, 22, 275,
282
Schenectadee, 331
Index.
463
Schenectadv, 2, 6, 7, 9, IS,
15, 10,21,49, 232,271,
273, 274, 279
academy, xiii
burning of, 154, 164,
213, 244, 245, 246, 253,
261, 271
car works yard, 62
derivation, 436
destruction of, 308, 339
breed, 418
fort of, 311, 392
garrison of, 297, 310
inhabitants of, 23, 24,
49, 51
importance of, 323
map of, 311
massacre at. 252
origin of name, 12, 13
poor of, 62
patent, 24
patentees of, 72
provisions, 274
rent by party spirit, 240
ruin of, 255
site early occupied, 438
Township of, 42, 285
trade privileges refused.
16
trustees of, 36, 47, 75,
■village of, 36
Shenectedi, 316
Schenectide, 411
Chenectide, 399
Schenectida, 307
Schenectidy, 320
Schenenectadv,the suffer-
ings of, 297
Schennectady. 273
Schinectady,-417
Schinncctady, 271, 224,
342, 416, 418
Schonactady, 314, 315, 440
Schonechtade, 280
Schonechtadv, 329, 330
Schonecktady, 330
Schonec.ady, 329
Schonegbtade, form of, 31
Schoneghtede, 345
Schonectede, 272
Schonectide, 414
Schoneghtende, 345
Schoneghtide, 345
Schonegtade, 161, 347
Schoneghtade, 31
Schonegteday, 74
SchoLhectiid'v, 440
Schoonechtede, 2C6, 268
Schoonechtendeel. 59, 310
437
Scbonowe, 4, 36, 436, 437
438
Sconechiade, 359
Sconextady, 414, 440
Skenektadea, 191
Sgaun-hac-ta-tie, 438
S'Gaun-hac-ta-tie, 4V?
438, 440
S'Gaun-ho-ha, 437
Sgaun-ho-ha, 438
59
I Shenechtady, 243, 255
Shennectadv, 283
I Shinnectady, 240, 242, 259,
260, 283, 328, 344, 413
Shinnechtady, 252, 254,
255, 281
Skacbnechtade, 382
Skachnechtaciie, 384
Skacknecktadie, 386
Skahnecbtadie, 386
Skenectady, 446
Skinnechtadv, 251, 260
Synecktady, 272
Schernierhorn,82, 116, "141
312
corn, 268
Johannes and three
negroes killed, 145
Jacob, 304
Jacob Janse, 141
Jan, 51, 75
Jarmetie, 146, 268
Lawrence, 56
Maus, 54, 55
Mills, 60, 64
Eyer, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,
29. 33, 35, 36, 38, 40,
45, 47, 49, 50, 51, 63,
67, 72, 75, 78, 84, 96,
97, 104. 117, 135. 142,
143, 144, 167, 182, 186,
204, 220, 226, 272, 347
Reyer Jacobsen, 80, 121,
243
Rykert, 54, 55
Symon. 145, 251, 266,
267, 268
Sym. Jacobse, 211
arrested, 141
banished. 141
case between the trus-
tees and Ryer, 48
death of, 141
died, Jan., 39
opponents, 33, 34
si.it, 32
the second, Reyer, 39
Schlectenbcrst, Com., 6
Schoharie, 2, 439
Schoolcraft, notes on Iro-
quois, 13, 440
Scboolen, trivale, 434
School, lliustie, 433
Union, 435
masters, 83
Schout and secretary. 103
Schovt, 393, 197, 240, 348
Schuylenburgh kil, 64, 142
Scuuyler, Col. John. 282
293
Lieut. John, 277
Myndert, 188
C'apt. Phiiip, 221
I ol. Pieter, 2, 26, 27, 30.
31, 252, 274, 277
warned, 197
Scotchmen, si
Scotia, 70, 76, 79, 115, 116,
117, 118, 139, 172, 228
lake, 186
Scouts, 275, 321
Seal, 20, 404
Search for Indian goods.
414
Second Flat, 69, 72
foremost piece, 60, 61.
62 '
French war, 232
Senecas, 2, 288
ask assistance, 288
attacked by French, 234
Denonville's correspon-
dence, 234
Separation of Presbyter-
ians, 408
Services, last in old
church, 361
Session house, 406
Settlers, 53
first, 206
taken by surprise, 292
Settlement begun, 48
on the nortlTside. 68
hindrance to, 417
Settlements, 232
Seventh Flat, 75
Severe winter, 284
Sewant (tubs of beer), 17,
336
Sexagenary, recollections
of, 317
Sexes apart, 366
Sexton. 364
bill of, 143
duties of, 364
Shea, Hon. J. G., 438
Shingles, 336, 443, 446
Ship Bonte Koe, 181
■King Charles, 197
Piince Williain, 202
St. Jacob, 183
Shute. Kev. Daniel, 368
Signatures, lac simile, 11,
17, 18, 19, 256
to power of attorney, 32
Van Rensselaer's, 256
Signers of proposed agree-
ment, 37. 38
to petition, 41
Singing, Mr. De Graaf's,
363 '
Sinnekes, 236
Site, practically abandon-
ed, 312
of Schenectady, 438
Sixbury family, 145
JVJauasseh, 69, 124, 145
Six Nations, 1, 454
aid of, 290
Sixth Flat, 74
Skachkook, 239
Sketch of St. George's
church, 396
Skouts, 254
Sknlking Indians, 275
parties, 290
party, 281
Slaaghboom, Antonia 168
Slingeiland, Cornells,
137, 146
Teunis Cornelise, 146
Sloot, 7
Small Pall, 369
Smith, 289
Christian, 276
D. Cady, 201
Thomas, 39, 73, 124, 135.
146. 147, 314
William, 39, 285
French, 289
Smi,s Valey (New Am-
sterdam), 114, 159
Soc. for the Prop, of tho
Gospel, xii, 342, 407
Social manners, 379
Soegemakelyk, alias Van
Woggelum, Pieter
Adnanse, 64, 195
Soil, 82
Soldiers, 314
hardships, 326
killed, 301
Sonarettsie, 12
Sopus (Kingston), 234
South-door, 408
side of the river, 68
Spoor, dan, 262, 269
Springsteen, Casparus, 146
Spuyten Duyvel, 78, 118.
166, 171
Spy loft, 310
Staes, Abm , 91
Staets, Jocliim, 242 248
320 '
Standing rule, 418
State library, 25, 407
States General, 5, 141
Stebbins, Kev. Cyrus, 397
Steenbakkar (see bricks).
xi, 444, 445, 447
see Borsboom, 65, 91.
153, 445, 447
Steene Itaby (Stone Ara-
bia), 212
Stevens, Jonathan, 21, 31,
t 70, 107, 130, 146, 167 "
Lea, 191
Reyntje, 164
St. Lawrence, 1, 4
Stockaded, 233, 244, 245
Stockade destroyed, 307
Stockades, 58, 59, 260,
2S4, 297, 304, 305, 307,
308, 310, 311, 812, 315,
324, 327, 328, 329, 380,
Stoddard, Captain, 302
Stone Arabia, 199, 294
creek, 69, 190
fiats. 8, 128
houses, 7, 448, 450
kil, 68
Stores, bill for, 358
in church, 358
Strangers, 49
Street, martyrs, 310
Strength of the congrega-
tion, 400 s
Strouds, 417, 455
Student, divinity, 360
Stuyvesant, 5
Gov., 6, 9, 12, 13, 17
65,77
464
Index.
Stuyvesant,
letter to, 9
order of, 440
patent of, 77
visit to Rensselaer-
wyck, 378
Subscription for church,
353
for bell, 359
paper, 352
Suit, 30
Schermerhorn's, 32, 39
Supplies cost, 455
Supreme autocrat, 4
Court, 418
Surgeon at the fort, 328
of the fort, 176
Surrender of Province,
49
Survey of Third Flat, 161
Surveyor, 13, 14, 16, 171
Surveys, crude, x
Surviving trustees, 53,432
Swart. Elias, 267, 268
Jacquemina, 71, 182
Jessaias, 25, 31, 67, 89,
145, 151, 309
Teunis, 67, 150, 151, 222
Cornelisse, 15, 61, 62,
67, 126, 128, 149, 151,
152, 173, 221
Wouter, 155
Swits, 82
Abraham, 54, 55, 218
Cornelia, 86, 149
Claese, 147
Isaac Corn., 91, 147, 148,
149, 171, 186, 265
Jillesje Claese, 125
Klein Isaac, 25, 65, 78,
87, 148, 149, 166, 219.
273, 307, 327, 345
petition, 308
Maria, 78
carried away to Canada,
149
Syejodenawadde, 215
Symonsa's meadow, Ger-
rit, 61
System, feudal, 4
Talmage, Lieut. Enos,
242, 245, 253, 262,
274, 307, 320
Tan vata, 129, 228
Tappen, Jurriaen Teu-
nise, 66. 123, 186
Tapsters, 168, 189, 208, 210
Taquaatsera or Droy-
bergh kil, 7, 74, 143,
156
Tawas-gaunthaCNorman1 s
kil), 439
Teller, Henry A., 56
Jacobus, 153
Johannes, 25, 35, 50, 65,
133, 154. 216, 221
William, 15, 16, 22, 23,
24, 49, 65, 139, 147, 148,
152, 153, 154, 167, 181,
1S6, 198
Tea Broeck, Dirk Wea-
sels, 252
Ten Eyck, Jacob Coen-
ratse, 187
Tobias H., 79
Teunise, Eghbert, 238
Jurriaen, 208
Sweer, 18, 22, 24, 49, 77,
79, 121, 243
Thatch, 442, 443, 445
The Bear, 11
little church and grave-
yard, 59
Norman (see Bratt), 62
scene at Beukendaal,
299
Willows (de Willegeu),
167
Thessenmaecker, Do. P.,
154, 264, 336, 337, 338,
339, 381, 387
Thickstone, Jeremi, 152,
155
Third Flat, 69, 70, 121,
131, 160, 161
minister, 346
Tiebont's company of
foot, 297
Tletsoort, Willem, 156
Willem Abrahanse, 87,
155
Tile kiln, 444
Tiles. 445
Timber and firewood, 51
Tiononderoga (Fort Hun-
ter), 8
Titles, Indian, 17, 60, 76,
160
Tjerck, Elsie, 100
Tohoriowachque, 19
Tokens, 405
Toll, Carol Hanse, 71, 75,
76,81.90, 101,108,140,
155, 156, 157, 158, 180,
287, 298, 301. 302
Daniel, 287, 298, 301,302
Hansen, 157
Topography, 7
Towereune, 7, 101, 158
Town, destroyed, xiii, 50
dangers of depopula-
tion, 320
miller, 171
on site Albany, 437
plat, 48, 49
sacked and burned, 50
Township, Schenectady,
42,285
Trade, 240, 242, 448
foreign and domestic, 6
free, 6
Indian, 15
in liquors, 419
privileges, 16, 20
prohibited, 15
regulations, 414
Traders houses, 442
Indian, 6, 13, 15, 409,
417
Trading post, on site
Albany, 231
Traditional merryma-
king, 83, 412
Traffic on river, 425
Train bands at Shinnec-
tady, 283
under Leisler, 236
Translation of scriptures,
Mohawk, 112, 175
Treaty of Schenectady,
454
Troops, 306, 389
Connecticut, 307
Trouw-boek, 209, 365, 366,
387
Troy, 223
Truax, Isack De Teurex,
y 36, 69, 180, 266. 268,
301, 302
Johannes Abrahamse,
171
Maria, 69
Trustees, 36, 47. 50, 51, 52,
53, 54, 55, 56, 73, 75,
78, 129, 130
called commissaries, 49
surviving, 53, 432
Turnpike company, 425
Tyrus, Michael, 54
Union College, xiii,
xv, xvi, 56, 223,
230, 404, 433, 435
Union school, 435
United Netherland Co., 4,
409
Unsound doctrine, 363
Uythoff, Wouter, 67, 150,
173
Value of house lots, 113
Valuos quoted, iv
Van Alystyne, John, 296
Van An'werp, Van Ant-
werpen, Janse, Dan-
ielse, 159
Ar. Dan., 35, 78,84, 111,
162, 166, 219. 227, 286,
227, 286, 327, 329
Daniel, 301, 302
Daniel Danielse, 129,
165
Danl. Janse, 25, 30, 31,
69, 127, 123, 131, 132,
159,160, 162, 309,337,
345, 350, 381, 413
Daniel Symonse, 161
Gerrit, 206, 298
Jan Danielse, 73, 127,
160, 162, 287, 314
J. P., 301, 302
Pieter Danyelse, 2S6
Simon, «
Van Antwerp's Reef, 160
Vau Bael, Jan. Hend-
rickse. 137, 138, 217
Van Benthuys'in, 25
Fytie, 66, 91
Marten, 66, 91, 133, 163,
167, 287.
Panlus Marteuse, 163
Peter, 45
Van Boekhoeven, Claas,
178
Claas Janse, 105, 151,
199
(De Brabander) Claase
Janse 63, 67, 94, 163,
173, 274
Van Bommel, Herbertje,
228 .*.
Mar. Jan, 228
Van Brakel, Gerrit, 165
Ger. Gysbertse, 84, 166,
267
Gysbertse, 314
Gys. Gerritse, 25, 66,78,
92, 164, 165, 179, 263,
265, 267
Van Copperuol, Claes
Willemse, 21, 70, 75,
137, 146, 157, 167, 168,
185
Sander, 75
Van Curler, Antonio, 169
Arent, ix, 8, 9, 10, 13,
14, 20, 58, 60, 86, 95,
101, 139, 149, 168, 199,
212. 234, 421
Bouwery, 62
drowned, 168
farm. 61
Juftrow, 168
Van der Baist, 10, 69,
80, 102, 107, 121, 126,
136, 161, 171, 172, 195,
263
Van den berg, Gysbert
W., 355
Vande Bogart, Anne, 266
Claes, 265
Claas F., 96, 106, 220,
286
Frans, 172, 266, 302
Frans Harm,264, 265
Frans Jr., 301
Surgeon Harmcn Myn-
dertse, 125, 172
Tjerck Fransen, 25,
377
Decisson, Petrus, 350,
355
Van der Heyden Palace.
445
Van Dsr Volgen, alias
Van Purmerend. Claas
Laurense, 67, 74, 77,
112, 143, 150, 152, 173,
174, 177. 200, 207, 265,
263, 269. 344 "
Claas, 74, 165
C. P., 329
Lawrence, 165
Nicholaas. 53, 362
Van de Vorst, Islos, 25
Van Ditmars Bar. Jan.
62, 67, 68, SO, 91, 93,
94, 133, 151, 175. 262,
265
Catlyn Barensen, 267
Cornel is B.trense, 67
Van Dyck, Cornelis, 175
Hendrick, 175
Index.
465
Van Dyck,
Jacobus, 25, 75, 96, 175,
178, 329, 377
Van Eps, 7, 82. 176
Annatie, 178
Dirk, 100, 176, 261
Evert, 117, 180
Jan., 22, 25, 28, 49, 75,
126, 127, 128, 133, 162,
164, 177, 242, 261, 265,
266, 267, 413
Jan Bap., 30, 31, 63, 6%
77, 79, 96, 119, 121,
176, 177, 178, 179, 186,
195, 226, 265, 275, 277,
297, 317
Jan D , -63, 100, 176,177,
180
Maritie Damen, 94, 181
Neeltie, 75
Sara, 162
Eliz'a will, 164
farm, 61
Island, 79
kill, 75
Jan killed, 23
Van Erde, William, 266,
267
•vVan Esselsteyn (Yssel-
steyn) Marten Cor-
nelise, 180, 186
Van Gyseling, Elias, 103,
181,182,268, 309, 450
Cornelius, 182
Myndert, 63, 119, 182
house, 449
Van Hoek, Areut Isaacse,
182
Benonny Arentse, 71,
x 182, 20S, 268
\ Van Isselsteyn, Marten
Cornelise, 15, 66, 179,
181
Van Laer, Jacob, 267
Van Levden, (see Appel),
82
Adrien Janse, 125
Van Marken, John Gar.,
18, 195
Van Ness, si
Cornelis,63,100,177,261
Van Ort, Goosen, 165,
185, 266, 267
Van Oliuda. Daniel, 25
Helletie, 185, 276, 323
Jacob, 286
Pieter, 25, 70, 77, 89, 96,
126, 157, 185, 266,
286
Van Olinder, Pieter Dan-
ielse, 15, 21, 105. 183
Van Petten, Andries. 54,
55, 187
Arent, 117, 187, 188, 288,
371
Claas, 64, 75, 115, 117,
174, 1S7, 203, 345
Frederic, 371
Claas Prederickse, 66,
81, 143, 179, 185, 208
Nicholas, 53
Van Purmerencl (see Van
der Volgen), 15, 67
Van Rotterdam (se Jonc-
ker, 123, 381
Van Rensselaer, 6, 409
Hend., 322
J. B., 442, 443
Kilian, 8, 252, 256, 322
R. (Richard ?), 256
signatures, 256
Van Schaick, Capt. An-
thony, 302, 303
Margarita, 112
Peter, 54
Van Schelluyne, Dirk,
105, 123
Van Sice, 369
Jacobus, 364
Joseph, 238, 239
Van Slichte-horst, Baata,
106
Van Slyck, Adam, 191
Adrian, 298, 300, 301, 302
Albert, 298
Cornelis Antonissen,
alias Broer Cornelia,
25, 188, 274, 296
Daniel, 298
Capt. Harmanus, 25,
190, 191, 274, 278, 287,
288, 314, 321
Hillah, 21, 105, 183, 184
Jacques Cornelisse, 14,
15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,
62, 69, 76, 77, 79, 92,
95, 98, 168, 169, 188,
189, 191, 209, 223, 224,
266, 298, 412
Col. Jacobus, 189, 226
Leah, 21, 146
Marte, 25, 77, 188, 224
island, 62, 77, 78, 92,
107, 111, 12S, 191, 193
Van Valkenburgb, Isaac,
89, 96, 156, 185, 191 v
Jocbem, 191
Van Vechten, Abm., 54,
56
Van Velsen, Sweer Teu-
nise, 23, 92, 105,
106, 119, 128, 171, 189,
192, 194, 223, 224, 240,
242, 262, 319, 375, 376,
379, 381
farm, 60, 61
slain, 193
Van Vleck, Benjamin, 93
Van Vorst, Dirck, 300,
302
Jac. Ger., 195
Jellis, 102, 113, 195, 327
Van Vranken, Gerrit,
Claase, 101
Hillegonda, 293
Rickert, 99
Ryck Claase, 164, 199*
273
Van Westbrook see Van
Velsen, 192
Van Woggelum alias
Soegemakelyk, Pieter
Adriense, 15, 60, 64,
136, 170
Van Woutbergh, Theuuis
L, Willemse, 164
4 Van Ysselsteyn, Marten
^- Corn., 198, 200
Varken's (or Hog island),
79
Kraal, 122
Vos, Petrus, 350
Vedder, 82
Albert, 25, 65, 141, 170,
199, 265, 303
John, 200, 301, 302
Anna, 103
Arent, 25, 73, 201, 266,
267, 268
Christian, 293
Corset, 202, 293
Daniel, 221
Harmanus, 16, 63, 65,
66, 87, 9fi, 123, 161,
199, 200, 265, 266, 267,
288, 413
Harmen A'.bartae, 175,
181, 196, 199
Jacobus, 171
Joh, 202, 265, 362
Veeder, 82
Albert, 314
Geesie, 223
Ger. Sym, 64, 67, 104,
142, 144, 145, 162, 170,
196, 200, 204, 216, 286,
288, 314, 350
Jr., Gerret S.,541
Hannah Symonse, 145
Harmen, 300, 302
Helmus, 144
Johannes, 70
Sym., 207
Margarita, 364
Myndert, 70, 201
Nicholas, 2, 53, 54, 318
Nieces Volck., 267
Pieter Sym., 207, 314
Symon, 87
Volkertse, 15, 66, 67, 96,
152, 192, 202, 216,
364
the ceutennarian, 302
Volkert, 66
Symonse, 144, 145, 166,
207
foot, 318
mills, 60, 205
Verbeeck, Gerret, 140
Verf Kil, 7, 158
Vermy, Tryntje, 268
Verplanck, Isaac, 141
Philip, 187
Verrebergh, 137
Vetch, Col. Samuel, 285
Viele, Arnout, 145, 209,
278
Cornelise, 72, 103, 211,
235, 262, 265, 323
Claas, 369
Corn., 68, 71,80, 81, 90,
91, 109, 140, 2,K), 208,
210, 211, 267, 286, 300
Viele,
Corn., Jr., 210, 262, 301,
302
Cornelis Cornelise, 66,
168, 169, 179, 180, 186,
207, 209, 412
Lewis, 71, 134, 208
Maria, 209, 262
Arnoutse, married, 83
Pieter Cornelise, 71, 108,
124, 182, 207
Teunls, 195, 268
Willempie, 209
chart, 209, 211
killed, 71
ordinary, 412
taken prisoner, 211
View of the scene of fight
at Beukendaal, 299
Village, 62
Cranes, 76
Indian, 9
lota, 59
of Schenectady, 36
plat, 58
under an embargo, 418
Virginia, 5
Visger, John, 317
Viascher, Harmen, 121
Volckert, niecea, 266
Volunteers, 314
for defence of frontiers,
294
Voorlezer and Voorzan-
ger, 362, 363, 369, 379,
vase de plaats, 453
Vosburgh, Peter, 303
Vossen kil, 163
Vrooman, Adam, 25, 26, -
30, 31, 59, 82, 89, 106,
154, 170, 171, 188,190,
213, 216, 217, 221, 222,
241, 247, 264, 265, 267,
26J, 327, 333, 336, 370,
380
Adam S, 54, 55 '
Barent, 25, 78, 99, 132,
166, 218, 219, 220, 265,
288, 329, 393
Bartel, 238
Bartholomew, 263
Cornelis, 79
Do., 360, 368
Grietje, 190
Hendrick, 78, 94, 99,
111, 144, 217, 218, 219,
287, 288, 355
Hend. Jansen, 373
Meese, 212, 263
Isaac, 53, 151, 191
Jacob Meese, 67, 150,
152, 173
Jan. 20, 25, 166, 206, 216,
221, 223, 345, 368, 373
Johannes Seyer, 301, 302
John, 155, 303, 329
L. R., 369
Matthvs, 83, 211
Pieter, 70, 222, 300, 301,
302
Simon, 223
466
Index.
Walter, 381
Wouter, 36, 151, 220,
226
bouse, 449
land, 214, 222
lane, 217
mill, 205
map, 332, 439
Vynhout, Corneliis, 71
Vyselaer, Jan Cornellse,
192
Wachkeerhoha, 72, 103,
211
Wachtmeaster, 152
Wages, 297
Wagon forbidden to go to
Schen, 413
Walls, bricks, 448
stone, 448
Walter Wilie's ballad, 269
Wampum, 254, 276
Wandel, Evert (see Wen-
del), 322
Wants, 82
War, Austrian succession,
232
Britain and France, 339
last French, 3
old French, 232, 285,
290, 312, 316, 331, 332
Revolutionary, 2
secor-d French, 232, 332
Spanish succession, 232
Warmoesgat, 226
Watch, 251, 252, 290, 333
and market house, 333
Weather vane, 445
Webb, John, 265
Weerm, James, 314
Weesmeesters, 93, 867
Weights and measures, iv
Weld, Isaac, Jr.., 446
Welland canal, 230
Welleven, Susanna, 174
Wells, Philip, 76
Wemple, Wtmp, 82
Abraham, 45, 53, 64
Antje, 121
Barent, 25, 30, 35, 50,
99, 1C6, 144, 171, 194,
218, 219, 226, 266, 267,
286, 329
Bar. Jan., 413
Catalyntje, 75
Bend., 288, 289
islatd, 77, 190, 223, 224
Jan, 26, SO, 35, 36, 37,
38, 50, 70, 117, 143, 226,
264, 286, 288, 314, 371
Jan Barcntse, 14, 15, 62,
67, 128, 192, 193, 205,
206, 218, 223, 224, 261,
287
Mvndert, 22, 23, 24, 49,
224, 225, 243, 264, 288
Myndert, killed, 261
Eyer, 300,301,302
Wendel, Ahasuerus, 178
Evert Janse, 159, 224
Barmanus, 89, 117
Jer., 243
Capt. Johannes, 154
Susanna, 207
Weesels, Birck, 256, 322
Westerly boundary, 7
West India Co., 5, 6, 109
Wetmore, Eev. Robert
G.,396
Wey, Calver, 62
Weyland, 126, 151
Wigwam, Indians, 311
Wildemc ss, 68
Wikman, Tom, 294
Wilie, W'alter, 270
Will, Bratt's, 40
Elizabeth Van Eps, 164
Jan Mebies, 73
Mrs. Van Curler's, 169
Myndert Van Gree-
ting's, 63
Byer Stheimerhorn'e,
63
Symon Van Antwerp's,
161
Willem Tellers Killetje,
7,61
Willemstadt, 197
Willism of Orange, 347
Williamson, secretary,
234
Williams, Thcmas, 167
Willow Flat (Willigen),
21,70,75,137,183,185
Wilson, 300, 302
Windows, 336, 443
Wingdams, 424
Winnie, Pieter, 110
Winter, severe, 284
Winteiwyck, Rev. Mat-
thias, 350
Winthrop, Governor, 284
Witl eck, Jan Tomaee,
119
Woestjne, 74, 127, 130,
174, 201, 226, 268
Wood, 68
Wooden house, 118, 304
Woodland, 8, 59, 62, 432
Worth's Band. Bee, 447
Wounded, 302
sent to Albany, 233
Wyngaaid, Jan L., 25, 84,
155, K6, 227, 242, 268
Y (river), xi
Yates (Yets, Yetz,
Yattes), 228
Abraham, 130, 228, 229
Andrew, 230
Christopher, 45, 229
Giles F., 246
Benry, 230 .
John, 56, 230
Joseph, 228, 229, 230
Joseph C, 56, 229
Joseph E., 130,228
Mrs. A. A., 246
Peter, 56 .-
Eobert, 129, 130,1171,
229
account of Peukendaal,
299
Yoncker, Jan Janse, 124,
160
Zand or Zant kil, 7, 70,
205, £24
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