Full text of "Morris's memorial history of Staten Island, New York"

TO'".^.'I; ; f

li^)'^^^'^ , '

i' V* N

974.701

R41m

V.2

1136173

.ul

GE3SJEAI_OGY COLLECTION

3 1833 01147 8424

^' '■TcT iff ' -

7' ''-^iO'K..» |".%-.7i,

:a: V Vi'4#'''

■v./^

-^■^jT

<^^*W

, «»

DR. EPHRAIM CLARK.

MORRIS'S
MEMORIAL HISTORY

STATEN ISLAND

NEW YORK

VOLUME II

IRA K. MORRIS

PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR

West New Brighton
Staten Island

The Winthrop Press

33-^ Lafayette Place

New York

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I PAGE

Under the Republic 1

The Dami of Peace — Prominent Citizens — CJreat Chanoes — Dutch. French anil

Kiiiilish Pcs,-,.n.hnits~S,.,ti..nal Strifr — l.if.. A n- Oni' Prnph— Ilanncts -

AnTirnllll.al I'lll-Mlll. -CriV Srrn.s Al - OM Sl;,l,.„ Islall.l l-:,llNllr. CoulltV

Ai.s(rarl-.\c» Kva ^I'aiii,- - liupris..,,,,,..,!! lnrl>,.M Fl;,x Kiiis,,,;;- -Suuthrrn.Ts
Attracted Here— Celebrating the Fourth of ,1 uly — ( )hl-fashioiail PrograniN -
Patriotism at a Discoimt — Editorial Lecture — Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt's Address —
The Last Celebration.

CHAPTER II 1136173
Staten Island Militia. 13

The First Militia — Dutch Company — English Militia — Origin of Militia — The
Duke's Laws — Equipments — Training Days — The Code — Queen Anne's Order —
Pilhii.i.VCuiiiiission— A "Petison"— Battel irs at t1ir Xarrows— II,.,n v TTollaud—
Au-ustiii < I r:. ham— Thomas Arrowsniith -Oflirci •, Im- 17:;.'. Mililia in 1775—
DraiN — I.ni;,l Maten Lslanders— Prisnncr- - r.illn|i|,\ Maim I^lan.l .Mililia- The
Gunboat sitaten Island Regiment — Tompkiii,s Guards Uichiuuiid County (ruards
— Southfield Guards — Castleton Guai'ds — Northiield Guards — Cavalry Troop —
Review at New Dorp — The Old-time May Muster.

CHAPTER III

The War of Eighteen Hundred and Twelve 28

Cause of the War — Right of Expatriation — Naturalization Laws — General Scott's
Bravery — (ieneral Hull — General Brook — The Indians — Line of Battle — Governor
Tompkins' Services — Forts Toui]ikins and P>iclnuond — Prominent Officers — Colonel
Richard Conner — Arrest of Susptcts — liattlr <it Xew Orleans — Captain Benjamin
Wood — Governor Tompkins" Financial 'rroul)lcs — Inspection of Forts in 1835 —
Beautiful Re.sidence.

CHAPTER IV
In the Old Slavery Days. ....... 36

African Slaverv on Staten Island Fudcr tlir Dutcli and French— Slavery in
The Revoluti..n-Al.olltinuin the Statr- I'.iMi. S,.„l ini.ait -(inaker Opposition-
Royal African ('..uiikuiv— Slav.- Paiaa.k- lln ■■ Kimii-" — I al Slave Records

— Westfiehl (hr \Vcaltiii,.st Town— ■■ Cafr,- iis Fust Frre-horn Negress— Slave
Owners — .Xiiilrcw hcckri's Application — " Man," a Free-born Negro — Indenturing
Colored CbiMicii slavr Sale — Emancipation Celebration — Benjamin Perine, the
Last Staten Ishni.l Slav.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER ^'

The Whipping-post at Richmond.

Oiigiually Located at Stouy Brook — Established at Cueklestowi in 1710 —

First Victims Worthless "Saiii" — Power of the Devil — Holland's Hook Witch

—Hessian Whipped— Marauding Band— Petty Criminals— Public Whippers— First
Legal Execution.

CHAPTEK ^'I
Old Staten Island Families

Negligence of By-gone Generations — Broken Links in Family Records — Impor-
tant Biographies — Old Citizens and Old Records — Alston — Androvette — Arrow-
smith — Barnes — Beatty — Bedell — Billopp — Blake — Bi idine — Bogart — Braisted —
Britton — Broileau — Burbanck — Burger — Bush — Butler — Cannon — Christopher —
Cole — Colon — Conner — Corsen — Cortelyou — Crips — Crocheron — Cropsey— Cruzer
( Kruzer, Krosen, etc.) — Cubberly — Decker — DeGroot — DeHart — Denyse.

CHAPTER VII

Old Staten Island Families (Continued)

Depuy—Disosway— Dooland—DuBois — Dunn— Dustau— Eddy— Egbert— Ellis

Enyaid — Fountain — Frost— Garrison — Gifford— Guyon — Hatfield — Holmes —

Hough wout — H illyer — Housman — Jaeobson — Jacques — Johnson — Jones — Jour-
iieay — La Forge— Lake — Larzelere — Latourette — Lawrence — Lisk — Lockman.

CHAPTER VIII
Old Staten Island Families (Concluded). . ■ . . . 1

Manee — Martling — Martino — Merrell — Mersereau — Metcalfe — Midieau — Mor-
gan — Perine — Poillou — Post — Pi-all — Pryer — Ryerss - -Seguiue — Sharrett — Simon-
son — Stillwell — Sprague — Taylor — Totten — Towusend — Tysen — Van Duzer — Van-
Clief — Van Name — Van Pelt — Wandel^ — Winant — Woglum — Wood.

CHAPTER IX

The Vanderbilt Family 1

Jan Avertsen Van der Bilt — " Commodore " Cornelius Vanderbilt — Real Estate
Owners — Making Money Early in Life — Married His Cousin — Builds Vessels —
Staten Island Ferry — Many Business Enterprises — William H. Vanderbilt — Life
on Staten Island — A Business Career — Jacob H. Vanderbilt — Tlie Present Genera-
tion.

("HAPTER X

Aaron Burr — Soldier, Lawyer, Politician, . . . . 1

Burr's Interest in Staten Island — His Boyhood — Enters the Continental Army —
Goes to Quebec — His Mission — Montgomery's Aide-de-camp — Carries His Gen-
eral's Bod}' — On Washington's Staff — Commands a Regiment — Plans Against
British on Staten Island — Commands a Brigade at Monmouth — Westchester Lines
— Leaves the Army and Studies Law — Marries Mrs. Prevost — Little Theodosia —
Removes to New York — Alexander Hamilton — Richmond Hill — In the Legislature
— Enters Politics — Appointed Attorney General — United States Senator — Organ-
izes the Democratic Party — First Duel — Becomes Vice-President — Defeated for
Governor — Duel with Hamilton — Resigns the Vice-Presidency — Tried for Treason
and Acquitted — Goes to Europe — Theodosia Lost at Sea — Burr Marries Mme.
Jumel — Brought Back to Staten Island — His Death — The Funeral — Witherspoon
Cemetery.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XI PAGE

Old Staten Island Structures. . . . . . . .160

Austin House, ou the Narrows — Disosway-Cole Mill, at Tottenville — Old Place
Mill — Old Dutch Reformed Churches — Bedell Homestead, at Green Ridge —
Periiie Homestead, at Garretsous — Guyou Homestead, at New Dorp — Vanderbilt
Hiiiii.^tri.l — \'iii Duzer Homestead, at Torapkinsville — Britton Homestead, at
Oak\\.""l I ik. House, at Port Richmond — Housmau House, at Port Richmond
—Tvlii .MaiiMc.ii, at We5t New Brighton— Ward Mansion, at New Brighton— Brit-
tou's Mill, at Clove Lake — Benham Mansion, at Green Ridge — Old Woolen Mill,
at Richmond — Seaman Homestead, at Green Ridge — Scott House, at West New
Brighton — Dutch Reformed Parsonage, at Port Richmond — Kruzer or Pelton
House, at West New Brighton — Winant Homestead, at Woodrow — Fountain Home-
stead, at New Dorp — Latourette Homestead, on Richmond Hill — Old Red Jail, at
Richmond — Van Pelt House, at Woodrow — Lake-Tysen Homestead, at New Dorp.

CHAPTER XII
Old Hotels of Staten Island. ....... 179

Governor Kieft's House — The " Rose and Crown " Farm-house, at New Dorp —
Black Hoise Tavern, at New Dorp — Cueklestowne Inn — Old House by the Mill, at
(ircrii r,i(b4(- I'linly's Hotel, at Prince's Bay — Ferry Tavern, at Tottenville —
I!iiir> lltad laviru— Union Hotel, at Tottenville— Red Horse Tavern, at Stony
Hii,„k — Old Oakley House, at Rossville — Swan Hotel, at West New Brighton —
Port Richmoud (St. James) Hotel — Fountain House, at West New Brighton —
Bennett's Tavern, at Graniteville — Nautilus Hall, at Tompkinsville — Cliff House,
at Clifton— Bodiue's Inn, at Castleton Corners — Rossville Hotel — Richmond
County Hall, at Richmond — Patten House, at New Dorp — Old Track House —
Club House, at Oakwood — Planters' Hotel, at Tompkinsville — Belmont Hall,
at New Brighton — Washington Hotel, at Richmond — Dock Hotel, at New Brighton
— Windsor Hotel, at New Brighton — St. Mark's Hotel, New Brighton — Castleton
House, at West New Brighton, etc.

CHAPTER XIII
Distinguished Residents and Guests 197

James W. Auteu — Commander Timothy Greene Benham — Rear-Admiral Andrew
EUicott Kennedy Benham — Rev. William H. Boole — Hon. James A. Bradley —
Hon. Erastus Brooks— Captain Richard Christopher— Dr. Ephraim Clark— General
Jacob Dolsen Cox — Colonel Ichabod B. Crane — Hon. George William Curtis —
Alexander Del Mar— Captain Clement Disosway— General Richard A. Donnelly —
Dr. William Draper — General Alfred Napoleon Duffie — Thomas Robert Eagleson
— Judge William Emerson.

CHAPTER XIV

Distinguished Residents and Guests ( Concluded'). . . . 216

General John Charles Fremont — General Joseph Garibaldi — General Joseph Karge
— Louis Kossuth — General Lafayette — Jenny Liud — John Lusk — Max Maretzek —
" Middy " and Jane Morgan — Antonio Meucci — William Page — General Ely S.
Parker — Delia Tudor Stewart-Parnell— IVkr Pero — Lieutenant Sidney S. Simons
— Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat— (iiuoral Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna —
Gustav Struve — Henry D. Thoreau — Hon. Uauiel D. Tompkins — Rev. Stephen
Moffatt Vail — Erastus Wiman — General John I\L Palmer — Governor Caleb Lyon
— General Crittenden — General James Jourdan — William Winter — Rear-Admii-al
W. S. Schley, and others.

CHAPTER XV pA.iK

Three Centuries of Politics. . 240

Kii'ft as a P(.litiri;ui— The Dutcli ami Fi-encli Combine against the English —
Iii(lci..'iiilciit l'(il..il -'I'hc Fidri-al Party — The New Era — Richard Conner, Leader
— 'I'liic.-ilay I'.li'.tiniis Vn-v I'l-lits — Candidates in 1804 — First Democratic Vic-
tory on StaUn Island -Cliangu of Sentiment — Factories — Influx of Citizens — Gun
Factory — Corktovvn — Jackson Caniijaigns — John Quincy Adams — Celebrating a
Victory — A Third-party Convention — The Whigs — Campaigns of 1835 and 1837 —
Newspaper Fight — Celebration at Richmond — Tribulations of 1848 — Fight be-
twien the "Hardshells" and " Softshells "— The Know-Nothing Party^The Vt6-
iiiiint Campaign — Slavery Question — John Brown — Political Changes — The Cleve-
land Cam|)aign — Hon. Nicholas Muller.

CnAPTEK XVI
Old Post Routes and Ferries 260

The First Ferry — Captain Ducket — Popular Route — Stage-boats — Joseph Rich-
ards — Blazing Star — John Burrowhill — The Watering Place — William Leake —
John Stillwell — Brigadier-General Leslie — Frederick Simonson — Bergen Point —
James Johnson — Adonia Schuyler — The "Boliver" — The Huguenot Line — The
" Mouse of the Mountain."

CHAPTER XVII
Freemasonry on Staten Island 2GG

A Provisional Lodge — British Officers at Nautilus 1 lall — King (ieorge's Reward
— Major Guyon's Hospitality — Governor Tompkins' Efforts — Organization of Rich-
mond Lodge — Anti-Masonic Crusade — The Old Lodge Room — St. John's Day —
Masonic Hall — Removal to Port Richmond — The New Building — Corner-stone —
Dedication — Huguenot Lodge ^Tompkins Lodge — Beacon Light Lodge — Other
Masonic Organizations.

CHAPTER XVIII
The Dutch Reformed Churches. 275

The First Staten Island Churches — Rev. Samuel Drisius — The Waldenses — The
Huguenots — Dominie Selyns — Governor Hunter — Rev. Dr. McKenzie — Port Rich-
mond Dutch Reformed Church — Rev. Mr. Jackson — Jacob Rezeau — Rev. Peter
Stryker — Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt — Rev. James Brownlee — Judge Mersereau —
Judge Tysen — Paul Latourette — The Anniversary — Old Kecords — Rev. A. H.
Deniarest.

CHAPTER XIX i

The Presbyterian Churches 283

The Presbyterians at Stony Brook — Worshiped with the Waldenses — The Jacques
Cortelyou Deed — Presbyterian Society — Presented with Ground for a Meeting
House — Nathaniel Britton — James Carman — Edward Jones — Edgewater Presby-
terian Church — Rev. Wilbur Fiske Wood — Calvary Presbyterian Church — Rev.

Thomas A. Leggett.

CHAPTER XX
The Moravian Churches 290

The Old Church at New Dorp — Captain Nicholas Garrison — David Bruce —
Early Laborers — Jacobus Vanderbilt — Old Church Vacated — Many Changes —
Captain Christian Jacobson— New Edifice in 1845— First Church Organ— An Old
Sunday-school — Mr. Vanderbilt's Gift — Moravian Chaiicls.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXI PAGE

The Methodist Churches 294

lutroduetioii of Methodism on Staten Island — Francis Asbury — Peter Van Pelt
— Thomas Morrell — Robert Cloud — ^Methodist Society — An Appeal — Subscriptions
—New Chnrch in 1S4-J— Father Boehi.i The TnKenmcle— St. Paul's, at Totteu-
ville— Asbury, at Xrw Spriii-vill.' i;i..,„uli..I,l Clinivh— CraniteviUe Church-
Trinity, at West New Hiiulit.iii — Kiii-^l.y, at Si a |,l,t ,.ii -I'.ethel, at Tottenville—
Sunimerfield, at MariiicTs' Ilailioi' (iiacc, at I'oit Kielimond — St. Mark's, at
Pleasant Plains— St. Jolm's, at Uussville.

CHArTER XXII
The Episcopal Churches 302

Richmond a Religions Centre — Rev. William Vesey — A Gospel Society — Rev.
John Talbot — Dutch Reformed Hospitality — Land Donated in 1813 — St. Andrew's
— Rich Bequest — Cliaplain Charlton — Bishoj) Richard Channing Moore — Rev.
David Moore — Rev. Thomas S. Yoconi — Church of the Ascension — St. John's, at
Clifton — St. Paul's, at Tompkinsville — St. Luke's, at Rossville — Christ's, at New
Brighton — Holy Comforter, at Ettingville, etc.

CHAPTER XXIII
The Baptist Churches. 310

The Old Clove Church — Services in Barns — Rev. Elkanah Holmes — Rev. Daniel
Stears — Rossville Church — Graniteville Church — President Arthur's Father — Park
Baptist Church — Mariners' Harbor Church — Kreischerville Church — South Baptist
Church, at Tottenville — New Brighton Baptist Church.

CHAPTER XXIV

Lutheran and Congregational Churches, Etc. . . . 317

St. Jolm's, at Port Richmond — St. Peter's, at Kreischerville — Chnrch of the
Evangelists, at New Brighton — Church of the Redeemer — German Evangelical
Church of Stapleton — Jewish Synagogue, at Tompkinsville.

CHAPTER XXV
The Roman Catholic Churches 321

Early Catholics of Staten Island — Prol)ably a Church at Cucklestown — Wor-
shiping in the Dongan House — Services on (iitt'ord's Lane — St. Peter's, at New
Brighton — Rev. Patrick Murphy — Rev. John Barry — Rev. John Lewis — St. Mary's,
at Clifton — Rev. James C. Carapliell — Rev. J. C. Rigney — St. Joseph's, at Rossville
— St. Patrick's, at Richmond — St. Rose of Lima, at West New Brighton — Rev.
William C. Poole— Other Churches.

CHAPTER XXVI
The Bench and Bar l

County Records Burned in 1698— Richard Stillwell, "Justes" — Chief Judge
Augustin Graham — Judge Ellis Duxbury — Officials in 1739 — Benjamin Seaman —
Hon. Ogden Edwards — Hon. Joseph Barnard — Hon. Henry B. Metcalfe — Hon.
Tompkins Westervelt — Hon. John J. Kenney — Hon. Nathaniel Marsh — Hon.
Stephen 1). Stephens — Hon. Thomas W. Fitzgerald — Hon. John Croak — Hon.
Augustus Acker — John and William H. Anthon — Hon. Alvin C. Bradley — Hon.
Lot C. ('lark — Hon. George Cromwell — Charles L. Hubbell — Hon. Edward Sidney
Rawson — Hon. Calvin D. Van Name, and others.

CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXYII
The Medical Fraternity

Stony Brook Physicians — Doctors Bigell, Mersous, and Seanians — Dr. Baker,
"Tyrant" — Marines Swain — First Medical Society — Dr. Benjamin Parker — Re-
organization of Medical Society in 1855 — List of Physicians in Richmond County —
Dr. Melvin L. Adams — Dr. John L. Feeny — Dr. George C. Hubbard — Dr. Sanmi'l
Adams Robinson — Dr. Samuel R. Smith — Dr. John Swinburne — Dr. Charles A\'il-
mot Townsend — Dr. J. Walter Wood — Otlier Physicians.

CHAPTER XXA^III

Staten Island Journalism 351

The Early Press — The Riclimond Repul)lican — Cliarles N. Baldwin — Description
of the First Island Paper — William Hagadorn — The Chronicle — Free Press —
Staten Islander — Plaindealer — Richmond County Mirror — Francis L. Hagadorn —
The Little Corporal — The Sepoy — Richmond County Gazette — North Shore Advo-
cate — Staten Island Leader — North Shore Union — The Sentinel — Staten Island
Star — Richmond County Democrat — Richmond County Herald — Richmond County
Standard — Westfield Times — Richmond County Advance — The News-Letter, and
several others.

CHAPTER XXIX
The Schools of Staten Island 3(il

The First School — Teachers' Obligations — Perth Amboy Academy — New Spring-
ville School — The English Society — Riiliniund School — Regents of the University
— Governor Tompkins' Aid — Gideon Hiiwlcy — Woudrow School — Castleton Cor-
ners School — Girls' Admission to Public .ScIkkiIs — Rights of Women — District
Trustees — Better School Houses — Borougli Schools — " Mr. French's School " —
Spanish Academy — Dr. Pardon's School — Father Boehm's School — Dr. Van Pelt's
Academy — Richmond College — Richmond Seminary — Staten Island Academy —
Brighton Heights Seminary — St. Austin's — Trinity School — Westerleigh Collegiate
Institute — Roman Catholic Parochial Schools.

CHAPTER XXX

The Quarantine Hospitals. 375

The First Movement, in 1758 — Yellow Fever — Plans for Removal — Imposing
Buildings — Board of Health — Dr. Mundy — Dr. Thompson — Discord — Disease
Spreading — Meeting of Citizens — The Conflagration — Emigrant Ships — The Crowd
— Marines — John C. Thompson — Ray Tompkins — Judge Metcalfe's Opinion —
Seguine's Point — People of Westfleld Aroused — Hospitals Burned — Eugene B.
Halle — Abram Latourette — Sheriff Isaac M. Marsh — Legislative Action.

CHAPTER XXXI
Staten Island During the Rebellion. 387

April, 1861 — Condition of the Country— Our First Interest — Mass Meetings —
Call for Troops — Citizens Enlisting — Hon. George William Curtis Speaks — En-
cauiiHiiniis (.11 (lie r^lalu^ -Krastus Brooks' Address — War Committee — Recruiting
Station^ -liirliiiioihl Cnniily Regiment — Colonel Minthorne Tompkins — Town
Que. las -Su|Hi\is,,,, I'.iisv—Repeated Calls for Troops — Violent Mobs — Issuing
Bunds— I'lupuiiiig lui- the Draft— Indignation Meetings— The Debt— Military
Organizations — The Camps — Review by General McClellau — List of Recruits —
The Drafted— Their Substitutes.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXII page

The Bi-Centennial Celebration. 408

Coimty Organization — The Committee — Celebration a Great Success — (irand
Procession — Large Meeting at Stapleton — Addresses by Dr. Ephraim Clark, Hon.
Erastus Brooks, Hon. Algernon S. Sullivan, Hon. Henry J. Scudder, Hon. George
William Curtis, and Hon. L. Bradford Prince.

CHAPTER XXXIII

The Sailors' Snug Harbor. . • 412

Honorable llistoiv — (':i|itiiiM 'riiniiias I'vandall — Father of the Founder — Captain
Robert Richard Kan.bill — Thr Will A Bit of Randall Historj — Alexander
Hamilton — Daniel 1). Tompkins — W liy tlir Harbor Was Located on Staten Islanfl
— The Randall Monument— Large Tract of Land— The Buildings^-Statue of
Robert Richard Randall — Rules of the Institution.

CHAPTER XXXIV
Charitable Organizations 423

Seamen's Retreat — Uv. Moffatt's Report — S. R. Smith Infirmary — Ladies'
Auxiliary — Mariners' Family Asylum — Home for Destitute Chihlren of Seamen —
Miss Anna M. Drew — Staten Island Diet Kitchen — Women's Christian Temper-
ance Union.

CHAPTER XXXV
The Island's Poor and Their Home 431

Petition in 1G92 — Public Lot — Children Paid for Boarding Parents — First Alms
House — Records Destroyed — Excise Moneys — Tax Quota in 1784 — Poor Expenses
in 1800— New County House in 1803— Political Issue— Public Meeting— Martino
Farm Piuchased in 1830 — Old Place Sold — Old Records — Children at the Alms
House — Political Hot-bed — Newspaper Warfare — Assaults — " Combine " De-
feated — The Potter's Field.

CHAPTER XXXVI
Staten Island Villages 439

Oude Dorp (Old Town) — Stony Brook — New Dorp — Cueklestown (Richmond)
—Long Neck (New Si)riiiosvill.'"i— Fresli Kills (Green Ridge)— Rossville—Lin-
oleimiville — Tomiikinsxill.— Sta].l.'l..n Clittun — Concord — Castletou Corners —
Garretsons — (irant City— (i ill. 'i.U lllhnuville — Annadale — Huguenot -^Prince's

Bay Pleasant Plains- -RirlimoiHl N'.illi'v -Kreischerville — Woodrow — Bogardus'

Corner— Graniteville— Bull's Head— Willow Brook— Old Place— Chelsea— Travis-
ville— Egbert ville— Prohibition Park— Edgewater — New Brighton — Port Rich-
mond, etc.

CHAPTER XXXVII
The Public Highways — Past and Present. .... 447

Indian Trails— Old Town Road— Richmond Terrace— Old Road Records— Rich-
mond Road — To Dongan's Mill— Amboy Road— Old-time Road-making— Editorial
Comment— The New Era— Citizens' ISIovement- Hon. Henry P. Morrison— Many
Miles of Macadamized Road — JIaintenance.

CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXVIII page

Staten Island Banks 456

A Memorable Business Period — The Banking Era — The First Staten Island Bank
— Opposition — Other Schemes — Staten Island Savings Bank — Bank of Staten
Island — First National Bank — Richmond Coimty Savings Bank.

CHArTEK XXXIX
Staten Island Railroads 461

The Staten Island Railway — Many Difficulties — North and South Shore Rail-
road — Rapid Transit Railroad — Belt Line Horse Railroad — Midland Electric
Railroad — Staten Island Electric Railroad — Achter Kill Bridge, etc.

CHAPTER XL

Staten Island Industries. . 468

Old-fashioned Farmers — Old Stittm Islninl Hyciiii; :iih1 Printing Establishment
— Silk Factory — Wall Paper Factoiy Slii|i r.iiililliii;- Cciast Wrecking Company
— Kreischerville Brick Factory — Jiw.tt W liitc-liail Faitoiy — Linseed Oil Factory
— Linoleum Factory — Windsor Plaster Mill — Dental \\'i)rks — Breweries — Water
Supply — Telephone — Oyster Industry — Brick Making.

CHAPTER

The Fire Departments. \ . 476

Factoryville Firemen in 1828 — Richmond Bucket Company — Tompkinsville Fire
Department — Edgewater Fire Department — Nortli Shore Fire Department — Tot-
tenville Fire Department — New Dorp Fire Department.

CHAPTER XLII
The Police Department 479

The First Staten Island Police Department, 17G0 — Tompkinsville Police Force,
1815 — The Metropolitan Police System — Richmond County Police Force — Tlie
Greater City Force.

CHAPTER XLIII

Social and Beneficial Organizations. 482

The First Club— Tlie Neptune Club — Staten Island Athletic Club — Kill van
Kull Rowing Association— Clifton Boat Club— Cricket Club— German Association
Kilic'itcrmi^ Oiaiicl .\niiv Pii>ts Aiiu-rican Legion of Honor — Foresters — United
WuikuMii CatlH.Hr r.rnrvolrnt Lruh.ii-lled Men— Odd Fellows— Knights and
Ladirs 1)1' n<iii..i l\lli^lll,^ I.I r\tliia> -American Firemen — American Mechanics
— Uo\al Aruamim — Soils ul Wtmuns — Templars of Liberty — Building and Loan
Associations^Silver Lake Commission — Chamber of Connnerce — Natural Science
Association — Staten Island Historical Society.

CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XLIV page

The Borough of Richmond. 488

Restlessness of the People — Separate City — Greater New York Scheme — Tidal
Wave — Filling Offices — The First Stej) — The Commission — Its Work — Territory
— Legislative Authority — Provisions of the Charter — The Borough Officials —
Various Departments— The Future.

CHAPTER XLV

Local Biography. 495

Christopher Archer — Owen Howard Barnard — Major Clarence T. Barrett — Hon.
(iiistav Barth — George Bechtel — Read Benedict — Benjamin J. Bodine — William
Bowen — Guy Stejihens Brautinghara — Benjamin Brown — Ahram Cole — John Lin-
dermau Dailey— Hon. Edward P. Doyle— George T. Egbert— John H. Elsworth—
Frank Foggiu — Tliiuuas H. Harper — Cornelius A. Hart — Thomas Humphrey —
James Kerr— William H. McCabe.

CHAPTER XLVI
Local Biography (^C'oncJuded') 51t

David Neilson Melvin— Hun. IIoiuv Prentice ^Morrison— James E. Mulligan-
John B. Newhall— Tli,M„ln, S. ( )xlinlui— C.uiudins F. Tiuipson— Captain G. D. S.
Trask— William H. 15. T..tteu— Alliii. Wartli— Ilt-uiy Wartli— John Westbrook—
James Wheeler — James Wilkinson — Hon. Hubbard Pi. Yetuian.

FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.
Dr. Epbraim Clark Froutis]iieoe

FACE PAGE

David J. Tysen, Esq 119

Captain Richard Clirisloplier 202

Hon. tJeorge Cromwell 33S

Lewis Henr J Meyer 513

ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT.

PAGE

De Vries-Benedict House 3

Silver Lake in 1S20— Seat of Robert II. IJose, Esq 6

Mersereau Homestead, Butcliervillc 15

Vreelaud Homestead, South Beach 24

Pero Homestead, Butcherville 30

Benjamin Perine, the last Staten Island Slave 3S

Fountain Homestead, Clifton -i3

Cole H(mie.stead. Giffords 50

Egbert House, near Manor Road 56

Lockwood Homestead, Giffords 77

Daniel Oorsen Homestead, Watchogue Road 81

Birthplace of Hon. James A. Bradley, Rossville 97

Old Woolen Mill, near Richmond 107

Purdy's Hotel, Prince's Bay 125

Cornelius Vanderbilt 131

Vanderbilt Mausoleum 136

St. James Hotel, Port Richmond 113

Aaron Burr 153

Theodosia Burr 156

Old Fountain Homestead, New Dorp (Remodeled) 162

Benham Mansion, Green Ridge 173

Nautilus Hall, Tompkinsville 181

Commodore Vanderbilt's Residence, Stapleton 213

Dr. Richard Hender.son Homestead, near New Dorp 218

De Groot Residence. West New Brighton 235

Disosway-Cole Mill, near Tottenville 242

Hon. Nicholas IMuller 258

Cubberly House, near Elm Tree Light 262

Masonic Hall, Tompkinsville 268

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

Dutch Keformed Church, Richmond 276

Dutch Eeformed Churcli, Tompkinsville 278

Port Richmond Dutch Reformed Thurch 281

Post Homestead, Holland's Hook 285

:Moravian Church, New Dorp 293

Woodro-«- [Methodist Episcopal Church 29G

The \'an Pelt House, at Woodrow 299

Daniel Jones Homestead. Old Place 304

S?t. Joim's Protestant Episcopal Church. Clifton 307

Residence of General Van Buren, Torapkinsville 312

Clinch Homestead, Richmond Road, near the Clove 319

Old Bedell Mill, Green Ridoe 322

Planters' Hotel. Tompkinsville 324

Judge Henr^' B. Metcalfe 327

Horn Stephen D. Stephens 329

Hon. John J. Kenney 331

Hon. Natlianiel Marsh 333

Hon. Auiiustus Acker 335

Hon. Thomas W. Fitzo-erald 337

Charles Livinjiston Hubbell 339

Hon. Calvin D. Van Name 340

John L. Feeny, M. D 343

Samuel Adams Robinson, M. D 345

Charles Wilmot Townsend, :M. D 347

J. Walter Wood. M. D 349

Rev. Dr. Van Pelt's Academy, Port Richmond 353

Tyler Mansion, West New Brisliton 357

Hon. Hubbard R. Yetman, Superintendent Public Schools 364

Ward Mansion, Now Brighton 377

The Townsend Castle, Clifton 384

Jacques Mansion, Port Richmond 389

Cortelyou Homestead, Green Ridge 393

A'anderbilt Dock. New Dorp 397

Old Housman House. Port Richmond 409

The Sailoi's' Snug Harbor, New Brighton 417

S. R. Smith Infirmary, New Brighton 425

Old Seamen's Retreat. Stapleton 427

Mrs. Sarah Roberts ]\Iorris, County President, W. C. T. U 428

Richmond County Alms House 433

Patten House, New Dorp 441

The Old Van Name Cottage, at Old Place 444

Hon. Henry P. Morrison, Deputy Commissioner and Chief

Engineer 4-50

Staten Lsland Bank Building, Port Ivichmond 457

Richmond County Hall, Richmond 459

Power House of The Staten Island Electric Railway 464

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

Linoleum Works at Liuoleumville 470

Decker Homestead. Grauiteville 4T3

Swan Hotel, West New Brightou 477

De Hart Homestead, at Hollaml's Hook 480

Lake House, at Port Richmond 484

County Clerk's and Surrogate's Offices, Richmond 486

" The Richmond," Municipal Building, Borough of Richmond. . . 490

Residence of Ernest Flagg, Esq., Dongan Hills 492

Old House by the Mill, Green Ridge 494

John C. Thompson 495

Owen Howard Barnard 49G

Major Clarence T. Barrett 497

Hon. Gustav A. Barth 498

George Bechtel 499

William H. :\rcCahe 500

Old Post Road. RirlinidiKl 500

Read Benedict 501

Benjamin J. Bodine 502

William Bowen 503

Guy Stephens Brantingham 504

Benjamin Brown 504

Abram Cole 505

John Linderman Dailey 506

Hon. Ed ward P. Doyle 507

George T. Egbert . . '. 508

Thomas H. Harper 508

Hon. John H. Elswortli 509

Frank Foggin 510

Cornelius A. Hart 511

Thomas Humphrey 512

James Kerr 513

Thomas R. Eagh-sun iTlionus \V. Kpene) 514

David Neilson JMelvin 515

James Wheeler 516

James E. Mulligan 517

John B. Newhail 51 8

Theodor S. Oxholm 519

Cornelius F. Timpson 520

Captain G. D. S. Trask 521

William H. B. Totten ,522

Albin Wavth 523

Henry Warth 524

.luliii Westbrook 525

■

TEEFACE TO THE SECOND VOLUME.

IIILE it i>5 not cnstdinary to publish a " rirtacc " after the
aiijieai-uice of tlie tii'st voluine of a work, in this instaiire
there are circinnsraiices; ^A'hich render '^uch an ad ahsd-
Intely necessary.

In aceordance with the contract witli the i>iihlisliers. the manu-
script for the second volume was ready for delivery in ^lay ISU'.t;
but as the publishers were unaide to nieci tiicir nIdiL'aiions with the
author, the manuscript was Avithlield, by ad\ice of ((lunsel.

This delay, however, has been a great benefit to the book. The
entire rolume has been re-written in the meantime. Superfluous
matter h.is lit'en omitted, many valuable additions made to tlie vari-
ous chapters, and several photographs of historic houses added to
the collection.

The publishers still being unabh' to fulfil tli.-ir oldigations, tlie
author has purchased the right, title and iiitei-est of tlie work, and
brings out tlie second volume himself.

The veimirc i^ mie of considerable risk; yvt the ;iiitli(>r. n]i|ireciar-
ing his mural obligation to the people of Staten Island, assumes tlie
responsibility unhesitatingly, regardless of tdsi .nid hilxir.

Hoping that the book will meet with tlie desiics :iiid expectations
of the su!)scribpr^, ^\ho iia\e waiti'd sn pauenlly fur its coming, the
author is pleased to announce tlie comiiletion of the work, so far as
the contracts are concerned. I. K. M.

CHAPTER I.

UNDEi; THE REPUBLIC.

|IIE (lawu of peace— tlip twenty-lift li of Xovcnihev, ! Is:!— now
remembered as Evacuation Day — came under sucli pecul-
iar circumstances to the people of Stateu Island that
they were, for the time beino-, dazed and bewildered.

F<»r almost seven years Staten Island had been in the possession
of the British, and it had been I he haven of safety for ail the various
elements which opposed the independence of the Colonies, and which
for very conceivable reason had failed to take part in favor of the
IJevolution. All had suffered alike.

T'uder the Republic, the public interests to be considered demanded
leaders far more liberal and unselfish than those who had i>iven a
directin;^ hand in Colonial times. Men were called to the front who
were capable of developing new ideas, umkinsi' new experiments for
the public weal, and of advancin^i such practical measures as the
necessities of the hour demanded. Remarkable as it may seem now,
(•iiiii]iaralively few were of the opinion that any chance from the
louii-established laws and customs practiced by the Enjilish authori-
ties would prove a success. It was indeed many years before this
theory, so firmly imbedded in the public mind, could be thorouiilily
removed.

Immediately prior to the Revolution we find lu-ominently men-
tioned in the affairs of the Island, the names of Thomas Seamans,
Peter Winant, Lewis Dubois, Richard Harris, David Tison, Georiie
Barnes, Adam Clendenney, Johaunas Houseman, Jacob Mersereau,
Cornelius :\lerse]"eau, .Toso])h Roli)h, James Risk, John Ciffords, Hen-
drick (iarretson. Dower Woiiolum, Abraham :Moru-e, Joshua ^lerse-
rean, Rornt Simonson, Jacob Rezeau, Peter Perine, Ricdiard Cole, -John
Rurbanck, Francis Johnson, John Cannon, Jaiues Egbert, James
Latourette, John Simonson, Henry Holland, Jacob Relue, Land»ert
Jinner, Ro^er Barnes, Richard Crips, Peter Hcmsman, Daniel Lake,
Hichard Conner, John Van Pelt, Samuel Bro(uue, Jacob Javenmoh,
William Dutjlass, John Hillier, Aaron Cortelyou, Nicholas Dupny,
John Poillon, :\latthias Euyard, John Androvett, Hesekiah Rio-ht,
Donald Drummond, William Sprajj, Peter Eobert, Nicholas Larzelere,
Samuel Holmes, Samuel Rrooms, Benjamin Parker, Samuel Merrill,
Silas Bedell, Anthouv Fountain, Jolin Beagle, William Reckhow,

2 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Isaac Johnson, Moses Egbert. Benjamin Brittain, and Abraham
Jones. Notwithstandinii- some of these took part in the strniiS'le
aiiainst tlie fortunate victors, almost all adaidcd tlKMiiselves to cir-
cumstances and I'euinined on the Island.

But perhaps no locality in the wliole countrv witnessed more ma-
terial changes among its iKopIc at lliat jteriod than Staten Island.
There were the old familh's- -tlie diicct descendants of the early
Dutch, the iMcncli. and tlic l-hiulisli. (iciicrallv speaking, those of
Dutch and French extraction lav(U-ed the Amnican cause, and as
far as possible openly syiuiiathizcd witli and aided it; while the
English element naturally and alni<ist exclusively stood Ity the i?iit-
ish. It was no easy matter to i-eii!n\e this •■ national " line, even after
the establishment of jie-ice. The viiilc had been loo hitter and long.

.Many Hessians and ^>^iti^h soldiers settled here and became in-
dnsi lions and prosperous citizens. 'I hey were chietiy deserters from
the army, encamijed here at the close of the war.

Truly the first days under the Republic were dark. A feeling of
absolute unrest pervaded every home on the Island. At every tiiin
theic were the keenest reminders of the war. Desolation marked
.-very locality. The chaired icninanis of (dd homes, which the British
had desiruyed; fenceless farms, uncultivated fields, dangerous public
highways, stoiin-beaten l.i-easi works, i iinilile-down lints that had been
used b\- the military, mntilaleil trees, hridgeless creeks, and general
de\ astation- all conspired to add gloom and dis(iuietude to the scene.

.\dded to all this was a greater cause still for the unrest and dis-
satisfaction of the ])eople. The bitter feelings engendered by the war
found no abatement here when ixace spread her white wings over
the land. No war on earth, ]perhaps, ever found families so divided
u](on the issues of the day. Friends had become enemies during the
contlict, never to be reunited under any circumstances. I'rom every
hearthstone someone had gone — gone to strange scenes and untried
customs — gone among strangers who were jealous of their coming.

" Tory " and " Eebel " were ready e])ithets to be applied in the road-
side smithy, the village store — aye, at the very church door, or
wherever, perchance, the people might incidentally meet to discuss
the questions of the Revolution. Persecution cre]it into the daily acts
of both sides. Neither would forgive anything that the other had
done, nor for the moment extend the right hand (d fellowshi]).

The successful " Americans," smarting under the wrongs which
they had suffered, lent no sympathy, no aid, no friendship. This
.strife indeed continued unto the third and fourth generation. In
many instances, however, families were reunited in a measure by
the general syniiialhy of the ]ie(i]ile id' the Island during the War of
1812. Pome of the most ardent sui)])oriers of onr country in that c(ui-
flict came from the families that were intensely " I'ritish " in their
proclivities during the Revolution.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Isolated from the mainland, willi im nii;aiiiz('d system of ferry
traffic, Staten Island was a little world by itself. No one came to it
exc('i)t for inci'ceiiary purposes, and no one living Ihmc over thoui^ilit
of jioint;- to tlio city, or even across the Kills or Narrows, unless actu-
ated bj- the most pressing business. This had a tendency to make the
people narrow in their opinions of affairs in general. Many of the
people grew up to look upon the Island as the center of the imiverse
— those living outside its borders having- no rights here, they be-
lieved, in common with the natives. Its effects are keenly felt even
at this day!

The reconstruction of rlie local gdveniiiieiii in ITS."!, it is thus seen,
was a task of no mean impoi-tance. To reconcile a mixed population
of about three thousand souls, many of who
that tlie successful element was about to under
to all forms of ])rogress th
iguomiuous failure to
e\'ei'y forward nioxcnient.

A iiolitical (li\isiou was
tlie reasonable outcome,
and we can trace the an-
cestry of several families
residing here to-day direct-
1\ back to the Loyalist ele-
ment in those dark and
uncertain times. We can
go an important step fur-
ther: In the political di-
\isions of the present day,
we tind tlie desceinlants of
those same men adhering
to the faith of the party
wliicli has, through the various, clianvi
trium]»]i, ke]if intact tlie iiiaiiy-n.iiiieij
the legal heir of tlie old F(Mleral par
century or more with the Democracy.

The little village of Richmond, the
of the war more than any other lot
(Nmrt House, Dutch Reformed Ohurcl
ings had been destroyed by the Ri

DK VRIES-BENKDICT HOUSK, NEAR ROSSVILLE, BUILT
ABOUT 1640 ; DESTROYED BY FIRE, 1858.

•f political strife and
ion which stands as
I, can we go back a

ounty-seat, showed the effects
dity on the Island. The old
and many of the umin dwell-
h torch, while old St. Andrew's
Church, the central figure in two lively battles, was pretty well shat-
tered and disfigured." The County Jail was still standing (the old
red structure recently destroyed by lire), as was also the main tavern,
the " Cucklestowue Inn." In fact, there was so little left of the ham-
let that the people of the Island wanted to remove the county-seat
back to Stony Brook.

The people of vStaten Island in 1783, while not progressive— the re-

4 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

suit of the uiitdward ciirunistances that hart suvromirtert them for
almost a rtecade— were nevertheless hospitable to their friends. Once
assured of their friendship, their homes indicated a cordial welcome,
and heart and hand bent eveiw energy to make the guest happj and
comfortable. But to the opponent — to those who had been " on the
other side " in the sad conflict — there was no sympathy, no welcome,
and no comfort. ]\Iany interesting traditions come down to us from
tlie period that made up the first years under the r»epublic.

The i)eople generally eni])l(ryed theuiselves in agricultural pursuits,
and every home of any importance was cliariuterized by its immacu-
late sand-scrubbed floors, whitew;isiied walls, and large, open tire-
jdaces, wjsile the indispensable spinning-wheel occupied its a]t-
jkiIu'imI jilace in the corner, the fliutlo<-k musket and powder-horn
reste(l Dver the high mantel, and the Colonial sideboard, laden with
seasonable "goodies" and spirits, lent its part to the hospitality of
the host.

Gay scenes, in after years, weve tliose which awakened the old
Staten Island fai-mhouses. As the mind goes back to it now we see,
amid the honest simplicity which then cliaracterizf-d our people, a
refinement worthy of tlie secicty of lliis more enliiilitened period.
The shining brass buttons on tli" dress c(<at, the scarlet waistcoat, the
kneebreeches with their silver buckles, and the powdered heads of
the rustic, though fashionable, geiitlemen — so unlike the plain cos-
tumes of tlie Avomen folk — made up scenes worthy to be recorded
in the annals of our Island home. To have known and fully appre-
ciated all this, when sentenced by the misfortunes of war to exile
and poverty, must have driven many a native Staten Island Loyalist
with broken heart to the grave!

^Yf insert here a copy of the county abstract at the close of llie
eighteenth century:

IE COUNTY OF RICHMOND IN TIIK

SPECIES OF PROPERTY

Vacations and Assessments in Each Town

SODTHFIELD

NOHXH..E.D

WESTPIELD

CASXL.TOW.

144,470

148,198

169,193

128,863

1,110

285

1,650

20.3

3,240

3,740

4,020

2,790

720

678

732

552

608

716

548

900

128

152

176

210

345

450

460

340

440

Real estate

Oxen of four years and upwards

Bidls of four years and upwards

Cows of four years and upwards

Neat cattle three years old

Neat cattle two years old

Horses or mares one year old ...

Horses or mares two years old

Horses or mares three years old

Horses or mares four years old, not exceeding eight
years

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

AUSTRACTS

Valuations and Assessments ra Each Town

SOUT„.,ELO

nokth.:e.o

westfield

CASTLETOWN

Geldings or mares above eight, and not exceeding
twelve vears. .

860

224
900

1,300

240
300

960

232
300

1 008

Geldings or mares above twelve, and not exceeding

sixteen years

Stallions of more than four years old

Mnles cue year old

Mules two years old

160

Mules tlrree years old

Coaches

Post-pbais.-s

600
200
700
550
240
500
588

6,200

900

200

1,500

280

" " 768
10,500

Other tn„,-ul„.rl |,l,:i.'(,„i ,-nn-iages

Two-Whrrl l„l,-r;nTI.-,-fS

Other two-wheel pleasure carriages

Clocks with brass or steel wheels

200

1,550

760

200
200
750
560
50

Other watches

Slaves above twelve, and not exceeding fifty years
old

River sloops or vessels above thirty, and not exceed-
ing sixty tons

River sloops or vessels above sixty tons

660
12,100

396
4,300

10,780

Residue of the taxable personal estate

14,405

10,451

3,855

185,817

178,081

206,683

14,796

It wns fully tliivty years bpforo "outsiders" iu auy emisiderable
nuuibcr h(-au in setlle on Staieu Island, and the place lay donnant,
unlil the closo ol ihc s(wond war wilii Ku-land. (Jradiially llirn, at
ixlil inlci-vals, nieu of wealth, sonic of whom liad been atlraetcd here
durinii the war, begau to turn their attention to tin- place. Occa-
sionally an old farm and homestead were sold and ]iassed into str.in-
j>ers' bauds, a modern residence was erected on the site of the old ITol-
land cottaiiv. the traditional stone-heap Hue-fence gave place to a
more imi)ro\('d arraug<'inent, and on every hand there were indica-
tions of the dawn of prosi)erity.

I'^roin the ]>eriod last mentioned for a full decade there was little
to e.xcite the in'ople of Staten Island. The years came and went, and
a new generation had grown up to take the place of those who had
mingled iu the exciting scenes of the TJevolution. Every churchyard
told the old, old story of nioitality. and names that had figured
prominently in public atfairs were now read on the oddly carved
brown gravestones, many of which were destined ere long to crumble
and be forgotten.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Some of oui' older citizens visidly recall the wveckini;' financial
panics that began with the closing- uf the period known as " the
twenties," including the memorable banking troubles, and continu-
ing for many years. It proved a most serious barrier to the progress
of Staten Island.

One of the most serious questions of the period which agitated the
minds of our people was inipris(mment for debt. Some of the most
respected residents of the Island became involved, through no fault of
their own, and were thrown into jail, and not a few were kept within
"jail limits" lit being the circle of a mile around tlic Coiiuty Court
House), until circiniistauces arose perniiltiiig tlicir rcdcase. The news-
papers took V.]) the subjecl, congressmen and legislalcn-s expressed
themselves in eiiiphalic teiins, and everywhere it was Ihe absorbiu"-

THE SKAT OF ROBERT H. ROSE, ESQ.
(From an old print.)

tojiic of cou\'ersation. And yet, it is
was not aboli.shed until near the close o
It may be interesting to recall one of
Island about 182S. A clear idea is ^iv

remaikable to state, tlx- law
f the century.

I lie chief industries of Staten
Ml in an advertisement in the

h'U-hwniHl RcpuJ,r,vai,, of :Mar(di :!, of I hat year:

" l-':,.\.\ — 7V, /'(n/z/r/x. - I'he citizens of this Island have formerly
paid considerable attention to the cultivation of flax; but this branch
of agriculture lias been generally neglected of late years, because
there has been no good market for the sale. This was a subject of
regret to our farmers, jieciiliarly on account of the actual low prices
of most of the productions of our soil.

" We are happy to state, tliat it is now in the power of our Farmers
to engage anew in the cultivation of this important article. Fred-
erick Roumage is in possession of a secret for dressing Flax without

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 7

rotting, and wlui. since l;ist spring, 1827, has had a very extensive
(\stablishnient of that kind in full operation, at Elizabeth-town (Xew
Jersey), has bonglit last year from our neighbors of the Jersey more
than 300 tons, after the scimI had been threshed off, and without other
preparation, at •'ipl-') per tun, cash down.

" Vi'iy jiidicioiis Farmers say, and that experiment has demon-
strated, that there is no branch of agiiculture so favorable as this
ciiltivatii)ii, w hicli may realize a nett profit of from fl2 to .$18 from
one acre of laiid, an(i tliis with the double advantage, 1st, of being
relieved from the trotihlesotiie and very unhealthy process of rotting
and dressing; 2d, of being -;iii-e of a ready market, where they can
instantly realize a rew ard tor t lieir industry.

" Mr. Eoumage has already made arrangements with several re-
spectable landholders on this Island, amongst whom are Mr. Joseph
P.edell, Jessy .Aforgan, John Q'ocheron, &-c., &c.; and, as the time for
sowing is i)retty near at hand, it is importnnt that the attention of
our agriculturists should be immediately directed to this subject. The
subscrijition for this year being for 800 acres of land, .Mr. liouiuage
binds himsi'lf to accept all and every engagement in this Island, and
tor any i|iiaii(ily, until the middle of April next.

•• The r.lazing Star Ferry is conveniently situated, so is some other
way of com Miuni( alien for crossing the KSound; and in order to en-
courage our Farmers, Mr. lioumage will allow $1 more per ton for this
expense.

"As a guarantee for the performance of his engagements, Mr.
Koumage offers the large estal)!ishii!ent, propelled by a steam engine,
lie erected last year at very great expense, and will give references to
("ol. Kean, I'resident of the Kssi-x Agricultural Society, and Messrs.
.Meeker and r.ritton, Elizabeth Town; .Major Edgar, Woodhridge; Jo-
seph Barron, Brighton, ami all his last year's subscril)ers.

"For further explanations, gentlemen are referred to the Hand
bills and Printed subscriptions to be found at Mr. Bedell Johnson's
Grist Mill; ( i. C. Hamilton's Tavern; VV. M'Commic's Grocery, Merse-
reau's Ferry; Joseph Bedell's store, at the Mill; Henry Fountain's
I'avern, Xorthside; T. Butler's Tavern, on the Turnpike; John La-
Forge's Tavern, on the Turnpike; H. Cropsey's Tavern, Kichmond;
Edward Edwin, Blackhorse; John Fountain's Tavern, Tompkius-
\ iile, and at this Ottice."

From a period dating back to near th<' close of the War of 1812,
Staten Island and its surroundings were (luite attractive to wealthy
Southerners. It continued to gro\v in this direction until the out-
break of the Rebellion, in 18(31. Back in " the twenties " farms were
purchased, and many of the old dwellings arranged for summer resi-
dences. The Pavilion Hotel, at New Brighton, the Planters' Hotel,
at T(uupkinsvilie, the Fountain House, at Xorthside, and the La-

a HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

tourette House at Bergen Point, on the opposite side of the Kills,
were patronized chiefly by Southerners for many years.

While the Kevolutiou was ever the popular theme for discussion
with the people of Stateu Island, those who rejoiced at its success
did comparatively little, so far as any public record enlightens us,
to huuor the e^ent by public demonstrations, until about the time
of the semi-centennial anniversary. Then there appears to have been
a great effort to honor " the heroes of '7(>." We atrribnte the chief
cause of this patriotic mo\emeut to the establislimcnl of a newspaper
on the Island at that time. As a matter of history, important in this
connection, we repi'oiluce the prt)ceedings of this celebration, from
the columns of the Rlclnnond I\'ci)uhHcaii :

" Fourth of July. — At a meeting of the Committee of Arrange-
ments for the ptirpose of celebrating the approaching anniversary of
our National Independence, held at Kichmond County ilall *^n the
25th inst. (June, 1828), the following order was adoxtted :

" The citizens of the County of IJichnumd to assemble at the Hall
at eleven o'clock a.m., to join in procession with the uniformed, at-
tended with martial music, and march from thence to the Court
House.

" 1st. The exercises of the day will open with a petition to the
Throne of Grace.

'' 2d. The Declaration of Independence will be read by Lewis K.
Marsh, Esq.

" 3d. An oration will be delivered by Thorn S. Kingslaud, Esq.

" A National Ode will be sung by a select choir.

" After which the pi'ocession will again form and march back to
the Hall to partake of the good things of our happy land.

" Kichard D. Littell, Harmanus Guyon, Jacob Crocherou, Walter
IJetts, Dr. Melancthou Freeman, Committee."

" Fourth of July, 1828. — The inhabitants of Staten Island are
respectfully invited to join their fellow-citizens at Tompkiusville, in
celehiatiiig llic tifly-siM-oiid anniversary of American Independence.

•• Onhroj lli< 1 hii/.^'l'lw National Standard will be displayed at the
Pavilion, Mount Tom^jkins (now known as Pavilion Hill), and at
other public places at sunrise, when the day will be ushered in by
the ringing of bells and flriug of cannon. A national salute will also
be tired at noon, and at sundown.

" Till' citizens, and all who feel disposed to unite with tlicni in cele-
brating the day, will asscMuhlc at Mr. Thomas Drumgohrs, Nautilus
Hall, at eli'ven o'clock a.m.; from thence they will repair lo iho
(Dutch Jxefonned! Ciiurch at twelve o'clock precisely. The doors
of the church will be ojK'ned at eleven o'clock, for the reception of
ladies, and such as do not join in the procession.

"The exercises in the church will be as follows: 1. Music by the
band. 2. An address to the Throne of Grace by the Rev. John E.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 9

Miller. 3. Music, i. The Declaiation of In(lepen<leme will be read
by Charles N. Baldwin. 5. ;Mu,sic. (k An oration will be delivered
by Dr. Charles H. Havens. 7. ;\[nsic. S. A ((nicludini; jiraver by Eev.
A. K. Martin. 9. Music.

" The ceremonies at the clinrch b(4ni; coiicliidcd, the citizens will
retire to the Pavilion, on ilount Tniiipkiiis, whon dinner will be on
the table precisely at three o"(l()ck.

" Caleb T. ^^'ard, Esq., Dr. John S. Westervelt, Henry I'\ Heberton,
Grittin Tompkins, Stephen Kettletas, Committee."

" Celkbuatiox ok the Fourth of Jn.Y at Richmoxu. — The
annual return of this eventful dny was cclcljratt'd at Richmond in so
zealous a manner as to evince that the spiril of "7(1 was not extinct,"
says the Ji'imlilicdn. " A National Salute Avas tired at sunrise. The
citizens assembled at Kicliniond County' Hall at 11 o'clock, and at
twelve formed and marched to the Court House. A prayer to the
Throne of Grace was offei-ed by the Kev. Mv. Hartmau. The
Declaration of Independence was then read l>y Lewis R. Marsh,
Es(|., which was succeeded by appropriate music. After which an
oration was delivered by Thorn S. Kinnland, Esq., which drew upon
the oratoi' tlie ]»lnu<lit« of all present. Music concluded the exercises
in the Court House, and the citizens a^ain fonned and returned to
the Hall, where they sat down to a sumptuous dinner prepared by
Mr. Cropsey. Major J. N. Toidcer, the ofhcer of the day, ])resi(led. and
Richard D. Littell, Esq., officiated as Vice-President. Tlie followiTii;
toasts were offered :

"1. The United States of America-On tlie Fourth of July, 1828,
Free, Independent and llai>])y. < )Jie i;un. ' Hail, Columliia."

" 2. .Aleiiiory of \Vasliin,;;lon — the Father of his Country. One ,<iun.
Washiuii; ton's .Marcli.

" 3. The Patriots of the Revolution. Their heroie deeds live in the
memory of a grateful people. One gun. March.

"1. The Militia. The standing army of the nation, and the P.ul-
wark of iM-eedoiii and Liberty. One gun. Song — 'The Drum."

•• .".. The Xavy of the Fiiiled States. The pi-ide of Freemen, and a
terror to their foes. One gun. • Star Spangled Ranner.'

•• (.. The I'lcsident of the United States. One gun. President's
Marcli.

'• 7. The State of New York. Rich in resources, and an enter-
pi islng poptilation; she shines like a star of the tirst order in our
political henusphere. One gun. (Quickstep.

■• S. The (Officers of the State of New Yoi'k. I':.\ecuti\e, Legislative
and Judicial. One gun. March.

•• !i. The memory of DeWitt Clinton. Once the pride of our State;
now a National loss. One gun. Dirge.

" 10. The American I'air. The pride and lionor of the country; ex-

10 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

amplt?s of virtue and industry. One g,un. Three cheers. Song' —
' Bonnets of Blue."

" 11. The Cuustitution of the United States, more valued the older
it grows, it has put to blush the maxims of Tj-rauts, that mankind
can not govern themselves. One gun. March.

" 12. Education, Agriculture, Commerce and Manufactures, each
meriting the fostex'ing care of our country. One gun. Song — ' Home,
Sweet Home.'

"13. Our Common Country. 'Slay the blessings we this day enjoy
be perpetuated to all future generations. One gun. Liberty Tree.

" Volunteer's. — By Jacob Crocheron. — The Oratcu- of the l>ay. One
gun. Six cheers.

" By T. S. Kingsland, Esq. — Gentlemen, for the honor you have
this day conferred upon me, I return yoii my sincere thanks, Hoping
that my condnct will ever be such as ro merit your esteem and con-
tideiice. I'erniii nie, Sirs, to projiose as a toast — The memory of our
depai-led Statesiiia ii, Patrick Henry, who was the first by his elo-
quence to rouse his countrymen to arms — the first to point otit Tlie
briglit path to Glory. One gun. Three cheers. ' .\iihl Lang Syn( ."

•' By Major J. N. Tooker. — Bolivar— tlie Wasliin-^ton of his country;
the intrepid warrior; the friend of .Man and of Liberly. One gun.
' ilarcli to the Battle-field.'

"By Judge Daniel Croclieron. — Our late minisieis at Client; may
their services be ever kindly remembered by e\ ciy sincere American.
One gun.

•• By Walter Betts, Esq.— The National ]!ar(|t!e. managed liy a skil-
ful i>ilot; she will keep clear of all shoals and (luicksands. and arrive
safe in port on the fourth day of March, 1S2!». ( »ne gun.

"By Daniel Mersereau. — Andrew Jackson, matchless hero, incom-
parable man; brave and skilful in war, generous in peace. The rec-
ords of chivalry, the pages of history, do not furnish a more exalted
character than thine. One gun. Six cheers. ' Hail to the Chief.'

" By Major James Guyou. — Chief Jiistice Marshall, and the Asso-
ciate Supren.ie Judges of the United States; they form the first and
highest court in the known world, a pattern to all nations. One gnu.

" By Lieutenant Timothy Greene Benham, U. S. Navy. — The Mem-
ory of Oliver If. Perry — the hero of Lake Erie, who gave up his ship
in exchange for a fleet. One gun.

"By Jacob Crocheron, Esq. — The memory of r)anie] D. Toitnikins.
It was his delight to celebrate ami maintain the rndejiendence of his
country. One gun.

" By L. R. :\[arsh, Esq.— Thomas Jefferson, rlie immortal author of
the Declaration of Independence. One uun.

" By Dr. M. Freeman.— The Spirit of 'TC
throughout the earth, and be perpetuated tc
Six cheers. ' Hail, Columbia.'

" By P. P. Van Zant, Esq.— The celebra

May it b

' disseminated

the latest i

ges. One gun.

ion of the

anniversarv of

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 11

the American Independeuce by the inhabitants of the County of Rich-
mond; their exertions merit the liighest encominms.

" By Richard Crocheron. Es(i. — The i^ood ohl days of our Independ-
ent Daddies, when bean pmiidiic was tmili' sdiij), new cider spar-
Icling champagne, and bread and iiuilasscs wedding cake. One gun.
' Yankee Doodle.'

" As the sun sanlv beneatli the horizon the company arose and re-
tired; the room was again soon filled with fashion and beauty, and the
festivities of the day wi-ic concluded with dancing and other amuse-
ments by a large asseuiblage of young persons."

It was evidently the intention of the people (.f the Island to cele-
brate the Fourth of July in an enthusiastic manner whenever the
day should come; and so, in June, 1S2!J, th" following arrangements
were made for the occasion:

" At lUchmond the American Standard will be raised at the dawn
of day, and a National Salute will be fired by the company of Horse
Artillery, under the command of Captain Daniel Clawson. The citi-
zens of the County are respectfully invited to assemble at the Rich-
mond County Hall at eleven o'clock, a.m., when they will form and
proceed to the Court House (accompanied with martial music), under
I lie direction of R. D. Littell, Esq., who will act as officer of the day."

The local newspaper was animated by the same patriotic fire, ami
appealed to the people of the Island to " cherish with increasing zeal
the remembrance of that proud day. Let every returning anniversary
bind our country still nearer to our hearts, and add new honors to the
brows of those who gave us a name and a place among the natioiis."

Tlie celebration was a failui'e on account of a storm and the effect
was never fully removed. True, on the folloAving year tlie usual prep-
arations were made to " celebrate American Independence at ilount
Tompkins, village of Tomijkinsville." A procession was to have
formed at ten o'clock at the house of Denyse «& Simonson, and escorted
by Captain Tompkins' company of Richmond County Guards, and
march to the Dutch Reformed Church. Major-General I>. M. Van
r.ui-en was announced as the marshal of the day, and Messrs. Hazard,
\A'ard, S\\an, Tompkins, and Wood were the committee of arrange-

The citizens of Westfield assembled at the Blazing Star (Rossville).
" A Stage was erected in front of the house of Jacob Winant, where
Die Declaration of Independence was read by Mr. F. Garrit, and an
oration delivered by T. S. Kingsland, Escp Mr. Harman Cropsey,
Sr., a i)atriot of the Revolution, presided, assisted by Mr. Shea."

It is ([nite evident that the " unbounded patriotism " of our people
hail siimewliat sulisided in tlu immediate years that followed, as the
Rirluiioiicl ('oiintji Mirror, under date of July, 1837 (issued a few days
after the Fourth), after quoting from Shakespeare the words, " Blush,
oh I ye men of Richmond! " had this to say on the subject :

12 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

" Forinii OF -JiLY ox Staten Island. — The once Glorious Fourth
has passeil! and as far as we have been able to learn, there has been
no oration delivered in any one of the many villages of this whole
county! and the sacred, age-enduring Declaration of Independence
was nowhere publicly read! Ye patriotic shades of WasliiiiLitou and
.if Hancock, of Jefferson and of Adams, of Willett and of Tonipkins!
if yet ye hover o'er your once loved country, let the admiration with
which ye have looked down upon the cheerful friluiti^ jiaid to your
brilliant deeds and hallowed memories, in every section of our land,
nom the lakes to the Gulf, blot out the ini(|uirics of this degenerate
lieople.""

As time wore on, eacit revolving yeiw found a portion of our people
in favor of celebrating the day that would perpetuate the memory
of the founders of the Eepublic; but there was a Itikewarmness that
was at times very discouraging. Although throughout " the forties "
there were celebrations in various parts of the Island, the first not-
able event in connection with it was that in which the venerable
Hev. Peter I. Van Pelt delivered a patriotic discourse in the old Dutch
Iveformed Church at Port Kichmond, in 1858, and citizens generally
did the rest. The committee of arrangements were Dr. Eadie, Capt.
S. S(iuires, Dr. Gale, Abram Wood, John F. H. King, Mr. Usher, and
J)r. Harrison.

The next and, we might say, final celebration of the Fourth of July
occurred at Port Kichmond on the Centennial anniversarA', in ]S7().
Clute's " Annals of Staten Island "' gives the foUowin.g account of the
event :

" It was the only celebration on the Island. It took place under the
sliade of the beatitiful trees which overreach that splendid thorough-
fare known as Heberton avenue. The seiwices consisted of an open-
ing address by Hon. Sidney F. Kawson, Avho presided. The Kev. Dr.
Krownlee offered the opening prayer. The Kev. J. T. Bush read the
Declai'ation of Independence. John J. Clute, Esq., then read an his-
torical address relating to the village of Port Richmond and the town
of Xorthfield. He was succeeded by the Hon. George William Curtis,
who delivered an eloquent, patriotic address, which was tmiversally
admired and applatided. The closing prayer and benediction was
pronounced by the Kev. S. G. Smith, of the Park Baptist Church. The
services were interspersed with vocal and instrumental music. It
was, on the whole, the most creditable and jiatriotic celebration that
ever took place on the Island."

,\nd now history must record the lamentable fact, a (piarter of a
centtiry later, that the celebration of 187(1 was practically the last
one in which the people of Staten Island have deemed it worthy to
revert their attention to the scenes that were enacted in the Kevolu-
tion, and to rev<'re the hi'.llowed memory of the men r.nd women who
made it ixissible for the generations tluit followed to live under the
Ke]inblic.

('HAPTER II.

STATION ISLAND MILIU

'i:X ISLAND was one of the tivst Idialions in what is

iiw the riiil(^(I States to possess an oi^jmizcd military

>\'.i\ Its hcadquarteis were in the little block lort that

)(1 on the heights of I^irt W'adsworth. on the Narrows.

])os(-(l exclusively of Dutchmen.

lish, soon after taking possessiou, organized militia eyerj-
conld lind uieii to tal\;e up arms. The first English militia
eiil on Stat<-n Island.

se])aiate county and judicial district, Stateu Island,
iiile, was compfdied to pi-ovide iM-otectiou for its own
ro]iert.\'. ('i\il antlioiity, lio\',-ever, was iusufficient for
1 tli(- militia was de])endfd ujion to a great degree.
Every citizen of a certain age and aliility was com]i(dled to diill and
hecume jii-oticieui in the manual of arms, so ihal when war came
and troojis were ueeiled, Stateu Island could always be counted upon
to furnish its quota.

The meauing of " ^Militia " is " the military force of a nation " ; aud
in this connection it may not be inapijropriale to trace this branch of
the public service from its inception down through Colonial times.
The militia of this continent had its origin in a law promulgated in
IOC)!, by James. l>uke of York aud Albany. "The Duke's Laws," as
they are still called, covered numerous subjects.

As to militia, they provided that, " all m.iles above the age of six-
teen shall be enrolled and be subject to military duty. Each person
must provide hims(df with a good serviceable gun, to be kept in con-
stant fitness, with a good swin-d, bandoleer and horn, a warmer, a
scourer, a i)rimiug wire, a shot bag, a charger, one iiound of good
powder, four ])onnds of ]>istol bullets, and twenty-four bullets fitted
for the gun, four fathoms of serviceable match for matiddock gun,
and four good flints for the firelock guu."

L(mr local and one general training days iier year Avere prescribed
for each " Ryding,'' and once in two years, a general day '• for all the
soldiers within the government." lu case of failure of anyone to
apjiear for duty, he was to be fined, and the fines Avere to be divided ;
one-third going to the commanding general and the remainiui;- two-
thirds to be divided auiouii the other officers.

14 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

The code seems to have held, in most of its features, until 1702,
when Queen Anne modified and amended it. She ordered that all
males between the ages of sixteen and fifty be liable for military
duty and, in case of an invasion, all between fifteen and sixty. She
generously allowed, even ordered, each captain to furnish drums,
bugles, and colors for his company, and emphasized the order by a flue
of £2 for each mouth he was in default.

It was also provided that, " Every soldier belonging to a troop of
horse shall appear twice a year for a drill and muster, provided with
a good, serviceable horse, not less than fourteen hands high, covered
with a good saddle, housings, breast-plate and crupper, a case of good
pistols, a good sword or hanger, one-half a pound of good powdei', and
twelve sizable bullets, a pair of boots, and suitable spurs, and a car-
bine well fixed with a belt, swivel, and blanket, under penalty of
twelve shillings for the want of a sizable Imrse, and ten shillings for
waiit of each or either of the other ;i'i i,le-;." Tlie Staten Island Troop
wore blue coats and breeches ami srailel waistcoats, and their hats
were laced with gold.

" Every foot soldier must provide himself, and appear and muster
in a good, well-fixed musket or fuzee, a good sword, belt and cartridge'
box, six cartridges of powder, a horn and six suitable bullets. At
liome, he must alwa^ys have on hand one pound of good gunpowder
ami three pounds of sizable bullets." For want of these arti-
cles a fine of twenty shillings, and prison charges until the fine
was paid, was imposed. At his discretion, the captain was allowed
and authorized to levy upon and sell the delinquent's goods. " In
case the offender be unable or refuse to pay and he have no goods to
distress, he shall rirle the wooden horse, or be laid on tlie neck or heels
in a public place for not to exceed an hour."

For seventy-three years, or until 1775, nearly the same law was
re-enacted each year, the title almost invariably being, " An act for
settling the militia of the Province, and the making of it useful for
the security and defense thereof.'' No mention of compensation for
military service was ever made, and when the number of articles
which each soldier must furnish are taken into consideration, it will
be seen that the tax was by no means an inconsiderable one. This
was the condition i>i' the militia when tlie war cloud of the Kevolution
threw its shadow over the land.

On January 10. 1087, according to the Colonial manuscripts in the
State library, at Albany, there was an " order for a commission for
Captain Billopp."

On December 18, l'>80. commissions were issued to Jaques Poillon,
as captain; Thomas ^lorgan, lieutenant, and Seger Oarretson, ensign,
of Staten Island militia. In December, 1090. Cornelis Corsens Mas
commissioned captain; John Theunissen, lieutenant, and Cornelis
Nevis, ensign.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

On October 22, lfi91, a " Peteisoii " was presented to tlic Colonial
Government, signed by John Gamacktlick, William George, ("oriieli;^
XapheAV, Joseph Staes, and Henry Jackson, of the County of Kich-
mond, " to have the priviledge of having- a captain and other militan-
officers over the North quarter of said Ishind restored to tliem." The
Colonial mannscrijjts (English) the same year contain the "Roll of
Major 1*. Scales' Company" and also that of "Captain Bradshold's
Company."

On Febrnary o, 17(1?., a " message of the House of riepres'-.ilatives,
requesting a comniittfc of courcrence on the bill for building two
batteries at the Narrows," lo Ic in charge of the Staten Island miliiia,
was presented, and was (nidcnliy favorably considei'ed.

In 1703, Lieutenant Henry Holland and Lieutenant Charh s Oliver,
were on duty with a Staten Island company up the Hudson fiivrv. In
several places the Colonial manuscripts speak of Henry Uollaml.
It was he who owned
the land in Northfield
wJiere the Holland's
Hook ferry is located.
That place is named in
liis or his father's honor.

On March 2(!, 170.>, or-
ders were issued to " Cap-
tain John Anderson and
others, of the Staten Is-
land militia." The same
yeai'. a commission was
issued to " Augustine
Graham, to be captain of
militia on the north side
of Staten Island; vice
Ptillwell." In 1705, the

Colonial government issued an oi-der for the enrollment of all men
for militia service, between the ages oi' si.xleen and sixty-one.

In 1710, a company of Staten Island militia accompanied the ex-
pedition to Canada, under the command of Captain Thomas Arrow-
smith. June 20, 1729. P.arrent Christopher was captain, and Thomas
Borrobank was lieutenant of the " North Precinct Company of Rich-
mond County."

The following are the names of the militia officers of Staten Island
for the year 1739: Colonel, Jacob Corsen; Lieutenant-Colonel, Chris-
tian Corsen; :i\lajor, Tlioma'^ Farmar Pillopp.

North Division. — C;!|itain. John ^'egllte: Lieutenant. Frederick
P>erge; Ensign, Jacob Corsen, Jr.

South Division. — Captain, Corn(dius Stoothoff; Lieutenant, Jacob
Berge; Ensign, Aris Rj^er-s.^

16 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

West Division. — Captain, Nathaniel Rritton; Lientenant, Mathia«
Johnson; Ensii^n, Abraham Manee.

The Troop. — Captain, Peter Ferine; Lientenant, Garret Crosse; Cor-
net, Wynant Wvnants; Qnarterm aster, Daniel Wynants.

On April 2fi, 1756, a draft was ordered on Staten Island fur men to
serve in the militia, in the expedition against Crown Point, which
led to a disturbance. Captain James Gny(m was commanded to ar-
rest the "disturbers of the peace." Captain Gnyon commanded one
of the Staten Island companies.

On Anj^nst 10, 1757, John nillyer, Sheriff of TJiclimon.l County,
ordei-cd Archibald K(Minedy to arrest and " contim' in jail al! neutral
French, except women and cliildren." The militia of the county were
ordered to assist him, if necessary. Cajttain Thomas Arrowsmith's
company was in rhe C(donial service in 1757. A warrant was issued
in favor of Captain Arrowsmith, April 26, 17.59, for £7S4, •' 1>eino- the
amount of bounty and enlisting money for forty-one volunteers from
Iiichmoud County."

In April, 1760, Captain Anthony Waters commanded a company
of Richmond County militia. It was attach(-d to the Second New
York Regiment of Infantry. A warrant was issued to Captain Waters
for a considerable amount. Myndert Roseboon, lieutenant-colonel
of the regiment, was credited to Richmond County.

I'hc Sl:itcn NliiiMJ inilillM wnc called oui in tidl force in January,
17(i:J, to aid the justices ol' the |icac" in stojipinii Indians, wlio were
coming up from Philadelphia. A draft occurred the same year.

It is interesting at this time to review the militia system of the
Province of New York, of which Staten Island was then a part, at
the commencement of the Revolution. The military forces of the
colony were divided into three classes, viz. : The Line, which regi-
ments were in the United States service under General Washington;
the levies, which were drafts from the different militia regiments,
and from the people direct as well, and which could be called upon
to serve outside the State during their entire term; the militia,
which then, as now, could only be called out of the State for three
months at a time. Of the Line, there were nine organizations; of
the levies, seven; and of militia, sixty-eight — eighty-four in all.^

Associated exempts were a unique class, and were authorized by
act of April 3, 1778. They comprised : " All persons under the age
of sixty who have held civil or military commissions and are not or
siiall not be reappointed to their respective proper ranks of offlce,
and all persons between the ages of fifty and sixty." They could only
he called out " in time of invasion or incursion of the enemv."

' The statement is made in Chapter XXXIV of tlie first It hasver.v natnrally been copied by all histories treating

volume of this work, that but 17.781 men served in the upon the subject. The statement, however, is an error.

Continental Army from the Colony of New York during Hon. James A Roberts, late Comptroller of the State, has

the Revolution. The statement was made on such authority discovered that New York furnished 41,^33 men. He has

as General Knox, in his official report as Secretary of War. positive proof in the records at the State Capitol.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 17

XeiJ()tism,(ii' family influence, was most marked, and some reghiicuts
contained as many as seven officers of the same family. Counties
were divided into districts, and the colonel of the regiment in each
district was given almost unlimited jurisdiction in military matters.
Ho was required to see that every male between the ages of sixteen
and fifty was enrolled. Later, the age limit was extended tn sixty.
(Quakers and Moravians were enrolled, but exempt from servici' ajxin
liayiiient of money, which varied in amount as the war progi'essed
until, in J7S(I, they were obliged to pay £160 a year.

( )ne miller to each grist mill, three powder-makers to each powder
mill, five men to each furnace, three journeymen to each printing
(illice, and one ferryman to each public ferry, were also exempt.

Hum, sugar, and tea were regular rations, and the amount was
ganged by the rank. A major-general was deemed to i(M|uire, jind
was allowed each month, foiiv gallons of rum, six pounds of sugar,
and half a pound of tea. .\ brigailiei -general three gallons of rum,
loui" pounds of sugar, and six ounces of tea. A colonel, a lieutenant-
colonel, and a major, two and one-half gallons of rum, and the same
amount of sugar and tea. A chaplain the same quantity of sugar and
tea. but only two gallons of rum. The scah- was continued until a
non-commissioned officer and a private received one pound of sugar,
two ounces of tea, and one pound of tobacco, but no rum.

A colonel's pay |75 a month; a lieutenant-colonel's ffiO; a
major's |50; a captain's, 140; an adjutant's, |40; a lieutenant's,
*2R.50; an ensign's, $20; a sergeant's, -fS; a corporal's, |7.50; and
a jjrivate's, |6.67. Nor was this, by any means, always in money. It
was sometimes in State notes and sometimes in authority to " im-
])i'ess " articles or animals under siipervision of some designated of-
ficer, who should give receipt, in the name of the State, to the im-
jiressee.

As late as 1784, the large majority of the soldiers were still unpaid
for their services from I77n to 'l 7S2. On -\pril 27. 1784, the L.'gisla-
ture passed " An act for the seitlement of the pay of the Levies and
Militia for their services in the late war."

The following citizens of Staten Island served in the various or-
ganizations of the New York militia during the Revolution. The list
has been collected from many sources:

t'olonel Goose Van Schaick's First Regiment. — John Bedle, ]\foses
F.edle, Abel Buel, Ezra Buel, John Decker, Abi-aham Deforest, Jona-
than Eldridge, David Force, Thomas Gleeson, John Haycock, Thomas
Hvnes, Abraham Lambert, John Lambert, John iMerrill. John Pearce,
David Reany, Thristian Rynders, John Rynders, and Samuel Totten.

rolnnel Philip Van Oortlandt's Second Regiment. — Richard Barnes.
\A'illiam Bhhlle, George Boyd, Christopher Darrow, Christopher
Decker, Edmund Frost, John Hanes, Obidah Holmes, Stephen Holmes,
Simon Lambertson, Nathan Lewis, John Lnsk, Peter Mayhew. Cor-

18 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

nelius Post, Henry Post, John Sprague, Abraham Weeks, and Har-
manns Wandall.

Colonel James Clinton's Third Regiment. — Obadiah Ammerman,
John Banker, Thomas Banker, Henry Barnes, Stephen Barnes, John
Beedle, Thomas Beegie, George Brady, Richard Brady, Thomas Bit-
ing, John Fountain, Henry Hopping, Joseph Hopping, Francis Lusk,
Richard Post, Daniel Seaman, Michael Seaman, Edward Tobiu, and
John Turner.

Colonel John Holmes's Fourth Regiment. — Jacob Banker, William
Banker, William Bentley, Thomas Duncan, John Egberts, Peter Gar-
rison, Abraham Garrison, Josepli Merrill, Moses Seaman, and John
Steidiens.

Colonel Lewis Dubois's Fifth Regiment. — iS^athaniel Bancker, Chris-
topher Decker, Mathew Decker, Daniel Doty, Francis Drake,
Ephraim Seaman, and John Willis.

Captain Alexander Hamilton's Provincial Artillery. — Lawrence
Farguson, Isaac Johnson, and John Wood.

Colonel Levi Pawling's Regiment of Ulster County Militia. — Jacob
Coddington, Jaquin Depew, Jacob Depew, Moses Depew, Josiah
Drake, and William Drake.

Colonel James McGlaghry's Regiment of Ulster County ^Militia. —
Elijah I'arton, Francis Lusk, James Totten, Thomas Totten, and Ben-
jamin Woods.

Colonel Johanness Hardenburgh's Regiment of Twister County ^lill-
tia. — Charles Cole, Abraham Decker, Abraham Di-ckcr, .Ti'., Ellas
Decker, William Drake, Abraham Johnson, John Lawrence, Daniel
Masters, and Jacobus Miller.

Captain Samuel Clark's Independent Company of Ulster County
Militia. — Jacob Cropsey, Jacob DeGroot, and John Stillwell.

Colonel Joseph Drake's Regiment of Westchester Militia.— Xicli-
olas l^ancker. Hcni-v DePew, Samuel Drake, David Martling, Peter
ilartling, Hendrick Romer, Hendrick Romer, Jr., James Romer, Hen-
drick Ryerss, John Ryerss, and Tunis Ryerss.

Colonel Thomas Thomas's Second Regiment of Westchester County
Militia. — Abraham Bancker, William Brown, James Campbell, Jo-
seph Clark, Abraham Egbert, Abijah Fountain, Jonathan Jessup,
Sylvanus 3Ierritt, John Morritt. and Daniel MeiTitt.

Colonel Samuel Drake's Regiment of Westchester County Jlilitia.
— Samuel Bedel, William Brown. Jacob Clawson, Stephen Curry, Gar-
ret DeGroot, Abraham DePew, Henry DePew, John DePew, Jeremiah
Drake, John Drake. John Farguson, Elijah Fuller, Daniel Hatfield,
Joshua Hatfield, Obadiah Hunt. George Jones, Nathaniel Lane, James
Morrel, Elijah Mundy, "William Oakley, Ward Smith. John Stephens,
James Townsend, Stephen Ti'avis, and Moses Ward.

Colonel Thaddeus Crane's Fourth Regiment of Westchester County
Militia. — Ephraim Clark, Gilbert Drake, William Frost, John Holmes,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 19

Luke Merritt, Eeuben Smith, Jacob Travis, Abraham Waudel, and
Jonathan Wood.

Captain Jonathan Horton's Separate Company, Westchester Militia.
— William Dalton and Isaac Oakley.

Staten Islanders who served in the war, but orgtanizati<ms un-
known. — Abraham Ferdon, James Drake, Gerard Decker, Ueuben
Jones, William Merrill, John Stillwell, and Ephraim Taylor.

Amonji' the native prisoners known to have been kept on Staten
Island for a time by the British were Abraham Winants, John SteAV-
art, Daniel Wandel, and John Noe. Tlie latter died at his home " near
Factoryville," in February, 1829.

A larg-e number of Staten Islanders served in New Jersey regi-
ments, especially in those from Essex County (that part now known
as Union), just across the Kills. They performed very efficient service
in Colonel Heard's regiment, when that organization came to the
Island, about the time that General Howe landed with his army.
Among the Staten Islanders who were credited to New Jersey, we
find the following:

William Cole, served in General Forman's IMonmouth Brigade; died
March 15, 1778, while a prisoner in the British lines.

Jacob Cole was in the Continental Army, probably the Third New
Jersey Eegiment. He was captured at Hackensack, and it is thought
died in prison.

Abram Cole served as a private in Captain Martin's company in
the Fourth Battalion (second establishment), New Jersey troops. He
afterward served in Captain Dayton's company in the Third New Jer-
sey Eegiment, and later still in the First Eegiment.

Josiah Cole was a captain in the Second Sussex Eegiment of New
Jersey.

The following are all believed to have been frnm Sl.ilcn Island, be-
ing driven away because of their STOipathy for tin' Kixdiutinn : Aaron
Cole, First Essex Eegiment; Abraham Cole, First i:;><sex Eegiment;
Daniel Cole, First Essex Eegiment; Henry Cole, Captain Lyon's Com-
pany. Second Essex Eegiment; James Cole, First Essex Eegiment;
John Cole, Joseph Cole, Samuel and Samuel Cole, Jr., served in Ber-
gen and Essex Eegiments.

John Woglum served as a private in the IVIiddlesex militia. Ac-
cording to General William S. Stryker, the New Jersey historian,
'* John belonged to the militia called out in case of sudden alarm,''
" tours of duty," etc., being assigned where most needed. His age
accounts for this. He was doubtless in the First Eegiment, New Jer-
sey Line, Colonel Nathaniel Heard commanding, it being stationed
close to rlie Staten Island shore. The flint-lock musket which he
used in the service is still preserved by his descendants.

Captain John Woglum, of the Second Eegiment, was a nephew to

20 HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

the John Woglum above-mentioned; but it is not Icnnwn that he was
a resident of Staten Island.

Benjamin Woglnm served as a sergeant in Captain riiillip's eom-
]iany in the Second New Jersey Reo'iment.

Abraham Woglum served as first lieutenant in a New Jersey regi-
ment.

Captain Benjamin Winants, John Winans, :Mnses Winans, ^Mathew
Winans, and Lewis Winans, all members of the Essex County regi-
ments, are believed to have been from Staten Island. Colonel Ellas
Winans, commander of an Essex regiment, belonged to tliis family.

An important soldier in the Bevolution was Colonel Joshua Merse-
rean, who was born on Staten Island, September 2(i, 172S. He was a
lawyer, and a member of the Provincial Assembly from this county,
which met at Ponghkeepsie and Kingston from 1777 to 1786. He was
iilso Deputy Comuu^'^nrv of Prisoners. serviuL; ;)t Paitland, ^Massachu-
setts, and ;it Elizabetli, Xcw Jersey. Hi^ sci\iri'S were conlinuous in
various caytacities ^luring the entire T\ar. which is proved by numei-ous
manuscript records. One of these letters speaks of the British threat-
ening to hanji him on Staten Island; also his brother Cornelius, who
accompanied him here when he came to arrange an exchange of pris-
oners. He was on intimate terms with General Washington, Han-
cock, and Adams. His name appears in Staten Island records of
transfer of land frcmi 1762 to 1780; and then, as other soldiers, he se-
cured grants of land in the western part of the State. After the war
he removed to Tioga County, where he became a. judge.

John Mersereau, of Staten Island, served with his brother Joshua
during the Revolution. He was once instrumental in saviug the re-
treat of Washington's army.

In 1776. two full companies of infantry were organized on Staten
Island, pledged to join General Washington's army, while other com-
panies were in contemplation. They would undoubtedly have reached
their destination and performed patriotic service, had not the army
of Sir William Howe landed on the Island, and by persuasion and
threats secured many of the terror-stricken militia for its own ranks.
There were many organizations of American Loyalists in the service
of the king that had Staten Islanders in their ranks.

The following are the organizations to which we have just alluded,
having been organized and recommended by the Committee of Safety.
Some of the names will be recognized in the muster rolls of C(done]
Billopp's Staten Island Militia :

" Committee of Safety of Staten Island to the New York CouMuittee
of Safety. ( Official Military Returns.)

" Statkx Island, IMarch 20, 1776.

" Gentlemen : Undernead you have the names of the ])('rsous ap-
pointed in each destrict, for the officers in the Militia Coiupauies, in

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 21

Richmond CountT, whom we recommend to you for farther approba-
tion and commission, &c., &c.

" For the West Devissiou. — Daniel Winand, Captain; Abraham
Woiilum, First Lieutenant; James Randolph, Second do.; Joshua
W'riijht, Ensign.

" I<'or the ;Manor. — Peter Housman, Captain; Lawrence Hillyer,
First Lieutenant; William Blake, Second do.; John Wright, Ensign.

"North Devission. — John Simonson, Captain; Abraham Rolph,
First Lieutenant; Cornelius McKlean, Second do.; Richard Corsen,
Ensign.

" South Devission. — William Scobey, Captain ; Samuel Holmes,
Jan., First Lieutenant; John Garrison, Second do.; Richard Lucker-
man. Ensign.

•• We are, Genl your most Obidt Humbl Servt, &c.

" By order of the Committee.

"CHUilST JaCOBSON, ClKliriiiail.

•' To Messrs. Adrain Bancker and Richard Lawrence."

On the back of the above return is the following:

"Abraham Jones, Esq., 1st Coll.; Cornelius Van Wagoner 2il Do;
Cornelius Corsen, 1st Major; Jacob Mersereau, 2d Major; Harminus
Garrison, Quartermasicr; Nicholas Stillwell, Adjutant."

The following is the muster roll of Colonel Billopp's Staten Island
Militia. Quite a number of these men came from Elizab<'th and I'errh
Amboy, but were credited to Staten Island :

Colonel Christopher Billopp's Battalion of Staten Island :\lilitia.—
Lieutenant-Colonel, Christopher Billopp; Major, Benjaiiiiii SiMiuaii;
Adjutant, John Bedell; Surgeon, Lawrence Barrows; ( "liajjlaiii, Will-
iam Charlton; Quartermaster, Jacob Mauee.

First Company. — Captain, David Alston; Lieutenant, Richar 1 Cole-
man: Ensign, .lacob Flousman; Enoch Ackerman, Joscjih S. Acker-
man, Tliouias llin-banck, .Tohn Bedell, Jr., Anson I'rdcll, Samuel
Itniwn, Bnrnt G. Rau(!all, Dewitt Conner, William Conmi-, Hampton
Cnnner, Joel Conner, Horace Colter, Patrick Doyle, Thaddeus Edger-
ton, Ichabod Elders, Tunis Egbert, Abraham Egbert, Sylvanus Gro-
vcr, Asher Grover, Garret nousnian. rjcorge Tlousman, Cicdrgc Irons,
Lambert Innian, Abraham LatdurtMif. Uiclia.rd l.alnurcttr, .lanu s La-

fdiirette, John Laforge, Steplieii Martiiio. Abraham .Mai , William

-Mauee, David Moore, Hans Nauson, Ephraim Nicholson, Jaques Oli-
ver, Edward Perine, Jacob Rickhow, William Rowland, Simon f^wain,
Tliiimas Sprag, Nathaniel Stillwell, Isaac Simonson, Abraham Simon-
sdii. DcWid Simtmsdu, Bornt Simonson, Ephraim Totten, John Tot-
tcii, and ('ornclius Van Wagener.

Second Company. — Captain, Abraham Jones; Lieutenant, Joseph
Billopp; Ensign. Joseph Simonson; Stephen Anderson. Freeman Be-
dell, Joseph Bedell, Adrian Rurbank, Samuel Brown, Isaac Blake,
John Bodine, Lewis DuBois, Bolton Carroll, Patrick Curry, TMlliam

22 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Curreu, Isaac Cubberly, Daniel Corsen, Kicbard Cbristopber, Kalpli
Conner, Enoch Corsen, Kicharcl Crips, Isaac Doughty, Nicholas ])ii])ny,
Moses Egbert, Anthony Fountain, Nathaniel Grover, Peter Housniaii,
John Housman, Milton Hatfield, Ichabod Horner, Jack Hattii'ld,
^Stephen Isaacs, Ferrel Jackson, John Jourueay, John Lisk, Nicholas
Latoui'ette, Nathaniel Lockerniann, Daniel Lake, David Lafur;j,(',
Charles Laforge, Jaques Laforge, Lewis Mitchell, Lambert Merrell,
Enoch Norton, Aaron Orlando, John Poillon, Oscar Poillon, Joseph
IJolph, Lawrence IJonier, Bornt Stact, Anthony Stoutenburgh, Will-
iam Storer, Jacob Bprag, Joseph Simonson, David Simonson, Levi
Simonson, John t>imonson, Thomas Taylor, Gilbert Totten, Lawrence
^'room, Zachariah Yau Dyke, and Daniel Winants.

Third Company. — Captain, Richard Conner 2; Lieutenant, Wil-
lett Billopp; Ensign, Samuel Wright; John Ackerman, Henry
Butler, John Baker, James Burger, John Beatty, Cornelius Bai-calo,
Jerry Campbell, Freeman Campbell, Peter Dooland, Thomas Dorothy,
Matthew Decker, Fi'eeman Decker, John EiTCckson, Samuel I^irmau,
Harmon Gaiiison, Henry Haycock, John Hilliard, Samuel Holmes,
Abraham Harris, Peter Inmau, James Jackson, Sr., James Jackson,
Jr., Peter Jackson, Ephraim Kettletas, James Kelley, Forman Lee,
Stephen Lawi*ence, Asher IManee, Jonathan Manee, William ."\Iauee,
Jr., Oberly Manee, Ephraim Newgate, Patrick O'Grady, Eiioili Lip-
pincott, Theodore Poillon, Frederick Komer, Barent Simonson, Lewis
Simonson, William Scobey, Rufus Totten, Ephraim P. Totten, Charles
Van Name, Freeman Van Name, and Abraham Woglum.

The Staten Island Troop. — Captain, Isaac Decker; Lieutenaiit. Aris
Ryersz; Ensign, Derby Doyle; Trumpeter, Alfred Poillon; JoJin
Androvette, Abuer Burbanck, Benjamin Barton, Daniel Corsen, Ed-
mund Christopher, Benjamin Crips, Joseph McDonald, Matliew Dec-
ker, Samuel DeHart, Isaac Johnson, Jonathan Lewis, Nicholas Lar-
zelere, Abraham Lake, Abram IMoore, Edward Ferine, Isaac Pr;ill. Jr.,
Lawrence Romer, Bernard Spong, William Smith, John SfiUwell,
John Simonson, Samuel Van Pelt, and Edward Woods.

The Gunboat. — Throughout the Revolution the British eiiiidoycd
a small sailing vessel, upon the deck of which were mounted two small
cannons. Its mission was to perform patrol duty, principally along
the Kills, sometimes running up the creek to Richmond A'illage. It
prevented intercourse between neighbors on both sides of the Kills,
and caused a great deal of annoyance. This boat was supported by
the taxpayers of Staten Island, and its claims were paid out of the
"' contingencies" account, as the old records show. John Bedell was
the County Ti'easurer. The following items of expense appear :

' "Last Wednesday night. Captain Randall, from gerously. The Mihtia pursued the Party, but tliey got

Elizabeth Town, came over to Stateu Island with a Party into their Boat in a great Hurry and made for the .Jers»y

of about fourteen Men and fired upon some of the Mditia shore with all expedition."- Unu,, s's M, rnini, .Jmr iilli,

that were on Guard, wounded Mr. Richard Conner in the 1778.
Arm. and one .\8her Tappeu in the Leg, but neither dan-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 23

" Richmond County Sept. 2Sth 1797

" Eeceived of John Bedel Esq the sum of Fifty one Pound Six sliill :
for the use of the Gun boat as appears by the following receipt &
Fifty one Pound 5-9, gained by Exchanging one hundred of the Loan
office nionny for Loan office Bill, to replace it."

" Eichmond County Sept. the 28 : 1779

" Received of Messrs. Richard Conner, Christian Jacobson, Henry
Ferine, Cornells Corson suppervisors for Said County the Sum of
Eighty four Pound, being in full for my Selfe & Eight men, belonging
to the Gun boat commencing the fourteeut of august last and con-
tinued for one month " by me James Stewart

" £84.0.0. " Capt N J V."

" Richmond County Sept. the 28: 1779

" l\eceived of Mess. Richard Conner, Christian Jacobson, Henry
Ferine, Cornells Corson the sum of Five Pou«ud Fourteen Shilling in
full for My Selfe and Joshuah Wilson for servis done onboard the
gunu boat being 19 days.

" i5.14 " by me William Scobey."

" Richmond County Sept. the 28 : 1779

" Received of the Suppervissers the Sum of Six Pound four Shilling
being for Planks for repair of the (Juu boat.

'* £6.4.0. " by me Richard Conner."

" Rirluiiond County S<'p|. U\r 2S : 1779

"Rc'civid (if ibf Siip|jrr\ i-<nis for said County the Sum Five
Pound Seven Shill : i*^: Ui\ liciiig in full for Carpenters: Nails & Smiths
work done for the use of the gunnboat :

" £5.7.9. " " by me Stephen Bedell."

This paragraph follovvS the above, in the official records, and is of
interest in connection with this subject:

•' At a Meeting of us, the Suppervissors for the County of lUchmond,
Did examen the accounts of our late Trussuer, John Bedell Esqr De-
ceased, and found in the hands of the Exiecutors of said Treasurer
Fourtyseven Pound in Continental, Pensulvany, Jersey, Newyork &
Conecticute Bills, and Two Pound three shill & 7d in silver, for which
sum a recipt was given by us to the above executor and the monuey
for the present put into the hand of Christian Jacobson til such time
and other Ti'easurer can be Chosen."

There is no record, so far as we are aware, to show what became of
the gunboat. Ti'adition says it was surrendered to the Americans
after peace was declared; also, that it was captured and destroyed.

The men who were employed fm the liuiilmat were. Captain James
Stewart, Lieutenant Bornt G. Randall, ^late NVilliam Scobey, Quai'ter-
master Stephen Bedell, and privates Joel Simonson, Ebenezer Con-
ner, Robert Stewart, Obadiah Bedell, Paul Latourette, Asher Jacob-
son, Alonzo Latourette, and Peter Laforge. It is said that the orig-
inal crew were from Elizabeth, and that they wei'e finally superseded

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

by Staten Islanders. Those named in this list, with the exception of
Captain Stewart, were natives.

From a period beginning shortly after the War of 1812, aad run-
ning up to the commencement of the Southern Eebellion, Staten Isl-
and had its own regiment. The regiment was known for a time as
the One Hundred and Forty-sixth. At one period Nathan Bai'rett,
of Castleton, was its colonel; he succeeded Minthorne Tompkins; he
Denyse Denyse, and he B. M. Van Buren. These officers were each
lieutenant-colonel for a time, and John N. Tooker, of Northfield, was
the major. Dr. Ephraim Clark, of Southfield, was the surgeon. Col-
onel Van Buren became a major-general; he was a graduate of the
West Point Military Academy. Colonel Denyse became a brigadier-
general. Colonel Tompkins was a West Pointer. Colonel I'rancis
L. Hagadorn, at a later period, commanded the regiment.

There were six cninitanies in the regiment. The Tompkins Guards
were from Castlehin; its commandants were in turn as follows:
Nathan Barrett, Tin. mas Barkei-. .Tolm Laforge, David V. N. ^lerse-
i-eau, l!i<har(l ('lnis!ui,li.T. Suuth ]!. I'lccinan, and Abram C. Wood.
Captain Bicluird Christopher, now eiglity-six years of age, is the only
surviving member.

The Richmond County Guards were located at Tompkinsville, and
were the chief rivals of the Tompkins Guards. The first commandant
of this company was Minthorne Tompkins, and when he was pro-
moted to n^iior on th.e staff of General Van Buren, he was suir.-eded

by Jacob B. Mcrse-
reau as raiitain. lie
was succeeded by
Francis L. Ilagedorn.
The Sout h fi el d
Guards wcri' ImnUMl
ill Clift(,n. alllioiigli
ts members were g<;n-
e r a 1 1 y distributed
tlirouglKmt the town.
It was commanded by
( 'aptain (ieorge T.
Headley.

The Castleton

Guards were I'om-

manded by Captain

Edward Egbert. The

at Factory ville.

L^anized by Captain Tooker, who
lei' commanded by Ca])tain Ferine,

VRKELAND HO.MKSTE.\D, SOUTH 1!K

VCH; KKKIT

lica(l(|iiarlevs of tln' <-i>u\

)aiiy wci

Tlie Xorthticid <!i!ai-(

s M'cri'

afterward bccaine luajdi-

ll was

a genth'iiiaii wim had sc

■11 cdiisid

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 25

The Westfield Guards were comniauded by Captaiu Abraham J.
Wood, of Prince's Bay.

From the earliest settlement by the English on Staten Island, the
county maintained a troop of cavalry. During the period of which
we have just written, the troop had its headquarters at New ISpring-
ville, and was commanded by Captain Bedell.

The Civil War broke up the old militia system on Staten Island.
Since the war there have been portions of companies of the National
Guard located on the Island. Company C, of the Fifth Begiment, had
a detachment at Tottenville, and Company B, of the Ninth Regiment,
was partially located at Stapleton.

In 1884, an attempt was made to organize a battalion of zouav<'s
on the Island; but the movement met with such opposition on the
part of some of the ofUcers of the National Guard in New York City,
that it was abandoned.

From among the military incidents reported in the local press, Ave
copy the following from the Richmond Cotinti/ Mirror, October 14, 1837 :

*' The parade and triple review of the One Hundred and Forty-sixth
Kegiment, on Wednesday of last week, was the performance of a divi-
sion order of Major-General Van Buren, of whose scattered command
this regiment is all which is drawn from this Island. * * *

" The ground for the review was well chosen on the extensive lawn
which spreads out its varied caipeting upon either side of the New
Dorp lane, and the display of military tact and promptitude greatly
exceeded our anticipations. The gay, the young, the beautiftil, were
there. The line of beatity was draA\n up on the right flank of the
battalion, while bright eyes were glancing along the lines, and many
a snowy 'kerchief waved a token of recognition from camp to camp.

" The review of the young colonel, on first taking command of his
regiment, was very prettily and acctirately performed.

" The review, by Brigadier-General Denyse, was also his ' first ap-
pearance in this character.' The General himself and his new staff
looked well, and performed their enviable task Avith all that ease ftn-
which the General is proverbial among his intimates.

" The third revioAv, by Major-General Van Biircn. was of course
performed in a more soMier-like manner than those of his younger and
inexperienced subordinares. The time-Avorn and war worn features
of the General Avere lit up Avith the memory of his younger days, as
he rode along the lines and rested the flickering energies of his eye
\!pon the i)res(-nted arms of this small portion of his command.

" -V Avell-furnished dinner at the Patten House came next in order;
and Ave scarcely need add that it met Avith a Avarm reception."

The S^taten j'slaud Star, of May 14, 1898, had this to say about the
annual " May Muster at New Dorp "' — a fitting comment for the clos-
ing of this chapter:

" These chillv mornings and warm noons, filled AA'ith the steam and

26 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

smell of newly turned earth, must bring back to all middle-aged peo-
ple who had the luck to be born on Staten Island one of the greatest
events of their childhood. Spring-planting, then, was indissolubly
connected in the mind of every boy here with the pomp and circum-
stance of glorious war.

'' The militia companies, in their nicely starched white trousers and
parti-colored coats glittering with gold braid, were all that the coun-
try knew of war for well-nigh half a century, and their grand assem-
blage for parade on the plains of New Dorp in May the sole means
taken to reassure the minds of this ' greatest nation on the globe ' of
its security against a foreign foe.

" It is safe to say that the regular army, in popular estimation be-
fore 1860, was regarded as a sort of costly national police to restrain
the Indians, and West Point, but a public crib where aristocratic
families found support and education for their sons at the expense of
the nation. It never entered the mind of the ordinary citizen that
either one or the other could be of the slightest possible use to him
personally.

" The legends of the IJevolution were household words to the Staten
Island boy from the cradle — the farmer who left his plow, the black-
smith his anvil, to beat the trained British legions. If the country
were ever in danger it Avould doubtless be saved by just such means,
and it was the British soldier who was again to fall. Who else could
•t be?

" In the May musters at New Dorp the Staten Island boy saw the
whole Bevolutionary war fight its battles over again; and what idea
of patriotism had he beyond reverence for its heroes, hatred for the
red coats, and a bragging belief in the present bigness and ijower of
his own country? How blind was this belief, and how boastful, even
among educated men, it may do no good now to remember.

" The American was a braggart in the press, in Congress, at home
and abroad. The Slay muster did its own part toward nourishing the
national self-conceit. For weeks all the people of Staten Island — and
let us add, the whole country — was in a fever of preparation. Every
matron finally prepared for the entertainment of the warlike hosts.
And when the day arrived, with what proud beatings of the heart did
the ' women folks ' watch father set out in his colonel's uniform, with
Joe, as a lieutenant, by his side.

" The gallant colonel on week days perhaps served out sugar and
molasses across the counter; but he looked none the less a hero for
that. And Joe, who had been casting sheepish, hopeless glances at
the Squire's pretty daughter, for a year, met her undaunted now, in
his glitter of blue and gold, and by his martial bearing won the day.

" There was sure to be good weather all that week; the schools
were dismissed; Tom and Bob disappeared at dawn and were seen no
more till night. Was not New Dorp plains a tented field where the

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 27

rattle of sabres, the tramp of battalions, and the scent of hot ginger-
bread and pop-beer made the day enchanted? Was not Uncle So-and-
so, paunchiest of tailors, there himself as an officer, drilling his men
all day long? Had not General Bedell's cavalry just arrived with
all the terrific tramping which fifty horses could produce? The City
Guards, in blue and silver, and the Newark Rangers in frogged hunt-
ing shirts (always invited guests), were there, too.

" This last attire, we are told by old citizens, was looked upon as a
daring innovation, hardly in accordance with the solemn pomp of
war; but was forgiven on account of the fine effect produced by the
gray horses of the Eangers and the Roman helmets, from each of
which streamed a horse's tail.

"Excitement rose to its height when the General of Division (an
office held for some time by Neighbor Van Buren, of Tompkinsville),
arrived with his staff" gallantly mounted and in the Continental blue
and buff'. Dr. Whatshisname rode beside him in navy-blue coat and
green sash, as surgeon. Anybody could know by his bearing that he
was used to cutting off arms every day under fire !

" On the last great day the ladies of the Island repaired to New
Dorp in all their pink and yellow lawns and fluttering ribbons in bug-
gies, gigs, and spring wagons, and the great sham battle was fought
with the British. Some of the manoeuvres were masterly, especially
when Joe's company deployed behind the barn, and took them in
flajjk! For a year after.-ward the conduct of the battle furnished dis-
cussions at the grocery, and old men asserted that cei*tain movements
were not in accordance with military tactics. But the British were
whipped — always !

" The May musters are long since over, with many other follies of
our youth. New Dorp plain is covered with pretty cottages and
echoes no more with martial music. Since the day the Staten Island
boys marched away to the sunny South, the sounds of the fife and
drum have a different meaning. So many of them never came back.
Ihe old Doctor saw some of them die, and he perhaps sleeps among
them at Chancellorsville.

" Tom and Bob went through the war and came back home again.
They saw it was a savage business, but it made men of them. It
brought them and all Americans out of their village bigotries face
to face with the reality of things; taught them an humbler estimate
of themselves, a juster one of their own and other countries. What-
ever harm it wrought, it has lifted us, they think, in a measure, out
of our childish self-conceit and hatred of a people Avhom we did not
know.

" There is less prejudice against the South than before the war, and
the people have learned to look at broad ideas and principles as they
never did in the days of the May muster."

CHAPTER III.

THE WAR OF EICillTEEN HUNDKED AM) TWELVE.

ll^hW'^li^' 1^812, England held that a person once a subject was always
Wi r ^ subject, and denied the right of expatriation. In fact,
^A.^11 ^^"^-^ denied the right of emigration at all, especially of
" ' artisans or skilled workmen.

Congress first fixed the naturalization laws in 1790, so as to require
only a two years' residence; but in 1795 the period was made five
years; in 1798, fourteen years, and four years later it was reduced
to five years. England claimed that citizenship was perpetual and
allegiance also, and if this was true it followed that a person born in
(ireat Britain, no matter if he had been naturalized in another coun-
try, could be seized if found in a foreigi! \(sscl, or incur the penalty
of treason if found fighting against his birth-country. We have
always claimed the right to naturalize a foreigner, and have and will
protect him after we have done so.

When Napoleon was at the height of his power, England, no doubt
believing that she would need all of her men, issued a i)roclamation
calling home all seamen and sea-faring men from foreign service,
and declared that no foreign letters of naturalization could divest her
natural-born subjects of their allegiance. The British cruisers were
authorized to search American vessels and take therefrom all per-
sons suspected of being British subjects. More than six thousand
persons were impressed in this way. As most persons of Irish, or
Scotch, and many of English birth can be detected by tlieir speech,
it fared ill with them when found on an American vessel.

Those acts were highly exasperaiing to the Americans, and when
Britain proposed, by the action of her troops, to serve as traitors her
former subjects who were captured in battle, the highest jioint was
reached. Among the soldiers who were captured witli <!eneral Scott
at (^)ueenstown, were a number of Irishmen, who were seiii io (Quebec,
thence in a cartel to Boston. When they were about to sail from
Quebec, Scott was in the cabin, but hearing a bustle on deck he
hastened up. He found the British officers in the act of mustering
the prisoners and separating from the rest such as by confession, or
by the accent of the voice, were judged to be Irishmen. The object
was to send them in a frigate, then in waiting, to England to be tried
for treason, thev being taken in arms against their native allegiance.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 29

Twenty-three bad been thus selected when Scott readied the deck,
and he knew that there were many more of the same birth in the party.
Tlicy were all in deep affliction at the prospect before them, and
niany of tlicm had been naluializcd and ^ome had left families in
(heir adopted rountiy. Tlie Uritisli v,rv(_' acting nnder the orders of
the (ioviM'iinr-Cencral of Canada, and as soon as Scott saw what was
beini; done lie shontcd to liis t;oo])s to answer no more questions and
To remain absolutely silent, so ihat no more could be selected by the
test of speech.

The Irish (dvycd and closed their mouths in spite of the threats of
Hh' (d'Hccrs. Ccneu-al Scott was reiicatcdly ovdevcd to go below, and
l.ngh words ensued, lie ciilled to tlie twenty-three and explained to
them their 'situation. ,-is-;iu-ed them that the Ignited States would not
fail to aveiiiie ilieir -nll.iiii ;ind faitlif-til soldiers, and pledged himself
iii tlie mosi solemn inanner tliat retaliation, and, if necessary, a re-
fusal to give quarter in battle would follow if anyone of their number
was hung. Scott was frequently interrupted by the officers, but
tliey failed to silence him. Twenty-three were put in irons and sent
K) England.

As soon as Scott was exchanged he went to Washington and re-
ported this atlair to the President and Secretary of War. Congress
soon ]iassed a retaliatory law. and in a little while Scott, at F(>rt
(ie(u\ge, caiilured a large lot of British soldiers. He immediatcdy se-
lected twenty-three, beijig careful not to include a single Irishman,
and sent them to be confined and held to abide the fate of the twenty-
three sent to England. The same course was imisiied by other (d'-
ticers. and these vigorous measures stopped the i)r,i(lice of the enemy
in setting apart prisoners of war to be tried for treason.

Earl Batjnirst threatened to select double the number of Ameri-
cans to be held to await the fate of the twenty-three, and gave in-
structions to prosecute the war with unmitigated severity if any of
t!ios(^ held as hostages ^Acre ])ut to death. These ihreats were never
executed. The men on both sides were tiiially ndeased, and England
i-etreated in practice, if not in theory, fnnn the bnld ground she had
taken, and has never returned to it.

When the war was over G"neral Scott was in New York, and pass-
iiiL: aloui; the East River side of the city one day, he heard loud cheers
on one of the piers. It was the shouts of his old Irish friends Avho had
just landed after their long ((infinement in England, and they nearly
s(jueezed him to death. Twenty-one were present, two having died
natui'al deaths.

At the time of the declaration of war. General Hull was at Dayton,
Ohio, with a small Ame-.-ican force, destined for Detroit. On the 12ih
of July he crossed inte Canada, and taking post at Sandwich, issued
from that place a pro(daniation.

On the 1st of Augnsi, intelligence was received by the American

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

general of the fall of the fortress at Mackinaw on the 17th of July.
Until the moment of a demand for surrender, no intelligence had been
received by the garrison of the declaration of war.

On the 5th of August a council of war was held; on tlic aftciiioon
of the 7th, his army returned to Detroit. An order to the officers and
army so unexpected as this — at a moment when they were anticipat-
ing a victory and the lienors due from it — was like a thunderbolt
upon them. The murmurs of the volunteers and regular troops were
loud. They upbraided their commander with pusillanimity, and even
treachery.

On the 14th, a British force, under command of General Brock,
took a position opposite Detroit, where he proceeded to erect bat-
teries. On the 15th, he sent a flag, bearing a summons to tlic Auh-ri-
can general to surrender.

On the morning of the 1 (itli, tlie British crossed the river. A capitu-

idH was agreed to,
liiput stipulating the
Ills. Words are want-
in express the feelings
I he Americans, in be-
iny llnis c(im]iened to sur-
render to an inferior
force, without firing a
liun. when they were firm-
ly convinced that that
force was in their power.
The British took imme-
diate iJosse^ssion of the
fort, with all the property
it contained.

This act of General
Hull caused great depression tlironghout the country. It was, in a
measure, however, relieved by the great victory which the old frigati^
" Constitution " vs'on over the British " Guerriere." These events
were soon followed by other battles, and the people were wrought up
to a feeling of intense excitement. New York, as a matter of course,
was considered one of the objective points for British attack, and tlie
defenses of the harbor were next to nothing. It was indeed a time
for definite action.

Thus the year 1812 was one of great importance to the peojtle of
Staten Island. While they felt gratified over the naval victories,
they were confronted by the humiliating fact that, on the land, not
a single achievement had been made worthy the American valor.
Every day the British fleet was expected here, and the terrible ex]>e-
rience of Staten Islanders during the Kevolution was recounted with
a shudder.

PERO HOMtSTEAD,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 31

Daniel T). Tompkins was the governor of New York State. He
knew the demands of the honr. He felt the necessity of immediate
jirotection for the metropolis. The forts in the harbor at that time
were next to nothing considorinii- the then modern implements of war.
It was no time to meditate bnt to act. Bnt how could fortifications
be bnilt? The cjovernor's only resources were from his own property
and that of personal friends. And yet, determined, noble character
that he was, he personally caused to be erected on the heisihts of the
Narrows, on the Rtaten Island side, two stone forts, resemblincr in
style of architecture old Tastle William, on (rovernor's Island. They
were named Forts Tompkins and Eichmond, respectively.

The British redoubts on "Quarantine Heijjhts " (now known as
Pavilion Hill, at Tompkinsville), were repaired, so as to become serv-
iceable; and at least half a dozen other old relics of the Revolution
(ui the Island were fitted up for the occupancy of troops, if neces-
sarv. At one time Captain Ephraim Clark (father of the late Br.
Enhraim Clark, of New Born"), and Captain Beniamin Wood, who
commanded a companv in the Twenty-seventh Enited States Tnfautrv,
fommanded these forts. The forts on the heiohts at Ouarantine were
commanded for a time by Captain Ferine, of the Rtaten Island militia.
The small redoubt, still standiua' on Fort TTill. was occupied bv Staten
Islanders, under the connnand of Captain Mersereau. The fort at
J\o(\ Hook ("a point several feet out from the heights where the liaht-
honse now stands at Prince's Bay), at first was commanded bv Lieu-
tenant Eaoe. who afterward became a major-peueral; later it was
• •nrvisoned bv Staten Island troops.

Colonel Bichard Conner commanded the Staten Island militia. His
position, duriu"- the War of 1S12, was to the Americans what Colonel
Christopher Billopp's was to the British durin'?- the Bevolution. He
was the provost marshal of Staten Island, and his troops, beino- nil
StntpTi Island men, performed patrol duty.

There were repeated alarms on Staten Island during' that poriod;
yet there was no battle in which blood was shed. Innumerable ar-
rests of "suspects" were made, which mav have prevented onen
hostilities. On more than one occasion small boatloads of British
sailors landed on Staten Island, with the evident intention of de-
struction, but thr-v were prevented from carrying: out their desiQ'us
bv the vi"-ilance of the Staten Island militia.

As there was no particular stru"'<Tle in this vicinitv. wo shall re-
frain from o-ivinfr further details of the war in jreneral. Tiie battle of
New Orleans, which practically closed hostilities, is known to every-
one. The Americans, under Oeneral Jackson, added new irhuw to the
American nation, and the British, under Sir Edward Packenham,
did nothins- on that occasion to dis2Tace the great nation which had
failed a second time to whip the Enited States. The British, who

32 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

were in the open fielri, lost two thousand and six hundred, while the
Americans, who were behind breastworks, lost but thirteen.

We deem it bnt proper here to make special mention of Captain
Henjamin Wood, whi) commanded Fort Tompkins for a time. lie
was born in New City, Orange (now Kockland) County, New York,
July 30, 1780, and lived a few weeks beyond his ninety-fifth birthday.
He came to New York at fourteen years of age, to seek business, and
engaged himself first as an apprentice to a silversmith in Maiden
Lane. In 1812. bavins: been some years established in business of his
own, he raised, at his own expense, a company of volunteers, one
hundred in number, in the war against Great Britain. He was sta-
lioned first at Ellis Island, then at New Utrecht, then at Fort Tomp-
kins on Staten Island, and finally at Sandy Hook. Uo served until
June 15, 1815, when the army was disbanded.

Captain Wood mounted and fired the first gun put into Fort Dia-
mond (now Fort Lafayette), at the Narrows. He was officer of the
day at Sandy Hook, and boarded the vessel that brought the news
of peace, in 1815, and was the first man in the country to receive the
good news. He was the boarding-officer in the revenue service at
Quarantine, from 1821 to 1841, and during that period exerted almost
a controlling influence in the politics of Staten Island, and it was an
influence never tarnished by an unworthy act.

The building of the forts on Staten Island finally led to financial
embarrassments on the part of Governor Tompkins. His claim
against the State became a matter for the Legislature to settle. A
IcMigthy controversy arose between Governor Tompkins and Controller
.\rchibald Mclntire. mainly out of the different constructions which
the parties respectively gave to the first section of the law for the final
settlement of accounts of the late governor, passed the 13th of April.
1819. The controller on the one hand being of the opinion that it had
not been made to appear to him that any moneys whatever had been
borrowed and obtained by the governor on his " personal responsi-
bilily." and that, therefore, no premium or profit ought to be allowed
to him under that section.

While on the other hand it was maintained by Govf-rnor Tompkins
that all moneys obtained by him for the Government of the Fnit^d
States, acting in the capacity of agent to that Government, and under
its direction, and by the hypothecation of treasury notes belonging
to that Government, and for its account, in every instance where his
personal responsibility A\as at all concerned, were meant and in-
tended to be included by the law, by which construction, if it bad
been admitted by the controller, the governor might have drawn
from the treasury, or been allowed the sum of $330,208, including in-
terest, or 1204,578 over and above the sum due by him to the State —
a sum which could not have been paid without a resort to loans or
extraordinary taxes for that purpose.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 33

The governor Anally assented to relinquish, as aiiaiiist the State,
all claims cxci-pting that for the pi-emiuni on tlic sijlliri.dOd elainied
nnder the law for the final settlement of his accounts. The committee
claimed that the governor still owed the State, according to the con-
troller's accounts, 1125, (iL.".!. "id. At the time in question, Tompkins
was Vice-President of (he United States.

As the controversy jiru-i-'s^cd, the committee claimed that Gov-
ernor Tompkins had admit t-d that he owed the State .fl2r),000, and
then he accused the controller with suppressing vouchcis foT- i \]iendi-
tures to the amount of 155,723.65, being part of .fl.^.l.slt. ,",(;, which
he had reported to the Assembly. The committee clainsed ihat this
was nnsu]i]iorted by i)roof.

"P>ut," to (piote from tlie report of the Committee on Ways and
Means, -'if there were any reason whatever to sniqiose that any
vouchers liad been lost, yet it is apparent that tliose vouchers could
not account for .|Gfi,311.21 of the deficiency in his accounts; because
a deficiency to that amount arises out of appropriations made long-
after the 3d of April, 1813.

" Thus, under the act of 18th Api'il, 1815, authorizing the purchase
of muskets, rifles, po^^'der, &c., there remains in his hands unac-
counted for, .^22,200.00.

"And under the act of the 21st October, 1814, making appropria-
tions for ])ay of militia, volunteers, sea-fencibles, &c., there remains
in his hands, )|;21,74;!.00.

" Tender the a( t of 12tli of November, ISIG, making appropriations
for completing fortifications in the harlior of New York, -1^13,368.21.

" And returned to him by the Government of the T'^nited States for
account of the same fortifications, .f6,nn0.00.

"Total, .*?6r.,311.21. Whicli amount was appropriated and drawn
by the late governor, long after the vouchers are alleged to have been
lost."

The committee continues: "Had it been the unavoidable duty of
the late governor to draw into his own hands the moneys which were
appropriated by the State for the public service, it would not, in the
opinion of your committee, have afforded an excuse for his charging
to the State a commission or profit therefor, for his private emolu-
ment. But the committee are of opinion, that the moneys might have
been drawn, and ought to have been drawn from the treasury, from
time to time, directly into the hands of persons performing public
service, or into the hands of paymasters or agents. . . .

" Moneys, however, were drawn from the treasury of this State to
the amount in the aggregate of .|1,075,021.88, often in large sums,
and nearly to the whole amount directly into the hands of the late
governor, and by him from time to time, thereafter, paid out (except-
ing the sum of .|125.629.50, remaining in his hands unaccounted for).
This novel course of proceeding, your committee are of opinion, must

34 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

have atlded greatly to the ordinary duties of the late governor; and
for which, your committee do not perceive in the case the least neces-
sity."

The amount which Governor Tompkins borrowed for the general
Government was as follows: Manhattan Company, |50,000; Bank
of xVmerica, .$150,000; Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank of Albany, |50,-
000; Corporation of New York, f 400,000; City Bank, |50,000; and
Manhattan Company, |100,000.

The committee stated finally that the State of New York owed
Governor Tompkins nothing. It was a great blow to the governor,
and from that day he Avas never able to recover from his financial
embarrassments. The committee used language not familiar to the
people of Staten Island to-day, who simply revere the memory of
Daniel D. Tompkins.

It is interesting to read the following, from the 'National Trades'
lUiion, of New York, September, 1835, under the caption of " A Visit
to Forts Richmond and Tompkins " :

" On the 17th instant the writer availed himself of an invitation
from Commissary-General Arcularius, to accompany him and Cajitain
Shaw to inspect the above named forts, located at the Narrows, on
the Staten Island side. This is a very important and strong military
post. There our State expended, about the period of the late war
(1812), upwards of $500,000 in erecting breastworks and fortifica-
tions.

" In the half-moon battery there are twenty-five thirty-tw^o pound-
er and two twenty-fours. My friend informed us of what, I could
hardly realize, that these noble cannons, with but one exception, were
fabricated in our own country upwards of forty years ago. They
have a rough exterior, but are pronounced by him to be excellent
guns. The carriages must have cost a great sum; by their appear-
ance they are well made, but have been left exposed to the storms,
the w^eather and sprays of the sea until they have sunk to the floor
by decay and under the weight of their burthen. The iron w^ork
about them is good yet. The floor or platform, on which they are
placed has yielded to the destroying elements, and there is nothing
now fit for use in or about the works, except the interior of the bar-
racks and a few implements for the service of the gun. There is
not a single piece that could be used with effect, if the safety of the
city depended upon a single shot!

" A great quantity of thirty-two pound shot scattered about the fart
rusting and corroding aw%ay, invites pilferers to help themselves,
and enough embraced the invitation and bore away many a shot and
sold them for old metal. The Commissary-General secured the em-
brasures, gathered upAvard of six thousand thirty-two pound shot
(worth at least |8,000), secured them in the old magazine, and has as

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 35

far as the means allowed bim by tbe niggard policy of our State,
placed tbe public property- thereabouts in a much safer condition.

" The General pointed out to us one piece of cannon, whose history
is very iul cresting. It formerly held a position in and looked out of
old Fort Amsterdam, afterward called Fort George, on the Battery,
at the loA^er end of this (New York) city. It is a double fortified
thirty-two pounder, and was used by the subjects of George II."

On February 15, 1847, the Federal Government purchased the
piemises from the State of New York. The old forts were demolished
and the material sold. This was purchased, and with it was built
a liandsome residence adjoining the post grounds.

The entire post, including all the forts, etc., is now known as Fort
Wadsworth. Two of these forts — the one on the heights and the one
directly in front on the waters edge — are laiown respectively as Forts
Tompkins and Eichmond. Battery Hudson and recent additions are
located in a commanding position to the west of the other structures.

The old reservation, purchased from the State, included two tracts
of twenty-five and twenty-two and one half acres, respectively. On
July 8, 18.51, the Government also pun!i;i<((! five and one-half acres
from Peter Jacobson. Again, on May I'S, 1S5(;, it purchased seventeen
acres from W. H. Aspinwall.

On March 14, 1892, another important purchase was made. It in-
cluded the handsome residence and grounds of Josef a de la Hege-
wisch, and contained fourteen acres, besides land under water, which
was condemned. On November 25, 1892, about fifteen acres, be-
longing to J. Henry Alexandre, were condemned and taken by the
Government, as were also six and one-half acres, together with one
acre under water, from James J. Alexandre, nine acres from Ellen
Lee Mayo, and fifty acres from Serena P. Appleton, at the same time.

On Februaiy 1, 1895, six and one-half acres were purchased from
Mrs. Sarah Schuyler Martin; March 11, 1898, seven acres from James
B. Whitney, ancl on August 30, 1898, about six and three-quarters
acres from Henry Ockershausen.

Under the present plans of the War Department, it is proposed,
ultimately, to acquire the A. L. King, the Haxtun, and the Monquin
tracts. And so, it will be seen, the scene of the little Dutch block-
house and trading-post of 1614, and later, the castle-like forts of
1812, has become one of the most important military posts on the
continent.

1136173

CHAPTER IV.

rX THE OI,D ST.VVEItY DAYS.

jf/3ix0^]| I'RICAN slavery was eoiinuou on Shitcii Islainl shortly after
|##\ir| the En£>'lisli took possession. It had then spread to every
Colony under British rule. The number of slaves imported
into the colonies down to 1770 i<; computed at 800,000. At
tJie lirst census in 1700 the slaves in the wh(de counli'v numbered
007,897, all the States but Massachusetts, which then included Elaine,
having- some. There was a laree increase noted every succeeding,-
census down to 1800, when the census showed that they numbered
nearly 1,000,000. At the time of the adoption of the Federal Con-
stitution the feeling in the United States was oenerally averse to
slavery, and in some of the Southern States that feeling was stronger
than it was in most of the Northern States. The ordinance of 1787,
excluding slavery from the northwestern territory, was supported
by Southern men, and some Southern States abolished the slave trade
with Africa while Northern States continued to carry it on. New
York adopted a gradual emanci])atinn act in 1799, at which date she
liad 20,000 slaves; and in 1817 she passed another aci, declaring all
slaves free on the 4th of July, 1825.

About 1770, African slaves were bought and sold on Staten Island
as horses or cattle, or other chattels, are now bought and sold. In
many instances slaveholcling had became unprofitable. An elderly
gentleman, familiar with that period, said: "The farmei' employed
his negroes in raising corn and hogs. He fed the corn to the hogs, and
the hogs to the negroes, and when Spring came around he had noth-
ing left but the negroes." That was the general experience on Staten
Island.

During the Revolution all slaves killed in the service were to be
jiaid for. In time of invasion, any slave, not in the military service,
found one mile from his master's abode, without a certificate from
his master showing his business, might be " shot or otherwise de-
stroyed without fear of censure, impeachment, or prosecution for the
same." In 1781, it was provided that any slave who should enlist
and serve " for three years, or until discharged," should be declared
a freeman of the State. Any master or mistress who should deliver
an able-bodied slave to serve, was presented with one Right (a tract
of five hundred acres of State land).

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 37

Whether any slaves were actually brought to Staten Island under
ihi' concessions, is uncertain; but if so, they must have been few
in number, and after the provinces passed into the hands of subse-
quent proprietors, it is very doubtful that any were introduced. The
records throughout do not designate any of the " servants " brought
over as " slaves," and in all documents referring to the distribution of
land, the word is no longer made use of, which would not have been
the case had there been slaves to receive a less quantity per head than
other servants.

Barracks of considerable size once stood in Perth Amboy.just across
the Earitan Bay from Staten Island, in which the slaves were im-
mured as imported; and there, as in almost every place, the labor of
families, with very few exceptions, was exclusively performed by
blades for many years previous to the Bevolution.

In 1772, the people of Staten Island and East Jersey were greatly
excited. An insurrection v/as anticipated, but Avas prevented l)y
due precautionary measures. In connection with this " rising," a sort
of colonization abolitionist made his appearance in the public prints,
urging the passage of a law by Parliament, obliging the owners of
slaves to send them all back to Africa at their own expense.

The assei'tion was often made, in the complaint against the asses-
sors,that poor people had no '"negers," yet the number of slavesowned
by a single individual was not always an indication of wealth. Many
of the residents had many children of both sexes to help them in their
agricultural labors, thus rendering the assistance of slaves unneces-
sary.

The following is a list of the owners of slaves in the " North Com-
pany " of Staten Island, as returned by Jacob Corssen, Jr., in 1755:
Thomas Dongan, Jacob Corssen, Sr., Jacob Coi'ssen, Jr., John Veghte,
Gerardus r>eekmau. Henry Cruse, Anthony Walters, Cornelius Cruse,
Simon Sinninsini, Julnmnis de Groet, John Eolf, Christain Corssen,
Joshua iMri-<ii;il, .Idliii iiiMccr, Garret Ci-ussen, Garret Post, John
Koll, Jauiii-, r,,nii(M .M;iitliiig, Kichard Merrel, Otto Vantuyl, Bastian
Ellis, John Wltmon. Abraham Prall, Charles Macleen, Margaret Si-
monson, Joseph Lake, John Roll, Elenor Haughwout, Abraham
Crocheron, Barent De Pue, John Crocheron, David Cannon, Aron
Prall, Charyty jMerrill, Joseph Begel, and Cornelius Korsan. In the
list the names of the slaves are also given.

A writer on this subject says : " As the life of a slave was doomed
to be one of labor, intellectual cultivation was deemed unnecessary;
some few, however, were taught sufficiently to enable them to read
the Bible, and as they wei-e admitted to be responsible hereafter for
the deeds done in this life, religious instructions in pious families were
not neglected. It was not unusual to see master and slave working
together in the fields, apparently on terms of perfect equality. In the
kitchen, especially in the long winter evenings, the whites and blacks

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

iudiscrimlnately suiTounded the same huge fire, ate apples from the
same dish, poured cider from the same pitcher, and cracked nuts and
jokes with perfect freedom."

Saved fi^om the mutilated and charred records of the town of Castle-
ton, at the fire in the village hall, in the winter of 1896, was an old
book of the most unique pattern. The title page bears this inscription :
" Ikichmoud County. This is a Tow Book Made for Castleton for
Entering all the BJack Children that are Born of Slaves after the
first Day of July In One Thousand Seven hundred and Ninetynine
1799. K.S. Cary," T Clk." Some of the entries read as follows :

" This is to certify that a male child Named Mink was born Janu-
ary the 16th 1800 of Said wench Named phoebe and is Given Up to
town Clerk according To Law.

" Castleton October the 14 : 1800. " John Barnes."

"I Jo hereby certify that
ilale negro child luamed Nicho-
ls the father of Avhom named
Sam belongs to me, and the
Mother named Belt belongs to
Cornelius Cruser, was born in
iii\ llnusc at Castle Town the
' u'li I Win iif may, in the year of
I Mil Lniii one thousand Bight
liuudred, and I request that this
return of the birth of the Said
(Jliild may be Entered agreeable
to the directions Contained in a
late act for the gradual Abol-
ition uf Slavery.

" Castletown January loih,
1801. John Miorckueau."
" To the Clerk of Castle Town :

" I hereby certify to you that
a female negro Child Named
Mary born of my slave Jane the
fifth day of February last which
was given up to be recorded I
do hereby Manumit and give up all my right and title to the service
thereof given under my hand at Castle Town the third day of Febru-
ary 1804. Jacob Lozier."

Nathaniel Britton manumits two children, Henry Garretson one,
Cornelius Cruser one, John Mersereau one, and John Tysen, Jun., one,
in 1805; Benjamin Martino one, Kichard S. Cary one, Cornelius Bus-
kirk one and John Tysen one, in 1806; Kichard C. Corsen one and John
Barnes one, in 1807.

This agreement is entered by John Housman, Town Clerk : " We

BENJAMIN FERINE, THE LAST STATEN ISLA
SLAVE ; AGED ONE HUNDRED AND
FOUR YEARS.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 39

the overseers of the Poor of the Town of Castle Town, In the County
of Eichmond, Do certify that John Corsen, heretofore the slave of
Hendriek (xarrison, of the Town and County aforesaid, farmer, and
whom he hath agreed to Manumit, appears and is known to us to be
under the age of Fifty Years, and of sufficient ability to provide for
himself.

" Tunis Egbert ( overseers

4 Poor for
" John Dorsett ( sd Town.
" I do agree to the above Sighning by the overseers of Said Town.

" Benjn. Parker Justice.
" Dated 29 Jany 1808."

" A True & Correct Copy of the Certificate Entered by me as Town
Clk of Sd Town. John Housman."

Births were recorded by Benjamin Martino and John Tyseu in the
same year, and by John Martling in 1809.

The following certificates are of interest :
" State of New York, Eichmond County.

" I do hereby certify that Henry Eyers a Black Person is free accord-
ing to the Laws of this State and That he is twenty two years of age
& that he was Born in the Town of North field in said County and that
he obtained his freedom on the twenty fourth day of April 1811. I
do therefore allow this certificate to be Entered on the Records of the
Clerk of the town of Castletown in said County Agreeable to an act
of the Legisl:itur(^ of the State of New York in such case made and
provided as Witness my hand at Castletown the thirteenth day of
April 1811. Davu) Mersereal" Judge."

'' State of New York, Eichmond County.

" To whom it may concern Know ye that Joseph ryerss A Black
man hath on the 24 day of April one Thousand Eight hundred and
Eleven produced unto me David INIersereau one of the Judges of the
Court of Common pleas in and for Said County the Copy of the last
will and testament of gozen ryerss Esquire deceast whearein it is
fully Spesefyed that The Said Joseph Eyers Shall Be free after the
death of the Said gozen Eyers Esq I do tharefore think the Said
proof sufficient to Entitle him the Said Joseph Eyers to his freedom
as witness my hand at Castletown The day and date above.

" Davh) Mersereau, Judge."

" Eichmond County, Town of Northfield.

" To wliom it may concern Know ye that on the 24 day of April in
the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & Eleven I Joseph
Eyers a free Black man do by thease presence Manumit and abandon
all My Eite and title to the Service of my son Harry and he is hereby

4:0 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

pronounced By me to be a free man agreeable to the Laws of the State
of New York as witness my hand

his

" Joseph X Ryerss "

mark

" John Gauritson,

" John Harrison."

" This to Certify that Gozen R3rerss of the County of Kichmond De-
seast in his Last will and Testament as it is Recorded in this ottice
order his two Black men Joe and James Tliare freedom at his Deceas
" Jonathan Lewis Surrogate.
" April 29, 1811."

John iJersereau, Abraham Egbert, John Tysen, Eder Vreeland,
Richard Corson, Walter Dongan, John Hileker, Edward Beatty, Rich-
ard C. Corson, James Guyon, Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt, and John Barnes
each filed certificates of birth with Vincent Bodine, Town clerk, be-
tween the years 181 1 and 1825.

" Whereas Thomas Hazard of the Town of Castletown in the County
of Richmond and State of Xew York Gentleman, by a certain Instru-
ment of writing did manumit make free set at liberty his male slave,
2\^amed Samuel Price and did thereby declare that the said Samuel
Price, shall and may at all times hereafter exercise, hold and enjoy all
and singular the liberties, rights, and priviledges and immunities of
a freeman to all intents and purpose.s, as if he had been born free.
And further the said Thomas Hazard on the ninth day of December
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five
did appear before Richd. S. Cary, Commissioner, and acknowledged
that he executed the above mentioned instrument, as his voluntary
act and Deed for the uses and purposes therein mentioned. Now We
John Barnes and Garret Martling, Overseers of the Poor, in and for
the Town of Castletown abovesaid, for the time being, having ex-
amined the said negroman, and do hereby testify that he is about
Eorty years of age and strong and healthy and capable of maintain-
ing himself by his laboar, and that he is an inhabitant of the said
Town of Castletown and is a proper subject to be manumitted, and we
do hereby manumit him accordingly.

" (riven under our hands at Castletown aforesaid the fourth day of
Jlarch in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
Twenty five (1825).

" Garret ^L-^rtltxc;, j Overseers
" John Barnes, "( Poor.

-Vnother old book of considerable interest comes from Northfield.
On the fly-leaf is written this sentence : " John Dunn Bought this
Book for the Poor of the Town of Northfield, In the year 1804." John
Dunn and Jolm ^^'()od wevo the Poor IMasters for that Inwn the year
ending :\ray 1, 1804.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 41

The record then shows that beginning with September 23, 1801,
new-born negro slaves were abandoned by the following masters :
Cornelius Bedell, Joseph Wood, Daniel Crocheron. Sarah Prall, Cap-
tain John Crocheron, Ann Ryerss, John Tjsen, John Dunn, and Mat-
rhew Decker.

A century ago Westfleld was the Avealthiest town in the county, and
consequently contained more slaves than either of the others.

The first colored child born in freedom there was " Cate," belong-
ing to Captain Journeay, on October 7, 1799. The same year children
were born to slaves belonging to Charles Morgan, Philip Laforge, and
Winaut Winants.

As the years rolled along children were born to slaves of the follow-
ing owners: 1800 — Gilbert Totten, Lawrence Hillyer, Benjamin Lar-
zalere, Jolm ^farshall, Sr., John Journeay, Sr., John Andrcivette. Al-
bert Journeay, David Latourette, Charles Drake, William Journeay,
Stephen Seguine, Patience Cole, Daniel ^^'inant, John Seguiue, and
Jesse Morgan.

1801 — Peter Androvette, Cornelius Disosway, Nicholas Journeay,
Charles M(n'gan, Philip Laforge, David Coddington, John Dubois, and
John Journeay, Sr.

1802 — Paul Micheau, Stephen Seguine, Winant Winants, John An-
drovette, Benjamin Larzalere, Patience Journeay, Catherine Seguine,
Benjamin Swaim, Alexander R. Cairns, and Jesse Oakley.

1803 — Sarah Latourette, Gilbert Totten, Cornelius Dissosway, es-
tate of Cornelius Cole, Daniel Winants, Paul I. Micheau, Albert Jour-
neay, Ephraim Johnson, Bornt Lake, Philip Laforge, Jesse Morgan,
and William Journeay.

1804 — David Winants, Jr., D. Coddington, Chark s :\lorgan, Anthony
I'.utler, James Seguine, John Seguine, and Thomas l!ul!er.

1805 — Gilbert Totten, Nicholas Journeay, James iSutler, Jesse Be-
dell, Israel E. Dissoswoy, John Van Dyke, John Seaman, and Corne-
lius Dissosway.

180G — T<aac Stuart, Daniel Winants, Jr., Henry Seguine, Jesse
Oakley, Lnird ('(niinuton, and David Codington.

1807 — William Cole. Cornelius Dissosway, Daniel Van Clief, and
Philip Laforge.

1808— John Van Dyke, Gilbert Totten, Edmund Kearney, Daniel
Winanis, William ^licheau, Anthony Butler.

1809— Mary Latourette, William ('><h\ and David Codington.

1810 — Edmund Kearney, \Mlliain Seaman, Daniel Van Cleft, Jo-
seph Lockman. William Micheau, Mary Latourette, and Cornelius
Dissosway.

1811 — Edmund Kearney, John Van Dyke, Jesse Oakley, and
Stephen Seguine.

1812 — Estate of Paul Micheau, Jesse Oakley, and Isaac Butler.

1813 — Joseph Seguine and William Cole.

42 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

1814 — Israel Oakley, Isaac Butler, and James Seguine.
From this date the i-ecords are lost. There are, however, two other
documents of interest in connection with slavery, viz. :

" Whereas, andrew Drake of the town of Westlield hath made ap-
plication unto us the Subscribers being overseers of the poor of said
town to manumit his Negro man James by way of Certificate now
we do give it as our opinion that he is under the age of fifty years old
and of sufficient Abilities to get his living given under our hands the
Eleventh Day of February one thousand eight hundred and seven
1807.

"Henry Parlee ] ,

" John Latoueette [ I^*^'orMasters
" Henry Parlee, Town Clerk."

" Town of Westfleld, Richmond County, State of New York, ss. We
the subscribers overseers of the poor of the town of Westfield county
and state aforesaid have this day examined into the health situation &
ability of a certain slave Named Jack late the property of Christain
Wiuant deceasd of the same town county & state and do adjudge
that he is of sufficient ability to provide for himself & that he is under
the age of forty-five years given under our hands and Seals this
Twenty-sixth day of August in the Year eighteen hundred and four-
teen 1814.

" Henry Parlee,
" James Totten.
" Recorded the 20111 Augt 1814.

" Henry Parlki:, Clerk."

The f(i\\ 11 of Soutlilicld also had its quota of slaves. The faded and
iiuitihitcd ri'i-ords tell this *' old, old story." For instance:

"This hidcntinc made this Tenth day of January, in the year of
our Lord niic iliousand eight hundred and four, witnesseth that Jo-
seph Ptirine and Isaac Cubberly, Overseers of the Poor of the Town
of Southfielil, in the county of Richmond & State of New York, by
and with the consent of William Journeay and Gilbert Totten, two
of the Justices of the Peace of the said county, having put and placed,
and by these presence do put and place Man, a free-born negro boy, of
the said town, by being abandoned, aged four years, two months and
three days, unto William Lakerman, of the said County, with him to
dwell and serve from the day of the date of these presents until the
said negro boy (Man), shall accomplish the full age of twenty-one
years, according to the statute for the gradual Abolition of slavery,
during all which term the said negro boy (Man), his master faithfully
shall serve on all lawful business, according to his power, wit and abil-
ity, and shall, honestly, orderly and obediently, in all things demean
and behave himself towards his said master and all his executors,
administrators or assigns during the said term, and the said William

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Lakerman, for himself, his executors and administrators, doth cove-
nant and agree to and with the said overseers of the poor and each of
them, their and eacli of their heirs, executors and administrators, and
their and each of their successors for the time being by these presents
and during all the term aforesaid, find, provide and allow unto the
said negro boy, (Man), competent and sufficient meat, drink and ap-
parel, washing, lodging, mending and all other things necessary ana
fit for a servant, and also shall and will provide for the said negro
boy (Man), that he be not any way a charge to the town of South-

FOtTNTAIN HOMESTEAD, CLIFTON / ERECTED ABOUT 1700.

field nor county of Richmond or inhabitant thereof, but of or from all
charges shall save the said town of Southfleld, county of Richmond,
harmless and indemnified throughout the said term.

" In witness whereof, the parties to these presents have hereunto
set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
" Witnesses present : Joseph Ferine,

" John G. Wood. Isaac Cmbberly,

" John Siimonson. William Lakerman."

The form of indenture, in the case of a female, appears to have been
different from that of a male, as the following will show :

" This indenture, made this twenty-second day of March, in the year

44 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and six. witnesseth that
John A. Van Pelt and Edward Ferine, overseers of the poor of the
town of Southfield, in the county of Eichmond and state of New York,
by and with the consent of Jacob Garretson and Richard IS. Cary. two
of the justices of the j)eace of the said county, have put and placed,
and by these presents do put and place a free-born black, named
Neat, of the town of Southfield, aged five years, four months and
twenty-two days, an apprentice or servant to Anthony Fountain, to
dwell with, and serve from the day of the date of these presents, until
the said apprentice or servant shall accomplish the full age of eight-
een years, according to the sta.tute in that case made and provided :
during all which term the said apprentice or servant her said master
shall serve faithfully on all lawful business, * * and the said An-
thony Fountain * * * shall teach the said apprentice or servant in
the trade of housework which he now useth and shall and will in-
struct or cause to be taught and instructed. * * * At the end of
the said term, he shall and will provide and deliver unto the said
apprentice or servant, <iood common wearing apparel and a new
Bible.

" Sealed and delivered in the presence of

" John A. ^'an Pelt,

" Edvsmrd Ferine,

'- Anthony Fountain."

Other indentures of the tov^n of Southfield were those of George
Reynolds, aged thirteen, to John I. Poillon, signed bj' William Jour-
neay, Gilbert Totten, and Isaac Cubberly, 3802; Peter Howel, aged
eighteen years, " to Abi'aham Egbert, son of Abraham of the same
name," 1S04; a black girl named Deyon, aged five years, to Dr. Jo-
seph Bailey, 1805; a black boy named Prince, aged four years, to
Nicholas Crocheron, 1805; a black girl named Mary, aged four years,
to Cornelius Fountain, 1806; a black boy named Tom, aged four years,
to George Barnes, Jr., 1806; a black girl named Luce, aged six years,
to John Morgan, 1806; a black boy named Nicholas, aged five years,
to Jeremiah Simonson, 1806: a black girl named Bet, aged five years,
to James Guyon, 1806; a black boy named Jack, aged six years. In
Joseph Bedell, 1806; a black boy named Tom, aged five years, i<i
Nicholas Burgher, 1806; a black girl named Mary Ann, aged &\v
years, to John P. Poillon, 1806; a black girl named Dinah, aged
six years, to Abraham Van Duzer, 1806; a black boy named Jack,
aged five years, to Stephen Kettletas, 1806; a black girl named
Mary, aged seven years, to John Dubart, 1808; a black girl named
Sarah, aged seven years, to James Egbert, 1808; a black buy
named Dick, aged four years, to Jacob Barger, 1808; a black girl
named Judeth, aged five years, to Jacob Crocheron, 1808; a black girl
named Phebe. aged four vears, to William B. Gifford, 1808; a

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 45

black ,!iirl iinniefl Jean, to Mary Barger, 1808; a black girl named
Frances, to Abraham Egbert, 1808; a black girl named ^^ary, aged
four years, to John Miller, 1809; a black boy named Man, to Margaret
Lake, 1814.

" Richmond County, Tov;n of Southfield.

" This is to certify that on application being made to John A. Van
Pelt and Edward Ferine, by Cornelius [McLean, an inhabitant of
said town, that he, the said Cornelius McLean, intends and wishes
to manumit and abandon, make free and set at liberty his female
slave, Mary, * * Given under our hands at said town, the 30th day
of March, 1 80Jt.

"J. A. VaxPelt. [ Overseers of the
•' Edward Perixr. ( Poor."

"This is to certify that Abraham Cole has regularly and according
to law, manumitted his two slaves Delia, and Sarah, and we do hereby
discharge him from all costs and expenses whatever that may occur
for the support of the said slaves.

" Dated at Southfield this eleventh day of Septembei-, in the year
one thousand eight hundred and twelve.

" Isaac Housman, ] Overseers of the
" Abraham Eobert. | Poor."'

.V colored woman, named Phebe, was also set free bv lier master,
Samuel Lockman, of Southfield, in 1815.

The following account of the " sale of an old slave," which oc-
curred in 1817, is taken from the county records.

" Know all men by these Presents that We, Sophia Crocheron,
John Crocheron, and Abraham Crocheron of the Town of Northfield,
County of Richmond and State of New York, I'or and in consideration
of the svim of one hundred and Sixty two dollars and fifty cents of law-
full money of the United States to us in hand paid bv TTeiiry ( "r.x lieion
of the same Town, « * * A Colored man named Prince aged fifty-
five years or thereabouts. * * * Witness our hands and Seals this
Third day of May in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hun-
dred and seventeen.

" Sophia Crocheron,
" John Crocheron,
•' Abraham Crocheron.
" Sealed and delivered in the presence of

" John Saidler.''

The celebration in honor of the abolition of slavery on Staten Island,
was one of the happiest events known to the residents of that period.
The particular location in West New Brighton, between Broadway
and the postoffice was known as the " North Shore bend." On the
Fourth of Julv, 1825, the scene was one of great animation. The

46 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

old sliingle-sided dwelling, standing nearly opposite the postoffice,
at that time stood on the corner nov/ occupied by a large brick build-
ing. It was then known as the Swan Hotel.

At the time of the emancipation of the slaves on Staten Island, there
were, in Westfleld, 230; Southfield, 154; Northfield, 182, and in Cas-
tleton, 132. A gentleman who resides in West New Brighton at the
present time, informs us that he attended the celebration with boy-
ish curiosity, and has never witnessed anything since that compai'ed
with it for genuine happiness. Almost every colored man, woman,
and child on the Island participated in the festivities of the occasion.
They sang the old songs; they " i^raised de Lo'd; " they fired off fire-
crackers, and thej scattered all along the shady embankment of the
Kills far up and down the shore. They were joined by crowds of
emancipated slaves from Long Island and New Jersey.

Speeches were made by both Democrats and Whigs, and scores of
prominent oflftcials were present. The committee of arrangements,
which consisted of the more prominent colored men, entertained, with
all the respect and dignity that the occasion demanded, the officials
and leading citizens of the county. The official reception took place
in tlie parioi", and there were present: Harmanus Garrison, Memljer
of Assembly; Judge Jacob Tysen. County Clerk Jonathan Lewis, Sur-
rogate Tunis Egbert, Sheriff Walter Betts, District Attorney Henry
B. Metcalfe, Supervisors Isaac R. Housman, of Castleton; Nicholas
Crocheron, of Northfield; Harmanus Guyon, of Southfield, and Gil-
bert Totten. of Westfield.

The sky never seemed so bright to those simple-minded people as
on that day; the world was never so big and important, and life
never before seemed so real.

Scores of old masters mingled in the crowds of happy negroes, shar-
ing the pleasures of the occasion and extending the hand of friend-
ship. It is a fact worthy of recording in this connection, that scarcely
an emancipated slave sought a new home, but returned to their
masters to serve them no longer as bondmen, but as freemen. Many
of them remained throughout the years that followed in the old homes,
and were placed at their death alongside of their old white friends in
the family burial plots of the Island.

The celebration consumed the better part of two days, for it was
long before sunrise that the happy throngs began to gather at the
scene, scores of them having walked all the way from the vicinity of
Billopp's Point. And it was long past midnight when many of them
attempted to retrace their steps across the wooded hills of the Island,
reaching their homes only when broad daylight had come again. It
is said that one reason why there was such a large attendance, was a
rumor that had been circulated among the colored people to the ef-
fect that all those who did not attend the celebration might be taken
into slavery at any time, without a moment's warning. Weeks had

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 47

been consumed in making preparations, and many old and decrepit
negroes and their wives had given out through fatigue, on their way
to the North Shore.

Tlie celebratioD had a double meaning. For some time previous to
it there had been almost a panic among the superstitious people of
the Island. Somebody had predicted that the Island was going to
sink, and among the colored people especially the characteristic ap-
prehensions of such an event were intensely exciting. It was the
subject of conversation in every house, and wherever the people, white
or colored, chanced to meet. Many old residents became so excited
over the matter that they sold their property at a discount and re-
moved from the Island. It is said that many crossed over to New
Jersey, and stood along the shore almost breathless, momentarily ex-
pecting to see the Island sink down into the water and go out of sight
forever.

The slaves had reasoned among themselves that this " punishment
by de Lo'd " was caused by tlieir bondage, and that it had been aban-
doned in consequence of the abolition of slavery. They sang over
and over a song that had been written for the occasion, and their
praises in that form were heard for many miles. One verse was re-
peated to the writer by an old citizen who heard it :

" De Lo'd am good to de culled folks,

Sliout, ivliny, Imllelujah!
He makes us free- wid de mighty strokes.

Shout, glory, hallelujah!
He bresses all dat He t'inks deserves
Freedom from marsa what he serves;
So, brudder, exercise yo' nerves —

Shout, glory, hallelujah! "

Benjamin Ferine, of Flni street. Port Richmond, had the lionor of
being th(> eldest residei^.t of the Island. His mother was a slave, be-
longing to the Rev. Pete: I. A";in Felt, who was for nearly half a cen-
tury pastor of the Port Riclnnoml 1 )ute]i Reformed Fluirch. Her grave
is in the shadow of that old church.

Benjamin was born at Dr. Van Pelt's house on Richmond ten-ace
(where ]Mrs. Tainter's residence is now located), then Mersereau's
Ferry, on December 2, 179(!. and was therefore in his one hundred and
fourth year. His mother had been a faithful servant for a long time
in Dr. Yau Pelt's family. Benjamin was born a little more than a year
before the Legislature of this State passed a law declaring that all
children born of slaves after 179S, should be free, as has already been
stated in this chapter. He had a brother, named Fortune, born No-
vember 11, ISO-l, and on July 11, 1805, Dr. Van Pelt issued a certificate
announcing the fact and relinquishing all claim upon him.

48 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

When Benjamin was about eia^hteen years of age, Dr. Van Polt
sold him to Mr. Eidi2;ewaT, whose old homestead still stands in a field
at Long Neck, on the south side of the Richmond turnpike, between
Bull's Head and Ti'avisville.

Benjamin remained with Mr. Eidgeway until slavery was abol-
ished, in 1S25, and on the Fourth of July of that year attended the
celebration in honor of that event.

In the old days when Commodore Vanderbilt ran a ferry between
Staten Island and New York, Benjamin was a deckhand on one of
the boats which the elder Captain Braisted commanded, and for which
John W. Barnes was collector. He remembered leaving the old Com-
modore standing at the wharf once, because he did not get on the
boat at the time it should start. Some thought Captain Braisted
would lose his po.sition, but instead he was complimented by the old
Commodore for attending strictly to business.

Benjamin next worked for Dr. John T. Harrison, whose residence
was at Elm Park. For several years prior to its demolition the house
Avas known as " Brown's Elm Park Hotel." The grove of elm trees >;n
familiar to the people of the Island to-day, Benjamin helped to plain,
back in the early thirties. The old man next worked for Captain
Garret P. Wright, of Mari^ers' Harbor.

For thirty-five years Benjamin was a trusted servant of the late
Captain Christopher C. Jones, of Marinei-s' Harbor. The old man
spoke of his kind employer with the utmost reverence. " De Lo'd
n(^ber did make such anuder man as dea' oF Cap'n Chria'y! Wh"y.
sah, dat man used to put t'ousands o' dolla's in dem ol' ban's. He
trus' me wi' eb'rythin', he did. I los' a fr'en' w'en Cap'n Chris'y died.
I did." Captain Jones made provision for the old man in his will.

The old man did not give up work entirely until within about one
year ago, when serious illness kept him in his room for a long time.
He was an interesting old man to chat with — was kind and respectful.
He remembered many events of the passing generations with whom
he has mingled, and had a kind word for all. He was the last person
that lived under the ban of slavery on i^taten Island — the last native
citizen that knew not the blessings of liberty at his birth. He died on
October 3, 1900.

CHAPTER V.

THE WHIPPING -POST AT RICHMOND.

HE \\iii]>](iii--]in-;i is ;ni iiisl il niinu unkiinwn to the present
,iiviM-iMii(,ii (if SijH'ii Isl.iinlci-s; yc( the fact remains that
it existed near tlie ((miity jail al Stony I'.rnok, about 1694,
but was abolished in the early part of the following cen-
tury. The inference is that there were so few criminals to be pun-
ished, that it " did not pay ye public whipper to come all ye way from
Niew Amsterdam to Btaaten Islandt " to perform that duty.

About 1710, a whipping-post was established at Cucklestown, and
was located on the elevation, between St. Andrew's Church and the
roadway leading up the steep side of Richmond Hill, on or near the
spot where the public school building now stands. It was evidently
erected to meet an emergency, for in the same year in which we learn
(tf its existence there were two " public whippings." One was to
punish a German who had " refused to aid a constable in conveying
a drunken man to the County Gaol." His sentence was to " receive
fifteen lashes on ye bare back, and to remain a criminal in ye County
Gaol for a term of fifteen days."

The other was " a slave belonging to Mr. Ryerss, who h'd malicious-
ly & stealthfully enter'd upon the premises of Mr. DuPuy, and ap-
propriated unto himself a number of choice and valuable fowl." His
punishment was after this manner : " It is ye sentence of ye court of
his majesty, ye king of Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland, etc., by ye
grace, etc., that ye deft be ty'd to ye whip'g post at Cucklestown, and
that ye public whip'r lay upon ye strip'd & bare back of ye s'd deft
five and tAventy lashes; that ye s'd deft be imprisoned for a term of
twelve days in ye County Gaol. & then return'd to ye s'd whip'g post
to rec. ten additional lashes."

A worthless sort of a fellow, known over the Island as " Sam," was
repeatedly flogged there, and he rather prided in being the only per-
son who could submit to the terrible ordeal without a murmur. He
would wager with people who did not know him that he could accom-
plish the painful task, and it is said of him that he won a great deal of
money by that means. In fact, it was his principal source of revenue.
The story is handed down to us that the miserable fellow submitted
to at least fifty floggings during a space of eighteen years. The secret
of his strange conduct is revealed in the fact that he died in an insane
asylum at the end of that period.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

And ^\()uld joii believe it — right here on Staten Island witches
were punished at the whipping-post. Men and women were charged
with " bargaining with the dcAdl, and possessing power to torment
whomsoever they pleased." Many believed that the devil was very
nuich like a man in form, only that he had wings like a bat, a tail,
cloven feet and horns; that he was able to confer great power on
witches, enabling them by infernal arts to raise stoi'ms, sink ships,
afflict children with fits, kill cattle, and set chairs and tables to danc-
ing; that they had power to make themselves invisible, creep through
Iceyholes, ride on broomsticks through the air, and that it was a
special delight to hold their orgies in tlinnderstorms. With some,
to doubt the existence of witches was to reject the teachings of the
Bible.

During the early existence of this post not a few who were adjudged

of witchcraft were
carried over to Ptony
Brook and summar-
ily punished. In the
neighborhood of Hol-
land's Hook there
was an old lady wlio
gave the supersti-
tious people of that
section a great deal
of trouble; but the
whipping-post cured
her effectually. It
was generally be-
lieved that she was
in league with the
devil. ;\rany houses
along the North Shore had horseshoes nailed over the front door, to
prevent witches from entering.

Let us return to the old whipping-post at Biclmnrnd. One of Knyp-
hausen's Hessian soldiers received thirty lashes at that post, by
order of Sir William Howe, for having assaulted the wife of a Tory
farmer who was friendly to the royal invaders. That was a few days
after the landing of the British forces on Staten Island.

There is a story to the effect that an organized gang of desi)eradoes
came to Staten Island about 1795, and made demands upon the peo-
ple for money. They generally operated Mhen the occupants of the
houses were asleep and were unable to defend themselves, and if they
refused to comply with their demands, they were subjected to all
manner of insults, and sometimes were roughh- assaulted. One night
several of the neighbors, anticipating a visit from the ruiJians, lay in
ambush, and when they arrived succeeded in capturing the leader,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 51

whom tliev carried off to the whipping-post and flogged until he re-
vealed all the names of the gang, and the location of their head-
quarters.

For many years petty criminals, generally, were punished at the
whipping-post. Perpetrators of small thefts received from fi-\'e to
twelve lashes, and greater ones in proportion. Laziness was not tol-
erated among the people of the Island in the old days, and the whip-
ping-post was held up as a terror to the indolent and shiftless, not a
few being sent there to pay the penalty.

It is remarkable Ihat so few allusions are made to the whipping-
jiost in the county records, while there is so much that is traditional
surrounding it. The last flogging of which there is any mention was
that of a negro who had attempted to secure the release of a prisoner
from the Old Ked Jail at Kichmond. He was caught in the act, and
it is said he received seventy lashes for liis pains, besides serving a
long time in jail.

We have failed to discover any record of the date of the abolish-
ment of the whipping-post at Kichmond; but we are sure that it was
in existence as late as 1824. It was located on the border of the Town
of Xorthfu'Id. That town, at its April elections, made provisions for
a whipper. but we have been unable to discover similar arrangements
in any of the other towns. The first mention of a "whipper" was
the election of Daniel Salter, in 1784. He held the double office of
" Constable and whipper " until 1788. In the North field town records
we find this statement :

" October inth, 1788 then Elected Richard Merril In Keeper as con-
stable for the remainin part of the ensuing year in Lean of Daniel
Salter who has removed to Hackensack.

" Town Meeting being held at the house of Eichard ^lerril for that
purpose. EiCHARTt Merrtl, Collector."

Lewis Dey held the offices of constable, collector, and whipper from
1789 to 1792; Richard Taylor in 179.'^; John Nicholas and William
Upton in 1795; the same in 1790, and probably in the following year.
In 1798 John Christopher and Sauiuel Parker held the office; in 1799.
Samuel Parker and Peter Decker; and in 1800. the title of " whipper "
seems to have been entirely discarded.

Beside the spot where the whipping-post stood, were erected the
gallows on which the first legal execution on the Island took place.
The only record of the event is found in the minutes of the Board ot
Supervisors, as follows :

"Decemb'r 1.1789.

" To Richard Scarrett. for digging a Grave. £0. 10. 0.

" To Lewis Dey, for Boarding the Carpenters when repairing the
County House &: Building- the Gallows & Furnishing 100 shingles 1
Bushel of Lime a pair of hinges & For fetching Anthony Cornish from
New York Gaol fees &c &c £0. 0. 0.

52 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

" To Lewis Kyerss (then sheriff) for two locks for the Gaol, for
going to New York for to Report Anthony Cornishs Escape from Gaol,
for going to New York when he was apprehended, for Fetching
him from New York, Making the Gallows & Executing of Anthony
Cornish, for Expenses of A])prehending of sd Coi'nish at New York,
Gaol costs £16. 16. 0."

Cornish was a negro, and had committed murder on a vessel at
anchor in the Staten Island Sound. A farmer and his sons took the
law in their own hands and executed a negro on their farm, near the
Elm Tree lighthouse, below New Dorp, about the same period, for
killing their cattle; and notwithstanding the many criminal acts
that have been ]ierpetrated on the Island since then, there was not
another execution at Ifichmond until 1878, when Rheinhardt gave his
own life for the brutal murder of his Avife.

The whipping-post seems to have vanished from Staten Island, as
well as from other parts of the State, without any apparent opposi-
tion, we believe, by an act of the Legislature. Many looked upon the
institution as a relic of barbarism, and those who advocate it now
are considered far behind the times.

CHAPTER VI.

OLD STATEX ISLAND FAAilDIES.

NE of the most difficult tasks that the historian undertakes
is that of collecting and deciphering the entangled geneal-
ogy of old families. For centuries it did not seem to be
worth the effort to the average person to keep in mind
the story of ancestors. It was especially so on Staten Island. How-
ever, this ground has been gone over pretty thoroughly during the
last quarter of a century. We are greatly indebted to the efforts of
the late Eaymond Tysen, the late Professor Charles Anthon, the late
Eev. Peter I. Van Pelt, the late Judge John J. Clute, the compilers of
Preston's " History of Eichmoud County," Mrs. Bleeker Bangs, David
J. Tj'sen, Esq., and others for the valuable material which we are
enabled to place under the caption of this chapter. We have also
interviewed scores of old citizens, here and elsewhere, besides perus-
ing county and church records, and are thus enabled not only to
add new material, but to correct some popular eiTors.

ALSTON.

The Alston family was originally Scotch, but there is one in this
country which came from England. One of its most noted members
was Charles Alston, a celebrated Scotch physician and author. He
died in ITC.O. Joseph Alston, the son-in-law of Aaron Burr and Gov-
ernor of South Carolina in 1812, was also of this family. The first of
the name on Staten Island was David Alston, who came from the
vicinity of Eahway, New Jersey, shortly after the commencement of
the Eevolution. He was a noted Loyalist. He owned the property
recently belonging to the estate of Samuel Decker, deceased, in North-
field. The large stone house in which he lived and died Avas demol-
ished a feAv years ago. He died between the 6th and 14th of May, 1805,
for these are the dates of his wull and its probate. He speaks in that
document of his sons, Warren, Japhet, and David. His son Japhet, at
the time of his death, which occurred July 31, 1842, at Castleton Cor-
ners, was the father of the late Moses Alstnu, wlio was twice sheriff'
of Eichmond County, and his brothers \v()c Djnid, Japhet, Adam,
George, and William. Counselor Lot C. Alston is the representative
on the Island to-day.

54 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ANDROVETTE.

This is one of the old French families of Staten Island, who appear
to have confined themselves chiefly to Westfield. John is mentioned
in the county records as having bought, land of Tunis Egbert, on
January 27, 1<)99, and as having sold land in 1705. Peter Androvel te
and Rebecca Cole had the following children: Daughter Rebecca,
baptized March 27, 1720 ; daughter Elizabeth, baptized December 25,
1723, died in infancy; twins, Elizabeth and Anna, baptized January
1, 1726. John married Leah Swaim, and they had a son baptized
April 7, 1729, and a daughtei", Leah, baptized May 17, 1724; this John
is mentioned as collector of the West Division, in 1767 and 1768.
Peter and Caty, his wife, had a son Peter, born July 6, 1765; he made
his will December 21, 1792, proved March 17, 1802, in which he speaks
of his wife, Catherine, his daughter, Catherine, Avife of Dow Storer;
daughter Elizabeth, wife of Peter Latourette; daughter, Mary, wife
of Joseph Totten; sons, Peter, Charles, and John. These three sons
were maiTied as follows : Peter and Elizabeth Slack, January 4, 1789;
Charles and Margaret Slack, September 11, 1797, and John and Ann
Cole, August 21, 1802. The family is at prc^scnt represented by the
brothers Cornelius C, John, and Benjamin; their grandfatlier was
known as Major John, and their father as Young IMajor -John. The
family is still quite numerous in the western part of the Island.

ARROWSMITII.

This family is of English descent. Thomas and Edward lived on
the Island during the first half of the eighteenth century. There is
every indication that they were aristocratic in their manner of living.
Tliomas commanded a company of militiamen in the Colonial service,
and was also a judge in this county. The Arrowsmiths were related
to the Christophers by marriage. The name is entirely extinct at
this time on Staten Island.

BARNES.

George and Roger Barnes were brotliers. They came from England
many years before the Revolution. Roger bought land in Southfield,
in February, 1762; George, about 1770, bought land in Castleton, and
settled upon it. This was a large tract lying at the southwest corner
of the turnpike and the Manor road. Constanz brewery and the
Child's Nursery occupy a part of it. Roger's wife's name was Ann,
and they had a son named Robert, born May, 1760, and a daughter,
Margaret, born April 8, 1766. George's wife's name was Dorothy,
and they had the following children : Elizabeth, born July 18, 1767;

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 55

John, born October 11, 1768; Roger, born January 7, 1771. They had
also a son George. Eoger married Sally Lake, a sister of Bornt Lake,
and after the death of Roger, she married Richard Wood. John mar-
ried Margaret Ferine, May 2, 1793, and they were the parents of the
late Captain John W. Barnes, of Port Richmond, and grandparents
of Barnes Brothers, of the same place.

BEATTY.

The founders of tlie family came here from England after the Revo-
lution. It is quite probable that they were among the British soldiei-s
who left the service at the end of the war and settled here. The name
is very seldom mentioned in the county records. John is the iirst of
which we have nny knowledge. He had n son, named Edward, who
died July 17, ls2.'i, aged over eighty-nnc years. They owned the prop-
I'l'ty lying bet ween the Moravian Cluirch and the Patten House, at
Xew Dorp, and were prominent as supporters of that church. The
name exists on Staten Island at this time; but the present family
is not related to that which settled here long ago.

BEDELL.

The name of Bedell we find at an early date in this country; but
not in connection with Staten Island. In 1673 we find Robert Bedell,
Daniel Bedell, Matthew Bedell, and Jolm Bedell enrolled among the in-
habitants (if 1 IcmpsteadjLong Island. It is nearly a century after that
date that we find the name in any of the records of Richmond County.
In 1767, Silas Bedell rendered a bill for " doctoring." In the same
year mention is made of John Bedell, who was county treasiirer, when
he died, in the early part of 1781. There is a Joseph Bedell mentioned
also in 1770; but he is not the Joseph alluded to elsewhere as hav-
ing been captured by the Americans when a boy; they were father
and son. The father made his will October 28, 1793, proved November
19th of the same year, in which he speaics of his sons, Jesse and Jo-
seph, and his daughters. Mary, Pattic IN-giiic ( "atlicrini . and Jane;
his wife's name Avas Catherine; his sun .Insrpii was limii Ocinlicr 24,
1763; Jesse was born in 1773, and diiMl August 28, 1852. Stt-pheu
married Catherine Latourette in May, 17('>(], and had a son David,
born July 19, 1771. Silas (the doctor), and Mary, his wife, had the
following children: Phebe, born November 19, 1770; James, born
April 9, 1773; John, born March 28, 1775. James married Hetty
Parker, January 12, 1806. There was another John, whose wife was
named Catherine, and who had a daughter Hillite, born April 7, 1771.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Stephen Bedell and Mary Donnelly were married March 9, 1808;
Israel died at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, August 30, 1830; he was tlie
father of the Kev. Gregory Townsend Bedell, who became a bishop in
the Episcopalian Church, and who was born in the " Kose and Crown "
farmhouse at New Dorp, October 28, 1793, and died August 30, 1834.
Eev. Dr. Bedell was the father of Kev. G. Thurston Bedell. The Be-
dells are numerous on the Island to-day.

BILLOPP.

This was one of the oldest families on Staten Island of which we
have any authentic information. It was first known here in 1668,
when Captain Christopher Billopp came to Perth Aniboy, opposite
the present site of Tottenville, in the ship " Bentley,'' in which he

sailed around the
Island in accord-
ance with the re-
quirements of the
Duke of York, and
thus decided that
Staten Island was
in the Province of
New York. His
daughter, Eugenia,
married Thomas
Farmer, her cousin,
and their son was
the famous Colonel
Christopher Bil-
lopp, of the Revo-
lution. A full ac-
count of this family is given in Chapters XVI. and XYII. of the first
volume of this work.

BDAKE.

VK MANOR ROAD,

One branch of this family is of English origin. The date of their
arrival on Staten Island was, probably, just anterior to the middle of
the last century. The first name of the family we find in the county
retiii-ds is \Villiam, wlio married Mary Woglom; they had the follow-
ing children: John, born September 28, 1763, died September 30,
1852; William, born April 21, 1766, died January 16, 1852; and Ed-
ward, born 1773, and died December 14, 1845. John married Tibitha
Merrill; William married Ann Corsen, and had the following chil-
dren: Daniel (deceased), William (deceased), Richard C, Edward,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 0(

and George. Edward was the father of Mrs. Margaret Minutt, uf
West New Brighton. John W. owned and occupied the property at
the corner of Mill and Manor roads, West New Brighton, extending
westAvard on both sides of Cherry lane, and embracing the site of
the late dye works of Barrett, Nephews & Co. William owned and
(jccupied the property on the Little Clove road, subsequently owned
by D. Porter Lord. Daniel, son of William (deceased), had a son
Daniel ; he is the captain in command of the police force of the Bor-
ough of Richmond. The old family homestead is still standing at New
t^ipriugville, and was built in the Seventeenth century. (See p. 339,
Vol. L)

BODINE.

The Bodine family is of French origin. The first historical allusion
to the name that we have found, is a brief biographical account of
John Bodin, who was a native of Angers. The date of the emigration
of the family to this country must have been in the latter part of the
Seventeenth century, for we find the name of John Bodine mentioned
in the county records as having purchased land in 1701, and he was
still living in 1744, as we find his name and that of his wife, Hester,
mentioned as having sold land at that date. Mention is also made
in the records at Albany of John Bodein, in 1707. It is probable that
he was an emigrant, as we find him jH-eservingthe French orthography
of his name, Jean, and of his sou who came with him, Francois, a
witness to a baptism in the Reformed Dutch Church, in April, 1720;
he was, therefore, a Protestant, or Huguenot. Francois mari'ied
Maria Dey, and they had a son, named Jean, baptized in the same
church, November 29, 1719. Of this second Jean, or John, we find no
account, except that his wife's name was Dorcas, and that they had
several children baptized. They were the parents of John Bodine,
who was born in February, 1753, and of James Bodine, born in Jan-
uary, 1759. John died in March, 1835, nearly eighty-two years of
age, and James, in May, 1838, nearly eighty years of age. John mai*-
ried Catherine Britton, sister of the late Nathaniel Britton. Their
sons were John (usually recognized in local history as " Squire
John"), Jacob (the father of the late William H. J. and Edmund
Bodine), the late Captain John, James, Jacob, Albert, and Vincent.
There were three daughters, who removed from the Island. James
was the father of the late Abraham Bodine, of Mariners" Harbor, and
of several sons and daughters now dead.

There are several branches of the family on the Island at the pres-
ent time. In various parts of the country we also find the name,
probably perpetuated by the descendants of the brother who orig-
inally settled here.

58 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

BOGART.

The Bog-art fairiily is of Dutch extraction. The name was originallj'
written Bogaert. The earliest mention of tlie name in the Province
of New Yoi-k occurs in au assessment roll of Breucklen (Brooklyn),
dated 1673, where Theunes Gibertse Bogaert is credited with having
the largest assessment on the roll. In 1715, the name of Simon Bo-
gaert was enrolled among the militia of Kings County. It was
thought that this Simon had a brother Tunis, and that they were
sons of Gysbert, for in the assessment mentioned above, he is rated
for three polls (himself and two sons). Simon Bogaert and Mar-
gareitje Ten Eyck had the following children: Elizabet, baptized
October IS, 1719; Margareta, baptized December 3, 1722; Simon,
baptized May 19, 1726; Gysbei-t, baptized January 19, 1729, and
Sarah, baptized February 13, 1732. Tunis and Catherine Hageman
had the following children: Isaak, baptized November 21, 1718;
Adrian, baptized December 18, 1720; Abraham, baptized April 21,
1723; Maria, baptized March 28, 1725; Cornelius, baptized March
2, 1729; Simon (probably son of Simon), and Martha, his wife, had
the following children: Mary, born December 4, 1746; Simon, born
June 19, 1754; Richard, born February 22, 1757. Isaac and Rachel
had a son Johu, born October 14, 1770; also a son Simon, Avho was
the father of Timothy C. Bogart, of near Castleton Corners.

BRAISTED.

The oldest notice of this name in the old church records is that
of William and Christina Bauwman, his wife, who had a son, Jo-
hannes, baptized in 1715, and a son Andries, baptized August 18, 1719.
In the county records he is mentioned as having purchased land in
1730. Johannes, or John, son of William, married Ti'intje Haugh-
wout, and had a son, Jan, or John, baptized August 18, 1741, and a
son, Peter, baptized August 15, 1743. All trace of the family is then
lost for thirty years; then it appears again in the name of Egbert,
and Rachel, his wife, who had a son Egbert, born May 6, 1773. The
next and only remaining notice we have of the family in the last
century is the marriage of John and Nantchie (Anna) Martling,
daughter of John Martling, February 14, 1790. They had a son,
Abraham Braisted, who, in " the thirties," commanded one of the
ferryboats, plying between Staten Island and the city. He resided
in a little story-and-a-half house, still standing- on Minthorne street,
Tompkinsville. In this house his son, James W., was born; this son
afterward became the superintendent of the Staten Island ferry. The
family is still represented by four sons of Captain Braisted, who still
reside on the Island. A daughter married Henry C. Britton.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 59

RRITTON.

The Brittons were of French descent, and their name was orig-
inally written Breton. The earliest mention of the name in connec-
tion with Staten Island, is that of Captain, sometimes called Colonel
Nicklas, and who was born in 1679, and died January 12, 1740. The
following- is a copy of the inscription upon the tombstones of Colonel
Nicklas Britten and his wife :

" Here lies ye Body of Col. Nicklas Britten, aged 61 years, Deceased
January 12, 1740.

" Here lies a man of tender heart
Unto the poor in every part
He never sent the poor away
Which well is nown unto this Day."

" Here Lyes ye Body of Frances, wife of Col. Nichlas Britten, aged
66 years deceased JNIay ye 7, 1748.

" This Woman who is buried here
This county has nown for many a year
A loving mistress, a faithful wife
A Tender Mother all her life."

These stones are still standing in the Moravian Cemetery at New
Dorp, a short distance west of the church. We are informed that they
have repeatedly been referred to in the settlement of legal matters.

William Britton was defendant in a suit at law, October 3, 1680.
Nathaniel was plaintiff in a suit in July, 1681, and again in a suit
with Lewes Lakerman in the same year. These last two named were
adults when " Colonel Nicklas " was an infant; but the consanguinity
between them can not now be ascertained. There was another Will-
iam, a son of William, a son of Nicklas, probably. There was a Jo-
seph, perhaps a brother of William, who had a son James, baptized
April 23, 1707, and a daughter in 1708. There was also a Richard,
who purchased land in 1694. Nathaniel made his will in 1683, but
was still living in 1695. He was probably the same individual who
was a party to the lawsuit alluded to above. Nathaniel and Esther
Belleville had a daughter baptized April 17, 1732. Nathaniel and
Mary, his wife, had the following children : Joseph, born November 15,
1760; Richard, born March 22, 1766; William, born September 19,1768.
Samuel and Mary had the following daughters : Addra, born July 7,
1771; Mary, born July 31, 1773. Nathaniel and Catherine had a
daughter Mary, born April 4, 1775; at her baptism the father was
also baptized. Samuel and Polly Latourette were married May 24,
1797. The present representative of one branch of the family is J.

60 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

A. H. Britton, of New Dorp; his father, Nathaniel, v/hose place of
interment is marked by a marble nionumeut at the southeast corner
of the Churcli of the Ascension. Nathaniel was born in 1764 or 1765;
he was twice married; his first wife was a Van Buskirk, of Bergen,
and they were the jjarents of Deborah, wife of Joshua Mersereau,
born August 4, 1782, died March 26, 1840; Cornelius, born July i,
1785, died April 3, 1867; he resided at Fresh Kill for many years be-
fore his death. Abraham, born August 20, 1787, died August 26, 1866,
resided on the Clove road in Castleton, and was the father of Henry
and Abraham, both deceased, who resided on the ijaterual i^roperty.
Nathaniel, Jr., born in 1792, died February 13, 1841, owned and re-
sided on the property on the east side of Broadway, West New Brigh-
ton, extendiug the whole length of that highway. He had also an-
other son, John. Nathaniel's second wife was Margaret Bedell, who
was born January 5, 1768, and died September 21, 1849; she was tlie
mother of J. A. H. Britton, as before mentioned.

BROILEAU.

Jacob Broileau, a French Huguenot, lived on Staten Island in 1722.
He had a son, Isaac, born here that year. This fact is stated on Isaac
Broileau's tombstone, at Arlington, Pennsylvania. When quite a
young man, he left Staten Island and went to that State. He became
a large landed proprietor. Both father and son were members of the
Presbyterian Church at Stony Brook. Isaac had a son, Nathaniel B.,
who was Secretary of State of Pennsylvania, from 1808 to 1817; he was
a graduate of Princeton College. Jacob Broileau's wife's name was
Ann; her maiden name is unknown.

BUEBANCK.

Abraham, John, and Peter Burbanck and two sisters, came from
the Netherlands, Holland, in the sliip " Caledonia." The vessel was
partly wrecked on the passage, and the sisters were lost. The broth-
ers landed in New York in the latter part of the Seventeentli century,
and Abraham settled on Staten Island. They were of French and
German stock. Abraham married a French lady; Abraham, son of
Abraham the first, was boi'n November 20, 1745, and died May 12,
1823; had children as follows: Jacob, born April 9, 1771, died Sep-
tember 14, 1854; Abraham, born 1780, died 1838.

The descendants of Jacob Burbanck, son of Abraham the second,
were as follows: Jacob Burbanck first married Ann Wandel, and
later, Lucy Hennell in 1830. There were children by the first wife
as follows : Ann, born IMay 3, 1794, died November 29, 1854; Abraham,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 61

born Auiiu.st 13, 1797, died August 20, 1797; Jacob Lackman, born
June 22,1799, died April 6, 18S5; John William, born April 4, 1806;
Aletta Eliza, born December 6, 1809; Ann, daughter of Jacob and
Ann Burbanok, married Abraham Egbert, born April 26, 1791, had
children as follows: Jacob Burbanck Miles, born December 8, 1816,
died August 11, 1879; Ann Eliza, born April 12, 1818; IMargaret Jane,
born January 25, 1820, died March 21, 1873; Abraham Edward, born
October 12, 1821; Stephen Henry, born December 8, 1823, died Febru-
ary 11, 1865; Bebecea Maria, born March 30, 1826; Catherine Hannah,
born January 29, 1828; James, born September 4, 1830.

Jacob Burbanck Miles Egbert, first son of Abraham and Ann Eg-
bert, was twice married; his first wife was Maria Simonson, his sec-
ond wife, Catherine Siminisnn, sisters. The first wife had children ae
follows: Mary Elizabeth, born November 4, 1845; James and Lavinia,
dates of births not known: they reside at Clifton. By the second
wife he had sons, Cornelius and Chester. Mary Elizabeth Egbert
married James J. Garrdson, October 1, 1868. and had children as
follows: Mary Elizabeth, George Jacob, Margaret Corson, Alice May,
Irene, Ella, Sarah Louise, Arthur, Susie Bird, Jessie, Henry. James
Egbert, son of Jacob Burbanck Miles Egbert, married and had chil-
dren, and resides at Clifton. Staten Island. Lavinia Egbert, second
daughter of Jacob Burbanck Miles Egbert, married William Race, and
has the following children : Ann Eliza Egbert, first daughter of Abra-
ham and Ann Egbert, married Xathan Britton, and their children are :
Anna and John. Margaret Jane, second daughter of Abraliam and
Ann Egbert, married Nathaniel Swain, and has a son, George. Abra-
ham Edward, second son of Abraham and Ann Egbert, married
Mary Jane Burger. They had one daughter, ^Marrianna, and they
have one daughter, named Mabel. Abraham Edward resides at
Stapleton. Eebecca Maria, third daughter of Abraham, married John
Barnes. James, fourth son of Abraham and Ann Egbert, married
Amelia Laforge, and had children as follows: Pauline, Alice. Her-
bert, Elizabeth, and Percy. James Egbert r<'sid('S at Tompkinsville.

Abraham Burba mdc, second, married Calliei'inc Hangh^vout, and
had children as follows: Margaret, married Nicholas Youngman;
Catharine, Charlette (by a second wife), married James Mink, of
Albany; Richard C. married Catherine M. Douglass, and has children
as follows: Margaret. Louise, Emma, Sarah, and Catherine. George
married Catherine Relyea, and resides in Albany. Ann married
George Holt. Isaac Btirbanck, son of Abraham, second, married
Sarah Egbert, and had children as follows: Mary Ann, married Tin-
cent Bodine, and had two sons, Jacob and Vincent. Her husband
died; she then married Stephen IMartling, and had two daughters.
She died, and her second husband mairied her sister, Sarah
Jane, and she had children, Elizabeth and ilary Ann. Isaac Bur-
banck Iiad children: Mary Ann. Sarah Jane, and Edward. Edward,

62 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

son of Isaac and Sarah Bui'banck, has a son Edward, married and
living at New Dorp. Elizabeth Martling, first daughter of Stephen
and Sarah Jane Martling, married James Vi*eeland, of New Dorp;
resides at New Dorp. Mary Ann Martling, second daughter of
Stephen and Sarah Jane Martling, married John Bogart. John Bur-
banck, son of Abraham the second, had children as follows: Ann,
Mary, Daniel, Henry, John, and Catherine. John and I'eter Bur-
banck, sons of Abraham, second, reside at New Brighton. Rebecca
Burbanck, first daughter of Abraham, second, married Austin Barton,
and had children, Sarah and another. Mary Ann Burbanck, sec-
ond daughter of Abraham, second, manned John Decker. Jacob
Lockman Burbanck, second son of Jacob and Ann, married Martha
Washington Graham, and had children as folloAvs : Elizabeth Ander-
son, George Edgar, Margaret Ann, Frances Louise. William Dudley
was married, May 17, 1870, to Susan Jane Wood, and has children as
follows: Jacobson Lockman, Willinm Dudley, George Graham, Mary
Eleanor Wood, and David iMoore Ware.

John William Burbanck, third son of Jacob and Ann, was twice
married; bis first wife was Gertrude Egbert, and his second, Ann
Egbert, sisters. Ann had children as follows: Hiram A., Ferdinand,
and ;\lary Adalaidc; by second wife: Eveline, Anna, and John Alfred.
John William n^sidcd at Caslleton Corners. Hiram A. Burbanck, son
of John William and Gertrude, married and had one son, John Will-
iam. Hiram resides at Castleton Corners. Evelina Burbanck, daugh-
ter of John William and Anna, married W^illiam Alston, and has one
son, Theodore. Anna Burbanck, daughter of John William and Ann,
married Sylvester Cobb, and has children, Mabel ami Edward. John
Alfred Burbanck, son of John William and Ann, died March 28, 1873.
Alletta Eliza Burbanck, second daughter of Jacob, first, and Ann,
married Samuel Wood, and has children as follows: Carf)line Ann,
Ellen, Jane Louise, Benjamin, Jacob, Augustus B., and Beekman.
Samuel Wood died; his widow resides at City Island, Westchestei
County. Catherine Ann Wood, daughter of Samuel and Alletta W^ood.
married Joseph Brown. Ellen Wood, daughter of Samuel and Al-
letta Eliza Wood, married Benjamin Van Clief; had a son Charles.
The old Burbanck homestead still stands on Richmond Terrace, at
the foot of Taylor Street. A sister of Charles, Mrs. Catherine L.
Rogers, stiil resides in the old house. Benjamin Wood, son of Samuel
and Alletta Eliza Wood, married and has children. Augustus B.
Wood, son of Samuel and Alletta Eliza W^ood, married. John Bur-
banck, Jacob Lockman Biirbanck's cousin, resides at New Dorp Beach,
and his son, Samuel, resided at New Dorp for many years, where he
died.

BURGER.

There are two distinct families by this name. Johannes Burger,
from Geisman, came over in the ship " Stettin," in September, 1662,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 63

Thcic wns an Elias Burner and Snsanna Wliitman, his wife, who had
a s(in, Nathan, baptized Febrnary 23, 1724, and this is the first record
of the Jiiuiie on f^taten Tslanil. ('(dnnel Nicholas Bnrglier, evidently
belonsinii' to another branch of I lie family, was born January 23,
170S, and died May 23, 1S39; he was tlie father of Matthias, John,
James (i., David, and others. John was the father of David Burjiher,
of Ediicwater, the present representatives of the family spelling their
name with an " h.'' The other family, who dispense with the '' h "
and adhere to the orioinal orthography, are of comparatively recent
connection with the Island. David D. Burger was born in vSouth
Carolina in 1777, and settled on Staten Island in 1S14, where he
di(^d in February, 1831. He left several sons, of wliom Nicholas, of
Castleton Corners, and Samuel, of Bull's Head, survive.

Tlie old Burger homestead stood, until \\'ithin a few years, on the
now vacant lot on Richmond terrace, between Burger avenue and
Elm courl. West New Brighton. Burger avenue was named in honor
of the family that resided there.

BUSH.

This name, written Bosch in the Dutch records, was f(uind on Staten
Island early in the Eighteenth century. Joshua, or Josiah, liad a son,
Samuel, baptized 17fl(); Nicliolas Bush and Elizabeth Drinkwater
had the following children: Edward, baptized November 24, 1728;
Barent, baptized September, 1734; Nicholas, liajitized July 13, 1740.
Garrett had a daughter Mary, ba])tized Sei.tiMiibcr 30, 1787, and a
daughter Elizabeth, baptized August 30, 17Sf). Joseph and Mary
Johnson were married December 10, 1702. Lambert and Mary Still-
well were married January 27, 1795.

Among the emigrants who came over in the shi]) " Fox," in August,
1662, we find the name of Jan Bossch. from Westphalia. There was
another family of this name descended from John Bush, an English-
man, who fought at Bunker Hill, on the side of the AmiTicans, and
subsequently took up his residence on Staten Island, where he mar-
ried and had one son, whose name was William, who was the father
of the late John Bush, of Watchogue, in Northfield, and of Mrs. S. D.
Kcniiison, of West New Brighton. The name is still quite prominenr
in Northfield. Charles H. Bush, a representative of tlie family, holds
a i)osition under the Borough government.

BUTLER.

This was one of the royalist families which was here before and
during the Revolution. The earliest mention of the name in the
church records is in 1732, when James and Sarah Corsen liad a son,

64 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

John, baptized March 26. In St. Andrew's records we find the fol-
lowing: Henry and Balaesha (Baletta) had a son James, born May 8,
1759, and a son Nathaniel, born March 23, 1768. Thomas and Mary
had a son James, born October 19, 1758, and a son Antony, born No-
vember 17, 1769. John and Eachel had a son Daniel, born October
29, 1758. John and Mary had a son Henry, baptized March 11, 1776.
Thomas and Susan had a daughter Maria, baptized May 13, 1790.
Thomas and JIary Herod married December 20, 1789. Daniel and
Elizabeth Pray married December 29, 1807. The family until re-
cently wa.s represented by Talbot Butler, of Port Richmond, whose
father was Thomas, and mother was Eleanor Crocherou, daughter
of Abraham. Thomas had brothers — James, John, Elias, and Henry,
and they were the sons of John. Thomas was twice married, his
second wife being a Widow Blake, whose maiden name was Wood.
There are still numerous representatives of the family on the Island,
especially in Northfield and Westfield.

CANNON.

This family was here as early as 1680. Andreas (Andrew) was plain-
tiff in a suit in 1680, and was probably the progenitor. John and
Maria Egbert had sons Abraham and Jacobus. David and Aeltje
( Alido;) Prall had the following children : Arent, David, and Andrias.
Andrew and Mary Wright were married in December, 1795. The
name exists on the Island at present, but there seems to be no con-
nection between the families of that name of the past and present.

CHRISTOPHER.

The original of this name is Christoffel, v>'hich is the Dutch for
Christopher (and means "Christ bearer"). The earliest mention of
the family occurs in a church record as follows: Barent and Anna
Catherina Stillwell had the following children baptized: Nicholas,
August, 4, 1703; Cathnryna, April 23. 1706. died young; Rebecka,
April 25, 1708; Maria. 1710; Susanna, Januai-y 11, 1719: they had
twins, Cathei'ine and Barent, baptized August 13, 1716. This Barent
is mentioned in the county records as having sold land in 1704. Stof-
fel also sold land the same year. Catherine Christopher, widow of
.\lbert Ryckman, had a son Albert, baptized October 26. 1729. Hans
(John) and Jane Arrowsmith had the following children baptized:
Johannes, April 16, 1732; Bornt, April 14. 1734; Joseph. August 8.
1736; Richard. September 30. 1739. Nicholas and Christina Bowman
had a son Rornt baptized November 27. 1726, and a daughter. Septem-
ber 26, 1731. Richard (above) and Esther, his wife, had the following

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 65

childicii: John ( iairison, boru September 18, 1770; Jaue Grover,
horn Au,<;U!<t o(l, 1772; Joseph, born May 9, 1775. Joseph, sou of Joliu,
had a sou Joseph, who was the father of Captain Kicliai-d ('hi'istoi)her,
of West New Brighton.

John, just refeiTed to. built rlie old stone house which he occupied
for nianv years, and Avhich is still standing at Willow Brook. It was
in this venerable structure that the Committee of Safety met in the
early jiart of the Revolution, Joseph Christopher, Sr., being a member
of that body. Joseph afterward inherited the property; but in the
early pan of the present century he removed to the farm opposite
the Frederick White estate, on the Manor Road, where his S(m Rich-
ard was born in 1811:. This son is familiarly known as Captain Chris-
topher, and still resides at West New Brighton. He celebrated his
eighty-sixth birthday on July 18, 1900.

The Christophers originally came from Fiidland. One day, several
years ago, the writer called upon Caplain Christopher, and among the
relics whicii he exhibited was one of jiarticular interest. Pointing
to an oblong box that rested in one corner of the storeroom of his
residence, the captain said : " That was tlie cradle in which I was
rocked, ify mother Avas rocked to sleep in it; so was my grandfather,
my great-grandmother, and my great-great-grandfather aaIk'u he was
a babe in Holland."

Captain Christopher had a son, William L., who died a few years
since. He also has two dauglitcrs, 3Irs. H. H. Bush, of \Vest New
Brighton, and Mrs. Cadmus.

There is another branch of the Christopher family on Stateu Island,
althongii it is almost extinct. The two families do not claim relation-
ship. The old homestead occupied by the latter family was located
on the •■ Latourette Hill road." Joseph Christojiher, who al one time
ke]it tlie old Richiiumd County Hall, in Richmond, and his brother
Richard, who lived in the old Hilh.pp house, at Tottenville. were born
in ihis Jiouse. Anotlier brothei- settled in Tyirell County. North Caro-
lina many yeai-s ago. This branch of the Christophei- family were in
sympathy with the British, while the other branch were very ardent
patriots.

COLE.

The name originated in England, subjects tieeiiig from there to
n(dland during the Reformation i)eriod. Tlsey settled near Leyden,
y\ descendants later on emigrating to America. " Kool " is Dutidi. In
America it became Cool, then Cole, as in England today. Cornelius
Lauiliert Cool, the fir.st of his name in this country, emigrated about
1 <>:',!», being one of the earliest pioneers.

He manied Altien Brackhonge, and died i)revious to lOOl, as, on
" Sejd. 4, l(((;i, Altien widow of Cornelius Lambertse Cool, married.

66 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

second, William Brendenbent from Cologne." Their children were:
Altie, who married, first, Gerret Couvenhoven, and, second, Elbert
Elbertson. Pieterje Cornalis married Claes J. Van Purmerent.

Lambert Cornelisse (Lambert's Lane on Staten Island, loading- to
AVatchogne, derives its name from the Lambert Cools, Lambert de-
scending among many Staten Island families). Lambert Cnrnelisse's
wife is not known, but he had a son, Abraham Cool, who, in March,
1695, married Rebecca Britten (born 1668), daughter of Nathaniel
Britten, of Brenckelen. (This Britten owned property at Flatlands
and New Utrecht; in 1664, he received a patent for one hundred and
forty-four acres on Rtaten Island, where he is buried; the Britton or
French Breton family thus originates.)

In 1695, Abraham Cole sold Staten Island land. The county records
show that on " March ye 4th, 1712, Abraham Cool is appointed Court
Juror." He was also a .iudge in 1739. His children were Rebecca,
Cornelius, Abraham, and, probably, Stephen and Peter. Rebecca
married Peter Androvette; issue, Rebecca, Ann, and Elizabeth. Cor
nelius leaves no record. Abraham married and died about 1798. He
donated the land occupied by the Woodrow Methodist Episcopal
Church and cemetery. It is claimed that that church was organized
in his house. He had two children: Elizabeth, baptized in 1754, and
Martha, who married Joshua Woglom, February 10, 1796. No record
is left of the birth, marriage, or death of Isaac. But he had two sons
— Edward, born April 8, 1770, and died in 1848; Abraham, born De-
cember 25, 1 736, married Abigail Johnson. He was a private in the
Third Regiment, NeAv Jersey line, commanded by Colonel Havid
Chambers. This regiment was organized at Perth Amboy, and had
a number of Staten Islanders in its ranks. Abraham died April 23,
1815. The children of Abraham and Abigail were William, Isaac,
Abraham, Lydia, Ann, Esther, and Phebe.

William, born September 22, 1769, married Elizabeth Ann Totten.
Their children were JNLary, Gilbert Asbury, and William Asbury.
Isaac, born 1772-3, died June 9. 1839; he married twice; his second
wife was Martha SAvaim. Their children were Abraham, John Taylor,
.-Vnn, Lydia Woglom, and Isaac Washington. Abraham, born No-
vember 19, 1778, married Ann Johnson. They had one si>]}, Winant
Johnson Cole. He married Mary Journeay. Their children were
Joseph Albert, James, Journeay, Isaac, Abraham Johnson, Eugene
Rodolphe, and Clarence Augustus Cole. Winant Johnson Cole was
lost at sea.

Isaac, just mentioned, born September 15, 1808, on Staten Island,
married SnraJi Jane Gibson. Abrabam, born Septemb<'i- 23, 1810,
marri('d Ann M. Dissoswaj'. Their children were: Cornelius ])., who
married Harriet I). Robinson; Jacob W., who married Lizzie Yar-
rance; Sn^aii Ann. born March 7, 184(), married Paul Van Name;
James T., lioi-ii August 12, 1849, married Mina DeHart; Abram, born

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. b(

April 8, 1856, mai'iied Blanclio Martin. Their children, Ralph M. and
Abram make the eighth generation of this family on Staten Island.

Susan Ann Cole, sister to Abraham, father of the Abi'aham just
mentioned, was born July 4, 1813, and married Bornt Parlee Winant;
Harriet, born November 29, 1815, married Peter Woglom; Mary
Johnson, born November 26, 1818, married William H. Eutan; Jacob
Winant, born in 1821, married Mary Woglom; Abigail, born April
20, 1825, married Jacob Winant.

Lydia Cole, sister to Eev. William, born in 1776, married Cornelius
Woglom; died in 1833. Ann married John Totten. Esther married
Marshall Sw-aim, and Phebe married David Latourette.

There are several branches of the family residing on the Island.
^^'e have coiifinfd our research almost exclusively to the branch to
which ex-Snpervisor Ahraiu Ode, nf ^^'l■sl licld, belongs.

Another branch of the family, however, was represented on Staten
Island. Colonel William Cole, colonial secretary of Virginia, emi-
grated from London about 1650, and his descendants settled early in
1700 in Maryland, from Avhence they later removed to Staten Island.
In the direct line from this progenitor oT the family was Abraham
Cole, born in 1736. Among his children Avas John B. Cole, born in
1770, who was twice married. His two sons, by the first marriage,
Henry and Ceorge Cole, each represented their district for two terms
in the State Legislature, and were active in promoting the interests
of Iiichmoud County. His second wife was Mary A. Cole, a descend-
ant of the Cool family, who emigrated from England to Holland, and
aliout the year 1680, came to America. Her father, Eev. William
Cole, was well known as the pioneer of Methodism on Staten Island.
William A., the only son of John R. and ]\lary A. Coh% was born
October 15, 1836, at New Porp.

COLON.

The Colons were among the Huguenot settlers. There used to be
several gravestones in the old French graveyard at Fresh Kill (Green
Eidge), that bore the name, as there were also in the Dutch Reformed
graveyard, at Richmond. Once in awhile the name appears in the
county records. James Colon, George Colon, and John ''elsewhere
written Jones) Colon, were naturalized in May, 1770. There was also
a Peter Colon in this county in 1774. The family is still represented
on the Island by George A., Isaac A., and Thomas, residinc,- on Amboy
road. Giffnrds, aurl James, residing at Rossville.

CONNER.

Eicliard Conner came to Staten Island from Ireland about 1760,
aud i)urchased his landed estate at that time. He was almost ira-

08 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

mi'ili;it('l\ placed in I'esiJonsible offices, and continued tn scivi' tlie
liublic in various capacities until the time of his death. lie was Ixjiu
iu 1723, and died February 1, 1792. His wife, Cathei-ine, died June
24, 179S, at the age of sixty-two. He made his will IVbruaiy 0, 1792,
in which lie speaks of his dausihter, Ann, deceased, and of Catherine
and Elizabeth, and his son IJichard. Their graves ai*e in the iloravian
Cemetery, at Xew Dorp. One of his daiighters married into the Gar-
rison family, and was the mother of the late John Gan'ison, of Garri-
sons. Richard's only sou, Eichard, universally known as Colonel Con-
ner, Avas for many years a prominent sur\'eyor in this county, ami
held various offices of trust. He was born in 17fi3, and died April .">.
lSo3, ]ea\ ing several sons, of whom the late A. Y. Conner, a former
shcrilf and cimnty ( lerk. was one. The family were always attached
to llie ^Idiaviaii Church. There was audtlier family of the same name
nil (ill' Island in J7<U, as api>ears by a record of a baptism of Adam,
son ol'.Tci-eniia.h and Ann, in October of that ye-ar, but they were of a
.listinct family.

The family is reiireseiited on the Island now by Crowell -M. Conner.
deputy coiinl y clerk, residing at Richmond, and Clinton Conner, of
New Dorp.

COESEX.

Tliis is one of the oldest families on Staten Island. Tiie first men-
lion of the name in connection \\irh Staten Island occurs Deceinb'.^'
oO, KISO. in a patent bearing that date, conveying to Coinelins Corsen,
Andries Juriausen, Derrick Corneliseu, and John I'eterson, one luiu-
dred and eighty acres of land, sixty acres of which belonged to Cor-
sen, and forty acres to each of the others. This land is referred to
in the patent of Governor Dongan to Palmer, and mentioned as land
belonging to Cornelius Corsen and Company. Another patent to
the same parties, of the same date, conveyed three hundred and
twenty acres of land, lying westward of and bounded by tln^ ilill
Creel<, besides thii'ty-two acres of salt meadow, "where most con-
\enient." This Cornelius is designated as captain in a record in Al-
bany, dated December 21, IfiSO. He is mentioned again in the county
records as being jilaintiff in a suit in January, 16S1. He died De-
cember 7, 1693. He had at least three sons: Christian, second judge,
and lientenant-colf>nel in 173S; Cornelius, a justice, and Jacob, who
made his will October 8, 1742, in which he makes the following be-
(]uesis : His homestead to the son Jacob; £70 to his daughter Suster,
wife of Johannes Simouson; £70 to his daughter Mary, wife of Joshua
Merserean; £70 to his son Douwe E., £70 to his son Benjamin; £70
to his daughter Rebecca, wife of John Blom; to his sons Douw*^
and Benjainin, all his lands in Hunterdon County, Xew Jer.sey;
to liis daughter Suster, all his lands on the west side of Staten
Islanil; to his s(ni Jacob, Ids silver-hilted sword and silk sash, ami

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. (j9

all liis otlu r i^oods to liis children equally. Daniel Corsen, who was
(•(Miiity clcik in 1739, Avas probably another son of Captain Corncliiis.

In the clinrcliyard of the Kefonned Clnireh, at Port Richmond, there
are still to be seen two old headstones, in the Dutch (Holland) lan-
.uua.>;e, bearing the names of Cornelius Corsen, who died Man h 26,
17r>5, and Jannetia Van Buskirk, who died in 174!l.

Cornelius and Jannetje Van Buskirk had the following: childriMi:
A daii-liti-r, 1)ap(i/,cd November 24, 172:5; IN'tcr, baptized Au-nst 13,
172."): ("iiiisiiaii, bapiizcd iM-hniary 2(1, 1727; Cnriiclis. baptized Feb-
ruary 2.'!, 172'.». (lied an iutanl; Cornclis, baptized I'ebruary 21, 1731;
Jacobus (Jacob), baptized October 22, 1732; Daniel, baptized :Maridi
i). 173."), died 3Iay 22. ISOl; a daughter, baptized September, 1!J, 173(1;
and a dau-hter. baj.lized !>^eptember 23, 1738.

The f(.ll(.\vin!.i is (■(ili(^(ted chietly from church recoi-ds: Cnrnelins,
son of Benjamin, baptized .May 4, 1714; Daniel, born 1714. died Janu-
ary 2(1, 17('>1; Ca]Ptain Jacob, liorn 1707. died 1722; Benjauun and
Blaudina Vile ( N'icde) had a son J'.enjamin, baptized August 3, 1718;
Jacob and Cornelia ("ruser had the following children: Jacob, bap-
tized October 13, 1747, and three daughters, between 1739 and 17o4;
Douwe (sou of Jacob and Jannetje Corsin, had a child baptized Oc-
tober .->. 1753; Daniel and Maria Stihvell had sous Richard and Daniel,
Sioili ba]>tized September 7, 1753; Cornelius, Jr., had a son Cornelius,
bajptized Sejjtember 2. 1787, and a daughter Jannetje (Jane), bajjtized
October 17. 1711(1; Kidiard had a daughter Catherine, baptized August
30. 17S1); Daniel and Elizabeth Bogart had a son Cornelius, baptized
SeDtember 17, 175S, and a son William Howe, btn'u November 24,
1776.

Daniel and Elizabeth Bogart, his wife, had also three other sons,
John, Daniel, and Richard; Richard married Elizabeth Egl)ert, and
rhey were the parents of Abraham E. Corsen, of Mariners" Harbor.
Daniel built the stone house, still standing near the Kidiuiond tnru-
jiike, at the southern terminus of Jewett avenue, and for a long ( ime
the property of the late A. C. Bradley, Esq.; subsequently Daniel
owned a farm on the Clove road, recently the property of Hayues
Lord, where he died, and the place came into the possession of his
son Richard. William Howe Corsen lived to have a family uf his
own. A short time previous to the War of 1812, he was murdered,
and his body concealed under a bridge on the public road.

Jacob had a daughter, baptized March 25, 1701. a son Jacob, bap-
tized October 21, 1707 (see Captain Jacob, above), and a son Benja-
iiiiu, baptized April 1, 1710. The late Hiram J., of New Springvilh-.
was the son of Cornelius V. B.; he was the son of Richard, and he was
the sou of Cornelius, who maiTied a daughter of Cajitain Abraham
Jones, who owned the estate ou which the representative of the family,
Mr. J(diu J. ( "(jrsen, now resides. The ( "orsen homestead is situated on
I'ocklaiid a\-euue, Xew Springville.

70 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLyVND.

COETELYOU.

This name in some of the old records is written Corteleaii. It is of
French origin, but was changed through a long residence in Holland,
previous to emigration to America. The family was in this country
at an early date. Jaques Cortelleau (so written by himself), was
the .surveyor who, in 1657, laid out the town of New Utrecht, on
I^ong Island, into twenty lots of fifty acres each, one of Avhich was
assigned to Itim for his residence. He came to America in 1652. In
16S7, when the inhabitants of Kings County took the oath of allegi-
ance to James II., the name of Jaques Corteljau is found among them,
with a note attached, that he had then been in the country thirty-
tive years. He had four sons, all of whom had been born on Long
Island. Their names were Jaques, Jr., Cornells, Peter, and William;
still, in the assessment roll of New Utrecht for the year 1676, neither
of their names appears.

The family on Staten Island is descended from that on Lung Island.
A part of them remained on Long Island, as, in 1738, we find the
names of " pyeter kartelijou," and " elite kurtelijou," still at New-
Utrecht. The first mention of the name in the church records of
Staten Island is that of Jaques and his wife, Jaccmynytie (Jemima)
Van Pelt, who had a daughter Deborah, baptized December 26, 1720.
Aaron, who was born in 1726, and died August 22, 1787, was the son
of Jaques and Jacomynytie, as they appear to have been the only
family of the name on Staten Island. Aaron had a son Peter, born
December 27, 1768, and died February 3, 1S57, and he was the father
of the late Judge Lawrence H. Cortelyou. Aaron was one of the
original members of the Moravian Church, at New Dorp. There was
a Jacob, probably a brother of Peter, born August 26, 1760, and died
February 7, 1817. There is a record of Peter, who married Sarah A'an
Pelt, December 31, 1801.

The family is now represented on Staten Island by David H. Cor-
telyou, son of the late Lawrence H., who resides on the Manor road.
West Ne'\\' Brighton. He owns the old family estate at Green Eidge.
In 1861, before he had reached his majority, he enlisted in the Sixth
New York Cavalry, which was then being organized on Staten Island.
Fie was immediately appointed to a non-commissioned office. Before
the war ciidcil, he liad reached the rank of captain. He was in in-
numerable battles, ;ni(l while in command of the brigade pickets at
Cold Harbor, was shot in the left shoulder by a Confederate sharp-
shooter. He became paralyzed, and for a year was perfectly helpless.
Upon his recovery, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the
regular army, and served on the staffs of Generals Hancock and Sheri-
dan, after which he was promoted and transferred to the Ninth Cav-
alry. He was again promoted to captain, and for a while acted as
major. After serving through some Indian campaigns, his old wounds

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 71

rendered it necessary for Mm to quit the service, and lie was liou-
orably retired with nine years to liis credit. After returning to his
home on Staten Island, he was elected county clerk. He has also
lield the office of justice of the j)eace, and is now secretary of the
Kichmond County Mutual Insurance Company.

OEIPS.

In the early part of the century, there were mauy living here by
that name. It is now extinct. The earliest notice of the name in
this county, is the marriage of John Crips and Margaret Bety ( Beatty)
January 5, 1761. They had a sou William, born April 28, 1761. Will-
iam and Sarah had a daugliter Elizabeth, baptized June 23, 1771.
Thomas Crips and Mary Perrine were married in November, 171*1.
James and Elizabeth Blake were snarried October 1, 1801. There
was a liicliard mentioned in the county records in 1766.

CHOCHEEON.

The first representative of the Crocheron family of whtim we have
any definite knowledge, was John, a planter, whose will was dated
December 33, 1695, and he appears to have died within a year from
that time, for the will is recorded September 3, 1696. His wife's
name was Mary, and they had two sons, Nicholas and Anthony, the
former being the elder. Heni-y Crocheron and Nannie, his wife, had
the following sons: John, born Aj)ril 13, 1770; Henry, born Decem-
ber 26, 1772; Jacob, born August 23, 1774; he married Mary Oakley,
February 22, 1779, and was sheriff of Eichmond County and held
other positions of trust, and Eeubeu, baptized September 21, 1789.

Abraham Crocheron and Elizabeth, his wife, had a sou Nicholas,
born August 9, 1761, and died December 30, 1817. Henry was born
March 22, 1766. There was another Abraham and Margaret, his wife,
who had a son Daniel, born January 15, 1770. Daniel and Sarah
had a daughter Mary, born April 8, 1775. John Crocheron and Jenny
had a daughter Mary, born March 4, 1773. Abraham and Mary Prall
had a son Abraham, born September 4, 1787, and a son Benjamin,
baptized Juno 28, 1789. Benjamin died a few years ago on the Old
Place road; his wife was Susannah Prall, his cousin. Abraham, the
father, formerly owned the farm now a part of New Brighton. Au-
othei- Daniel had a son Daniel, born June 9, 3788. John and Hannah
Housman were married February 10, 1792. Daniel and Jane Jones
were married November 29, 1798. Nicholas and Abigail Winant were
maiTied May 28, 1801.

Henry Ci'ocheron was Member of Congress in 1829 and 1831;
presidential elector in 1836; sheriff in 1802, 1811, and 1821. Nicholas
was Member of Assemblv in 1854. Eichard was Countv Treasurer

72 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

■.iw\ SniToiiiilc in 1S8(;, and ior some time thereafter. The family is of
I'^reiicli (lesccut.

Th(n'e is a thrillinti incident in the tradition of Jolm Crorlierou, the
fonuder of tlie family on Staten Island, whose residence iv standinji'
at New Spriugville, in a mutilated condition. (See p. 69, Vol. 1.) It
is said that John was a. prominent Huguenot, and had spoken so
freely against the persecutions to AAliich his sect were subjected,
that he had gained the envy of his ojtponents. He was marked for
execution, and in order to make liis escape, he was placed in a hogs
head b^' friends, and carried on board the vessel that brought his
neighbors across the Atlantic Ocean. He came directly to Staten
Island, and, so far as is known, made his home at Stony Rrook until
he could secure title to land at Long Neck ( New Springville).

CROPSEY.

This name is variously recorded in American history and legai
(hjcuments, viz. : Kasparse, Casi>arse, C'asperts, Caspersen, Grasper,
Crepse, Cra]isey, Cropsy. and Ci"opsey, which latter mode stands as
final with all Eastern descendants.

The first Cropseys in America were Joost (/asi)arsc, or Kas-
parse, his brother, Johannes, and their mother, (Jeertje. They emi-
grated from Gronigen, Holland, in 1652, but were not Ilollandei's.
There is every proof that Germany was originally the parental coun-
try. Joost and Johannes Casparse were, by name and comjilexion,
identified with Germany — Holland having no - ('aspeis " unless they
be of German extraction.

The name is forever preserved in the T'nited States, where there
exist three towns: Cropseyville, New York; Cropsey. Nebraska;
Cropsey, Illinois, and New Utrechfs beautiful driveway, ("ropsey
avenue. lieside this, many descendants have conspicuously distin-
guished themselves in American history, both East and West.

Joost and Johannes settled on Lcmg Island, but not till KKJl does
record appear of their land, or public services. In KKio, on the old
Bushwick muster-roll appear the names of privates Joost and Jo-
hannes Caspersen, Melle Caspersen, and Jan Caspersen, ensign. In
1GS3, Johannes Kasparse was assessed for five morgans of land and
some cattle, amount of tax being £77. In 1687, Joost and Jcdiannes
took the oath of allegiance in Breuckelen.

Joost Casparse married, June 10, l(i63, Catharine, daughter of
Abraham ]>othie, and widow of Peter Prae. His second marriage was
to Magdalen Jans. His children were : Johannes Casperse, baptized
March 16, 1697, at Flatbush. Cathren Casparse, baptized February
(>. 1681, died an infant. Cathren (second), Casparse, married in 1700
to Johannes Taxsel. Jann<^tje Cas]iarse, bajttized A])ril 6, 1684. Joost
Casparse, Jr., the first, die(i :\lay 21, 1729. (In English the Dutch

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 73

word •• .Tddsi "■ has become Jasi)(>]- or Casper.) He married, first.
,Maria Slnim; second, ou Auiiust It. Kiitl!. ^VyIlt.je Jurex, aiui. third, on
July 2S, l(ii»5, Jenuetje Jacolis. His chihlron were Derrick, Abraham.
David, (xertrude, Melle. and .laspcr.

Casper Casparse purchased lauds oritiiuallv owned by ilichael Ilajia
]Jeriien. located by the presi'ul Sea lieach I'erry, fool of Sixty-lifth
street, liay i;idi;e. The hrst Cropsey liomestead was built there.
Camper married, -May 27. JT4!». .Mar-relje (.Maria) Barkah.o. The
cidldren o! Casper and .Maria were: .Jacobus or .Tames, Audries or
Andrew, N'alentiue, Ileudrick or Henry, -Tohanues or .John, Harmanus
or Harnu)n, AMllhelnuis or William, Maria, Sarah, and Catherine.

Jacobus, Just mentioned, lived until 18:;(>. The Christian name of
Jus wife, whona he married October 14, ISIO, was ^Maria. Their chil-
dren were .Jaques, William, and James Edward. Audries or Andrew
Cropsey A\as born in 1750, and died about ISOd. 1I(^ married Eida
Kyerso'n, of the Wallab.uit. I'.rooklyn.

Tile cliildr.'U of Andrew and Ida wen- .lasi.ei-. ui;u-ried; Jacob, who
died about 171S; Nancy, wlio marri(Ml William II. DeXyse. and Je-
rome Kyerson Cropsey, who married lOlizabeth \\'illiams, of Staten
Island. They had one i hild, Andrew Jackson ( 'ropsey, born 1816, and
died in 1803. He uiarried Louisa M. Hardy. Their children were
Jerome H., Andrew (i.. William H.. Annie K.. Ada H.. Harry N., and
Ella.

In the direct line from Joost, or .Jasper Casparse. Jr., comes Au-
dries, or Andrew, whose children are mentioned above; Harmanus or
Harmon, born September 2, 1753. (He was a. deacon iu the New
Utrecht Dutch Reformed Church; served in the Eevolution, in Col-
(mel Coveuhoven's Kin^s County ^lilitin as a lieutenant.) He mar-
ried, first, Ann Co veiihoven; second, I':iizabeth Kezeau. Issue: Har-
mon B., Jasper, .Maria, Sarah. Jacob It., and Elizabeth.

Harmon B., Just mentioned, became a prominent man on Staten
Island. He was for a long time manager of old Eichmond County
Mall, in Kitdimond. He was sheriff of the county in 1828; State
S<Miator from Staten Island in 1832-5.

Jacob liezean Cropsey was born on .January KJ, 1801. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Cortelyou. and lived for many years near Rossville.
Their children were Jasper Francis, Cornelius, who died unmarried;
Peter, who died unmarried; Emma E., who married Nicholas C. Mil-
ler; Sarah .Vnn. who married William Charles Moore; Ella B.. who
married Arthur (4illander, and Harmon B.. who still resides near
Bossville.

Jas])er I'rancis Cropsey became celebrated as an artist, not only
in his own country, but also in some of the leading countries of the
Old W(uld. He always lo\ ed his native Staten Island, and discovered
many beautiful nooks up(Ui it, the pictures of which he placed upon
canvas. One of his most noted pictures, we are informed, was from

74 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

a scene very familiar to our people. It maj' be described as the beau-
tiful expanse of tree-studded landscape lying west of Egbert avenue,
between the little hamlet of Morganville and the deep ravine at the
approach to Meisner's Hill. This picture was greatly admired in
I'^rance and Italy, as well as in America. Mr. Cropsey died in June,
1900, and was buried at New Dorp.

CRUSER.

The family is of Dutch descent. In the county and town i-ecords
the name is spelled Cruser, Cruise, Croes, Kroesen, Kruzer, etc. Gar-
ret was probably the first of the name in America. In lOTG, we find
him rated in Breucklyn. It is probable that he removed to Staten
Island the following year, for then Sir Edmond Andros granted him
a patent for one hundred and sixty acres of laud on Staten Island.
He had the following sons : Hendrick, Cornelius, Dirk or Derick, Gar-
ret, and Jan. Hendrick, who was perhaps the eldest, had several chil-
dren baptized on Sta,ten Island, between 1698 and 1716. Cornelius
married Helen Van Tuyl, a daughter of Otto Van Tuyl, and had the
following children baptized here: Hendrick, October 10, 1731; Abra-
ham, July 29. 1733, died March 11, 1770, and Cornelius, August S,
1736.

Derick had the following childi'en baptized here: Nicklas, May 6,
1 696 ; Derick, October 22, 1701 ; Hendrick, July 3, 1707. Gariet had the
following children baptized here: Cornelius, October 23, 1711; Der-
ick, October 18, 1713; Garret, Api-il 1, 1717. Jan had a daughter
Elizabeth, baptized July 14, 1713. Cornelius, son of Cornelius and
grandson of GaiTet, married Beeltje dr Groot, and had a son Corne-
lius, baptized August 26, 1759. Abraham, son of Cornelius and grand-
son of Garret, married Antge Simonson, iind had a sou -Tuliannes, oi
•John, baptized June i, 1760. (This John had a (lau-iiici- Elizabeth,
baptized May 10, 1789.) Garret, son of Garret and grandson of the
original Garret, married Clareetje Blencraft, and had a daughter Cor-
]ielia, baptized August 27, 1740; a daughter Clarissa, baptized Oc-
tober 11, 1748, and a son Hendrick, June 24, 1752, and probably
others. Garret, son of Hendi'ick and grandson of the original Garret,
married Gertrude Van Tuyl, and had the following chikh'en : Hen-
drick, baptized December 8, 1723; Femitje (Euphemia), September
13, 1728; Abraham, August 6, 1732.

The late Morris H. Cruser and brothers were the direct descendants
of Joliu, mentioned above. The family was once numerous and prom-
inent, but like many other of the old families has almost entirely
disappeared.

During the Revolution and for many years afterward, the Cruzers
owned and lived in Avhat is now known as the Pelton house, at the
Cove, West New Brighton.

[ISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

CUBBEELY.

The Cubberly family is vi Euglish descent, but came to Staten
Island from New Jersey. The name originally was Caverle. Tlie tirst
of the name on Staten Island was Isaac, who resided here in ITUi).
Probably he came here a young man, for he married here, in the
Journeay family. His sons were Stephen, Joseph, James, Thomas,
and Isaac. Isaac married an English woman named Broughton, and
had two sons — William, now living in Jersey City, and James, once
clerk of Richmond County; Mrs. Charles E. Eacy, of West New
Brighton, is also his daughter. Isaac resided at the foot t)f New
Dorp lane, at the locality known as "The Elm Tree," where, though
a lai'ge part of his property is now submerged by the waters of the
ocean, his dwelling-house still stands. There is another branch of
the family, viz.: Joseph and Auder (sic), his wife, had a son James,
born October IS, 177G. This James married Eleanor Ealph, January
20, 1799. The late William Cubberly, of Port Eichmond, was de-
scended from this branch.

The old Cubberly residence, near the Elm Tree Light, is now the
home of Dr. and Mrs. N. L. Britton. It was in this venerable build-
ing that Dr. Britton, assisted by his accomplished wife, prepared his
popular botanical works.

DECREE.

The Decker family is one of the oldest on Staten Island. Its pro-
genitor was Johannes de Decker, who arrived here in April, 1655.
He was a prominent man in the Colony, filling various offices of re-
sponsibility, and after a public service of many years, finally settled
down on his farm on Staten Island. His numerous descendants have
so frequently intermarried, that at this day it would be difficult to
trace their direct genealogy. Some of the elder members retained the
prefix " de," but it has long ago fallen into disuse.

Mattheus de Decker, probably the son of Johannes, had John, bap-
tized September 7, 1698; Abraham, October 21, 1707; Elizabeth,
April 17, 1711; Mattheus, 1715; to this baptism Pieter de Decker
was sponsor, who was also, probably, a son of Johannes. This Pieter
and Susanna Hetfeel (Hatfield), his wife, had the following children
baptized: Maria, September 21, 1718; Johannes, July 21, 1720; Su-
sanna, May 24, 1724; Sara, O./t^dnr 20, 1720; Mattheus, June 10, 1728;
Eva, March 20, 1732, and Abraham, April 17, 1735.

John (probably a son of Mattheus) and Maria Swaim had a daugh-
ter bajjtized July 3, 1726. John (son of Peter) and Nancy, or Anna,
Merrill, had a son Johannes, baptized April 19, 1743, and a son Eich-
ard, April 26, 1748. Charles (above mentioned) and Lena SAvaim had
a son Matthys, baptized April 5, 1730; a son Mattheus, baptized
March 16, 1733, and a daughter, January 8, 1738. Eichard, known

76 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

as •• Cdlonel." boin ^lay 15, ITiT, died May 26, 1817; his mother was
a Men-ill. They had a'sou Kichard, baptized October 26, 1788. Mat-
thew (son of Charles) and Merriam, his wil'e, had a sou [sraeh bap-
tized Auiiust 28, 1763, aud Israel had a daughter baptized February,
1788. John (sou of Johu, above) aud Elizabeth, his wife, had a son
Reuben, born August 6, 1766, and Reuben and Mary Swaim were
married July 25, 1790. Abraham and Phebe, his wife, had a sou
Noah, born Marcli 26, 1773, and a sou Charles, born April 30, 1775.

Moses Decker and Elizabeth Wood were married iu April, 1769.
Matthias aud Liddie (Lydia) were married iu November, 1775. Isaac
aud Margaret Jones Avere maiTied August 7, 1791. Jacob and Leah
Depue were married June 5, 1796. Sylvantis aud Sarah Parker were
married October 24, 1800. Isaac and Elizabeth Christopher were
married October 24, 1804. Matthew made his will April 26, 1787,
proved Se])tember 15, 1787, iu which he mentions his wife, Catherine,
turn ilatthew, a minor, and daughters Margaret, Elsie, Elizabeth,
Ann, and Catherine. The late Hon. Johu Decker, who was at one
time chief of the Volunteer Fire Department of New York City, aud
who represented Richmond Count^^ several terms iu the State Assem-
bly, represented one branch of this family. He had brothers uanu^d
Mathias, Benjamin, aud David. Their father was David, and their
mother Catherine Decker. David's brothers were John, Benjamin,
aud Abraham. They were the sous of Benjamin and Mary Egbert.
The family is very numerous on Stateu Island to-day.

DE GROOT.

Though originally French, aud known as Le Ciand, ihis family,
for centuries past, has been regarded as Dutch, tiie name by which
it is now known being simply a translation of the French name. The
eminent scholar aud advocate, Hugo de Groot, otherwise known as
Grotius, was a member of this family.

There were two emigrants of this name t(. America, v\/.. : Willeni
Pietersen de Groot, wife aud five children, came over in Ajiril, 1662,
iu the ship " Hope," and Staes de Groot, who came over in the " Spot-
ted CoAV," the succeeding April.

The name is not found in any of the old State documents, except
on Stateu Island and in Albany County. These emigrants settled in
these places, the latter on Stateu Island. The earliest notice in local
records is as follows: Johannes (a son of Staes) aud Elizabeth Seck-
kels had the following children: Peter, baptized April 2, 1729; Rob-
ert, baptized October 10, 1731 ; Johannes, baptized February 1, 1735.
Peter married Claartje (Clare) Post, aud had the following children:
Garret, baptized August 25, 1751; John, baptized May 2, 1753; Ka-
trina, baptized July 27, 1755; Gertrude, baptized July 17, 1758.

John, son of Peter, married Mary Wood, and they were the parents

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 77

of Jai-ub de Groot, who was a prouiiut'Ut citizen of this couuty for
uiauy years, and who died March 11, l^To. a^ed eighty-six years, aud
yraudpareitts of Alfred de (Iroot, of West New Itrinhton, the present
representative of the family in tliis county, lie is the senior member
I of the law firm of DeClroot, Raws m 6c Htaft'ord, of Port Richmond,
lie served one term as dislrict-attorne.x of l»iehniond Connty.

DE iiAirr.

I I'.ni little is known t>( the aiiceslors of this laniily on Staten Island
from the local records. It is known, however, that Daniel had a son
Daniel, hiptizcd ( (ctober L'2, 17(17; a dan-luer. April 17. 1711; a s(m
.Matthias. ))ai.ti/,e(! in 171.".; a son Samuel', baptized in 1717. died .May
17, 17'.IS. lialtus and .Alary i'iiilippse had a dauiihter (^atalin, bap-
tized in 171(i-7. .Matthias, born Au-usi 21, 1741). died October 20,
IMO. I'jlward had a so]i .lacob, bapl ized ( ),tober 24, 17!I0. Steidien
married .Mariiarel Kyi-rs in Sejitendier, 17112.

The family is not so uunu'rons as it was many years asio. In A\'est-
tield. Theodore Dellart is the present representative of the family,
while in Xorthtield Ib-nrv Dellaii: has that honor.

DENYSE.

, originally I'n neh. slioidd be written " de Xy>

du ■• of France ( (inalin-; the " van " of Dollaml. It !)e

I hat blue

bl 1, who, fleein-

from I'rance dnrinji'
early ix-rsecntini; re-
ligions wars, suii^hi
refuiie in Holland.
These Walloons, or
Frcmdi lln^iienots,

were early settlers in
America, yet so im-
bned with' ll.dland-s
faith and cust(uus as to
be almost Dutch. The
nam(> of D.'Xyse is
variously recorded in
America, viz. : Nyssen,
Dionys, Denys, Denice,
Denyse. aud De \yse, which two
Tennis Nyssen, the hrst DeXy
iiinck, or T'>unnik, Prov

OCKWOOI> IIOMKSTKAI). CIKKOUDS : KKKCTED .\BOUT

ter are now used by descendants,
in America, enniii-ated from P.iu-
)f Utrecht, Holland, ab(Uit l(i:!,v. 11.- set-
tled at New .\uisterdani (New York (Mty), marryin,y Fennuetje .Tans,
widow of llendrick the I'.oor and dan-hter of Jan Scales.

78 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

His children were as follows: Jennetje Nvssen, baptized December
22, lfi41, married Jan Hansen Bersjen. Marritje Nysseu. baptized
April 3, 1(U4, married Derick Jans Woertman. Annetje Nyssen, bap-
tized February 18, 1646, married Hieronemiis Rapalye. Elsje Nyssen,
baptized May 10, 1648, married Gerret Snedeker. Femmetje Nyssen,
baptized April 3, 1650, married Michael Hannon Bersen. Jan Nys-
sen, baptized April 12, 1654, married Cataline Boj^aert.

Dionys Nyssen, or Denys, baptized April 12, 1654, is the Lonjj Isl-
and ancestor. He married, October 22, 1682, Elizabeth, dancjhter
of Rev. Theodorus Polhemtis, of Flatbush. He was a master car-
penter. His second wife was Helena, daujjhter of Jaqnes Cortelyou
and widow of Nicholas Van Brunt. Removinf^ to the Narrows (Fort,
Hamilton), he resided where his wife owned lands. He also owned
some Staten Island land, where he signed a petition, in 1701. relatinc;
to it. His death occurred before Helena's, she mariyint>- Hendrick
Hendrickson soon after her second widowhood. Tlie children of
Denys and Helena f adoptins; the surname Denys), were Jaques Denys;
Theunis Denys. baptized April 24. 1687. died younsr; Neeltje Denys,
baptized September 22. 1689, married Jacob Vander Bilt, of Staten
Island. Issue: Aris, Denys, Hilitje, Jacob, and seven others. Last
named, Jacob, married INIary Spraone. Issue : Seven children, a son,
Cornelius, marryinsr Phebe Hand. Issue: A son, Cornelius, Jr., born
1794, died 1877, who was the famed " Commodore Vanderbilt." This
orisfinates the now wealthy family of this name.

Tunis Denys. second, baptized April 2, 1692. Femmetje Denys mar-
ried Pieter Garretson, of New Jersey. Cornelius Denys, baptized
April 26, 1696. Helena Denys, born 1700, married, March 9. 1717,
Frederick Yi\n Leeuwen.

The first-born, Jaques Denys, is the ancestor identified with New
Utrecht history, his sons beinp: patriots in 1776. Jaques married
Reymeriga Simonson. They resided at the stone homestead by the
Narrows, it being north of the present standins; of the Cortelyou
house. He died in 1739. His children wero Denys Denys. born April
5, 1726; Isaac Denys, born October 2, 1728; Helena Denyse, born
October 27, 1732; Antie Denys, baptized December 24, 1732: Jaques
Denys. born November 28, 1735. The father signed his name to docu-
ments " Jaques Denys."

We omit considerable of the genealogy of this family, because it is
of no particular interest to Staten Islanders. We now come to Denyse
Denyse, who was born <at what is now Fort Hamilton, on the Narrows,
opposite Staten Island, September 12. 1766. He removed to Staten
Island about the commencement of the present century. His son.
Denyse Denyse. Jr., carried on an extensive business at Tompkins-
ville. He became a brigadier-general. Ex-Sheriff William C. Denyse,
of Tomiikinsville, is of this family. INFortimor Denyse, for many years
connected with the countv clerk's office, was a cousin to the ex-sheriff.

CHAPTER VII.

OLD STATEN ISLAND FAMILIES — CONTINUED.

DE PUY.

^^N 1G62, Nicholas Du Pui, with his wife and three chihlren,
|w came to this country in the ship " Pumerland Churcli."
Q^ He probably settled on Btaten Island, and was the pro-
' geuitor of the family here. John and Fra,ncis are men-
tioned in the Richmond County records as early as 1680. John was
defendant in a suit in March of that year, and Francis as OAvnine,' a
tract of woodland near Freshkill, in Dec(>mber.

Tlie name of Francis does not appear again until after that dale;
but we find the name of John again in the church record, as having
a daughtei" Elizabeth, baptized October 22, 1707, and a son Moses, July
22, 1711. Nicholas (perhaps a grandson of the original) and Neeltje
(Cornelia) Declvcr Iiad tlie fidlowing cliildren: A daugliter, baptized
.\pril 6, 1724; and sons, John, baptized June 27, 1725; Matthew, bap-
tized October 8, 1726; Nicholas, baptized June 4, 1730; Moses, bap-
tized October 27, 1732; Aaron, baptized August 26, 1739; Nicholas,
last mentioned, was supervisor of Westfield in 1766. John, last men-
tioned, and his wife, Sarah, had a son Nicliolas, baptized in 1757.
Moses, last mentioned, and his wife, Leah, had the following chil-
dren: John, born January 10, 1759; Nicholas, born June 3, 1766;
Moses, born January 17, i769; Barent, who probably was another
son of Nicholas and Neeltje, and his wife, Ellen Poillon, had the fol-
lowing children: Martha, baptized May 20, 1750, and Elsie, baptized
T )ecember 9, 1739.

There -nas a Barent who made his will June 4, 1792, in which he
speaks of his wife, Mary, and the following children: Nicholas, Bar-
i-nt, Daniel, Abraliam, Mary, Elsie, Sallie, and Elizabeth. These tw<>
named Barent may be identical, but if so, he was twice married, and
his daughter Martlia was dead when he made his will. The family
is quite extensive on Staten Island to-day; but the name is generally
spelled Depew. It is said that Hon. Chauncey M. Depew is related to
the families of that name residing here.

DISOSWAY.

Marc du Sanchay, the progenitor of the Disosway family, was a
native of Picardv, from the vallev of the Somme. The lords du Sau-

80 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

cliav came from the House of Clermout in the Beauvaisis. Oue of
them is kuowii to have been \\ith the Dnke of Xormaudv at the con-
quest of JJritain. Many Hujiuenots of Picardy were sentenced to
banishment or impressment. Among this number was ilarc du Sau-
chay. The nearness of the low countries offered facilities of escape,
and thirty families made their home in Haj-lem, and from Holland,
subsequently crossing the ocean, founded the new Harlem, on Man-
hattan Island, then a wilderness.

In 1G65, Marc made his first voyage to New Netherland. He re-
turned to Leyden, and married, March 11, 1657. Elizabeth, daughter
of Guilliauie Rossignil, and on April 2, again sailed from Amsterdam
for Manhattan in the ship " Draetaat," taking with him his bride,
two laboring men, and two boys over twelve years of age. The names
of the men were Johannes Swedes, of Gelderland. and Jean Guenou.
of Leyden. In 1657, he bought a farm in Brooklyn, and on April 10,
1661, transferred his church connection from New Amsterdam to
Staten Island. July 2, 1675, we find his name as purchaser of a " book
of martyrs and others," from the estate of Jean le Comte for eighty
gilders. In November, 1679. he bought lots on Haarn's Hook, but
sold them " presently." June 7, 1683, he and his wife took letters
from the Dutch to the French church, newly formed, under Rev.
Pierre Daille. He moved to Staten Island April 5, 1684. and was
still living October 1. 1706. His children were: Madeline, who mar-
ried ilartin Hardewyn; Marcus. Jeanne, who married Conrad Hen-
dricks, of Harlem; Jean and Marie. Plis son ^farcus inherited his
father's lands, and died in 1714. l(>aving each child a farm. Three
sons Avere then liviiiu — -Tob, Israel, and Gabriel. His daughters were
Elizabeth, wife of Peter Barbarie; Susanne, wife of Daniel Hen-
dricks; i\Iary, wife of Thomas E\Tes; Diana, wife of Hendrick Brees;
and Sarah, unmarried. Part of the old stone house built by their
ancestor is still owned by a descendant.

In the county records, often copied by careless or illiterate clerks.
the name has received many curious changes from the original. In
the Dutch baptismal records it was always written Du Secoy or Du
Hecay. Tlie late Gabriel P. Disosway was a descendant of Israel du
Hauchay. tlie son of Marcus, who died in 1714. He died July 9, 1868.
leaving five sons and seven daughters. He married Diana F. Bid-
dick, of Suffolk, Virginia. His eldest son, Wilbur Fisk, is living, from
whom this genealogy is traced. (He recently served as trustee of
the Fourth Ward of the village of New Brighton.) Wilbur Fisk, sou
of Gabriel Poillon and Diana Riddick, son of Israel and Ann Doty,
son of Israel and Judith Poillon, son of Israel and Gertrude Van
Deventer, son of Marcus du Sauchay, son of Marcus du Sauchay, of
Amiers, Picardy, France.

S(ms of Gabriel Poillon and Diana T. IJiddick, born 17<IS: Wilbur

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Fisk, Clement, Israel, Cornelius Dot3-, Mills l\iddick. Bicliard Henly.
Sons of Richard and Anne Doty, born in 1773 : Israel Doty, Mark, Ga-
briel Poillon, Cornelius Eyers, William Phoebus.

Sons of Israel and Judith Poillon were Israel and Mark. Sons of
Israel and Gertriule Van de ^"enter were: Israel (died 1738). Mark,
Cornelius, Gabriel (died 1753); a daughter, Anniotie. Sons of Maj'cus
du Sauchay were: Job, Israel, Gabriel; the daughters were: Eliza-
beth, Susanue, Marie, and Diana. Coi'nelius, the son of Israel and
(Jertrude \'an de 'S'euter, left six daughters and two sons, a mansion
on Staten Island, slaves, ]i]ate, gold watch, sleeve-buttons, a riding-
(iiair, with particular inslnirtioiis regarding the education of his
rliildreu. He died in 17S(;, Israel, his bi'other left four sons : Israel,
;\lark, Cornelius, and Gabriel, and one daughter.

The late Gabriel Poillon Disoswav was his direct descendant. The

grave of Judith Poillon
the date being 1776. S
Israel Dusocay, and
her second J u d g e
Ryerss, of Xorthfieid.
Tradition '■ays that
"she \^as frinhlenc
to death b.A the ai
ri\al of the British
troops (in Staten Is-

.f til

raviau Cemetery,
-t husband being

'111. dcs end. Mils (if

Col llcllUs |)ils()( <IA 1 '

iiMiiii'd in ihe stone

iii.iiisioii built b\ (he

ance-<ti)r, ^farcus du

Sauchay, for many

years. It still stands,

a substantial, com-

fiirtable home, the oak timbers bidding fair to outlast many modern

structures.

DOOLAND.

Lambert Dooland must have been among the earliest settlers on
Staten Island, as his name appears in the county records in the seven-
teenth century. He was a member of the Colonial Assembly in 1691.
He frequently had accounts with the county. The name, so far as
that family was concerned, became entirely extinct many years ago.
It is now on the Island, but belongs to people who have come here,
probably from Ireland, of recent date.

82 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

DUBOIS.

Antoine DuBois and some of his relatives fled from France to Enc;-
land as early as 1583. The earliest representative of the family men-
tioned in the ehnrch records, is that of Lonis DnBois, Jr., whose wife's
name was Catherine Van Brunt. They had a son Saninel. wlio was
bajjtized December 11, 1737. They also had sons, Benjamin and Jolni.
Benjamin became a minister of the Eeformed Diitch Chnrcli in 17<)4.
and was immediately settled over the churches of Freehold and Mid-
dletown, in New Jersey, where he remained sixty-three years. John
and Hester, his wife, liad a daiighter ^lary. liorn June 27, 17r;(;; lie
made his will -Taiinary 17, 1793, which was proved I'^ebrnary 1, 1791,
in which he sjieaks of his wife, Hester; his dainihters, Hester, wife
of Lewis Prall; .Alart ha, wife of Daniel Wiuanls; Flizabc-th, wife of
Charles Laforiie, and Mary, wife of Jaiiics Laforne, iind his son Rich-
ard.

There was another John, wlio had a son Nathaniel K.. and w!io
died ar iIh' af;e of eighty-seven; his son Nathaniel died in INfay, 1S71,
ai:c(l cijilily-tive years; his wife was Frances Butler. Lewis DnBois
and Jane ^lerserean were married. January 12, 1891. The family is
.iliiiosl extiiicl lui Stalen Island. A family by the name, to which the
late iOu^cne Diil'.ois lielonncd, pari liased the old Walter Donp-an farm
at Castleton Corners in 1859, biil sold it some time since. There is
no connection between this family and I lie first one mentioned. The
ancestors of the latter came from Artois. France, in 1G75, and settled
In Ulster and Dutchess Counties.

DUSTAN.

\\'illiam and Teter Dust an were mitives of Srotland. The former,
hrcally known as [Major Dnslan, was born September 11, 1759, and
died on Staten Island, May 2:>, 1811, nearly idghty-two years of age.
He left one son, Isaac Ki]i, whose m(dan( h(dy death is recorded on
las monument in the Moravian Cem.'tery. He was lost at sea.

DUNN.

In the local records this name occurs only in connecliou with a
single individual, who is designated as John Dunn, Esq. He was
twice elected member of Assembly from this county, in 1804 and 1805.
He died December 21, 1826, aged fifty-seven years. Mrs. Abraham
Hoiisman, if I'ort IJichmond, was his only surviving child on Slalcii
island. Tlie name is still liere, bnl it l)elongs to another family.

EDDY.

This familvhas been identified with Slaieii Isl.-md lor many years.
Among its present re|ircsonlal ives are Cornelins ('., (d' Staph'ton, and

riic foi

4 (.11 hi

lllcl
II, (

is a

11 tli(

Sdl

Ki(

.if William
liiiimid road

w stall

Is,

u Jai

iiav

V, 1S2S. The

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 83

his i-diisiii, .Tames, of nuiiiieiiol.
wlio was kilhMJ by his horse fall
near where the Bechtel brewery
'.liter is tile son of John, also ile. eased.

^^'^lliam, John, aud Andrew, who are si ill liviujj' near the Woodrow
.Methodist Episcopal Church, were brothers and the sons of William,
the first of the name, who came here from New Jersey, durinii- the
Kevolution. James and William E. Eddy, sons of roriielius C, above
mentioned, are prominent business men of Stapleton.

EGBEET.

Govort Egbert was in'ol>iibly t'lf Ai'^t emigrant of this name on
Stateii Island -i>erha]is the lirst who came to America. He came in
ihe shi]i caMed tli<- " Sjiotted ("ow," in IGtiO. The first mention of the
iiaiiie ill coiiiieclioii with the Island is that of Tunis, who bought
land ill l<l'.is. and sold land to John Androvat in January, 1699. His
will, dated July ('.. llL'l, mentions seven sous — Egbert, John, Abra-
ham, Jafpie, Isaac. I,awreiic(\ and Tunis. He also had four ilaughters.
Tunis married retroiKdIa Diiiiuy, ami his son John was haidizeii De-
cember, 1715. John had sons in the order of their bivth— Joseph,
John, Tunis, Samuel, Edward, Thomas, Holmes, Ooruelins, Henry,
and William, of these there were still living, a few years ago: Ed-
ward near Castleton roriiers; Gorii<diiis, near Giff(n-ds, and William,
at Graniteville.

This Cornelius Egbert married the daughter of Eoriit Lake, and
resides in the same house whi(di Lake occupied. His brother, Will-
iam, married another daughter of Lake. Tunis had another son,

u: 1 Abraham, born Se]iteuiber L'1, 1747, and died October 2, ISlfi,

who was the father of the tidlowiiig sons: Abraham, Joseph, Tunis,
Cornelius, John, Steplien. James, and Edward; there ^^■ere also two
sons and seventeen grandsons, besides daughters and granddaughters.

James is mentioned in the count ^ records in 172-1 and in 1766.
Peter is also mentioned in 1767. Tunis, probably a son of the original
Tunis, born in 1720, died May 19, 1805. Tunis, born January 11,
1759, died November 5, 1S25. Moses and his wife, Caty, had a son
Abraham, born November S, 1768. Moses, the above, was born Oc-
tober 21, 1742, and died November 13, 1831. Jacus (James?) and
Ti'ientje Backer (Baker) had a daughter baiitized October 11, 1743.
Abraham and Elizabeth Gerresen had a daughter baptized April 17,
1744, and a son Benjamin, born August 25, 1768. Abraham and
Francyntje (Erancina) INn-ini' had a son .\lMahaui, born :\Iay 22, 1715,
a son John, baptized April 10, 172(t; a daughter l<]lizabeth. bap-ized
June 17, 1722. Jacobus and Catherine Deny had a son Johannes, bap-
tized July 14, 1723; a son Laurens, baptized JIarch 24, 1724. Jaques

84 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

and Catlitn-inc T5iikkor liad a (lau.u,litpr Susanna, bajdizcil Xnv<'niber
4, 17;'.3, identical with the above Jacus. Anthony and his wife ^raiy,
had a son Reuben, born September 13, 1770; a daughter Martha, born
April 25, 1772; a <lauiihter Eleanor, born August 7, 1774. John and
Oatherine, his wife, had twins, Tunis and Eleanor, born NovcMuber 11,
1771. Barney and Ann Taylor were married October 4, ISOl.

The family is largely represented on all parts of the Island at this
time. The late Joseph H. Egbert, of Garretsons, was a representa-
tive in Congress from this district, and was also county clerk. George
T. Egbert, of Mariners" Harbor, belongs to another bran( h of the
family.

ELTJS.

There seem to have been three branches of the Ellis family, who
I'll! igia ted to this country at an early date. Garret Ellis, of English
ancestry, one of Staten Island's pioneers, was born in 1720. and died
in 17!t7. His son. Captain Garret Ellis, a wealthy farmer, was born
in Westfield, Staten Island, in 1756, and died at the age ')f seventy-
one years. He was one of the heroes of the Revolution. During that
struggle lie was arrested at midnight, on Staten Island, and com-
pelled to walk, shoeless, over frozen gTOund for many mihs, and Avas
imprisoned in old Fort Richmond.

Captain Garrett Ellis married Mary Tappen, of New •]< isey, who
was born in 1707, and died at the age of seventy-seven years. She
was of Dutch descent, and both were members of the Dutcli Reformed
Church. They had ten children, five sons and five daughters. The
three eldest died while young. Their eldest son, Cayitain Cornelius,
married Bealy Butler; they had five children, two <pf whoiii, Jacob
l^llis and Cornelius, reside in Tottenville. Their second son. ('a]itaiii
Garret, married Susan Butler; they had tliirteen children. Tlii'ir
third son, Abraham, once sheriff of Richmond Gounty, married Alice
Murray; they had ten children. George W., the eldest, represented
Westfield in the board of siipervisors, and also served as police com-
missioner, and later as clerk to that board. He married a daughter
of the late Balthaser Kreischer, and died recently at his home near
Huguenot.

Captain Garrett Ellis's eldest daughter, I'annie, born in 1785, died
in her eighty-second year; she married ('aidain Peter Winant. who
died at sea in 1S2o. Leah married .Jacob Simonson; Lany married
Ilenrv Butlei-, and IVdlv married James Johnson, all deceased.

d liere
helm;

EXYARD.

The n

anie of

J..llis 1

nyai-i

1 ai»i>ears in coi

mecli

if land

on Slat

en Islai

id as

.•arlv as 1(;S7,

and li

11 l(;<.t2.

Tlie 1

1. s o

f Jol

lis. Vellis, and

(iillis

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 85

Dutch coiTuptioiis of (iih's. He bad a .son Alatthys ( .Matthias), whose
wife was Elizahcili ( !ai-i-ctsii!i, and tJi('\' had the follnwiim' childi'eu :
Matthy, baptizt-d January 7, 17.30; (iillis, baptized December 17, 1732;
Susauua, baptized May 4, 17oo; Catherine, baptized Ajiril 23, 1739;
Elisabet, baptized April 18, 17i3; Xicldaes, baptized April 22, 1746.
Nicholas married Jemima Wood, iu July, 1768. They had a son,
Elias, who was the father of John Enyai'd, of Kichmond, and grand-
father of IJev. AMlliam T. Enyard, formerly pastor of the Keformed
Church, Brighton Heights.

FOUNTAIN.

James I'ontain, or de la Fontaine, escaped from France after the
Kevdcatidn. Fontaine, the French fabulist, Sir Anthony Fontaine,
the anti([uarian, and others, eminent in science and the arts, are of
this familj'.

The progenitor of those of the name in America was not driven
fiom his native land by the Kevocation of the Edict of Nantes, in
1685, for there is the notice of a " Charel Fouteyn, a Frenchman, and
wife," who came to America in the ship " Golden Beaver," in 1658.
There is also a record of Antone Fountain, aged thirty, who was a
witness in a suit on Staten Island, in 1680. The late Vincent Foun-
tain, of ^Vest New Brighton, was the sou of Captain Henry Fountain,
who was l>()rn in 1787, and died May 28, 1867. He lived for many years
in tlie ohl hdtel known as the Fountain House, at West New Brighton.
(Japtain Henry Fountain and his brothfn- John, of Tompkinsville, were
sons of Vincent Fountain, ^^ho was born in 1748, and died December
11, 1819. Vincent was probably the son of Anthony Fountain, who
was supervisor in 1767.

Besides the above there is mention in the county, or church, records,
of the following: Antone Fontayne, who purchased laud iu 1686;
Vincent both bought and sold land in 1697; Eichard also bought in
1702; Anthony and Belitze (Isabella) Byvank, his wife, had a daugh-
ter, baiJtized May 11, 1729; Anthony and Annatje Geretson, his wife,
iiad a son Antone, baptized November 3, 1754; a son John, November
20, 1757, and a son Cornelius, Deceinbor 23, 1759; Anthony and Su-
sanna, his wife, liad ;i son < h iiles, bapiiz(nl September 25, 1756. John
Fountain and Catlieriuf i'duntain wei-e married December 24, 1804.
• 'ornelius Fotmtain died January 27, 1813, and his wife, Elizabeth,
IJ^-ed but fotir days later, having died January 31, 1813. They are
l)uried, side hj side, in a field a few rods sotith of the Old Toavu road,
aiid east of the Staten Island Railroad. This man was the inventor
(»f the centerboard in sailing vessels. A few j'ears ago tlie field in
wliich tlie graves are located passed into the possession of a stranger.
The little cluster of trees that had long stood guard over the graves
was removed, and the weather-beaten stones were carrid away. The
ground \\as then leveled and cultivated.

86 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

There have been tAvo branches of tlie Fountain family on Staten
Ishiud for manj' years — one on the north side and one on the south.
Although there is a strong- resemblance, they disclaim all relation-
ship. The late William A. Fountain, who was for some time con-
nected with the West New Brighton postolitice, represented the south
side family. George Fouutain, son of the late Vincent Fountain, of
West New Brighton, represents the other. Counselor Harry W.
Fountain, of the same place, and a nephew of the latter, represents
rhe latest generation.

FEOST.

The Staten Island Frosts came from England. During the Revolu-
tionary period, Dr. Thomas Frosi resithMi ;!i Kichmond, and fi'om the
fact that coiirts, supervisors' meetings, an 1 (ii licr public bodies met
at his house sometimes, we infer that he also kept an inn or tavern.
He was a decided Loyalist, as is evident from the indictment found
against him by the first grand jury which was imijaueled after the
evacuation of the Island by the British. The first court house built
iu the county after the formation of the new government was upon
land purchased from him.

The baptismal record of St. Andrew's Church says that Thomas and
Tamar Frost had a son named William Errell, born February 17,
j.774:. They had at least three more sons, viz. : Samuel, Henry, and
John. Samuel continued to reside on the Island. He was twice mar-
ried, the first time to a lady from New Jersey, and the second time to
Catharine Bedell, by whom he had one son, the late Samuel H., who
married Louisa, daughter of Stephen Ketteltas. Their children were
Henry and Stephen K.

The late Samuel Frost, who resided at Green Kidge. belimged to
another family-. He roiiresentcd this district in the State Senate, and
the Town ot W'esitirli! in the board of supervisors. SI. .Micliaers
Home is located on his estate.

GARRISON.

Garrit Garritson and .Vnnetje Heermanse, his wife, and one child,
(.Terret, then two years old, came from Wageningeu in (.ielderlaud.
Thej arrived in the ship " Faith," December 23, IGtjO. He Avas the
founder of the familj' now spread over Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, and
Essex Counties in New Jersey and Staten Island. He brought a
certificate of good chai'acter and Christian deportment from the
burgomasters of his native city. He settled at Communipaw, and
died October i, 1696, his wife having died September 7, of the same
year. They had seven children: Gerrit, Jannetje, Fitze, Harmanus,
Aeltze, HendrJck, and Johannes. Six of these were married. Some
of them took the name of the place tlieir father came from for their

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. »(

family name, others did not. Gerrit, the eldest, married Neesje
rieters, May 11, 1681, and had children: Elizabeth, Peter, Gerrit,
Aunetze, Johaianes, Abraham, and Jacob. The Staten Island Garret-
.«(ins are descendants of Johannis, of this family, who married Mar-
garet Sip, May 22, 1713.

Johannis had cliildicii : Gerrit. Johannis, Cornelins, Jacobus, Heu-
drick, Abraham, llcriiiaims, and Hannah. The last \yas born on
Staten Island, as is supposed, the family moving hither iu 1732. His
home place was on the Old Town road, lately occupied by II. Meyer.
Tills he gave to his second son, Johannis, who, following the custom
already alluded to, adoplcil the name of Van Wageueu. Cornelius,
the third .son, married Glaasjc I'lcters, and settled in Metuchen, Xew
Jersey. Jacobus marrh^d a Siiinmson, and settled at ("lifVon. on liis
\vif("s farm.

llendrick marrieil Catherine I'auU»rson, December 3, 1747, and lived
on the John Britton place on the Eichmoud road. Garrison's Station
is on property of his descendants. Abraham married and lived in
l?ei'gpn.

llarmanus married Autty Simonson, April 26, 1759, and lived on the
Old Town ]-oad till 1790, after which he moved to the farm recently
owned by Erastus Wiman, on the south side. They had three chil-
dren. These were ;\Iar:L:arei, John, and Dinah. The tirst married
Harry Guyon, and inherited the Guyon Place (below (iilfcu-d's); the
second maii-icd .Martha Cadmus, and had the Old Town farm, and ilie
third married Joshua Mersereau ajid moved to Steuben County.

J(din Garretson and his wife, Martha, had childrcMi : Jane, Har-
manus, Alida, Dinah, John, George, Richard, James, (iarret, and
^lartlia. Jane married Henry Seguine and had children : Jusejili and
Jdhu. llarmanus married a .Miss Cadmus, had a son, Jasper, wlie
lived in Bergen, the early home of his mother. llarmanus had three
ether wives, but left no other children. Alida married George \'an
Pelt; Dinah married John Tysen; John married Ann Crochereu and
left two children, -Tareb C. and John H., now of Green Bidge; (ie.n-ge
married Snsan He Groot and had a son, George, and a large family'
of girls; Bichard and James died unmarried; Gariet married Mary
Ann Clauesson and leli children — Tohn ■!.. William, and three daugh-
ters, and Martha niarried i w ice .lohn Sawyer and James Laforge.

Jacob C. Garrelson married Harriet \. Keicham and had children:
John. I'hilip. Henry. Jacob C. Krskine While, Sarah (married John
Eadie), Ella (married Craig Ketcham), and Harriet (married Albert
Serrell). The last named, Jacob C, had sons, Heni*y ami Jacob, wlu)
are married.

GIFFOBD.

William Bernard Gifford, son of Arthur Gifford, Esq., and Mary,
his wife, was born December 27, 17.j0, at their country place in Ire-

88 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

laud. He came to America shortly before the Eevolution, and arrayed
jiimself on the side of the Colonists. He joined the Third Eegiment of
the New Jersey line, was made captain, and, later, major, and served
for a time on (jeneral Washington's staff. He nuu'i'ied Aunatie ^'au
N'oorhise, only child of Coert Van Voorhise, of Gravesend, Lon.>; Is-
land, in April, 1780. They had five children — Mary, Coert Van Voor-
hise, Sarah, Catherine, and John. Aunatie, his wife, died at their
home at Graveseud, May 23, 1791.

Major Gifford moved to Stateu Island, with his children, and mar-
ried Frances NicoU, daughter of John and Hannah jS'icoll, June 20.
1792. The.y had thi-ee children — Arthur Nicoll, Leonard, and Frances
Hannah. He bought the farm at New Dorp, known as the •' Rose and
('rown," from the Eev. Kichard Chanuing Moore, in 1804, where he
died February 7, 1814. He was buried in the Eeformed Dutch Church-
yard at Port Eichmond. His grave is now under the sidewalk, owing
to the wideniug of the street. He manumitted his slaves. He left a
considerable fortune. His vendue, the list of which is now in the pos-
session of one of his descendants, shows personal property amounting
to £3,583 2s. 6d.

Mary Gifford, his first child b^' Annettie ^'au Voorhise, was born
at Gravesend, April 4, 1781. She maiTied Daniel W. Lake, of New
Dorp. They had a large family, the last of whom, Mrs. David J.
Tysen, died on January 25, 1898. Coert Voorhise was born April 12,
1783, and died July 17, 1820. Sarah Gifford was born December 2(i,
1785; married John Clark and moved to Eochester. They had a
large family. Catherine Gifford was born January 26, 1788; married
and moved in the neighborhood of Eochester. John Gifford was bo in
May 8, 1790; married Maria Blauvelt, December 8, 1814. He partici-
pated in the War of 1812, was a lieutenant in Colonel Jessup's regi-
]uent, and was wounded in the battle of Lundy's Lane. He died
August 4, 1851 . Arthur Nicoll Gifford, a child by the second marriage,
was born at the " Eose and Crown," May 11, 1793. He died a few years
since in New York City, leaving a large fortune. Leonard Gifford was
born August 23, 1794, and died June 26, 1790. Frances Hannah Gif-
ford was born May 10, 1797, and died in June, 1819.

The Ncir Jcrsei/ Gazette (published at Trenton), of May 17. 1780, pub-
lishes the following:

" Lately married at New Utrech, on Long Island, William Bernard
Clifford, Esq., Captain in the Third New Jersey Eegiment, in the army
of the United States of America, To Miss Nancy "N'oorhies, A very
amiable young lady, with a handsome fortune."

Coiumenting upon this marriage, the Rochester Dailij Democrat, of
April 7, 1841, says :

"Tliis Captain William Bernard Gifford was tlie father of Lieu-
tenant John Gifford, of this city. The son. • a dii]! off the old block,'
Joined the army as an ensign in 1812, Avas in General Scott's Brigade,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. «y

iu the rejiiinent commanded by Colonel (now General) Jessup, in
the liaid-tdniiht battle of Lundy's Lane, in which he was severely
wcnuded — was promoted Ui a lieutenant — had for a while command
at Buffalo while the army was in Canada.

" During- General Scott's first visit to this city, after taking the
command of the Northern (li\isinii, Mr. (littord called on him, and
the recognition was full of the li\clicst iniricst. After the interview,
as he took his seat in tlie ((ladi In li-avc, extending his arm through
the door and taking our fillDw-ritizcii cordially by the hand, the Gen-
eral remarked with characteristic nobleness of spirit, 'Lieutenant, if
you ever come near my quarters or hear of my coming near you, be sure
to give me a call, for there are but few of us left.' It is undoubtedly
remembered with what sacrifice of life to Scott's Brigade the open-
ing of thai: battle was attended."

\\'hile the family name has become entirely extinct upon Staten
Island (although the blood is not), it is perpetuated here to-day by
the village of Giffords, on the sotith side. This settlement took its
name from Gifford's lane, being located at the junction of that
thoroughfare with the Amboy road. Gifford's lane was named in
honor of ftlajor Gilford.

GUYON.

Tlic Giiycns \^ere truly an ancient and honorable French Protestant
family. Willinm de Guyon de Geis fled to Holland, and took service
under William of Orange.

There a\ ere two of the family who came to New York at an early
date — Gregory and Jaques. The former lived at New Rochelle. The
latter settled on Staten Island, and received a patent from Sir Ed-
iiioud Andros, dated March 27, 1675, for about one huudred and sev-
enty-live acres of land on the Island, at a quit rent of eiglit bushels
(il wheat. This patent is still in existence, and the old ri'sidcine and
a portion of the land are still owned and occupied by direct descend-
ants of the original purchaser — the family of the late Joseph H.
Clark.

In the county records there are notices of two lawstiits — one,
'' Jacob Jeyottng against Isaac See, in 1678 " ; the other, " -Jaques
Jeyoung against ffrancis Martinoe, March 6, 1781." He had a son
James, born January 5, 1746, whose wife's name was Susannah, and
tliey were the parents of Major James Guyon, father of Mrs. Dr.
Ephraiin Clark. Major James is known in our civil list as James. Jr.;
lie was born December Ul, 1778, and died ^larch 9, 184(!. He was
Member of Assembly in 1812-13, and IJejJresentative in Congress in
1819-20. He married three times — first, to Ann Bedell, the mother of
]Mr?. Clark; second, to Ann Ferine, and third, to Martha Segtiine.

Another Major James Guyon was the son of Harmanus and his
wife, Elizabeth Holmes, married May 2, 1802. Harmanus — usually

90 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

i-alled Harry — was member of Assembly in 1819-20. lie was the son
of James by his second Avife, Margaret Garrison, and half-brother of
James, Jr. In the okl chnrch records of St. Andrew's is the following :
John Guyon and Elizabeth Butler, married January 12, 1800. Cor-
nelius Guyou and Getty Mersereau, married May 1(3, 1807.

The name is still quite common on the Island, and those living
here to-day belong to the old family who trace their ancestry back
to France.

HATFIELD.

The tradition of this family is that James Hatfield and a brother
i-ame from England long before the Kevolution; the brother settled
in Xew Jersey, but James came to Staten Island. The career of the
family during tlie struggle for independence is told on other pages
of this work.

During Mic Kcn nhition, hdwcvi r. it is said that one of the family,
James llailidd. ailcmplcd Id inlluence his relatives to give their aid
and symjiaili.v to the Colonists, but to no avail. It is said that he
was really a Whig, and was incarcerated by the British, his brothers
being inslrumental in his capture. He was released by the Ameri-
cans. His sons were James and John D., the latter of whom was
born April 5, 1777, and died December 3, 1856. He married Mary,
daughter >if Jacob Van Pelt, and they were the parents of the follow-
ing children: John, Moses (both of whom were lost at sea in De-
cember, 18;JU), Maria, wife of Captain J. W. Barnes, of Port Rich-
mond; Jacob, died in infancy; Jacob, born March 17, 1817.

There is a record of a Benjamin Hatfield, who married Nanue Mer-
rill, January 10, 1765, and of Susanna Hatfield, who was the wife of
Pieter Decker, and had a rliih! bapii/.ed as early as 1718. (See the
Decker family.) Whether these were nieuibe-rs of the same family, it is
impossible now to determine. The late Jacob Hatfield, of Northfield,
was a descimdant of the Hatfields who did such active service for the
British. " Captain Jake,'' as he was familiarJj- called, was the largest
real estate holder at one time on Staten Island.

HAUGHWOUT.

The earliest mention of this name in tlie church and county recoi'ds
is where Egbert Haughwout was sponsor at a baptism April 20, 1709,
and where Peter Haughwout sold land in 1714, and Peter and Neltje
(Cornelia) Bakker, his wife, had eight children baptized, between
1710 and 1736. Jan and Elizabeth Hooglant had a daughter bap-
tized October 16, 1720. Peter and Aaltje (Alida) Bennett, of Long
Island, had the following children: Neltje (Cornelia), baptized July
28, 1751; Peter, June 24, 1752; Nicholas, March 12, 1758, and Wynant,
April 20, 1760. He owned a large property at the locality now- knoM'u
as Willow Brook, in Northfield. He made his will December 15,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 91

1787, probated September 6, 1792, in wliieh he speaks of his wite,
A He (or Altje~>. his sons Peter, Nicholas, and Wynant, and his daugh-
wva Alle Webb and Nellie Coziue, and his grandchildren, the chil-
dren ol' his daughter Nelly, and Alettee, Garrett, Peter, and Jacobus.

His son Peter was the father of the late Peter N., of Port Rich-
mond. Hits son W'yniuit was the father of Simon, of Graniteville, and
his sdu Nifholas was father of Nirhida.s, now deceased.

Egbert llaughwout and Elenor (iarebrautz had a son Daniel, bap-
lized March 8, 1782. Nicholas had a daughter baptized August 6,
L78G. Wynant had a son Isaac, baptized October 28, 1787. Peter
liad a son Daniel, baptized June 7, 1788. The family is still quite
lumieidus on Staten Island, especially in Northfield and Castleton.

HILLYER.

John Hillyer, sometimes written Milliard, lived on Staten Island
in 1693, and married Elizabeth Dey in 1714;; their children were:
John, Elizabeth, Mary, James, NMlliam, Nathaniel, Simon, and Law-
rence. The present families of the name are descended from the
youngest son, Lawrence. His son John was born in July, 1703, and
died in July, 1818. His wile, i;isie Merrill, was born in November,
1708, and died in August, is.^s. Their children were Lawrence and
John P., the latter the father of James A., Abraham C, and John B.,
Jr., of West New Ihighton; there were also several other children.

Other Hillyers are mentioned in the records of St. Andrew's Church
as follows: John and Esther had a daughter, born September 19,
17oG; a son, Nathaniel, born October 2, 170.5; a daughter, born No-
vember 14, 17t)8. John J. had a son Abraham, born January 20, 1759.
William and Dinah, his wife, had a daughter, born December 24, 1748,
:ind a daughter, born September 11, 1750. John and Mary, his wife,
had a daughter, born March 29, 1774; a son, John, born April 18, 1770.
Lawrence and Ann Larzalere married, December 4, 1808; he repre-
sented Kichmond County in the Legislature in 1837.

John B. Ilillier, Sr. (brother to Lawrence just mentioned), is still
living, and resides on Rockland avenue. New Spriugvilie. He is
ninety-three years old, and is a very remarkable man for one of his
advanced age. He has held a number of important positions in the
county, such as sheriff, clerk to the board of supervisors, etc. Will-
iam R. Hillier, a promiiu'ut civil engineer and surveyor, is the son
of Abrahan*! C, who is the son of John B., just mentioned.

HOLMES.

This family was among the earliest settlers of Staten Island. The
progenitor was Obadiah, or, as he sometimes wrote it, " o Badiah."
He came from England in the latter half of the Seventeenth century.

92 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

and obtaiued a patent for a valuable tract of land in Snnthfipld, which
remained in the family for several generations. His name is found
in the countv records as early as 1678. There is no record of the names
of his children. Uis grandson, t^amuel, lived and iHcd on the paternal
estate, and had six daughters, and two sons, Baker and Samuel. The
latter married Margaret, daughter of Stephen Cole, and had the fol-
lowing children: Samuel, James. John, Cornelius, ^'an Rensselaer,
George W., Eliza, and Ann, wife of David INlersereau.

The first appearance of the name on Stateu Island is in the follow-
ing document :

" Thes are to giue notes to whome It mayconcarn that Kichard Fath-
full and Elisabeth Larans hatli bin Publeshed A Cording to Law.

" by Daniel Still well, Oversear.
" on this loth day of Jenewery 1()82.

" The A Houe iMentitmed I'arsons Ar Mared By Me on the 25th day
Jenewery 1682

" KiciiARi) Stillwell Justes

" By order obediah Hulmes Clarck."

jObadiah Holmes must have been the clerk of the court, and not of
the county, as his name does not appear in the records in connection
with the latter. As a proof of this fact, the records show that in
1682 the office of county clerk was held by Francis WilliamHt)u.

There was an Obadiah Holmes in the county in 1730, who may
have been the son of the one mentioned above. He married Mary
Clunn, about 1752.

According to tradition this Obadiah Holmes removed to Salem
<,'ounty, New Jersey, and had a son or grandson named Isaac, born at
I'renton, April 29, 1764. Four older sons were born prior to the re-
m<jval from Staten Island. They were named John, William, Obadiah,
and Abraham.

The same family was represented in Rockingham County, ^^irginia,
in 1667, and following generations scattered throughout the West.
Colonel J. T. Holmes, who commanded an Ohio regiment during the
Civil War. was a descendant of this family. He was an active Meth-
odist and built a church of that denomination in Harrison County,
Ohio.

Abraham Lincoln was a descendant on one side of the family of
this Obadiah Holmes, of Staten Island. The family appears to be en-
tirely extinct on Staten Island to-day.

HOUSMAN.

The first of this name came to America from Holland in 1675 and
1676. 'I'lie earliest mention of the name in a church record on Staten
Island is as follows: John and Wynje Symons (Simonson), had a
daughter, baptized September 4, 1726; a son Aart (Aaron or Arthur),

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 93

MrtT 24, 1730; a daiigliter, June 1, 1732; a son Dirk, Febrnavy 29, 1736,
(li'jd July 29, 1807; a son Abraham, December 9, 1739; a daughter
Elizabetii. October 11, 1733, and a daughter Jemima, Jnlv 19, 1748.

Isaac, born November 4, 1775, died December 2, 1857; he was mar-
ried to Hannah Ferine April 9, 1807. Peter liad a daughter baptized,
August 0, 1785, and another, Decembei' 7, 1788. John was for manj
years one of tlie inferior judges of the common pleas, ^Member of As-
sembly in 1804, Surrogate in 1809, and Supervisor, repeatedly : Isaac
ii., also one of the judges, Member of Assembly in 1823, and Super-
visor, repeatedly. The Sailors" Snug Harbor property was purchased
from him.

Notices of the family are extremely meager in county records.
James matlc his will November 1, 1801, which was proved September
22, 1803, in which he speaks only of his brothers Anthony and Jacob.
There are several branches of the family living here.

JACOBSON.

Christian Jacobson was the first of this name on Staten Island. He
was a seafaring man, and captain of a vessel belonging to and sailing
for the Moravian sect. His nationality has been variously credited to
Sweden, Denmai'k, and Holland. He bought a farm in New Dorp,
where he lived. The house is still standing on the west side of New
Dorp lane, a short distance below the railroad station. During tlie
Revolution a party of British soldiers entered his house and shot him,
liis wound proving fatal.

Christian Jacobson had a s-on Jolin Van De Venter, who was born
at New Dorp in 1708, and <lied in 1826. He had sons, Peter, Cornelius,
Bedell. I«rae], and Abraham, and a daughter who became the wife
of Isra' 1 Bedell. Cornelius married a daughter of Isaac B. Housman,
and settled on Long Island. The will of Christian Jacobson hears date
January 10, 1782, and is signed by his mark, attested to by sworn
witnesses, from which circumstance it is iliouiiht probable that it was
made after he had received the f;iiiil sliork. The will mentions his
wife, Ann, his son John V., daughivT.^ Catherina and Elizabeth, and
his brother-in-law, Cornelius Vandeventei". To the first of his daugh-
ters he gave £1,050, and to the second, £1,000. The will also contains
tlie following item : " I glA'e to the Brethren's Church on Staten Is-
land (^Moravian, at New Dorp), the sum of Twenty Pound, and to the
lieverend Mr. Canibold the sum of Twenty Pound for the use of Mis-
sionari(^s nnion^ the Indians."

JACQUES.

Count Jati

(lies, a

{■renr

h Huguenot, ca

lue lo lliis (

•uiintry duriui

le hitter pai

•t of tlH

- Sevei

iteenth century.

and settled

in New Jersey

94 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

His grandson, David Jacques, was a resident of Staten Island prior
to the Kevolution. He bnilt a cottage at tlie present Casrleton Cor-
ners, wliieli was afterward enlarged, and later became Bodine's Inn,
and later still the r(^sid('n(c nf Thonias W. Keene, the actor.

David Jacques's grandson, Isaac Jacques, a wealthy New York mer-
chant, built the hirge Gothic residence on Eichmond avenue, Port
Richmond, known as the Harrison house. The lai\ge willovr trees in
front of this house Avere brought from the isle of St. Helena, the box-
Avood came from Mount Vernon, Virginia, and the fence in front from
the former residence of the owner on Whitehall street, New York
City.

David Jacques's sister, Elizabeth, married John Tysen, the grand-
father of David J. Tysen, of New Doi-p.

JOHNSON.

Tlie name is Englisli; but some of the early settlers here who bore
it were of Dutch extraction, li.ning Anglicized the Dutch name of
Jansen. The earliest is Peter, who was plaintiff in a suit in 1680.
Thomas J,i]]ns<in and Ann Bouwman had a son Casper, baptized June
;;(!. 1728. Joliannes and Jannetje (Jane) Olascow had a son Thomas,
baptized Pelu'uary 2!t, ITor). Nathaniel and Sophia Van Gelder's son
lleiKhicl; was hapli/eil Xiveieliei- 19, 17:'>S. Niei-s and Sara Morgen
liad (laugliters liaplized in IT:!1. 17:i'.t, .-uid 174(1. P<'ter a.nd Mary
Taylor were married October 24, 1754. Isaac and Elender Bowman
were married in 1704. Peter and Malli ( M(dly) Lister had a son Joune-
ton (Jonathan), bajitized Octolier 2, 17.")."). John and Cornelia Cello,
son of Peter, was baptized November 7, 1753. Dowe and Margaret
had a daughter born ^lay 7. 1771. Dowe made his will November 10,
1783, proved June 7, 1788, in which he mentions his sons Dowe and
James. Winant and ^iai'V had a daughter Sophia, born December 17,
1772, and a son David, born April 13,' 1774.

Winant, not the above, made his will June 18, 1803, proved June
30, 1803. in which he mentions his wife, Mary, and her sons Winant
and Jesse. These sons luarried : Winant, Catharine Guyon, Novem-
ber 27, 1797, and Jesse, Bachel Totten, January 11, 1804. Mattice
( .\ratthias) had a son William, born July 17, 1751, who was baptized
in Max, 1772. then an adult. George had a son Thomas, born Angus!
17, 1771. Isaac and Plouey (Appolonia) Frome were married in
March, 1772. Nathaniel and Catharine Woglom were married No-
vember 0, 1791. Louis and Phebe Van Pelt were married December
24, 1793. John (born in 1770. died June 2, 1832) and Patty (Martlia)
P.edell were marri<Ml March 28, 1794. He was a potter and carried on
liis business in the vicinity of Elm Park. They had the follo-wang
sons: Joint, a merchant at Port Bichmond, born January 3, 1795, died
l>eceml)er 19, 1859; Jo.seph B., merchant at Port Biclimoiid, born in

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. yi)

November, 1786, died July 4, 1849; Isvael D.. merchant av Port Eieli-
iiiond, born April 15, 1803, died Febrnary 0, 1873, aud James.

Jacob, brother of the potter, married Eliza Hausihwout, July 28,
1705; their .sons were Peter H., James, Isaac, Benjamin, and Jacob.
William, brother of the potter, married Catharine Martlinti, April 28,
1802; their sons were: Jdhn, James, William, Edward, and Ohan-
iiinii'; they had alsM a diuiLilitcr Sarah, who married Hna;h Oibson, and
died Anjiiist 25, ls2(;, in her sixty-ninth year; their son John, born
Febrnary 13, 1803, died November 3, 1865. Edward, brotlier of the
potter, born October 12, 1776, died September 4, 1856. Abraham and
Jane Jennings were married September 24, 1704. David and Jane
Winant Avere married June 23, 1706. Ephraim and Catharine Laforge
were married October 10, 1707. James and Letitia Totten were mar-
ried Febrnary 20, 1805. Anthony and Fanny Oakley were married
January 28, 1807. Esek, of Tottenville, was a grandson of James,
and son of Abraham, who built one of the first houses on the Pillopp
estate, after the sale by confiscation.

JONES.

There is no name, perhaps, connected witli the history of Staten
Island, having more disconnected branches tlian this. Jones is a
Welch name. The ancestor of one branch purchased land on Staten
Island under the Ddu^aii patent. Tlie village of New Springville
stands uiion a portinn of it.

The eiU'lii'st si'iili'i- nf this name Avas Edward. He settled in New
York iK'I.Hc Kiiniii- In Staten Island. His Avill bears date of 16.")0.
Edward mairird ('Miliavine Decker, and they had the fnlh.wing chil-
dren: Edwaiil, hnplizcd July 20, 171s, died vniiiig; :\ratthciis. baptized
NovemlH r 2. 1710; Abigail, liaidized April 22, 1722; Edward, bap-
tized August 14, 1726; ^Matlheus, above named, married IMargaritje
(^Maryari't) Cowan, and they had a daughter Catharine, ba]itized June
7,1743.

Tliere A\as a John wliose wife was l»achel ^''an Engeleii. and they
had the frdlowing children: Elizabeth, baptized April 10, 1732; Jo-
hannes, baptized ]\lar» h 0. 1735; a daughter, baptized in 1737; Lucre-
tia, baptized ■March 30, 1740; Isaac, baplized April 22, 1747. Abi-a-
liam and Janneije Peisn(4 had a daughter JaiK^, ba])tized I\Iay 2, 1753.
E(hAard and Mnviha had a son Abraham. I.nrn Afardi 31, 1772.

Abraham lived on the ancestral homestead at New Springville.
The dwelling was a low stone sfi-ncture, and stood on the site of the
s.^uare Iniildini: erected liy Dr. O'Neill, and afterward owned by the
Ir.fe Hugh Foster, south of the Adllage. Notwithstanding the fact
that Abraham Jones was selected for colonel of the Staten Island
militia at the commencement of the Pevolution, he Avas. a feAv months
later, aiijiointed a cai)iaiii in P.ill(i]i]i's Tlattaliini of native Loyalists.

96 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Shortly after the close of the Revolution he went to Nova Scotia;
but it is evident that he made lawful provision for the retension of
Ills Stati'i) Island prnppi ty, as a portion of it is still in the possession
(if a liii'Ml doscciKlani. ^Ir. Jolin J. Torsen. Captain Jones had evi-
(l(Mit!y urnwii tivoii ,,(' Xova Scotia, and took passage for home; but
was drowned at sea and his remains were lost. Mr. Corsen retains
the sword which Captain Jones carried during the Eevolution.

Captain Abraham Jones made his will while in Shelbourne, Xova
Scotia. It was written on the 11th of August. 1791, and admitted to
probate on August 14, 1702. It names " his widow and Kelict Jane
Jones the Executrix, and Abraham Jones and Edward Jones, his sous,
and Abraliani Cioclieron his Grand Son Executors." They were Avith
him in Slidhi mne. The document is ;\ ciivio^ily, many of the words
being in Diilcli and others in l)ad Englisli. .\\'\<-v |irnviding for debts
and burial. In- gives his daughter Jane, the wife of Peter Gnyon, '• six
Pounds ha'ifax Currency to be paid her yearly & Every year During
hir nateral life l>y my two suns Abraham and Edward Each to pay
one-lialf Hie ^uni." Also, "I give and bequeath to my beloved Sun
.\i)raliani my farm in tlie ^lanor purched from Tlioinas Donken & Dan-
iel Sinioii>on on Statenisland County of Tvidiniond & state of New
York ^; liidf the land purched fnuu Beckman Joining the other & half
ilie Sail niedow and half the house in new york standing At wife hall
slip."' Also, " to my beloved Sun Edward my old farm at Carlesneck
with the ten Akers of Salt medoAv thereunto belonging during his nat-
eral Life & after his Deth the one quarter peart theareof to his Daugh-
ter Jane & Remainder of said farm my will & order Is that my Soun Ed-
ward shall have it in his power to Give it to Such of his Children as
he shall think best.''

Also, "to my beloved Sun Edward all the Remander of my Land
in the manner purched from John Beckman & the lialf The Salt medow
on the longneck after ten akers being ftn-;! Mesni-ed of for my Sun
Abraham & I furder Give and bequeath to tuy Sun Edwaid lialf the
house in new york standing on the wife hall slip." After directing
that " the land in the manner be sold part as he shall thitdv best for
his owne benefit the half the house in new york," as his •' sun " shall
think best, " I furder order & Direct that his present wife Phebe the
Daughter of Silus Bedell shall have no share nor part Thareof." Also,
" I furder will & order the house & lots Given to my Daughter Jane
after her mother Deth to be devided among her Children — that is to
Say Abraham Edward & Jane the wife of peter Guyon."

The witnesses were Nathl. Munro, Cornelius Rapelje, and Barnt
Martling. The Probate Judge signed his name Ri : Combauld, and the
Registrar was Archd. Cunningham.

Mr. John J. Corsen, the owner of the property to-day, represents at
least the eighth generation that has possessed it, although it is not in-
tact as in former years.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

There is another branch of the Jones family which has long been
promiuenl on Staten Island. The late Captain Christopher C. Jones,
of Mariners' Harbor, son of Daniel, son of Abraham, traced his an-
cestry back for seyeral generations. His son, George T., still re-
sid(-s on a part of the family estate. The latter has two sons, Christo-
pher C. ami La Grange.

JOUKNEAY

Tlie tirsi
Jouriiea.y,
n the slii]>

..fill

'i-oui

-Sp.

s fan
'ays
tied (

i\\ of wlucll we ]i;
Ic' N'aiul. «lio caiiu
"ow."

,as .Moillart
April, ir.c.:?.

BIRTHPLACE OF HON. .TAMKS A. BRADLEY, ROSSVILLE.

John Journeay bonght and sold land in 1700. St. Andrew's Church
records, about 1750, say : John and Martha had the following chil-
dren: John, born January 4, 1752; Albert, born March 8, 1755; Nich-
olas, born August 22, 1756; William, born August 6, 1759. and Rich-
ard, born August 7, 1771.

The above-named Nicholas is mentioned in the county records in
1701 as Nicholas, Jr. Ni( holas, son of John, had a son Nicholas, bap-
tized November 1, 1780. Joseph and ]\rary Winant were married De-
cember 29, 1807. John and Patience Cole were married in July, 1802.

yS HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

John (not tlie last named, unless Patience Cole was his second Avifc)
made his will March 2, 1803, proved April 21, 1803, in which he speaks
of his Avife, riiticncc, liis sons, Allx-rt, Robert, Abralinin, -Tolin. Will-
iam, James, ami Kirliaid, and his damihtcr,-;, :\lartlia Kandoliih. Cath-
arine Fonutain, ami .Maria, wife of Dr. Henderson. ]Maria Journeav
was married to Dr. Henderson in 1792.

LA POKGE.

It is believed tliat this familycame directlyfrom Franceto this conn-
tiy. Tlie name of De la Forge appears in the assessment roll of Bos-
wyclv (Bnshwick) in 1676, and among those who took the oath of alle-
giance in Kings County in 1867 is the name of Adrian La fforge, who
had tlien been in the county fifteen years. In 1738 there was an
Adrian Laforge, who bought land on Staten Island. There appear to
have been two branches of the family in Castleton and in Westfiekl,
who may or may not liave had a common origin. The present repre-
sentative of the Castleton branch is G. M. Laforge, of Illinois. The
late Peter D. Laforge. also of Illinois, and the late Captain John La-
forge, of West New Brighton, were his brothers. Their father was
David, and their mother Gertrude, daughter of John Martling. Da-
vid's father was Peter, who was the son of Benjamin. David's brotli-
ers were Peter, John, Benjamin, Jacob, and Richard Channing Mooi-e.
Peter, David's father, was the father of Peter and David C, of Port
Bichmond.

Of the Westfleld branch, we have only the following notices : David
and Catharine had a son Henry Seguine, baptized May 15, 1790. John
and Phebe Bedell married September 15, 1804. James and Cath-
arine Winant married February 8, 1806. David and Ann Johnson
married July 8, 1807.

The family name is well represented on Staten Island to-day, the
principal one in A^'estfield being James Laforge, of Pleasant Plains.
The family to which he belongs was a large one, but it is gradually
diminishing.

LAKE.

The Lake fannly settled on Staten Island about 1670, and is of
English origin. The records show that Daniel Lake applied for a
grant of land in 1679. He had two sons, Daniel and William. Daniel
died in 1723. leaving a son Daniel, who was born January 26, 1719, and
died July 10, 17(12, leaving a son William, born January 7, 1750, who
died March 21, 1783, leaving a son Daniel W., born September 9, 1780.
married Mary Gifford, daughter of William Barnard Gifford, March
31, 1803, died October 6, 1835. He left sons: John, still living- at
Buffalo, New York, and Arthur G., born October 14, 1811, died April
22, 1887. Joseph, born July 8, 1753, and his wife, Catharine, born

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. ' 99

June 2, 1755, both died :\Iiinli U. ISi:^, wilhiii one \un\r of ciuli other.
They had adauglitcr J';ilii>n(c, huin .Mar :'.0, 17<»(). Thi'i<' was another
Joseph, also born in 17."):!, and died .May 24, lS4o, in his nimMieth year.
There was still auothei- Joseph. l>orn in 1773, and died March 1(>, 1854.
llf lived on the Manor mad, near Castleton Corners.

\\'illiani Lal<e and "Sl-\vy Tyscn had the followinii sons: "William,
iKirn November 10, 17(>0; ISornt, born March 25, 1771, killed October
27, 1815; Josepli, born ;\iay 12, 1777. Bornt had the following sons:
William, Jose])h, Daniel, and John. Daniel and IMargaret, his wife,
had a son Daniel, l»nri! ^lay 12, 1777. Cornelius and Susan Androvet
^vere married April li. 17!U. Joseph and Eliza Van Pelt were mar-
ried .T;iiiu:n\ i-'d, IT'.i'^. D;niiel and Margaret Jackson were married
JiHU' 5, 1802. Daniel Lake made his will October 13, 1789, proved
September 4, 1792, in which he mentions his wife, Sarah, his sons
Daniel and Joseph, and his grandson Daniel, son of his son William,
deceased.

The Lake family is pretty well scattered throughout the country,
especially in the South. It has married into scores of families of
other names. There are, however, several families on the Island who
keep up the family name, and are lineal descendants of those who first
came here to live. The venerable mother of Mr. David J. Tysen, of
New Dorp, who died recently, belonged to this family. She was born,
lived all her life, and died on the old Huguenot estate at New Dorp.

LAEZELERE.

Jacol) Larzelere bouglit land on Staten Island in 1680. Nicholas
bouglit land in 1693; he was at one time the sheriff of Richmond
County. There w%as another Jacob, probably a son of Nicholas, whose
wife's name was Alire; lliey had a son Daniel, bom June 16, 1757, and
a son l'i'ni:;niin, Imni Orieber 22, 1701. Nicholas, probably a brother
of Jacult, wliiise wife's name was Sarah, had a daughter Johanna,
born January 7, 1768. Jacob and Elsy had a son Richard, born June
18. 1771. Benjamin (not the one mentioned above) was born July
6, 1740, and died October 6, 1802; he made his will June 17, 1802, in
whicli he mentions his wdfe, Sarah, and his children, Benjamin, Jacob,
and Catharine.

The Lai'zelere family Avas once one of great importance on Staten
Island, but it is now almost extinct.

LATOURETTE.

The Latourette family was of French Huguenot origin. The first
mention of the name here is as follows: Jean Latourette and Maria
Mersereau had the folloAving children : David, baptized April 24, 1726;

100 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Daviil Latourette, s]ii>iis()i-: Antlioiiy. January 24, IToO, and Heury,
January 24, 1731.

rierre La Tourettc and :\lariann.' .Mcrs.'vcanx liad :i snn Dauiel,
baptized :\rarch 3, Ill's, and i w in suns David and Ja(in('s. O.iober 31,
1730. David and ('alliariup IN.illon, had a sou Jacpu-s. baptized
]\Iar( ]i 1!>, 1732. Janu's, ])robably oue of the Jaques ineutioued above,
and Elizabeth, his wife, had sons, John, born December 11, 17fi4;
Jouathau, born January 31, 1766. and Heury, boni April 22, 1775.
David and Elizabeth, his wife, had a daughter Tathariue, born No-
vember 9, 1766. John and Susannah, his v,ife, had a son John, born
September 30, 1764. James and INFary, his wife, had a son David, born
July 7, 1786. David and Phebe T'ole uuuTied November 12, 1808.
IFcniy. of Fresh Kill, a weaver, made his will January 19, 1794,
jiroved December 30, 1794, in wliich he speaks of his wife, Sarah,
his brothel', TTenry, de<-eased, liis sons. TTenvy. J(diu, and Teter, and
dant;lite)-s Susan, wife of Teler ("nie. and Ann. wife of \\'illiani de
(iroot. T'eter's wif<' w.-is Elizabetli Androvette.

There are several hranclies of I lie family still residiug' on the Island.
Latourette Hill (bac Ic of the villa-" of Richmond, and a part of liich-
niond Hill), is named in honor of the family residing- there. This
l»articular family was at one time very large, but at present tht
estate is owned exclusively by Elizabeth, unmarried. There are sev-
eral families of Latourettes in Northfield and Westfield.

LISK.

The Lisk family was but meagerly rei^re^ented on Slalen Island in
the early history of the place. James, tlie earliest nienlinned, had a
son John, baptized ^Nfarch 25, 1701. He is also mentioned as liaving
bought land in 1706. He had a son Thomas, who mariied Catalyntje
\'an Pelt, and had daughters baptized in 1729, 1731. 1739. and 1745.

John, son of James, married Rachel ILmghwont. and had a son
Jacob, baptized January 2, 1728. Matthias and Anastasia liid a son
Moses, born December 7, 1766. John and iMary had a son Thomas, born
September 19, 1756. He made his will August 24, 1793, in wliith lie
mentions his children: Thomas, Franky, and Catharin<'. Tliere is
an Alexander Lisk mentioned in the court records in 1724.

The Richmond Count i/ Mirror, in 1838, publishcKl an account of John
Lusk, Avhich was copied from a Southern paper. John Lnsk was a
native of Staten Island, and related to the present Lisk family. He
Avas born on the fifth day of November, 1734, at what is now West
New Rrighton. in an old stone house, whose last occupant was George
Tiarn'lt. The exaci s]iot where it stood is now marked l.y the resi-
dence of ( 'apt;iin Itieliard Chiistoi.her. Tin- Un/v,r says :

" He was in the artillery sei-\ice for lifty-eiglit years, and was the
last sni-viv(n- of the old f'rencli War in (^anada. He wa> of Dutrh

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 101

(extraction, and an immediate descendant of the Huguenots. His
name is piommnced ' Lisk " iu I he Dutch language. He commenced
his career in tlie army in the war Acadie, commonly called the French
War, when about twenty years of age. and served through the whole
(.fit.'

'• He was a soldier at the siege of (^>nebec-, fought iu the memorable
action of the Plains of Abraham, seventy-nine years before he closed
liis life; saw the brave (Jenernl W(df fall, and participatc^d iu all the
sufferings and hanlsliijis of thai arduous and meuKU'able campaign,
lie was also at I he con(iuesl of Acadie, now calbnl Newfoundland,
by (Jenerals Amherst and Shirby, and assisttr-d iu the disp(„'rsi(jn of
til'' captured i'rench through the colonies of New Englaud by the
Anglo-Americans.

" Lusk early enlisted iu the \Var of the Eevolution, and he fought
like a soldier and patriot till the close. He was attached to the ex-
pedition to Canada under General Benedict Arnold; was at the build-
ing of Fort Edward, and was there Avounded. He was in the battle
of Saratoga. \\ here Burgoyne surrendered, and at ^Nbuimoulh, Prince-
ton, Trenton, ami \arious other important battles, and \\;is finally at
the siege of Yorktown, and had the singular and remarkal)le fortune
to see the surrender of Coruwallis to General Washington.

" On the restoration of peace the old soldier laid down his musket
and liis kmtpsack for a while, but he did not remain long in inactivity.
He enlisted iu the army under General Wayne against the Indians,
nothing daunted by the terroi-s of the wilderness or the strategems
of the pov.erful and wily foe, though he had already Aveathered the
storms of sixty ■^inters.

" At the close of this brilliant and successful campaign, he joined
the regular army uu'ler General Butler, and was stationed at West
I'oiut, New York State (now called Kingston). But at last the brave
old man, being worn down with age and infirmities, was discharged as
uuht for duty, when near eighty years of age. He left the army in
entire destitution, and subsisted foi' seveial years upon the c(_dd
charities of the world, together willi the little pittance he earned by
his daily labor as a broommaker. On the passage of the Pension law,
in 1818, he availed himself of its privileges, and from that time for-
ward was fui-nished with all the necessaries of life. He retained to
the last all the faculties except that of sight, which for the last ten
years of hi^ life had been growing dim.

" l.uslc was a man of remarkable strength of constitution and elas-
ticity of frame, and never had a spell of sickness in his life. He was
ill tlie habit of AAalking to the Town of McMiuville, a distance of seven
miles from his home (his death occurring at Warren County, Tennes-
se.\ at the advanced age of one hundred and four y(-ars). and back
again on the same day. and this, too, after he had reached one huu-

102 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

dred years of age — retaining the perfect npright form and linn step
and movements of a soldier to the last.

" Thus lived and died one of the most remarkable men of the age.
He was witness to more remarkable events, perhaps, than any other
man living in his day. What revolutions rolled over the earth in the
lime that lapsed between his birth and deathl He was almost coeval
with the colonial historv. He was an old man when the nation com-
menced its career, and during his life he saw empires rise and fall,
thrones demolished, and new kingdoms spring to existence, and dur-
ing that same period twenty-five millions of the race lived and died.'"

The name of Lisk still exists on Staten Island. The present repre-
sentative of the family is John W., of Graniteville.

LOCKMAN.

The records show that this is one of the oldest Dutch families iu
the Province of New York. The first mention of the name is that of
G overt Lockermans (sometimes spelled Lookermans), who arrived in
America in 1633, in the carvel " St. Martyn." He was a minor when
he aiTived, and came as an apprentice, but was immediately taken
into the service of the company. He soon contrived to make himself
conspicuous, especially by leading attacks on the Indians on Staten
Island and elsewhere.

According to the records, the earliest mention of the name was in
1680, when Abraham Lakeman is said to have owned a parcel of
woodland on the south side of the Fresh Kill. (This may now be
recognized as the Benham property.) About 16S0, there were several
of the name on Staten Island — Abraham, mentioned above, whose
name is found aguin in the records in 1684 and 1692; Lewis, wlio
was a defendant in a suit July 6, 1681, and Peter, who sold land in
1684. There was an Isaac, perhaps a son of one of the above, ^-hose
wife was ('atliarine Cliiistopher, and they had a son Lewis, baptized
May 23, 1731.

Abraham and Elizabeth had two daughters — Sarah, in 1762, and
JIargaret, in 1767, and a son Abraham, born April 4, 1772. Isaac and
his wife Martha, had the following sons: David, born January 26,
1768; Jacob, born July 21, 1771, and Joseph, born October 7, 1772.
William and Mary had a daughter Sarah, born October 4, 1772. Isaac
and Margaret had a son William, born November 24, 1772. There was
another Isaac, born 1758, and died May 1, 1814. Samuel and Cath-
arine Crowal were married March 16, 1790. Nathaniel made his will
December 12, 1795, proved May 24, 1803, in which he mentions his
wife Martha, his daughter Susanna, and his sons Isaac and John.

CHAPTER VIII.

OLD STATEN ISLAND P^AMILIES — CONCLUDED.

MANEE.

ins nainc Avas (U'iiiinally written jManez. The family is espe-
cially idcniiticd witii WCstticld. licganling it tlie records
are very meager, i'eter Mauee aud Alary Brooks bad a
daughter baptized August 8, 1725. Abraham and Auna
Jaiiseu had a sou Abraham, b;iptized Alay 20, 1723. Abraham aud
Sarah du Chesne had a daughter Sarah, baptized March oO, 1740.
Abraham had a sou Isaac, baptized May 15, 1790. Peter aud Mary
Pryor were married January 4, 1804. William and Elizabeth Prier
were married in April, 1808. Abraham and Mary "VYoglom were mar-
ried October 8, 1808. Isaac made his will May 14, 1794, proved July
18, 1794, in which he speaks of his brothers Abraham and Peter, aud
his sister, Hannah Prior. His will is dated on the day of his death,
at which time he was forty-six years old. The family is largely rej)
resented iu the Town of Westfiehl at the in-esent time.

MARTLING.

When the connection of this family with the Island began, is un-
known. The earliest mention of it in the local records is iu 1724,
when Isaac Martliug and Sarah Yau Name had a daughter baptized
January 10; a son John, January 21, 1731, a Barent Martliug being
present as a sponsor.

Although the family has been represented on the Island through
succeeding generations, comparatively little is known of its history.
The latest of the name who gained especial prominence, was Garret,
wiio died a few years since. The Martliug farm and Martling's ice
pond will doubtless retain their names for many years to come.

MAETINO.

CJaston Martineau, a surgeon of Dieppe, settled in England in lfi85,
and was a French refugee. He had several sons, whose desceudauts
.still reside in England,

The family in America is a collateral branch, and were on Staten
Island some time before Gaston left France. The name of Francis
is found iu the county records as defendant in a suit with Jaques Je-

lOi HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

young in 1681, and as seiJing land in 1G91. Francisco Martino re-
ceived a patent from Governor Dongan for land in Kichmoud County
in 1086. At one time the family was a very flourishing (me in this
cnuiity, but the name has almost entirely disappeared.

Stephen ]\[artino was born in 1727, and died May 9, 1801. He
owned and resided on the property known now as the Poor House
Farm. He was one of the corporators of the Moravian Church at
New Dorp. Benjamin, brother to Stephen, was born in 1712, and
died May 17. 1S21. Benjamin, son of above, was born Ajiril 1, 17(i6,
and died November 20, 1811. He was the father of Gabriel Martino,
of Castleton Corners, and Stephen was the father of Gabriel Martino,
of Bull's Head.

MEKKILL.

The family by this name are descendants of Eichard ^Merrill and
Sarah, his wife, wlio were natives of Warwickshire, Enghiud, who
emigrated to America about the year 1675, and settled on Staten
Island. They had the following sons: William, Eichard, Thomas,
Philip, and perhaps John. In the Albany records appears the name
ot William as OMuing land on Staten Island in 1683. Philip bought
land of Eichard in 1781. The latter was either his father or brother.

Eichard married Elsie Dorlant and had the following children :
Eichard, baptized September 22, 1709; Elsie, baptized April 1, 1708;
Eichard, baptized 1715; Lambert, baptized January 1, 1721, and
Susanna, baptized September 13, 1721. Philip and Elizabeth Bakker
had llir tnlldwing cliildren: Catherine and Susanna, twins, baptized
July 1, 1725; Philip, baptized February 21, 1727; Nicholas, baptized
November 21, 1728; Elizabeth, baptized April 8, 1738, and Neeltje
(Cornelia), baptized March 9, 1735! Thomas and Jenne Gewan had
a son Eichard. John and Gertrude Sinsonsou hail a daughter bap-
tized September 18, 1726.

Eichard, son of Thomas, had tJie foUowiiig cliildren: Alargarc^tta,
baptized January 1, 1738, and Annalje (Anna), bajiiized April 19,
1743. Jail and Aeltje (Alida) Bennet had a son Simon, and a daugh-
ter baptized May 6, 1745. Thomas and Eva Jones had a daughter
baptized October 31, 1756. This Thomas made his will December 31,
1791, proved Ajiril 30, 1803, in which he mentions his wife, Eva, and
his sons, Jidni, Thomas, and Matthew. John, sou of Thomas and Eva,
v>-as born in 1742, and died December 19, 1826. His wife's name was
Charit3^ Thomas, son of Jolni and Eva, had a son John, baptized
August 17, 1788.

There was a John Merrill, Jr., A^ho had a daughter baptized No-
vember 7, i790, and John Y., who was born in 1770, and died June
6, 1858, but they are probably distinct persons; John, Jr., more proba-
bly was the son of Joseph and Martha, and was born April 4, 1765.
Joseph also had a daughter Mary, born January 16, 1763. John and

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 105

Ann, his wife, bad a dau-liiir li.iiii i/.cil \()V(-iiibei- 7, 1753. Lambert
isun ol' Iviebard and Jllsici, .uhI I'alMilia, had a son Kicluird, born
July 9, 17(i5; a son Jonailiau. Ikuji .May :24, 1774; a daughter Tabitha,
bora February 18, 1770, who married Captain John W. Blalie, and
died January 12, 18()1, aiied nearly ninety-one years; also a daughter
Elsie, born 17GS, married John llillyer in 1785, and was tl](^ mother
of LaAvrenee and John B. Hillyer.

William and Ann Merrill were married in Aumist. 1770; Abraham
and Ann .Merrill were inarri.-il ().|ulirr :!, IT'.iil; -Mary, widow, made
her will January 10, 1781), pr(>\('d Xdvciiiher ;;o, 1789. The family
is still very numerous.

MERSEKEAU.

Joliu Mersereau was a native of France, and was a Protestant. He
studied law, but learned the Made of saddler. He left sous — Joshua,
Paul, and Daniel — and daiigiiMis — Mary and Martha. The mother,
accompanied by these cliililn u, lU-d from France to England in 1685,
immediately after the l^'\ nca! inn, and subseciuently, all except Paul,
came to America. It is said iliat they were driven to New York by
stress of weather. Tliey at (mce settled on ^Stateu Island, where the
mother died, and was buried in the old French graveyard, at Green
Ridge.

Daniel Mersereau was a tailor. Joshua married a Latourette, and
died May 23, 1756, aged oxer ninety-three years. They had a sou
Joshua, who was born .May 18, 1096, and died July 9, 17()9; his wife
was Maria, daughter ni .la cob ( 'nrseu; she was born October 21, 1704,
and died July 3, 1763. 'I'liiir cjiildren were: Joshua, born September
26, 1728, died June 10, isui ; .hi, nh, huin .V].ril 23, 1730, died Septem-
ber 7, 1804; John, born .MaK li -. 17.'.2; Elizabeth, born January 4,
1734; David, born Noveiubci- 10. LT.T., died July 19, 1763; .Mary, born
January 11, 1738; ('(.melius, burn .Inly 27. ]7:i'.i. dird .Inly 27, 1814;
Paul, born February 23, 1741, died January 26, isi'.l; Elizabeth, born
November 26, 1742; Kachel, boru FebruiU'y 27, 1746, died July, 1769.

Jacob made his will July 16, 1804, proved September 18, 1804, in
which he speaks of iiis wife, Charity, and her children, John and
Mary, wife of Thomas Cubbcily; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel De Hart;
Sophia, wife of John Crocherdii; Jacob, David, and Peter. He was
the Colonel Jacob Mersereau whose escaiDe from the British during
the Revolution is alluded to elsewhere in this Avork. His son was
The father of John T. and Alfred Mersereau, of Ciianileville. His son,
Peter, born in 17SS, was Member of Assembly in 1845. Cnhmel Jacob
had also a son John by his first marriage, Avho married a Cruser. and
was the fatlier-in-law of the late Judge Abraham Crocherou.

Paul, sou of Joshua Mersereau and Maria Corsen, married Eliza-
beth Barnes, born April 21, 1751, died May 26, 1833. Their children
were: Joshua, born February 7, 1773, died March 7, 1847; Nancy,

lOG HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

bi)ru April i, 1775, died November 30, 1851; Mary, born l'>bru<ary 2,
3 777. died June 6, 1858; Elizabeth, born June 20, 1779, dun] May 9,
].S5r); Eacbel, boru June oO, 17S1, died February 23, 1863; Paul, born
March 11, 1781, died July 21, 185G; Margaret, born March 27, 1787;
Gertrude born November 30, 1789.

Joshua, son of Paul and Elizabeth, married Deborah Britton, Jan-
uary 7, 1801. She was boru August 4, 1782, and died March 20, 1810.
Their children were: Nathaniel, born October 18, 1802; Paul, born
iSei^tember 20, 1801; Mary, born January 29, 1807; Cornelius, boru
May 12, 1811; Joshua, boru January 2C, 1814; Elsey, born August 30,
1817; Elizabeth, born May 5, 1820; Debora, born April 7, 1823; John,
born May 28, 1 826, and Margaret.

John was mentioned in the county records in 1730; and he was
probably the Jean whose wife's name was Craage; they had a son
Joshua, baptized February, 1791, and subsequently a sou Daniel.
Daniel married Cornelia Yanderbilt, and had a sou John, baptized
March 4, 1859. Etienne (Stephen) Mersereau and Ann jMitchell had
a sou Daniel, baptized about 1832; a daughter, January 1, 1735, and
a son named Eichaj-d, May 1740.

There was a Joshua, who had a son Harmauus, baptized June 8,
1788. There was a Paul Mersereau on Staten Island as early as 1728,
who was sponsor at a bajitism. Peter Mersereau and Kebecca, his
wife, had the following children: Sai'ah, born March 23, 1769; Dan-
iel, born August 27, 1771, died July 16, 1855. and John, baptized No-
vember, 1775. Peter, boru 1731, died June 16, 1803. There was a
John born December, 1737, who died July 30, 1811. John and Charity
had a sou John, bi)rn April 13, 1757; sou LaAvrence, March 28, 1761.
I'aul and Frances had a son John, boru May 2, 1759. Stephen aud
Lydia had the following children: Sarah, born September 8, 1766;
Daniel, born Deeeiiibcr 6, 1768, and Stephen, born February 14, 1774.
.Idsiiua and :\huy liad I lie lolluwiug children: Stephen, born May 5,
1770, and Joshua, baptized September (i, 1772. Daniel and Susan had
a daughter Ann, baptized July 6, 1789. Daniel and Ann had a daugh-
rer Cornelia, baptized June 26, 1791. Henry and Eliza Laforge were
mai'ried September 6, 1790. Jacob and Mary Crocheron were married
September 5, 1798. Daniel aud Alida Lake were married October C,
1798. Daniel and Eliza Wiuant were manned February 8, 1800.
Stephen and Lauah Winant were married November 21, 1802. John
and Ann Parlee were married December 31, 1803. Joshua and Su-
sanna Storj' were married December 10, 1805. Peter Mersereau made
his will Maj 6, 1800, and it was proved July 25, 1803, in which he
mentions his children Elizabeth, Eebecca, Catharine, Ann, Sarah,
Daniel, and William.

David Mersereau was boru on Staten Island about 1769, aud died
in April, 1835. His remains are buried in the Dutch Eeformed Church-
yard at Port Eichmond. He married Cornelia, daughter of Abraham

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

107

Rolff. He removed to Virginia, wliere he managed a stoic and liad
other pursuits. He remained South for several years. On liis retuiu
Xortli he and his family embarked on a schooner, in which they en-
countered a violent storm. Tlie vessel was capsized, and all except
Mr. Mersereau were drowned. For forty-eight hours he clung to his
precarious support on the Icee! of the capsized vessel, until a passing
one, bound for Philadelphia, rescued him. He afterward became a
judge in this county, and owned a great deal of property.

METCALFE.

Simon Metcalfe, the progenitor of the family on Staten Island, came
from England in 1765, and settled in New York City. Subsequently
he was appointed deputy surveyor of the colony. He had a son
George, whom he left in England to be educated, until he was seven-
teen years of age, when he joined liis father in tliis country.

After studying law,
George resided at Al-
bauy for a time, then
went to Johnstown,
Fulton County, in this
State. Governor John
Jay appointed him as-
sistant attorney-gen-
eral, in 1790, which of-
fice he held until ISll.
He then removed In
New York, where lie
practiced law uniil
181G, when lie removed
to tStaten Island, and in
181S he becanui dis
triet-attoruey. He mar
ried the daughter of

Commodore Silas Talbot, and his death occurred in 1S26. His chil-
dren were Maria, who married William S. Eoot, of Tompkiusville;
Silas Talbot, Simon, Catharine, who was the first wife of John B.
Simonson; Henry Bleeker. Georgianna., who married Daniel Fenn,
of Massachusetts, and Louisa, twins, and George.

Henry Bleeker Metcalfe left a widow, who died recently at an ad-
vanced age. His sons, Henry T. and (Charles, both became prominent
citizens. The former died in 189G, and the latter in May, 1900. Henry
T. left two sons — Henry T., Jr., present county assessor, and George,
ex-Member of Assembly from Richmond County.

108 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

MICHEAU.

There were several families of this name on Stateu Island during
the last half of the Eigliteeiith eeutury and the beginning nf ilic fol-
lowing one. Paul Mii-hean, the first of the name, was sheriff of Kirh-
mond County in 1730, and member of the Colonial Assembly from
1748 to 1751. His son Paul was chosen to the Provincial Congress in
1775-76, county clerk for twenty years from 1761, county judge for
eleven years from 17S6, and State senator from 17S9 to 1792. His son,
Paul J., ^^as member of Assembly in 1798-99, 1802-03, and aui'ther S(m,
Benjamin, was county treasurer in 1787.

The family has disappeared. They were residents of Westfield,
chieflv; but there wei'e a few in Castletou and Xorthfield.

MORGAN.

Thomas ^Morgan was a member of the Colonial Ass'.'nibly from
Iiichmond ('ounty in 1692. This is the first occurrence of the name in
the cnuuiy rcituds. The records of the Dutch Reformed Church show
tliat Thomas had a son Abraham, who was baptized May 5, 1696,
and a daughter Martha, September 7, 1698.

Thomas (probably a sou of the former) and Magdalena Staats, had
the following children: Elizabet, baptized February 7, 1725; Mag-
dalena, baptized February 12, 1727; Peter, baptized ^March 9, 1729;
Thomas, baptized October 10, 1731, and Sarah, baptized September
1 6, 1739.

The name does not appear again until December l(j, 1751, ^^■hen
AMlliani .Morgan and i:ii/,ali<'i Winter were married. It is probable
that Willirnii w.is ihc son of i'eler, nienlioned above. William had
a son -bdiii, wlio lived all his lifetime and died in the vicinity of New
Sjiiing\illt'. He had a sou Charles, who married a Vroom, and they
were I lie parents of Henry C. Morgan, of Ti'avisville. The latter had a
brotLier John Y., ^^ho lived at Mariners' Harbor.

There are several families by the name on Staten Island to-day; but
they do not seem to be in any Avay connected with early settlers.

PEEINE.

This name was originally spelled Perrin. Count Perrinwas a promi-
nent Huguenot refugee from Nouere. The original emigrant was a-kin
to him.

The veiT first occurrence of the name on Staten Island was in 1687,
when Daniel Perine sold land, and he was probably the progenitor
of the Perines of the present day. The family record is very imper-
fect up to the last two or three generations. The branch which is
here traced, lived for fully two centuries in the same house, which is

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 109

s!-ill .standi Hi;-, on T{irlini(>n(l i-oad, a sliort distance north of Garret-
sons Station.

The lali' ('(iniclius S. and .T.isrpli E. \v<'re the sons of Sim. .11 S.. wlio
was tlir s'li, (.1 .Insriili, hnni .liiiic 4, IToO. and died April IC, 1SI4. .Jo-
seph's brnlhers were Edward, born Jnly G, 1766, and Iteiiry, boi-u
Xoveuiber 29, 1768, and Mary \\'inant, Jnue 21, 1795. They were
tlie parents of Elizabeth, reliet of T\i( liard Tysen. Josei^h's parents
were Edward and Ann. Edward died during the Eevolution. It is
thought that Edward was the son, possibly the grandson, of T)ani(d,
believed to have been the (u-iginal.

The f(dlowing, relative I0 tiiis old family, are found in tlie county
and ohurcli I'ocords, on tombstones, etc.:

Henry and Susanna had a son Edward, born Eebruary I'.K 17.")S; a
son Peter, born May 22, 1761. Henry made his will April 10, 1788,
which was ]iroved -Tune 7. 1788, in wliicli lie mentions his wife, Su-
sanna, and liis (liildren, I)a\id and <'oi-n(dius, tlien minors, and his
otiier (dnidrcn: l^dwavd, .Margaret, Susannah, Abraham, Henry,
Xancy, and .Mary. The younger Henry was a weaver, and made his
will October L>!i. ]7!l2. which was proved April 2, 1793, in wliicli lie
speaks of his brorliers, David, rornelius, and Edward.

Henry and Ann, his wife, had a son Abraham, born I'ebruary 1,

1766. Henry and Hanu.ili, his wife, bad a son Henry, Ikuu .June .1,

1767. .Tames and Xaiinio had a daughter Sophia, born .July 17, 1767.
William and .Miranda, his wife, had a .sou Peter, baptized .June 27,
1790. Edward an 1 raticncc ^lersereau were married .Juno 7, 1790,
and had a daughter :\lary, iM^rn October 9. 1791. Abraham and Sarah
Kezeau w<n-e married August 24, 1790, and had a son, Pet'^r Eezeau,
born SejiiiMiiber 20, 17'.M. Peter and ^Iar\' Bedell were married He-
cemi'er :!1, 17SS. Jvlward and Adrian Guyon were married .Januaiy
20, 17'.M. Henry and .Magihileiia Siiiionson were marrii'd .June 19,
1800. Coiindius and .Maiy McI.imu were married Alarcl, .'.l. 1S04
Edward, boni in 174."., die(i Xnveniber 22, ISIS. .Jauu's <!., born Au-
gust 29, 17".m;, died Sept<-mber 17, IS:?:!. Peter was livim; in 1766, and
a Henry in I7(;7, ,ii which tiino (jiey were interested in ihe transfer
of real estat.' un Stali'U Tslaml.

A i)ictin-e (,f tlie I'ei-in>' homestead is found on page 2Si of \'ol-
ume I.

POILLON.

The flrsi mention of tliis luime wliicli lias been found in connection
with SI at ell Islaiiil was when .TiKpn-s Ponlliiui was aiii)oinr(-d a justice
for Richmond (;\niuty, Decemlter 14, 1689. liy Governor Leisler. In
after years the family became very nuniei-ous on Statcii Island.

■Taques Poillon is frequently mentioned as buying or selling real
estate. iirii;r to 170:!. After liini we liave no notice of any member
of tin' familv for fullv lialf a centurv. Then it is discovered that .Tolin

110 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

and Margaret, his wife, had the following sons: John, born June 6,
1753; Peter, born January 27, 1703, and James, baptized November 3,
1772. James and Frances, his wife, had a son John, baptized Novem-
ber 14, 1762. Peter and Margaret, his wife, had a son John, born
October 28, 1770, and a son Peter, born March 6, 1772. The records
sliow that this Peter was a communicant in St. Andrew's Church at
Richmond in 1792, after his father's death. Abraham and Susan
Cole married June 17, 1790; he died young, but the date is not known.
John and Elizabetli Seguine married July 5, 1792. Abralmm made
his will July 20, 1791, which was proved August 8, 1791; in it he
mentions his wife, Susan, and his son, Peter, a minor. Jolm, wlio is
mentioned above, made his will March 16, 1802, and it was proved
I'^ebruary 18, 1803; he mentions his wife Margaret, his daughters
Mary, Margaret, Ann, Sarah, and Catharine, and his sons Peter, John,
and James, deceased. Each generation had a niimber by the name
of John. The family is still represented on the Island, but not exten-
sively. Albert Poillon has been repeatedly elected constable of the
Town of Westfield, and was for many years an official in the county
court.

POST.

The Post family were among the early settlers of Staten Island.
Adrian Post, who was believed to be the progenitor of the family
here, was the commander of a ship which brought emigrants to the
colony before 16.50. Some time after that he was appointed the super-
intendent of Baron Van de Cajjpelan's plantation on Staten Island.

The Indian massacre of 1655, by which all the inhabitants of Oude
Dorp (Old Town), were either murdered or driven away, and the
village destroyed, compelled Adrian Post to leave the Island temporar-
ily; but he returned after a brief period. His family consisted of his
wife, five chilflren, and two servants.

John, Avho ^as probably a grandson of Adrian, married Anna Hous-
man, and they had the following sons baptized: Abraham, April 19,
1743, and Adrian, April 26, 1748. Garret and Sarah Ellis had the fol-
lowing sons baptized: Garret, Aiigust 7, 1754, and Abraham, ]\Iarch
12, 1758. Abraham had a daughter Miriam, born July 31, 1790.
There was also another Garret, born in 1720, and died March 31, 1797.

The family is still represented in Northfield. The old Post estate
is located by Post avenue, which runs for a considerable distance
Through both the Towns of Northfield and Castleton.

PKAIJ..

Tliis Huguenot family was on Staten Island during the closing
years of the Seventeenth century.

The late Hon. Benjamin P. Prall, of Westfield, and liis brother, Cap

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Ill

rain Avtliur Prall, of New Springville, were long the principal repre-
sentatives (if tins family. Their father was Peter Prall, born in 17r>3,
ami (lied November 1, 1822. His father was Benjamin Prall, born in
i7:>;*, and died in 1796. His father was Abraham Prall, born in 1706,
and died September 28, 1775. His father Avas Peter Prall, whose
name is recorded as a witness or sponsor at a baptism in 1708. He
liad an older son than Abraham, viz. : Arent, born 1698, and a
yonnger, Isaac, born 1710. This brings ns very near to the original
of the Prall family.

There was an Arent Prall, who was probably either father or broth-
er of the last-mentioned Peter. Tlie name of Arent is on record as
owning one hundred and twenty acres of land at Long Neck in 1694.

There v,ere other members of the family, not in the above line.
Tliey were Peter, born April 9, 1735, and died February 28, 1822, and
his brother Abraham, born 1740, and died May 6, 1820. He had two
sons: Daniel, drowned October 10, 1817, and Ichabod, a merchant in
New York; Daniel married Ann iNIerserean January 22, 1794.

The following references to the family ai'e found scattered through
various records, it being impossible to properly classify them : Aron,
Jr., and his wife, Antye Rtaats. had a daughter born May 21, 1715; a
son Aron, in 1717; a dniiuliti-i- in 1719, and a son Peter in 1724. Aron.
or Arent (not Jr.), and his wilV-, ]\laritje r.owman, had a son William
Joris, born in 1730, and a son Hendrick, born in 1735. Isaac (proba-
bly the son of Abraham, above mentioned) and his wife, Maria Debaa
or Dubois, had a daughter born in 1746, and another in 1748; a son
Peter in 1744, and a son Lewis in 1751. Benjamin and his wife, Sarah
Swaim, had a son Abraham, born in 1752, and a son John in 1706.
John had a daughter born in 1719. Abraham and Sarah Cannon were
married in August, 1776. John and Martha Latonrette were married
Jannarv 14, 1802. The family is still quite numerous on Staten
Island.'

PRYER.

Andries Pryer and Anna Stymets, his wife, came from Holland to
til is country some time prior to 1698, for in that year the deatli of
Andries is recorded. They settled at Bergen, in New Jersey. Their
i hildren were : Jacob, Leah, Johannes, and Samuel.

Representatives of the second generation of this family came to
Staten Island early in the Eighteenth century. For generations the
family has made its home in Westfield. The thoroughfare now known
as Hugnenot avenue, running from Huguenot station to LaForge's
corner, originally ran throxigh the Pryer estate, the old homestead
being located on it. Old maps and deeds desci-ibe the roa<l as " Pryer's
lane."

The family is represented on the Island to-day by James E. Pryer,
who resides in the old Stephens mansion, near the Court House, in

112 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Eicliiiioiul. He is of the sixth generation of the t'aiiiilj on Staten
Island. He was born on March 25, 1828, and married Ellen J. La-
forge in 1850. One of his sons, Andrew Eddy, born in 1S59, married
Elida Jessup in 1889.

KYERSS.

This name is found at an early date on Long Island. Arie IJyerse
and Maerte Ryerse were assessed as owners of property at Middel-
mout, no^A- Flatbnsh, in 1676, bnt when their connection with Staten
Island began is unknown.

Adrian Kyerss was born in 1715, and died December 12. 1779. His
wife was Hester Debaa (Dubois). Their son Lewis Avas born December
7, 1751, and died April 13, 1806. Aris, another son of Adrian, iiad a
daughter baptized July 27, 1786, and a son David, baptized October
17, 1790. dozen, also a son of Adrian, made his will October 21, 1800.
proved January 13, 1802, in which he speaks of his son, John P.. ami
his daughter, ^Margaret, his brother Lewis, and his grandsons, Gozeu
Adrian Kyers and llyeis 1 le Hart. He dwelt for many years preced-
ing his death at I'ort Hiclimond, in the house now known as the
St. James Hotel.

The family, although at one time ven' numerous, has become nearly
extinct on Staten Island. David Ifyerss, a direct descendant, resides
on Todt Hill, near New Dorp.

SEGUINE.

The earliest mention of this name in the local records is, that Jean
Seguine and Elizabeth Hooper liad a son Jonas, baptized December
12, 1725. Jaques and Lady ^Mambrut had a daughter Sara, who was
baptized ISlarch 3, 1728. A sou Jean was baptized Jlarch 19, 1732.
Jean and Jaques stood sponsors for each other's children. They were
probably brothers.

The following are from tlie records of St. .Andrew's, at IJichmond :
James and Elsie had a daughter Sara, born April, 1756; son James,
born December 10, 1760. John and Sarah had the following children :
Elisha, born May 31, 1760; James, baptized July 18, 1762, and Henry,
l)orn February 4, 1764. Lawrence and Ann had a daughter Sara, born
April 12, 1761. James and Caty had a son Stephen, born March 22.
1764, and a sou James, born April 5, 1766. James made his will on
June 13, 1795, and it was proved October 7, 1795; he mentions his
wife, Catharine, and his children: Rornt, Joseph, Frederick, John,
Henry, Steythen, and James.

J(diu Seguine and Rachel ISIitchel were married in November. 1775.
John and ]\Iargaretta had a son John, baptized October 24, 1790, and
Henry, October 27, 1793. James Seguine and Mary Ouyon married,
June 30, 1791. Stephen and Susanna Poillon married, November 8,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 113

1792. Honry and Jane Garretson marrieil. Ancn!*^ lo, lf>!00. Stephen
and ]\rai"izaret (ruyon married. ^Mairh 5. 1S05.

John G. Seji'nine was boru June 14. 1805. On Febrnai'v 15. 1830, he
married Harriet, daughter of Andre Mille. Their children are:
Louise M., who married Henry Stewart SpQuine; Henry J., who mar-
ried Phebe A. Vail; John J., who married Cordelia Vail, and Andre,
who married Catherine Jane Winant.

The late Henry Stewart Seauine represented another branch of the
family. The family is of Huguenot antecedents. James Se^uine, the
father of Henry S.. and the son of James Seguine, married Mary,
daughter of Joseph Guyon, of Staten Island, who also descended
from Huguenot stock. Their children were : Catherine, wife of John
Guyon; Joseph G., James S.. and Henry S. The last named R\as born
near Annadale. in 1812. On January 7, 1857, he married Louise iL,
daughter of John G. and Harriet Seguine. Their children are Henry
G. and Harriet ]\L Henry Stewart Seguine died on July 2. 1884.

SHARROTT.

The first of this name on Staten Island was Richard Sharet, who
was a Frenchman, of Huguenot parentage, and for a short period
after his emigration resided in New England.

Richard came to Staten Island either just before or just after the
Revolution. He married Mary Heger. Their children were William,
Richard, John, James, Susan, and ^Lnry.

John married Mary Ann Bui'lmnk October 9, 1789. Their children
were: Peter, who died in February, 1S75, aged eighty-six years; John,
Jeremiah, Richard, Abraham, William Henry, Mary, Susan, Cath-
arine, Eliza, and Louisa.

There are two branches of the family still residing on the Island.
The family is principally located in Westfleld at this time.

SIMONSON.

The original name of this family was La Plant. It is of French
origin. William, the founder of the family on Staten Island, was
a son of Simon La Plant. He was sentenced to be executed because
of his connection with the Huguenots. He managed to escape to Hol-
land, and from thence to America in the ship " Fox," in 1662. In
order to prevent identification, even after he had reached Staten
Island, he wrote his name " Simon's son," omitting entirely his own
name. Finally he became bold enough to write it " William, Simon's
son," and in time he became knoAvn only as William Simon son. His
descendants have become so numerous on Staten Island that it is
difiicult to trace the various branches.

The Simonsons of each generation have been large freeholders.

114 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Aert (Arthur), in 1721, purchased an estate of one hundred and sixty
acres at Carle's Neck, and a large part of this land up to within a
recent period remained in possession of the family, having passed
from father to son from one generation to another. David Simonson,
a direct descendant and the last owner and cccnpant, was one of the
largest freeholders on the Island. He died about tliree years ago,
liaving never been married.

Isaac, a grandson of Aert, was an officer of the old Dutch Eeformed
Church, of Port Richmond in 1795, and John, a grandson of Isaac,
served in the War of 1812. Jacob, a grandson of Isaac, purchased
part of the original estate and erected a residence upon it. He lived
there for the greater part of his life, and bequeathed the same to his
children. He served as supervisor of the Town of Xorthfield, from
1S33 to 1810, and in 1840 he was elected sheriff of Richmond County,
and was again elected supervisor of his town in 1819. He died April
1, 1883, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. His children are: John.
William, who died in 1882; Isaac J.-, a florist, residing at New Spring-
ville; Jacob, a dentist, in Newark, and Eliza J. Waters, resid-
ing in New York. John W., son of Jacob and Ann E. Bedell, his first
wife, was born on the old estate December 23, 1826, and died at West
New Brighton. December 28, 1882. He held various positions of trust.
In 1851, he married Charlotte A., daiighter of the late Stephen D.
Stephens. Two of their children, Stephen D. and Charles E.. are now
living in West New Brighton.

JIulford D. Simonson, of West New Brighton, a member of the firm
of Benedi't T.rolhcrs, represents another branch of this large family.
David F. Simonson, of Port Richmond, represents still another.

STILLWELL.

Tlie Stillwell family was of English origin, and was among the
earliest settlers of that nationality on Staten Island. The very first
mention of the name, with reference to the Island, is in the Albany
recoids, where a piece of woodland, on the south side of I'resh Kill,
is recorded as belonging to Daniel Stillwell, in 1680.

There is also mention made in the county records of Richard in
1089, of John in 1095-96 and 1708, and Thomas in 1697 and 1704. At
the close of the Seventeenth century there were at least four families
of the name on Staten Island.

We add the names of those found in church records : Elias and his
wife, Anne Rurbank, had a son Thomas, baptized June 30, 1726, aTid
a son Daniel, baptized March 24, 1728. Thomas manned Debora Mart-
ling, and had a .son Elias, baptized June 10. 1747. Nichtdas. boi-n
January, 1747, died April 20, 1819. Abraham, born March, 1750, died
September 12, 1824.

Tlie Stillwells have filled manv niilitarv and civic offices. Tliere

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 115

are many of the name on the Island to-day, but what their connection
is with the early settlers is not known. The late Captain Kichard
Stillwell, who for many years commanded boats connected with the
Staten Island Ferry, and who resided at Olifton, was a representative
of the old family.

SPRAGUE.

Joseph, Edward, and John Ppranue emigrated simultaneoiisly from
England; bnt the date is lost. It is thought that Jacob Spragg mnst
have been a son of Joseph, and born in 1729. Joseph came to Staten
Island. William, whose name is found in the county records in ITOT,
and Joseph in 1772, are believed to have been grandsons of the orig-
inal Joseph.

The original Joseph had three sons, Jacob, John, and Edward. The
name at present is chiefly confined to Westfield. Notices of the name
ajipear in the records of St. Andrew's Church as follows: Andrew
Sprague and Catharine Pryor married June 28, 1800. Jacob Sprague
and Margaret Wood married, July 12, 1800. Daniel Sprague
and Annatje (Anna) had a daughter Susannah, baptized July 18,
1 762. Daniel Sprague married Maria Poillon, and had sons : Jaques,
baptized March 26, 1738. and Daniel, baptized April 4, 1736, whose
wife was x\riantje; they had a son Jeremiah, born December 1, 1763.

Sarah Pareyn (Perine), wife of William Spi'ague, had twins, Will-
iam and Daniel, baptized September 6, 1719. Jan Sprague and Eliza-
beth Parein (Perine) had a son John, baptized November 15, 1719.
Thomas S]n"ague and Sarah Van Name had a son Thomas, baptized
December 22, 1723. Daniel Sprague and Catharine Larzelere had a
son Iiicliaid, baptized November 25. 1739. Joachim Sprague and
Anna Tenners had a son John, baptized July 28, 1751, and a son Rich-
ard, ^lay 23, 1759. Thomas Sprague and Nancy Fountain had a son
Antone. baptized February 16, 1755. John Sprague and Helena Van
Name had a son Elias, baptized June 24, 1752. Richard Sprague and
.lenneke (Jane) Van Name had a son Nicholas, baptized September
21,1735.

Nicholas (son of the last-mentioned Richard) and Effey had a
daughter Catharine, born November 13, 1761. Jeremiah and Yetty
had a son Peter, born April 30, 1764. John and Oily Taylor were mar-
ried September 15, 1757. Samuel and Hannah Van Pelt were mar-
ried June 9. 1755. Richard and Mary had a son Daniel, born February
7, 1770.

There are two distinct families by this name on Staten Island to-
day. The (me in Westfield represents the early settlers. The other
has its chief representative in Dr. John T. Sprague, of Stapleton.

TAYLOR.

Abraham Taylor and Harmintje Haughwout are the first of thia
family of which we have any record on Staten Island. They had the

116 HISTORY OF 5TATEN ISLAND.

following children: Ephraim, baptized October 23. 1711, died young:;
Altje (Alida), baptized May 18. 1710, died yonn.sr; Kachel, baptized
Auo-ust 21. 1720; Altje, baptized November 25, 1722; Peter, baptized
Jnly 4, 1725; Ephraim. baptized April 6, 1729, and Margaret, baptized
November 23, 1715. Ephraim married Elizabeth IMorijan January 4,
175G Another Ephraim. probably father of Abraham, had a son Jan,
and a danghter Marietta, both baptized in 1696.

The followino- are found in the records of St. Andrew's Church, and
belong to another family : Oliver, born in 1687, died August 24, 1771.
Henry and Judith had a son John, born September 20, 1770. Henry
and Lydia had a son Abraham, baptized in 1775. John ;ind Fanny
had a son Oliver, born September 24, 1791. John and Sarah Yates
married January 7, 1804. Benjamin and Ann Decker married Septem-
ber 9, 1791.

TOTTEN.

This name is found in the records of the county for considerably
more than a century. It also occurs in the records of St. Andrew's
Church, until the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
Woodrow, when it became identified with tliat denomination. The
Tottens are of Welsh extraction. Gilbert Totten was one of the first,
and was connected with the Methodist Society. The homes of the
families bearing the name have been confined almost exclusively to
Westtield.

The notices of the name in church records, other than those of the
^Methodist Church, are as follows: Silas and Charity, his wife, had
two sons — Joseph, born August 10, 1765, and Ephraim, born Febru-
ary 24, 1768. Joseph Totten and IMary Cubberly were married De-
cember 11, 1804.

Going back a generation, we find that Gilbert and Joseph Totten
settled on Staten Island in the latter part of the Eighteenth century.
They were born at Hempstead, Long Island. Gilbert became an ex-
tensive landowner on Staten Island. He married Mary Butler and
had the following children: James, John, Joseph, Eachel, Mary, Le-
titia, and Elizabeth. John, of this number, was born in 1771, and
died in 1847. He married Nancy Cole, a native of the Island, and had
twelve children, one of whom was the late Ephraim J., of Tottenville,
who was born March 30, 1806, became a sea captain at nineteen, was
a merchant in San Francisco, and later in Tottenville, served as super-
visor for Westfield in 1846-47, Member of Assembly in 1848, and held
several other positions. He was one of the projectors and an early
director of the Staten Island Kailroad, and for thirty-three years was
recording steward and trustee of Bethel Methc)ilist Episcopal Church.
Ephraim was married on June 27, 1827, to Harriet, daughter of Jesse
Oakley. Their children were Gilbert, John A., George O., William W.,
Frances E., John J., James B., and Ella G.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 117

Rev. Joseph Totteii, of Hempstead, was born on February 4, 1759.
The inscription on his tombstone at Woodrow states that he was
among the first members of the Methodist Episcopal Church on this
Island. He was a farmer, and his associations with Bishop Asbury
no doubt led him to enter the ministry, which occurred in 1792, when
he was thirty-three years of age. In 1811 he was made a presiding
elder of a New Jersey district. In 1818 he was pastor of St. John's
Church, of Philadelphia. On Sunday, June 1, 1794, he preached the
dedicatory sermon of the Sands Street Methodist Church, in Brooklyn,
and in 1795 was appointed its first pastor. He received conference
appointments for twenty-seven consecutive years.

After receiving his last appointment at Philadelphia, in 1818, he
returned to his family on Staten Island, and on May 10th ■• preached
in the meeting-house at Westfield '' (Woodrow). On the following
Sabbath he preached three times in Philadelphia, and " with great
power again on Tuesday, and retired feeling perfectly well." In the
morning he complained of feeling ill, but walked out in the yard.
Presently the barking of dog attracted the attention of a lady, who
discovered him lying on the ground. He was carried into the house
and expired in a few minutes without uttering a word. This was on
May 20, 1818, when he had reached his fifty-ninth year. " A mound
was made over him on the spot he had selected, and there, in the
churchyard at Woodrow, he awaits the resurrection of I he just."

John C. Totten, the printer, whose name is on the titlc-pULic nf many
an old Methodist hymn-book, married Letitia, a daughter ol Joseph
Totten, and another daughter married John Pray. The Prays were
members of the old Woodrow church many years ago.

TOWNSEND.

The family is of Norman and Saxon origin. The most noted mem-
ber in the direct line was Charles, chancellor of the exchequer, under
George III., whoin Burke declared was the " official reproducer of this
fatal scheme of ' American taxation.' "

In, or prior to the year, 1645, three brothers Townsend emigrated to
this country, and settled on Long Island. One of them, John, re-
ceived a patent from Governor Kieft for the Town of Flushing in that
year. The other brothers were named Henry and Richard.

George, son of the above-mentioned John, was born at Oyster Bay
about 1661. George, son of the last mentioned, was recorder of the
Town of Jericho, Long Island, at which place he died in 1763. His son
William was born at Oyster Bay in 1715. His son James died in 1793,
leaving two sons, the immediate ancestors of two families of the
Staten Island Townsends. These were John, born in 1765, and Walter
W., born in 1762. Walter W. was, like his brother John, a flour mer-
chant in New York City. His wife was named Charlotte Coles. He

118 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

died in 1793. His son, Walter W., born after his father's death, in
1794, married Anne Helme. He died in 1860. His children were:
Benjamin, Wisner H., Joseph, Dwight, Charles H., Walter W., Char-
lotte, Maria, Annie, and Cornelia. Of this family there are now living :
Wisiiev, wJio was for many years a citizen of Clifton, but who has
vecfijlly lived in Mauliai tan; Dwight, who was a member of Congress
for this district in the seventies; Annie, «ho is the wife of Townsend
Cox, of Manhattan, and Cornelia, wlio is the wife of the Kev. Firth
Jewett, of Skaneateles, New York.

Benjamin, now deceased, liv^ed at Bay Kidge, Long Island; Charles
H. died at KeAV Brighton, on January 1, 1S97. He had been for many
years a resident of Clifton, where he owned and occupied the beautiful
mansion and estate overlooliing the lower bay Ivnown as the " Tow-
ers." This branch of the family is represented on Staten Island at
present by Dr. Charles Wilmot Townsend, son of the above.

There is another family of the name, that of William B. Townsend,
formerly of Clifton, father of the late Mrs. Nathaniel Marsh, Mrs.
Greorge S. Scofield, Sr., and of Mrs. George B. Ripley, Henry W.,
Kneeland S., and William B. Townsend.

In 1835, that branch of the Townsend family represented by Walter
Franklin, John Franklin, James W., Charles E., and William H., took
up their residence on Staten Island. They were the sons of John
Townsend, of New York City.

The brothers purchased the northerly half of the Charles McLean
Simonson (or " McSimonson ") farm, a considerable tract of land, ex-
tending westwardly from the shores of the bay. Their purchase com-
prised the water front known as Vanderbilt's Landing, and included
the rising ground as far back as the Fox Hills. On the highest part
of this tract, a quarter of a mile from the old " highway leading
from Fort Bichmond to Quarantine,'' the brothers erected a spacious,
but quaintly designed residence, which, from its two iianking towers,
became known as the " Townsend Castle." The accompanying view
is from a sketch made at the time the house was built, by Charles E.
Townsend, Sr. The " Castle " was destroyed by fire in 1885. An ap-
proach or avenue, one-quarter of a mile in length, was opened through
their land by the brothers, from the site of their dwelling to the
shore, intersecting the old " road leading from Fort Richmond to
Quarantine." This was dedicated as a public way in 1837 or 1838,
and was des'ignated "' Townsend avenue." The first residence erected
on this avenue, and before the latter was dedicated, was upon the
site of the present No. 45, and was built and occupied by William H.
Townsend, one of the brothers mentioned above.

William H. Townsend had ten childi'en. The sixth, Charles Edward,
born April 30, ISSC, outlived all the others. He died on April 8, 1894,
at .Clifton. INIr. Townsend was a familiar figure in the community.
His widow, Louisa S. Townsend, and sons Arthur O. and Ferdinand

^Of^Z^/YVVf^^^-^'

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 119

v., daughters Elizabeth and Mary, sui'vive him, and all reside on the
street that bears their family name, at Clifton.

TYSEN.

Barne Tyseu, the founder of the Tysen family on Stateu Island,
came from Amsterdam, Holland, in 1660. He first settled in New
Amsterdam, but what year he came to Staten Island is not known.
Lie made application for a grant of land on 8taten Island in 1674, and
received a ])atent for a tract on Karle's NecU, from Governor Edniond
Andids, in 1677. He married Maria Kroesen in 1672. The old stone
house, still standing on the property granted to him by Audi-os, was
huilt by him in 1680. He had three sons — Abraham, Cornelius, and
David. Abraham married, and had a sou Abraham de Decker Tysen,
who was baptized October 21, 1707; Cornelius was married to Clymer
Classen in 1703, and had a daughter Elizabeth, who was born May 28,
170o, and baptized August 2, 1705.

David married Magdalena Morgan in 1698, and died in 1710. They
had two children, Bareut and Sarah. Barent was boi'n on February
1, lU'Jll, and married Elizabeth Swaim on October 20, 1723. They had
three children : Elizabeth, David, and John. Elizabeth married John
Staais; David died in infancy; John Avas born October 10, 1731. As
tlie only surviving child he succeeded to his father's estate, and re-
sided on the propertj- patented by Andros. He married Cordelia
Bergen May 1, 1757. His name is at the head of a commirtee who
addressed the Provincial Congress on December 15, 177.">, conclud-
ing with, " We wish and pray that if yet any hope of iccniniliation is
left, that measures might be adopted, if possible, to obtain that de-
sirable end," etc. When all hope of reconciliation was gone, he ear-
nestly espoused the cause of the Eevolution. He was supervisor of
Northfleld in 1789-91-98. As suijervisor he initiated measures to
have a survey and map made of Staten Island, and the first official
map was largely the result of his efforts. It is filed in the office of
the Secretary of State, at Albany.

John Tysen was also trustee and elder of the Reformed Dutch
Church on Staten Island. He died March 7, 1808, and is buried in
the family burying-plot on the Tysen patent. Two sons survive him.
John, his eldest child, was born March 17, 1758; he married Eliza-
beth Jaques on March 21, 1798. He resided on a farm near Prohibi-
tion Park (the park including part of the farm). He was supervisor
of the Town of Castleton from 1S05 to ISO'.l. He was elected deacon
;ind treasurer of the '' North Dutch Chnrcli," in 1802, and took a very
active part in churcli matters, remaining treasurer until his death
on February G, 1827.

Ill' had a large family. His eldest son, David Jaques 'IVsen, was
boi-n on August 28, 1807. Though but nineteen years old, he took

120 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

charge and successfully managed Ms father's estate. He married Eliz-
abeth P. Lake December 29, 1831. He took great interest in public mat-
ters, though never holding office. Many lawsuits were avoided by his
conciliatory advice. Though of great hrmuess of character, he was
most kindly and sympathetic in his natui'e. He looked with charity up-
on the failings and shortcomings of others, but despised cant and hy-
pocrisy. He was most hosi)itable. He died March 27, 1885. One near
to him said to tJie writer : " His name is a priceless heritage, and
his memory a precious legacy." His widow, Elizabeth P. Tysen, was
a most amiable, generous Christian character. She died on January
25, 1898. She was a Daughter of the American devolution.

Of a large family, six children sui'vive this venerable pair — Daniel
\\'., David J., Margaret L., Josephine, Georgianna, and Lauretta S.
Daniel W. Tysen resides with his sisters on the homestead at New
Dorp. David Jaques Tj'seu married Frances W., daughter of Abra-
ham and Alice Ellis, January 7, 1891, and resides on Dougan Hills.
He owns the tract patented to his ancestor in 1077, and is now the
only descendant of the early settlers on Staten Island who owns the
entire original patent.

Isaac Freeman Tysen, son of John, was born February 14, 1811.
He married Cordelia H. Jackson, of New York City, January 11, 1837.
They resided on the homestead near Prohibition Park. He died on
March 26, 1886. His only surviving child, Robert F. Tysen, resides in
the Borough of Manhattan.

Charles Tysen, youngent son of John, married Adeline Moore, of
Kichfield Springs, on July IS, 1855. He resided at Port iJichmoud,
and died on November 1, 1881. He had one daughter, Jennie L. Tysen,
who married Harry W. Lobb.

Jacob Tysen, son of John, Sr., was born October 8, 1773, and mar-
ried Mary Housman on February 6, 1794. They resided in the stone
house on liichmond terrace, near Sailors' Snug Harbor. Jacob suc-
ceeded his brother John as treasurer of the " North Dutch Church."
He was supervisor of the Town of Castletown from 1811 to 1821, and
was county judge. State senator, and Member of Congress. He died
on July 16, 1818.

Judge Tysen left three sous — John, Richard, and Raymond M.
John, the eldest, was born February 1, 1803, married Susan Antoi-
nette Bailey May 11, 1826, and died August 3, 1888, leaving four chil-
dren — William A., Mary, Antoinette, and Eugene Victor. Richard
Tysen was born May 13, 1805, and married Elizabeth W. Ferine May
19, 1830. He was many years an officer in tlie Reformed Dutch Church
at Richmond, and died on February 2, 1866. His widow, Elizabeth W.
Tysen, died on December 6, 1883. Four children survived them. Jacob
Raymond Tysen, their eldest son, married Mary Foster Totten, daugh-
ter of Abraham C. and Mary Totten. They reside at Jacksonville,
Florida. Mary Louise Tysen married J. W. Stephens, son of Stephen

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 121

D. and Elizabeth Stephens, and resides in Broolvlyn. Edward P.
Tysen married Eliza L. Dill, daughter of Judge James and Eliza Dill,
of New Dorp. They reside in Manhattan. Amelia Tysen married A.
Stewart Kowley. They reside in Brooklyn.

Kaymond M. Tysen, the youngest sou of Judge Tj'sen, was born on
October 14, 1819. He gradiuxted from Princeton College and was
admitted to the bar, and was a most promising young lawyer. He
collected considerable material for a history of the Island, which was
never fully consummated, owing to his early death, which occurred
on May S, 1851.

VAN DUZEK.

The Van Duzers came from Long Island about the close of the
Kevolution. They were originally from Holland. The old Van Duzer
homestead, which stood at Tompkinsville, was demolished a few year.s
since. Mrs. Van Duzer, mother-in-law of the late Judge Metcalfe,
married a son of the original Cornelius \'an Buskirk, and after his
death married the late Daniel Van Duzer. Daniel Van Duzer left
two sons — John H. and Daniel C, both deceased. The name has be-
come almost extinct on the Island, it being alone perpetuated by a
street in Tompkinsville. An illustration of the old homestead appears
on page 316 of Vol. I.

VAN CLIEF.

Daniel Van Clief, of German extraction, settled on a farm near
Garrisons Station, some time previous to the Kevolution, and, taking
the part of the Americans, was four times wounded dtiring the strug-
gle for independence. The family enjoys a record for patriotism and
loyalty, members of it having served in the various wars. Benjamin
Van Clief died on Staten Island of a wound received in the war with
Mexico. He was a son of Jesse Van Clief, a ship blacksmith, em-
ployed in the construction of many famous warships, among which
was the " Constitution." While working upon this vessel he broke
his leg, and in order that its completion might not be delayed, he al-
lowed himself to be transported from Staten Island to the Brooklyn
Navy Yard on a cotich, after which he superintended the rigging of
the vessel in his invalid condition. Afterward he fought in the War
of 1812, in which he had the misfortune to lose his hearing.

Jesse Van Clief married Margaret Moore, and they had ten chil-
dren. The fourth son, John H., became one of the best-known citizens
of the Island. His father died when he was but ten years old, and
being thrown upon his own resotirces, worked in the daytime and at-
tended night school at Tompkinsville. He established the lumber
business in Port Kiehmond. He repeatedly represented the Town of
Northfleld in the board of supervisors and held other positions of
t]'ust. His son John H., Jr., served as county clerk for one term.

122 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Another son, William S., carries on the business which his father
established, and is one of the Island's most successful citizens to-day.

VAN NAME.

This name had its origin centuries ago. " Nameu " is the name of
a town in Southern Netherlands; the prefix " Van "' means " from "
or " of." Hence, Van Namen — from Namen, or of Namen.

Engelbert van Namen, a member of a family formerly of Namen,
Diovcd to Heusden, Brabant, Holland. He died in Holland, leaving a
young sou, .J;ulLcm Engelbert van Namen, born at Heusden, Brabant.
Tliis sou L;iuie to this country in the shiij " Hope," which sailed from
Amsterdam on April S, 1(362. He was under age. He landed at Man-
hattan Island, where he remained for a number of years, and from
thence went to Esopus, near Kingston, on the Hudson IJiver.

At Kingston he married Elizabeth, daughter of Evert Pels, on No-
vember 3, 1678. They had several children, one of whom was Evert,
born September 2, 1683, according to the baptismal register of the
Dutch Church of Kingston. Evert married Wiutje Benham, and
among other children had a son Simon. He married Sarah Prall, and
one of his children was a son, Aaron. He married Mary McLean, and
one of their children was named Charles.

Charles married Catharine Van Pelt, and among other children
they had a son named Aaron. He married Mary Decker, and they
had several children, one of whom was named Cornelius. He married
Ivebecca Corson, and had among their children William Henry, who
married Elizabeth Ann Decker, and had one child, Calvin Decker Van
Name, who now resides at Mariners' Harbor.

Moses, son of Aaron, was born February 23, 17(i0, married June
9, 1782, and died October 16, 1811; Mary LaG range, his wife, Avas
born September S, 1763, and died February 3, 1816. John (son) was
born June IS, 1783, married Elizabeth Wright, and died on April 1,
1853. Mary was born July 19, 1785, married, April 15, 1803, to Ed-
ward DeHart, and died January 13, 1780. Moses was born April 9,

1788, married, January 28, 1811, to Mary Pierson, and died July 28,
1871. Elizabeth was born June 30, 1790, married to Matt hijis DeHart,
and died July 25, 1873. Catharine was born February 16, 1793, mar-
ried December 1, 1811, to Henry Simonson, and died July 27, 1869.
Michael was born November 11, 1795, married, April 20, 1817, to Ger-
trude Cortelyou, and died June 5, 1883. Sophia was born August 29,

1789, married in October, 1816, to William Lake. Rachel was born
March 10, 1801, married, September 4, 1821, to Peter Thatcher, and
died in 1825. Aaron was born October 1, 1803, married, January 4,
1827, to Mary Mersereau, and died in July, 1 882. Charles was born on
August 25, 1806, married in November, 1832, to Elizabeth Mersereau
(cousin to Mary), and died July 15, 1883.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 123

(Jluu'les (son of Moses) aud Elizabeth \i\n Name had the follow-
ing children: Joseph II., born .March I'T, IS.:]."), and married Caroline
Gibst)n; Paul M., born June 12, IlSoT, married Elizabeth iScolt, of New
Jersey.

John (son of IMoses), born June 18, 1783, mari-ied Elizabeth Wright.
Their childreu \\ere M;\v\ LaGrauge, born October 12, 18(1!); Caleb
Halsey, born Februaiy 7, 1818; Judy Johnson, born S( juember 2,
1815; Moses J., born March D, 1818; Catharine, born October 27, 1820;
Sophia Lake, born May 'J, 182o; John I'oiner, born February 2, 1826;
Andrew AA'right, born July 11, I80I, and Charles Joseph, born January
28, 1831.

David il. (son of Charles) \Aas born January 1, 1810, married Sarah
M. Wyckofl. Xancy M., born November 24, 1812, married John Todd
Crittendeji; (Icorge \\., b^rn October 20, 1815, married Kate A. Van
Name. Tlie children of David M. are: Travilla, Lizzie Irene, Ada D.,
Florence Adelaide, aud Sara Viola.

Joseph Howard Van Name (son of Aaron and Mary) married Cath-
arine Gibson, and had one son, George W., who married Louisa
IJicard. I'aul il. (brotlier to Joseph H.) married aud had the fol-
lowing children : Alice Jane, who married Thomas Simonson; Charles
AMnfield, Edward Everett, I^ranccs Marion, Paul M., and Charlotte.
Xancy M. (sister) married Charles Criiteuden. Their children were
Pauline and J. Howard. George \\'. \'an Name and wife had the
following cliiMrcn : Edgar, Irving, and P(':Mly Louise

The dropping of the final " u " in the spelling of " Namcu " occuired
early in this country. The first absence of the letter appearing in
the records is on the baptismal register of the Dutch Ohurcli of Kings-
ton. It is in f lie record of the baptism of one of the children of Jochem
Engelbert \;ui Naiiieii. The name of the child was Johannes, born
October 8, 1G82; the name of Ihe mother, Elizabeth Pels, and the
name of the father, " Jochem Engelbert Van Name."

The final " n " is not sounded by plain Dutch people. It was not
sounded by the New Netherlanders. The " e " had the sound of "ar,"
and the pronunciation by plain people was " Van Narmar '■ ; aud this
was the sound until the time of this generation. Noav the English
:^oiind is given to each letter, and it is improperly called " Van Name."
The family is to-day a large one in Holland, and the educated people
there sound the " n '" and spell the name '' Van Namen,'' aud pro-
nounce it " Van Narnien."

VAN PELT.

There were people by this name residing in New Utrecht, Long Is-
land, several years before it appeared on Staten Island. Wouter
CNValter), Anthony, and Aert Van Pelt are mentioned iu 1687, on Long
Island. The first Van Pelt noticed in our recoinis is Hendrick, who had

124 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

children born between 1696 and 1701. At or about the same time there
was a Peter Van Pelt, who had a son Jan, baptized October 21, 1707,
and a son Samuel, July 25, 1710. This John and Jannetjo (Janet)
Adams had a daughter, baptized March 28, 1 736; a son William, April
13, 1712, and a daughter, April, 1744. Jacob and Aaltje ( Alida) Haugh-
wout, his wife, had a son John, baptized October 15, 1727, and a daugh-
ter Catalyntje, September 27, 1724. John Van Pelt and Susanna La-
tourette had twiiis, John and Susanna, baptized May 25, 1729. Tunis
and Maria Drageau had the following children: Anthony, baptized
October 9, 1729; Johannes, baptized February 14, 1731; Maria, bap-
tized June 3, 1734; Joost, baptized May 19, 1737, and Tunis, baptized
November 39, 1738.

Peter Van Pelt had a son William, baptized November 23, 1715;
a son Samuel, April 16, 1717. Simon Van Pelt and Maria Adams had
a son Peter, baptized May 23, 1749, and a daughter, April 18, 1743.
John (Anthony's son) and Susanna Latourette, his wife, had Joost,
baptized April 4, 1736, and Anthony, baptized April 30, 1733.
This Anthony married Janneke Simonson, and had a daughter, bap-
tized June 11, 1760. Peter "S^an Pelt and Barbera Houlton had a
daughter, baptized April 18, 1743, and a son David, baptized October
32, 1755. Jan and Maria Bouman had a daughter, baptized Septem-
ber 14, 1742. Jan, Jr., and C'atrina Bouman had a daughter, baptized
May 6, 1745. John had a daughter, baptized October 29, 1787. Sam-
uel, son of Peter, mentioned above, and Mai'ia Falkenburg had a son
Pieter, baptized July 19, 1748. Aart and Christian Immet had a
daughter Maria, baptized December 10, 1721. John and Margaret
had the following children: Tunis, born August 8, 1760; John, born
February 10, 1765; Jajnes, born May 13, 1767, and Peter, born No-
vember 13, 1769. Peter and Phebe had a sou Tunis, born June 6,
1768. Anthony and Susanna had a daughter Susanna, born May 10,

1766, and a son George, born March 1, 1769.

Joseph Van Pelt and Elizabeth, his wife, had a son James, born
August 5, 1767, and a son Tunis, born December 2, 1771. John Van
Pelt and Catharine Lawrence had a daughter Mary, baptized March
8, 1772. Jacob and Elizabeth had a daughter Mary, born March 11,
1768. Peter, son of John and Margaret, above, married Mary Colon,
December 5, 1797. David Van Name and Hannah Wright married
June 21, 1779, and died March 30, 1838. At the present time the fam-
ily is a large one on Staten Island.

WANDEL.

John Wandel's name appears in the county records with that of
Ms wife, Letitia, who executed a mortgage to one Groom, May 1,

1767, and cancelled it by payment the next year. John was a cord-
wainer by trade, and carried on the tanning business on Todt Hill.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

125

Uemnants of tlie old tannery are still visible at that place. John
and Letitia liad a son Peter, born January 10, 177(). Peter married
t^arah Van Clief in March, 1789, and died May 17, 1857, over ninety-
one years of age. His sons were: Matthew, Daniel, John, Peter S.,
and Walter I. The family still exists on the Island. Peter S. was
county treasurer for a number of years. He had a cousin Peter, who
represented the Town of Middletown in the board of supervisors at
a recent date.

WINANT.

This name is Dutch. In America it was recorded as follows : Wei-
iants, Wynantse, Winantse, Wynants, Winants, Winans, and, lastly,
Winant, which latter now stands, only a few descending branches
retaining the name of Winans, which is rare on Staten Island.

The first Winant in

America was Wynant
Pieterse (in English,
Peter Winant). born fn
1632, who emigrated
from Retuwe, Guelder-
land. Holland, about
1655-60. Tradition has
it that he was (or de-
scended fronri a famous
Dutch musician and
artist.

Wynant Pieterse, the
emigrant, settled in
Preuckelen, marrying,
on December 4, 1661,
Anneken Aukes (now
Van Nyse).

Wynant Pieterse's
children were as follows: First, Pieter Wii-.antse. born lf;53--4, bap-
tized September 9, 1663; second, Ariaentje Winant.se, married, 1693,
Teuriaen Van der berg; third, Altje Winantse, married Jan Willemse
Bennet, of Gowanus. Thus originate the Winant-P>ennetts of Long
Island. Altje married, second. Voter Haughwout, of Staten
Island. Said Pieter Winantse, boi-n 1653-1, is the Peter Winants who
settled on Staten Island, having first resided in Breuckelen. He mar-
ried Anna Marie Van Nyse, moving to Staten Island, where he is
buried. His tombstone in Eossville reads : " Here lyes ye body of
Peter Winants, born ye year 1654, who departed this life August
6, 1758, aged 104 years." A trial, believed to have been about 1734,
related to a dispute of Gowanus fence boundaries, in which Peter
Winans, of Staten Island, was a witness.

purdy's hotel, prince s bay; erected in the seven-
teenth CENTURY'.

126 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

His family was tlie only one of the name then in Richmond Connty.
The following were his children : Peter, who had a son Peter, bap-
tized April 23. 1707. Winant (mentioned above), whose wife was
Ann Colo, liail the following sons baptized: Peter, March 27, 1720;
Abraham, :^^ar(•h 24, 1725; Jacob, October 9, 1726, and Daniel, April
22, 1728. John, whose wife was Lena Bird, had a son Peter, baptized
March 19, 1732, and Cornelius, Avhose wife was Maria Cole, had a snn
Cornelins, baptized Febiiiary 28, 1728.

Tlie following are other members of the family whose names are
found in the county and church records: Captain Peter, born De-
cember 4, 1784; he was the captain of the schooner " Thames,"' which
was wrecked on Absecom Beach, November 4, 1828, when he lost his
life. Peter, born October 5, 1802, died February 8, 1867. Abraham
and Mary had a daughter Ann, born September 30, 1758, and a daugh-
ter Elizabeth, born Jlarch 3, 1770. Daniel and Rachel had a son
Daniel, born Ma.y 10, 1760. Daniel and Susannah had a daughter
Ann, born June 27, 1762. Daniel and Elizabeth had a daughter
Rachel, born October 4, 1765. Peter and Christiana had a son George,
born Sejitember 6, 1770. This George married Eliza Winant, Novem-
ber 15, 1794. John and Hannah (or Johanna) had a daughter Eliza-
betli, born July 29, 1774, and a son Jacob, May 15, 1776. Peter and
Charity had a son Isaac, born Februarj' 1, 1775; this Isaac married
Patty Winant, Januaiw 16, 1796. Peter and Ann had two children,
Daniel and Ann, baptized November 20, 1785. Cornelius and Cath-
arine, his v.'ife, had a daughter Cornelia, baptized November 21, 1790,
Peter and Mary Winant were married July 14, 1790. Moses and
Catharine Winant were married August 7, 1800. Daniel and Eliza
Oakley were married December 19, 1801.

Jacob Winaut, of English ancestry, was born in Westfield, St.iten
Island, in 1749, and ga.ve his life service to the Methodist Church as a
traveling pi'eacher, and died at the age of seventy-six years. He mar-
ried in the Lawrence family, who claim to be remotely conn^'cted with
the wealthy Townley family of England. Jacob Winant's wife's fath-
er. Dr. James Lawrence, was born in Newtown, Long Island, in 1732,
and afterward lived on Staten Island. In 1753,he married Ann, daugh-
ter of Charles Jandine. They left two daughters. Sarah \^'as born in
1759, married Joseph Ridgway, and died in 1823, leaving five children :
Anne, Joseph, IMaiw, James, and Elizabeth. The second daughtei",
Catharine, born in 1763, married Jacob Winants. and died in 1820.
They left five children, four sons and one daughter. His eldest son.
Captain Peter, was borii in 1784, married Fannie Ellis, daughter of
Garret Ellis; she was born in 1785, and died in her eighty-second
year. Captain Peter was an officer in the army, and served through
the War of 1812. He left six children: Mrs. Mary Cortelyou, Jlrs.
Catharine Mills, Garret E., Mrs. Laney Appleby, ^fvs. Sarah Ann
C.ough, and Sebastian. Jacob Winant's second scm. Daniel, married

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 127

Polly r.aforjio, and tliev had tlivpe children. Jacob Winant's xKivd
son, Captain ^Viaant Wiiiants. iiiaiTied Mary Johnson, of Westfield;
he died in 1872, ai;ed eilihty-tln-cc years. They left three sons: Cap-
tain James J. Wiuants, of Kossville; Captain Jacob, of Jersey City,
and Cornelius, of Brooklyn. Jacob Winant's fourth son, Jacob, died
in ISC)?, aucil sixty-seven years.

(iarret Ellis Winants (son of Captain Peter Winants, who ^\as
lost at sea) became a man of great wealth and prominence. He was
born on SStaten Island, and left an orphan when he was bnt nine years
of age.

The family is still numerons on Staten Island. Prominent among
its present representatives is ex-Sheriff Abram Winant, of IJoss-
ville. There are several branches.

WOGLOM.

This name is Dntch, and has been variously recorded in America,
being spelled over two hundred ways. It is generally spelle<l Woglum
to-day. The prefix " Van " was droiipi'il ill 177*;. The name is ideiili-
fied with Holland's history, descending Irniu ilie Baron Van Woggcl-
um, of Woggelum, Netherlands.

From the market town of Woggelum, Jan \au Woggeluu! (mi-
grated in j(i4?>. He came in a vessel called the " Spotted Cow," whicli,
it is believ( (1, lauded at Perth Amboy. Many of its passengers settled
on Staten Island.

Jan Woggelum's removal to Staten LslancI was abmir ICilKI. llr
sold land on Staten Island in 1696, and thereafter his tainily is id* n-
tified with Staten Island history. His wife was Giytie or Cryssie,
and she and Jan Picterzen Xan Woggelum were witnesses at a bap-
tism in 1696-8.

John Woggelum was a member of the Colonial Assembly from Ivicli-
mond in 1698-9. He had two sons, Jan, Jr., Ary, or Adrian. Dmhwc
\'an ^^'oggelum witnessed a baptism in 1718, residing on Staten Is-
land in 17-!2, and in September, 17.")!.

The Woglom family married and intermarried with the Cedes, tin-
Cropseys the Denyses, and the Wiuants, and to this day are quite
numerous on Staten Island, especially in Westfield. A noted member
of this family was Cornelius Woglom. who was born August 20, 1800.
He was employed by tlie ruiled Stales (n;vernment as i)aymast(-r
during the building of Foi-t Hamilton, in 1831; Forth T\'adsworth,
on Staten Island, and Fort Schuyler, on the East Elver. With Col-
onel James Cropsey, he established the first, hotel on Coney Island, a
then fashionable resort. He was a captain in the Seventieth Regi-
ment, New York ]Militia. Afterward he was chosen for Guard of
Honor, which body of soldiers acted as escort to General Lafayette
when he last visited this country. Congress granted total exemp-

128 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

tinn from land taxes and .inry duties dnrins' his lifetime. He married.
January 2(i. 1832. at Fort Hamilton. Sarah Ann Cropsey.

Durinii- the Eevolution, the two John Woffloms (captain and pri-
vate), with Abram Woolum as first lieutenant, and Benjamin Wo<i;-
lom as ser-fieant. place this family on the patriot side. After this
period, the Wooloms do not appear as public officers on Staten Is-
land.

WOOD.

The name of Wood is not alone common in this country, but also
in several countries of the Old World. It is not known whether the
Woods of Btaten Island have descended from the one who came here
from England.

Samuel B. Wood, of fiarrisons, is the son of the late John B., who,
with his brother Samuel, are the sons of Samuel. Samuel's brothers
were : Joseph, John, Stephen, and Jesse, and they were the sons of
John, the sreat-jjrandfather of Samuel B. We subioin the names
of such as are to be found in the various church records of the Island.
Stephen and Geertje Winter had twins. Stephen and Obadia, bap-
tized December 24, 1737. Stephen and Jemima IMott had a son Bich-
ard, baptized June 13, 1731.

The followinp: are from St. Andrew's Church: Stephen Wood and
]\Iary had a daug-hter Mary, born September 18, 1172, and a son
Stephen, baptized June 5. 1785. John and Marsjaret had a son
Stephen, baptized Au2;ust 1, 1773, who married Damy Housman Feb-
ruary 3, 1794. (This Stephen was one of the five brothers mentioned
above as sons of John.) Stephen and Alice, or Elsy, had a son John,
baptized June 15, 1783; he married Barbara Van Pelt December 23,
1804; and another son, Abraham, born September 22, 1788. Timothy
and Sarah Rezeau were married in January, 1769. Isaac and Susan
Lewis were married February 9, 1704. John and Sarah Loclvman were
married March 23, 1794. Richard and Tatharine Lockman were mar-
ried January 7, 1795. James and Esther Elston (probably Alston)
were married June 1, 1799. Charles and Joanna Donjran were married
December 11. 1806; she was the daujihter of the late Walter Dongan.
of Castleton Corners, and a mother of Walter D. Wood, of ^lariners'
Harbor. Jesse and Catharine Marshall were married July 9, 1807.
James, mentioned above, lived at Lonj; Neck, or Travisville, and his
sons were: Charles, mentioned above, John, Peter, and Abraham;
Chai'les was well known in his day as a local preacher in th'^ Metho-
dist Episcopal Church. John, brother to Charles, married IMary Jones,
and was the father of James and Edward. The family is still a large
one.

C'HxVPTER IX.

THE '\'ANr)EI!KII.T FAMILY.

Ill': coiiiinoTi ancestor (W this family, -Tan (.Tnlin) Aoertseu
\'an (1(M- ISilt, airi\e(l in America from (van) ilcr Bilt or
P>yll, the hill, in lEolland, about 1(550, and took up his
residence near Flatbusli, Long- Island. Jacob Vau der Bilt,
a iirandson of the latter, in 171S, purchased from his father, of the
same name, a farm on Staten Island, to which he removed with liis
wife. Eleanor, and it was he who founded the Staten Island branch of
the Vanderbilt family.

rornelius A'anderbilt was born at the home of his parents, near
what is now Proliibition Park, the exact site of the house bein^-
marked by the residence of Mv. Read Benedict. He was the son of
Cornelius 'S'an r)(n-bilt and Plioebc^ Hand, and the gTeat-grandsou of
Jacob Van der I'.ilt. His bioyraplier says: " His boyhood and youth
were spent very much after the manner of other fai'mers' sons, in
the pursuit of amusements and I he i>ci-forni,-nicc of minor tasks about
the homestead, lie did i;ni i,,vc scliool, .-mmI earlv .•ic(|nh-i'd a taste
for a seafaring life. But Ids niothei', a woman ol sound common-
sense, won liiiii from his dreams witli a ju-actical ])roposal, the ac-
ceptance of whicli by him st.irted her son on that wonderful career
which finally seated him, if not in llu' liiulicst. then in the most use-
ful, position offered by mo(h']-ii civili/.aiion as a tical for andiitiou.
The proposal was that, in case of his com]>]eting an almost impos-
sible piece of Avork upon the farm before a certain date he should
liave one hundred dollars, with which to purchase for himself a boat.
He accepted the terms, and with the assistance of other boys, whom
he interested in the project by offering tlicm I he privilege' of sailing
with him, he won the prize. This took phu e in his sixteenth year, and
shortly after lie ln-gan tli" tra asportation business by carrying pas-
sengers to and from Stater. Island for an established toll of eighteen
cents. Often Avhen he first started in this business he would forego
his meals to ferry excursion parties to the city, and secure the extra
reward sure to follow.

"At the end of I he first year he gave the one hundred dollars to
his mother for the boat, and one thousand dollars besiiles. At the
end of the second he gave her another thousand dollars, and had se-
cured a fractional interest in two or three more boats. The War of
1812 also furnished him many o]iportunities to add to his regular
business.

130 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

" In his nineteenth year Mr. Vanderbilt mamed his cousin, Sophia
Johnson, the daughter of his father's sister Eleanor. The ceremony
took place November 19, 1813 (in the home of the bride, the Johnson
farmhouse, now familiarly known as the old Union House, in Totten-
A'ille). Immediately after it he redoubled his efforts to place him-
self on a solid business foundation. From the profits of a contract
with the Commissary Department of the United States for deliver-
ing food to the six forts in New York Bay, together with other moneys
which he bad accumulated, he built a small schooner for the coasting
trade, which he called the ' Dread.' The following year he built a
much larger one, named after his sister ' Charlotte,' and placed it on
the line between New York and Charleston. About this time, also,
he began to study the modeling and planning of vessels, which finally
ended in his abandoning sails for the then modern invention, the
steamboat.

" The end of 1817 found him twenty-three years of age, married,
with nine thousand dollars in his possession, and out of business. He
had heartily espoused the cause of Gibbons, proprietor of the steam
line between New York City and New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the
fight which that gentleman was conducting against the Fulton-Liv-
ingston New York steamboat monopoly (of which ex-Governor Daniel
D. Tompkins was a prominent member). Mr. Gibbons offered "Sir.
Vanderbilt the command of the small steamboat ' Mouse of the Moun-
tain,' which he accepted at a salary of one thousand dollars per
annum."

This was the first steamboat that ever passed through the Kills.
For twelve years Mr. Vanderbilt remained in the employ of Gibbons.
During this period he purchased a hotel, known as the Half-Way
House, at New Brunswick, where he made his home and several of
his children were born. In the course of time the law was repealed,
and Fulton, Livingston & Co. lost the sole right to run steamboats
in the waters of New York State. Mr. Vanderbilt wanted to engage
in business for himself, even though Gibbons offered him an equal
partnership in his line, then paying a profit of •'i?40,000 a year. He
turned his eyes in the direction of the Hudson River and Long Island
Sound traffic. He sold his hotel and removed to New York City with
his family, in 1829. He resided for a short time in Stone street, also
in East Broadway, after which he removed to Stapleton, Staten Island,
and resided in the old-fashioned residence on Bay street, nearly oppo-
site Police Headquarters, and later built the handsome residence now
owned and occupied by George H. Daly.

Mr. Vanderbilt commenced running a line of boats in the spring of
] 830. which he had built for him, and which contained many improve-
ments of his own invention, on the Hudson River. He was at first
opposed in this by the Stevenses, Daniel Drew, and Dean Richmond,
all of whom, however, rapidly disappeared. He made |30,000 a year

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

131

for five Yonrs after leaving Gibbons, wliicli be doubled after the ex-
piration of tliat period. At the age of forty he had more than a score
of vessels running in all directions, and the number v\as so rapidly
increasing that he began to be called " the Commodore." Between
iS-iO and 1850 his receipts were enormous.

Commodore Vanderbilt commenced his famous battle with the
Pacific IMail Steamship Company in 1849, by cari-ying passengers
across Lake Nicaragua. In order to accomplish this, he was obliged
to get a small side- wheel steamer (" The Director") up the San Juan
River, which is full of cascades and rapids, which he succeeded in
jumping, by tying down the safety-valve, to the great consteriiation of
the accompanying engineers. He made more than one million dollars
a year in Nicaragua, beside the income from his other enterprises at
the same time. He sold out the route to the Transit Line in 1853,
and started on his voyage in the
" North Star," then the largest
steam-yacht ever constructed. His
wife and eleven children accom-
panied him.

On his return to America Com-
modore Vanderbilt became engaged
in an altercation with the Nica-
ragua Transit Company, which, in
his absence, had grown rich by sys-
tematically robbing him. The
course which he took on that occa-
sion was characteristic. He at first
warned them of his intentions, and
then put on an opposition line, and
in one year the Transit Company
was bankrupt. He continued nine
years in the Oalifornia business, ac-
cumulating not less than ten mil-
lion dollars; but the filibuster ,,,iNnns wnpfrbilt
Walker put an end to operations by
seizing the Vanderbilt franchise and nearly capturing his steamers.

The next important venture of Mr. Vanderbilt was in the direction
of the transatlantic traffic. It was divided at that time between the
Cunard Line of English steamers and the Collins Weekly Line of
American vessels. These furnished about half the service required.
The Commodore offered to form a partnership with Collins, bnt he
declined. The Commodore waged war for some time with his volon-
tai-y antagonist for the privilege of carrying the United States mails,
which had theretofore been carried at an enormous rate. Mr. Collins
had influence at Washington for a time; but when the Commodore
offered to carry the mails for nothing, President Pierce vetoed the

132 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Collins subsidy. Mr. Vanderbilt then placed the three steaniers?, " ^^an-
derbilt," " Ariel," and " Harvest Queen," on the route, and with tliese
he beat the Collins steamers nine times out of ten. The Vanderbilt
line was soon made the favorite of travelers, and very soon succeeded
in so monopolizing- tlie trade that the Collins line disappeai'ed from
the ocean.

For years Mr. Vanderbilt continued the transatlantic traffic, and
abandoned it only when he found the rapidly increasinij- railroad in-
terests of the countin' provided a better investment for his money.
He had built fifty-one steamboats and steamships, besides quite a
number of schooners and other vessels, at the time he commenced
to invest his money in railroad stocks. At that time he was the
laro-est employer in the United States. He owned nearly a hundred
vessels, and his powerful hand was felt in eveiw commercial circle in
the world.

From the very commencement of the war he interested himself in
sending- troops to the field. President Lincoln noticed his a( tivity in
the matter, and sent for him immediately after the sinking; of 1he
"Cumberland" by the " ^Merrimac," and offered to reward him with
a larji'e sum of money to stop the progress of the Confederate ram.
Mr. Vanderbilt refused all compensation, but immediately returned
to New York, received a sufficient number of Government seamen,
which he took on board his favorite ship, the "Vanderbilt." which
was soon steaminp; up the James River, ready to give battle to the
" ^Merrimac." But the " Merrimac " did not put in an appearance, and
(""ommodore Vanderbilt wrote to President Lincoln, offering him the
loan of his vessel till the close of the Avar. Soon after this. Congress
ordered a medal struck in his honor and presented it to the donor,
and the "Vanderbilt," then probably the handsomest and best-
equipped steamer afioat, passed into the possession of the United
Stat(^s Government. It was valued at eight liundred thousand dollars.
Commodoi'e Vanderldlt made his first investment in railroad stock
in the winter of 18r>2-r)o. It \\as thought that the intricate methods
of Wall street would Ix- too much for him at that time. -'Rut the
fact that in the next fourteen years," says his biographer, " he suc-
ceeded in withdraAving his immense fortune entirely from its mari-
time investment, and doubling it four times over, and obtaining for it
the most scdid of all security then known to the American financier,
shows the mental poAver which he possessed and the clearness of his
judgment. His first investment was in Harlem, then selling at from
seven to nine. Under tJie impetus of his name it soon rose to thirty,
and shortly afterAvard at par, (ui his obtaining from the Common
Council of NeAV York City a franchise for a street railroad to the Bat-
tery. Tlie phenomenal rise thus given to stock excited the bears, who,
after selling immense quantities of Harlem short, attempted to injure
the Commodore bv influencing the withdrawal of the street franchise.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. * 133

They succeeded, by forming a combination with the aldermen, in
having the charter repealed; but found soon that he had outdone
them by purchasing all the stdck and holding it in his possession.
Some of it sold as liigh as two liniidicd and cighty-Hvc, and from the
}nillious which he lealized in this cornering of Harlem. ^Ir. \'ander-
hilt began investing in Hudson Kiver stock, tlieu (in the fall of IS(io)
selling at twenty-tive. His idea was, if possible, to control the road
and secure its consolfdation with the Harlem. For this purjiose lie
secure(l the ]>roi!iises of a majority of the legislators thai Hey would
give their votes in favor of the measure. Again he found that du-
plicity was being practiced. Tire members of the Assembly and their
friends were selling Hudson River short, preparatory to breaking
their pledges and defeating the bill. This caused :\li'. 'Vanderbilt to
form a. cond)ination ^\ itii dohu Tobin, afterward ]ii-esideiil of the road,
and Leonard Jerome. They secured, as in the Harlem corncH'. nearly
all the stock of the road. The legislators went on selling till tln-y
had disposed of twenty-seven thousand more shares of stock than
existed, and when the time came to cover their shorts, tliei-e was a
panic in Wall sti-eet. Hundreds were ruineil ouiiiglii. and .Mr. \'an-
derbilt's reput.it ion as a lailroad manipulator was hrndy maintained."

Commodore \au(h'i hill's ac(|uisitiou of the Hudson Kiver IJailroad
gave him wondei I'ul ]io\ver over I lie transit of New York State, which
was somewhat hani]»e]e(l by tlie arbitrary conduct id' tlie New York
Central, under the conti-ol of 1 >ean Kichiiiond and I'elert 'a-ger. They
refused to unite with hiui in any measure for the better accommoda-
tion of either passengers or freight, and caused him to retaliate by a
bold movement, wliidi hnally gained him possession of the New York
Central road. Kicliinond and Ca-.gger had been in the habit of using
Drew's river boats as an onilet for their freight in New York City dur-
ing the sunnnor niontlis. hut in the winter they were oblige(l to send it
over the Hndsmi liiver road. The Commodore took advanlage of the
situation and refused to run any trains to Albany during ilie wintei',
thus reducing the stock (d the Central more than tifteen per cent.,
after which he bought large annmuts of it, and gained the manage-
ment.

On November 1, 1869, just three years later, Commodore Vander-
bilt secured the consolidation of the Hudson Eiver with the new
possessions, and thus was established the New York Central and Hud-
son River Railroad Company. "New difficulties," according to his
biographer, "presented themscdves in the senseless and rninous rate-
cutting of the Er-ie road, againsi vihich all his remonstrances were in
vain. He accordingly connnenced a rapid absorption of Erie stock,
while Drew, Fisk, and Gould sold shf)rt. No one suspected the trick
which Drew and his companions were about to put in practice, which
was the issue of bogus stock. One hundred thousand shares of this
were suddenly thrown on the market, and Mr. Vanderbilt nukuow-

134 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ingly bought the whole issue. Immediately on discovering the fraud,
he put the machinery of the law in motion. Drew, Fisk, and Gould
fled to New Jersey, carrying nearly seven millions of dollars in green-
backs with them. But they were finally pressed to such an extent by
Mr. Vanderbilt's lawyers that they agreed to a restitution of several
millions. A charter was obtained for an immense union depot at
Forty-second street, and the building was constructed, together with
the splendid system of viaduct tracks, forming the entrance to the
city of the northern, western, and eastern railroads. This was ac-
complished at a cost of |6,500,000, half of which was borne by the
City of New York.

In November, 1873, Mr. Vanderbilt found himself obliged, by the
death of his son-in-law, Horace F. Clark, to ijurchase the Lake
Shore and Michigan Southern road. The advantage secured by rival
railroad managers through the combination of the Grand Trunk and
Great Western Eailroads also obliged him later on to secure tlie
Canada Southern and .Michigan Central, which, when added to his
former acquisitions, composed the finest and best-equipped railroad
property in the world.

The death of Mrs. Vanderbilt, on Augnist 17, 1868, was a great blow.
Her burial took place at New Dorp, in the presence of a large con-
course of friends. Among the pallbearers were A. T. Stewart and
Horace Greeley.

Mr. Vanderbilt married, a year later, another cousin, I'^rank A.
Crawford, of London, Canada. She has the credit of influencing him
in the establishment of the " Vanderbilt University," of Tennessee,
at a cost of one million of dollars, and also that he purchased for the
friend of his latter days, the Rev. Dr. Deems, " The Church of the
Strangers,'- at a cost of |50,000.

Commodore Vandei'bilt died on January 4, 1877, aged eighty-three
years. A large concourse of people assembled in the old Moravian
Cemetery at New Dorp, to witness the ceremony, and the incidents of
that day were flashed to all parts of the world.

The Mausoleum, holding his remains, is in the old Moravian
Cemetery, and the structure, together with its surround iugs, cost
nearly a milliou of dollars. Besides the resting-places for the dead
it contains a chapel. The view from in front of the structure is most
magnificent, while the driveway, with the entrance through a very
beautiful stone archway, adds greatly to the scene. The choicest of
flowers and shrubbery adorn the grounds.

Commodore Vanderbilt left a large family. William H., his eldest
son, inherited the bulk of the fortune. According to the will, his
share was about ninety millions of dollars. William H. was born at
New Brunswick, New Jersey, on May 8, 1821. After a brief course in
the public school at that place, the removal of his parents to New York
City enabled him to enter Columbia Grammar School. At the age

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. ]35

of sixteen he began business as a ship chandler, and at the expiration
of two years he entered the office of Drew, Robinson & Co., banljers,
on Wall street.

The biographer of William H. Vanderbilt wrote thus of him : " The
young man had been for some time considering the adverse opinion
which his father seemed to have formed of him. He saw that it was
an obstacle to his progress, and resolved if possible to remove it.
With this end in view, he devoted himself unreservedly to his work,
and as a result, his advancement at the bank was a rapid one. On en-
tering it his salary was placed at |150 per annum. The second year it
was 1300, and the third it was |1,000. At the age of twenty he mar-
ried ilaria Louise Kissam, daughter of a Brooklyn clergyman of the
Dutch Keformed Church, and with her he went to board in East Broad-
way. His father was then worth in the neighborhood of one million
dollars, but he hatl made up his mind that his sou was reckless and
that helping him would be but wasting money; so he allowed him to
live on as he had started, without his aid. At last the young man's
health gave way, and the physicians notified his father that he must
be taken from the bank, or the result might prove fatal.

" The Commodore looked about for some means of employing his
sou, which Avould at the same time enable him to recover his health.
Finally he decided on purchasing him a farm at New Dorp, Stateu Is-
hmd, between the old Moravian Church and the sea, and to it William
and his wife removed (in 184:2), with the determination that they
would make the best of the situation. The house to which they went
was a plain, two-story structure, facing the sea, with a lean-to for a
kitchen. It probably did not contain more than five rooms. The farm
also was very small, and was a part of the neglected barrens of Staten
Island. It needed to be carefully tilled and abundantly fertilized to
make it fruitful.

" From the first Mr. Vauderbilt made a success of farming. As at
the bank, he gave his undivided attention to the task before him, and
got as much as possible out of his narrow acres. When he left Staten
Island, on his father's accession to the control of Harlem, he had by
his own efforts enlarged his farm to three hundred and fifty acres, re-
built his house, now one of the finest farm-houses in Richmond County,
and his produce was yielding him |1,000 a month, or |12,000 a year.

" The construction of the Staten Island Railroad shortly before the
war, was a scheme in which Mr. Vanderbilt had deeply interested
himself. Owing to bad management it was soon overladen with debt,
and it became necessary to place it in the hands of a receiver.
Through his father's influence, who was then a principal stockholder,
he was appointed to the place. He had no experience as a manager, but
he began by applying rules of common-sense to the task before him,
and at last succeeded, by reducing expenses, stopping leaks, discover-
ing new sources of patronage, and connecting the road with New York

136

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

City by an independent line of ferries, in placing the company on siioh
a footing that its stock, from being valueless, rose to |1T5 a share. All
this was accomplished in two y(»ars, and as a result Mr. Vauderbilt
was made president of the road."

The antipathy of the old C'oniiiiodore towai"d William H. was a fa-
miliar subject to the people nf Staten Island in those days, and re
peatedly certain residents jilcadcd with the father to be more friendly
with the son. The late Dr. Kphraim ( "lark. <if Xt-v, Dorp, never missed

VANDERBILT MAUSOLEUM.

an opportunity to create a kindly feeling between tlic t\Ai>, ami there
is no doubt that the kind-hearted old doctor did much lo bring about
the substantia] reconciliation which came at last.

An amusing story is told about the real caaise of the old Cdiiimo-
dore's sudden change in his regard for the son. One day. (he story
goes, William H. Avent up to the city, and stated to his father that
he wanted a load of manure, and asked him if he would sell it to him.

" O, go and get it, and don't bother me," said tiie bn«v old man,
thinking that an ordinary wagon-load was the amount calh^l for. But

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 137

it was a schooner-load that the junior Vanderbilt had in his mind,
and which was delivered later at the dock, the moldering remnant of
whicli may be seen at the foot of Xcw Dor]) lane to-day.

AN'iicn tlie matter was iciioricd lo ihc ohi Commodore, a lively scene
was expected; but all prescul were (liKapiioiiited. He laid aside the
]iai)er which he was readint;;, jdaccd Ins liulil hand on his head care-
fidly, and after a few seconds in silenl tlionght, quietly remarked,
" W-e-l-l, there is something' in ^^'il]iam, after all! " It was noticed
that from that time on, there ^^as a marked intimat-y between the
father and son.

Mrs. William H. Vanderbilt was a woman of strength of character
and refinement. She did much to help her husband, and gain for him
tlie respect and confidence of his father. She always claiiued tiiat he
was misjudged, because the father did not undcisiand liim. When,
however, tliey once became acquainted, they were indeed the firmest
of friends.

(N.mmodore Vanderbilt sent William IT. to Europe to look after a
brothei', ('a]»taiu (ieoige A'aiiderbilt, whose liealth liad been wrecked
in tlie war of tlie Kebellion, and who had been spending a year iu the
liiviera. This young man was his fathei-"s favorile; he died in Paris,

.'d con-
■sideiit. and
men! of
rier became
■onsolida-
•ted vice-
president of the combined system.

When the Coiniiiodore iljed. William IT. was fifty-five years of age.
lie at onci' lier;iiiii. ]iiesideni of all the roads of which he had before
been vice-[iiesi(leiil ; but his r(dation to affairs remained substantially
the same.

An attempt A\as made by one or two of [he Commodore's heirs to
break the will. The interests which he had at stake compelled Mr.
\ anderbilt to defend himself to the extent of convincing aspiring
contestant:s that his position was entirely tenable. When he had
gained this point, however, he brought the suit to a peaceable ter-
mination by compromise. To his epileptic brother, Cornelius J., he
gave one million dollars, and to each of his sisters half a million, in
addition to the amounts already given them by the will of their father.

After the Commodore's death, Mr. Vanderbilt completed the pur-
chase of the Canada Southern Kailroad. This, together with other
ac(iuisitons which he made, added considerably to his already im-
mense income; and he soon began, at Fifth avenue and Fifty- first
street, the construction of the elegant residence in which he died.
The structure was completed in two years. Six hundred workmen
were employed upon it, and sixty sculptors, brought especially from

sliortly after his hroih-'v's arrival.

\\-iieii his n

lllie

r ass

ti-ol of thellail.'iii Kaih-oad, Williai

II 11. was made

vie.

■-l)l-e>

The inanageiiieiit of the Conimoih>i-e'

's schemes for

the i

iiipr,

the property were all intrusted to

his .are. He

SOO

n al't

> ice-rresideiit of the Hudson lUve

r Kailroad, an

d oil

1 the

tion of the latter with the New Y

ork Central, h

■' Wi

IS .d(

138 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. I

Europe, were kept busy during the same length of time. The cost
of the double home was two millions of dollars, and the art gallery
was furnished at an additional expense of a million and a half. The
collection of paintings, two hundred in number, rej)resentiug the best
modern artists of France, is said to be the most complete in the world.
Mr. Vanderbilt gave much attention to its construction, as a result
of which he probably secured for himself the tiuest private residence
in America.

The love of Mr. Vanderbilt for outdoor exercises, and especially
fast driving, was a theme of conversation in sporting circles, not only
throughout this country, but also in Europe. After the decease of
his father he essayed to take his place upon the road.

During the construction of the " Nickel Plate " railroad, Mr. Van-
derbilt's interests compelled him to make every effort to prevent its
completion. Finallj-, when these failed, he pui'chased the road. His
second sou, William K., carried on the negotiations, and Avas shortly
afterward elected its president. After this transaction, on May 3,
1883, Mr. Vanderbilt resigned the presidencies of the various rail-
roads of which for more than six years he had been the head. He was
overworked and his health fatally impaired. December 8, 1885, three
years after his resignation, he died at his home in New York City, of
paralysis, a second attack.

At the time of the attack Mr. Vanderbilt was seated in his parlor.
Kobert Garrett, President of the Baltimore and Ohio Kailroad, was
sitting beside him, and the only other person present was the late
James 1\. Eobinson, of Staten Island, who had long been on the most
intimate terms with the family. Mr. Garrett's mission was to ne-
gotiate with Mr. Vanderbilt, relative to the entrance of the Baltimore
and Ohio Bailroad into New York City. Mr. Vanderbilt was very
much opposed to the scheme. Mr. Gai'rett became excited at Mr. Van-
derbilt's opposition, and at what he considered a threatening attitude,
and the two became considerably agitated over the matter. Finally,
Mr. Vanderbilt advanced a theory which he hoped would effect a
compromise. But it did not meet with favor on the part of Mr. Gar-
rett. Mr. Vanderbilt became greatly excited, and rising from liis
chair, made a motion to an attendant who had just entered the room
in response to a call, waved his hand and sat down suddenly. Pres-
ently his head rested on his breast and he made an unsuccessful effort
to speak. Assistance was immediately summoned, but it was of no
service; the busy life had reached its end.

Mr. Vanderbilt more than doubled the fortune left iiini by liis
father, and was reputed at the time of his death to be worth about
two hundred millions of dollars. The manner in which this was in-
vested admitted of a more equal distribution than his father had been
able to make of his estate ten years before, and of the eight children
surviving him, not one received less than ten millions of dollars. The

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 139

two eldest sons, Cornelius and William K., however, inherited the
bulk of the fortune, amounting to nearly one hundred and tweuty mil-
lions of dollars.

The childi'en of William H. Vanderbilt were born on tiie farm at
New Dorp, and their first schooldays wave spent in the little led
sehoolhouse on Mill road. The boys and girls who used to studj^ and
play with them, remember them as friends only. The children of this
family Axerc: Coruclius, who married Miss Gwynn; William K., who
married Miss Alva Smith (tlieir daughter being the Duchess of
Marlborough); Frederick \\'., who married Miss Anthony: Georgej
who married Miss Dresser; Emily, who married W. D. Sloane; Louise,
who married Colonel Elliott F. Bhepard; Florence, who married
Hamilton McK. Twombly, and Eliza, who married J. fc^cwiud Webb.

Cornelius succeeded his father, William H., at the laii: i"s death,
as the head of the family and its gigantic interests. The world soon
learned to look upon him as a noble man, in every way an honor to
his day and generation. His career, however, was limited, as he died
a victim of paralysis, at his home, at Nt). 1 ^^'('sl Fifty-seventh street,
Manhattan, on the morning of Tuesday, Scpi ember 12, 1899, in his
fifty-sixth year. On the following Friday his remains were placed
in the mausoleum at New Dorp.

The names of the children of Commodore Vanderbilt are as follows :
Phcebe Jane, who married James M. Cross; they resided at New Dorp
for several years, and then rejuoved to New York City; both have
been dead a number of years. Bthlinda married Daniel B. Allen, and
resided on the Little Clove road; both are dead. Eliza married
George Osgood, and they resided on Osgood place, in Clifton; both
are dead. Emily married William K. Thorne; they resided in New
York City, where they died. William H. nu^rried Louise Kissam; both
died in New York City. Frances was unmarried; she died at the age
of forty, in consequence of an accident. Maria Louise married Horace
F. Clark, of New York City. Alitia married L. B. Labau, aud they
had a beautiful residence on the Clove road, which was destroyed
by fire; her second husband was named Berger, a Frenchman. Sophia
married Daniel Torrance; she resides in New York. George died when
a mere lad. George, second, died in Pai'is. Cornelius, Jr., was an
invalid, and died a few years since. Catharine married Smith Barker,
of New York City; later she married a man named LaFitte, in Paris.

Captain Jacob Hand Vanderbilt, a brother to the Commodore, be-
came a prominent man. He was born on the eastern shore of Staten
Island, on September 2, 1807. Under the infiuences of a domestic life,
he grew up, acquiring the common school education of the times, and
at an early age began to " follow the water." At the age of eighteen
he had risen to the command of a steamboat, and from that time on-
ward he rose steadily in the importance of his business engagements
and adventures, which were chiefly connected with the conduct of

14:0 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

steamboat lines on Lone,' Island Sonnd, the Connectient and Ifudsdii
Kivevs.

In 1S34, lie married Enpliemia IMai-ia Banta, a descendant of (Gen-
eral Israel Pntnam. Her death occurred in 1877. Tjjree of Captain
Vanderbilt's children are liviiiii : A son, bearing' his own name : Ellen,
widow, of llcniian I ). <"aesar, and Clara, wido-w of James McNamee.

Shortly after the Southern war ("atitain N'anderbilt retired from ac-
tive business, but continued to hold the presidency of the Staten Is-
land Railroad. He had a beautiful residence on Clove Hill. He died
in 1SS2.

CIlAFTEh' X.

AARON burr: soldier, LA\\ VI

POLITICIAN.

Til' story of Aai-oH Burr's eventful career, is one of direct
iiitorcsl to tlic [u-ople of Staten Islam!, for it was lierc that
a coiisideral.le iiortion of liis life was si)eiit. and here that
it ended.

Aaron IJnrr Avas liorn in Newark, New Jersey, on I'ebruary C, 1T."i(;.
He was the son of Key. Aaron Burr, and lirandsou of Ke\ . -lonallian
Edwards, cacli of whom became President of rriiiccton ("olletic \lv-
inovinii fiom Newark to Elizabethtown, liis early jdaydays wci-e
spent just across the Kills from Staten Island, altliouuli his i)arents
removed to Princeton when he was very youui:. He was left an
oridian A\lien a child; but he and his sister returned to Elizabetliiown,
and became inmates of the family of the Hon. Timothy Edw ards, their
luotlier's bi-other. 'rai)]ian Peeve, aft<'rwar(l judiic of the sn]irenie
court of Connect iciit. was tlieir tutor, and married the sister wlien
she was bul seventeen Aears of ai^e.

At tiie ■,\'j.f of eh'ven, Aaroii Burr was prepared for coUe^e, and,
ai)]>lyini; fur admission at Princeton, was rejected on account of his
aiic He set to work to learn out of collei^c Avliat lie was not per-
mitted to learn in it. At thirteen he applied for admission into the
iuiuoi' (dasv, and more as a favor than a rii;hl, he was allowed to enter
the soi)homore (dass. Ife should have been fifteen years old. Tliis
was in 17C>!t. He was but sixteen when he graduated, in September.
1772.

In the sju'iuii- and summer of 1773, Burr was much at Elizabetlitown.
One of his favorite pleasures there was lioatinii', and he fre(|uently
came over to Staten Island, becominii (piite familiar witli <'ver\- |»art
of the jdace. In the autumn of 177;i, he went to live in tlie f.uiiily (d'
Dr. Jeremiah Bellamy, the eminent theoloi;ian.

As tlie winter of 1771 drew on. Burr's younii friends were drawn
from the liiiht pursuits proper to their ai;e, l<y the portentous as]iect
now assumed by tlie (piarrel between tlie colonies and tic mother
country. He was a witness of the affair at i.it(liti(dd. and liad only
bciiun the study of law when the news of Lexiuiiton electrified the
colonies.

Aaron Burr felt that he was formed to excel as a soldier, and al-
thouLih only nineteen years of at;e, his courage was per-fect — lie never

142 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

knew fear. He was a good horseman, a good helmsman, a tolerable
fencer, and a fair shot. Moreover, he loved the military art; knew
all of it that could be learned from books, and more highly prized the
soldier's glory than that of any other pursuit.

On hearing of the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill, Burr could
bear inactivity no longer. He mounted his horse, and rode in hot
haste to Elizabethtown, where he aided his friend Matthias Ogden
to prepare for the campaign, and the two friends made their way to
The American camp at Boston. They arrived in July, 1775, only a
few days after General Washington had assumed command.

After passing a month of most wearisome idleness, Burr was strick-
en with intermittent fever, and was confined to his bed for several
days. One day, as he was tossing about, he overhead Ogden and
others talking in the next room concerning an expedition that was on
foot. Colonel Benedict Arnold was about to march with a thousand
volunteers through the forests of Maine to attack Quebec, and thus
complete the conquest of Canada.

Instantly Burr declared his determination to join the expedition;
and, quietly disregarding Ogden's remonstrances, began, enfeebled as
he was, to dress himself. No argument nor persuasion could move
him when his hiind was made up. Go he would. In a very few days
he was ready to proceed to the rendezvous at Newburyport, distant
thirty miles from Boston. Accompanied by a squad of stout fellows,
whom he had equipped at his own expense, he shouldered his knap-
sack and marched the whole distance.

On the 20th of September, the troops, eleven hundred in number,
embarked at Newburyport, and, at the mouth of the Kennebec, found
two hundred light batleaux in waiting. Soon the little army had
gone by the last outpost of civilization, and was working its way
through the wilderness. For forty-two days they saw no trace of the
presence of human beings. Thiriy times or more, the boats, Avith all
their contents, ammunition, provisions, and sick men, had to be car-
ried by main strength, around rapids and falls, over high and precipi-
tous hills, and across wide marshes — until, after toil, under which a
tenth of the army sank, and from which another tenth ran away, the
boats Avere launched into the Dead River, where a sudden flood
dashed many of them to pieces, and destroyed one-half of the pro-
visions. Then all the horrors of starvation threatened the devoted
band. In a few days more, they were reduced to live upon dogs and
reptiles and, at length, to devour the leather of their shoes and car-
tridge-boxes, and anything, however loathsome, which contained the
smallest nutriment. It was fifty days after leaving Newburyport,
before Arnold, Avith the loss of exactly half his force, saw the heights
of Quebec. He had brought the gallant army six hundred miles
through a hideous Avilderness.

The student, bi"ed in comparative luxury, who had come from a sick-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

143

bed, bore the fatigues and privations as well as anyone in the party.
Although skilled in managing a boat, he met with a serious mishap.
His boat was precipitated over a fall of twenty feet, and with the loss
of one man. Burr and his companions got ashore with difficulty.

As the force approached Quebec, it became a matter of the first im-
portance to communicate with General Montgomery at Montreal. To
Burr was confided the task of conveying, alone, one hundred and

ST. .JAMES HOTEL, PORT RICHMOND — HOUSE

lARON BURR DIED.

twenty miles, through an enemy's country, a verbal message from
Arnold, informing Montgomery of his arrival, and of his plans.

Assumitig the garb and bearing of a young priest, he went directly
to a religious house near the camp, and sought an interview with its
chief, who gave him aid.

At Three Rivers the guide found the people excited by rumors of
-Vrnold's arrival, and the authorities on the alert to prevent con-
nection between the two American commanders. When tliev reached

144 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Montreal, Burr repaired at once to Montgomery's hoa<l<|n;u-(('PS, gave
the inforniatiou with which he was charged, and niirr.iliMl his ad-
ventures. Tliat gallanl soMicr was so charmed with Burr's address
and daring, thai lie i-cinicslcd liim, on the spot, to accept a place on
his staiT. A IVw days aftci-, Burr was formally announced as the
general's pidcdccamp, with the rank of .captain.

Montgniiiciy snon marched, in a blinding snowstorm, to meet Ar-
nold, ^Ahose troops were already shivering under the heights of Que-
bec. Arnold had already made an attack upon the city, and might
liave carried it with undying honors, and turned the course of Revo-
lutionary historj--, but for the treason of an Indian to whoui he had
given letters for General Schuyler, but wlio conveyed them :)nd news
of the expedition to the British ((immandant!

Soon after ^Montgomery's aniviil, a council of war was held, at
which Burr and Ogden were present, and it was determined to make
an at teiiiiit to take the place by assault. To Captain Buit, at his own
i'e(|uest, was assigned the command of a forlorn hope of f(n'ty men,
whom he forth^w ith. selected, and began to drill.

By the 20th of December, preparations were comi)lete. 'I'he little
army ^^■as waiting for a stonn as the time of attack. The la.st night
in the year of 1775, the early part of which was brilliantly lighted by
the moon, at midnight, witnessed the commencement of a violent snow-
stoi'm. The little army was soon under arms. About nine hundred
men answered to their names. They wei'e divided into four parties.
Two were to figlit; tla^ others to distract the garrison by feints. One
of the tigiifiiig ]iar!ii's was led by Arnold, the other by Montgomery.
At five o'rlo( k Die <igiial of aitack was given. Two lines of pickets
were driven in by ^Montgomery. Tlie tn>o])s in a bhxddiouse, seeing
the Americans appronrliiii'.;, i-etreated. Tlie failure of a hasty advance
led one of the enemy's iiicm to retTirii to the blockhouse, and he
Tonclied off a grapi'-cliaru(Ml caniion.

h'orward f(d] ^Montgomery, never to rise again. In fact, every man
that marched in front of the column, except <'ai)tain Burr and the
guide, were struck down to death by tliat sliot. Tlie (•oliiinn halted
and wavered, and fell into incompetent hands. Burr attemi)ted to
reoi-ganize the command and pusli on. " When dismay and consterna-
tion ]irevaiU^d," testified Captain Bitdiard Piatt, who commanded a
New York conipany, among the most advanced in the column of at-
tack, " Burr animated the troops, and made many efforts to lead them
(m, and stimulated them to enter the lower town; and might have
succeeded, but for the positive order of the commanding olTicer for
the troops to retreat." The enemy opened fire from the blot khouse.
and the retreat of the Americans became a disordi-rly flight.

It was then that Captain Burr made a noble disjilay of ronrage and
fidelity. There lay the body of his general in its snowy sliroud. Down
the steep, over the blocks of :ce and diifts of snow, and along tlie

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 145

river's bank, his comrades were flying in disgraceful panic. From
the blockhouse the enemy were beginning to issue in pursuit. The
faithful aide, a boy in stature, exerting all his strength, lifted the
general's body upon his shoulders, and carried it down the gorge, up
to his knees in snow, the enemy only forty paces behind him.

The country rang with the name of Aaron Burr and his gallant
conduct. Arnold assumed command of the army, and appointed Burr
brigade-major. Burr did not like Arnold. In the spring the army
retreated to Montreal, and Biu-r, against Arnold's will, gave up his
position. He was warmly greeted at Albany, on his return, and soon
heard that General Washington was so gTeatly pleased with his con-
duct at Quebec, that he sent word for him to come to him immediately,
and stay in his family. In -May, ITKi, Major Burr reported to General
Washington, who was rt-siding at liichiiuind Uill. But inactive life
did not suit him, and he thought of retiring from the service. John
Hancock dissuaded him, and procured him an appointment as aide-de-
camp on the stalf of General Putnam. During the retreat of the
American ai"my from Long Island, Major Burr saved a frightened
brigade from capture.

In July, 1777, while at Peekskill, with General Putnam, Burr was
notified by General Washington of his promotion to the rank of lieu-
tenant-colonel. He was the youngest man who ever held that rank in
the Bevtjlutiunary army. He was soon placed in command of a regi-
ment, which lay at Eamapo, in Orange County. Colonel Burr was
soon the idol of his troops, for he knew how to command them. Ex-
acting the most ]jrompt and imi^licit obedience, he commanded only
what was right and necessary, and was prompt to notice and applaud
good conduct.

In September, a rumor reached Colonel Burr that a strong force of
British were on the way to Orange County, In the night, Burr, per-
sonally, at the head of seveulceu men, captui'ed their pickets and
made them prisoners, and succeeded in driving the main force away.
In Xoveniher, 1777, ('olonel Burr was ordered with his regiiuent to
join the maiu army under General Washington, near Philadelphia.
At the same time Burr planned an expedition against the British
posts on Staten Island. He proposed the scheme to General ^Vash-
ington, and asked for two hundred men of his own regiment as a
nucleus, relying on his ability to raise the country in case he should
appear here with a respectable body of troops. General Washington
rejected the proposal; and when, afterward, he acted upon the idea,
gave the command to Lord Siirliug, and later, to General Sullivan,
under both of whom it proved a failure.

The Continental army went into winter (juarters, near a powerful
enemy, at Valley Forge. Some distance from the " town of hovels "
there was a pass called the Gulf, where an attack was expected. The
timid militia were constantly giving false alarms. General McDougall

146 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

recommended that Colonel Burr be given command at that point,
which he accepted, and the most rio-orous discipline prevailed.

At the battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778, Colonel Burr commanded
one of the bri.yades of Lord Stirlino's division. All through the sultry
night that ])receded the battle, he was on the alert, surveying the
ground and preparing for the fight. From before the dawn of that
eventful day until late in the evening, his men were under arms,
either engaged or waiting orders, exposed to a sun so powerful as to
be only less fatal than the enemy's fire. Toward noon, while Stirling
was thundering away with his artillery at the enemy, Colonel Burr
perceived a detachment of British issuing opposite him from the
wood which hemmed in a small, marshy plain.

Before him was a morass over wliich a bridge had been thrown to
the solid ground beyond. He instantly gave the order for his brigade
to cross the bridge, and march toward the approaching enemy. When
about half his force had crossed, and were within the enemy's fire,
one of General Washington's aides galloped up to Colonel Burr and
ordered him to halt his men, and hold them where they Avere until
further orders. Burr remonstrated vehemently. The aide I'eplicd
that the order was peremptory and must be obeyed, then rode away.

The cannon balls soon began to roar above the heads of his men,
and to strike with threatening proximity. Colonel Burr saw his brave
men begin to fall about him, in consequence, as he thought, of blun-
dering generalship. In a few minutes. Colonel Dummer, second in
command to Burr, was killed; and, soon after, at a moment when
Colonel Burr had by chance thrown his leg forAvard, a ball struck his
horse on the saddle-girth, killed the animal instantly, and tumbled his
rider headlong on the ground. Bui'r Avas up again in a moment, un-
injured. As no further order arrived, the men who had crossed the
bridge rejoined their comrades.

Immediately after the battle. Colonel Burr was dispatched by Gen-
eral Washington to move about in the vicinity of NeAV York, and pro-
cure information " respecting the motions and intentions of the en-
emy." Accomplishing this task, he was ordered to march Avith his
regiment to West Point. The regiment, hoAvever, marched without
him, as he was selected to conduct " certain influential tories within
the British lines." During the winter Colonel Burr commanded the
post at West Point. He was now in his twenty-third year.

In January, 1779, Colonel Burr Avas appointed to command the
" Westchester lines," a region lying between the posts of the British
at Kingsbridge, and those of the Americans, about twenty miles dis-
tant. An active campaign ensued. Innujnerable skirmishes were
fought. Colonel Burr destroyed a British fort and captured the en-
tire garrison force, AAdthout the loss of a man.

On the 10th of JNIarch, 1779, Colonel Burr Avrote to Genei'al Wash-
ington, resigning his commission, givin.«- as the reason, his physical

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 147

inability to perform the duties of his command. General Washing-
ton, in accepting- his resignation, observed that " he not only regretted
the loss of a good officer, but the cause which made his resignation
necessary." And so, after four years of active service. Colonel Burr
ceased to belong to the army.

While visiting at Newburg, General McDougal requested Colonel
Burr to cross the country and inform General Washington of the
danger that section was in; and later, while sick in bed at New
Haven, Connecticut, he heard of the landing of Governor Tryon's
troops. The people were in dreadful alarm. He went out into the
street to find the militia panic-stricken and unable to face the British.
Then going to the college green, where the students were drawn up in
line, he addressed them, and he was accepted as their commander.
They marelied into the town and were joined by a small detachment of
militia, and their presence held Governor Tryon's force in check for
some time.

In the autumn of 1780, his health having greatly improved, he be-
gan to study law in earnest, under Judge Patterson, of New Jersey.
The following year he went with Thomas Smith, a city practitioner of
note, at Haverstraw.

In November of that year, the Legislature of New York passed an
act disqualifying all the Tory lawyers from practicing in the courts of
the State. Burr at once resolved to make an eifort to realize part of
the benefits himself, and, a few days after, he was in Albany for the
purpose of applying for admission to the bar. But difficulties arose.
The rule of the court was, that candidates must have spent three years
in the study of the law before admission, and Colonel Burr could
scarcely pretend to more than one yeai''s study. Nor could he find a
lawyer in the State willing to make a motion for the court to set aside
the rule. In these circumstances, the candidate undertook the man-
agement of the case himself.

Having first conciliated the good-will of the judge in private, and
made him acquainted with the grounds of his application, he appeared
in court at the proper time, and made the requisite motion. He said
that he had begun his studies before the Eevolution, and should long
since have been entitled to admission to the bar, but for the services
he had rendered as a soldier. " No rule," he observed, " would be in-
tended to injure one whose only misfortune is having sacrificed his
time, his coustitvition, and his fortune to his country." The court de-
cided that the rale with regard to the period of study might, for the
reasons given, be dispensed with, provided the candidate could show
that he possessed the requisite knowledge. The examining counsel
gave him no indulgence. They wished his failure. But after an ex-
amination, prolonged, critical and severe, which he passed triumph-
antly, he was licensed as an attorney. On the 17th of April following,

148 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

he was admitted as counselor. He was then twenty-six years of age.
He began tlie practice of law at Albany.

On the 2d of July, 1782, Aaron Burr and Theodocia Prevost (widow
of Colonel Prevost, of the British army) were married in the Ke-
fornied Dutch Church at Albany, by the Rev. David Bogart. They
were forthwith established in an ample residence in that city.

At Albany, in the first year of his marriage, was born Colonel Burr's
daughter, lovely little Theodocia. She had a joyful welcome into the
world, the beautiful child who was to have so terrible an exit from it.

Colonel Burr practiced law in Albany for more than eighteen
uionths, with great success. As soon as peace was declared, he made
arrangements for removing to Xew York. A house was hired for him
in Maiden lane, at two hundred pounds a year, the " rent to commence
Avhen the troops leave the city." That event occurred on the 2oth of
November, 1783; soon after which date Colonel Burr removed his
family to the city. The city contained at that time twenty-live thou-
sand people, and was the second city in importance in the United
States. Philadelphia stood first, with fifty thousand. The State of
New York had less than three hundred thousand.

Colonel Biirr had few competitors for the higher business of the pro-
fession. The disfranchisement of the Tory lawyers, and the compli-
cated suits growing out of the laws confiscating the estates of Tories,
gave to an able and active lawyer, just after the Revolution, a most
lucrative field of exertion. He came to New York, apparently, with
no intention to take part in politics.

From 1783 to 1791, the practice of tlie law absorbed the greater
](art of his time and attention. He made a great deal of money, and
liis style of living kept pace with his increasing income. In a feAV
yeai's we find him master of Riolimond Hill, tlie mansion where Wash-
ington had lived in 177(!. with grounds reaching to the Hudson, with
ample gardens, and ;i cnnsidcrable extent of grove and farm. Here
he maintained a liberal establishment, and exercised the hospitality
which was then in vogue. Tallyrand, Volney, Louis Phillippe, and
other strangers of distinction, whom the French Revolution drove
into exile, were entertained with princely profusion and elegance at
Richmond Hill. His library excelled all others in the city.

Colonel Burr's rise to eminence in the political world was more
rapid than that of any other man who played a conspicuous part in
the affairs of the United States, during the first half century of the
Republic. In the spring of 1781, he was elected a member of the State
Legislature, and re-elected on the following year. He stood alone, at
first, in opposition to the land-grab bill, which was finally lost. At
the same session a bill was introduced for the gradual abolition of
slavery in the State. Burr v.iis in favor of a speedier extinction of it,
and moved to amend tlie l)ill so as to totally abolish slavery after a

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 149

certain day. His ameudment having been rejected, lie voted for tlio
original bill, which was lost.

As there were three jjarties, so there w^ere three groups of leading
partisans — the Clintons, the Livingstons, and the Schujlers. The
Clintons had power, the Livingstons had numbers, and the Schuylers
had Ilamiltou! Neither of the three was strong enough to overcome
the other two united, and any two united could triumph over the
third.

A thousand influences enter into politics, and in a State where
only freeholders had a vote, and where there were not moi'e than
twelve or fourteen thousand freeholders, the influence of great fam-
ilies, if wielded by men of force and talent, will be, in the long run,
and in a great crisis, controlling. It was so in the State of New York
for twenty years after the Revolution. For some years after coming
to New York, Colonel Buri' held aloof from these factions. And when,
at length, he entered the political field, it was not as an ally of
either of the families, but as an independent power who pr(jfited by
their dissensions, and wielded the influence of the two 1i» crush the
more obnoxious third.

Colonel Uurr had a party of his own, that served him, instead of
family coiiuections. These Buirites formed a fourth party in the
State, and were a recognized power in it years after the leader had
vanished from the scene. Consisting at first of half a dozen of Burr's
personal friends, it grew in numbers with his advancement, until it
became a formidable " wing " of the great Democratic party.

In 1788, Colonel Burr first appears in political history as the candi-
date of the anti-Federal party. In the following year. Governor
George Clinton appointed him attorney-general of the State, although
he had opposed that gentleman's election. This was a tribute to the
lawyer merely.

In January, 1791, Colonel Burr was elected to represent the State
of New York in the United States Senate. General Schuyler (Hamil-
Ion's father-in-law), Avas a candidate for re-election, and had the aid
of Hamilton, then the confidential man of Washington's administra-
tion. Notwithstanding the Federalists had a niajdriiy in the Legis-
latvire, Schuyler was rejected and Buit elccicd (ni llir lirst ballot.

The commencement of Alexander Hamilton's hatred for Aaron Burr
dates from this event. Soon after, Hamilton's letters began to teem
with repugnance for his rival. From this time, in whatever direc-
tion Bun- sought advancement, or advancement sought him, his secret,
inveterate enemy was Alexander Hamilton; until at length the poli-
tics of the United States was resolved into a contest between these
two individuals.

In the United States Senate Burr at once became a leading figure.
It had for some time been his ambition to write a history of the Revo-
lution; but he was refused free access to the public documents while

150 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

in Washington, lest some of the schemes of political leaders might
be exposed. The work was laid aside for the time being, and cir-
cumstances, which every writer experiences, prevented him from tak-
ing it up again.

Colonel Burr was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court, but re-
fused it, and it seemed at one time as if he would receive the nomina-
tion for Vice-President at the second term under Washington. Hamil-
ton again showed his hand — of hatred for Burr. He wrote very
bitter letters. On the 21st of September he said " Burr was an embryo
Cajsar," but on the 15th of October, he said his " opinion of the indi-
vidual was yet to form." This may be accounted for in the fact that
the first letter was private, while the latter was for the public!

For six years. Colonel Burr pla,yed a distinguished part in the
Senate of the United States. He acted with the Democratic party. He
contended for an open Senate, session after session, till, in 1791, the
measure was carried by a vote of nineteen to eight. He was recom-
mended for appointment as Minister to France; but President Wash-
ington, influenced by Hamilton, refused to nominate him. Neverthe-
less, Burr was all the time making surprising advances in popularity
and importance. He was everywhere spoken of as the coming candi-
date for the Vice-Presidency.

In the spring of 1791, twelve years after their marriage, Mrs. Burr
died. No one familiar with the subject will doubt that that event
influenced the rest of his life. Little Theodocia, then a girl of eleven,
was all that now made his house a home. From her infancy his heart
and mind had been interested in that most fascinating of employ-
ments, the culture of a being tenderly loved. In her tenth year Theo-
docia was reading Horace and Terence, in the original Latin, learning
the Greek gxammar, speakijig French, studying Gibbon, practicing
on the piano, taking lessons in dancing, and learning to skate. She
was really a child of superior endowments, and rewarded her father's
solicitude by becoming the best educated woman of her time and coun-
try, as well as one of the most estimable.

It was the fortune of Aaron Burr to contribute, in a remarkable
manner, to the triumph of his party. His tactics brought victory,
through which many profited, and *' rewarded " the man with in-
gratitude. It is no exaggeration to say that Jefferson himself was
one of these. In 1795, Colonel Burr having left the Senate, seemed
absorbed in law and speculation. He was no doubt planning for the
coming Presidential campaign. He went back to the State Legisla-
ture. On the reorganization of the army, Burr was spoken of as a
brigadier-general; btit through Hamilton's influence he was defeated.

In the election of 1800 Burr was the Democratic leader, and the re-
sult of his management placed Thomas Jefferson in the Presidential
chair. He came within one vote of reaching that office himself; con-
sequently he became the Vice-President. Jefferson had, in fact, given

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. l51

up all hope of success, sayiug that " he considered the contest more
doubtful than that of 1796." Burr would not admit the idea of failure.
Then it was that the party began to submit to that discipline which
gave it twenty-five years of victory.

Hamilton had planned to rob the new party of its victory in the
city; but Burr was posted, and every movement of the Federal leader
was watched so closely that the scheme failed. Hamilton's intrigue
was a design to frustrate the people's will bv putting General Pinck-
ney into the Presidential chnii-, in jihicc nl .Inlni Adams, by means of
a trick in which he hoped to capi uvr votes in i he electoral college.

The 4th of March, 1801, was a day of rejoicing throughout the U]ii-
ted States. The inauguration was hajjpily achieved at the usual hour.
In the evening President Jefferson and Mce-President Burr received
the congratulations of gentlemen of both parties at the Presidential
mansion. The inauguration speech had lulled the apprehensions of
the Federals, and the new order of things was accepted with good
grace.

At the same time the Democrats in Albany were holding a banquet,
and the second toast offered was, " Aaron Burr, Vice-President of the
United States; his uniform and patriotic exertions in favor of Re-
publicanism eclipsed only by his late disinterested conduct."'

Colonel Burr made a model Vice-President. He wore his honors
with the dignity which belonged to the man. And yet, Aai'on Burr
should never have touched politics. He was now in several people's
way, and measures Avere to be adopted to get him out of the way. He
was not the man that Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia politicians
wanted to be the next President, and two of the three factions in
Burr's home State were disposed to unite their forces for the purpose
of destroying him and his followers. Buna's friends were slighted by
Jefferson. Newspapers were owned and controlled to injure him, and
contained the vilest of falsehoods, which, unfortunately, he let stand
unnoticed.

Bitter and deadly, beyond what the modern reader can imagine,
were the political controvei'sies at the commencement of the nine-
teenth century. Duels were fashionable at that time — apparently
the only mode to which gentlemen were compelled to resort to settle
an insult, a slight, or wrong. They were regarded as a matter of
{•ourse. Many an " affair of honor " was settled on Staten Island.

Three years of Colonel Burr's Vice-Presidency passed in these con-
tentions. His personal friends had resented the insults to him, and
they told upon his popularity. As the time for selecting candidates
for the Presidential campaign drew on, it became manifest that he
could not secure the undivided support of his party for a second term.
Calling upon the President, he informed him of his intention to resign.
Jefferson's mind had been poisoned by Burr's enemies, and he acted

152 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

accordingly. His conduct in this instance has robbed Mr. Jefferson
of not a little of the glitter that covered his name.

Colonel Burr then became the candidate for Governor of ]Sew York.
The Federalists nominated Morgan Lewis. Hamilton came out with
a catalogue of " Reasons " why Burr should be defeated. Viler abuse
was never bestowed upon any man running for a political office.
Burr was beaten. No one ever received provocation so oft repeated,
so irritating, and so injurious as tliat which Aaron Burr had received
from Alexander Hamilton. Oheetham, of the American Citizen, whose
abuse of Burr was only such as a coward could employ, after allow-
ing Hamilton to use his columns, asked : " Is the Vice-President sunk
so low as to submit to be insulted by General Hamilton? "

At every step in Burr's political career, Hamilton, by open efforts
and secret intrigue, had utterly opposed his advancement. His let-
ters, for years, had a.bounded in denunciations of him, as severe and
unqualified as the language of a puwcrful declaimer could convey.
I'rom Burr's own table he had carried away the unguarded sallies of
the host for use against the political opponent. Finally, he had just
succeeded in frustrating Burr's keen desire for vindication at the
people's hands; and, in doing so, had made it only too evident to all
the influential politicians, that for the success of any plans of political
advancement which Burr might in future form, it was, all things else
essential, that Hamilton's injurious tongue should be either silenced
or bridled.

The two men had already been near collision. In 1802, Colonel
Biirr called Hamilton to account for his slanders. Hamilton apolo-
gized, and Burr believed that he would cease to speak of liim in a
disrespectful manner. From the hour that he learned that Hamilton
was still slandering him with his former freedom, he ceased to re-
spect him; he held him in contempt, as a man insensible to considera-
tions of honor and good faith.

Burr's religion was fidelity to comrades. Men who proudly looked
upon him as more than their political chief had fought in his quarrel,
and foug'ht with a reckless courage which he had first inspired, and
then commanded. If the occasion should arise, could chief decline the
encounter with chief, after the subalterns had so gallantly con-
tended? And this consideration had weight with Hamilton. Besides
liaving sanctioned the practice of duelling, and serving as second to
Colonel Laurens in his duel with General Lee, his own son had fallen,
three ycnis Ik foic, in what the language of that day called '' the vin-
dication III his l:!i iter's honor." In short, never since the duello was
invented, \\ ltl- tw cp men, if the requisite technical provocation shotild
arise, so peculiarly and irresistibly bound to fig'ht, as were Aaron
Burr and Alexander Hamilton, in the summer of 1804.

A paper containing Hamilton's offensive remarks was taken to Col-
onel Burr, six weeks after the election, by William 1'. \'an Ness. They

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

153

were in a letter written by Dr. Charles D. Cooper. At the request of
Colonel Burr, Mr. Van Xess conveyed the letter to General Hamilton,
with the offensive passage marked, and a note from Colonel Buit,
which called attention to the passage, and concluded with the follow-
ing words : " You must perceive, sir, the necessity of a prompt and
umiualitied acknowledgment, or a denial of the use of any expressions
which would wan'ant the assertions of Mr. Cooper."

Hamilton had not seen Cooper's letter. Having read it, and the
note of Colonel Buit, he said they required cousideraticm, and he
would send an answer to Mr. Van Ness's office in the course of the day.
Late that evening he called at Mr. Van Ness's residence, and told him
that a press of business had prevented his preparing a reply; but on
the 20th he would give him a communication for Colonel Burr.

In that communicatiim, Hamilton declined making the acknowl-
edgment or denial that Burr had demanded. Between gentlemen, he
said, " despicable " and " more despicable '' was not worth the pains
of distinction. He could not consent to be interrogated as to the jus-
tice of the "inferences'" which others miuht have drawn from what
he had said of an opponent during fif-
teen years' competition. But he stood
ready to vow or disavow explicitly any
" definite " opinion which he might be
charged with having expressed respect-
ing any gentleman. He trusted that
Colonel Burr, upon further reflection,
would see the matter in the same light.
If not, he could only regret the fact,
and abide the consequences.

Burr's reply was prompt and de-
cisive. He said he had considered the
letter attentively and regretted to find
nothing in it of that sincerity and deli-
cacy which Hamilton professed to
value. " Political opposition can never
absolve gentlemen from the necessity
of a rigid adherence to the laws of honor and the rules of decorum,"
wrote Burr, " I neither claim such privilege nor indulge it with
others." He continues to review the letter, closing with the remark
that, " Your letter has furnished me with new reasons for re<iuiring a
definite reply."

Everything indicated that Hamilton read his doom in that letter.
He claimed that it contained " offensive expressions " which seemed
to close the door to reply. He wanted Buit's letter withdrawn. Mr.
V^an Ness detailed these ideas to Colonel Burr, and received a paj)er
of instructions to guide him in replying, verbally, to General Hamil-
ton. It read as follows :

AARON liUl

154 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

" A. Burr, far from conceiving that rivalship authorizes a latitude
not otherwise justifiable, always feels greater delicacy in such cases,
and would think it meanness to speak of a rival but in terms of re-
spect; to do justice to his merits; to be silent of his foibles. Such
has invariably been his conduct toward Jay, Adams, and Hamilton;
the only three who can be supposed to have stood in that relation to
him.

" That he has too much reason to believe that, in regard to Mr.
Hamilton, there has been no reciprocity. For several years his name
has been lent to the support of base slanders. He has never had the
generosity, the magnanimity, or the candor to contradict or disavow.
Burr forbears to particularize, as it could only tend to produce new
irritations; but having made great sacrifices for the sake of harmony;
having exercised forbearance until it approached to humiliation, he
has seen no effect produced by such conduct but a repetition of injury.
He is obliged to conclude that there is, on the part of Mr. Hamilton,
a settled and implacable malevolence; that he will never cease, in
liis conduct toward Mr. Burr, to violate those courtesies of life; and
that, hence, he has no alternative but to announce these things to the
world, which, consistent with Mr. Burr's ideas of propriety, can be
done in no way but that which he has adopted. He is incapable of re-
venge, still less is he capable of imitating the conduct of Mr. Hamil-
ton, by committing secret depredations on his fame and character.
But these things must have an end."

Hamilton wrote a letter and placed it in the hands of his friend,
Pendleton. He was not willing to make a definite avowal or dis-
avowel, such as Colonel Burr desired. Hamilton gave \'an Ness a
paper, the purport of which was that if Colonel Burr should think it
proper to inquire of General Hamilton the natui'e of the conversation
with Dr. Cooper, he would be able to reply, with truth, that it turned
wholly on political topics, etc. Burr said it was a " mere evasion.''
Other corresi)oudence followed. Throughout the whole of ir we see,
on the one hand, an exasperated man resolved to bring the affair to
a decisive and final issue; on the other, a man striving desperately
to escape the consequences of his own too unguarded words.

Colonel Burr then wrote his " final recapitulation," and sent it to
Hamilton. It concluded with the remark that the length and fruit-
lessness of the correspondence proved it useless " to offer any propo-
sition, except the simple message which I shall now have the honor
to deliver." The challenge was then given and accepted. Court was
in session and Hamilton was busy. He required time to transact pri-
vate affairs; and, therefore, delay was unavoidable. The secfmds met
on the following day; they conferred several times before arrange-
ments were completed. The time was set — July 11th, at seven in the
morning; the place, Weehawken; the weapons, pistols; the distance,
ten paces.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 155

On the 4th of July, Hamilton and Burr met, for the last time, at the
convivial board. It was the annual banquet of the Society of the
Cincinnati, of which Hamilton was president and Burr a member.
The letters, which the two men wrote on the night before the duel,
are full of sympathy and tenderness, and, we doubt, have ever been
read but to awaken pity and regret for both.

The two chiefs met — each to be a chief no more! In the strict law
governing- the practice of dueling, thej- proceeded. Burr, cool, delib-
erate, took the position assigned him, while Hamilton, agitated and
nervous, assumed his. And yet, who that has familiarized himself
with the circumstances, will question that both were equally deter-
mined? But, the simple secret that Burr was a better soldier than
his antagonist, stood him well in hand at the instant. Burr hit his
mark. Hamilton tried to, but failed! It would probably have been
better for both, if both had fallen; for it is invariably so ordered in
this world's affairs, that the successful one in a contest involving so
much, becomes the real victim in the public mind. It was so with
Burr. The injustice that Hamilton had done him was all forgotten
in the awful tide of public opinion that turned against him.

Hamilton lingered thirty-one hours. He was buried with all the
honors the city could bestow upon his memory. His grave is in Trin-
ity Churchyard, and can be plainly seen by the thousands who trav-
erse Broadway every day. The feeling against Burr at once became
most intense. The press was filled with letters from peoj)le from all
over the country.

" Those preliminary letters," says Parton, " read by a person ig-
norant of the former history of the two men, are entirely damning to
the memory of the challenger. They present Burr in the light of a
revengeful demon, burning for an innocent victim's blot)d. Bead
aright — read by one who knows intimately what had gone before —
read by one who is able to i)erceive that the moral quality of a duel
is not affected by its results — read, too, in the lig-ht of a century ago
— and the challenge will be admitted to be as near an approach to a
reasonable and inevitable action, as an action can be whicli is in-
trinsically wrong and abstird. But not so, thotight the half- informed
public of 1804. They clamored for a victim, and they found it in
Aaron Burr. He became the target from that time on for the vilest
scandal that was ever implanted in the heart of man. Such vitality
may there be in lies planted at the right moment, in the right place,
and in the right manner, that these foolish tales have still a certain
currency in the world. This duel, however, had the good effect of
arousing the ptiblic mind against the practice. Since that day, no
man in the United States has fought a duel withmit falling in tlie
estimation of his countrymen."

Eleven days after the duel, Colonel Burr left his home at Rich-
mond Hill, and passed by boat down the Staten Island Kills to Perth

156

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

askiii!:

Amboy. After a visit to Commodore Truxton, he proceeded South as
far as Georgia, where the Society of St. Simon's bestowed every
mark of consideration upon him. Later he went to his daughter
Tlieoilocia's liome in Soutii Carolina. In Petersburg, Virginia, he was
given an ovation. He was received well in Washington, and Jefferson
was really more friendly to him than before.

On the 2d of March, 1805, Colonel Burr resigned as Vice-President
of the United States. After a farewell speech by him, the Senate
adopted the following : " Eesolved, unanimously. That the thanks of
the Senate be presented to Aaron Burr, in testimony of the impartial-
ity, dignity, and ability with which he has presided over their delibera-
tions, and of the entire approbation of his conduct in the discharge of
the arduous and important duties assigned him as President of the
Senate."

During Colonel Burr's absence, Eichmond Hill was seized and sold
to pay his debts, and he was in danger of going to the debtor's prison
iumself, should he return. He was a ruined man. Everybody was
ill Burr do now?'' He AA'as the subject of un-
numbered rumors. The public mind
was i>rei>ared to believe anything of
him, provided only that it was suffi-
ciently- incredible!

Colonel Burr was looking Westward.
All over the valley of the Mississippi,
there were men who were ready to go
all lengths in showing respect to a man
whom they regarded in the light of a
martyr. It is not our mission to go
into details as to Colonel Burr's West-
ern trip. He was arrested and tried for
treason. He was acquitted, repeatedly,
after trials lasting many weeks, in which
everything that the politicians of the
country could do to convict, to injure,
and to damn him, was done. But his
absolute vindication lies in the fact that, what was considered rank
treason in Aaron Burr then, was, in after years, considered the very
acme of patriotism and progress in others!

The real prosecutor of Aaron Burr, throughout the whole business,
was Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, who was made
President of the United States by Burr's tact and vigilance, and who
was able therefore to wield against Aaron Burr the power and re-
sources of the United States. So anxious was he to prosecute, if not
]jersecute. Burr, that he even denounced the Federal judges, of which
John Marshall was the chief. The truth is, Jefferson and a great many
others, were determined to get Burr out of their OAvn way!

THEODOCiA BURR (daughter).

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 157

As an instani'O of the j)ublic pulse, we recall a Fourth of July
celebration iu Cecil County, Maryland, where, in the toasts, the
crudest epithets were hurled at Aaron Burr and his counsel. Luther
Martin. To these effusions, Martin replied with a spirit and audacity
seldom found in a public man. " Wlio is this gentleman," said he,
" whose guilt you have f)rououii(C(l, and for whose blood your parched
throats so thirst? Was he not, a few years past, adored by you next
to your god? I mean your earthly god; for Avhether you believe in a
deity who has any government over your ' republic of dust and ashes,'
I know not. Were you not, then, his warmest admirers? Did he not
then possess every virtue? Had he then one sin — even a single wealc-
ness of human nature? He was then in power. He had then influ-
ence. You would have been proud of his notice. One smile from
him would Iiave brightened up all your faces. One frown from him
would have lengthened all your visages!

" Go, ye holiday, ye sunshine friends — ye time-servers — ye criers of
hosannah to-daj^ and crucifiers to-morrow — go, hide your heads, if
possible, from the contempt and detestation of every virtuous, every
honorable inhabitant of everj' clime! "

After Colonel Burr's acquittal and liberation, he sailed for Eng-
land. While the ship on which he was to sail was in preparation, he
spent almost all his time with friends on Staten Island. From Eng-
land he went to several of the Continental countries, had some terri-
ble experiences, and returned home in 1812. Landing at Boston, he
soon made his v>ay to New York. A friend in Nassau street let liim
have a suite of rooms, and he at once resumed the practice of law.

The announcement in the newspaper thai he had returned, electri-
fied the city. Before Colonel Burr slept that night, five hundred gen-
tlemen called upon him. The feeling for the moment seemed to be
general throughout the city, that he had been treated with undue
severity, and that the past should be buried in oblivion. He at once
had a splendid practice, and the sky began to brighten again.

But, alas! misery was impending over him. About six weeks after
i his return, in June, 1S12, Theodocia lost her boy — what a calamity to
I Aaron Burr! And then, poor, gentle, brave-hearted Theodocia — liow
I sad her fate! She boarded a vessel— the "Patriot" — at Charleston,
but was never heard from again. It is thought that the vessel went
; down off Hatteras in a violent storm.

I The most important act of Colonel Burr's later life — aside from
his splendid exhibition of gratitude to old friends — was his suggest ion
of a course of political action which resulted, finally, in ending tlie
supremacy of the Yirginia politicians, and electing General Jackson
I to the Presidency. During the years left to him, BuiT won some of
the most important cases tried at that time. It is said that he never
lost a case in his life that he had planned himself. He was never

158 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. I

heard to spoak unldndly of anyone — not (nen of Jefferson, who had
abused and persecuted him so roundly.

When Colonel Burr had become an old man, he married the wealthy
Madame Jumel, her residence being the old Morris homestead near
Fort Washington, still standing. A second attack of paralysis ren-
dered him helpless. A recent history of Greater New York says that
Colonel Burr was divorced from his second wife, which is untrue.

For about two years before his death Colonel Burr lived with a
friend; but it chanced that the "old Jay house," in which they re-
sided was to be torn down. Judge Ogdeu Edwards, then residing
in the old Dongan Manor House, at West New Brighton, had him re-
moved to the Port Richmond Hotel (now the St. James).

Rev. Dr. Peter I. Van Pelt, pastor of the Port Richmond Dutch
Reformed Church, visited him daily, and they became warm friends.
They talked freely upon religious questions, which Colonel Burr
seemed to enjoy. During his sojourn at Port Richmond, Colonel Burr
used to ride into the interior of the Island. His last trip was but a few
days before his death. He went by way of New Springville, through
Rockland avenue, to the residence of Colonel Richard Conner (now
the site of the Dr. Rotten homestead), near the deep ravine back of
Egbertville.

Colonel Burr died on Wednesday, September 14, 1836, aged eighty
years, seven months, and eight days. On the Friday following liis
funeral was celebrated. A large concourse of gentlemen, among
whom were Mr. Swartwout, Major Popham, Judge Ogden Edwards,
Mr. Davis, the historian. Dr. Ephraim Clark, Dr. John T. Harrison,
Captain Richard Christopher, Colonel Nathan Barrett, Dr. Edgar,
Cornelius Vanderbilt, and many others prominent at that time. Rev.
Dr. Van Pelt delivered an appropriate sermon (it being the second
Vice-President at whose funeral he had officiated on Staten Island),
and. at Colonel Burr's own request, his remains Avere taken to Prince-
ton for interment. At that place a charitable and impressive sermon
was preached by the Rev. Dr. Carnahan, the President of the College.

The Cliosopliic Society, of Avhicli the youthful Burr had been one of
the founders, voted to attend his funeral in a body, and to wear the
usual badge of mourning for thirty days. A militia company of
Princeton, the Mercer Guards, escorted the remains of the old soldier
to the grave, and fired over them a military salute. Most of the stu-
dents of the College, and a lai\ge concourse of the people of the village
witnessed the ceremony.

The news of the death of Aaron Burr called public attention once
more to his character and exploits, the newspaper comment upon
which was what might have been expected. Absurdly false accounts
were given of his life and death. The strife seems to have been which
should heap upon his grave the greatest obloquy. The more bitter and

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 159

Severn the falsehoods, the happier the authors. A typical fabrication
is the followinc:, which has ijone the ronuds of the press :

"We euvy not the man who can, unmoved, i^azo ii]miii I1h» L^rave
of Colonel Burr. It is one of the most sad ni'd (IisdIuIc ]il;ir(s wr have
ever seen. There is no monumental pile or sciilptnrcd iii;nlil<' stand-
ing over it, to evince the respect or affliction of a single living soul.
Not even a rough, unhewn stone marks the head or the foot of him
who once held such sway over Hie minds and feelings of men. Wild
grass and poisoned woi-ds fnr\]] I lie sod that partly covers him. The
rest of the surface of the grave is a sterile clay yielding no verdant
plant or shrub. The stranger treads upon the spot, and regai'ds it not
until he is told he stands over the remains of Burr."

While a school-boy at Princeton, the writer of these pages visited
old AA^ith<'rsiioon Cemetery many times, and we remember the scene
of Colonel Burr's grave as one of the most beautiful spots in that
historic home of the dead. In the cluster of graves with Colonel
Burr's, are those of his grandfather, the Rev. Jonathan Edwards; his
father, the Eev. Aaron Burr, and his sainted mother, l^urther —
shortly after Colonel Burr's burial. President John McLean, of Prince-
ton College, and his brother, purchased a neat marble headstone, and
with their own hands helped to place it into position. A daughter of
the latter, whom we met in 1886, at Colonel Burr's grave, was our
informant.

There is a tendency in human nature to heap obloquy upon a man
who is doiriK and there never was a greater victim to this liabit than
Aaron Burr. He has had hard measure at the hands of his country-
men. By men far beneath him, in everything that goes to make the
man, he has been most cruelly and basely belied. The closing year of
the Nineteenth Century is the fitting time to correct its errors. It is
the time to tell the truth about Aaron P.urr. The fact is, we live in a
different day than he did, and liisteiy viinlicites him by proving that
in intellect and purpose he lived many years ahead of his time.

CHAPTER XL

OLD STATEN ISLAND STRUCTURES.

««*|IIE Austin House. — A short distance north of the Quaran-

r|^: tine station, at Clifton, stands a very old house, which

^ajjii was a home when Washingfton had searceh' reached the
^^^id dignity of manhood, and which has outlasted revolution
and the storms of two centuries.

The house is said lo liave been erected by a Dutch merchant in
1710, afterward ((uiiiuii into the possession of the Bartons, one of
the oldest families <ir ilic Island. The interior of the cottage is as
quaint as the exteiini-, ihi' rciliny-beams being exposed to view, and
the small-paned windows adding to the scene. Numerous pictures,
objects of antiquity and curios adorn the rooms.

The ample fire-place that gapes in the cellar was surrounded in
the evenings of many years by slaves in the old days. A ftnv shots
that missed the compliment they were no doubt intended to pay dur-
ing the Revolution, have been unearthed at times from the grounds;
but the building is in a sound condition, and is now known, after
the family that has lived in it for about half a century, as the Austin
house. (An illustration of this house appears in Vol. I., page 319.)

It is close upon the water, and the luxuriant lawn in front needs
a strong sea-wall to protect it from tlie tidal encroachments. The
outer door is a diaiiioiid-});iii(Ml gi.-iss, and just inside of this there is
another one made of oak, not a bit less than three inches thick, with
an old-fashioned latch still attached to it, by which we pass into t he
cheerful hall. On the front door there is a knocker, whose hammer is
wrought into a griffin's head. It was brought from an old chateau
near Rouen.

Though the house it.self is not especially historical, it contains num-
berless odds and ends that are reminiscent of momentous events in
the country's progress. The .stone walls are three feet thick, form-
ing charming window-seats; the low ceilings are beamed with pon-
derous oaks, and the floors are of solid deal taken from the cabins
of captured ships.

The grand old fire-place, with logs ready for lighting, stretched over
brass and-irons, is about ten feet wide, and is surrounded by ancient
tiles brought from Amsterdam two hundred years ago, the subjects
being Biblical, and the treatment grotesque. Among a crowd of

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 161

objects upon the mautel-piece are two small candle-sticks that be-
longed to the Van Tassel family; and who will venture to say that
tlu y are not the very ones that revealed Katrina's pretty face to the
scliool-master of Sleepy Hollow?

A centre-piece is formed of a small kiiocl^er taken from the house
in Chester, \\ hich Avas occupied by Washington, and visited by
Eocliainbi-nii, Lafayette and other celebrities; and below this is a link
of the cluiin fliiit shcd-lied across the Hudson at West Point. It was
Mrs. Aiistin's ur.iinir.ii lur. I'dcr Tnwnsend. who forged the metal.

Disosw \v-( "mi: .Mii.i,.- -'I"l;c date of the erection of this building is
not e^xactly known; but it is safe to assert that it stood before the
close of the former century. It was located on the Disosway estate,
near Tottenville. A portion of the account-book, kept by Cornelius
Disosway, is still preserved, being in possession of ex-Supervisor
Abram Cole, of Westfield. These accounts begin with June 9, 1800,
and i-uij to April 14, 1820. On one of the pages is the following :

" Staten Island, January 10th, 1801.

"This is to certify that Cornelius I)iss<isway and James Britton
has this day Settled all Accounts in their Copartnership about Build-
ing the Gristmill and Mill Dam and tilings belonging or Appurtain-
ing to them, and also for the Said Mill Crinding for them to the
Eighth Instant all even.

" Witness our hands J.^ijmes Buttton,

" J.Ajmes Totten. Cornelius Dissosway."

The pages of this old book bear the names of such residents of
AA'estlield as Abraliam Miller, (work on mill); Daniel Mersereau,
Abraham Johnson, David Clark, Jacob AVinant, (shingles): Bornt
Slaight, (nails); Charles Cantin, (cedar rails); Abraham Ayers,
(work); Henry Belye, (provisions); Daniel Winant, Lewis Everson,
I plank); James Totten, Daniel Miller, John Mersereau, (mason
work): l>;!ar Stuart, (schooling); Josepli AVright, George Compton,
(bhicksmiili); George Jones, R. Henderson, M.D., (inoculation of
the black children); Cornelius Johnson, (cedar rails); also, " the sum
of three Dollars and a half for one half of fifty rods Bought In Partner-
ship for the Mill lot."

1802.—" September 29. Received this 30 D of this JMontli of Corne-
lius Dissosway the Some of twenty Shillings for hire of a Scow that
we had when we Built the Mill Dam In full By Me Abraham Wog-
lom." October 12th — " Eeceived of me Ann Dissosway Some of 20
Dalers in full on a Cubberd in full by me Ann Bond."

1803. — Dr. R. Henderson, Thomas Acorn, Robert A'ariugton and
Jolin N. Oliver settled accounts. John Laforge did carting that year.
" february 22 — Received of Cornelius Dissoswaj' the Some of Six Dol-
lars for his part In Buildind the new flood gates and one pound one
Sliilling fer putting In the Coggs a New Set My Half By Me William
Wood."

162

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

1804. — Caleb Ward sold two cows for Cornelius Dissosway, for £8,
and in the following year be received £3 in cash and gave credit for
a coffin.

1806. — April 14. " Received of Cornelius Dissosway the Some of
three pounds Nine Shillings In full for rum he had for Buikling the
Mill By Me Isaac Butler."

Following these dates we find the names of Peter Manee. Morris
Reed, (mason work); Richard DiiBois, Daniel Manning, Charles Cavi-
leer, John and Ephraim Hadden, (various payments on account for
building a sloop).

On July 19, 1815, Godfrey Sweeny gave a recei])t for " Six dol-
lars in full for one quarter's tuition to Peter and Gabriel Dissosway."
The old mill is still standing, but is in a condition that Avill soon
necessitate its demolition. It noM' belongs to the Cole estate.

Old Place Mill. — On the fly-loaf of an old book, worn with hand-
ling and stained
with age, treasured
beyond the value of
gold or silver by Mr.
George T. Jones, of
Mariners' Harbor, is
this inscription, as
bold and plain as if
\vri((('n only yester-
dav : ''Daniel Jones.
Ills (y|)]iering book.
-Inly the oth," 1791."
Daniel Jones was
the grandfather of
George T. Jones, and
was born in the
neighborhood familiarly known as " Old Place," in Northfield, at a
time when the Aquehonga Indians were among his nearest neighbors.
There is a tradition that the neighborhood was sacred above all others
on Staten Island to the Indians, because in one of the numberless
battles in which the unreliable Aquehongas engaged with the cele-
brated " Seven Ti-ibes," the native tribe retreated and hid in safety
among the thickets of that place. It was the last regular settlement,
or Indian village, on Staten Island. Long Neck creek ran througli the
reservation.

About what time the neighborhood assumed the name of Old
Place is not definitely known. One writer claims that it was several
years prior to the Revolution, which may be true. Historian Clute,
in speaking of it, says :

" In the first, and for many years, the only house built on the road
known by the name of Old Place, religious services were held for a

OLD FOUNTAIN HOMESTEAD, NEW DORP; RKMDIIELKD,
See A'ol. I, page *277.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 163

long time, its situation being central for a mdely scattered popula-
tion. After a while the house became so dilapidated as to be uncom-
fortable, and the place of holding these meetings was changed. This
jiroved to be so hicnnvi'iiicnt for many that the apartment in the old
house was repaired, and notice was given that the meetings would
be resumed in the ' Old Place,' and thus the vicinity became known by
that name. Old Place road is now called Washington avenue."

The oldest landmark, however, at Old Place, was the grist mill,
which wafi destroyed by fire about two years ago. Through the in-
strumentality of Daniel Jones' old " cyphering book " we are able
to give the exact date of its construction. The entry to it reads:
"John hilleker Kaised the Mill May 26 on thursday, 1803." Orig-
inally it was but one story in height; but during the War of 1812,
its owner leased it to the State of New York, through Governor Daniel
D. Tompkins, and a second storv' was added. Colonel Kichard Con-
ner, who commanded the local troops during that period, was held
responsible for its management, and a company of Staten Island
militia was constantly on guard at the mill, lest the British, or those
in sympathy with them, should capture it and either destroy it or
utilize its service.

Accordiiig tn (lid records several Indians and slaves helped to build
the mill and AVDrkcd in it for a number of years. " Eed Indian Pete "
and " Black Sam " were paid " £0. Os. 6d. a day f'r ye services as
labor's."

Shortly after its erection a dispute arose between those two dis-
tinct races, over •<niiie irivial matter, and several attemjits were
made to take endi olher's lives. The mill served as a fort for the
negroes, and the Indians kept up a siege until driven away by the
militia. Several Indians and negro slaves were arrested, and made
to tramp over the hills to Richmond, whei-e they were inqirisoned in
the Old Red Jail until their cases were disjidsed lA'. The Indians were
made to work for the county, as their punishnient, and owners of
the slaves were held responsible for their future conduct. The leaders,
however, were sentenced to receive " Five and twenty lash's at ye
whip'ing post."

John Hilleker, who constructed the Old Place mill, was the leading-
builder of Staten Island for many years. Several years after the
AVar of 1812, the third story and attic were added to the structure,
probably by its original builder. The original owner of the mill was
Judge David Mersereau.

Old Place mill v^as managed for many years by Abram Decker, and
later by Charles Wood, grandfather of Dr. J. Walter Wood, of Port
Richmond. A New York firm by the name of Johnson subsequently
managed it. Daniel and Thomas Mallett had it for a time. Andrew
Pry or also managed it for several years.

Shortly after 1870 the building was converted into a mineral paint

1(34 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

factory, a portion of the material used being taken out of Todt Hill.
Cocoanut Kshells were also pulverized there. Then it became a feed
mill, under the manaifement of W. L. Stephens. Thomas Smith Avas
its final manager, and about eight years ago " its old wheel stopped,
never to go again," and it remained idle In Hk- day of its destruction.

An illustration of the old mill appears mi jiagi' H7S, Vol. 1.

Dutch Rri-okmed Chitrch. — It seems iHithiiig short of sacrilege
tliat an edifice hallowed with the memory of such associations as those
of the old Dutch Reformed Church at Richmond, should become a
store-house for vehicles. It was erected in 1808, and closed its doors
more than a decade ago. It took the place of the Dutch Charch,
which was destroyed during the Revolution.

Another old church that deserves preservation, but which, too, has
been converted into a carriage shop, is the Dutch Reformed Church at
Tompkiusville. That once pretty edifice T\'as planned by Daniel D.
Tompkins, while Vice-President of the United States. It was long
ago deserted by its friends.

Bedelt. Homestead. — The old Bedell homestead, at Green Ridge,
has become a most dilapidated wreck. For a few years past it has
been occupied by negroes, and whenever they needed firewood, they
jjulled down a portion of the venerable structure.

The neighborhood now known as Green Ridge was a favorite resort
with the Indians, and the very last of the native tribe were buried at
that place. There is a tradition that a " peace convention " was held
at this place by the famous Seven Tribes and their rivals, and that
the old Bedell homestead sheltered the chiefs, while their less dis-
tijignished companions wei'e quartered in wigwams upon the lawn.
So important was the result of this " convention,'' that as long as tlie
tribe continued to exist in this part of the country, annual pilgrimages
were made to this old house in honor of the treaty. Prior to the Revo-
lution it was one of the events of the year on Stat en Island, and the
white people residing here looked forward to it Avith almost as much
interest as did the Indians themselves. It is said that the settlers used
to aid the Indians by contributing provisions and ai-ticles of comfort
for the rude visitoi's, and that for miles around their doors were
opened to all Avho would enter and enjoy civilized hospitality.

The Bedell homestead is about two hundred years old, and was
erected by one of the Huguenot settlers. In Colonial times it was
one of the cosiest homesteads on Staten Island, and was occupied by
the particular Bedell who is known in local history as a member of
the firm of Bedell & Micheau, who kept a store in the building now
known as the " Old House by the Mill."

The old Bedell homestead is one of the most familiar landmarks on
Staten Island, and its total disappearance in the near future will be
greatly regretted by all who reverence the past and deligjit in pre-
serving the landmarks of our fathers.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 165

During the retreat of the Continentals, after the first Battle of
Ikichniond Court House, they were closely jiursued by the British all
the way to Smoking- Point, (Bossville), wlicre tlioy crossed the Kill
into New Jersey. Several times (luring ilie i-einal the L'.ritish were
surprised by Continentals in ambush, an<l nuiiihers were killed and
Y\ounded. Near the old Bedell homestead was a dense thicket, so
large that the entire Continental force, when divided into three de-
tarhments ready for attack, was safely concealed.

The British were permitted to pass the first and second detach-
ments; but just as they were ai>proaching the hiding place of the
third, the latter came out suddenly and sent a volley of musket-balls
into the ranks of the red coats. This was followed by a second volley
from the other detachments in the rear. The British outnumbering
the Coutinentals, ihree to one, soon recovered from the shock and
drove their foes soiue distance. In the skirmish several were wound-
ed, and three Britisli oriiccis, imluding the colonel in command, were
killed. The wounded w'l c carrieil into the old Bedell homestead.

^larshland, as Creen iJidgc was called in those days, was an im-
portant military ^lost during the whole time of the occupancy of Staten
Island by the British, and a tort was located near the Old House by
the Mill. The commandant, with his staff, made his headquarters in
the Bedell homestead, but permitted the family to remain " at home "'
and care for tlieir specinl wauls! That was a very convenient fashion
adopted by the British i lirouiiliout the war.

The Bedells, who ha\c' ocrupied this house for ueueratiou after
generation, have ahvays bee!i noted for tlieii' hiis]iii,iliiy, and old peo-
ple have related to the writer that they reiucinliei- nieeliug there
scores of men distinguished in their day. The last of the Bedell family
who occupied it, is ^ell remembered by the people of the Island at
tills time. " Uncle Heniw," as almost everybody called him, was at
one time a well-to-do farmer, and was noted for driving the hand-
somest and fastest teaui of lioises in the county. He was noted, too,
for his hospilalily and kindlieartedness. Adversity came to him, how-
ever, and blind and deci-epK his last days were far from his happiest.

The Colonial mantel in the old parlor of the Bedell homestead was
still intact the last time we visited it; but the hunting scene, painted
perhaps two centuries ago above it, had been obliterated by some van-
dal hand. Ahnost every trace of former greatness has long since de-
parted.

Perine Hor^iESTEAD. — This pictures(]ue old place is located at Gai'-
retsons, on the l\ich)nond road, and we doubt that a jx'isou cxci- passes
it without being especially attracted to it by its uni(iue appearance.

The place is remarkable as having been the home of one family for
over two hundred years. The original owner was Edward Perine, his
son Joseph Perine, grandson Simon S. Perine, and great-grandsons,
Cornelius L. and Joseph E., succeeding each other in living in the

166 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

old house, whicli is still in a fair state of preservation. In front of the
dwelling I'ises the high hill called in old colonial documents the Iron
Hill, and from which at various times ore has been extracted.

The rear of the house looks out upon a plain, stretching over a mile
to the lower bay, and extending to the southwest as far as the eye
can discern.

A curious old document Avas shown us recently. It reads : " Com-
mission of Joseph Ferine, Esq., as Clerk of the County of Eichmond."
To it is attached the Great Seal of the State of New York. It is com-
posed of wax, a thii'd of an inch thick, and nearly four inches in di-
ameter. On one side is stamped a sun-rise scene, over the mountain
tops. On the reverse side is a rock in mid-ocean. At the bottom it
reads : " Passed the Secretary's office the 2Sth day of February, 1798.
James Hopper, D. Secy."

GUYON Homestead. — About the year 1G64, Jaques Guyon, with
two brothers, came to this country. They were Huguenots. Jaques
Guyou purchased the farm at New Dorp, a brother purchasing an ad-
joining farm, and the third settled at New Kochelle. The Jaques
Guyon property passed from one generation to another, and remained
intact until within a recent period, when all but the old mansion and
about thirteen acres of land were sold to Messrs. Hughes & Koss, real
estate brokers. The late Dr. Ephraim Clai'k, who married a daughter
of Major James Guyon, inherited the property, and at his death it
passed to his heirs. Surrounded by fine trees, the house stands at
the end of the upland, looking out over the broad salt meadows and
far out to the distant ocean.

The original deed of the Guyon estate at New Dorp is well pre-
served, and reads as follows :

" Edmond Audros, Esq., Governor genera! under his Royall High-
ness, James, Duke of York aud Albany, of all his territories in Amer-
ica : To all whom it may concern, &c. : Whereas there is a certain
part of Land on Staten Island the which for many years hath been
possest, and by vii'tue of a warrant now laid out for Jaques Guyon,
lying and being on the south side of said Island near the Great Kill.
Bounded with the west side on the land of Peter Billican, with the
east side on the now lots, the line running north-west and by north,
being the breadth one hundred Rods, and containing sixty acres of
land. As also the salt and fresh meadow, being on the west side of the
Point near the plantation, being a certain creek and Bordwin's Point,
being the quantity of about fourteen acres, with four acres of meadow
on the east side of the point, containing in all onehundred and seventy-
eight acres. As by the return of the survey under the hand of the
Surveyor Gen'll doth and may appear. Now know ye that by virtue
of the Commission and authority unto me granted by His Boyal High-
ness I have given and granted, and by these presents do give and
grant unto Jaques Guyon, his heirs and assigns, the afore described

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 167

parcel of lands, meadow, ground and premises, with all and singular
the appurtenances. To have and to hold the said parcel of land,
ineadow and ground premises unto the said Jaques Guyon, his assigns
unto the proper use and behoof of him the said Jaques Guyon, his
heirs and assigns forever, and making improvements on the said land
according to law, and continuing in obedience and conforming him-
self according to the laws of the Government, and yielding and pay-
ing the aforesaid yearly, and every year unto his Koyal Highness, use
as a Quit Kent Eight Bushels of good winter wheat unto said officer
or officers in authority there, as shall be Empowered to receive the
same. Given under my hand, and seal'd with the seal of the Province
in New York the 25th day of March, in the twenty-seventh year of
the reign of his Ma'ties Keigne annoq Domini 1675.

" Entered in the office of Records and examined by me.
(Seal of England.) " Matthews Nichols, Seer."

In connection with the Quit Rent there are a number of receipts,
one of which reads as follows: ''Seven bushels of wheat in full for
three years quit rent of two parcels of land on Staten Island," one
granted to Hans La^A rence, the 29th of September, 1677, and another
to James Guyon the 30th of August, 1708. They are signed by Rich-
ard Holmes.

The Vanderbilt Homeste.ads. — On a slight eminence and still
preserving its acre of land with ti*ees, shrubs and lawn, is the Van-
derbilt cottage, at Stapleton. This house is very old, but is in an ex-
cellent state of preservation, kept up by George W. Vanderbilt, its
owner.

Mrs. Vanderbilt purchased the cottage and lived in it a very long
time, dying at an advanced age. She was a remarkable woman, of
great executive ability, sterling integrity and sound sense, but kindly
and courteous to all, reverenced and looked up to by her children,
grandchildren and a large circle of friends. The Commodore owed
many of his characteristics to her. Her portrait represents her late in
life, with the old-fashioned cap and frill and the folded shawl about
her.

The Vanderbilt homestead at New Dorp, also owned by George W.
Vanderbilt, is kept up very neatly. It stood, until within a few years
past, near the roadside on New Dorp lane; but it was moved back
several hundred feet. The Vanderbilt farm is considered one of the
very best on Staten Island.

The third building known as the Vanderbilt homestead, is located
at Stapleton, but is not a very old structure.

An illustration of the old Vanderbilt homestead appears on page
327 of Vol. I.

Van Duzer Homestead. — A short distance to the northward of the
last Vanderbilt homestead, at Stapleton, stood until recently tlie old
Van Duzer homestead, a great, rambling building, not at all pictur-

168 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

esque, but it showed antiquity. It stood on a sligM eminence, and the
domains of the family once stretched three-quarters of a mile along
the shore northward. The house was probably one hundi'ed and fifty
years old, and was opposite the structure which was known as the
Van Duzer dock. This ferry is mentioned in the laws passed by tlie
Legislature of 1788, in the description of the town of Castk-tun. In a
deed dated 1785 to Abraham Van Duzer, he was called tlie Adiuiral
from the many boats and sailing vessels owned by him. The property
is bounded by a brook on the south, a short distance fi*om the house
of Nathaniel Johnson, inn keeper. This house was evidently the old
tavern, as the brook still runs near by. The communication witli
New York was by sailing vessels, and the Van Duzer ferry was well
known. The Van Duzers were comfortable folks, showing their Dutch
descent. The Vanderbilts and Van Duzers were rivals in buating, but
intermarriage finally made them no longer so. An illustvation of the
\'an Duzer homestead appears on page 31G of Vol. I.

Britton Homestead. — On the Amboy road, a few hundred yards
north of the Oakwood railroad station, may still be seen a few crum-
bling ruins of the old Britton homestead, one of the very oldest struc-
tures on the Island. It was probably built somewhere between the
years 1650 and 1660. This old house played its part in the dramas
and tragedies of the Island's early history. Its builder was, beyond
a doubt, one of the brave Waldenses or Huguenots who settled there
in the earliest days of Stony Brook. It was built in the old Dutch style
of architecture, on the side of a small embankment, of stone gathered
from the surrounding ground, and had a long, sloping roof. It was
one story in height, with attic and basement.

At the time of the building of the first County Court House and
Jail, in 1683, the Britton homestead (as it was afterward called and
has been familiarly styled for generations), was one of the feAv dwell-
ings in the vicinity, being but a few hundred yards distant.

We have accounts of " publick tryalls " of " ye offenders against
ye publick peace of his maj'sty's domayns," which were held in the
old Britton homestead about two centuries ago. One states that
'' Isaac Von Flechton had favl'd to sattisffie his majesty's claymc for
rent of ye meddowo land ailjnining ye Guyon grante." And •' ye (inlcr
of ye Court of his m;ijisti(' " was that " ye sd. Isaac Von I'lcclitoii iie
directed to paye unto ye sayd Co't two (2) Bushells of ffresh wheat(i in
additionall to the original claynie for rente of ye sayd meddowe land.
And ye sayd Isaac Von Flechton will, by order of his majesty's Co't,
be thrown into ye Richmond County gaol, at Stony Brook, by ye sher-
iffe of ye sayd county, and there be held as a common prisoner of
ciwme ag'nst ye sayd laws of his magisty's domayns until ye saj'd
debt is pay'd."

An Indian, who had become crazed with liquor, and having com-
mitted an assault upon a Dutch settler, named Hans Woolstonsen,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 169

was also tried foi* his offense in the Britton homestead. Several
•uMiuhers of his tribe awaited iu ambush, a short distance from the
house, and jilotted to kill all the white men connected with the Court,
provided they should attempt to punish tlie prisoner.

According to tradition, one of the tribe, who was on friendly terms
with the judge, managed to give him inforniation, and a company of
militia was called out for protection. The Indian was convicted, and
imprisoned in the " gaol " at Stony Brook. After serving out his
sentence he, with others, repaired to the old house and attempted to
destroy it with the torch. One of the number was shot, and the others
became frightened and fled. There is a mystic tradition aJso that the
old Britton homestead was the first Waldensian parsonage, and was,
consequently, connected with the first church erected on Staten Is-
land.

From manuscripts, written during the French and Indian war, it
would appear that this was the scene of the massacre, by Aquehouga
Indians, of an English family, consisting of husband, wife and several
children. IS'o one was punished, because the murderers were de-
fended by the French, who at that time were in conflict with the
English.

During the Revolution, the family living in the old house were
driven out by the British soldiers. A cavalry camp was established
at that place and we are informed that the colonel of the only
mounted Hessian regiment on the Island made it his headquarters. It
was afterwards used as a British hospital for contagious diseases, the
small-pox raging among the soldiers at Richmond, about a juile away,
during the winter of 1T7T-'7S. It appears to have had occupants
again before the close of the war, as a squad of Hessians attempted,
by the aid of Tories, to lynch an old man, named Cornelius Varnum,
residing there, " because they thought him to be in sympjithy with
George Washington."

The old Britton homestead has its pretty romance, too. It is said
that when the British evacuated Staten Island, there was a sad
heart left within those great stone walls. According to the story
Void us, a young girl living tliore, stood on the highest point of
ground in the neighborhood, and waldiod the ships slowly move out
from land, and then to return to \\rv liome in this old homestead to
pray for her lover.

Years, however, dragged their slow way along, and one day there
was a happy reunion in the old house. The British grenadier had
come back to the girl he loved. They were married in the old Britton
homestead, and the adopted American afterward became one of the
most prondnent citizens of Richmond County. Their sons and daugh-
ters helped to make our local history. Their grandchildren are well
known in the walks of life, and their great-grandchildi'en are on the
Island to-day. One of these, a highly-esteemed lady, residing on the

170 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

North Shore, narrated this little romance of her ancestors to the
writer a few years ago.

The old homestead witnessed many changes and vicissitudes. Like
many other structures of its class on Staten Island, there seems to
have beeu little care taken to preserve it. The loose stone, the
crumbling brick, and the mouldering window-frame, were, doubtless,
never repaired or in any manner checked from going to decay. Each
storm made its cruel inroad into the roof and walls.

At last it was vacated by its owner, and then, Avitli its walls
propped, its moss-covered roof patched with boards and rusty tin,
it became a hovel wherein clustered a crowd of otherwise homeless
negroes. Finally the props gave way, the roof fell in, and the poor
negroes w-ere driven out, to seek shelter elsewhere. Then the walls
began to tumble down — one great stone after another it)lling to tlie
ground — until a mass of ruins marked the spot where so many stir-
ring events transpired in the k»ng ago. For illustration, see Vol. I.,
page 164.

The Old Lake House, Pout Eighmond. — This venerable struc-
ture has for several years past been known as the Croak house, it be-
ing the property of Hon. John Croak, of Elm Park. The date of its
erection is not known; but on May 22, 1732, the records show that
it was sold by Harman Bowman to Joshua Musshrow. The land
connected with this building was a " part of a lot of land granted by
Sii' Edmond Andros to John Lee, December 16th, 1680." On Marclj
22, 1739, it was sold by Joshua Mersereau to Annanias Turner; prob-
ably that was only a part of the estate, for on August 6, 1768, Joshua
Mersereau sold to Cornelius Mersereau this same property. On Au-
gust 28, 1794, Cornelius Mersereau sold it to Joseph Lake, who died
in the old house in 1841, having lived there almost half a century. At
liis death the property was willed to his son Joseph. Many traditions
of the Kevolution are woven around the old house.

The Holsman House. — ^The quaint little stone structure standing
on the Terrace, near the linseed oil works, at Port Eichmond, is one
of the oldest buildings on the Island, although the date of its erection
is not known. A century ago it was occupied by Abraham P. Hous-
man. In 1836, it belonged to the same estate as Sand's quarry,
located further up shore. Some time prior to that it belonged to Vin-
cent Bodine. It was during that period that the great wealth of
granite was discovered in Northfield. Fortunes have been taken out
of the quarries up there. The little, old house has for some time
been utilized as a gTOcery. It is so substantially built that it will
probably stand for many j^ears to come.

Tyler Mansion. — The Tyler property, situated at the junction of
Broadway and Clove road, West New Brighton, was originally a part
of the Nathaniel Britton farm, and in 1835, was sold at a master's
sale to Eliza Eacey, of New York City, who subsequently erected a

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 171

residence on the property; but before it was occupied, was destroyed
by fire. In 1837, Mrs. Racey commenced tlie erection of anotlier build-
ing, wliicli is the one now standing and familiarly known as the Tyler
mansion.

Upon the death of Mrs. Racey, the projjerfy was sold to Charles E.
and William H. Racey, and subsequently became the estate of the
latter, who sold it to Mrs. Juliana Gardiner, mother of Mrs. Julia
(lardiner Tyler, the widow of President John Tyler, to whom she was
married in the latter part of 1843, shortly after the death of her
father, who had been killed by the bursting of a cannon on the gun-
boat " Princeton," when on a pleasure excursion down the Potomac,
with the President and other officials.

Mrs. Gardiner resided in the mansion until her death, and willed
the property to her daughter, Mrs. Tyler. Her brother, John L. Gardi-
ner, contested the will; but it was decided against him, and on the
third day of October, 1868, he, with his wife, sold their interest in the
property to Mrs. Tyler for a nominal figure. The cost of contesting
the will had so depleted Mrs. Tyler's resources, that after being in
possession of the property for about ten years, on Jamuny Ki. 1878,
it was sold at referee's sale, and was purchased by the llou. William
M. Evarts.

Mrs. Tyler and her family soon moved away, and the mansion be-
came the residence of the Russian Consul-General, whose office was
in the city. He lived there in great style. His coach and four-in-hand
are still remembered by our older residents.

For a long time the property lay idle, and was finally purchased
by Mrs. M. A. Baldwin Douglas. It was recently purchased for real
estate speculation, and the park has been seriously mutilated by be-
ing cut up into building lots.

Ward Homestead. — This attractive structure is generally known
as " The Cement House," and is located on the corner of Richmond
terrace and Franklin avenue, New Brighton. Geoi'ge A. Ward, a
wealthy gentleman, had it reared for his home near the early part of
the century. He resided there for many years.

The old house is very attractive, and commands admiration, if not
veneration, for it bears every mark of age and dignity. The walls
are of solid blocks of cement or composition. These blocks were cast
in moulds, and on being exposed to the sun, soon became as hard as
the ordinary red sandstone. Thus the ornaments, such as the old
lions in front, etc., necessary in the Gothic style, were easily and
economically obtained; and in a more uniform and correct style than
if executed by the most skilful sculptor.

The garden walls, and everything in the line of mason work about
the premises, were modelled from this cement. We learn from the
local paper of 1837, that " this building, of itself, is a sufficient curios-
ity to start half the world on a pilgrimage to Staten Island; it is

172 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. |

furnished throughout in the most chaste and elegant manner, and
gives quite a picturesque character to the neighborhood. It reflects
gi'eat credit on the taste and enterprise of its proprietor.''

Mr. Ward has been described to us as " a typical gentleman of the
old school." One may form a very correct idea of his appearance by
looking at the popular picture of George Washington. Indeed, so
closely did he resemble our first President that, we are informed,
" the portrait of one would have served very acceptably for that of
the other.'" In manner, too, it is said, Mr. Ward resembled President
Washington.

The old building has had many changes since its original owner
left it. For a time it was the home of a private school, but it is now
vacant.

Brixton's Mill. — The Island has a peculiar ridge of hills running
nearly its entire length. A deep cleft in these forms the only gate-
way from the plains on the southeast to the valleys and sloping
ground to the northwest. This passageway forms the Clove road. On
each side of this road for some distance the hills rise to the height of
one hundred feet above it. On the west are several lakes and glens,
in one of which lay nestled, long .ago, Britton's mill. It takes tlie
name from a family, some of whose descendants still remain on the
Island.

The old mill, built many years ago, with its overhanging eaves and
its slowly turning, overshot wheel, was the centre of many a gay pic-
nic. Many times the echoes rang with the laughter of men and maids,
or the wild shouts of children. It was pleasant of an afternoon in
summer to sit in the shadowy nooks of this romantic spot, and to
listen to the drip of the water as it poured over the wheel and the dam,
to hear the song of the wild birds, or the hum of the bees, or to feel
the breeze filtered through the forest trees, or to Avatch the declining
siin making golden lances tlirough the branches.

But, alas! modern invention spurned the mill-wheel; the <dd houses
that bordered the lake have become storage for ice; the trees have
mostly disappeared; the romance of the Old Time has departed. Only
the picture remains, delineated years ago by one who used often to
enjoy its beauty. For illustration, see page 331, Vol. I.

Beniiam Mansion. — This picturesque structure was built in the
thirties, and stood on the Fresh Kill road, about a mile west of Kich-
mond Village. It was almost hidden behind a thicket of choice trees
and shrubbeiw, while great clusters of iA'y crept up the rugged stone
walls and concealed some of the windows. It was erected some years
prior to the Mexican war, while its owner was a lieutenant in the
United States Navy. It was built of stone gathered from tlie farm,
and its massive walls seem to have been erected to battle with the
storms of centuries. An air of comfort rested in the grand old hall-
way; the large, old-fashioned square rooms on either side of the hall

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

173

recalled to one's mind the festive scenes that transpired there in
days of yore, when the genial old Commander, Timothy Greene Ben-
ham, retired from active service and resting upon his well-earned
honors, was made happier by gathering around him his friends from
all parts of the globe.

Every nook and corner of the mansion was filled with relics made
interesting by association, and prized by the family beyond the value
of gold. Swords, paintings, shells, spears, knick-knacks, and curiosi-
ties of every conceivable shape and meaning were there, each bearing
its own little history.

Tn 1897, the Benham mansion caught fire from a defective chimney,
•ind in less than three hours it was totally destroyed, together with a
great deal of valuable property and relics. IVo of Commander Ben-
ham's daughters resided in the old mansion at the time of the con-
flagration.

O1.D Red Woolex Mill. — The exact age of this odd structure is
not definitely known. There are many strange traditions connected

BENHAM MANSION, GREEN RIDGE.

(From a sketch by Mrs. Sarah Roberts Morris.)

with it. Jl is said that during the IJevolution it was ()crii!)ied by a
Hessian officer, the huts of his men being near by along the foot of
Richmond Hill.

The mill was located about half a mile west of Richmond YiHage,
on the side of the steep embankment overlooking the head of Fresh
Kill creek. Back of the mill used to be a large, artificial poud, which
was fed by springs near by. Portions of the stone embankments that
formed the pond still remain, as do also the flood-gates which used
to regulate the flow of water which turned the Avheel by the mill.
The following advertisement appears in th<^ Rirlimoiul Couiii,,' Repvh-
limn, in May, 1828 :

'' Carding Wool.— Th(^ subsci-ilier respectfully informs Iiis friends
and the public that he has taken Judge Bedell's mill at llichmond.

174 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

which has been repaired with new bolts, &c., and engages to nianu
facture as good wheat or rye flour as can be made on the Island.

" He has also got a complete cai'ding machine with new cards, &c.,
and will card wool in the best manner, and at the shortest notice.
" Benjamin C. YAHRrNGTON."

A portion of tiio old building had long been occupied by farmers
who have had charge of the grounds on which it stood. The buildiiiL;
was destroyed by fire on tlie night of May 24, 1900.

SkajiAiv Homestead. — The old Seaman homestead, at Green Eidui-.
stood, until within a few years, on the Fresh Kill road, just east of lln'
road leading to Eltingville. It was originally of Dutch style of archi-
tecture and at some time had been partially changed to that of
Gothic. How many generations of the Seaman family had occupied
it, we are unable to say. We know, however, that it was the home
of Judge Benjamin Seaman, the last Colonial Judge of Staten Island,
and that after his departure with the Loyalists in 1783, it passed to
other members of the family, probably by purchase, for it was seized
b3' the Government and sold.

Judge Seaman was the father of the second wife of Colonel Chvis-
to])liii' liiliopp. Several years ago the writer conversed with an old
C( doled Oilman, whose mother, a slave in the Seaman family, Innl
witnessed in this old house the marriage of Colonel Billopp and Aimi
Seaman.

The Seaman estate was purchased by George W. White, in 1880.
and, when a new residence was erected, the old Seaman iKnnestead
was demolished. It stood on historic ground, and adjoined the churtli
and grave-yard of the " French congregation.''

The Scott House. — At the Clove, (Brooks avenue), Prosper i
and Columbia streets. West New Brighton, is a picturesque old home-
stead that was aged when the British soldiers found much comfort
within its walls. About 1844, Judge Ogden Edwards, who had re-
sided for several years in the old Dongan Manor House, near the Ter-
race, lost his property, and being compelled to leave it, removed to
the old stone building noAV known as the " Scott house." Judge Ed-
wards occupied it but a short time, and then removed to Long Is-
land.

An illustration of this house appears on page 402, Vol. 1.

Old Dutch Parsonage.^ — Close to the Port Richmond dejiot of the
Rapid Tl'ansit Railroad, on the north side of the track, is an old brick
building which the Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt occupied in the thirties;
and after Dr. Van Pelt ceased to be the pastor, continued to be his
home. Soon after his death it passed into other hands, and finally
became a saloon. That this old building should have changed so
greatly in its mission, wdll be regretted exceedingly by everyone wdio
can remember its once pious owner.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 175

The house stanclinsi' on the opposite side of the tracks, similar in
arcliitectural appearance, was originally the residence of Judt;e David
Mersereau, and is a fallen rival to the old parsonage.

Kruzeu Homestead. — Of all the old residences on Staten Island,
none is kept in better repair than this. It is familiarly known to-day
as the Pelton house, and is located at "The Cove," West New Brighton.
It was built in 1722, by Joseph Rolph, the head of that once influential
family, and some time prior to the Revolution passed into the hands
of the Kruzers. " The Widow Kruzer " occupied it during the war, at
the time in which it was the headquarters of General Cortlandt Skin-
ner, commander of Skinner's Brigade of American Loyalists. Will-
iam IV., at that time the youngest admiral in the British Navy,
stopped there.

The premises became the property of the late Daniel Pelton, Sr., in
1S;^9, and the house shortly afterward underwent some changes. On
the east end was originally a low part corresponding with the one on
the west. This was removed and a two-story brick ajiartmcnt erected
in its place. It still belongs to the heirs of Mr. Pelton, and is occu-
pied by his daughter, the wido^ of General Duffi^.

A few yards south of the old house is the Kruzer vault, Avhich han
repeatedly been the subject of romance and history. An illustration
of the Kruzer homestead appears on page 265, Vol. I.

WiNANT Homestead. — This house still stands at Woodrow, al-
though somewhat changed in appearance since the handsome pen-
sketch was made by Mr. Frederick W. Kost, the artist, which ap-
pears on page 288 of Volume I. This house was built not later than
1690. Many of the early Winants were buried on the premises. Some
of the family tombstones are yet standing, the plot being in a sad
state of neglect. Here, in 1762, Peter Winant, who married Polly
Winant, was born. So v\^as his father, and doubtless the members of
a generation or so back beyond that.

During the Revolution the house was occupied by Tory i^jtics. There
were many in the vicinity. Their operations wcic gcmi ally in the
night time, when they foraged and othermse assisted tlie I'ritish. At
that time Woodi-ow was a very secluded spot, the main road through
it being an Indian trail.

Several years ago a German workman discovered over Sl,400 in
Spanish coins, which had been buried in the cellar of this old house.
He succeeded in getting away with his treasure.

The Fountain Homestead. — ^Tradition tells us that the old Foun-
tain homestead, at New Dorp, was one of the first houses built by
the Waldenses or French Huguenots in the vicinity of Stony Brook,
the first permanent settlement on Staten Island. It was originally
a very small structure, but was repeatedly added to.

We take it for granted that this house was standing in 1670 —
probably earlier — ^and have sufficient proof to warrant the belief that

176 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

within its Avails religious services, the county court, conferences with
the Indians, and similar events were held in the Seventeenth and
Eighteen centuries.

During the Eevolution, the old Fountain homestead became quite
a social centre. Adjoining- the " Eose and Ci'own " Farm House, the
headquarters of Sir William Howe, Sir Henry Clinton, General Knyp-
hausen, General Percy, Sir Guy Carloton. and others, as they in turn
commanded the Bintish forces on S1;i(cn Island, they, together witli
other distinguished officers attended (lie receptions given there.

During a portion of the Avar the Fountain homestead was occupied
by Major Montresor, of Sir William Howe's staff, the Avife of whom
had been on most intimate terms with Major Moncrieffe's family for
many years. After Margaret Moncrieffe had attended a reception
tendered by Sir William, in the "Rose and Crown," Mrs. Mimtre-or
obtained permission from the General to share her home with the
motherless girl; and so, she remained for several months in the old
Fountain homestead. It Avas in that old house that Margaret first
met Avith Captain John Coug'hlan, of the British Army, whom she
married.

The Fountain homestead has changed owners a number of times
since the Revolution. Lieutenant Sidney Simons, of the United States
Navy, the gallant young officer Avho, while attempting to save the
lives of his men, on the stranded war ship " Huron," off Hatteras,
lost his ()\\ I!, sjx'iii Ills school days in this old house.

For iiuniv yi.us jmsi the Fountain homestead has been occupied
by an eeceuuie (.ieruian, who lived as a recluse, and the building was
rapidly going to decay.

In the summer of 1899, the premises Avere purchased by Mr. Justus
J. Smith, a noted Ncav England architect, who remodelled it for his
oAvn use, and made it one of the most attractive residences on the
Island.

On the evening- of Thursday, August 16tli, 1900, the cozy parlor of
this old homestead was the scene of the re-organization of the Staten
Island Historical Society.

Latourette Homestead. — The crumbliug remnant of this old
building is called "the Latourette house,"' because it is located on
the Latourette farm, at Richmond. It is one of the oldest structures
on the Island, and in its day must have been a pretty and comfortable
home. We believe it no exag-geration to say that this relic of the
Huguenot period is considerably over tAVO hundred years old. During
the Revolution it was the headquarters of Lieutenant-Colonel John
Graves Simcoe, of the Queen's Rangers, and the officers who in turn
commanded the redoubts on Richmond Hill. The location is most
beautiCul. I'lom the brow of the hill the scenery is ]ji(tuvesque in

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 177

the extreme. But the ohl house is nearly gone. Au illustration of it
appears on page 241, Vol I. The following is a description of it writ-
ten a few years ago :

With ivy clinging to its side, A mirror witli a broken frame,

Silent nnd ilnrk the old liouse stands, Dust-eovered stands against the wall;

Its vaciiiit w indnw^ >t;ii iiil; wide Here some fair cheek in girlish shame

Tow.iiil I he- ,mI(>\\\ m'IIow sands. Has matched the roses in the hall;

The wild vims .laiiiliii' uj. the doors, As, watched by dark and loving eyes,

And blossom on the monldering floors. Warm fluslies to her jiale cheeks rise.

With storm-wrecked roof and chimneys gone, A broken statne — Niobe,

It stands, II ^aiillfss of the years ; Whose tears might well have overflow,

Frowning 14101] llir luined lawn. An nnstrnng harp, whose melody
Whose taii-lnl di |itli is wct with tears ; Quickened some pulses long ago ;

For, tlirougli the rank grass scarce a ray These are the sad memorials left

Of snnshine pierces, day by day. In this old room, of life bereft.

A fire-place in a lonely room, The oaken stairway, long and wide.

Yawns wide, the hearth with ashes strewn ; Worm-eaten, shakes beneath the tread,

Romid which some hearts, in hours of gloom Resentful at the careless stride
Beguiled the time with tender tune. Of heedless strangers, idly led

Some bride, perchance, with gentle face, To spy around in mute surprise.

Found here her life's sweet resting place. To rooms once dear to fading eyes.

Touch lovingly the roses' bloom!

From out the rubbish and decay
They glide, and touch the funeral gloom

With sunshine of a by-gone day —
A day that made, through song and mirth,
A Mecca of that household hearth.

" Old Rkd Jail.'' — Tlie Old Red Jail, which was built at the pres-
ent County Seat when Richmond was known as Cucklestowne, was
burned to the ground in 1895. The building adjoining, which was
erected as a "fire-proof Clerk's and Surrogate's oflices "' in 1S27, was
also destroyed.

The Old Red Jail was built in 1710, after a long agitation in tlie
county in favor of " a stronger gaol wherein to secure and retain ye
criminals," the old Court House and Jail at Stony Brook being too
small and insecure to meet emergencies. The following is 1 he original
order for the erection of this building, as taken from the minutes of
the Board of Supervisors :

" Ordered that iNIr. Lambart Oarisone and Mr. Wm. Tillyer, (the
late and the present Sheriff). See the prison House built at Cuckols
Towne — ye Dimensions Twehe foot in breadth, fourteen foot Long,
Two Story high, six foot ye Loar Room from beam to plank, and the
upper Story Sis foot, all to be built with Stone, and for building of
ye sd. prison the Said Undertakers have hereby power To take the
Moneys out of the Collectors hands for carrying on ye sd. v/ork & ye
order of yo sd. Undertakers & Receipts shall be a Sufficient discharge
to ye sd. Collectors."

When the British entered the village of Richmond, on the Fourth

178 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

day of July, 1776, the Old Ked Jail contained a solitary prisoner— a
colored slave who had escaped from his master, and was servinii out
his sentence of alternate solitude and punislnnent at the whipping-
post.

Upon the re-establishment of the County ii;oYfrnnient, at the close
of the Kevolution, the Old Ked Jail was again used for its original
pui-pose. The old jail, however, was in constant use from 1710 to
1837, when the present Court House was built and the Ciiunty Jail
was located in that part of the new building now occupied as tlic
Sheriff's kitchen.

The Van Pei.t Homestead. — The Van Pelt homestead, at Wood-
row, was built by John Yau Pelt, in 1717. At his death it became the
property of Peter, his son, who was born there scneral years ])rior
to the Revohition.

At Peter Van Pelt's death, it became the property of his daughter,
who was born there on April 12th, 1S09. and married Peter Nolan.
Their son, Peter V. Nolan, of Kichmond, was born there in 1S38.

It was in this house that Bishop Asbury pi'eached his first seriiion
in America, and for a century past has been the Mecca of Methodists
from all parts of the world. It was vacated in 1857, and is now almost
demolished. It still belongs to the Nolan estate.

The Lak'e Homestead. — On the broad level plain below New
Dorp stands the old Lake homestead, one of the oldest homes on the
Island, and it remains in the possession of the descendants of the
original owner. It is the third, in point of date, of the buildings
known as the " Lake houses," in that virinity. The first is near
Brandon railroad station, and the second is just south of OalcAvood.

The third Lake homestead was erected about 1090, by Daniel Lake,
who came to this country from England a few years prior to that
date. He was the great-great-grandfather of 'Sir. David J. Tysen.
Daniel Lake's son, William, was born there about 1700, and in time
inherited the property. His son, Daniel W., was also born there and
inherited the estate. Daniel A^^ Lake's daughter, Elizabeth P., mar-
ried David Jaques Tysen, and in time the estate passed to her. .Mrs.
Tysen lived to be eighty-four years of age, and was born, married
and died in this old house.

The old house contains many interesting relics. The clock whi:];
Major Gifford had made to order in Scotland, just after the BeAo-
lution, and which stood in one of the rooms of the " Rose and Grown ""
farm house, for many years, is ticking away in the old dining-room.
After Major Gilford's death it passed to ilrs. Tysen, who was his
grand-daughter. A pitcher, which once belonged to the dinner ser
of Count Jacques, is carefully treasured by the I'ysen family. It is
over two hundred years old.

CHAPTER XII.

OLD HOTELS OF STATEX ISLAND.

r^iT is general ly believed tliat the first liotel ou Staten Islaud,

W sr 1 near tlie site of tlie Pavilion, at New Briohtoii.

|S Tlicrc is a iraditiou that it was built and niauaged by
Kicfi, the Direeldi' of the Province of New Netherlands,
who also erected a distillery on Staten Island, in 1640, iienerally
believed to have been located in the vicinity of Brighton a^'enne and
Jersey street, New Brighton. It was the first distillery, for the )nan-
ufacture of spirituous liquors, in North America.

" Rose and Crown " and " Black House." — With scarcely an ex-
ception historians and other writers have claimed that the old " Rose
and Crown " farm-house, at New Dorp, was a tavern. Colonel Ben-
son J. Lossing, the histtirian, in his " Field-Book of the Revolution,"
says :

" The main body of Howe's troops landed near the present (late)
(piarantine ground, and encamped upon the hills in the vicinity. The
fleet had anchored off Vanderventer's point, (the telegraph station
at the Narrows), and three ships-of-war and some transports brought
the English troops within the Narrows to the landing-itlace. Howe
made his headquarters in the Rose and Crown Tavern, upon the road
leading from Staplet(m to Richmond, near New Dorp. The house is
near the forks of the Richmond and Amboy roads, and overlooks the
beautiful level country between it and the sea, two miles distant. It
is now, (1852). the property of Mr. Leonard Parkinson, of Old Town,
Staten Ishind. The house was built by a Huguenot, one of the first
settlers upon that part of the Island." Foi' illustration of tlie " Rose
and Crown," see Vol. I., p. 212.

Historian Clute, in his " Annals of Btaten Island," speaks as fol-
lows of this venerable house:

" We regret to add that since the above was written, the house has
been demolished. It stood on the westerly side of the road, almost
directly opposite the entrance to New Dorp lane. It was built of
stone, and was but one story in height, having several donner win-
dows in the roof. It had a hall through the middle, with rooms on
cither side of it; a low stone kitchen was attached to its southerly
end, and the wh(de shaded bv an iminense tree in front. Howe, him-

180 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

self, and a part of his staff, were quartered in this house, the re-
mainder talving up their residence in the house, still standinij;-, and
known then, as now, as the ' Black Horse ' Tavern. After the battle
of Long Island [the council of war which i^lanned that terrible con-
flict, being held in the Rose and Crown], and the capture of New
York, Howe removed his headquarters to lhat city, and Dalrymple,
who was left temporarily in charge of Rt;i1en Island, occupied the
apartments vacated by his Commander-incliief. The venerable Isaac
Housman, who for many years owned ainl ik cupied the Black Horse
property, and where he died, informed the writer that an several
occasions, aged British officers from Canada, who had served on (lie
Island during the Kevolution, accompanied by their sons, or some
other young companions, revisited these scenes of their early life,
and so little change had taken place in the vicinity of the two taverns,
rliat they readily recognized the particular localities where The events
which were still fresh in their memories, had taken place."

We have it upon the authority of the late Rev. Dr. David iloore,
of Richmond, that the " Rose and Crown " was, never a " tavern," but
that it was always a farm-house; and that the tavern belonging to
the " Rose and Grown " estate, was the building now known as the
Black Horse Tavern. From another source we learn that among
the members of Sir William Howe's personal staff, stopping at this
house, was a Lieutenant-Colonel Benton, ("my very dear friend,
Benton," as Sir William called him), who owned a hands(une black
charger. It was generally believed to be the fastest running horse
in the British Army at New Dorp, and won scores of races on old New
Dorp lane. One day there was to be a general review of the army at
New Dor]), on the occasion of a visit of Lord Howe, Sir William's
brother and superior officer. Colonel Benton mounted his handsome
horse preparatory to escorting Sir William. Immediately the horse
took fright and ran aAvay. A high rock stood a short distance from the
hotel, against which the horse dashed and instantly killed both rider
and itself. Fellow staff-officers who witnessed the accident, decided
at that instant to change the name of the house to the " Black Horse
Tavern." A sign, bearing the picture of a black horse, was painted by
a British soldier and was placed in front of the house.

The old sign disappeared very my.sterionsly one night about 1S50,
and for very many years nothing could be learned of its whereabouts.
But one day, Avhile a neighboring resident was repairing his barn,
and it became necessary to clear away some rubbish that had col-
lected underneath, the old sign was discovered. It was presented to
the proprietor of the old tavern, who immediately had it placed in its
former position, and so promt was he of his possession, tliat he liad
placed underneath it the word " Original." It was recently taken
down, however, because of its decay, and placed in a case. For illus-
tration of the " Black Hor.se Tavern " and sign, see Vol. I., p]). 21fi, 220.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

181

It was at this house that Hatfield, the Tory leader, used to report
bis depredations, and receive his instructions and rewards. It re-
mained a public house, bearing- the name of "Black Horse," until
about 1870, when its doors were closed to the public, and for several
years it was unoccupied. ,^bout 18S5, a gentleman from New York
jmrchased the property and remodeled the structure for a private resi-
dence. A year or so later it was purchased by Mr. Patrick Curry,
who enlarged it and opened its doors once more to the public.

CiK'KLESTOWNE Inn. — The " Cuckle.stownc Inn" stood on the spot
now occupied by the residence of Mr. Willis Rarton, in Richmond Vil-
lage. The Inn was erected in 1670. Other than being one of the first
buildings erected on Staten Island, no i»articular importance is at-
tached to its liistnix ii]i f(i (lie coinencement of tlie Revnliuiim Dii7>-
ing the wed ii ^i Idlluwin^ tlie DeU.uation of Ind( jtendenc ( , tlic
British arm,^ u ^t, d on Mau n Island It \\as within a tew da\b after
Uiis event that (Jem lal ('1< m land, rlic Vhu f Engineer of the British
Army, selected \aiious
points on the Island, on
which to bin 111 the n
doubts or U\\^ II <
was the tii-i Itiiii^li
officer to ut i i>\ t 'h
old CucklestowiK Inn
and he remaiiH d t hei(
w'liile suptiiiit( iiiluu
the construction of tin
fortifications am iiii 1
Eichmond, one of w hn h
is still standi'1'.i on I'l
hill back of the \ill i_(
Several othei oHn < r^ of
high rank octupud tins

house at times; but the one most notorious of all was Lieutenant-Colo-
nel Simcoe, of the Queen's Rangers. Colonel Simcoe and Major
Andre were very intimate, and while the latter was sei"ving as a
captain in the Twrmy s(((iiid Regiment of Foot, and stationed at
Richmond, both occujiicd rooms in this old house. Captain Andre
(afterwards major), wrote his Avill in the Cucklestowne Inn, and he
had the document recorded in the County Clerk's office, in New York
City. Colonel Simcoe, as was the custom of the day with educated
people, kept a " journal," and some of his comments upon the action
of General Washington, written in the Cucklestowne Inn, are very
ludicrous to the inn^artial reader of history.

Cucklestowne Inn temporarilj' became the County Court House,
immediately after the close of the Revolution. In proof of this we
co])y two items from the original minutes of the Board of Supervisors :

\I r, TOMPKINSVILI F

182 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

" July 21 , 1788. — Agreed with Lawrence Hilyard this Day Yz : Tliat
the Larye room Oall'd the Grand Jury room, is to be fited at his L
Hilyard's Expense fit for a Cort Eoom, and that the County Shall at
all times During- his Continuance in said House Occupy said house
for holding Courts and Doing all Public business for which The iSaid
Uilynnl i^liall receive the amount of hi.-< Excise as Com])onsation. X.
P». L. Hilyard is to Given at Least three mouths notice should lie
want s. house. Adjourned to the 4 Day of august next to meet at
Deckers."

"Jan. 20, USD. — Lawrence Hilyard for the use of his house, for 1
Year from the 4th of August la'^t pass. £2."

The Cucklestowne Inn was deuKdished in 1819.

The Oli> House by the Mill. — The Old House by the Mill, at
Green Eidge, was erected by one of the eai'ly Waldensian settlers.
The exact date is not known; but from an old document describing
the early homes of this vicinity, it is safe to assume that it was built
about 1685 — probablj' earlier. It was originally partially surrounded
by a high embankment, or fort, as a protection from Indians and
pirates, as both, in those days, used to make incursions up the Fresh
Kill Creek. A1 ; he time of the erection of this building, the neighbor-
hood was gciieially known as Kleine Kill (meaning Little Eiver). The
house beccUiie a hotel at a comjiaratively recent date. During the
Eevohition, this old structure was a " country store," and its pro-
prietoi's were Bedell (& Micheau.

Purdy's Hotel. — Purdy's Hotel, at Seguine's Point, Prince's Bay,
is one of the oldest buildings on Staten Island. There is reason to be-
lieve that it was erected as far back as 1690, and was the home of a
Huguenot that settled on Staten Island. It belonged to the Seguine
estate, and by many residing here to-day is confounded with the orig-
inal Seguine homestead. We find indisputable proof of this error in
the I'k-hnioiid County Free Press of 1835, which gives an account of
the burning of the old Segaiine homestead, and adds that " the build-
ing was totally destroyed." There was a military post at Seguine's
Poinr during the Eevolution, and ]\[i*. Purdy's house was occupied as
headquarters for a time by General Vaughan, the British com-
mander. There was a spirited skirmish between the Americans and
the British near this house, and an officer on Sir William Howe's
staff, who was bearing a, message from the Commander-in-chief to
General Yaughan, was fatally wounded and died in this old house.
The quaint old place has been the property of ^Nlr. Purdy for several
years, and is in a good state of preservation.

Old Ferry Tavern.— Tlie Ferry Tavern was located on the bluff,
near the terminus of the Amboy road. Manor of Bentley, (now Totten-
ville). A ferry was established at that point as far back as 1650, by
the Earitan Indians, who were on friendly terms with the Dutch.
Shortly aftei- lliat jteriod it was found necessary to have "a place

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 183

for protection of ye passengers in w;iii iui:,"" ;iim1 a small log cabin was
built. During the outbreaks of the Indians ih<' building was repeat-
edly destroyed. The four generations of JJillopps which lived in the
Manor of Bentley, maintained this ferry. Thomas Fai'mai- r>illoj)p,
who stood at the head of the second generation, caused to be built the
little building, (which is still remembered by many of our older peo-
ple as the Ferry Tavern), about 3 740. At one time it was the only
public house within several miles of Billopp's Point. Captain De-
lotz, a Hessian soldiei", kept it for a time after peace was declared,
and it was a rendezvous for many j'ears for his former companions
in arms. Nothing more is known of the house until 1825, when John
Fountain became its manager. He continued with it until late in
the thirties. William Coddington, of Woodbridge, was its next pro-
ju-ietor. He was the largest man in tliis part of the country, and it
was only with a great effort that he could move about. Its last pro-
prietor as a i)ublic house was Henry Biddle. It was for several years
tlie club house of the " Clever Fellows," of New York City, an appen-
dage of Tammany Hall, and in a very mysterious nmnner, after a
night's .skylark, in ]SGr>, the old house was burned to the ground.

Bull's Head Tavickx. — The Bull's Head Tavern, a long, shingle-
sided building, stood near the spot on which the blacksmith shop of
the little hamlet nuw stands. It was built in 1741, and Avas enlarged
tvvice before the l{evoiution, when it became famims as the head-
(luarters of the Tories for this part of the country. Clute, in his '' An-
nals," speaks of it thus :

"The sign which SA\ung between two high posts in front of the
small, low tavern which stood on the n(U"th-east corner, gave name
to the locality. Some rustic artist had evidently exhausted all his
tal('i!ts and resources in transmitting to posterity the picture of
a very tierce looking bull's head, with very short horns and very
round eyes, which looked vers like a pair of spectacles. Long be-
fore, and during the Kev(duti(>n. tlie locality was known by the name
of ' London Bridge.' Aftei- the war. and the erection of tlie ikmv sign,
the tavern beeame somewhat noted a- a idace of rende'/.\ ous for siuh
young men, and probably old ones, too, as had a propensity- for gam-
bling. * * * Within a few years the locality has been visited by
conflagrations, which consumed the houses on three of the corners,
the fourth corner being vacant, and now the people who reside there,
or some of them, endeavor to call it Phoenixville, because these
houses, perhaps, will some day arise from their ashes."

It is said that in one of the celebrations of the anti-royal element
of the Island, there was an attempt to burn the Bull's Plead Tavern;
but the flames were extinguished. Its chai-red timbers were replaced
by fresh ones cut from the woods near by, and it was re-opened by
one Lynch, who kept it for a time. During the days of coaching it
became very popular witli people traveling between New York and

184 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Philadelpliia. People from all over the country made special trips
to the old house, just to see the famous " Tory headquarters," and to
listen to the stories that made up its eventful history. It was later
on neatly fitted up as the residence of Judge Garretson, and some
years later still it was re-opened as a hotel, and remained so until its
destruction by fire.

An illustration of the Bull's Head Tavern appears on page 285,
Vol. I.

Union Hotel. — The Union Hotel, at Tottenville, was for many
years a farm-house on the Johnson estate, and was but a story and a-
half high. It was erected in 178-1. Abraham .bilmsdn was its last
occupant before it became a public house. Tlic former parlor of the
house is now the large, low-ceiled bar-room, and it was in this room
that Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt married his cousin, Sophia
Johnson, in December, 1813. It was her home. Captain Litourette
purchased the property from Mr. Johnson in 1865, and added two
or three stories to a part of it, and then opened its doors to the public.
It has changed managers several times since, but has ceased to be a
public house.

" The Red Horse." — The Ked Horse Tavern was the name of a
small public house that stood near Stony Brook, about a quarter of
a mile from the Black Horse, during and for many years after the
Revolution. Like almost all of its Colonial companions it was per-
mitted to crumble to the gTound.

The Oakley House. — The long, low building standing near the
foot of Rossville avenue, (originally Ferry road, and for many years
known as Shea's lane), in the village of Rossville, was standing long
before this century was ushered in. In fact, it was built before the
Revolution. In the early part of this century, it was the only tavern
in the vicinity, and was kept by the father of the late Jesse Oakley,
The house has been changed a number of times from hotel to private
residence. Many incidents of an interesting uatui'e have occurreil
in it, principally of a political form. It was the bii'th-place of James
A. Bradley, the founder of Asbury Park. It is now a private resi-
dence, and is fast going into decay.

Swan Hotel. — The Swan Hotel is the venerable building on Rich-
mond terrace. West New Brighton, for many years the i-esidence of
the late C. M. Pine. It originally stood on the adjoining ground now
occupied by a large brick building. It was erected about 1792. An
interesting event occurred in this old house on July 1, 1825, when
the colored people of the Island held a grand celebration in honor of
the abolition of slavery. Michael Tynan, the father of the late Mrs.
John T. Barrett, was the last manager of the Swan Hotel as a public
resort. The Federalists, Americans, Whigs, and all other political
organizations working in opposition to the Democracy, used to hold
their caucuses in this old house.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 185

Port Eichmond Hotel. — The Port Kiclimond Hotel was built
.shortly after the Revolution, iiiid was the private residence of Judg-e
David Alerscreau. It stands on the site of the residence of Captain
Decker, Willi held a roving- commission and cnuiinaudei! a ti-oop of
iiiDunled Loyalists. Decker's house was destroyed hy tire during a
raid by General Stirling. A small British fort was erected on its site.
Af the time the Mersereau house was built, it was considered the
handsomest residence on Staten Island. A great deal of hand-carved
woodwork (irniiments the interior. The old-liisldniied hall and large,
s(]nare ro(nns remind one of the many gay scenes that have uccurred
there in days of yore. There was a lawn in front of the building
which extended to within a few' feet of the (present) opposite side-
walk, and many people residing in Port Eichmond to-day, can recall
lo laind two large willow trees that stood in front, about where the
middle of the street is now located.

About 1S2(I, the house was sold and converted inio tlie Port IMch-
moud Hotel, and a few years later its name was changed to the
Continental Hotel. Recently it was changed again to the St. James.

It was in this house that Colonel Aaron Burr spent nearly the whole
of the closing year of his life, and many distinguished people called
there to see the old soldier. On June 17, lN:!(i, the anniversary of the
Battle of Bunker Hill, which the Tompkins Guards always cele-
brated, the company, under command of Captain John Laforge parad-
ed along the North Shore, and had their aunual dinner at the Port
Richmond Hotel. On behalf of the company. Captain Laforge in-
\ ited Colonel Burr to dine with it; but, as the Colonel was too feeble
to attend, he declined, and invited the officers up to see him. They
accepted the invitati(in and had a very enjoyable time. Tiie visitors
were Captain John Laforge, Lieutenant D. V^. N. Mersereau, Ensign
Smith B. Freeman, and Sergeant Richard Christopher. It was in
this house, in the room on the north-east corner of the second tloor,
that Aaron Burr died, on the 14th of September, 1836.

Fountain House. — About the year 1750, when what was orig-
inally a foot-path or Indian trail along the North Shore of Staten
Island, was partially concealed from the Kills by a dense thicket of
cedars and vines, a small, story-and-a-half dwelling was erected at
the summit of the sloping bank. It was the original structure of
what is familiarly known as the old Fountain House. It is believed
I hat the founder of the once flourishing family of Macgregors on
Staten Island Avas the first occupant, and it is possible that it re-
mained the property of that family for at least three generations.

A small fort, or redoubt, was erected on the neighboring embank-
ment now occupied by the Church of the Ascension, and the cottage
( which afterward became the Fountain House), was utilized by the
officers at the post. It was set on fire by order of General Sullivan, at

186 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

the time of his raid on Staten Island; but was saved from destriiction
by the British troops.

At the close of the Eevolution the cottage \A-as enlarged and con-
verted into a hotel. Its situation gave a view across the Kills into
New Jersey. In the early part of the present century we find the
house referred to as "' MacgTegor's Inn," " Macgregor's North Shore
Tavern " and " Macgregor's House." The proprietor was probably
of the second or third generation of the family of that name. This
is surely the same Macgregor that owned ilie old grist-mill which
stood where the Rapid Transit freight depot at West New Brighton
was recently located. Years ago it was purchased by the Staten
Island Dyeing and Printing Company, and utilized for cutting up
logwood for the factory. The artificial canal, by which the old factory
pond was supplied with water, was built by this Macgregor.

Colonel Nathan Barrett rented the Macgregor House in 1821, and
was its manager until 1828. It Avas then called the Shore House and
sometimes "Barrett's." Colonel Barrett was the Democratic leader
in the County, and his house became the political headquarters. Cap-
tain Benjamin Wood, connected AA'ith the Quarantine as boarding
officer at the time, was Colonel Barrett's closest friend, and the two
held many a council in the old house, which shaped the political fu-
ture of Ivichmond County.

Captain Henry Fountain, who had rented and managed the Swan
Hotel, for a number of years, then (1828), purchased the house which
soon bore his name. The name was shortly afterward changed to
the " Shakespeai-e Hotel ; " but, in the course of a few years it was
changed again to the Fountain House. Captain Fountain continued
to manage the Fountain House until 1856. He died in 1863.

Vincent Fountain, a son of the old Captain, was his successor as
manager of the Fountain House, and he kept it about one year.

In the political camijaign of 1841, the adherents of Henry Clay
liad a grand demonstration in New York City, and the Whigs of
Staten Island participated in the parade. They mounted a large
oyster-boat on wheels, and Captain Henry Fountain held the reins
over the twelve handsome horses that pulled it. It was manned by
about thirty men in uniform. There was a troop of cavalry on Staten
Island in those days, which was commanded by General Benjamin
Bedell, who resided on Rockland avenue, in Northfield. He had seen
service in the War of 1812, and was noted for his daring deeds and
fine horsemanship.

The procession had been dismissed up town, and the Staten Island
contingent was on its way down Broadway, enronte for liome. In
those days a street parade of any kind was not considered a success
without a free fight. The party not parading always made the at-
tack. When at Canal street. General Bedell discovered the Demo-
crats piling up boxes and all manner of debris in the middle of the

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 187

street, a few blocks .ahead. Riding back to Captain Fountain, to
notify him of what was going on, he discovered tliat the rear alsd was
being barricaded. It was impossible to turn into any of the side
streets. Instantly the old General stood up in his stirrups, and shout-
ed, " Fountain, will you follow me? "

" I will, Sir! " replied Fountain, and watching the old General
carefully, heard his command, "Draw swords! Charge!" and away
went tlie troopei-s, right over the temporary breastworks. Captain
Fountain acted under the impulse of the instant, and sv/inging his
long lash-whip over the backs of his horses, made it crack like a
ritie; at the same time he shouted to them in a manner that they well
understood. They instantly broke into a wild run, and when they
reached the barricade, every team leaped over it Avithout a misstep.
When the front Avheels under the boat stnuk ii, Imixcs. barrels, and
e\'erythiug else in the way flew in all directions. Tlic atiai-lciiig crowd
(Insed in on the rear, hurling all sorts of missiles; but the boat was
gding at too great a speed to endanger any of its occupants. That in-
cident was the topic of conversation of the city, as well as cf Staten
Island, for a long time. A reception and supper were given the
troopers and the inmates of the boat at the old Fountain House on
tlieir return.

Tlie commencement of the war in 1861, found a great many South-
erners in this part of the country. A number of them, desiring to be
a little exclusive, formed a colony and settled down in the old Foun-
tain House. The building was fitted up in fine style. Bat as the
Wiir continued, the personal interests of the inmates demanded tiieir
inv.sence in the South, and one by one they dropped out until all were
gone.

The old Fountain House ceased to be a liotel in 1S.">9; but from
that time on was a public boarding house. It experienced manj-
clianges in its management. In 1885, it was sold at a partition sale
by County Judge Stephens, and was purchased by Frank W. Tomp-
kins from the Fountain estate, and in 1896 it was demolislied to make
room for the large department store belonging to Mr. Tompkins.

Wliile workmen were demolishing the tire-place in the sitting room,
an original painting by the famous artist, Milburn, was discoAered.
He was at the Fountain House in 1840, about the time that he deco-
rated till' liandsome residence of EdAvin Foi-rest, the actor, on the
Hudson. One day Jlilburn Avas the recipient of a kindness at the
bands of Captain Fountain, and he painted the picture to shoAV bis
appreciation. It Avas a nautical scene, and Avorthy of preservation,
but being painted on the wall, rendered such an act imi^ossible. Mil-
burn and Captain Fountain became very Avarm friends. Milburn
I'ountain, a grandson, was named for the artist.

On the second floor, on the west side of the hall, Avere three rooms.
In tlie obi (lavs these Avere all in one. and Avas the ball-room. It Avas

188 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

considered the ball-room of Staten Island. Professor Sky, a noted
dancing master, of New York, in the first quarter of the century had
classes there. The favorite dances in those days were the Virginia
reel and the French cotillion.

Many a ball of note was given in the old Fountain House ball-
room. In fact, the first invitation ball ever given on Staten Island
Avas there, and it led to a great deal of trouble. A deep-rooted belief
had prevailed on Staten Island that anybody had a right to go where-
ever and whenever he pleased in a public house, especially when a
ball was in progress; and so, to close the ball-room door against any
resident of the Island was an act next to treason itself!

The ball in question was held in the winter of 1813, by the Tomp-
kins Guards, the local military. Several attempts were made by un-
invited parties to force an entrance into the ball-room, and the in-
truders were driven away. Finally they repaired to the back yard,
and hurled stones through the ball-room windows. The company
was then speedily formed, and with fixed-bayonets charged on the
intruders and drove them into the street.

The back room was occupied in tlie thirties and forties by the
Franklin Library — a circulating library that was supported by many
bright men, and contained a large number of valuable books. De-
bates were held by the members, in which outsiders sometimes par-
ticipated, and attracted the attention of some of the leading j^eople
of this section of the country, and on some of these occasions the old
ball-room was unable to hold all the people who assembled to listen
to the speakers. Among the members were Colonel Nathan Barrett,
John T. Barrett, Eev. Dr. Peter I. Van Pelt, George Barber, Inman
Ilall, Dr. Ainsley, Smith B. Freeman, George W. Matsell, John Crab-
ti'ee, James ^^'ilkinson, Dr. Ephraim Clark, Dr. John T. llarrisdu,
Edward Jones and Principal Gunnette, of the Factoryville public
school.

There have been some interesting election scenes in and around
the old Fountain House. In the old days, when the voters of '' Castle-
town " took three days to deposit their ballots, the polls were located
first at Nautilus Hall, Tompkinsville; then at Macgregor's or the
I'^ountain House, on the North Shoi'e, and finally at Bodine's Tavern,
(now the Keene residence), at Castleton Corners. The same ballot-
box did service at all three places and the one used from 1782 to 1810,
is still preserved.

An old resident informed us that when he was a boy he remembered
over five hundred dollars being paid for dinners for voters at an elec-
tion in the Fountain House, when the selection of Collector and Con-
stable (one office) of the town was made. The office was worth four
hundred dollars. The Whigs dined in the dining-room, and the Dem-
ocrats up stairs in the ball-room. The Democrats and Whigs were

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 189

both defeated, and Captain Edwin J. Flatt, the Know-notliing- can-
didate, was elected by a small plnrality.

One of the pleasant charartoristirs of old ^?taten Island was its nn-
written social laws. Every man nv wnin.ni wiio had a so»'l. nioi'al
character and dressed carcriilly. im inalt( r how humble a position
he or she held, was admitted into the social events of the wealthiest
l)eople. T'.iere were no cliqnes in society hei*e, and no attempt was
made to set np a puny aristocratic circle. All respectable people were
upon a common level of sociability. It was an uncommon thing- for
our people to go off of the Island, even to the city; with some a trip
to New York was the event of the year. Consequently, social enter-
tainments Avere frequently held, and the old Fountain House was the
centre of attraction.

The local "fiddlers" were always in demand, and the good dinners
served personally by the host and hostess lent their part to make
public events a success. It was in the old iMniiihiin House that Allen
Dodworth, the famous band leader, began liis career. With his
father and step-brother, he used to furnish dancing music with the
cornet, violin and bass-viol. Dancing would begin in the early after-
noon and continue until late on the following morning. At the end of
each dance Dodworth i^'ould strike his bow on the back of the violin,
which was the signal to the dancers to walk up and pay the musicians.
It was m that old ball-room that the by-word " fiddler's change " had
lis origin. Many an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration was
held in the Fountain House.

It was on the veranda of the old Fountain House that General
Marcy made one of his campaign speeches, when a candidate for
Governor of New York, in 1832, and a grand dinner was given in
his honor on that Occasion. The Factory ville Brass Band covered it-
self with glory! It played "Hail! to the Chief," as tlie old liero
came out on tlie veranda and was introduced to tlu' [)eople by Colonel
r.arrett.

On tliis same veranda Wendell Phillips, after being introduced by
George ^^'iiliam Curtis, made one of his famous sensational abolition
speeches, back in the fifties. Mr. Phillips was mistaken in his audi-
ence, and the speech came to a rude termination, and lie departed
without any special apology for haste.

Garibakli, the Italian patriot, several times dined in the old Foun-
tain House with friends. Santa Anna, the dethroned Mexican Em-
peror, visited it a score of times. Governor Tompkins often called
rhere. General Scott repeatedly enjoyed its hospitality, (xovernor
Ogden stopped there. Jenny Lind was its guest. Fred l)o\iglass
attended an abolition conference in the old parlor. And scores of
others, whose names help to make the history of onr country, have
ti'on\ tinu> to time crossed the threshold of that old house. Its latch-

190 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

string was always banking on the outside, and its welcome was known
to the world. For illustration, see Vol. I., p. 374.

Bt'TLEu's Tavkux. — Butler's Tavern, at Granite^ ille, was one >>f
tlie oldest public buildings on Staten Island. It was bnilt many
years before the Revolution; but the exact date is unknown. For
a long time it was the headquarters of one faction of the sporting
fraternity, while the other was at New Dorp. Old Place road, (now
knov.'u as Washington avenue), which begins a short distance from
the site of this old house, runs for a number of miles on an almost
straight line. This was Hie favorite race course in the old days.
Mr. Butler owned the celebrated running horse " Duke of Bichmund,"
which made a fortune for its owner, here and elsewhere.

Butler's Tavern was occupied by British officers during The Revo-
lution, and was not far from the scene of the battle, in 1777, when
Lieutenantrolnnel Edward Vaughan Dongan, of the Tliird Battalion
of Skinner's Brigade, was killed. It was on tin- Alui-ning Star road.
Abdut ISO.", it was known as Housman's Tavern, and was owned and
managed by the grandfather of Captain Jarob 1. Ilousman, of Marin-
ers' Harbor. Shortly afterward it was purdiased by Thomas Butler,
and for many years it was known far and near as Butler's Tavern.
The late venerable Talbot Butler, of Port Richmond, was born in this
old house.

In 1835, the property Mas purchased by Alfred Mersereau,' and an
important addition was bnilt in the following year. Mr. Mersereau
died abmit twenty yi^ars ago, and his family occupied it at the time
of its desiinclion by tire in 1S92.

XArxii.i s IIai.i.. — Nautilus Hall, at Tompkinsville, was Iniilt by
Major James (xuyon, father-indaw of the late Dr. Ephraini Clark, of
New Dorp, in 1808. It very soon became a political resort. New Voik
politicians held private meetings there. A grand reception was given
!e LaFayette in this house, on tlie occasion of his last visit to America.
Kijssnth was also entertained there. Garibaldi visited it frequently,
while residing on Staten Island.

F<.r the better part of a century its beautiful lawn and tine old
well were great attractitnis for people from near and far. Both were
destroyed by the building of the Rapid Ti-ansit Railroad. The house
was enlarged by Francis P. Jones, in 1855. It was the first home of
Richmond Lodge, No. 66, F. and A. M., which was organized in July,
1825. Like scores of other old Staten Island landmarks, it lias been
totally destroyed.

The Cliff Hofse.— The (lilT House, a few hundred yards east of
Fort Wadsworth, was standing in 1791; but the time of its erection
is unknown. Richard Silva kept it at the commencement of this
century, and continued with it for about twenty-five years. Tlie wife
of the late venerable (■,ii)tain James Stillwell, of the Staten Island
Ferry, was born in this Innise in 1807. She was the daughter of Mr.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 191

Silva. Tho house was then known as Silva's Clifl' Inn. The soldiers
at Fort Tvichmond during the War of 1S12, nnar(h:>d the house for
several weeks, to prevent its destruction. The Cliff House was for
many Tears of late occupied by a German club, under the nianasiemeut
of Joseph Kost, a well-known caterer.

r.ODiNE's Inn. — Bodine's Inn, at Tastletou Corners, was originally
hnilt by David Jacques about 1770. In the days of sta£>e coaches it
(lid its share of entertaining the traveling public. A famous well,
wliich stood in the street nearly in front of the house, made this a
popular stopping place. For generations man and beast were re-
freshed from its "old oaken bucket." In tln^ old training days this
house was the headquarters of the Castleton contingent. It was pur-
chased several years since by the late Thomas R. Eagleson. (Thomas
Keene, the actor), and there his family now resides. Mr. Keeue de-
lighted to spend his time there when off the stage. He made many
improvements in the property, and aside from its historic interest, it
is a place of considerable value. An illustration appears on page 407
of Vol. I.

The P.wtlion. — The Pavilion, on Mount Tompkins, (Pavilion Hill),
at Tom]dcinsville, was a popular resort as far back as 181a. It was a
delightful place in Summer. Staten Islanders used to hold entertain-
ments up there for the benefit of churches, etc., and it was the mecca
of Xew York excursionists. In the early part of its existence it was
a favorite place at which to celebrate the Fourth of July.

3Iany years ago, the Pavilion, a long, wooden structure, caught fi]-e
in the night and burned to the ground. It was re-built, but in the
course of time lost its popularity with the better class of ]ieople. A
second time it caught fire and burned to the ground. Time has almost
obliterated even the foundation of the old house. The following ad-
vertisement, taken from the Richwoiit] RrpiihUniii, of February 2S,
1829, gives an idea of the structure :

"To Let. — The Pavilion, at Mount Tomjikins, Staten Island. It is
situated on a commanding eminence,!n the n-.w of i lie villageof Tomj)-
kinsville, about five minutes' walk from the steamboat landing. The
house is 72x22 feet; two stories high, with a double piazza around the
wlude, fonning a promenade on each piazza of nearly three hundred
feet. The upper story is finished in one entire room, and forms a
ball-room seventy feet in length. A cupola has been erected on the
top of the building, with a staircase leading to the same, which reu-
<lers it perfectly safe and easy of access. From this may be had a
commanding view of Sandy Hook Light House, the Atlantic ocean,
Prince's Bay, the Highlands of Neversink, Long Island, Long Island
Sound, the North River for thirty miles, many of the principal towns
and villages in New Jersey, and the Bay, Harbor and City of New
York. For beauty of scenery and coinnianding prospect, this situation

192 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

i.« equalled by few, if any, and excelled by none in the vicinity of
New York."

Eossvit.LE Hotel. — The Rossville Hotel was built in 1825, by John
Eddy and Robert Seguine. It was the property of Joseph Seguine,
uncle of the late Henry Stewart Seguine. Its first manager was Israel
Oakley. For many years before the hotel was built the location was
known as " The Blazing Star Landing," and the house took its name
from the place. It was one of the " voting places " for Westlield when
the ballot-box was kept open for three days. A story is told of a
general fight taking place there between the adherents of Andrew
Jackson and John Quincy Adams, on the day of the first election of
•' Old Hickory." A portion of the building is still occupied as a hotel,
and the post-office and village store are also in it. It belongs to the
estate of the late Henry Stewart Seguine.

ErcH:\[0>;D County Hall. — Richmond County Hall, at Richmond,
was erected in 1819, by a stock company consisting of Lawrence Cor-
telyou, Richard I). Littell, Daniel L. Clawson, Harmon Cropsey, Sam-
uel Frost and a few other prominent residents of the Island. At that
time a good hotel in " Richmond town " was deemed an absolute ne-
cessity. There were three other public houses in the village — the
Cucklestown Inn, which stood directly in the rear of the present
County Clerk's office; the King's Tavern, which stood on the corner
lot opposite the old Dutch Reformed Church, and the Washington
Hotel, which was recently demolished.

The house, soon after its establishment, became the political head-
quarters of the Island, and in the hall on the second floor Democrats
and AVhigs for many years held their caucuses and conventions, and
indeed did much that aided to form the history of Richmond County.

A remarkable suicide occurred in Richmond County Hall, several
years ago, by a man who had at one time been one of the most promi-
nent and popular citizens of the Island. Obadiah Bowne, who was a
close friend of ]Mr. Lincoln, while in Congress, resided at one time
in the handsome Banker homestead at Green Ridge.

The day on which Mr. Bowne died, he went up to the city, made a
friendly call on the editor of one of the newspapers, and in tlie course
of conversation incidentally remarked that an important event would
transpire in Richmond that night, and he would very much like to
have a representative of that paper present. The request was granted,
and " Ben " Williams' old mail coach from Quarantine lauded Mr.
Bowne and the reporter at Richmond in time for supper. The doomed
man seemed to be exceptionally happy. He directed Landlord Hodge
to prepare a room with two beds, and then went up, requesting the
reporter to follow soon. As he arose to go, one of the company ad-
dressed ISIr. BoAvne and invited him to attend some local event on the
morrow. " O, I don't know about that," he replied; " possibly I'll be
dead in the morning." And then he left the room.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 193

'I'he reporter went up to the room shortly, and discovered that Mr.
I'owne had swallowed a dose of poison. He ran down stairs to ^ive
the alarm. Jiedical aid was immediately summoned; but before the
physician arrived death had finished its work. The reporter soon dis-
appeared, and someliow or other, worked his Avay back to the city
and told his sensational story in truly Metropolitan style.

•' lYaining day " used to be a great event on Staten Island, and
notwithstanding the " training '" was on New Dorp lane, and the
military ball was held at the Patten House, Richmond County Hall
was as surely expected to have its training ball and supper as the
sun was to shine. Although these imique performances were di-
i'ected by law, and there was a statutory fine of seventy-five cents for
non-compliance, the fun which " the boys," old and young, used to
liave, was the real incentive for doing " military duty." "N'ery few
had uniforms, and fewer had muskets.

For a (■(■iitnvy or more — a period which temiinated shortly after the
establisluiiciit of a railroad on Staten Island — sleighing parties all
hailed for Richmond, and they dined and wined and danced in Rich-
mciud County Hall. Stables and hotel yards were filled, and the
streets of Die ^•illagt' were lined on either side with blanketed horses.

Richmond Cnunty Hall had a strange career. Among its proprie-
tors were Harmanus Cropsey, Joseph Christopher, Joseph Kost, Max
Maretzek, the famous opera manager; Kipp, the celebrated tally-ho
manager; David Ryers and O. P. Hodge. Its doors closed to the
jiublic about 1879, and after being vacated by Mr. Hodge, it became a
free tenement for colored people. Tlie premises were presented to
the King's Daughters, and the Parish House of St. Andrew's Church
now marks the spot. '

Patten House. — The Patten House, at New Dorp, was for many
years one of the main liotels of Staten Island. It was the military
lieadquarters of the divisiMii in which Richmond County was located,
and also of the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment, New York
State IMilitia, Avhich was composed (■x(liisi\ cly nf Staten Islanders.
Colonel Patten, a Southern planter, who liad managed the old Mer-
chants' Hotel, on Cortlandt street, New York City, was its first owner.
It was built by Lawrence Hillyer, of New Springville. in 1837.
Scarcely an issue of the County papers a])iic;n<Ml in thnsc days without
some reference to the Patten House. Pulilic iiiiMiings. halls, courts
martial, officers' councils, and kindred eveuls were constantly going
on. Sporting men sought it, too. It witnessed many changes in time.

The last manager of the Patten House was Colonel Lux, com-
mander of the Eleventh Regiment, of the National Guard, and its
iloors were closed to the public in a few weeks after his death in 1882.
Shortly after that it was purchased by Father McGlynn, and fitted up
for a home-school for waifs of the citv. It continued to be used as

194 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

such until Father JIcGlvnu had trouble with the Pope, aud it was
again made vacant.

For a few years past it has been a hovel for Italian rag-pickers and
tramps. The bar-room and the dining-room — the scene where in
days of yore the Vanderbilts and their friends used to participate in
royal feasts — are now utilized as stables for horses belonging to con-
tractors at work on the roads.

New Brighton Pavilion. — The Pavilion Hotel, at New Brighton,
has long been one of the most fashionable summer resorts in the coun-
try, and is known the land over. The central part of the original
building was first projected as the private residence of Thomas E.
Davis, President of the New Brighton Association, about 1828, but
on being converted into a hotel, about 1832, " an immense saloon was
erected in the rear and two wings were added, each of which," says
a newspaper of the time, " is considerably larger than the original
building." The main part was originally two stories in liciglir. In
1837, we read that "the colonnade in fr<mt of the building affords a
promenade more than two hundred feet in length." Mr. Mil ford was
the proprietor of the Pavilion at that time. Many changes liave
marked its career. In 1884, the original centre building was demol-
ished and the present (centre) edifice erected. For many veins "before
the war" the Pavilion was liberally patronized by wealthy Southern-
ers. It is still open to the public as a Summer resort. For illustra-
tions, see Vol. I., pages 351, 355.

Old Tkack House.— The Old Track House was oi-iginally a farm-
house, and stood on the fairgrounds, wiicn the Agricull uial Society
was organized, near the beach, at the toot of New Dorp lane, in 1826.
It was a favorite resort for horsemen for several years, and some of
the best horses in the country were speeded on the track at that place.
Its popularity did not wane when the Agricultural Society moved to
its new (|uartci's between the railroad station and the Patten House.

The Old Track House burned down mauA' years ago. The land on
which it stood is part of the homestead farm >)f William 11. N'aiiderbilt,
and is now owned by his youngest son, George W.

Old Cllb House. — The Old Club House, on Clark a\enue, near
Oakwood station, was the first independent club house established
on Staten Island. The club was organized in 1828, and the house was
erected shortly afterward. Among the members of the club were
Dr. Doane, Dr. John T. Harrison, Commodore Yanderbilt, Dr. Ephraim
Claris, Colonel Conner, Minthorne Toni]pl<iiis, and many others whose
names lunc jpassed into history. When Hie club was disbanded many
years ago, the house became a hotel; shortly afterward it was occu-
pied as a private dwelling. It is now a public house.

Planters' Hotel. — The Planters' Hotel, on Bay street. Tompkius-
ville, a portion of which is now occu])ied by :\Ir. Loeffler, the photog-
rapher, was for many years one of the most aristocratic resorts in this

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 195

])art of the country. It was built by a Southerner, about JS20, and
Ijati'ouized almost exclusively by wealthy Southerners for many
years. Many of the distinguished people of the Sdutli have been en-
tertained there. After it ceased to be a hotel it was converted into
a boys" academy.

I'.Ki.MoXT Hall.— B(>]iii(int Hall, at New Briiihton, was erect.-d
in is;!l', and was the pi-ivatc rcsiih'uce of a ^Ir. Lawrence, who con-
ducted a distillery nearly opposilc on the liank of tlie river. After
a few years it was sold and iMilai^cd, and soon became a success-
ful military academy. ;\Iajor Duff, who was its principal, was a grad-
uate of the West Point Military Academy, and had gained his title
in (he regular aniiy. He was appointed Colonel of a New York regi-
ment at the commencement of the Mexican war. Belmont Hall,
shortly after being vacated by Colonel Dufl', became a hotel. For
several years it was a temperance house. Tlirep chnT-(dies have been
organized in its parlor. It has been (losed to the jnddic for two
years. An illnstration appears on page ;>."»!•, \'ol. I.

Wasiiin';t().\ Hotel. — The Washington Hotel, in Bichmond, for
nearly hfly years under the management of the late Patrick Curry,
was originally a small piivate dwelling. It was enlarged from time
to time, and was finally converted into a hotel, with a public hall and
ball-room. A portion of the building was erected as far back as 1790.
No event of any particular importance traiisi>ired here; but it was
the scene of many a happy gailieiing of the young men and women
of the Island for generations. 'Phe (dd Imilding was deTiiolished a
year or so ago, and a small strnclnre erected in its ]>lace.

Hoik Hotkl.— The Dock llotcd was bnilt at New r.righton in 1834,
and was managed by Thomas Carey. A portion of the building is
still standing, and is now used by Mr. Herbert Crabtree, coal dealer.
The ferry-boats " Sylph " and " Staten Islander " made two trips a
day to and from New Yoi'k City, and landed at the door of this house,
it was the rendezvous of the Castleton politicians for a number of
years. When the steandtoai landing was transferred to ihe foot of
Jersey street, the Dock lloiel ceased to be a public house.

Wtxpsoi: Hotel.— The Windsoi- l[ot(d, af New Brighton, was orig-
inally the rc-^idence (d' an lOnglish ca]Mtalist, who sold it to James
Wilkinson, of the hrm of Crabtree .v;; Wilkinson, who owned the silk
factojy at New Brighton. The house became the property of the New
Brighton Association. It was built about 1826. It was converted into
a hotel about 1835. The house was once known as Tlie ^fansion. It
was for a number of years quite a po]inl;!r resort. It ceased to be a
public house a few years since, and is now the jtrivate residence of Dr.
William B. \\'ilkinson, a grandson of the former owner.

Sp. .M \i;k's Hotel.— St. IMark's Hotel stood where the Hotel Castle-
ton now stands, on the heights of New Brighton. The ''Marble
House," whi( li formed a part of the structure, was built bv Gilbert

196 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

L. Thompson, a son-in-law of Govei'uor Tompkins, in 1825. The '" Mar-
ble House '' was purchased by August Belmont, and the noted banker
and his family resided there for a number of years. When it was
converted into a hotel a large addition was built to it. It was a very
popular summer resort for many years. St. Mark's Hotel was de-
molished in 1889, and the Hotel Castleton was erected in its place.
For illustration, see page 363, Vol. I.

Castleton House. — The Castleton House is the large, square,
frame building standing on Broadway, West New Brighton, opposite
the public school building. It was built by Captain John Laforge, in
1837. Captain Laforge commanded the Tompkins Guards, and the
house was more or less a military centre for the North Shore. It has
long been occupied as a tenement.

The Stone Jug. — "The Stone Jug," as the old Neville mansion
near Sailors' Snug Harbor, is facetiously called, was, until 1882, a
private residence, and was one of the most homelike places on the
North Shore. This house was erected about 1770. It was originally
a farm-house. Early in the century it belonged to Couuty Judge
Jacob Tysen. The farm attached to this old house once extended al
most to " Brighton Corner." The house and the beautiful lawn used
to be the pride of the venerable Captain John Neville, a retired officer
of the United States Navy. The house has been the scene of many
a gay reception, given in honor of representatives of the navies of our
own and other countries.

More than a score of other old hotels we have learned about, while
gathering material for these chapters, which have long ago faded from
the sight and mind of the busy public; but as we could learn uothim;
of special interest in their history, have deemed it best to pass them by.

CHAPTER XIII.

DISTINGTJISH13D RESIDENTS AND GUESTS.

T has long- been a soiirce of wondei'ment to those who are
unacquainted with the place, that so many distinguished
]»cc)iih' have become residents of Staten Island, and that
so man^^ others have here been entertained. The close
proximity to the Metropolis — the social, commercial and financial
ccjitre of the continent — may account for this in part. But we think
that a stronger attraction still was the beauty and healthfulness of
the Island. From among the many who have cilhcr resided or been
entertained here were the following:

J.\MES W. AuTEN. — Mr. Auten was born in Richmond, Btaten Is-
land, about 1S15, and while attending the public school in his native
village in 1S.31, made arrangements with the proprietors of The ^hip-
pin;/ ami CniiniK i-<-i(il Lisi. of New York City, to enter their service.
In time he became one of the proprietors of the paper, and from 1848
to 1877, Auten & Bourne was the firm name. In 1882, Mr. Auten re-
visited his birth-place, and under the caption of " What Fifty Years
Have Done," wrote an interesting article, from A\hich we (|uote :

" I took a melancholy pleasure in viewing the old, famlliai- scenes
of my youthful days. The house in Avhich I was born, that in whicli
I was brought up, the old play-grounds, the trees and running
streams, the village churches and the old church-yard where

" ' Each in his narrow cell forever laid,

The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep.'

" But the point of greatest interest was the dear old District
I School House! Thcic it sfands now, just as it stood fifty years ago,
I when I first learned to spell and read.

! " I took my stand where I had stood half a century previous, and

i tried to talk to the children there assembled. But it was a difficult

task. The old scenes and associations rushed before my vision and

choked my utterance. The whole scene seemed like reading a book

of history, and as though the world was slipping from beneath my

i feet!

"The friends of my early days are nearly all gone; parents and
children, old and young, having been swept away by the hand of
death, and of the whole populaiiou living there fifty years ago, I

198 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

found less- tliaii a dozen surviving-; young and old liaving gone to
tlu'ir long lioiiip.

"I bade a final farewell fo tlie few surviving friends of my child-
hood, turned my bacd; on Ihe (dd chundi-yjjrd and said g i bye ro

the boys and girls who are fast growing up to take tiieii' |daces on
the stage of tliis world's activities. I turned away sadly, knowing
that I should see their faces no more! "

CoMJiAXiiEU TnroTny Greene Bexham. — Commander Timothy
(ir(-ene Beuham was born near New Haven, Connecticut, in 179(1, and
entered the Naval Acadeiuy at the age of twelve years. He gradu-
ated in 1810, and entered the service as a midshipman.

Mr. Beuham's first commission was issued on November oO, 1814.
His voyages after that were numerous and imporlant, and many of
them were exceedingly dangerous. He was with Commodore J'orter's
S(|uadron for the siipjiression of piracy in the West Indies, and iu one
of the battles he received a bullet in his leg, which he carried ever
afterward. He also came near being the victim of a pirate's knife,
which, in a hand-to hand struggle, he succeeded in capturing. He
married :\[iss -Tulia, daughter of Samuel Lo(dcman. who belonged to
one of the oldest families on the Island.

When the Mexican war broke out, i.ieutiMiant Beuham was se-
lected to superintend the landing of American troops on .Mexican
soil. The work was accomplished under the nu)st dangerous and
trying circumstances. He was always successful, however, and on
several occasions he was coniplimeuted by superior otticcrs and his
services acknowledged by the Government. During- that war he was
given the command of the United States war schooner "' Bonita,"
with which he gained the credit of the Navy ]»ei)artment for his
gallant conduct at the b()mbardment of \'era Cruz atid the Castle,
Alvarado, Tani|)ico and various other battles.

Shortly ■Afii'v the clos;^ of the Mexican war, LieutenanI Benham
jiaid a visit lo his home. A reception was given him which is still
pronounced to have been one of the greatest social events in the
liislory of Staleii Island. In the forenoon of the day in question,
the little village ul' Kichmond was the scene of a. large concourse of
people from all over the country. Distinguished naval and army
officers, statesmen and ciii/.ens were present. The Court room of the
" new Court House," as the present structure was then called, was
densely packed, and hundreds were unable to gain an enti-ance. The
occasion ^^as the presentation to Lieutenant Benham of two massive
silver pit(diers and goblets, as a testimonial of the worth and esteem
in which his neighbors held him. The family still retains these hand-
some relics, with much prid<' and satisfaction. From them we copy
the following inscription :

"Presented to Lt. -Commander Tinuithy Greene Benham, IT. S. N.,
by his fellow-citizens of HichnHnnl County, in token of their esteem

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 199

for the distin<iuished services and nautical slvill on board the war
schooner * Bonita,' during and subsequent to the attack on Vera
Cruz, on March 24 and 25, 1847, and of the admiration of his de-
ixirtiiicnt in jirivate life.

Joliu S. Westervell, John C. Thoiii])son,

Xalhan T. rSarreli, 31iiil liorn.- 'roiiiiikins,

James M. ("i-oss, Cliailcs K. i.cveredge,

Lawi'ence ("ortelvDii, r.ornl 1'. ^^'iuant,

Henry Cole, Kichard D. Smyth,

John T. Harrison, Committee."

The prcyciitation speccli was made by Minthoriie 'i\nii|ikins, the
niannscript of which is amonu the treasured ridics of I he Hcnham
family.

After the presentation ceremonies, hundreds of the assemblage re-
pair; d to the Renham mansion, where a royal banquet was held.

In tlie course of time l.iculcnant licuham was promoted to tlie rank
of CommaiKJcr, and cunliiiucd, under ever\ circumstaure, to serye
ids country well. I'rom huiii and arduous duties and cxpo.xures his
health became impaired, and he rested in his splendid mansion at
(ireen IJidge; but after ;i lapse of time his health was restored, ami
he was again (u-dered to duty as commamlant of the Nayy Rendezyous,
in New York City.

In IS.")."), the actiye officers comprising tlie memorable "Board of
I'ifteen," retired Commander Renham from the seryice which for a
pei-iod of forty-ime years had been his pride aud deyotion. Com-
mander Renham died on June 17, ISOO, and was buried beside old
St. Andi'ew's Church, in Richmond.

Ui<;Aii. At)Mii;al Axdkkw ]']LijroTT KENXEPy r>EXtiA>r. — Admiral
Renham is the son (d' tlie late Commaudei- Timotliy (ireene Renham.
He was born on the Lake estate, b.dow New Ihn-p, On April 10. 1832.
He att(Mided sclnxd at Richmond when a lad, and later, when his
family had remoyed to Green Ridge, he had Mr. Roehm foi' his in-
structor.

He was the first uayal ai)])ointee from Staten Island, and entered
Tin- Xayal Academy at Annapolis, in 1817, and graduated in 1851.
When a midsliipman he assisted in the capture of a piratical junk, re-
eeiying a \youinl on the hand in the engagiMuent. Haying reached the
rank nf lieutenant, he was in actiye seivice dniing the Southern Re-
bellion. He i)articipated in the bat He df I'ert Wnyal, and was on
bhjckade duty on a nund»er of points alnng the Atlantic coast.

With the rank of cajitain. lie cDnimanded the man-of-war "Rich-
mond." which conveyed (lenerai (irant from China to his home in
America, after retiring from the Presidency. While he was serying
with the rank of commodore, he commanded the Light House De-
partment on Staten Island for three years.

Admiral Renham reacluMl the rank of rear-admiral in 1890. His

200 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

last active service was at Eio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the Brazilian
rebellion. It was his splendid conrage and fine executive ability thai
put a stop to the insults and dangers that constantly faced Ihe Anu'ri-
can merchantmen in that harbor. After all friendly endeavors hnd
failed to accomplish this end, Admiral Benham ordered the decks
cleared tor action, and the Brazilian rebels quickly came to terms.

Having i-eached the age limit in 1894, Admiral Benham retired from
the service that year. During the war with Spain he was in the serv-
ice of the (lovernincnt at Washington, where he now resides

Admiral Benham married Miss Seaman, of Green Ridge. He has a
son, Harry S. Benham, in active service in the Navy, who has reached
the rank of lieutenant.

Rev. Williaji H. Boole, D. D. — Dr. Boole was a native of New
York City. He studied law when a young man, immediately after
leaving college, but its practice was distasteful to him. He soon
gave it up and entered the ministry, and in 1856 was ordained a min-
ister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He always belonged to the
New York Conference. He was pastor of a number of churches in
New York, Brooklyn and Connecticut. During the war of the Re-
bellion he served as Chaplain of the Fortieth New York Volunteers,
and always entered the battles with his men. His care for the wound-
ed and the dying on the field and in the hospital, Avon for him the ad-
mij-atiou and esteem of the rank and file of the old Army of the
Potomac.

Dr. Boole was always an enthusiastic temperance advocate, and
was one of the founders of the Prohibition party. P^'or years during
the latter part of his life, his entire time was devoted to lecturing and
evangelistic woi*k.

He was a business man of fine qualities. He was one of the found-
ers of the camp meeting grounds at Ocean Grove, Old Orchard Beach,
Sea Cliff and Prohibition Park. He was for two years Superintendent
of the latter, and built the first residence there after it was decided
to construct a park. Dr. Boole and his family resided for some time
in the old Colonial building on the edge of the park, on the Watchogue
road, and it was in this same old house that the kind persuasions of
the Boole family led to the redemption of America's famous temper-
ance orator. John G. Woolley. (For illustration, see Vol. I., p. 188.)

Hon. James A. Bradley. — James A. Bradley was born at Ross-
ville, Staten Island, on February 14, 1830, in the quaint old Colonial
dwelling still standing on New York avenue, near the Slioie i-oad.
His first schiKi] days were spent at Woodrow, under the sujn r\ isimi uf
the venerable Father Boehm. He then entered the Madison Street
public school in New York City. At the age of twelve lu^ went to
work on the farm of William Davies, at Bloomfield, New Jersey. He
remained there for a time, and then went to New York Cit^- to learn
tlie trade of brush-maker.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 201

At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Bradley was foreman iQ the brnsh
farlory of Francis P. Fernakl, in Pearl street, and in 1857, he went
into business on Iiis own acninnt. FIc has been in bnsiness in the
same liiiiluiuLi:, al 2.")] I'c;)!'] strccl, fort v years.

.Ml-. Itradley, in tSTl, purchased live hundred acres of land on the
Atlantic shore, in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The tract con-
sisted of pine woods, briars and sand dunes. It was laid out with
broad .streets and many open spaces, and through the publicity given
to the place by newspaper writers, it has become what is now known
as Asbury Park, perhaps the best known and most popular seaside
summer resort in the United States.

Mr. Bradley was elected to the New Jersey State Senate, on the
Republican ticket, in 1893, and served on several important commit-
tees. Asbury Park is his home.

Hon. Et:.\STUs Brooks. — Mr. Brooks was born in Portland, Maine,
January Ml, JSlu. Shortly before his birth his father. Captain
James Brooks, who commanded a privateer during the War of 1812,
had gone down with his vessel, leaving his wife and three children
dejiendent for their support upon a Government pension. As a result
of these straightened circumstances, Erastus, at the age of eight
years, left his home for Boston with the object of earning his own
living. He found a place in a grocery, and worked for his board and
clothes, studying diligently the while, at a night school. Soon he
entered a printing office and became a compositor, and with the
money which he earned obtained enough education to enter Brown
University. Here he pursued a partial course, at the same time sup-
porting himself by working as a compositor. When he was eighteen,
he started a paper, ealled Tl/c Yaulax; after his father's IniL;, in Wis-
casset, Maine, soon after which he purchased the Hardiiih' Cicrllv.

in 1835, .Mr. iSrooks went to ^^'as]lington and became a newspaper
cori-espoudeul, w liicli he continued for sixteen years, in J .SIO, he be-
came associate editor of the New York Ej press, with his brother,
James, and remained in this connection for !ort\ nue ^ears. In 1843,
lie traveled through Europe and was wreclced (.IT Sandy Hook on his
return, lie published his paper almost alone during the cholera epi-
demic. He was for years a member of the executive committee of the
Associated Press, and for a considerable time its general manager.

Mr. Brooks was elected to the State Senate in 1853. Two years
afterward he rendered his position prominent by a controversy with
Archbishop Hughes, relative to the limits to be set to the acquisition
of church property by the Eoman Catholic church and the exemption
of property from taxation, he holding that, as its title was vested in
the priest, it should be taxed when it reached beyond a certain value.
The controversy, first carried on through the columns of the flourier
(111(1 Gazette, finally went into the State Senate, of which Mr. Brooks

202 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

was elected a member ou the Kuow-uothing or American paity ticket
in 1853.

The position which Mr. Brooks took led to his being nominated by
Hie Know-nothings for Governor, in 1856. An interesting incident
in connection with this nomination was, that the messenger boy who
handed Mr. Brooks the telegram announcing his nomination, was
Cliester A. Arthur, afterwards President of the United States. From
that time onward, he was frequently in public office, taking part in
political conventions and serving the State in Constitutional Con-
ventions. He served four terms in the State Assembly from Kich-
mond County.

3Ir. Brooks was a benevolent man. He spent freely of his time,
even in the busiest period of his life, and gave careful and regular
attention to the management of such charities as the New York In-
stitution for the Instruction of the Ueaf and Dumb, the Nursery and
('hild's Ho.spital and the Smith Infirmary. In the National Charities
Association, in the State Board of Health, in the national convention
of Ueaf Mute Instructors, as a trustee of Ccu-nell University, in the
Indian conferences and in the Constitutional conventions, he was rec-
ognized as a man of wisdom and power, of profound convictions,
uniting industry and excellent judgment.

Mr. Brooks* life was long, honored and useful, his name will be
cherished by many whom he befi-iended, and will be recorded among
the editors, the statesmen, and the benefactors of this country. His
last public service was in connection with the Indian conference at
Lake Mohonk, in October, 1886, from which he returned seriously ill,
and his last literary work was a review of that conference, whiih lie
wrote for the Noc York Oltscrrcr. Mr. Brooks died at liis lumi,- on
Staten Island, on November 25, 1886. He went to his grave hon-
ored by all who knew him.

Cattaix IUciiaui) CiiKiSTOrnKU. — C'aptain Chi'istopher was boi'u
in 1811. The house in which he was born stood at the junction of
Manor road and Egbert avenue, opposite the Frederick White estate.
His father was Joseph Christopher, born 1775, and his grandfather
was Nicholas Christopher, born 1723, and whose residence still stands
at Willow Brook, and was the place of meeting of the Committee of
Safety during the Revolution. His great-grandfather was Barent
Christopher, (or Christoifel, as the name was then written in the
records of the Port Richmond Dutch Reformed Church.) He was
born about 1678. Captain Christopher's mother was Elizabeth Wood.

Captain Christoi^her first attended school at •' The Corners," (now
known as Castleton Corners.) The school-house stood a few yards
in the rear of the present edifice, on the Da.wson estate, and was a lit-
tle, low, one-story stone structure, and is supposed to have been the
tliird school-house erected on Staten Island. Richard's father was a
farmer, and the lad attended school in autumn, winter and spring.

CAPTAIN RICHARD CHRISTOPHER.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 203

working on the farm iu sumiin'r, until he was tifteeu years of age. He
was aiiibitious, and for his industry lie was one day rewarded by being
a) lowed to acconipauy his aunt to New York City. It was his first
visli ti) that place, and oieurred iu 1S25. The boats in those days
made two trips a day between Staten Island and New York.

Having returned to the "Whitehall wdiarf,'" they had tlie better
part of an hour to Avait for the boat to start for Staten Island. Stand-
in- (in the deck near the railing, Richard watched the i)eo]df' coming
(in I lie boat, when suddenly a coacii, drawn b\ Inui- crcaiii-culored
hdiscs, came up to the wharf. Cannon near by began to lioom, and
there was much excitement. A plain, white-haired man, uccom-
]ianied by others, entered a private barge that was in waiting. It was
tJeueral T,aFayetfe, and he Avas coming to Staten Island, as the guest
of (lovernoi- T(>ni])kins.

Kichard entered the Dyeing and Printing Establishment, at Fac-
toryville, in I80O, to leai-n the trade ui' silk [irinter, and remained
there until 1848. He built a dock at I'^ictoryville, and carried on the
coal business for thirty-tive years in the building now known as the
Athletic House. He was Postmaster at one time, and the office was
also located in that building.

Ca])tain Christopher was married in 1843, to Mary L., daughter of
Captain Henry Fountain, proprietor of the old Fountain House. He
was fond of the military, and in 18:11, joined the Tompkins Cuai'ds as
a private. He was from time to lime ]ironn.led. until, in i>-ls, he be-
came captain. He was considered the best-drilled officer in llie Staten
Island regiment. The Tompkins Guards, w^hile under his command,
entered into competitive drills with the " crack " military companies
of the country. This company was once the guard of honor to ilartiu
Van Buren. In 1835, it paid especial htmors to <'oion(d Aaron Burr,
while the old soldier was stopping at the Continental Hotel, in Port
Kichmond.

Captain Christopher took an active part in politics long before he
was a voter; but he did not hold office until 1811, when he was ap-
ixiiuted collector of the Town of Castleton. They did not extend the
time for collecting taxes then, as they have done since. Tlie Collecior
had to go from house to house. Castleton then included the greater
part of the Town of Middletown, yet the Tow^n, County and State taxes
amounted to oidy si'J.-.ii, TJie ( ollector's fees were -f 137.50.

('a]>taiii ('hrislo|iliei- was (deded to succeed himself as Collector in
IS 12, and served for four years. In 1816, he was elected Supervis(jr.
He accepted the office " with fear and trembling, for the taxes were
high, because the new Coiirt House had not been paid for as yet, and
the murder trials of Polly Bodine had cost the county so much."

It was while Captain Christopher was serving his first term as
Supervisor that the project to build the present County (^lerk's and
Sui-roi;ate"s offices came up, and he drew the plans for the building.

204 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

It was not until 1848, however, that the building was erected. It was
originally one story, and contained two rooms. The second story was
added in 1856, and was occupied by the County Treasurer, District
Attorney and Sheriff. The Supervisors occupied the room in the
Court House now utilized as a parlor by the Under Sheriff.

In 1849, Captain Christopher was returned to the Board of Super-
visors, and was re-elected in 1857-8-9 — '68-9 — '74-5-6. The first
Board of Health in Richmond County was organized in the Town of
Castleton in 1856, through Captain Christopher's efforts. It consisted
of the Supervisor and Justices of the Peace. It was the first effective
step taken against the Quarantine hospitals.

After the greatest legal battle known in the annals of Staten Island,
the Quarantine quarrel drifted into politics, and a local faction known
as " The Taxpayers' Party " was organized. Like all " new parties "
it went to extremes in everything. At the election, held in Nautilus
Hall, in 1859, the ballot-box was stolen in a fracas and taken (Hii nf
the town. It was found on the following morning a considerable dis-
tance away. No Supervisor was elected, as the ballots were not
found. The Town Board met and appointed Captain Christopher to
that office. Eay Tompkins was a rival candidate for the Super\isor-
slup, and contested in the Courts for the possession of the office.

Captain Christopher was repeatedly tendered the nomination for tbe
Assembly, but refused it. Once, however, he was nominjited, but
told his friends that he did not wish to serve, and so was not elected.
He was appointed postmaster of Factoryville (now West New Brigh-
ton), in 1857, at a salai-y of flOO a year. He resigned before the end
of his term.

For some time prior to 1853, the Town Boards gTauted hotel and
saloon licenses; but in that year the Legislature passed a law provid-
ing for a Board of County Excise Commissioners. Judge Metcalfe
ap] minted Richard Christopher, of Castleton; Daniel L. ClaAvson, of
Southfield; and Lawrence Hillyer, of Northfield. Captain Christo-
pher was made Chairman, and Richard Channing Moore, of Rich-
mond, was appointed clerk.

Captain Christoplier witnessed, in 1825, the grand jubilee of the
slaves of Staten Island, on the occasion of their emancipation, at the
old Swan Hotel. The first year of the war of the Rebellion Captain
Christopher met with heavj- financial reverses. Beside other losses,
his large dock at A¥est New Brighton broke down, and a vessel be-
longing to him was lost at sea.

Cii])tain Christopher planned and advocated a scheme Avhirh., liad it
been successful, would have brought much wealth to Staten Island,
and practically relieved the taxpayers of the burdens that have long
and unjustly rested upon them. He was in favor of the county assum-
ing absolute control of the ferries running between the Island and the
City, and placing the proceeds in the County treasury. He actually

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 205

labored in its favor for years; but was unable to get the other of-
ficials of the County to see the matter in the same light as he, and the
result was that private corporations were permitted to absorb the
whole business.

For more than half a century man^' a lieart had its burdens light-
ened by the kind impulses of Captain Cliristopher. One thing in which
lie prides himself, perhaps more than some others, is that of stand-
ing by his friends, especially if they are struggling against adversity.
A notable case in point Avas that of Mrs. Tyler, widow of ex-Presi-
dent Tyler, who at one time graced the White House at Washington.
Mrs. Tyler then occupied the old mansion at the junction of Clove
road and Broadway, West New Brighton. There was a family dis-
agreement, and the property was in the Courts. There was no pros-
pect of a settlement. Lawyers alone profited by the lav/'s delay,
while the proud woman and her children daily grew poorei*.

Captain Christopher at that time conducted a general provision
store, and through pity and respect for the noble woman, pei'mitted
her to purchase whatever she desired at his establishmeni, and (rust-
ed to whatever turn the future might bring in her affairs luv Iii-< pay.
The writer was informed on good authority that Captain Christopher's
claim against Mrs. Tyler at one time amounted to considerably over
•'if2,000. Later on, Mrs. Tyler came into possession of property, and
the debt, with the exception of "an interest of deep gratitude," was
paid in full. They were always warm friends, and when the news of
the deatls of Mrs. Tyler reached tli'- venerable man, he received it
with heart-felt sorrow.

One of his enterprises was the establishment of Richmond Park,
containing a large tract of land lying on the North side of Eichmond
road, between Egbertville and St. Andrew's rectory. At the time of
the establishment of this park, Richmund was one of the most flour-
ishing villages on the Island. The building of the railroad at such a
distance from the village, ruined the enterprise. Captain Christo-
pher once owned the wall-paper fa'tory lately the property- of Mrs.
M. A. Baldwin Douglas, in West New l!right(ui.

Captain Christopher, although in his eighty-seventh year, is a most
interesting man in conversation. His mind goes back clearly to the
events of the long ago, and when in a reminiscent mood makes a most
charming companion. It is to him, more tlian to any other citizen of
Stateu Island, that the writer of this work is indebted f(n' informa-
tion and guidance in scores of incidents that would otherwise have
been lost to the world.

Dr. Epuratm Ct.auk. — Dr. Clark was born at Wheatsheaf, near
IJahway. New Jersey, in 1795. His father. Captain Ephraim Clark,
was in the United States Army, during the War of 1812, and his
grave is in the Dutch Reformed Church yard, in Port Richmond.

Di'. Clark studied medicine with Dr. Valer.tine Jlott, of New York,

206 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

and afterward graduated from the College of the State Jledical So-
ciety at New Brunswick. He came to Staten Island in 1820, and mar-
ried Miss Ann Guyon, dauiiliter of Major James Gutou, of New Dorp.
He er(^cted the mansion now ore uiiicd by his son, Dr. James G. Chxik,
of West New Brighton, and resided there (or many years. He also
kept a drug-store at the corner of IJitlimond terrace and Taylor street,
near his residence.

On the ai-ri^al of General LaFayeVte, on his last visit to tliis conn-
try, in 1S2."), Dr. (Jlark was a member of the committee that received
the distinguished soldier at Nautilus Hall, in Tompkinsville.

At the reception given to Kossuth, the committee was composed of
Dr. Ephraim Clark, Dr. Westervelt, Samuel French and Richard
Adam Locke. The latter delivered the address of welcome. General
Garib;!!di was also present and made .an address.

When General Andrew Jackson made his famous visit to New
York City, in 1832, Dr. Clark was a member of the Rece]ilion Com-
mittee that met the old soldier at Mersereau's Ferry (Port Richmond).
The other members of the committee were Colonel Nathfin Barrett,
Rev. Dr. Peter I. Van Pelt, Dr. J. T. Harrison and Colonel Barton.
The committee escorted General Jackson to New York City, and
landed at Castle Garden.

Dr. Clark was physician to Colonel Aaron Bnir, while at I'ort Rich-
mond. He was also a member of the Committee which selected the
Rev. Dr. Brownlee as pastor of the Port Richmond Dutch Reformed
Church.

During Dr. Clark's long life he held a number of important posi-
tions. He was appointed Surgeon of the One Hundred and Forty-
sixth Regiment of Infantry, composed of Staten Islanders, by Gov-
ernor Yates, in 1823, and, liaving resigned, Avas, in 1837, appointed
Surgeon of the Sixty-fifth Regiment New York vState Militia, by Gov-
ernor Marcy. Afterward he was appointed aide-de-camp, with the
rank of ( 'olonel, on the staff of Major-General Van Buren, by (lovernor
Seward. He was Post Surgeon at Camp Sprague, New Dorp, during
the Southern Rebellion, and examined over four thousand men.

Dr. Clark was a delegate to the Charleston Convention, whiih
nominated Breckenridge and Lane. He was one of the early members
of Richmond Lodge, No. (>(>, F. and A. IM., and a charter member of
Tompkins Lodge, No. 101. He was one of the organizers of the Rich-
mond County Agricultural Society, and was its first President. For
many years prior to and at the time of his death, he was the physician
to the ( 'ounty Jail. He served as Supervisor for Southfield, and Super-
intendent of the Poor for several years.

One day, in conversation with the writer, Dr. Clark said ; " A man
living to my age naturally sees a great deal. Some have very hai»])y
lives. What has given me good health and ])rolongi'd my life, is that
I have always Icen of a happy disposition. I do not fret, but like to

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 207

be social. Always happy to see my friends. There is no man in the
\\drl(l I wonld step over my threshold to injure."'

One morning, in the antnmn of 1885, the noble old man arose from
liis lied and prepared for the nsnal dnties of the day, in a world that
was constantly growing smaller to him. Suddenly he sat down upon
his bed, then rested his head npon the pillow of peace, and his gentle,
lo\ing soul went home.

Jacob Doi.sex Cox. — Mr. Cox was one of the most honored of
American citizens. He was a resident of Port Richmond for a long
time, and was well known throughout Staten Island. In his youth he
was a clerk in the office of Anthony Lane, in Wall street, NeAV York
City.

He became a Major-Genei'al of volunteers in the Union Army, dur-
ing the Southern IJebellion, Governor of Ohio, Secretary of the In-
terior in President Grant's first cabinet. Representative in Congress,
l^iesideiit of the Toledo. Wabasli an.l ^^'estern Railroad, and Dean of
the Cincinnati Law School. ITe came very near being United States
Senator, in place of John Sherman.

Charles F. Cox, a brother, who was Secretary of tlie Canada South-
ern Railroad, ahso resided in Port Richmond.

Colonel Ichabod R. Crane. — Colonel Crane was born in Eliza-
beth, New Jersey, on July 18, 1787, and after graduating from the
West Point Military Academy, entered the United States Aimy as a
second lieutenant when a very young man. He served in all the wars
in \vhi(di this country participated during the first half of the present
century, and followe<l the line of promotion until he became Colonel
of the First United States Artillery.

Sliortly after the close of the Mexican War, Colonel Crane came to
Staten Island and purchased a farm. It was located on the Rich-
mond turnpike, a mile or so west of Bull's Head, and is now owned
by Roller; Fergiisen. Culduel Ciaiie built himself a fine residence
oTi his farm, and durin'.i his sojonrn it was the scene of much genuine
•• army hospitality." In fact, it was a social headquarters for ai'my
oHi'-ers who found it possible to visit Staten Island. Scores of noted
soliliers were there entertained by the venerable Colonel and his
family.

Colonel Crane, however, did not live long to enjoy his Staten Island
home. I'ive or six years at most of quietude with those he loved
closed his brilliant and honorable career. He died in 1857. and was
buried with military honors in the grave-yard of the Asbury Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, at New Springville. General Winfield Scott,
at that time Commander-in-chief of the United States Army; Captain
IMay, the famous cavalry oflicer of the ^Fexican war; Cnnimander
Timothy (h'eene P.eidiani. of the United States NaAV. and a number
of other distinguished officers were present.

A plain marble shaft was erected over Colonel Crane's grave, bear-

208 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

iug the insignia of the regiment which he commanded — cross-eau-
nous, surmounted by a figure 1 — and the following inscription:

" Sacred to the memory of Colonel Ichabod B. Crane, of the U. S.
Army, who Avas born in Elizabeth, N. J., July IS, 1787; died on Stateii
Island October 5, 1857.

" He served his country faithfully forty-eight years, and "ivas much
beloved and respected by all who knew him."

On another side of the shaft is the following inscription : " Char-
lotte, widow of Colonel Crane, U. S. A.; born May 25, 1798; died
September 25, 1874."

Witliin the enclosure, near the Colonel's grave, is a plain marble
slab, which tells a pathetic story :

" Juan, an Indian boy, of the Umpga tribe, Oregon. Brave, honest
and faithful. Died on Staten Island Dec. 27, 1856."

Colonel CYane left tliree children. One afterward became the Sur-
geon-General of {lie United States Army. and. it will be roiiK^iiibevcd,
claimed the body of (iuiteau, the murdi-icr of President (!ai field, lie
died a few years ago, and was buried on Shelter Island. The daugh-
tei' married General Brennan, of the United States Army. The other
son, William, was well known on Staten Island, and died at a recent
date, and was buried in the family plot at New Springville.

Hon. Georoe William Curtis. — Mr. Curtis was born in Prov:
dence, Ehode Island, on February 21, 1824, but he was partly of
Massachusetts descent, his father having been born in Wort-ester
that State, of which an ancestor was one of the first settlers. His
mother was the daughter of .James Burrill, Jr., at one time Chief
Justice of Rhode Island, and afterward United States Senator.

In 1830, Mr. Curtis went to boarding school at Jamaica Plain, near
Boston, where he remained for four years. Meanwhile he lost his
mother; and, in 1839, his father, who had marriiMl again, removed
wiili his family to New York, and, desirous rliat liis son should pursue
:i iiicrcaiililc career, placed him, after a year's study with a private
tutor, as a clerk in a Genuan importing house in Exchange place.

His talents were decidedly literary, and in the course of his reading
he became deeply interested in the transcendental movement in which
so many of the best minds of New England were at that time engaged.
Accordingly, after about a year of uncongenial drudgery in the im-
porting house, he went to " Brook Farm," in company witli his eldest
brother, who shared in his tastes and as])irations.

Jlr. Curtis and his brother remained at " Brook Farm " until 1844,
and then passed two years in Concord, Massachusetts, studying and
farming. At that time Mr. Curtis became very intimate A\'ith Emer
son. Hawthorn and Thoreau, forming warm friendships with them
which were broken only by death.

In 184fi, Mr. Curtis determined on making an extended tour of the
Old World. In August of that vear lie sailed from New York for

.Marseilles ill tli

le l)ass

Iries, i-eacliiii^-

Alexa

lie was lui-liin

ate ill

s]>irit (if model

■H pi-l)

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 209

■iii;ci- ]ia(ket. He traveled tlivou^li many loim-
iidria li.'lnre he attempted le retrace liis ste])s.
i-aeliiii- 111.- laud (.f Ihe I'liaranlis when ihe
;ress had S'-ar^-ely heL^iin ils de\as'al iiiLC work
wilhiii Ihe shadow (d' (he pyramids. There he gained the iiisjiirat iou
for his '• Nile Notes," whit h are full of the Havor and perfume of the
East. A joiiriiey across the desert by way of Gaza to Jerusalem,
ended i\Ir. <'urlis"s eastern travels. He spent the early summer in
England, ;>iid returned home in Aiijiust.

During Mr. (Jurtis's travels he wrote for the ('Diirirr aiul F,n<iu'u-cr,
of whi.di Henry J. Kaymond was the editor, and for tin- Snr York
Trihtdiv, \\hicli was edited by Charles A. Dana. ( )n his reluiii he be-
came connected with the latter, and his writiims were une of the
s]iecial features of that paper. He became one of the editors of
I'litiiinti's Moii/lil/i, in 1S53. Later he wrote for llariwr'.s .][<h;(t:ui(^ and
ilarjin-'s ]\'(ikli/, of which he finally became the editor. He also
became one n\' the most iiopnlar lecturers in the country. He took
an active interest in tlie ab.dition of slavery, and spoke and wrote
in favor of it when he had the ojiportnnity.

:\Ir. Curtis entered jinlitics (ui Staten Island in lsr>t), laboring very
earnestly for the success ni (ieneral Fr.Mnont. lb- was a delegate
to the National IN-pnblicaii ('(mvention in IStlO, and was (Uie of the
men who formed its " platform." He was a most eloquent and forci-
ble speaker, and it w\as his effort in the Chicago Convention of ISfiO
that turned the very large majority to favor the resolution adding
the "life, libertv and iMirsiiit of hajipiness" clause of the Declara-
ti(m of Imh'iieiideiice into the ])latform.

:Mr. Curtis labored very hard to create and maintain a healthy
p(i]mlar sentiment (ui the subject of Civil Service Eeform, and as
editor of IT<up<r'x Wccklii lost no o]ip.uIunity to advance the theory.
He was Chairman of the Civil Service ('(uumissioii in 1S7I, and re-
signed in 1873.

Mr. Curtis cared very little U>v p.ditical office. By :\[r. Seward he
\vas(d'fered the C(>iisul-<!eneralsliip to Egypt. President Hayes urged
him to acce]it the post of Minister to England, and afterwanl that of
^Minister to (lermany; but he could not b<' tempted away from his
editorial ])osition. Once he accepted the nomination for Tvepresenta-
tive in Congress, knowing that his district was hopelessly democratic
and that there w^as no prospect of his election. He fri'(|uently took
jiart in debates, and favored tlie extension of the franchise to women.

Mr. Curtis was married in lS.->7. to a daughter of Francis fTeorge
Shaw, the eminent philanthrojiist. I'or many years he resided in
West New Brighton, at the corner of Bard and Henderson avenues,
where have assembled at times some of the brightest minds of the
world. Mr. Curtis died in 1892.

Alexander Del Mar, — Mr. Del I\Iar, the author of " A Histoi-y of

210 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

the Precious Metals," " A History of Money in Ancient Times," " The
Science of Money," and other woi'ks of a similar nature, probably the
greatest ever written on political economy, and containing the ablest
and most laborious, ever written by an American, lived both at New
Brighton and Stapleton.

At one time he was financial editor of eight different journals, and
founded also the flourishing "Commercial and Financial Chronicle
and New York Daily Bulletin." As director of the Bureau of Sta-
tistics he reorganized the United States Commerce and Navigation
returns so as to make them reliable, which was a herculean task:
and by one sharp exposure he prevented, in 18G8-9, the blunder (tf
the United States Treasury to the extent of one hundred millions of
dollars.

As originator and officer of the United States Monetary Commis-
sion of 1876, he brought the country back to the use of buth silver
and gold as currency.

Clement Disosway. — Clement Disosway was a son of the late
Gabriel P. Disosway, and a brother to ex-Trustee Wilbur F. Disos-
way, of West New Brighton. Mis mother was Miss Riddick, of Wv-
giuia.

When the war broke out in 1861, Clement Disosway was living at
West Nevv' Brighton, and enlisted in the Ninth New York Volunteers,
in which he won a lieutenant's commission, and spent a season in
Libby Prison, after which he was exchanged. Kesignir.g from the
Ninth Reuiiiiciit, he entered the Fifth New York Heavy Arlillery, ami
soon rose wi iln- i;ink of Captain.

One (lay in IstiJ:, Captain Disosway was in command of a detach-
ment of troops en route for Harper's Ferry, and all were captured bv
Colonel Mosby. General Sheridan had been hanging Mosby's men
whenever they were captured, and Mosby notified him that he would
retaliate, and Avould hang man for man.

The capture of Captain Disosway and his men caused Mosby to
issue an order for the execution of seven — that number of guerrillas
having been hanged a day or so before. They were directed to " draw
lots" — that is, pull straws; the shoi-t straws meant death and the
long ones prison — worse than death.

{"Captain Disosway drew a long straw, while his drummer boy, a
mere lad, drew a short one. The boy cried and begged for mercy,
claiming that he had not taken up arms against the South, and was
not entitled to be executed. Captain Disosway pleaded on behalf of
the boy, tliat he might be given another opportunity, to which Mosby
consented. The result was that Captain Disosway drew the short
straw, and the drummer boy a long cue.

The officer who was about to conduct the execution, jjlaced the
I'opes around the necks of the seven victims and the party started for
the scene where their lives were to be sacrificed — upon a hill a quar-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 211

ter of a mile or so distant, and in full view of tlie Union line. Cap-
tain Disosway made np his mind that he would try to escape in the
ravine through which they were to pass, because he would rather be
shot than hanoed. Just before the ravine Avas reached, however, a
Confederate cavalry officer — ^Captain Montgomery — approached Col-
onel Mosby and enquired,

'' What are you going to do with these men? "

'' Hang them, to be sure! '' replied Mosby.

•' WhU," added the Confederate Captain, " I'll be responsible for
ihis man." Then, turning to Captain Disosway said, " Captain, follf)w
me.'' Captain Disosway did as he was ordered, wondering what turn
his fate had taken. He regretted being compelled to leave his com-
panions; but there was no time to ask quest ieiis or express regrets.

('rijitain Disosway was escorted to Capl.iin Meiiigomery's tent, still
In awful suspense; but was treated Avith such kindness as to increase
his curiosity. Still he asked no questions. He dined with the Con-
federate officer, and then the two sat down together in a tent. Con-
vei'sation immediately took up the subject of the capture, the execu-
tiim, and the peculiar escape of one of the number.

" When you were captured," said Captain Montgomery, " your
overcoat and boots fell to my lot. In your pocket was your Masonic
certificate." And then he handed Captain Disosway the parchment
document which proved him to be a member of Manhattan Lodge,
Xo. 62, of NeAv York City. Cajitain Disosway continued to be Cap-
tain Montgomery's "guest" for several weeks, and the visit ter-
minated only when a sudden flank movement of Sheridan drove
-Afosby from his quarters. Captain Disosway was sent again to Libby
Prison, and so on to Andersonville and Salisbury. Captain Mont-
gomery was killed in one of Custer's cavalry battles in the Shenan-
doah Valley.

One day a heavily-laden transport came up the Narrows, anchored
a little while at Quarantine, and then proceeded on its slow way up
to the city. On it were several hundred human wrecks — poor fellows
who had, some how or other, managed to exist through the horrors
of Simllieri] in-isDiis, ami were on their way home. Among the groups
tliai sKiiiudcil mill liiilililed down the gang-plank, was one that had

h>ng I n given up fur dead. It was Clement Disosway. Rlack and

filthy, beyond the recognition of friends, with scarcely rags enough
upon him to conceal his nakedness; hungry, emaciated and weak. To
this sad plight had the " fortunes of war '' brought one of the proud-
est officers in the Union Army.

Captain DisosAvay came to West New Brighton, where, after rest
and care in his home, his health partially returned, and in time he
took up his abode in Pendleton, Oregon, where he became a success-
ful neAvspaper publisher, and was also connected with other remu-
nerative enterprises. He died in that city about thirteen years ago,

212 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

leaA'ing a wife aud daughter. Besides liolding a umiibcv of public
offices, he was a Presidential Elector iu 187G.

General, Kichakd A. Donneij.y. — (leueral Dounelly was born
near Green Eidgc, Staten Island, in 1843, in the house familiarly
known as "the Father Boehm residence." on tlio Fresh Kill road,
near Giftords lane. His father served nnrlcr (ieneral Jaclcsou at
New Orleans. Richard first attended school in the little building that
used to stand near St. Andrew's Church, in Richmond, and among
his play-mates were Judge Stephen D. Stephens, Major David H. Cor-
telyou, and a number of other prominent citizens of the Island
to-day.

At the age of fifteen, ^Ir. Donnelly entered a law office in Xew
Jersey, where he remained until the commencement of the <.'ivil War,
in 1861, when, at the age of eighteen years, he enlisted in the First
Iioginient, New Jersey A'olunteers. He became a first lieutenant
b.^'ore leaving the service. He was twice severely' wounded, taken
prisoner at Gaines' Mills, Virginia, and confined in Libby Prison.

General Donnelly is a Past Commander of Aaron Wilkes Post,
G. A. E., of Trenton, New Jersey. He has been twice elected to the
NeAV Jersey Assembly, and twice to the Mayoralty of the City of
Trenton. In jiolitirs he is a I >eiiioiia;.

He rose to tlie rank of Coloiiei of ilie Seventli Hegiiiieni of the New
•lersey National Guard. lie is a trustee of the State Reformed
School and a Coiiimissioner of the new Home for Disabled Soldiers.
For several years past he has served the State of New Jersey as
(Juartermaster-General, and he has been proniiueiitly nieiiiioned in
connection with the nomination for Crovernor.

Du. WiLLi.VM Dkapeu. — Dr. Draper, one of the most majestic minds
the world has known, whose researches revolutionized many depart-
ments of knowledge; who gave to mankind the art of jihologTaphy;
who, during a half century's laborious investigation freely gave the
public, witliont seeking any patent or monopoly, the fruits t)f his toils
ami study; who set forth in books of wide circulation, facts commonly
deemed dry with knowledge that fascinated the reader; wlio handled
the history of Europe with skill that from an adverse critic, (the
•'Westminster Review "), extorted the confessio)i that " \chat Buckle
attempted for England, Draper has done for Europe; " mIio for more
rhan fifty years daily instructed large classes in chemisliy, pliysi(d-
ogy, botany, genealogy and kindred sciences; who helped io I'onTid
the New York University Medical College, and as its secrefary and
president built it up to a great institution.

Dr. Draper, while making the disco-s'eries and writing the works
which first gave him Exiropean as well as American celebrity, lived
in a modest house on Cherry lane, in Northfield, not far from the Hat-
ti(dd farm. His sons. Dr. John C. Draper, successor to his fatlnn's
Finversity (hairs, in that father's lifetime, professor of cheiiiislry and

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

213

iiiinci-ilo.uy ill tlio Now York <
tical eli(Miiist]-y in the Uuivci;'
Ilciiry Draper, also aullmr nf
(if a silvered glass rcfl'Midiy

lldsse; first phntoi;rai)li
ihniugli tbe telcsropc; i
bcllicm, author of many
jerts, resided in the (^'her

ral and prae-
rks; and Dr.
ui-ks, l.nihlcr
Ihai of Lord
cr (it I he moon, photographer (it the sun
airgeon and captain in the war of the Ke-
lapers, articles and books on scientific snb-
•Y lane house with their father.

Iv Cdllcgc and of anal
ily. aullior of several
a number of scientiti(
cicscope which eclips

(tExerai. Ai.fkeh Xapoleon Duffie. — (leneral Duffie was a sou
of Count Jean A. Duffie^. He was born IVIay 1, 1835, in Paris, France;
was edncafed in the School of f^t. Burke, in the Military Academy
of N'er^ailles, and in the National [Military College of St. Cyr;
was trained in infantry,
alr\' and stafl' dttties;

wa^

II ol

cavaliM
Afri(iu
of Fi-a

the Hussars do
he iloguhn- Ariiiy
•■i-anco; served in Algiers,
enegal, in I ho Crimean and
triau wai>\ rei-eixiuu eight
inds in adioii, winning
• imperial dec(nati'.)ns of
Legion of Honor — the
lull, English, Turkish and
linian ii-osses, the latter be-

L'OMMOnoRE

V.^NDERBILT S RESIDENCE,
STAPLETON.

stowe(l wliile lie lay wounded,
direct from tlio hands of the
Emjioror.

While sntfering from Ids
wound received in the battle of
Solferino, he had leave of ab-
sence, in 1859, to visit America
for recuperation.

When tlie liebellion broke on our land, lie (pdckly transferred his
citizenslnp to our sJiores, and threw himself enl hiisiasii( ally inlo our
groat conflict, becoming successively Captain and .Major of Now York
Cavalry, Colonel of Ehode Island Cavalry, and Brigadier-General of
Cavalry; gallantly serving in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia,
the Department of the West and in Texas, meanwhile, for a season,
suffering the horrors of Libby and Danville rebel prisons.

After the war, General Duffie^ served for ten years as United States
Consul at Cadiz, Spain, and after a protracted struggle with con-
sumption, he died at his Consular post, November 8, 1880. at the
age of forty-five. His remains lie in L^.nntain Cemetery, West New
Brighton, in the Pelton family plot.

214 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

General Duffi6 married, in 1860, Miss Mary A. Pelton, of West
New Brigliton, and for some time resided in tlie old Colonial home-
stead at the Cove, familiarly known as the Pelton house. Mrs. Duffie
still occupies the premises, and has many pleasant reminiscences of
her distinguished husband. A life-size painting of the General adorns
the walls *>f her parlor. Daniel Pelton Dufti6, of West New Brighton,
is their only son.

Thomas Egbert Eagleson. — Mr. Eaglesou was better known as
"Thomas W. Keene," the noted actor, and was born in New York
City in 1840. He appeared first as an amateur and was seen for the
first time professionally in a performance of " The Gunmaker of Mos-
cow," gi\'en at the Old Bowery, under the management of John
Brougham. lie afterward was seen in " Julius Cti'sar " and " Henry
IV.," with J. H. Hackett as Palstaff.

Subsequently he traveled in Canada with Kate Fisher, one of the
best known Mazeppas of the period in which that character was pop-
ular. When she became the manager of a theati-e in Newark, in 1858,
he was the leading actor of her company, although he played in bur-
lesque as well as serious drama. He was seen at the BroadAvay
Theatre, and was also a popular actor during the early sixties in Cin-
cinnati and other Western cities.

Mr. Eagleson played Avith Annie Sefton until 38G9, wheu he went
to England. He returned to New York and acted at Wood's iluseum
until 1874, when the late John McCuUough took him to San Francisco
for a season's engagement. He became popular there, and renu^ined
on the coast five years. He subsequently played in the South, and in
1879 reai>peared here as Coupeau in Zola's '' Drink " at the Olympic
Theatre.

He became well liked tlu-oughout the country for his robust per-
formance of classical roles, and his large repertoire included most
of the characters acted by Edwin Booth. He was the last of the ro-
bust school of tragedians. His daughter, Agnes Arden, was for some
time a member of his company.

The genial actor made his home on Staten Island for several years
past. He owned and occupied the old Bodine Inn, (which had been
remodeled,) at the junction of Manor road and Richmond turnpike,
Castleton Corners. He died in the Smith Infirmary in June, 1898, and
w as buried with Masonic honors. He was a member of Naval Lodge,
No. m, of New York.

Judge William Emerson. — Judge Emerson was a brother to
Kalph Waldo Emerson, the most celebrated of American philoso-
phers, and was born in Boston about the commencement of the Nine-
teenth century, and graduated from Harvard College when quite a
young man. From about 1837 to 1856 he resided on Staten Island, in
a low, brown house, located on the Eichmond road on the slo])ing lawn
now belonging to the Unger place. The spot may be more properly

?IISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 215

described as being nearly in front of tlie \:\\c Hdward A. IMoore resi-
dence. William Emerson wasCounlv .Indue of KicliiiMini! in 1841-3.

The Emerson residence was know n as " 'J'he ►Snuyjierv," and was
bnrned down seveial veais a^o. The end of the house faced the road,
while a long grape-arhni- stretched to the gate, and the old fashioned
box-bushes bordered the garden paths.

L'alph Waldo Emerson spent a great deal of his time at " The Sniig-
gery," and there is no ddiibt that he wrote many of his poems and
prepared his lectures on '■ Kepreseiitalive Men," which he delivered
in England just after his stay, on Slaten Island. He was of clerical
lineage, being the eighth in succession of a consecutive line of Puritan
miiiisters.

(»d residents of the Island remember the Emersons as very genial
and friendly. They mingled with the peoph:" in a manner that made
their final departure a sincere regret to all. There is nothing left of
"The Snuggery" to tell the present LicneiMi inn that it once existed,
and few indeed who pass the spot daily kimw that it was once the
home of such distinuuished Americans.

CHAPTER XIV.

DISTIN(iUISnEI) EESIDEN'J'S AN1> GUESTS — CONCLUDED.

IKNEKAL JOHN OLIARLES FKE-AfONT.— Geueral Fr^uont
was horn at Savanuah, Georgia, on January 21, 1813.
His t;!ther was a native of France, and liis niotlier of
A'irginia. When the boy was but four years old his father
died, and with his mother he removed to Charleston, South Carolina.
At the age of fifteen he entered Charleston College. For two years
lie taught mathematics in the navy.

Ill 1S40, he received from President Viui Buren a commission as
second lieutenant in the corps of topographical engineers, and was
ordered to make an examination of the river Des Moines, upon the
western frontier. In 1841, he married a. daughter of United States
Seiialoi- r.enton, of Missouri. He proposed to penetrate the Rocl<y
.Mdiiiiiaiiis. and liis plans being approved, he reached and explored
the South pass in 1842. He planned a second expedition, in 1843,
which was also successful.

In 1845, he was brevetted captain, and in the Spring of the same
year set out on a third expedition to explore the great basin and the
mountain region of California. In less than a month he freed Cali-
fornia from Mexican rule, and on the 4th of July was elected Gover-
nor by the Americans. A week later he learned that <'ommodore
Sloat, who commanded the United States squadron in llic Pacific,
had seized Monterey. On the 10th, Fremont joined liini with one
hundred and sixty mounted men.

At the same time Commodore Stockton arrived in the frigate " f!on-
gress," witli autjiority from the United States Government to con-
quer California. At his desire, Fremont organized the mounted men
known as the •' California Battalion," of which he was made Major.
Stockton also appointed him Civil Governor of the Territory, and on
January 13. 1847, a capitulation was concluded whicli ended tlie
war, and made California a possession of the United Stales, About
this time (Jeneral Kearney, with a force of dragoons, arrived, and a
long quarrel ensued, owing to jealous^' between him and Fremont,
wliich resulted in the arrest of the latter, his trial by court martial,
and sentence to be dismissed from the army. The President remitted
tlie penalty, but Fremont was so indignant that he at once resigned.

In October, 1848, he started on his fourth trip across the continent,
at his own expense. He sought to find a practical route to California,
passing along the upper waters of the Eio Grande del Norte. In the

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 217

spi'iiiu (if 1849, after a prolonged effort, he found his way over various
niMuntain I'anges to the Sacramento.

Fremont settled in California, and was sent by the Legislature as
senator to represent the new State in Congress. He remained but a
few months in office. In 1851, he failed of re-election, in 3852, he
made a tour in Europe, returned the next year, and organized another
expedition across the continent to complete the surveys undertaken
u]i(in liis fourth trip. He discovered passes through the mountains,
and finally reached California.

In lS."J(i, Fremont was the candidate of the newly formed Repub-
lican party for President; but was defeated. In the war of the I'e-
bellion, lie was appointed a Major-Ueneral, and obtained command
in the western district. On the last day of August. ISC.l, he ordennl
the emancipation of the slaves of tlidse who, in iiis disnict, were in
arms against the United States; but the President revoked it as un-
authorized and premature. In this General Fremont anticipated by
only thirteen months the President's own proclamation, but in con-
sequence of it he was relieved of command. A few muntiis lai( r lie
was reinstated, and intmsted with the command of Ihr uiDiiiitain
region of Virginia, Tennessee and Kentiicky. After the b. it lie at
Cross Keys, June 8, 1862, he declined to serve. June 1, 1878, he
was appointed Governor of Arizona Territory.

After serving his term as (lovcriinr, (icucral l''r(Miinnt rame p]ast
again, and for a long time resided at New ItrigliKni, mh Siaien Ishuid.
lie and J\[rs. Fremont were familiar tigures in our cnuuiiuiiity.

Lieutenant John C. Fremont, of the United States Navy, who
figured so conspicuously in rlie Spanish-American war, is a son ot
Creneral Fremont, and his residence is also on Staten Island.

General Joseph Garibaldi. — General Garibaldi was born at
Nice, then in Northern Italj', on July 1, 1807. In time he entered
the Sardinian Navy, and remained in the ser-vice until he had at-
tained his twenty-seventh year. During the years which immediately
su<ceeded 1834, Italy was undergoing one of her periodical revolu-
tionary movements, and with this young Garibaldi got mixed up.

Driven from his own country and from his appointed career, he
first enileavoi-ed to obtain service with the Dey of Tunis. He became
disgusted and took service with the 1»e])ublic of Uruguay, and there
formed that famous Italian Legion \vlii( h inflicted such frequent and
terrible losses upon the troo](s ni' I'.uenos Ayres. Garibaldi had the
command of not only his Legion, but of the squadron, and thus fought
well, both by land and by sea. Throughout the whole of tliis event-
ful contest, however, one thought was ever present to him: in his
own mind, his Italian Legionaries were destined for service in Italy
as soon as opportunity should offer of crossing swords with the Aus-
Irians with possibility of success.

Opportunity came in 1848, but, as it turned out, his battle was to

218

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

be not only with Austria, but with France. He quitted South Amer-
ica, and toolc a good portion of his Legion back with him to Europe.
With these he attacked the Austrians on the Southern Tyrol, wliilst
C'harles Albert was acting against them in the plains of Lombardy.

After ^^inning several battles he returned to Rome to continue the
defence, which he did until resistance became hopeless.

Prom Rome, when the surrender had been resolved upon, (taribaldi
made good his retreat with his own adherents, whom he disbanded
at St. Marino, and then proceeded with his wife and a few of his im-
mediate followers towards Venice by way of Ravenna. It was then
that the sad tragedy of his wife's death occurred, and Garibaldi was
comijelled to leave her dead, who had never abandoned his side whilst
living, nor in the day of battle. This blow came also from the Aus-
trian enemy.

General Garibaldi
came to (his country
after his misfortunes,
and made his liome for
a considerable time on
Staten Island, selecting
Clifton as a place of
residence. lie mingled
freely with oui- people
and became very poiiu-
lar. He took the first
three degrees in Free-
masonry in Tompkins
Lodge, No. 401, then lo-
cated at Tompkinsville,
and he entered into bus-
iness enterprises per-
sonally and lent his
name to others for that
pur[(ORe. Garibaldi was in private intercoiirse the most gentle and
unassuming of men. Children would run to play with him. If in a
crowded room you would have looked around for some one to whom
you would have given a wife or sister in charge, you would have
singled oui General Garibaldi amongst hundreds, there was such a
stamp and impress of one of nature's gentlemen about the man.

General Joseph Karge. — General Karg^ was a native of Poland,
and for his energetic measures in seeking his country's liberty, was
condemned by the Russian Government to death. He managed to
escape from the military prison, and after suffei'ing privations and
dangers that sound more like fiction than truth, he siicceeded in
reaching America. He had served as an officer of rank, being a noble-
man, in the Polish cavalry.

DR. RICH.4

HENDERSON HOMESTEAI
ERECTED 1790.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 219

General Karg6 came to this country shortly after the commence-
ment of the Southern Kebellion. He offered his services to the Gov-
ernment. The First New Jersey Cavalry was at that time in tiie
held. Its Colonel, \V. W. Halstead, one of the leading lawyers of
that State, was a good organizer but a poor commander. The regi-
ment became demoralized, and through some blunders at headquar-
ters it had two lieutenant-colonels, both of whom, in the absence of
the colonel, claimed the right to command. One of these was Joseph
Karge. He was recognized by his superior oflicers and assumed com-
mand until the ai'rival of the new colonel, Sir Percy W'yudham.

Later Colonel Karge was promoted to the colonelcy of the Second
New Jersey Cavalry, and participated in the campaign with General
Sherman through Cieurgia. After the war he was brevetted a briga-
dier-general, and became pmlessor of languages in Princetcju College.

For a while General Karge resided near what is now known as Liv-
ingston, on the North Shore, and became well known to our people.
He died stiddenly in the street in New York City, in 1894.

Louis Kossuth. — In the autumn of 1S51, the Hungarian exile,
Louis Kossuth, visited the United States. He arrived at Quarantine,
(now Tompkins ville), on board the steamer " Htimboidt,'" on Friday,
December 5th. He was saved from the wrath of the Austrian Em-
peror, who contemplated his execution as a rebel, by the Sultan, who,
under Brilisli inspiration, gave him asylum in Constantinople. Presi-
dent Fillmore's Administration felt deep sympathy with Kossuth, and
sent the frigate " Mississippi " to the Dardanelles for the jmrpose of
bringing him to the United States.

In anticipation of the arrival of Kossuth, the Kichm(jnd County
Militia and two companies from the city, were ready to receive him
at Quarantine. There were also present many Hungarian residents
and members of the New York Common Council, which had made him
a guest of that municipality.

On the next day the Staten Islanders must needs have a ])rocession
to escort Kossuth around the East and North Shores. A reception
was given him in Nautilus Hall, at Tompkinsville, and on the ferry
boat. On the march appeared Farmer William H. Vanderbilt, Dr.
Ephraim Clark, Captain Richard Christopher, Griffin Tompkins and
General \au Buren, as aides to Grand Marshal Minthorne Tompkins.
Everybody in New York " who was iiuybody," had come over to the
Tompkinsville ferry landing in the spcM.ial boat furnished by Isaac
Newton. Kossuth was taken on a trip around the bay and up and
down both rivers, while Fort LaFayette and Castle William furnished
salutes, and the frigates " North Carolina " and " Ohio " fired thirty-
one gtins. On the Battery fully fifty thousand people gathered arotind
the whole First Division of the National Guard, who in their then
diversified uniforms were awaiting orders to escort the Hungarian
hero under a floral arch between Battery gate and Bowling Green,

220 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

and tlience up Broadway to Boud street into the Bowery and down to
the City Hall Park — the then huge iron gates of which were also
arched with flowers.

After lauding, Kossuth was ushered into a barouche witli Mayor
Kingslaud and Morgan IMorgaus, the Welsh President of the Buui-d of
Aldermen. Then came the formation of New York's time-honored pro-
cession, comi)osed of three divisions, comprising the military, some
five thousand strong, carriages for officials, and pedestrians in tlie
rear.

Grand receptions were given to llie distinguished visitor by the
Common Council, the Press, the Bar, and others during his brief
stay. In fact, immediately previous to the Christmas of 1851 New
York City underwent a period of Kossuth mania, and it affected tlie
holiday presents. Evei'y holiday gift associated itself in some desig-
nation with Kossuth and Hungary.

Soou Boston and Philadelphia yearned for him, and to those two
cities he journeyed, to find new hero worship. But by dc^grees, as
Kossuth joui'neyed westward, his popularity waned; for he was now
practically a solicitor for subscriptions, and in after years it becann'
a question of popular discussion what was the restdt of the Kossulli
loan fund and what was done with it. And when he re-embarked for
his homeward journey, there were few New Yorkers at the steamer
to speed him — the Kossuth mania had become a thing of the past.

Marie Jean Paul Boch Yves Gilbert Mortier LaFayette. —
The Marquis de LaFayette was born on September 6, 11^7. in tlu^
Castle of Chavagnac, now in the Department of Upper Loire. He be-
came a soldier at an early age, and iu 1777, came to America and took
part with the Colonists in their war of Independence. The declara-
tion of war between France and Britain gave him an opportunity of
aiding the new Republic effectually, by rettirning to France, where
he was received with honor by the Court and with enthusiasm by
the peoiile. He again repaired to America, in 1780, and was intrusted
by Congress with the defence of Virginia, where he I'endered im-
portant services. On a third visit to America, in 1784, after the con-
clusion of i^eace, he was recei^'ed in stich a manner that his tour was
a continual triumph.

LaFayette held the destinies of his country in his hands. He served
in the Assembly, and was the Commander-in-chief of the French Army.
He became unpopular with the excited republicans after the Revolu-
tion. After a checkered career he was accused of treason, and, leav-
ing the cotmtry, was imprisoned in Austria; but was liberated by
Napoleon in 1797. He took part in the Revolution of 1S30, and a
third time became a commander of the French troops.

In 1825, he revisited America, by invitation of Congress, who voted
him a grant of |200,000 and a township of land. One of the most
delightful receptions he had accorded to him in America, was on

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 221

Stateu Island. A processiou of soldiers and citizens generally escort-
ed the distinguished guest while he was here.

The Marquis remained here for some time, seeking rest and com-
fort after his long and fatiguing tour. Several Staten Islandei-s still
living remember the events of the reception very vividly. The Mar-
quis was conveyed back to his native country in the battle-ship
" Brandy wine," and there recently died in the Sailors' Snug Harbor
an old sailor who was a member of the crew of that vessel at the
time.

Jenny Lind. — This famous woman is most familiarly known by
her maiden name. Her real name was Goldsmidt. She w'as the most
celebrated singer of her day. She was born at Stockholm, of humble
Swedish parentage, October 6, 1821. Her musical gifts were first
noticed by an actress, by whose influence she Avas admitted, at the
age of nine, into the Conservatory at Stockholm. She soon sang with
great success. Her career included all the leading countries of the
world.

In 1850, she made an engagement with P. T. Barnum for concert
tour in America. While here she married M. Otto Goldsmidt, a
native of Hamburg, who accompanied her as pianist.

While in America .she made her home on Staten Island whenever
circumstances would permit, and became quite intimate Avlth many
of our people. She was very fond of riding over the Island, Todt
Hill being one of her favorite routes. She sang in several cDnccrts
at the Pavilion Hotel. Her voice was a contralto of niodi'ratc range,
but much power and expression. No public singer ever won the love
of the world more than she.

]Max Maretzek, Sr. — ]\Ir. I\raretzek. the famous impresario, was
born in Brunn, on June 28, 1821, and received his musical education
in Paris and London. He came to New York City in 1848. In 18-50,
he was installed as manager of the Astor Place Theatre. The same
year he married ^Ille. Bertucca, one of the singers brought to New
York by him from Europe, and they took up their residence in what
was then known as the " YanHopvenberg mansion," at Pleasant
Plains.

In 18."4. Mr. Maretzek introduced Italian opera at the Academy of
^lusic. The following season " Semiramid*^ " and " II Trovatore "
were sung for the first time in this country. In 1850, he brought out
at the Academy " I.a Traviata " and ''' William Tell." In 1858, he took
Piccolomini to Havana and Mexico. In the Autumn of that year, be-
fore undertaking this trip, he introduced Adelina Patti in " Lucia."
In 1864, he assumed control of the Academy of IMusic, and remained
there until 1800. Amon.g the singers in his company at that time,
were Clara Louise Kellogg, Bonconi, Adelaide Phillips, and others
celebrated the world over. On tlie 2.'?d of November. 1803, :\fr. :\raret-
zek conducted the first perfdrniaiicc (if Tiounod's " Faust" f^ver given

222 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

iu this country. He produced au opera of his own, entitled " Sleepy
Hollow," based on Washington IrAdng's story.

Mr. Maretzek had many warm friends among the residents of
Staten Island, and the cozy residence on the heights, overlooking
Pleasant Plains, contains many tokens of esteem in which the late
occupant was held by the patrons of the opera in the IMetropolis.

Mr. Maretzek died in the Summer of 1S9S, and was buried in the
Moravian Cemetery, at New Dorp.

" Middy " and Jane Morgan. — These sisters were known in sev-
eral countries. Miss " Middy " was for many years connected with
tJie Nein Y(yrl: Times, and in her special line was a writer of great
ability. So thoroughly was she the judge of blooded horses that
she was commissioned by Victor Emanuel, King of Italy, to purchase
his stable for hiia. He rewarded her well for her services. She died
in 1897.

Miss Jane, who died in March, 1899, was an artist of ability. She
studied in Paris, Rome, Germany and Denmark. Her pictures have
been admired by the world. The sisters owned a unique residemc
oa DeKay street, West New Brighton, which probably has nothitii.;
exactly like it in the world. It was planned by the sisters, and was
to have filled their declining years with all the poetry, romance and
art for which their souls yearned. Both died before their plans were
completed. The wonderful part of this odd structure is that all the
art within that has made it famous was executed by the hands of
those brilliant women.

Truly these two women did a great deal for the world. Their am-
bition was to serve and help humanity. Few knew them beyond
their eccentricities. To intimate friends they revealed their hearts.
Their lives were shorn of all luxuries and extravagances, that they
might have more to give away. They were fond of young people, and
many were helped along to satisfy some ambition, in their own quii't
way. After the death of " Middy," the sister lived almost alone, until
she, too, died.

Antonio Mrucci. — Mr. Meucci was the original inventor of the
telephone .system, and a native of Italy. While living in Havana,
Cuba, in 1849, he discovered that words could be transmitted over an
electrical wire for a considerable distance. He at once began ex-
perimenting, but with indifferent success.

A few years later, Mr. Meucci came to the United States, and set-
tled at Clifton, Staten Island, where he became an intimate associate
of General Garibaldi. Continuing his experiments, he became so
thoroughly infatuated with his newly discovered force, and attained
such satisfactory results, that he sent a friend to Italy to try and in-
terest capitalists there in the invention. In the meantime he spent
nearly all the money he could earn, borrow and beg on his experi-
ments.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 223

In 1871, while crossing- tlie bay from New York to Stateu Island,
on tlie ill-fated ferryboat "Westfield," he was so terribly injured in
tlie explosion as to be confined to his bed for months. On iiartially re-
gaining his health, he found his money almost entirely exhausted
and debts pressing heavily upon him from many quarters. The great
value of his invention was, however, uppermost in his mind, and defy-
ing the jeers of his friends, on December 28, 1871, he took almost
the last cent he had in the world to a New York patent lav/yer, and
through him filed a caveat in the Patent Office at Washington, for
transmitting sound over an electric wire by means of an instrument
he called a " telletrofone," and in his specifications outlined the im-
mense business that would surely be done by a " telletrofone " com-
pany.

This caveat was kept alive for a number of years, during which
time the inventor was reduced by poverty to the very verge of starva-
tion, and for a time received temporary relief from the Superinten-
dent of the Poor for the Town of Southfield.

When Messrs. Bell and Gray filed their applications for patents on
tlie telephone, almost simultaneously, Antonio Meucci's caveat was
not unearthed and arrayed against them. He was too poor and
broken down by misfortune to know what was going on in the world
of invention, and it was not until some years Infer ho Iciniod that
the weary labor of the best part of his life had boon lost lo liim, proD-
ably forever, by his lack of funds and impracticability in tlie manage-
ment of the great thing he had produced.

i\rr. Meucci then made some feeble efforts to interest capitalists in
his invention, and after a time, becoming known as a sort of " crank "
in the telephone business, was heard of by the then organized and
prosperous Bell Company. He entered into negotiations with the
latter for the sale of his supposed rights: but from one cause and
another they failed.

The Globe Company, of Philadelphia, heard of Meucci's caveat
about 1881, investigated his claims most ihorf)Ug]ily, and finally se-
cured from him all rights that might be developed to the in-
vention of the telephone. It was with Meucci's invention, with
transmitters and receivers used by him, and very similar to those
used by the Bells, and with the records of the Patent Office, that the
(Hobe Company proposed to meet any claim to "priority of inven-
tion " the Bell Company might interpose to prevent their entry into
the telephone business.

The venerable inventor lived in retirement in the old dwelling of
General Garibaldi, and it was there he died in 1889. The place is
sacred to Italians, and is visited by thousands during the year. It is
a plain, wooden building, located on a little street, running along-
side of tlie Clifton Brewery. In the centre of the front is a memorial
slab, placed there by the lovers of Garibaldi.

224 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

William Pa(4E. — Mr. Page, the artist, was born at Albany, New-
York, on Jannary 23, 1811, and received the rudiments of his educa-
tion in that city. At the age of nine years he removed with his par-
ents to New Yorlv, where he was placed as a pupil with Joseph Hovie.
who kept a school in the Bowery. About a year later he was trans-
ferred to one of the public schools. Almost as soon as he could handle
a pencil, he had shown a marked talent for art, which developed so
rapidly that, at the age of eleven, he made a drawing in Tudia-ink of a
portrait of Louis XIV., of France, which the principal of his school
carried for exhibition to the American Institute, by which a prize
was awarded to the draughtsman. In those days, however, art was
little appreciated in this country, and was hardly regai'ded as a regu-
lar profession — certainly not as one by which a living could be made.

Young Page's parents determined to make him a lawyer, and at
the age of fourteen he was entered at the office of Frederick De
Peyster, a genial and accomplislied gentleman who was not without
the taste of art, and was then the iSecretary of the American Academy
of Fine Arts. Mr. De Peyster soon discovered that his pupil was oc-
cupying himself in the more congenial task of copying the prints
and pictures which adorned the lawyer's office. He took some of his
pupil's drawings to Colonel Ti'umbull. the painter of the " Signing of
the Declai'ation of Independence," who was then the President of
the Academy, and asked his opinion of their merits. He declared that
the boy had unquestionable talent; but asked Mr. De Peyster if Iw
could not make a lawyer of him. Mr. De Peyster replied that he
thought he could; he " had brains enough for any profession.'' " Tell
him, then," said Trumbull, " to stick to the law, for in that he may
attain wealth and fame. As an artist in this country, he can have
little expectation of either."

Page, however, was determined to be an artist, and the praise of
Trumbull far outweighed, in his youthful and ardent mind, the pru-
dent discouragement of the disappointed and somewhat morbid old
man. He quitted forever the lawyer's office, and engaged himself as
an apprentice to a portrait painter, named Herring, who turned the
talents of his pupil to pecuniary profit by making him paint banners,
transparencies and similar rubbish. From this drudgery, however,
the boy learned something, and, at the end of a year or so, obtained
admission to the studio of ]\Iorse, since famous as the inventor of the
electric telegraph.

The American Academy being destroyed by fire, was reorganized in
1828, as the National Academy of Design, and Morse was elected
President. Page entered himself as a stud'^nt of the Academy, where
the excellence of his draAvings from the antiiiue was rewarded by a
large silver medal, the first premium given by the Academy. He
was then in his seventeenth year.

At this period he joined the Presbvterian church, and resolved to

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 225

ab.-indon his cherished avocation and become a minister of tlie Gospel.
He accord iiiiily went to Audover, Massachusetts, to study theology,
and from thence to Amherst College, where he engaged in prepara-
tory studies, supporting himself meanwhile by painting miniatures.
At the end of two years he found himself in a state of mental doubt
on religious matters, and he renoimced all idea of entering the min-
istry. At Florence, Italy, he became acquainted with the writings
of Swedenborg, and adopted the doctrines of the New Church, which
ever after had a controlling influence, not only on his life aud opinions,
but on the style and method of his art.

From Amherst, Page went to Albany, where he opened a studio
and painterl portraits with ardor and success. He next went to
New York and opened a studio on Broadway, and at once took a high
])osition in portraiture and as a colorist. He was selected by the
city government to paint a full-length likeness of Croverner Marcy,
f(U' the galh'vy of the City Hall, and Boston sent for him to paint
the portrait of John Quincy Adams for Faneuil Hall.

In 1840, he resided on t^taten Island for a time, and then removed
to Boslon, where he became an associate of Lowell. Story and Nathan
Hale.

In 1847, Page returned to New York, Avhere he remained two
years, and then went to Europe. He resided abroad about eleven
years, chiefly in Florence and Rome. After his return he resided at
Englewood, near Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and shortly afterward
returned to Staten Island. In a quiet, secluded spot, overlooking
the Bay, and far out upon the blue Atlantic, close beside the wood-
laud that covers many acres of the historic Billopp plantation, stands
an oddly shaped house, wherein, after a busy, eventful life, William
Page rested.

The working days of the great artist were over and he had grown
feeble, when the writer called to see him; but his intellect was as
bright and liis wonderful memory as strong as ever. Every day he
spent hours in communion with his pictures. Among these were the
Grant aud I'arragut of history, the Grand Duke Alexis, and others
almost without number.

Page's '• Head of Christ " aroused a furious controversy among
the artists, the connoisseurs and the critiques. Some insisted that
it was the most wonderful head painted in modern times. Page not
only painted his ideal of Christ; but he inaugurated a revolution in
the popular conception of Christ.

William Page died in October, 1885, and was buried in the Mora-
vian Cemetery, at New Dorp.

General Ely S. Parker. — General Parker was born on an In-
dian reservation at Tonawanda, New York, in 1828. He was a full-
blood Iroquois of the Seneca or Wolfe tribe of the famous Six Na-
tions of Indians. He became High Chief Sachem of the Confederation

226 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of tribes which is how scattered ou reservations in scA-eral parts of
this State, at Green Bay, Wisconsin, and in the Indian Territory.

General Parlcer received a good education and then read law; but
Avas refused admittance to the bar on the ground that the Six Nations,
being wards of the State of New York, were ineligible to citizenship,
and none except citizens could be admitted to the bar. IJefused a
license to practice law, he entered the Polytechnic Institute at Ti'oy,
and took up the study of civil engineering, graduating in due time
Avith high honors.

After leaving the technical school at Ti'oy, he settled in Galena,
Illinois, where he became the personal friend of General Ulysses S.
Grant. Later he Avas appointed to a position in the Engineering
Corps of the United States Army, under General Baldy Smith, ^y]um
the (?ivil War broke out he entered the Union Army, and received a
commission as Colonel of Engineers. Later he became attached to
General Grant's staff, Avith the commission of Colonel. Tlt^ Avns ap-
pointed military secretai*y by General Grant, and went with liim
through all his campaigns.

When the final struggle came, and Lee decided that his cause was
h)st, it fell to the lot of General Parker, the representative of the
original OAvners of American soil, to prepare the conditions of sur-
render at Appomattox. This he did, and Avith a few minor changes,
suggested by General Grant, the terms of surrender Avere presented
to and accepted by General Lee.

On March 22, 1866, he Avas appointed Second Lieutenant of the
Second United States Cavalry; on June 1, 1867, he Avas made First
Lieutenant, and then w^as promoted to Brevet Captain, Brevet
Major, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, Brevet Colonel and Brevet Briga-
dier-General of the United States Army on IMarcli 2, 1867, for faith-
ful and meritorious service during the war. His jiiirtrait is among
Those painted in the historic picture representing the surrender of
General Lee.

After the war, General Parker returned to civil engineering. He
Avas tlien a citizen in spite of his being an Indian, under the laAV Avhich
gave all who had served in the Union armies the right of citizenship.
After General Grant Avas elected President of the United States, he
attested his old friendship for General Parker by making him a mem-
ber of the Indian Commission. It was General Parker who negotiat-
ed the removal of his tribe from this State to the fertile and i)leasant
lauds on Green Bay, Wisconsin.

General Parker became an a.ttaclie of the Ncav Yoi-lc I'olicc l)('i);>rt-
ment in 1876, which he retained till the day of his death.

General Parker's family consisted of a wife and danulilev. His
AvidoAV is a white Avonian, a natiA^e of Washington, to Avhoiii he was
married in 1873. Ilis daughter Avas born in 1883.

<ieneral Parker Avas notable all throuiih his career. Writers have

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 227

described him, and Marlv Twain, in (uic of his worlvS, lovingly calls
Iiini '' Old Seneca." He was the successor as Cliief SacJiem of the
Iroqnois to two of the most notable Indian chiefs in history, Corn-
])ianter and Red Jacket. He was a member of the Grand Army of
the Ivepnblic and of several secret societies.

( ieneral Parker had in his possession the medal presented by Wash-
ington to l\ed Jacket, tlie Indian chief. He always wore it. His In-
dian name was Onedonecagne. He made his home at the Pavilion
Hotel, at New Brighton, for some time, with bis family, and -inr peo-
ple enjoyed his society very mnch.

Delta Tudor Stewart Parnell. — Mrs. Parnell, the daughter of
Admiral Charles Parnell, (commander of the famous frigate "Con-
stitution," and who bore the name of " the bravest man in the Ameri-
can Navy.") wife of an Irish country gentleman, seeing the misery of
the people of her adopted coimtry, trained her son, Charles Stewart
Parnell, lo become the leader of his countrymen in peaceful, legal
and resistless movement toward self-government; and when his great
work in the House of Commons began, she, with her (hiuglitevs, whom
she had reared in the same noble spirit, traveled, s]iolce, ;nid pejformed
enormous labor in organizing and teaching (he greal Iiish ]io]iulation
of America to co-o])erate witli the work w liiih hn- son wa> guiding.
In the midst of tliis w(U"k, Mrs. Parnell ainl Ikt (huigiiters resided at
New Brighton.

Peter Pero. — Mr. Pero was born at ^^'est New Brighton. Staten
Island, on April 25, 1828. His father was a native of Canada, was
French, aiid was lost at sea in 183.5. His mother belonged to one
of Staten Island's oldest families, the Simonsons, and was a cousin
to the first wife of Commodore Vanderbilt.

Peter Pero, when quite a young lad, enteicd the printing depart-
ment of the Old Staten Island Dyeing Kstablishun-ut, where he re-
mained until the first day of Septeuiber, lS(il, w heu !:<■ enlisted in
Company A, Second New York Militia, which was later consididated
Avith the Eighty-second New York Volunteers.

The battle of Williamsburg, Virginia, on :May ."). 1802, was the
first engagement in which Mr. Pero participated. It was followed up
by the other engagements of the Army of the Potomac up to Antie-
tam, where he was captured and taken to Belle Isle, Virginia. He
remained there six months, during which time the memorable " hard
winter," with all its indescribable horrors, came and went. Then he
was exchanged. He came to his home on Staten Island, where he re-
mained for three months to regain his health, and at the end of that
time he returned to the front. He participated in the battles of
Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

At Gettysburg, the regiment in whicli I\Ir. Pero served suffered
severely. Time and again it charged and fell back. On the second
day, the regiment lying on the left fell back without their knowledge.

228 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

anil a Confederate re^ment, which they mistook for friends, took
them on the flank, capturing almost half of the regiment before they
fully realized what was going on. They were immediately rushed off
the field and marched to Williamsport, on the Poli'in.ic, wlicre they
were allowed to rest a day; thence to Wheeling, \\'<\sl \'ii-inia. It
was night when they reached that point, and Mr. Pero and several
chums planned to escape; but his companions weakened when the
time to start had arrived. So they marched all the way to Richmond,
and back to Belle Isle he went again.

After remaining there about a month, they were informed that
they were going to be exchanged. They were placed in earn, and sent
to Andersonville, Georgia.

But a small portion of the stockade was buiit around the prison-
pen at the time of their arrival. Mr. Pero with others was detailed
to finish the work. When it was completed, he with others went out-
side to bury the dead. The notorious Captain Wirtz was in com-
mand of the prison and its surroundings.

The story of the treatment of Union prisoners at Andersonville need
not be repeated here. Suffice it to say, Mr. Pero Avas a suffering wit-
ness to those scenes for thirteen long months, and his burial party
placed eleven thousand of the poor fellows into their welcome graves.
The burial party was planning to escape, and were saving up their
rations. There was a Unionist among the Confederate pickets, and
he used to keep Mr. Pero and his party posted.

On the day before the escape was to have been undei'taken, the
Unionist informed them tha,t General Sherman's army was bearing
down upon Andersonville, and would soon be there. Immediately
after that about five thousand prisoners a day Avere sent off to other
places. One day the entire picket line was noticed closing in, and in
a few minutes the burial party were driven into the stockade, there
ti' find that not a soul remained. Until that instant they had be
lieved that some one had divulged their plan of escape. So, it will he
seen, Mr. Pero was among the first to enter the prison-pen at Ander-
sonville, and was also among the last to leave it. He and his com-
rades were taken to Florence prison, a few miles away, and were
almost starved to death. Then they were sent to Salisbury, North
Carolina, where they were kept for three months.

Maddened by their sufferings, and in an hour of utter desperation,
Mr. Pero and a companion determined to escape. When night came,
they crawled through the picket lino and made their way in the di-
rection of the coast. They had gone about nine miles from the prison,
when they were captured by home guards. They were sure that their
time had come to die; but they were agreeably disappointed by be-
ing kindly treated. They were given all they wanted to eat, and then
sent back to Salisbury, after being liberally provided v>'ith rations.
Thev were not even punished for their attempt to escape.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 229

After remaining in this pi-isoii-pen for three months, they were
taken to Charleston, South Carolina. One clay Mr. Pero learned that
" all the Yankee prisoners who were good for nothing and couldn't
light any more, were to be paroled.'' So he determined to " play off
deaf." As the poor fellows were being " sorted out " and sent through
the gate, Mr. Pero joined the crowd.

" Hiar, thar! " called a Confederate guard; '• what 'er yah goin' out
tharfo'?"

Mr. Pero paid no attention to the question, but tramped slowly on.
The guard appi'oached him and repeated the question, but no answer
came.

" He's as deaf as a post," said his comrade, as he hobbled on.

•• Let him go, then," said an otlicer; " he'll never do us any more
harm."

By this means Mr. Pero was enabled to get on board the transpcji"!
that left Charleston under a flag of truce, and which met a Union
transport about two miles from the city. He was taken directly to
New York City, where he was mustered out of the service on February
14, 1865. Although but thirty-six years of age, he was broken down
in health and his hair and beard were Avhite in consequence of his
tei-rible sufiering. He died at his home on Heberton avenue. Port
Richmond, on January 13, 1895.

Lieutenant Sidney A. Simons. — Lieutenant Simons, of tiie United
States Navy, Avas born at Woodrow, Staten Island, in 1816. He at-
1 ended school at Eichmond Village for several years, and then for
two years he served as clerk in A. T. Stewart's store, in New York
City. But all the time he was studying hard, determined to promote
hii)iself wlicn the opportunity attonled. He was appointed to the
Annapolis Xiival Academy in 1863, frum which he graduated in 1867
witli sjucial Imnors. lie was luie of those who, graduating near the
Jiead of liis cl;!ss, was selected, as a reward of merit, to accompany
Admiral Farragut In Europe, in 1868.

Lieutenant Simons w as infatuated with the naval service, and pro-
motion soon folhiwed. In November, 1879, while serving as executive
officer of the gun-boat "■ Huron," the vessel was wrecked in a violent
storm near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and about two hundred of
those on board were drowned. Liciileniiiii Simons was almost the
last man to leave the vessel. The i.ij\e Idlow had done everything
to save others, and a moment or so afur he had climbed down the side
of the sinking structure, he went to a watery grave.

Lieutenant Simons's father, Mr. James C. Simons, taught school for
a number of years in the old red school-house that stood Avhere the
New Dorp water reservoir is located, and he resided in the old Foun-
tain homestead, near the Black Horse, recently remodelled. He be-
came the captain of a merchant vessel, plying along the Atlantic

230 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

i-oast. Near the place where the " Hiirou " sank, Captain Simous's
own vessel was caught in a storm, in 1857, and all were lost.

Lieutenant Simons was a brother to Mr. Charles F. Simons, Princi-
pal of the Curtis Memorial School, at West New Biighton, and was
also a cousin to Admiral A. E. K. Benham.

Kear- Admiral John Drake Sloat. — Admiral Sloat was born in
New York City, in ITSO. He entered the United States Navy as sail-
ing-master in 1800. He was in the engagement between the war
vessels " United States " and " Macedonia," in 1812. He participated
in the expedition against the West Indian pirates, in 1824 and 1825,
and commanded the Pacific squadron from 1846 to 1852.

Admiral Sloat was commandant at the Norfolk Navy Yard, and
superintended the building of the Stevens Battery at Hoboken. He
was promoted to Commodore in 1862, and to Eear- Admiral in 1866.
He resided for several years, after retirement, in the two-story frame
building in the middle of the blmk, on T^iehmond terrace, betwe(n
Franklin and York avenues, New r.rii;liti.u. During liis r'sidcncc
here he took a lively interest in i\\i' alfairs of Staten Island and ils
people, and his home was the scene of many gay events in " naval
society."

Don Antonio Lopez be Santa Anna. — General Santa Anna was
born in Jalapa, in 1798. While a youth he entered the Spanish Army,
and became lieutenant-colonel in 1821. When Mexico determined to
throw off the Spanish yoke, Santa Anna greatly distinguished himself
at the head of the Mexican troops. The Spanish royalists were ex-
pelled from Vera Cruz, and he was elected Governor of the city and
province. Santa Anna proclaimed in 1822 a Mexican Eepublic, which
was recognized by every foreign State, except Spain.

TIk' sejiaration of Texas from the Mexican union was vigorously
b,ii unavailingly opposed by Santa Anna. In 1847, war having been
declared by Mexico against the United Stafes, Santa Anna took the
comiiiand of the Mexican forces. He offered a gallant but ineffectual
resistance to the troops of Generals Scott and Taylor. The City of
Mexico having been stormed and taken by the Americans under Gen-
eral Scott, the war w^as at an end, and Santa Anna retired from
Mexico.

In 1853, Mexico, torn by civil dissensions, and falling inio anarchy,
again recalled him. He declared himself President for life, and a
civil war was the immediate result. In 1855. he was driven from the
connti'y.

During (he government of Juarez, from 1856 to 1863, Santa Anna
was looked up to as their chief and future ruler by an influential party
in Mexico. On the establishment of an hereditary monarchy under
Maximilian, of Austria, as emperor. Santa Anna returned to Mexico,
having first signed an act of adhesion to the empire. He soon, how-
ev<'r. began to intrigue for his own return to power, issuing addresses

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 231

to the people as emperor, aud wa.s ordered to leave the country. After
some resideiR-e iu rhe United Slates, Santa Anna planned an expedi-
tion ai;ainst Jnarez; but ere a landing a1 Vcvix Truz liad hei-n effected,
SaiMa Anna, willi Jiis sim i-ciai>', was lakcii prisunci-. lie was con-
demned io dealh, Inii pardoned h.v diiare/,. on condition (d' liis leaving
Mexico.

Some time prior to this, (Jilbert 1^. 'riiom])son, a son-in law of Gov-
ernor Daniel I). Tompkins, resided in what was known as the " Marble
House'" at New Brighton, which laiei- became a part of St. Mark's
Hotel.

Several yards above the Irving plush factory, between Jersey street
and Westervelt avenue, at New Brighton, about where Henry sti'eet
is located, lliere was navi^alile water, i)i tlie midst of the once famons
Hessian Spi-iniis. 'i'liere (iilbei'i Tliom]ison built a three-masted
schooner, wiiicli he furnished, aud then took Ids family on board. The
vessel moved out into tlie Kills and saih'd for ^lexico, and was
anchored in tiie iior! of ^'era Cruz at th" time tliat Santa Anna was
onlcred to leave the empire.

Mr. Tliompson's family were on land at the time. He liad ve])eated]y
met with Santa Anna, and a strong friendship sprung uj) between
them. Santa Anna feared assassiaaticm at any moment, and Mr.
Thompson smuggled him on board his schooner in great haste. But
Mrs. Thompson could not be reached at the same time, and Santa
.Anna's enemies, learning that Mr. Thompson had succeeded in carry-
ing off the dethroned but scheming emperor and his secretary, held
Mrs. Thom])son as a hostage.

Mrs. Thompson's imprisonment became a. state question, and after
inverference on the part of our (lovernment, she was liberated and
permitted to go to lu r linsband, who was in waiting for her at a sale
landing under the American hag. Mv. Thompson returned in his
schooner to Staten Island, bringing Santa Anna with liim. For a
time the exile made his home with Mr. Thompson, in the " Marble
House," but latei', with his secretary and one or two intimate friends,
he occupied what is now known as the Dubois mansion, at the corner
of Manor road and Chen y lane. West New Brighton. While here he
lived the restless life of a sporiing man, but made many friends. All
the time his eyes were turned towards Mexico. He frequently called
on General Winfield Scott, who resided in Elizabeth, and who re-
turned the compliment by coming over to Santa Anna's home on
Staten Island.

Santa Anna had plenty of money, and he spent it liberally. He en-
tertained his iieiLihbors in a most lios])itable manner, and, generally
sjH'aking, the jx-ojile of Siaien Island were sorry to have him go
away. But Staten Island was too lav from the ever-intended base
of operations, and so, after a nice entertainment of his friends, he

232 - HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

packed up his belongings and started for the West. On the death of
Juarez, in 1875, he returned to Mexico, where he died in 1876.

GUSTAV Struve. — This distinguished old man, who was the col-
league of Frederick Hecker, in establishing a republic in Baden, in
1848, who was driven from Germany, and afterward from vSwitzer-
laiid, found a home after those stormy scenes on Stateu Isslaud. He
resided for a time on Kichmond avenue, near Granitevilk', where
he wrote his " History of the World."' After the completion of his
liistory he left Staten Island, once later returning to pay a visit to
old friends.

Henry D. Thoreau. — Mr. Thoreau was born in Massachusetts in
1817; he graduated, at Harvard, in 1837, and for a number of years
engaged in school teaching. About fifty years ago, while Judge Will-
iam Emerson, brother of Ralph Waldo Emerson, resided on Kichmond
road, near Ck)ncord, Henry D. Thoreau resided with him, and was the
tutor of Mr. Emerson's children. The letters which he wrote from
Staten Island to his family and Mr. and Mrs. Ealph Waldo Emerscsn,
at Concord, are preserved in his volume of correspondence. In July,
184:3, he writes to his sister Helen:

" I have pretty much explored this Island, inland and along the
shore, finding my health inclined me to the peripatetic philosophy. I
have visited Telegraph Stations (the Narrows); Sailors' Snug Har-
bor, Seamen's Retreats, Old Elm Trees, where the Huguenots landed ;
Ijritton's mills, and all the villages on the Island. Last Sunday I
\s-alked over the I-iake Island Farm, eight or nine miles from here,
where Moses Prichard lived, and found the present occupant, one Mr.
Davenport, formerly from Massachusetts, with three or four men to
help him, raising sweet potatoes and tomatoes by the acre. It seems
a cool and pleasant retreat, but a hungry soil. As I was coming
away, I took my toll out of the soil in the shape of arrow-heads, which
may after all be the surest crop, certainly not affected by drought."

Thoreau admired our beautiful, wild red honeysuckle, alas, now
being extcrininalcil, ainl lliuught that Concord could be improved by
iiii]i(irliii^ ii ami soiiic df ilic stately tulip trees.

'I'lioreati had ((insidciabh' incchanical skill, and worked for his bare
living at carpentering, surveying, etc.. on a system of his own, which
opposed devoting more time to such employiuent than was necessary
for the procuring of the wants of life.

Hon. Daniel D. Tompkins. — There are few men whose memory is
more precious to Staten Islanders than that of Governor Daniel D.
Tompkins, who, after serving the State of New York twice as its
c.luet executive, became Vice-President of the United States, and
gave many years of usefulness to the development of Staten Island.
He was born at Scarsdale, Westchester County, New York, on June
21, 1774. He attended the grammar school of Malcolm Campbell, in
New York, in September, 1787; whence, at the end of a vear, he was

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 233

removed to the academy in North Salem, where he contiuiied until
1792, when he entered the sophomore class in Columbia College.

During- the last year of his college course, he served in the law
Di'licc of I'eter Jay Monroe, and two years after graduating at the head
of his class in lli>5, he was admitted an attorney of the Supreme
Court, and subsequently a counselor. He early interested himself in
politics. He became a staunch Democrat, and in the party struggles
of 1799-lSOO-l, took a prominent part. He had mai'ried Miss Hannah
Minthorne, daughter of the wealthy alderman of that name, of New-
York.

in 1801. Mr. Tompkins was elected a representative of the city for
the purpose of revising the Constitution of the State, and the folloAV-
iug year he became a member of the State Assembly. Shortly after,
he was appointed by Judge Morgan Lewis one of the Supreme Judges
of New York, continuing to serve till the spring of 1807, when he
iK'came, in his thirty-second year, tlie rival c-audidate of Morgan
Lewis for Governor.

Mr. Tompkins was inducted into ohice on the daj' on whirli intelli-
gence was received of the British attack upon the Aiiii-riian frigate
" Chesapeake." The order of the President of the United States, call-
ing upon the Governors to organize their respective quotas of militia,
a! so arrived at the State Capitol on the same day, and Governor
Tompkins immediately set about the task of defending his native
State. In 1 808, the President appointed him to the command of all the
regular and militia forces on the frontier of New Y^ork.

In spite of the opposition which arose against him, he was again
elected to the Governorship. His situation at that time was well
calniliited to dismay the sronti'st licjirr. Unaided by the constituted
auiliorities appointed with liim in liic government of the State, the
Governor had alone to sir^tain ilic arduous, embarrassingp.nd responsi-
ble duty of defence. Lmi hr iusc superior to circunislaiicis. and by
the firm and unshaken cneiLiy of his conduct he silenccl or n-ndereil
inefficient the opposition of his own State. When the treasury was in
an impoverished condition, money scarce, and much wanted to carry
on the war, he raised funds and made himself liable beyond his means.
He gave great attention to the defences and intrenchments in and
around New York City, and harbor, on which the citizens turned out
and Avorked en masse.

In 1813-11, upon his own responsibility, while the Legislature was
still in session, he issued orders for organizing a brigade of volunteers,
to the command of which he appointed General Peter B. Porter. This
contingent saved the remnant of the gallant army of Niagara, at the
memorable sortie from Fort Erie. He also called into the field a large
body of militia and organized a corps of sea-fencibles, without wait-
ing the slow action of the Legislature.

In October, 1814, Governor Tompkins was appointed to the com-

234 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

mand of the Third Military District, whit-h comprehended one of the
most valuable portions of the United States, and included the largest
and most heterogeneous military force that ever before fell to the
command of an American general. He had also the offer of being
Secretary of State in the cabinet of the President; but this he de-
clined.

In 1814:, the General Government was desirous of fitting out an
expedition to dislodge the enemy from Castiue. They applied to the
Governor of Massachusetts for aid, which was refused. In this di-
lemma the situation of the Government was hinted to Governor
Tompkins, who raised, on his own responsibility, three hundred thou-
sand dollars, which he forthwith subjected to the orders of General
Dearborn. Shortly afterward the war between Gi'eat Britain and
the United States was brought to a successftil termination, and the
Governor rettirned to the peaceful duties of the Chief Magistracy.
In the last term of his gubernatorial career, at the approaching elec-
tion, he was nominated for Vice-President on the ticket with James
Mf)iiroe, and was elected.

"On till I'Xiiiration of his term as Vice-President, he retired to
piivatc life," writes his biographer, "spending the greater part of
his time in the improvement of his farm in Richmond County. Ilere
his spacious and hospitable mansion became one of the homes of
literature, philanthropy, and art. To its ever-open doors Hocked men
of letters, artists, lawyers, statesmen, patriots and soldiers, people of
all nationalities and of all beliefs.

" The last ptiblic service of Governor Tompkins was as a delegate
from Richmond County to the State Convention to alter the Constitu-
llnii ill 1S21. of which he became President. In June, 1825, in the fifty-
lirst year nf his age, lie died. His remains, on the 13th of June. IS-2T>.
\vi re cniiveyed in the steamboat ' Nautilus ' to the City of New Y'ork,
and at Whitehall, the plaee of lauding, were met by a vast concourse
of citizens, who accompanied them to their last resting place in the
family vault of his wife's fatlier. Alderman Minthorne, in St. Mark's
Cliurchyaid.

" Eighteen years after his burial, on the 21st day of June, 1813, liis
birthday was celebrated at the village of Tompkinsville, Staten Is-
land. An address was delivei'ed, and troops from various parts of
the country took part in the celebration."

Rev. Stephen Montfort Vatl, D. D. — Dr. Vail was born in Union-
dale, Dutchess County, New York, January 10, 1818. He was grad-
uated from Union Theological Seminary- in 1842, having in the mean-
time been licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
founded tlie first church of that denomination in Brunswick, Maine.

Dr. Vail became professor of languages in the Armenia Seminary,
in 1843, and was subsequently pastor in Fishkill, New Ym-k, Sharon,
Connecticut, and Pine Plains, New York, and in 1847-9, was Presiiient

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

235

of the New Jersey Conference Seminary at Pennlnjiton. "\Miile oc-
cupyini;- that post he induced the trustees of the institution to admit
women as jnipils, and he was tried before the Ecclesiastical Court of
his church for advocating in his writings theories relative to the edu-
cation of ministers. He became pi'ofessor of Oriental languages in
the General Biblical Institute of the Methodist Cliurch, at Concord,
New Hampshire, in 184^9.

In 1869, Dr. Vail became United States Consul at Kheinsh Bavaria,
and traveled extensivelj^ in the East and in Egypt, and on his return,
settled at Prince's Bay, Staten Island. He wrote for the Methodist
press and was jiinfe^soi- of Uc'ucw in the Cliantauqua School of Lan-
guages. Ccnr-r,. (',,11,.-,. ua\,. him the degree of I). D. in 1850.

Dr. Vail master,',! s,-\ ,.iii,.,ii languages. He published '* Essays on
Slavery and Church Tolity," " (Jutlines of Hebrew ( iiai.iiuar." an,l
o t h e r educational
handbo(dvS.

T!ie old Vail man-
sion at the foot
of Sharrett avenue,
with its beautiful
grounds reaching
down to the water's
edge, was one of the
most delightful resi-
dences on the Island.
Dr. Vail's death oc-
curred on November
li(i, 1880, and th<.
premises passed inlo
other hands.

ERASTUS WlMAX. HUXDKEl, YEARS OLD.

— Erastus Wiman's

name will always be linked witii Staten Island. We need not now re-
count the scenes that filled his boyhood and maturer manhood. Pos-
sessed of a wonderful intellect, actuated by a desire to become a
leader of men and great movements affecting the world, guided by an
amibition to tower above his surroundings, with a perfect disregard
for what men usually call impediments, Mr. Wiman constantly
climbed the ladder of fame, steadily moving onward and upward
toward the summit.

He began his career in a printing office in Canada, in which country
he was born shortly after his parents had removed from New Eng-
land. He became a printer, then an editor, then a correspondent and
speaker, and then entered the niercaniile field. As an organizer,
always looking far beyond the beginning of an enterprise, he has had
few equals. While his methods have often — by some perhaps always

236 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

been questioned; nevertheless there was always a principle under-
lying Mr. Wiman's schemes which were, some how or other, some
time, going to prove a benefit to the public.

Staten Island had long been sleeping in indolence and wastefulness
when Mr. Wiman came to its shores. Its natural beauty and useful-
ness had actually been wasted through the fleeting years. It did not
seem possible that a locality so superbly endowed by the Creator
could remain so far behind the age; but, " pity 'tis, 'tis true." Mr.
Wiman needed but one glance at the situation to convince him of the
possibility — the absolute necessity — of making Staten Island a great
commercial centre — a terminus for the railroads of the country.

The enlistment of men in his cause; the possession of the old rail-
road system; the consolidation of the ferries and centralization of
traffic at St. George, — and the adoption of rapid transit along the
thickly-settled portions of the Island — all these are but comparatively
recent works of this energetic man. The fact remains, however, that
Avhat Erastus Wiman did for Staten Island in his impetuous and
rough-shod manner, awoke it from its long dream of inaction, and
broke the antediluvian spirit that had so long strangled its enter-
prise and prevented its usefulness.

Like all men of Erastus Wiman's temperament, he did not know
when nor where to stop. In fact, like Napoleon, he didn't really be-
lieve in stopping at all. Everything that got in his way must be con-
quered — " the hills to be levelled, and the valleys made e'en." Mr.
Wiman met his Waterloo, just as all men do, when they can least af-
ford it and least expect it. Not satisfied with being an employt? for
a mercantile agency, with a great salary, he wanted an agency of his
own. Had he made mistakes in the service of his old employers?
Alas! an insinuation was made to that effect, and insinuations are
too often very effectual weapons with which to secure the downfall
of a business man.

The arrest of Erastus Wiman came like a thunderbolt from a clear
sky, on Staten Island, and after the shock had subsided, we doubt that
there was a heart in our midst that did not pity the fallen. It Avas
an awful fall, for there never was a prouder nor nioi'e ambitious man
than Erastus Wiman. When he had become disentangled from the
complications by which the law had held him, he came back to Staten
Island and commenced at the " foot of the ladder " again. When-
ever he appeared before our people they cheered and applauded him
most heartily.

But Mr. Wiman did not fully understand this popular demonstra-
tion, and so made the fatal mistake of entering the political arena,
and acted as a wedge between the two old parties, tlius losing friends
in both. Had he remained out of politics, he would to-day be a very
popular man; but there is no enmity so long and deep as that gained
in a political fight, provided you have no power to check your enemies!

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 237

Many other promineut people have, at different times, resided on
Staten Island. We recall General John M. Palmer, a veteran of the
Civil AVar and Secretary of State of New York, who was born at Staple-
tou; Governor Caleb Lyon, theperscmal friend of President Lincoln, who
appointed him Governor of Wyoming, after which he resided at Ross-
ville for many years in the pretty Eoss homestead; Commodore Will-
iam J. Garner, whose tragic death by drowning occurred off Stapleton,
in 1876, and who resided on Bard aveune in the stately building now
occupied by St. Austin's school; General T. L. Crittenden, twice
a Major-General in the United States Army, and a prominent figure
in the Civil War, resided at Annadale for some time prior to his death ;
General James Jourdan, well known as a soldier and prominent citi-
zen throughout the Union, now resides at Concord; William Winter,
the well-known writer and critique, resides at New Brighton; Eear-
Admiral Winfield S. Schley, the hero of Santiago, spent two or three
years at Tompkinsville, while in command of the Light House Depart-
ment; Major-General "William Ludlow, who was in command of the
District of Havana, Cuba, resided at Tompkinsville, while a Lieuten-
ant-Colonel of Engineers, United States Army; Judge George C. Bar-
rett, of tlie New York Supreme Court, recently resided at "West New
Brighton; Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect and landscape en-
gineer of Central Park, resided on the South Shore; Colonel J. F. H.
Mayo (cousin of General Fitz Hugh Lee), resided for several years
prior to his death at Clifton; Dr. N. L. Britton, author of the latest
Standard Botany, has all his useful life resided at New Dorp; Dr.
Author H(dlick, instructor in Columbia University, has always made
his home at New Brighton; William T. Davis, whose conscientious
service in the fields of natural science and local history, have made
him an authority, also resides at New Brighton. '• Bill " Nye lived at
New Brighton several years.

Dr. Carl C. Smidt, publisher of the " Scientific Medical Annual,"
and other valuable publications, a scholar and physician of unusual
attainments, driven from Germany in the KeA'olution of 1S4S, settled
at Willow Brook, in Northfield, and there ended his days. Sir Ed-
ward Cunard, American manager of the steamship line which bears
his name, long lived on the hill overlooking the Narrows. William PL
Aspinwall, long a leader in developing trade Avith California, and for
whom the city of Aspinwall in Panama is named, for many years re-
!-ided at New Dorp. M. B. Brady, the famous photographer, long dis-
pensed a generous hospitality to distinguished guests from many
climes, on Grymes Hill.

Daniel B. Allen and Samuel Barton, agents of Commodore Yander-
bilt's steamship lines; Jeremiah Siii'oiisnii, a pidiniuent ship-builder;
Bernard Westermann, the Ic^nliiiLi GirnKin Ixinkseller of America,
have all been residents of Staren Ishuid. .Idlm A. Appleton, founder
of the immense publishing house of D. Appleton & Company, and

238 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Nathaniel Marsh, President of the Erie Railroad, itsed to reside at
Clifton. Daniel L. Appleton, of the celebrated Waltham "American
\V:itth Company," and at different times Picsidcnt of the Mercantile
I.ihiarv and (if the New England ^^ociiiy, lived at New Brighton.
Lliram H. Lamfort, President of the Cdntiiicntal Fire Insurance Com-
pany, resided at West New Brighton. George Low, who succeeded
Commodore Vanderbilt as the leading steamboat owner of the harbor,
lived on Grymes Hill. General Richard Delafield, of the United States
Army, was long stationed at Fort Tompkins, and as Colonel of En-
gineers had charge of the construction of Fort Wadsworth; his resi-
dence was on Bard avenue. West New Brighton. General Joseph G.
Totten. Chief Engineer of the United States Army, resided at Totten-
ville.

Chief Engineer Alban C. Stimers, United States Navy, who took
personal charge of the engines of the " Monitor," in her fight with the
'•[Mcrriiiinck."' rcsidi-d here many years. Commodore Stephen Decatur,
the vnmigcr. -wlin. sliiick with blindness through the blunder of a phy-
sician, at tlic onts( t of a fine career, I'esided long at Elliottville (Liv-
iimsfuii); Commodore A. Colden Rhind, whose daring exploits in the
capture of New Orleans, and the ascent of the Mississippi by Farragut
and Porter, also lived here.

Commodore James Mcintosh was long a resident of Clifton, and
William W. Winthrop. Judge-Advocate General of the United States
Army, was for some time a resident of West New Brighton. Before
the war General Francis C. Barlow, who was often spoken of as " tlie
bravest man in the Army of the Potomac," afterward Attorney-Gen-
eral, Secretary of State and United States Marshal, was a tutor in a
private family on Grymes Hill.

Major Theodore Winthroj), the explorer, novelist, and orator,
" whose country saw him best by the flashes of musketry against the
black night of a Virginian forest, standing on a gun, striving to rally
the Union troops whom surprise had confused and disordered," while
going to his death, wrote to a companion, " Ah, me! in these sweet,
balmy May-da vs I miss my Staten Island! " Richard Adams Locke,
author of the famous " Moon Hoax," lived at Tompkinsville.

Mrs. Laura Winthrop Johnson, the poet-sister of Theodore and
William Winthrop; Christopher Pearce Clanch, one of the most ex-
quisite of American poets and artists; Gabriel P. Disosway, author
of an early history of Staten Island, and other historical works; and
his daughter. Miss Ella Taylor Disosway, a writer of ability, all lived
on Staten Island.

Charles Mackaye, the well-knoAvn English poet, was for some years
a resident of Clifton, and later of Dr. Elliott's observatory-cottage on
Grymes Hill. Mrs. Catharine N. Sinclaire. long a prominent actress
under the name of Mrs. Forrest, lived a long time in the opposite
cottage, with her brother-in-law, Henry Sedley, of the Heic York Timet.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 239

Ernest Flagg. tlie renowiiPd architect, has a handsome residence on
Dongan Tlills.

Maria J. Mcintosh, the novelist, resided here; IJev. John F. Hnrst,
since President of Drew Theological Seminary, and now a Bishop in
the Methodist Episcopal Chnrch, published his " History of Rational-
ism " while pastor of Trinity M. E. Church, West New Brighton. Rich-
ard L. Dugdale, author of the famous work on crime and pauperism,
called "The Jukes," resided on Bard avenue. West New Brighton.
Colonel Thomas W. C. Moore, Military Secretary on the staff of Gen-
eral Sheridan, during the Civil War, was born at Richmond; he was
a son of Rev. Dr. David Moore, rector of St. Andrew's Church, and
a brother of Richard Channing Moore.

CHAPTER XV.

THREE CENTTRIES OF POLITICS.

O give the exact date on which politics was first introduced
on Staten Island, one must of necessity go back to the very
(lay (111 which the Dutch settlers selected secluded little
( )u(lc I )(irp as a place of abode. The hand of the politician
was felt here on that very day. The first politician of note, however,
was Governor, or Director, Kieft. He was the embodiment of all
that may be considered foul in politics; but fortunately he lacked
the essential cunning of the successful politician. He lacked policy,
too, even when dealing with a powerful adversary.

Others followed in Governor Kieft 's footsteps, with more or less
success, evidently guided by the same narrow principle that " might
makes right " — and many a career has ended in disaster and disgrace.

" He who would grind his fellows 'neath his feet —
Would bully, tyrannize, and overbear,
Some day will with a stronger tyrant meet,
And be compelled the galling yoke to wear."

The political leader under Dutch rule had a hard time of it. Dutch
stubbornness in both Holland and on Staten Island created no little
trouble. The consequence was, there were frequent changes in the
rulers, and a constant restlessness anuing the people.

Mnally, when Staten Island passed from the Dutch to the shrewder,
but loss fair, English politician, a different system of politics was
adopted. Th,e Dutch and French joined issues very naturally, and
in almost every public measure affecting the Island, they united
against the English. Generations came and passed away long be-
fore the national line was obliterated.

The Kevolution over, the spirit of Independence lit up the political
horizon. Every citizen — especially if he had aided the American
cause in the conflict — felt that he had a right, in common with his
fellows, to advance in the political scale. But there was a division at
the very outset. The Federal party was organized by "the powers that
be." Alexander Hamilton was virtually its organizer and leader, and
Washington, Adams and scores of other leading men of the period
gave it their ardent support. There was little room for opposition
whUe Washington held the Presidency; but, soon after he had re-
tired, and the hero-worshipping theory was laid aside, John Adams
found himself unable to secure more than one term as the Chief Ex-
ecutive.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 241

Aaron Burr, then in the prime of his usefulness and popularity,
organized the Democratic party and won. Theu began a new era in
American politics. It was not long before a bitterness crept into
the struggles for supremacy, fully as bitter as is witnessed to-day.
Tlie press and pulpit for years teemed with assaults that must have
disgraced the infant Eepublic in the eyes of the civilized world.

For many years the Federalists and Whigs had a majority on
Staten Island, and among its leaders were sons of those who had given
material aid to the British in the devolution; but who, after the re-
turn of peace, took the oath of allegiance to the new government, and
went right on in the public affairs of the Island. After the departure
of Colonel Christopher Billopp and Judge Benjamin Seaman, Rich-
ard Conner was the leader of the Federalists. His son. Colonel Rich-
ard Conner, also became a political leader, as also did his son, the
Ipte A. V. Ct)nner, who served as County Qerk and Sheriff. His son,
too, the late Willett C. Conner, who, after being Under Slierift", was
appointed Sheriff at his father's. death, was quite prominent in the
Republican ranks.

Fur many years the elections took three days — the ballot-boxes be-
ing moved to different voting places to accommodate the jieople. Un-
til about 1825, the vote was quite light on the Island, and it is safe
to say that eight out of every ten voters were natives of the county.
At the period just mentioned, a free fight u.sually fcdlowed the open-
ing of the l»allot-l)(>x. and the time-worn epithet "Tory'' figured ex-
tensively in the political quarrels. The two parties were about evenly
balanced as " the twenties " were reached, and the election returns
of the period show that the candidate who received from six to twelve
majority, considered himself very fortunate.

The election of 1804 was the first really hard political battle on
Staten Island. The list of candidates was as follows :

For Governor — Morgan Lewis, Federalist; Aaron Burr, Democrat.
For Lieutenant-Governor — John Broome, Federalist; Oliver Phel]is,
Democrat. For Senators — William Denning, Fbenezer Purdy,
Thomas Thomas, Cornelius C. Prescott and Dr. John Smith. For
Congress — Samuel L. Mitchell, Daniel D. Tompkins, Nicholas Fish
and Winant A^an Zandt. For Assembly — John Housman and John
Dunn. This was called the " annivei'sary election," and commenced
on (he last Tuesday of April. 1804. The returns do not designate by
which party the candidates had been nominated, after those named
for Lieutenant-Governor.

In September of the same year, a special election was held for a
Re]iresentative in Congress, and the county gave a majority for Gor-
don S. Mumford. In the following Spring it gave a majority for
George Clinton, Jr., Democrat, to fill vacancy caused by the resigna-
tion of Samuel L. Mitchell. That was the first Democratic victory ia
Richmond County.

242

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

with Eiii;]aiid drew the people together in more
and with the hope that oui* country would once
, the political feuds of the past decade were in a

The Democracy carried the county again in ISIO, when Daniel D.
Tompkins was a candidate for Governor. In 1S13, he was re-nomi-
nated by the Democracy, and again Staten Island gave him a ma-
jority.

The second war
friendly relations,
more be victoriou-
measure forgotten.

About 1S25, strangers began coming to the Island in considerable
numbers. The establishment of factories was the immediate cause.
These people were chiefly of Irish nationality, and many of the old
native settlers disapproved of their coming. A certain percentage
of the new arrivals soon became voters, as a matter of course, and
they would naturally turn against the party that sought to keep up
the aristocratic notions of royalty, commonly considered to be the
ene-iny of tlie Irish jteople. This led, later on, to much strife.

Believing that the
Democracy would re-
ceive the support of this
new element, the oppo-
sition began an attack
u]M)n it at once, most vio-
lent. The Democracy
li.id ilone nothing what-
e\er, to "catch these
votes," neither did they
do anything to drive
tlictn away. Opposition
h e ( a m e persecution,
wiiii the Federalist-
Americans, and an effort
was made to " drive tlie
outsiders oft" the Island."'
f these "outsiders" were employi'd in
k factory at New Brighton. Tlie factory
Their old employers per-
homes in the unused

rOTTKXVILLK.

iber

A considerable
the Crabtree & Wi

closed on account of the financial panic,
mitted these unfortunate people to make thei
factory. After a series of complaints they were finally forced to
move to the old gnu factory, on Lafayette avenue, where tliey man-
aged to exist while out of employment. There are people still living
on the Island who used to go there on Sunday mornings to witness
the peculiar exhibitions they gave in order to pick up pennies with
wh.ich to buy bread.

At a later period the old gun factory was sold, and t!ie " outsiders "
were once more compelled to move. At that time — say al)out the
closing of the twenties — there was a swampy tract of land at Factory-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 243

villi'; just east of the dye factory. It was on this swampy laud that
the people from the gun factory located. Tiicy built little huts and
made themselves comparatively comfortable, and there they lived and
died, and i<'eDerations of their descendants have come and f^one. The
locality is known to-day as " Corktown," and it is no exagL^cration
to say that many a shrewd local politician first saw the light of the
world at that place. There is where the large Irish element, wbicli
has become such a ])otent factor in Stateii Island politics, commenced
its career.

Xo camjiaign e\er excited the politicians of Stateu Island more
than tlial in whi( h the Democracy carried the successful banner of
And.iev,- Jackson, and the Federal-American party labored for John
(iaincy Adams. The Richinond RepuhHcan, a Democratic newspaper,
was started the previous year, (1827), and by it that ](ariy was ably
aided. Its first number tells of a meeting being held in IJichmond
Tounty llall. at Itichmond, of \vlii( li " llicliind Crocheron was called
tf) the chair, and (iriltin Tompkins was ajipointed Secretary." One
of the resnlutions adopted read as follows:

" i;es(dved. That this meeting have read with great satisfaction the
resolution adoiited by the Democratic General Committee of New
York by Tammany Hall, on the 26th of September last, and that we
will use all honorable means to promote the election of Major-General
.\iidrew .Tacdcson to the Presidency."

Tlien followed accounts of a series of meetings by the Democracy.
()w at the Black II(irse Tavern was presideil over by Henry Ferine,
and I.. K. I\rarsh was Secretary: one at John Fountain's hotel, at
Factoryville, of which William 1 )e Groot was chairman, and GrifKn
ToiJijikins Secretary; 0!ie at the Fnniiiain House, on tlie North Shore,
at wliich Colonel Nathan Barreti po^sided, and I )enyse Denyse acted
as Secretary; and anotlier at Bodine's Taix-rn, Castleton Corners, of
which Henry (\ Hedley Mas Chairman, and J. A. Hull Secretary.
From that time on it was common f(U' two or three meetings a night
to be held in the county.

The following committee was appointed to select candidates foi'
county offices : John N. Tooker. Jacob Crocheron, Tunis Egbert, Peter
Post, and Henry T. Heberton. of Norihtield; Isaac E. Housman, John
Vauderbilt, Abraham Crocheron, ^\■illiam De Groot and Cornelius
Y. B. Corseu, of Castleton; and Edward Ferine, John B. Simonson.
Joseph Barton, Henry ililler and Richard Jackson, of Westfield.

Kesolutions bearing upon the issues of the day were adopted, one
of which we copy, because of its oddity at this time :

•' Resolved, That John Q. Adams is unfit to govern a free people —
because his education at foreign courts has rendered his habits and
principles uncongenial Avith our institutions, and the spirit of our
democratic Cmstitution, and because the feelings of aristocracy
which he there so early imbibed, have entirely disqualified him from

244 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

resijecting- the Supremacy of the People, and that we feel the libeiiy
of our country in jeopardy controlled by a man under the influence of
Foreign Powers."

Dr. Chai-les H. Havens, Dr. John S. ^Vestervelt, Charles N. Baldwin,
and T. S. Kingslaud, were appointed a committee to prepare an ad-
dress to the electors of Kichmond County. Their chief duty was to
offset the charges made against General Jackson by the Federalists,
who accused him of being guilty of •' falsehood, villainy, treason and
murder." They also claimed that his motlier was " a mulatto of very
low character."

The campaign grew more exciting Avith each day. The Federalists
started a j)arty paper, Nicholas Crocheron, of Northfield, the Federal
leader in llie cuniily, licing tlie prime mover.

Beside .T.icl^sun and ("allmun, for President and Vice-President,
Martin Van Buren was nominated by the, Democrats for Governor,
Euos T. Throop for Lieutenant-Governor; Jacob Crocheron, of Nortli-
field, for Congress; John Vanderbilt, of Castleton, for Assembly;
Harminus Cropsey, of Soutlifield, for Sheriff; Eichard Jackson, of
Westfield, for County Clerk; and John Mersereau, of Westfield; Dan-
iel Wandal, of Southfield; Joseph Ludlow, of Castleton, and William
Post, of Northfield, for Coroners. Tlic iM-iliTalisIs nominated An-
thony Johnson, for Assembly; Nicholas ( 'rinlicinn Ini- Sheriff; Walter
Belts for County Clerk, and Stephen ('i(m liciui!, Kichard S. Gary. Is-
rael Oakley and Jedediah Winaut for ( '(ndiM'is.

Just prior to the election, from among the scores of resolutions
adopted by both parties, we copy one which spoke the sentiments of
the Westfield Democrats:

"Kesolved, Tliat we will, in an honorable and fearless manner,
e.vert every nerve to place the farmer of Tennessee, Andrew Jackson,
at the helm of our national vessel, having the utmost confidence in
his ability lo bring the gallant ship elf the rocks and quicksands on
which she has been laboring for tin.' i)ast four years, under the man-
agement of that unskilful helmsman, John Quincy Adams, and his
mc'd-braiTied pilot, Henry Clay, who prayed for war, for pestilence,
for famine, or any other scourge, rather than the power should fall
into the hands of a Military Chieftain."

" On Wednesday evening," November 4th, says the local paper,
" our polls closed throughout the State, giving the friends of the
Patriot Farmer an overwhelming majority. A much greater triumph
than the most sanguine friends of Jackson ever anticipated. Our
enemies are cast down and dejected; we feel too highly gratified to
condole with them." In this county the Democrats elected all their
candidates, with the exception of County Clerk; Walter Betts, the
Federalist, being elected by seventeen majority.

On the 4th of March, following, 1 1829), two inaugural celebrations

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 245

were held ou Staten Island, the accounts of which we copy from the
RichinoiuJ lit inihlimii :

" fc>onie uf the friends of General Jackson met at Kichmond to coiu-
meuiorate his inaugura,tiou to the first office in the People's gift. The
room was neatly decorated with flags and evergreens, and a sump-
tuous entertainment was prepared hj Mr. Joshua Mersereau. After
the cloth was removed, and the wine had begun its merry course
around the festive board, the following regular toasts were drunk :

" 1. Our Country. — The Gloi'ious Temple of Liberty; so firm is its
foundation and so solid its structure, that its base will never be
shaken, or its beauty effaced, by the storms of Despotism or the
waves of Time.

" 2. The President of the United States, General Andrew Jackson :
Too noble to truckle for power, and too patriotic to refuse it, when
tendered by the peojile.

" o. The Mce-l*resident of the United States, John C. Calhoun, Esq. ;
May his virtuous patriotism and integrity secure to him the applause
of a grateful people, and his steadfast adherence to the path of politi-
cal rectitude.

" -t. The 4th of March, 1S29 : The American people again about to
verify the truth of the assertion, that heroism in the field is not in-
compatible with the qualities of the statesman.

" 5. The memory of Thomas Jett'erson, the immortal author of the
Declaration of Independence.

" G. Old Hickory: The loftiest tree in the political forest; may its
roots be nourished by every State, and its branches yield good and
wholesome fruit.

'' 7. The memory of Daniel D. Tompkins : Once the pride of our
State. May his name and services ever be remembered with en-
thusiastic emotions of gratitude.

" 8. The Ebony and Topaz party : Those of them who have been
mean enough to slander, will be mean enough to beg.

" 9. The uKMuory of DeWitt Clinton : The patriot, the statesman,
and the friend; a grateful people will always cherish a remembrance
of his invaluable jDublic service.

" 10. His Excellency, Governor Van Buren: His talent and integ-
rity as a statesman, have secured him the choice of the people; his
fidelity as a partisan will eminently entitle him to a distinguished
situation in the cabinet.

" 11. The Army of the United States : Always ready to give our
invaders the unerring stroke of a Freeman's sword.

" 12. Our Navy: The right arm of the country. Mars will surely
foster Neptune.

" 13. The Fair of our Native Land : May the first word they teach
their offspring be Washington, the second, Jackson."

Volunteer toasts were offered by General Van Buren, Dr. John T.

246 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Harrison, Jacob Crocheron, Dr. M. Freeman, T. S. Kingsland, Captain
William Van Bureu, Lievitenant Timotliy G. Beuham, U. S. N., Dr.
Moses Van Buren, William M. Hanum and Mr. R. Decker.

The event was also celebrated at Tompkinsville, the account of
which we copy from the local paper :

"The National Standard was displaj-ed at sunrise from most of
the public places in the village, in honor of Andrew Jackson. At
seven o'clock p.m., the citizens sat down to a most splendid supper,
prepared bv Mr. John V. Fountain; the table groaned under the
weight of fowl, fish and flesh, and all the delicacies of the season.
In the centre of the table was planted a hickory tree, tastefully deco-
rated, with evergreens twined around, and bales of cotton suspended
from its branches, emblematical of the means used for the defence of
New Orleans."

A long list of toasts was offered, similar to those made at Rich-
mond, and among the resident speakers were Dr. John A. Dooley, D.
Himonson, James Swan, Robert M. Hazard, Henry Drisler, Philpot
Wolfe and A. G. Dixon.

Not only in the State, but in Old Richmond, the Democratic party
was badly split up in the next campaign, and the Federalists were
jubilant. John Vanderbilt (whose residence stood where the Ath-
letic Club house is located, at the Cove, West New Brighton), was
the regular candidate for Assemblymen, and Dr. John T. Harrison
(who lived at Elm Park), Avas nominated as an independent, and was
endorsed by the Federalists.

The DemocraTic General Committee — composed of John Mersereau,
James A. Housman, Matthew Decker, Cornelius Disosway, and Caleb
Ward, Jr., of W^estfield; James G. Ferine, Simon Bush, Jacob Cro-
cheron, Reuben Decker and Richard Crocheron, of Northfield; Ed-
ward Ferine, Samuel Barton, Daniel W. Lake, William Miller, and
Benjamin Simonson, Jr., of Southfleld; and Isaac R. Housman, Will-
iam DeGroot, Benjamin Wood, Nathan Barrett and C. V. N. Corson,
of Castleton — did all in its power to re-establish peace, but without
avail. Dr. Harrison was elected. Commenting on the election the
Republican said:

" The election in New York has resulted in the choice of eight of
the regularly nominated candidates to the Assembly, two of the Tam-
many split, and one of the mechanics' or workingmen's ticket. It is
not necessary at this time to give xheir names, as they have already
become familiar to our readers. There is enough, however, to show
the triumph of principle. The whole number of delegates are thor-
oughly Jackson Democrats, notwithstanding the various efforts of
the coalition, with their auxiliaries, the anti-masonic, the anti-auc-
tion, and the infidel. We have an overwhelming majority in the
House * * * In Richmond Countv, Dr. John T. Harrison received

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 247

a majoi-ity of two liimdred and fifty-eight over the regularly uomi-
uated caniii'late."

lu 18211, the Federalists, as a national party, saw that something
ninst be done to retain the organization, and it was decided that the
name must be changed. The word " republican " was used by the
Democrats, and had done much to win popularity for that party. So
the assumption of the name of " Washington Federalists " was no
mean finesse in point of cunning. Washington's was a sainted name.
No sound was so sweet to the American people, and thei^e can be no
doubt that the stratagem had some effect upon the public mind. It
served to hold the Federal party together, and no doubt brought to it
a few adherents. Men of sanguine but reflecting minds would nat-
urally feel themselves impelled toward any political party whose
members claimed to be the exclusive followers of the great Father of
his country. Though the title qualified, it could not destroy the re-
jn-oach which the administration of John Quincy Adams had brought
upon the name of Federalist. It failed to give them a majority in
the nation. After having been for several ycais Imidly (rumpeted
through the country, printed in the n('\vs|ia|)crs. siamjied upon
badges, and repeated in ten thousand popular harangues, it was
finally discarded to give place to another.

The next name which the Federalists sought out was that of " Fed-
eral Kepublicans." The appellation proved as poor a passport +o
popular favor as the one they had just cast aside. This name was
much in vogue during the last part of Mr. Madison's administration
and the early part of Mr. Monroe's. " National Republicans " was
the next title adopted by the managers of the party. The local paper,
after mentioning, with keen sarcasm, a list of old Federal leaders,
who were posing as IteiMililica.ns— a word at that time synonymous
only with democracy — commented thus: "For the principles of a
party you must look to their head. Their political creed is to be
learned from the responses of him ^^'hom they have set up as a leader
and a mouthpiece."

The year 1830, was one of considei-able activity among the poli-
ticians of Htaten Island, although the iiopulalion was but a trifle over
six thousand. The State Senate, on ihc nomination of Acting Gov-
ernor Throop, appointed Kicliard Crocheron Surrogate of RichmontT
County, in the place of Judge John Clarretson, who was removed.

In the following Spring, the Democrats w^ere again united and won,
Dr. Harrison being defeated for Supervisor by Isaac R. Houseman.
But the "Anniversary election" found John Vanderbilt the can-
didate for the Assembly by the regular Democracy, with Dr. John T.
Harrison again against him. Both issued public appeals " to tlie
electors of the County of Richmond," equally convincing, and their
respective friends made great efforts for their success at the ballot-

248 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

box. Dr. Harrison was re-elected, defeating his opponent by forty-
two votes.

The Federalists and Independent Democrats held a convention in
Kichmond Village, and the following resolutions were adopted :

" ' Resolved, That the creation of unnecessary offices, and the use-
less increase of agents in the jjublic service, are the usual concomi-
tants of a bad government; that they are anti-democratic, and dan-
gerous to true liberty; and that the increase of public offices at
(Quarantine, from two formerly stationed there, to seven now em-
ployed, is not called for either by the exigencies of our commerce or
the Avants of our revenue.

" ' Eesolved, That the conducts of certain subordinates in the Cus-
tom House, stationed at Quarantine, in attempting to interfere Avith
our concerns, and to control our elections and appointments to office,
is highly improper, and ought to be resisted, especially as tliey claim,
ex-officio, an exemption from taxation.

"'Eesolved, That a committee of three persons be appointed lo
make immediate representations to the Treasury Department at
Washington, of the conduct of these men, official and otherwise, and
to request the removal or transfer of a part of them, as unnecessary
to the public service, and as being inimical to the quiet and welfare
of Eichmond County.

" ' Ecsclvcil, That the payment of three dollars a day to the of-
ficers of iMvcinii' ;!t Quarantine, for twelve months, when they are
actually cniployed but five months, only renders their office a sine-
cure and rheir salaries a pension, and imposes a useless burden upon
the Government, and the people of Eichmond County.' ''

The " third party " held its convention, and from the published re-
port we quote : " At a meeting of the delegates of the Mechanics,
Farmers and Workingmen from the Counties of Kings, Richmond and
Rockland, coinpnsiiig llie Second Congressional District, held at the
Village Hall, in ilic X'illage of Brooklyn, Kings County, on the 12th
day of October, ls;!(l, .Alajor James Guyon, of Eichmond, was called
to the chair, and Jcnrcy Smith appointed Secretary. John Wycoff,
whom the papers called " a French Tory," was nominated.

For a decade political affairs drifted. In the meantime, the Federal
party, with its various other titles, had practically ceased to exist,
and in its place was an organization known again for many years
afterward as the Whigs. The only difference, however, between the
Federal and Whig parties was their names. The same line of policy
was carried out.

In 1835, the Van Buren campaign was one which our older citizens
remember to have been very earnest. The Eichmond County Free
Press of that date says :

" It was warmly and vehemently recommended by the leading
Whig papers to hold no converse, to transact no business, in have no

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 249

dealings, no matter of what kind, with Democrats. It was not enough
for the "\^'higs that tliey obeyed to the letter the injunction of these
papers to sweep every Democrat from office. This was but part of
tlieir system of rewarding their friends and punishing thcnr enemies.
It was but the beginning of a course which they had marked out for
thenisolves, a course Avhich fortunately for the country they had not
the power to carry into effect. Their whole system has been a system
of coercion. The very panic by which they succeeded for a time in
destroying confidence and credit, was a part of this system, for they
gave out that unless their doctrines and views became general, pe-
cuniary distress and ruin would be the necessary consequence; or in
other words, that unless the people became Whigs, thej' would be-
come bankrupts. They went upon the principle of emphning all the
means in their power, whether lawful and just it mattered not — by
which they could make proselytes to their cause. Tliose of them hav-
ing persons in their employ, insisted that unless they supported the
\Vhig ticket, they should be immediately discharged, and the alter-
native of Whiggery or starvation was proposed to many an honest
and industrious but humble man."

In 1837, the Richviond County Mirror made its appearance, and we
may judge of the political situation by an extract from its leading
editorial :

'' In a community so small as this, and so equally divided in its
political sentiments, it is evident that a paper devoted to either of
the great political parties which now divide the people of this coun-
try, could not anticipate a patronage co-extensive with its necessary
expenditures. Apart from this — if impartially considered, the so-
called political papers of the present day teem with such tortured and
one-sided statements, even of those things which fall witliin their
especial province, that the inquirer after political facts meets on every
side with continual reverses, which finally engender fixed disgust or
blind acquiescence; and he who should have been a champion of his
country, sickens in the vain attempt to see her as she is. Skilful poli-
ticians cloak their deep designs, and only act with opeujiess and vigor
when success is certain and api^lause is sure to follow. Political
journalisis uficn times deceive themselves and others, and — in the
vain-glniious attempts to play the general — conceal from the 'rank
and file ' of their partisans all such intelligence as may tend to ex-
hibit the deformities and the pregnable points of the party to which
they are attached."

The election returns for the year 1837, are recorded thus by the
Richmond Coioifif Mirror: " Israel Oalvley, the Whig Assemblyman,
is elected by abotit ten majority. Andrew B. Decker, the Van Buren
candidate for Sheriff, is certainly elected. Walter Betts, the Whig
C<)unty Clerk, is re-elected — no opposition; and it is supposed the
V. B. Coroners are all in. So much for our higgledy-piggeldy, mixed-

250 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

up little county. Our citizens go for the best men, and kick at every-
tliing like party discipline."' On the following year. ( 1838), the Whigs
had thirty-four majority in the county, thus showing how closely con-
tested was the Island at that time.

Probably the most unique incidenr in the political histoiw of Kicli-
mond County, happened during the campaign of 1844. James K. Polk
was the Democratic candidate for President, and Henry Clay that of
the Whigs. There was a " betting club," with its headquarters at old
Nautilus Hall, in Tompkinsviih'. and everyone who wished to back up
his arguuient by wagering iiis money, could be accommodated at
that place. The Whigs were very noisy in the early part of the cam-
]jaign, and were sure of electing Henry Clay. The Democrats were a
little backward at first; but the bluster of their opponents had the
effect of setting them in motion. The Democrats also nominated
William L. Ifarcy for Governor, and Henry C. Murphy for Congress.
Both of these men were popular on Staten Island, and their nomina-
tions created a gTeat deal of enthusiasm.

Governor Marcy was recognized as thi^ " Farmers" candidate," and a
farmers' celebration and proccssinn, was arranged in accordance with
" the eternal fitness of things." The procession contained scores of
ox-teams, many of them " four-in-hand," and all sorts of farmers"
equipages were seen along the line. The head of the profession start-
ed from Nautilus Hall, and tlie various vehicles fell into line. It
passed up Bay street to \'auderbilt avenue, Clifton, and thence in the
direction of the'' Dutch I^irms."' When the head of thecolumu reached
the Clove road at Concoi'd, the rear Avas just leaving Nautihis Hall.
Raj Tompkins was the grand marshal, and his aides were Captain
Eichard Christopher, Dr. Ephraim Clark and John H. Van Clief.

The procession reached Kichmond at noon, and many who partici-
Ijated in it attended a grand reception in Kichmond County Hall,
given in honor of Captain Ryuders, of the famous Empire Battei'y.
Captain Ryuders, at that time, was the Tammany leader, and his bat-
tery was the " crack " marching club of the country. It numbered
over one thousand members. It had chartered a steambo.at, and
after passing through the Staten Island Sound, entered the Fresh Kill
Creek, and steamed up to " Richmond Towne." It was the fii'st steam-
boat that ever reached Richmond. A grand mass meeting was held
during the afternoon, and addi'esses were delivered from the Court
House steps. The members of the battery dined in Richmond County
Hall, after which they gave an exhibition drill.

Passing liastily along, we reach the end of another decade, full of
trials and tribulations for the politicians. In February, 1848, the
Hinten Tslaiirlrr published a long address, entitled " A Word in Season
to the Electors of Richmond County."' It began as follows :

" The School District Census, just taken, would have been a liigiily
interesting and important work, if the capacity and parsimony of

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 251

our Board of Supervisors had not presented an insuperable obstacle
to this, as to all other demonstrations of human progress by which
any attempt is made to penetrate the miasma which Staten Island
seems doomed to breathe." Then, alter delivering a severe lecture
to the olticials, the editor concludes :

" Now, this is only a specimen <>l' I lie ]i()li(y tlia( is every day further
and further impairing the imblii- credit. lUit we have no oHier mo-
tive in making this publication than to call public attention at any
time to tlie reform in our county affairs which has been, for years,
so imperiously demanded. To mention a few instances, is therefore
sufficient. The town meetings ai-e only a few weeks off, and in the
meantime let us resolve to support a new man, and a good man, from
every town. It will not do now to manage affairs as they were man-
aged twenty years ago. We want not only new men, but a new kind
of men — straight-forward, clear-headed men — men of real business
tact and capacity, and not iiiei-e tad iioles of office who Avill be afraid
of acting ui)rightly lest they should Inse their mite of popularity. The
people never have confidence in these limping, dodging, s|i)>v-go-nio-
tive nobodies. A man, who is a man, will always commaiid i-espect."

The early fifties witnessed some desperate shnggles between the
Whigs and Democrats on !>^l:iieii Isl.md. Both lacked discretion and
policy. The Whig party wa.- giadiially becoming demoralized in the
County, and the leaders were discussing the question of allowing the
local ticket to go by default. Just prior to the time for holding tlie
county conventions, however, there suddenly occurred a splil among
the Democrats over the question of slavery. The two factions were
far more bitter toward each other, than they were toward the Whigs.

The leadei's were John C. Thompson, of Tomi^kinsville, for one, and
Colonel Nalhan liairett, of the North Shore, for tJie other. The fac-
tion know 1! as •• Suli Shells " favored slavery, while the other, known
as " Hard Sliells," njipescl ii. As is well known, factions always fight
more bilieily than p;uiies, and this was a genuine family quarrel.
Each faction called its convention at Kichmond County Hall on the
same day. The " Soft Shells " had hired the hall from four o'clock to
six, in the afternoon, and then they were to surrender the premises to
the " Hard Shells." But tlie convention got into such a row over the
adoption of the slavery extension resolutions, that it was half-past
seven before a message from the " outside world " could reach it, aii<l
this was effected by the angry "Hard Shells" bursting in she door.
The late Dr. Jewison, of Westfield, presided over the " Soft Shell '"
convention, and when he saw the door coming down, he proceeded to
intermix physical force with Parliamentai'y law.

Almost the first of the " Hard Shells " to enter the hall, after the
door tumbled in, Avas Isaac Mersereau, of Westfield. Dr. Jewison
started for him, and the two had a very lively time of it. But " Uncle
Ike," as he was familiarly called, evidently felt that he was not only

252 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

fighting for a principle, but his rights also, and proved to be more than
a match for the chairman of the interrupted " Soft Shelis." The
Doctor drew a revolver, and was about to end " Uncle Ike's -' physical
and political career, when the latter closed in on his adversary, and
knocked him down. It was not generally known that Dr. Jewison
woi*e a wig; but he did, nevertheless, and it is safe to assume that that
ornamental appendage saved his life. As he fell to the floor, " Uncle
Ike " was in the act of jumping on him, when he was suddenly startled
by the sight of the Doctor's perfectly hairless head.

"My heavens! what have I done?'' exclaimed "Uncle Ike." "I
have knocked the whole top of his head off! What have I done! O,
what have I done! "

By this time the " Hards " and the " Softs " were so badly mixed
up t!iat it wa;« impossible to distinguish one fro)u the other. Sev-
eral of the " Soft Shell " delegates were opposed to fighting, and
.jumped out of the windows to the piazza, and thence to the ground,
to escape being forced to pay a penalty for trifling so long with the
foe. Some of them were sc( uimhi, IhiwcNcr, on reacliing ground, and
had to fight for their lives. Tlii-ie ,ii-c lucn living in I his couniy to-day
who carry enmity in their Inails as the n-sult of that rontiict.

It was hinted that not a few Whigs took a hand with the " Hard
Shells," and helped them to gain rightful possession of their property,
and at the same time enable them to place a second Democratic ticket
in the field, thereby helping to secure the election of their own candi-
dates. When the fight had ended, the " HaM Shells " rose. Phoenix-
like, and organized their convention. Captain John Bennett, of North-
field, was the chairman, and Dr. E. Henry Golder, of Westfield, the
secretary. It was but natural that the Whigs should have carried
almost everything in the county that campaign. Their convention
was held a few days later, in the same room, and William H. Vandor-
bilt was the chairman.

The " Hard Shells " nominated Joseph Egbert, of Garretsons, for
Congress. He was quite popular also with the " Softs," and had many
warm friends among the Whigs. He was elected and served the dis-
trict one term.

The ^taien Islander, a Democratic paper, was evidently far from
hopeful, in 1855. In an editorial on " The Confusion of Tongues," it
had this to say:

" How the ' Hards ' and the ' Softs ' and the ' Greens ' and the
' Blues ' are ever to lay down their silly feuds, and unite together
in support of those great principles they all profess, we cannot say.
But as sure as to-raorrow's sun will rise from the thick darkness of
to-night, so sure will the perennial fires of Democracy warm again
the skies from which they are noAV hidden."

About this time the Know-nothing party was ■naldng up tlie poli-
ticians of both the old parties. It was a dangerous element in Amer-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 253

lean politics,, because it was nn-American in both form and principle.
Tt \^as a secret political Order, and the danger it caused to our free
institutions is clearly shown by the followini;- parasiraph from the
E'vcninq Post, reported in the United i->tates Supreme Tourf. before
Justice Betts :

" Knoa^'-Notiiino S\\ka!;i:s(:. — The case of Hawlcy a^ainsl Rai^lr-y
for non-a])]i!ication ol' (lie r:!icnt Inw, to a patent IV,r Mic ' i!ii])i(i\ >■-
rnent in pen and ])encil cases.' A singular feature of the case tran-
spired yesterday, in the testimony of Ihe witness Gregory, who swore
that when a Know-nothino- was admitted to the second decree he be-
comes a pai'ty to an oath which binds him to stand by a brother of
the same j^rade, regardless of consequences, even as a witness in any
court. Tliis may be safely rcijarded as a fully developed phase of
dark lanternism."

Commenting upon this, the l^taicn Jftlaiulvr says: " Hav(> we any
such Know-Xothings in this county? Have we any men who would
commit perjury to save a brotlu'r of 1lie Order from State Prison?
Are there any constables among us who would pick a jury to please
a brother of the Order who was a party to a suit, and Avho would name
members of the same lodge to try the ease? Truly, the experience
of the last two years shows that all these questions may be answered
in the affirmative. What a commentary on Know-Nothingism! "

The Abolition element was growing stronger witli each year, and
Dr. E. H. Tliompson, Health Officer of the Purl, iiiauagcd a paper at
Tompkinsville, called The Chronicle, in its interest. Xotwitlistanding
tliis journal claimed to be neutral, it was exceedingly radical on the
negro que.stion.

There stood for many years prior to 3888, a plain, two-story frame
building, on a wide, sloping lawn, at the junction of P.ay street and
Simonson avenue, Clifton. It was \\\ this building that the Repub-
licans established Avhat was practically their national headquarters in
their first campaign, that of 1856. It was there that th(jusands of
place-hunters sought out the candidate of the new party and swore
allegiance, no doubt in anticipation of reward, for it did look at one
period of the campaign as if General Fremont would be elected Presi-
dent of the United States.

About tv.elve years ago, Mhen tlie Fremonts resided on Staten
Island, the writer used to meet wilb Ibeni frequently. Cliatting witli
an old citi/.en one day, as the dis' in-iiislieij couple passed along the
street, we spoke of General I'Vemoiii's defeat in a casual manner, and
asked if he remembered anything about what transpired in the build-
ing, to which Ave have referred.

Our friejid then told us that the General leaned heavily on his
wife for guidance and support in almost everything. He said the
defeat was a great blow to General Fn'uiont; but his wife's character-
istic firmness aided very much to alleviate the sting of defeat.

254 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

The slavery question was uppermost iu the minds of our people in
1856, and, to give a specimen of the arguments of the day, we repro-
duce in part an editorial from the Stufeii Islander of that rlale:

" Many of the Northern laborers are opposed to the immigration of
European -ivhites, on the ground that the emigrant reduces tlie value
of labor. What then would be the effect of thr;(wing duc m- two liun-
dred thousand blacks among us annually? It cerlninly wculd have
a two-fold effect — it would reduce the value of labor auiMug us, at the
same time, by this very loss of labor to the South, increase the cost of
sui»porting the families at the North, through the increased value of
the necessaries of life produced alone by the South, such as cotton,
rice, tobacco, &c. An increased cost of living on the one liand, and
a reduced price for labor on the other, would thus be the natural
effect of breaking up the TTnion and separating one sectioTi from the
other."

Notwithstanding t1ic (dection of James Buchanan to the I'rcsidcncv,
and John C. r.rcclccnridge to the Vice-Presidency, the 1 )cni(iri;iiic
party soon became demoralized, and by the time that the end nf that
Administration was reached, the country was involved in tlic greatest
war of modern times. Thousands of men left the old De-iKicrjitic
party to join the new Republican organization, because the old flag
had been fire on! That was the fatal mistake of the Soutli. Had it
not made this error, there can be no doubt that peace would have
been re-established, even aflev Jelni I'.inwn's raid at Harper's Ferry
and the other breaclies of tlie country's peace before open hostilities.

Here on Staten Island a meeting was held by the leading citizens,
appealing to Governor Wise, of Virginia, not to treat the Jolin Brown
affair in a serious manner. It was claimed that if Brown sliould be
lield as a fanatic instead of being regarded as a leader of men and a
moulder of public sentiment, his murderous movements Avould soon
cease to agitate the people of the South, as well as all other parts of
the country: in fact, all would soon cease to give it serious attention.
But Governor "\Mse thought differently, and civil war soon spread its
black wings over the land. The meeting alluded to was held in the
brick building in W'est New Brighton, nov/ occupied by Messrs. J. F.
Smith & Co., as a real estate office, and it was presided ovei- by Cap-
tain Richard Christopher. Democrats and Republicans r.iingh'd to-
gether on this occasion, to accomplish the laudable undertaking.

As a national party, the war ruined the Democracy. It has never
been able to win back its lost ground. The organization on Staten Is-
land has generally responded when the ballot-boxes were o]iened, but
its career has been checkered and uncertain. Generally more fortu-
nate than the Republicans, so far as local offices Avere concerned, it
nevertheless looked with longing eyes on the National Capitol, for
many years. Duriuii tlie war. Democrats and Republicans left their

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 255

Island liomcs toiicther, and, with viflo and knapsaclc, inarched off to
tlie battlc-iiclds of tlie snnny Sontli.

The war over, linndreds came back to tlicir homes, to resume their
(dd occiiiialions. Tlien tliere came anew era in politics. It is not our
province at this time to say whether or not the Democracy had been
lilaced in a false position by the war, yet many who had always voted
with it, for some reason cast their votes with the Republican party.
It \'\'as indeed npliill work for the (dd party for some time; but a com-
binalion ofcirciiHistances allowed it to rei;ain a temporaiw fooihold.

Diiriiiii and afier the wai', many strangers came to Staten Island,
the iireatei' ])ortion of whom voted the Democratic ticket. Kichmond
in time oained tla^ title of " the banner democratic county " and, pro-
vided good candidates were nominated, the Democrats could count
upon a majority ranpng from one thousand to fifteen hundred. But,
once in a while, when unpopular nominations were made, the Repub-
licans received the support of the independent element, and elected
their candidates by no mean majorities.

The politics of the county, however, grew gradually shady, and
one party could not consistently accuse tlie nlliei nf lactiis not un-
practiced in its oavu councils. In both, (demeiils had gaiiieil ;;bsoIute
control, unquestionably to the detrin.ient of the counly and its institu-
tions.

Time naturally brought clianges in the leadership of both parties;
the Republicans changing iiior<- frequently than ilieir adversaries.
Nearly all the men wlio luboi-d eaii.estly to reoii;ani/,e the Democ-
racy, immediatelv aftei- llie war, have passed away. Some of their
names are scarcely nimiliai- to the average voter on the Island to-day.

In the early seventies, John G. N'aiighn. a native of Ireland, who had
come to the Island when a mere lad, enlereil i)olitics in a manner char-
acteristic of his people. He was a hardworking mechanic, and when
his adopted country called for volunteers, he took command of a com-
pany and served on the battle-fields of the South. For more than a
decade, after he succeeded in getting control of the Democratic or-
ganization, he held absolute sAvay in the connly. and was jiopidar
with the majority. But, at last, adojiting nie.isures u.ndemocratic in
both theory and practice, he met his defeat. That practice was the
arrangement of business belonging to the public convention in private
caucus. Such a practice, when carried to excess, is un-American, and
is sure to cause the downfall of any leader or party which employs it.

;\rr. Vaughn, when in what he deemed to be the very height of his
power and '^lory. one day lost his i;'ri]) on the Democrat ic orgnTiizat ion
in a veiy ]ieculiar manner. The cunniy conveiil ion li:id been calleil at
Richmond County Hall, in Tompkiu^ville. A caucus was in progre><s
several doors away from the convcniinn hall, to which only these who
were intimate with the leader were admitted. All others who had
been called to the convention hall passed away the long hours as best

256 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

they could in neighboring places. A group of newspaper reporters,
having- grown tired of what they considered a useless delay and waste
of time, determined upon doing something that would put a stop to
it. They accordingly went into the convention hall, took their seats
at the table, and applauded and cheered until they made the welkin
ring.

Almost instantly the idle delegates began flocking into the hall,
tliinking they had been left out. But, on learning the joke, they joined
the reporters in the unusual demonstration. All but the caucusing
delegates gathered in the hall. Some one mounted the platform, just
to carry the " joke " a little further, and called the convention to
order; and then, before Mr. Vanglm and his immediate friends " up
the street " were aAvare of what was going on, all the officers of the
convention had been selected, and everything was in readiness for
the nomination of candidates.

Such a proceeding may not have been strictly legal; but it was too
formidable an organization for any one man, or even a few " party
managers "' to attempt to overthroAv, especially at a time when peace
and harmony were the essential elements so greatly desired. From
that hour Mr. Vaughn's foothold grew less certain, and the time
eventually came when the natural undercurrents in local politics left
him, like 711 any another, without a party, save in the sense that there
was one of which he was an individual member.

The campaign of 1884 will be remembered as one of the most im-
portant in the political history of Staten Island. It was the memor-
able contest between Grover Cleveland and James G. Blaine. The
result of the election hung in the balance, and the generation of Ke-
publicans then managing their party's affairs in the county awoke lo
a terrible realization of possible defeat.

When the time came for the County Canvassers to count the ballots
and make a final decision, it dawned upon the whole country that
the result of the election of President and Vice-President depended
entirely upon the vote in Eichmond County. The little village of Rich-
mond was the centre of attraction of the whole country. Groups
of men gathered about the streets and excitedly discussed the (juestion
from their own interested standpoints, while the room in which the
canvassers were counting the vote, (now occupied by copyists in the
Surrogate's office), was crowded to suffocation.

Days were spent in excitement before the end was reached, and he
who afterward pi'oved to be the great disorganizer of the Democratic
party, aa as declared to have a majority in Richmond Count.^ of twenty-
two hundred and forty votes over James G. Blaine. Once before and
twice since that time, Grover Cleveland has received good majorities
in this county.

It is an interesting incident to recall, that the nomination of Ruth-
erford B. Hayes for the Presidency depended entirely upoti the result

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 257

of tho "Ropnblioan primary meetins: in the Fifth election district of the
Town of rastlcton, in 187fi, for it was at that time that Georsre Will:
iam Cnrtis, after a spiriterl contest, secured deleijates, which save
liim a majority in the county convention, as a delegate to the State
convention, and from there to the National convention, where his
services were so sreatly needed for Mr. Hayes. There can be no doubt
that Mr. Cnrtis's action in that convention nominated Mr. Hayes.

One of the s'reatest scandals that ever cursed the politics of Staten
T^lanrl, came through the common iiractice of both parties, in their
irreedy efforts to secure the votes of the inmates of the Sailors' Snua:
Harbor. That the most corrupt practices existed, was an " open se-
cret " for years, and the cry of fraud srenerally went up on the day
after the election from the defeated pai-ty, the othor comfortini; itself
in the belief that " miii-ht makes ric'ht," and that to the victor belon-js
the spoils! Tt is a notorious fact that to a certain member of pach
party was nssiixned for years the duty of purchasinsx the Harbor votes,
and both (General Committees considered it one of their most im-
portant necessities to make financial preparations for that purpose.

This practice was at last made a " handle " of by those who started
an alleired reform movement in the county, and the result was that
Hie voters in the Harbor, honest and dishonest alike, -^^ere deprived
of the highest privilege of American citizenship. They were disfran-
chised by an act of the Lesrislature.

The last campaign in which the inmates of the Sailors' Snua' Harbor
voted, was an unfortunate one for the Democracy of Staten Island.
"While cerfificates were issued to the candidates of that partv for the
various offices, all but one — that of County .Tudg-e — were in time for-
feited. The candidate for School Commissioner, Hubbard T?. Yet-
;nan, surrendered the office without anv contest, and the Assembly-
man, Michael McGuire. held his seat until a few days before the close
of the session, when it was surrendered to Michael Conklin. the "Re-
publican candidate. This was the result of a spirited contest. Both
r.ien drew salaries as Assemblymen, while the State paid the expenses
of the contest!

There was every indication that a famous fio-ht would be made for
possession of the Countv Clerkship. John T. Kenney. Avho was in-
stalled into the office, held it for six months. His rival, John H.
Elsworth, caTTied the matter up to tlie Supreme Court. On the dav
before Mr. Kenney surrendered the office to his rival, it was announced
that he was sure of winnins' the suit, and had not the slifjhtest in-
tention of accedinjr to the demands of Mr. Elsworth.

The sudden chansre in the situation puzzled the people of Staten
Island. It became known, however, that, if the case proceeded in
Court, a certain politician, who had manipulated affairs, would be
placed upon the witness stand, and there compelled to expose his own

258

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

acts. It is claimed that Mr. Kenney was iiiflnonced to that extent that
he gave up the contest to save another.

Shortly after the retirement of John G. Vaughn, as the leader of
the Democracy, the management of the party passed into the hands
of Nicholas iMuller, who had but recently come to the Island. Com-
ing from one of the shrewilest political schools in the world — that of
Tammany Hall — and having been a leader in political affairs for
many years, Mr. Muller at once set to work to reconstruct the Dem-
ocratic organization, according to his own theory of propriety, and
he brought down upon his own head the severest abuse imaginable.

Rut Mr. Muller's fighting
qualities proved of great
value to him in the contest.
Xotwithstanding the Dem-
ocratic organization be-
came demoralized and al-
most totally disorganized,
in consequence of a split —
the independent element
attacking Mr. Muller with
great earnestness — he
never for a moment
thought the time had come
to surrender.

Surely no man could ac-
cept reverses more philo-
sophically than he, and
none receive the results of
victory more gracefully.
As a political leader he
may be considered a great
success. This is proven by
the fact, that by standing
his ground with the solid
Eepublican party arrayed against him, his own forces disorganized,
new hostile factions springing iip around him in every direction, he
carried on his fight until he himself, as a candidate for CongTcssional
honors, in 1898, carried the county by a majority of twenty-seven hun-
dred and twenty-five. He was re-elected in November, 1900, by a
good majority.

For the past few years there has been great disturbance in the
politics of Staten Island. Considerable of this has been caused by
new voters, many of whom have acted with the Repnblican party,
but the great majority have branched out for themselves. A mem-
orable contest was that of 1897, the first election under the charter
of Greater New York. The Democrats carried every office in the

HON. NICHOLAS MULLER.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 259

Borouoh of Richmond but that of President. Ex-Assoiiililyniaii
(Teoriie Cromwell held the regular Republican nouiiuatioii 1'nr ilie df-
rtce, iu eoniiectiou with those of three or four well-organized fai lions.
while Dr. John L. Feeny, a life-time Republieau. who had but re-
cenlly gone over to the Democracy, was nominated by the Democrats.
.Mr. CronnAell had a majority of four votes; but the great number of
defective ballots led to a struggle that the present generation will
never forget. The contest dragged along for months, going from one
court to another, until at last Mr. Cromwell was declared the winner
and he entered upon the duties of the office.

Staten Island is Democratic to-day, under favorable circumstances,
by about fifteen hundred majority. The election of 1899 was phe-
nomenal for its large Democi-atic majority. There is a large inde-
pendent vote iu the county, wliicli goes almost sdlidlv with the party
that displays the most resiie.tability at tiie ballot-box. The Repub-
licans haM' a strong local organization, with friendly State and Na-
tional Adiiiinistraiions to back it, but it has been greatly weakened
of late by intei-nal dissensions. It is the simple truth that the future
success of bodi parties de])eT]ds entirely niion ttie lidiiesty and integ-
rity of tlielr leaders, the common ^'ense and fairness of their principles,
and the lovaltv and fidelitv of the rank and file.

CHAPTER XVI.

OLD POST ROUTES A^^D FERRIS.

ITE fii'st flefinite statement that historical writers have been
able to make, relative to the existence of a ferry from, any
point on Staten Island and the City of New York, was
early in the year 1681. It is known that the Indians main-
tained ferries to varions ]ioints opposite the Island previous to that
(late, and that the sctth-is were permitted to use them Avhen on
friendly tenns with tlie natives. The followino- is from the Nop YnrJ:
Post Boy, of November 10, 1755 :

" Pnblick Notice is hereby ffiven to all Gentlemen Travelers and
others, That ]\I.vrtin Ducket has i-eufcd the noted Ferry Hoixse on
Staton Island, lately kept hy Jolm ^^';l1son, wliere he intends to keep
tlie best Entertainment for iNIan and Horse, with three good Boats
constantly attending said Ferry to and from New York and Staten
Island, in company with Scotch Johnny of said City, Tavern-Keeper;
as also a commodioiis Stable, with all kinds of Provender, for Horses,
&c., near the White Hall Slip, where all Gentlemen Travelers may be
assured of the best Entertiiinment for themselves and Hor.ses; with
the most careful and expeditions Passage across the Bay, or to Long-
Island (if reqnir'd),by applying to said Scotch Johnny,near the White-
hall ferry stairs, or said Ducket on Staten Island aforesaid : And in
Case a Boat show'd be wanted in any Emergency, there shall be one
in Readiness, on Notice Given to either of the Persons above men-
tioned."

At an early period Staten Island became a popular route with the
rude stage-coaches of travel between New York and Philadelphia.
This route was from what is now known as the " landing near the
watering-place " (Tompkinsville), by way of the Richmond road to
New Dorp, and down the Amboy road to Billopp's ferry. A crossing-
was made to Perth Amboy. We copv a notice of this route, published
in 1753 :

"A commodious stage-boat will attend at the City Hall slip, near
the Half Moon battery, to receive goods and passengers, on Saturdays
and Wednesdays, and on Mondays and Thursdays will set out for
Perth Amboy Ferry; there a stage wagon will receive them and set
out on Tuesdays and Fridays in the morning, and carry them to
Cranberry, and then the same day, with fresh horses to Burlington,
where a stage-boat receives them, and immediately sets out for Phila-
delphia."

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 261

The stage-boats of that remote period v/ere the periaiiguas, or pi-
rogues of the present day. They may be described as vessels without
keels, lieavy leeboards, two masts aud two large sails. The improve-
ment consisted in substituting these boats for the small sloops in
service before, and were considered a great step in advance by the
people at that time. From the old papers we leai'n that when the
wind and weather permitted, the " outside passage " was made —
that is, through the Narrows and around the Eastern side of the Is-
land. At other times they took the more direct route and passed
tlirough the Kills and Sound. The passage by water all the Avay
was very tedious and sometimes perilous, which led to the establish-
ment of the stage-route through the Island. The following announce-
ment appeared in a newspaper dated January 31, 1757 :

" Whereas the Subscriber hath been instrumental of propagating
a Stage between Philadelphia and New York, and by Experience,
finding some Difficulty some Times to pass by Water from Amboy
L'erry to New York; Notice is hereby given. That a Stage-wagon is
ei'ected, to proceed from Mr. Isaac Bote's opposite to Perth Amboy,
on Monday the 17th Instant, and to pass through Stateu Island, Load
or no Load, to Mr. John Watson's, Mrs. Ducket's, and Mv. Vantile's,
.lud on Tuesday proceed back to the aforesaid Dote's, and in like
Manner every Day in the Week; when due Attendance will be given,
and Passengers meet with the best of Usage by me.

" Joseph Richards.

" N. B. — To hinder any Disputes or Resentments that raay arise
hereafter, I have thought fit to inform the Publick of my Price and
Custom; Each Passenger to pay Three Shillings, before they proceed
on their journey, and in Proportion for other Things, (except Letters,
which are to be carried gratis.) Hoping therefore that all Well-
wishers of such an Undertaking will give me the Encouragement it
deserves, I remain

" Their very humble Servant, J. Richards."

Joseph Richards sta.tes in another advertisement, that his charge
of three shillings is the same whether passengers take the stage or
leave it at either Watson's, Simonsou's or Vantile's ferries. This is
in July, 1757, when Ducket's seems to be occupied by Simouson.
Richards also agrees to make good any damage caused by failing to
take passengers through as he promises. He also states that he lives
near the middle of the Island, " at the sign of the stage-waggon and
horses." We are informed that this " sign " was near the Court
House at Stony Brook. In 1761, he Avas still running the stage, and
in a letter published in a newspaper in the city at that time, he states
that his was the only " Stage-Waggon " on Staten Island.

It is related on good authority that " the perils of the passage from
the ' Blazing Star,' (meaning the sign of a comet), being four or five

262

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

miles from the ferry at Staten Island, may be illustrated by the fact
that the Baron De Kalb, when he was Colonel in January, 1708, was
the only one of nine persons crossing in a scow, who was not frozen so
as to lose life or limb.

There was another route to Philadelphia, which crossed from New
York to Paulus Hook (Jersey City), whei-e stages started, running
down to Bergen Point, where they were taken across on large scows
to the " Hutch Church " (now Port Bichmond), whence they took the
road to Blazing t<tar (Bossville), Avhere they were again transported
by scows across the Sound, and pursued thence tlieir journey to Phila-
<l('ll)liia. Improved accommodati(Uis and (juicd^er tiuu- were demand-
ed by the traveling public of those days, as well as at the present time,
aud, according to an old writer, " the ambition of those who served
that public strove to answer that demand," as will be seen by the
following uui(|nc aunonnccmeut, still preserved at Bichmond :

" This is to give No-
tice to the Publick, That
The Stage-AA'aggon kepf
by John Burrowhill in
Elm-Street in Philadel-
phia, and John Merse-
reau at the New Blaz-
ing Star, near New
^drk intend to jterfonn
till' jonrney fi-om Phila-
ihdpliia to New York in
two days, also to con-
linue Seven Months,
viz. : From the llth of
Ai.ril to tlie Ittliof Nov.
;(iiiT : KKKCTKii '""^ ''"' remaining five
Moullis of tlie Year in
I luce Days. Tiie Wag-
wit li solx'r Drivers. They purpose to
Powlcs Hook on Mondays and Thurs-
1(1 be at Prince-Town the same Nights,
•eturn to New- York and Philadcdphia
the following days; the Passengers are desired to cross Powh s-IIook
I'>rry the evening before; the Waggon is not to stay after Suni'ise;
Price each Passenger from Powlas-Hook to Prince-Town, Ten Shil-
lings, fnun thence to Philadeli>hia, Ten Shillings also; Three Pence
I'"a< h .Mile any Distance between. Any Gentlemen or Ladies that
wanfs to go to Philadelplua can go in the stage and be at home in
tive Days and be two Nights and one day in Philadelphia to do bus-
iness, or see the :\[arket Days. All C.entlemen and Ladies wlio please

1^^

^■E

%JMWF^1

jSm^^%*

J^^

iaP

W^,'

.^,-

■••'£^

i^HI

-f^!^

•^3r-J

BSSS

■

CUBBERLV HOUSE,

gous to be ke](t in good ordci
set off from riiiladelpliia and
days punctnaily at Sunrise, a
aud change jiassengers, and

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 203

to favor us with their custom, may depend on due Attendance and

civil Usage by those Humble Servants,

" June 23d, 1776. " John Mersereau,

" John Barrowhill."

Contrary to the assertions of many writers, the stages and ferries
ran in connection with Staten Island during the Revolution, as the
following will prove :

" Staten Island, May oO, 1777.

" Next Tuesday b<'ing the third day of June instant, a Stage will
set off from the place knnwn by tlic name of Doyle's Ferry, rear of
The Watering Place, ( Tompkiusvillc). nf Si.ucii island, now kept by
Capt. William Leake, and will proceed in .loliu Siillwell's Ferry, on
the west side of the Island opijosite Amboy, and continue the same
every Tuesday and Saturday, and carry passengers at Eight Shillings
each; and goods as lo^^' as possible. The best usage will be given, and
great care taken of e\ crything sent by the said waggon. The waggon
will set oil in the morning as soon as passengers arrive, agreeable
to the tide."

A city paper on February 15, 1779, contained the following:

"To be sold, the noted and very commodious Ferrj' known by the
name of Kyersoifs ferry, at the east side of Staten-Island, and at the
entrance of the Kills, it is a pleasant situation, and commands a great
deal of business; there is one hundred acres of good land, and two
orchards, a dwelling house with 5 rooms on the first floor, and 4 rooms
on the second story, a garret, a. cellardcitchen and cellar, a well at
the door, two new wharfs which form an exceeding hue harbor for
ferry and other boats."

■• Staten Island, Jan. 12, 1779.

" CoHrLAixT having been made, that an exorbitant price is exacted
by I he dilTerent iiioinielors of the Ferry Boats, for the fare of the
pissengers lietweeii this Island and New-York. It is Brigadier Gen-
eral Leslie's orders that the boats shall ply at the following prices, viz.

" Two Shillings currency for each passenger.

" ( Sic) Do. Six Do. for each Horse.

" A Boat to go off with six or more passengers, and on complaint
being made of noncompliance with the above regulations, the of-
fender shall forfeit the liberty of plying with his boat to and from
this island.

" A. Leslie, Brig. Gen."

Fragments on the same subject have been gleaned from various
sources as follows :

" Frederickson owned a ferry at the Nari'ows in 1777, and for sev-
eral 3'ears previous to that date. It was probably used to cross to
Long Island. No stated ferry had been maintained here since the
first few years of the present century " — (the Nineteenth.)

264 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

" A ferry was established across the Kill Van Kull fi-om Staten
Island to Bergen Point in lliii. It \Yas at the present site of Tort
lUchniond. In 1777 it was known as Decker's ferry; afterward it
was called Eyerss's, and still later Mersereau's."

" In 1774, the 2s^ew Blazing Star Ferry was occupied by Beuben
Fitzrandolph. In the following year it was occupied by John Mer-
sereau. It was occupied by Francis B. Fitch in 1827."
*' In 17U1, James Johnson ran a ferry to tStaten Island."
" In 17G2, Adonia Schuyler, of Elizabeth Point, owned a Ferry to
Staten Island, together with a road or causeway from the Sound to
the uplands on the Island. Schuyler died dui'ing the year mentioned.
The ferry was spoken of by a writer about 1770 as ' a wretched, half-
rotten ferry.' "

" The Amboy ferry, sometimes called Doty's, and sometimes Bil-
lopp's, was kept by Isaac Butler for forty years, beginning immedi-
ately after the Kevolution and extending to the time of his death,
about 1828."

" The ferry at the Narrows was known at different times as Wat-
son's, Darby Doyle's, Ducket's, Cole's and Van Duzer's. It was
known as Cole's ferry in 1777. In 1775, it was owned by Darby Doyle,
the plant, including barn, storehouse, barracks, dock, garden and
twenty acres of land."

" There were two ferries plying between the northeast part of tlie
Island and New York from the middle of the last century. November
]0, 1755, the ferry was 'continued to be kept by Otis Van Tyle at
Statten Island and Abraham Bockee at Whitehall," they having three
boats for that purpose."

" The first steam ferry boat running here was the ' Nautilus.' She
began running November 29, 1817. The following announcement was
made in the newspaj)ers of that day : ' The new Steam-Boat, intended
to ply regularly between this city and Statten-Island, commenced
running this morning. She is to start daily from White-Hall Dock,
at the hours of 7, 10, 1, and 5. We under stand that she carries Pas-
sengers this day without charge."

There was little of special interest occurring during the following
decade; but at the end of that time two steamboats were in operation
on the Staten Island ferries, during a part of the year. They were
the " Nautilu-s," Captain Robert Hazard, and the " Bolivar," Captain
Oliver Vanderbilt. They advertised 1o leave Staten Island at 7, 8 and
10 a. m., and 12.30, 2.30, 1.30 and 6 p. m. Returning they left New
York at 8 and 10 a. m., and 12.30, 2.30, 4.30, 5.30 and 7 p. m. The fare
was 12i cents. During the Winter season trips were not made so
often, and the fare was twenty-five cents. The "Marco Bozzaris "
was then n new steamboat, and she plied between the city and the
(Quarantine grounds every two hours.
In 1860, the steamers " Thomas Hunt '' and " Flora " were making

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 265

six trips ilaily, on the North Shore ferry, the fare between the Island
and city being six cents. At the same time the boais on the East Shore
ferry were malcing trills every hour during tlie day, from 7 a. m., to
5 p. m. The Huguenot line was running between Mariners' Harbor
I'nd New York, four times a day, the boats emj)loyed being the
'• Bed Jacket " and the " Kill Van KuU." About that time the
'■ Westfield," '•' Clifton," " Thos. P. Way," " Southfield," " Hunch-
back," " Josephine " and " Sylph " were also employed on these ferry
iiues. Some of them were sold to the Government in 18G1, to be used
as transports in the war.

The North Shore Ferry Comi^any was organized in the spring of
1860, although other ferry companies had served in their turn for
many years. The latter obtained a charter as a stock company. Stock
was taken in the new company by people living all along the North
Shore from New Brighton to Mariners' Harbor, and a great deal of
interest was manifested in the movement. Over thirty thousand dol-
lars was subscribed at large and enthusiastic meetings, and the steam-
boats " Flora," and " Thomas Hunt " were purchased. The new or-
ganization was called the " People's Line," and was soon in successful
operation, Avith the fare at six cents. At a later period the capital
stock was increased to sixty thousand dollars, the number of stock-
Jiolders being over three hundred. A great step in advance was the
building of the " Pomona," by the company, and it became the pride
of the place. " On the organization of the new company," says a
writer of the period, " the old management reduced its fare from
twelve cents to three cents; but the new company was the child of
the people, and received their support. In 1864, the capital stock was
raised to one hundred thousand dollars."

There have also been ferries across the Narrows and to Brooklyn,
at various times.

CHAPTER XVII.

FREEJ[ASOXKY OX STATEX ISEAXD.

IT was left to the period of the ReTolution to witness (lie fiist
Masonic organization on Staten Island, when a I'l'ovisional
Lodge convened in the old Guyou homestead, at New Dorp.
It was composed of British soldiers and a few residents of
the I>;laud. Jleetings were held there at odd intervals up to the time
that Hiir Guy Carlcton ordered tlie e\ acuatiou of Staten Island.

The visit of T.iilisli ofliceis, in ISli', led to a final effort lo ori;anize
a lodge at TonipkinsviUe. They wei'e entertained at Nauiiliis liall,
and a few days later iiromiueut Masons from the city also came to the
Island. They had learned of the visit of the British oftlcers, and had
come down to assist in organizing a lodge.

So far as we have been able to learn, no formal attempt was made
to organize a Masonic lodge on Staten Island during the war. But
about two years after peace was once more established, aud Gov-
ernor Daniel D. Tompkins (who was Grand Master of the State), had
come to Staten Island to reside, a meeting was held for that purpose
in his residence on Fort Hill. Freemasonry was growing more and
more unpopular, and it was decided " to abandon the project until
some future day."

More than a year passed before the little band of zealous members
of the Order made another attemjjt at organization. A meeting was
held at the residence of General Van Buren, in TonipkinsviUe. Be-
side Master INIasons, several prominent citizens were present, who
were anxious to join the Order, and it was the first occasion in which
any encouragement was given towards the organization of a lodge.
From that night, however, Richmond Lodge was a possibility. In-
formal meetings were held at frequent intervals, one of the leading-
spirits of which was Philpot Wolfe, a member of Hibernia Lodge, of
London.

An incident occurred at that time which seems exceedingly ludi-
crous at the present. A rumor was started that the Masons were
organizing on Staten Island for the purpose of controlling all the
offices, schools and churches, and that ]\lasoiis were to be exempted
from taxation. The feeling against Freeniasoiny became intense, and
at the general election, handbills bearing conins, red hands, skulls
and cross-bones, and containing extravagant announcements, were

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 267

distributed by anti-masous throughout the Island, in such a niauuer
as to lead the unsophisticated to believe that they came directly from
the Masons themselves. The result was that every caudiilale, known
TO be a Mason, was defeated.

Organizations, something on the order of vigilant committees, were
formed in various parts of the Island, and every man known to be
in any manner in ><ympathy with Freemasonry, was called upon.
Threats and persuasion were indulged in, according to circumstances,
and for the time being the plan for organizing a lodge was almost
totally abandoned. This barrier, however, was finally broken down
by means of a public picnic, given by the projectors of the lodge, on
tlie lawn of Nautilus Hall. A general invitation was given to the
people of Staten Island, and while many looked upon it with sus-
picion and distrust, enotigh were present to learn something of the
good fellowship of Freemasom-y, and to carry the tidings to their
skeptical neighbors.

The faithful band once more set to work to organize a lodge. Quiet
meetings were held in the private jjarlors of the variotis gentlemen
interested, and a room on the top floor of Natitilus Hall ^\as rented,
it was fitted up as well as circumstances would permit.

The night of the organization of Eichmond Lodge was a time that
deserves a prominent place in the annals of ^taten Island. It was
a great event. At the banquet given in Nautilus Hall, in honor of the
occasion, the Chaplain of the Grand Lodge, a white-haired veteran
of the Order, arose and implored " Almighty God, in His infinite
wisdom, to let His richest blessings rest upon the infant organization,
now and forever."

The first charter was given to " Eichmond Lodge, No. oSi, Free
and Accepted Masons." The anti-masonic crusade was at its height.
There were two Grand Lodges in the State of New York — the " City
(irand Lodge," with Most Worshipftil Grand Master Hoffman at its
head; and the " Phillips Grand Lodge," presided over by Most Wor-
shij)ful Grand Master PhilliiDS.

Eichmond Lodge r(((i\( d its warrant from the City Grand Lodge,
"to be located at Casilcton, Staten Island." The first regular com-
munication of Eichmond Lodge was held in Nautilus Hall, on the
evening of July 6, 1825; or, according to the Masonic manner of
dating, A. L., 5825. The verbatim report of the event, taken from the
original minutes, is as follows:

"At a regular meeting of Eichmond Lodge, Masonic Hall. Tomp-
klusville, July 6th, A. L., 5825. Present: Benjamin Wood, W. JL;
Augustus S. Lawrence, S. W.; John S. Westervelt, J. W.; James H.
^^'ard, i^ecretary; and Eichard Harcourt, Treasurer.

" A number of brethren convened, and the lodge ope'ued in the
E. A. Degree.

'' The following candidates were proposed : John N. Tucker, Henry

268

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Barger, Henry H. Hibberton, John T. Merrell, Daniel Simonson,
Denyse Denyse, Jr., Robert Hazard, Benjamin Dodge, Leonard Par-
Ivinson, Daniel Clawson, Augustus Proalle, Stephen Kittletas and
John Clawson.

'' After which the lodge was closed in due and ancient form."
The Lodge at once began to grow, slowly but surely, and the bretli-
ren all the time were gaining confidence. A year after its organiza-
tion, a public Masonic celebration and banquet were held at Bich-
mond, on St. John's day. It is stated that there had iiever been so
many people in Eichmond as on that occasion, and the manner in
which the ceremonies were conducted did a great deal to break down
the anti-masonic feeling that pervaded the community.

The inadequate accommodations of the lodge-room were becoming-
more and more serious, and at every meeting the question was dis-
cussed. General Van Bureu had, some time before, built a " large
and commodious hotel "' in Tompkinsville, and it contained a " large,
airy, and well-lighted attic." This
was rented and christened " Ma-
sonic Hall." And so, after remain-
ing in Nautilus Hall for several
years, Eichmond Lodge turned its
back on its first home.

During the year of 1830, the Lodge
was practically at a standstill. The
times were depressing. The year
1832 was one of horror to the people
of Staten Island. Cholera, with
all its vile and dreaded effects,
scourged the Island from end to end.
The result was that Eichmond
Lodge closed its doors for several
months, imtil frost came, as a spe-
cial dispensation from heaven, and removed the terrible epidemic.
In 1839, there was a revolution in the Masonic fraternity of this
State. More than two-thirds of the lodges suiTendered their charters,
and went out of existence and hundreds of Masons withdrew from the
Order, or affiliated with other lodges. Eichmond Lodge, however,
held its own, the only effect of the revolution being that it was granted
a new charter, in consequence of the reorganization of the Grand
Lodge, and it became No. 66, instead of 384.

The question of removing to the North Shore began to be agitated
in 1845. This being defeated, a committee was appointed by Ihe
Lodge to select a place for " a branch of Eichmond Lodge." The
committee did not report satisfactorily, and another was appointed
on August 18, " to ascertain if a room can be procured at Factory-
ville (West New Brighton), or some other suitable place on the

2 *'--',

MASONIC HALL, TOMPKINSVILLE.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 269

North Shore, to have this Lodge removed at the eud of the present
year."

In 1849, the Lodge surrendered its charter, but the organization
was not disbanded. The brethren met once a month in eacii other's
I'esidence, passed a social evening, and planned for reorganization.
Finally it was decided to hold all its meetings at the residpucf of
George T. Swaiue, nearly opposite the Dutch Reformed Church, in
Port Richmond; and it was in his parlor that they met, and kept un-
broken the bond of brotherhood, which bound the founders of old
Richmond together more than a quarter of a century before.

On the 21st of March, 1851, a meeting was held, and it was decided
to reorganize at once, under the jurisdiction of the " PhiUi])8 " Grand
Lodge, and their dispensation was issued on the 2Sth of the same
iiioiitli. Richmond Avas allowed to retain its old number, that of BO.
(hi tlip ir)th of April following, the brethren assembled in Bro.
^^waine's parlor, and effected an organization. According to the
minutes the following were present : J. B. Ward, W. M.; George W.
Cliambers, S. W.; George T. Swaine, J. W.; Philpot Wolfe, Secre-
tary; and Bros. O. R. Martin, Henry Barnes, James Smith and
Nicholas Kennedy.

The minutes go on to say : " The Lodge was opened in S. Degree
of jM. :M. in due and ancient form. After an appropriate address by
the W. M., the brethren visited the building that W. Bro. Swaine
intended to fit up for a lodge, if approved by the brethren * * »
which was approved." The hall was dedicated on October 12, 1853.

^Lany interesting incidents occurred during the fleeting years that
followed. The final effort of anti-freemasonry occurred in 1856. A po-
litical revolution was fast setting in, and down underneath the sur-
face of public opinion there was a swift current that IMai^ons generally
were able to understand.

We now come to the period of the great Rebellion, and there were
many names on the I'oll of Richmond Lodge that were transferred to
the rolls of the great fighting armies of the nation — names, some of
wliose bearers never came back.

In 1887, a very earnest effort ^^as made by the Grand Lodge
to pay off tlic indebtedness resting upon the Masonic Hall and Asylum
at T^tica, and a per-capita tax of six dollars was placed upon the breth-
ren throughout the State. The portion of Richmond I-odge of tlie
debt was $825, and at a regular communication on February 1st,
Ihe secretary was ordered to draw a wai'rant for the amount, as the
result of (he unanimous vote of those present. It was a ]U'oud hour
for Richmond Lodge, and the influence of its noble act was felt
throughout the State. How much suffering the act had prevented,
God alone knows.

One of the great days in the long history of Richmond Lodge, was
that on \\hich the corner-stone of its new home — Masonic Hall, in

270 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Port Eichmonfl — was laid, which occurred on June 27, 1897. Early
in the afternoon (xraiid Master William A. Sutherland and staff ar-
rived, and, escorted hy York Commandery and a committee from Eich-
mond Lodge, iiiociM'dcd to the tenii)orary Lodge-room in Odd Fellows'
Hall, on Harrison avcnu<\ Port Pichmond. A reception wna held at
that place. The Grand Master made an address, in which he com-
plimented Richmond Lodge very highly on its prosperous condition.
After this the line re-formed and marched to the scene of the cere-
mony.

Grand Master Sutherland's staff was composed as follov.s: P. W.
John A. Kennedy, Deputy Grand Master; P. W. J. Walter Wood, Sr.
Grand Warden; P. W. George H. Tredwell, Jr. Grand Warden; P.
W. Rudolph Grovesna, Grand Chaplain; Pro. William H. Prall.
Grand Secretary; P. W. George W. Hayes, Grand Treasurer; P. W.
J. Stewart Wilson, Grand Marshal; W. Bro. C. C. Jones, Jr. Grand
Deacon; W. Pro. Collins, Grand Sword Bearer; P. W. Moses Getty,
Grand Standard Bearer; and P. W. Andrew Ferguson, Grand Tiler.

Tlie formal dedication occurred under the direction of M. W. Dwight
Pownall in 1898.

Richmond Lodge celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary on July
6th, 1900, W. M. Thomas M. Kelly presiding. A banquet was held.

The following have been Masters of Richmond Txidge : Benjamin
Wood, 182.j-rv7-31-r.; J. S. Westervelt, L828-9-45; J. B. s'imonson, 1830;
Griffin Tompkins, 1832-3; Thomas B. Yermilyie, 1834; P. M. Hazard,
183G; A. G. Dixon, 1837; James Harcourt, 1838; Philpot Wolfe,
1839-40; H. B. Metcalfe, 1840; Ralph James, 1841; J. B. Wood, 1842;
Oliver Vanderbilt, 1843; James Harcourt, 1844; Aaron Vanderbilt,
1847; George W. Chambers, 1848; George T. Swaine, 1849-53; S. T.
Fisk, 1850; Frederick Groshon, 1854; J. J. Baker, 1855; John La-
Forge, 1856; Edward Steers, Sr., 1857-9-60-2; J. G. Burger, 1858;
W. W. Corbett, 1861; James Seg-uine, 1863; L. A. Scofield, 1864;
Philip Sharrott, 1865; Lionel Jacobs, 1866; Isaac A. Bunn. 1867-8-9:
Billopp Seaman, 1870; James Whitforcl, 1871; James Davis, 1872;
E. D. Clark, 1873-4; David Muddell, 1875; Benjamin F. Cook, 1876;
P. P. Brown, 1877-8; Thomas J. Butler. 1879; M. M. Brill, 1880;
Thomas W. Butts, 1881; Jolni Prlclici'. 1882-93; Peon Barnes, 1883-4;
Frank K. Kohler, 1885; William C. Carpenter, 1886; George H. Tred-
well, 1887-90; J. Walter Wood, 1888; Frank J. Wilson, 1889; Charles
T. Smith, 1891; D. F. Simonson, 1892; Cornelius C. Jones, 1894-5;
Frederick W. Kerr, 1896-7; Frank J. Houghton, 1898; Tliomas M.
Kelly, 1899-1900.

Daniel D. Tompkins, the prime mover in the organization of Rich-
mond Lodge, held the office of Grand Master. The following have
been District Deputy Grand Masters:

Peon Barnes, William C. Carpenter, George H. Tredwell. and J.
Walter Wood.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 271

The following are the officers of Eiehmond Lodge in 1900 : Thomas
M. Kelly, ]\raster; Arthur W. Deas, S. W.; Edward I. Miller, J. W.;
George T. Jones, Ti(asiner; Walden M. Rranian, Secretary; Rev.
A. C' McCrea, ("iiaphiiii: Tliomas R. Farrell, S. D.; H. Dean Swift,
J. D.; C. Y. Deckel- and ( '. D. Tost, M. of C; Ira K. Morris, Historian;
Alex. M. Ross and (i. Wesley Wood, Stewards; T. J. Butler, Marshal;
James S. iloore, Tiler; Raul V. Masters, John Pelcher, and G. H.
Widmer, Trustees.

Richmond Lodge meets on the first, third and fifth Monday evenings
of eaeh month at Masonic Hall, Port Richmond.

Huguenot Lodge, No. 381, was organized at Tottenville nearly half
a century ago.

The charter members were Bros. E. W. Hubbard, Cornelius C.
Ellis, L. M. Jackson, Wm. Totten, E. 15. Fisher, A. H. Wood, John
Totten, ^^'. II. Totten, Thomas Marshall, J. W. Sprague, and William
De Waters.

Huguenot Lodge first met in Odd Fellows' Hall, on Amboy road.
The building is now a private residence, and is owned by Mr. D. A.
Jolitie. The Lodge was instituted on May 19, 1855, and incorporated
on April 13, 1899. The first officers were, E. W. Hubbard, Master;
E. R. Fisher, S. W. ; L. M. Jackson, J. W.; John Totten, Treasurer;
W. H. Totten, Secretary; William De Waters, S. D.; Thomas Mar-
shall, J. D.

The following have been Masters : E. W. Hubbard, 1855; S. L. Hop-
ping, 1859; George C. Hubbard, 1800; A. H. Wood, 1861; J. W.
Russell, 1871; John D. Sharrott, 1871; William Lamond, 1876; James
L. Bedell, 1879; H. L. Sprague, 1880; T. C. Edge, 1891; G. H. Hart,
1891; John A. Kennedy, 1895; Charles A. Thrall, 1897; J. H. New-
stead, 1899; Charles U. Thrall, 1900.

Huguenot Lodge has been honored with the following District Dep-
uty Grand Masters: George C. Hubbard, 1867-'70-'89; William La-
mond, 1882; John D. Sharrott, 1887; John A. Kennedy, 1897-'98.

The present officers are, Charles U. Thrall, Master; William ]\Ic-
Gregor, S. W^; J. M. Velton, J. W.; J. A. Kennedy, Treasurer;
George E. Rolle, Secretary; D. O. Depew, S. D.; H. W. S(dil, J. D.; A
M. f^.le. r'liaplain; W. M. Carpenter and W. W. Jacklyn, M. of C;
J. H. Jones, Tiler.

The meeliiiLis av held in Masonic Hall, on Main street, on the first
and third Thiii-s(hiy menings of each month.

Tompkins Lodge, No. 471, was organized principally by those who
withdrew from Richmond Lodge. Tlie Grand Lodge, on December
6, 1853, issued a warrant to Isaac Lea, Master; Jacob B. Wood,
Senior Warden; and James Harcourt, Junior Warden, authorizing
them to open a lodge at Stapleton, to be known as Tompkins Lodge,
No. 145. M. W. Mordecia Meyers ■R'as the Grand Master.

The first lodge room of this organization was in the old Tompkins

272 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Lyceum, Avhich was located where the German Club Rooms now
stand. In 1856 the Lod^e removed to Masonic Hall, which stood on
the corner of Front (now Arrletta) and Minthorne streets, at Tomp-
kinsville. This buildinoj was burned down a rear later (its last oc-
cupant being Bro. William C Denyse, who is to-day the oldest mem-
ber of the Lodoe), and the Lodj^e lost everythinji- it owned. There is
no evidence that it ever met asj'ain under its old warrant.

On March Bl, 1S50. in response to a petition, sisned by Jacob R.
Wood, Philip Render, John McKee, P. Herzka, John Mouseley, Phil-
pot Wolfe, John S. Westervelt, James Harcourt, Henry M. Weed,
Thomas C. Burns, Charles S. Kuh, Ray Tompkins, M. Pollitzer, Aaron
Vanderbilt. and Richard A. Locke, a new dispensation was c;ranted
to Tompkins Lodge, by M. W. John L. Lewis, who appointed Isaac
Lee Master: Henry Crabtree Senior Warden; and ]\rark Cox Junior
Warden, authorizing them to open a lodge in Southfield (now in
Middletown). The first communication under this dispensation was
held on the evening of April 5, 1850, in Tompkins Lyceum. In the
following June a warrant was issued to Tompkins Lodge, No. 471.
It moved to the Weed Buildiiig. on the west side of (rriffin street, and
in May, 1866, it moved again to Egbert Hall. On May 1, 1876, it
moved into its present neat quarters in Tynan's Building.

The following is a list of the Masters who have prosided over
Tompkins Lodge: Isaac Lee, Francis Hamilton. John L. Feeny,
Henry Seguine, George F. Hollick, Svlvanus C. Hall, Henrv !*!eymour.
Peter W. Silvey, Charles Hadier, John Rale, William L. Ludlum.
Leonard W. Jewell, Samuel R. Rrick, Charles A. Harreus, Oliver H.
Griffin, IMaynard C. Ayre, Robert McDowell, William R. Eddy. Will-
iam H. Prall and Charles Kappas.

The County Seat once had its Masonic Lodse. It held its meetings
for a time in the Grand Jurv room of the Countv Court House. The
charter members were Dr. C. Henrv TCinf. Master; John W. Simon-
son, Senior Warden; Georcre C. Vanderveer, Junior Warden: Hr.
Ephraim Clark, Secretary; Daniel L. Clawson, Treasurer; Charles P.
Rean. and William Fercuson. all of whom are dead. The charter was
granted by the Grand Lodge to Aouehonsra Lodjre, "No. 685. F. and
A. M. It worked theU.-.D.v from Februarv 18 to May 15. 1868.

W. Bro. Kinn- remained in the East until December, 1874, when he
was succeeded by Bro. Georc-e T. Covne, who held the office for one
vear, when Bro. King was re-elected and served until 1882. Bro.
Samuel W. Benedict was then elected to the East, and held the office
until the Lodge surrendered its charter in April, 1887.

Shortly after the organization, the Lodtre removed to Xew Dorp,
where it remained for a short time located in the second story of the
building occupied by Mr. Henry A. Lavaud. corner of Richmond road
and New Dorp lane. When the Lodge returned to Richmond, it lo-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 273

oatcd in (lie second storv of a buildini;- nearly opposite Si Andrew's
P. E. rimrcli.

]5ro. Kiny servetl a,s District Deputy Grand Master ^yllile connected
witli tliis Lodge, and ainoni; tlie workers wlio served .as wardens,
were Jacob Simonson, Jr., George T. Coyne, W. W. Kellett, Willis
Barton, Henry S. Samuels, Samuel W. Benedict, W. Lawrence Jessnp,
E. T. Humphries and James Coyne, Jr. Tlie Lodge contained about
thirty members.

Beacon Liglit Lodge, Xo. 70L of New Brighton, was organized
within the jurisdiction of old lUchmond. Its warrant Avas issued
June 15, 1870, and its first officers were C. Augustus Gregory,
Master; Thomas Sadler, Senior Warden; and W. M. Whittemore,
Junior Warden. Its hrst lodge-room (intended only for a temporary
abode), was in the third stnry of Athletic Hall, near the West New
Brighton Bapid Transit Bailroad depot. After a brief sojourn there.it
removed to its jiresent beautiful rooms on the top tlooi' of the building
now known as the New Brighton Village Hall.

The following have served as Master of Beacon Light Lodge: C.
Augustus Greg(U'y, F. E. Martindale, William Whittemore, William
N. Hawkins, Thomas M. Rainhard, James Simonton. John S. Clark,
.\<inilla Kich. Livingston Satierlee, \A'illiam B. Wemple. Jos<>ii!i Drew,
Thomas :Melville, Henvy W. Welzin, James H. Roe, G.-orge C Land,
Josejdi ( 'lark, Thomas Bishop, Harvey B. Rich, Christian Bardes, Will-
iam Osborne, Jauies ^fcAIeekan, Alexander G. Hall and Thomas J.
Clark.

The District Deputy Grand Masters selected from Beacon Light
Lodge were William N. Hawkins, James Simonton, Livingston Sat-
t(^rlee, Aquilla Rich, Harvey B. Rich and James McMeekan.

Klopstock Jjodge, No. 760, (German), Avas instituted in L'^75, at
Stapleton, and meets on the first and Ihird Wednesday e\'enings in
each month. In Febi'uary, I'.KKI, ii relebraled ils t weiity-tifth anni-
versary. Tlie following have served .is Masters of (his Loilge : Emil
Zescli, Au.gust Ilorrmann, Herman Sterzing, Julius Credo. Charles J.
ivullnuinn. Dr. G. I". Odendall, Otto Credo, ^^'illiam Horrmann,
George Bertke, and George W. Stake.

There are also two Chapters of Royal Arch Masons on Staten Is-
land. Staten Island Chapter, No. 100, is located at TottenvUle, and
Tyrian Chapter, No. 219, is at New^ Brighton.

The Order of the Eastern Star also has two Chapters here. Beacon
Light Chapter, No. 75, meets at Masonic Hall, Port Richinond; and
Huguenot Chapter, No. 88, is located at Tottenville.

Empire Commandery, Knights Templar, No. 66, was organized,
by dispensation, on April 21, 1900, and the first regular concla\e
was held on May 1th. The regular conclaves are on the first and third
Fi'iday evenings of each month, in JFasonic Hall, Port Richmond.
The following are the olficei-s :

274 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Sir Knight J. Walter Wood, M.D., Eminent Commander; Sir
Knight Caleb V. Decker, Generaliss;imo; Sir Knight Chas. F. Bis-
singer, Capt. General; Sir Knight Wm. Bryan, M.D., Surgeon; Sir
Knight C. D. Van Ntune, Judge Advocate; Sir Knight Walden .Al.
Braman, Recorder; Sir Knight Ai'thur G. Hastings, Treasurer; Sir
Knight Walter H. Holt, Prelate; Sir Knight John S. Waide, Sr., Se-
nior Warden; Sir Knight Arthur W. Deas, Junior ^^'ar<leu; Sir
Knight Thos. M. Drew, Sword Bearer; Sir Knight Harry Hooker,
Standard Bearer; Sir Knight Wm. Eoberts, Warder; Sir Knight A.
Nordenholz, Captain of the Guard; Sir Knight Fred. Croclierou, 1st
Guard; Sir Knight John S. Wai-dc. .Ir.. 2(1 (iuard; Sir Knight G. H.
Widmer, 3d Guard; Sir Kiiii'lil -las. S. :\[n(.ri', Sentinel; Sir Knight
Wm. Roberts, Sir Knight E. Mitchell, Sir Kuight A. G. Hastings,
Trustees.

There is one more organization which is worthy of Ihe kindest
consideration of every Mason on Staten Island. The Masonic Mutual
Relief Association is in reality the fulfillment of one of the noblest
principles which actuates the Ci'aft.

"When the charter of the Greater New York went into effect, the
number of the district was changed from the Twenty-eightli to the
Eleventh. R. ^V. Charles A. Thrall is the D.D.G.M., and V/. Bro.
Isaac A. Bunn, Assistant Grand Lecturer.

CHAPTER XYIII.

THE DUTCH KJCFOUMRD CHURCHES.

FTEK the removal of the Waldensiau Church at Stony
Brook, and the French Huguenot Church, at Marshland,
" The Dutch church on the North Side " ranked as the
senior house of worship on the Island. There is .still in
existence the old register of baptisu". of this church, in tlie Dutch
language, from 1696 onward, and contains many names of families
which ]ia\ e no living representatives on the Island at this time.

The records of the church show that the Rev. Samuel Drisius, who
was one of the pastors of the Dutch church in New York, from 1652
to 1GS2. preached regularly once a month to the Waldenses on
Staten Island from about 1660 onward. It may be fairly inferred
from that fact, that there was a little church of that noble and de-
voted people established here; not a church building, perhaps, till
later, but a little band of ("lnisi's people, worshiping in some spot
where they found it most ((nn cuiciit.

There are traces of a chunh on the North Side about 16S0, in
which the service'^ wove in tlie Dutch language; but at that time these
churches had no settled pastor of their own. Along with Dominie
Drisius, Dominie Selyns, A^ho was pastor of the churches at Brooklyn,
Bushwick and Gravesend, from 1660 to 1701 — with an interval of
some years, during which he revisited Holland — preached to the
churches here at stated times. In 1682 and 1683, Dominie Tarche-
maker, from the University of Utrecht, supplied the churches on the
Island. He afterward removed to Schenectady, and perished there
in a massacre by the Indians in February, 1690.

The next pastor to arrive was the Eev. Pierre Daille, who had been
professor in the College of Saumur, and who came to America in
1683, and was colleague to Dominie Selyns from that year to 1692.
He preached frequently to the Huguenots on Staten Island, and also
at New Rochelle, and elsewhere in the vicinity of New York.

For nearly two years — say 1687-8 — the church at Stony Brook was
supplied by a certain Laurentius Van den Bosch, or Van Bosen, as
it was some times written. His character seems to have been under
a cloud, for he was suspended from the ministry by Dominie Selyns
and otliers, who could not wait for the slow process of sending their
proceedings to be reviewed by the authorities in Holland, which in
those times frequently consumed a whole year.

276

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

The S^tateu Island churches were without any stated supply for
about three years from 1694. They were visited fre(|iiciil ly, how-
ever, and the ordinances administered to them by the ministers of
New York and Long Island. There are also frequent records of the
baptisms by Dominie Batoivius, as it is written, and also of Dominie
Gilliam, whose residence is unknown. It has been ascertained that
these names indicate the Eev. <_Tuillaume Bertholf, who was pastor
of the church of Aquackanouck and Hackensack, New Jersey, from
1694 to 1724, and Avhose services were much in deman<l on Staten
Island.

The French church at Fresh Kill obtained the services of a pastor
of its own in 1679. Tlie Rev. Dr. David Bonrepos, who had been set-
lied several years at Xew Rochelle, came to Staten Island, and re-
mained here until 1717, ju'eacliinfi- also at the church at Stony Brook.

In the latter year th.is
aL;('d ])as(iir was coui-

his chariie on account
of the infirmities of
old aae, and he .soon
left the Island.

Governor Hunii i-
made a p:rant in 1714.
to the representatives
of the "Beformcd
Protestant Church,"
to erect a, new house
of ^^'orslii]) at some
convenient place on
the North Shore, the
place not iK'inj:- speci-
fied by the umuir. The
grant it.self is still extant, and in perfect preservation. It is signed
by the Governor, and dated at Foi't (Jeorge, September 3, 1714.

There must have been a Dutch church in the village of Bichmond
before 1717, although no record of it is in existence. In that year,
after the retirement of Dr. Bonrepos, the chui'ch at Fresh Kill and
llie one at Stony Brook united with the Dutch inhabitants, who had
gradually become the preponderating element in the population, and
together built a church in the village of Richmond, which stood di-
rectly in front of the present County Court House.

The church on the North Side, although a house of worship at a
very early period, seems to have been dependent on such occasional
services as the neighboring ministers were able to render. Besides
tiiose of Drisius, Selyns, Daille and Bertholf, there Avere friMiuent
services by Dominie Freeman, of New Utrecht, Long Island, and also

.>UTCH REFORMED CHURCI

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 277

by Dominie Anthoniiis, of Flatbusb, Fhxtlands aud Busbwick, Long
[sbind. la one instance a baptism is recorded as performed by " Dom.
Antbony of Staten Island." Tbere are also frequent records of bap-
tisms " door Dominy uni Esopus," wbose name is not menlinncd, but
wbo was without doubt the Rev. Petrus Vas, who was luiuistcr at
Esopu.s, or Kingston, and afterward at libinebeck from 1710 to 175G,
and wbo died at the age of ninetj'-six.

In 1717, aftei- the retirement of Dominie Boni-epos, tbe tbrc-e
cburches, of (he Waldenses at Stony Brook, of the Huguenots at
Fresh Kill, and tbe Duk;b at Bichmoud, united and came to wor'^hip
together at Bichmond. In 1717, the church at the !North Side and
the " united church " at Bichmond, joined in a call to the Jfev. Corne-
lius Van Santvoord, of Leyden, HoUand. He accei)ted tln^ call, aud
came over to this country in 1718, when he was scltli'd as ]iasl(ir over
these chuT'ches, which merged their organization at Iciiglh in that of
the more rapidly increasing Dutch church.

No date has been found of the settlement of Dominie Van Saut-
voord; but the first baptism administered by him is recisiil.-d April
20, 1718, the child's name being Johannes Van Namcii. Dominie
Van Santvoord was a man of admirable character and abiliiies, aud
remained in charge on Staten Island, preaching also frecpiently at
Second Biver, now Belleville, New Jersey, until 1742, v.dien he i-e-
moved to Schenectady. Among the papers in possession of the Con-
sistory there is a bundle of receipts for salary from Dominie Van
Santvoord extending over several years. They indicate the fact of
]iis ministering to the two churches, that on the North Side being
evidently the principal one. He was tbe author of several works of
a theological character. After he left Staten Island, there is an inter-
val of eight j^ears, up to 1750, of which no record can be fonud.

The church on the North Side (Port Bichmond), in 1750, united
with thai: at Bergen, New Jersey, in a call to a minister to supply
them in common, in the person of the Bev. Petrus De Wint. The
agreement drawn up by the Consistories show that their contribu-
tions for the minister's support is very specific, each having a right-
eous half of his services, and each 1o make a righteous half of the
payment. The church at Bergen was to furnisli a parsonage aud
sufficient firewood, while that on Staten Island engaged to give '' an
able riding horse, with all that belongs to it." After that it was
stipulated that " the dominie was to look out for his own horse."

Dominie De Wint commenced his labors iu the two churches in
1751; but he did not remain long. He proved to be an impi^tor, and
was discharged on June 22, 1752.

The two churches again joined in calling a pastor, ^Ir. William
Jackson, m 1753, then a student under the care of Bev. John Freling-
buysen, of Baritan, N(,'w Jersey. In 1757, he was installed ])astor of
the two churches. After ministering for upward of a quarter of a

278

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

century, he became subject to fits of mental aberration. He was de-
clared insane by the Consistory and finally bound himself under a
penalty of fi^e hundred dollars not to preach, nor administer the
sacraments witliin the bounds of the two churches. His ministry
continued for tliirty-two years, and the two churches united in making
a, comfortable provision for the faithful old pastor as long as he livetl.
When Mr. Jackson resigned his ministry, the connection between the
two churches of Bergen and Staten Island was dissolved, after hav-
ing continued harmoniously for thirtj'-nine years.

The first minutes of the Consistory of the Port Richuiond Church,
preserved in regular form, are dated June 25, 17S5. At a meet-
ing then held, among other minutes at that time recorded, is the
following: "Our house of worship, [remembered as the old six-
sided building], having been destroyed in the late unhappy

ViHr, it was resolved to
build a new one, of
brick." The account
is that the building
was greatly injured by
fire by the British
troops, and afterward
blown down in a se-
vere storm. A com-
mittee was appointed
to raise money for the
purpose at home and
in the neighboring
cliurches, and to super-
intend the building. It
was ready for service
in March, 'l78S.

The Rev. Peter Stry-
ker was nidaiiicd minister nf tliis church in 1790, and remained with
it until IT'.M. w licii he ;ircc|iii'd a call from Second River, New Jersey.
Prom the rccoids we learn that during his incumbency the church
was incorporated, in 1792, under the style and title of " The Reformed
Protestant Dutch Church, on Staten Island," the names of the in-
corporators being Rev. Peter Stryker, Hendrick Garretson, John Van-
Pelt, Wilhelmus Vreeland, John Garretson, William Merrill, Peter
Haughwout, Abraham Prahl and Nicholas Haughwout.

The church remained without a pastor for three years, after Mr.
Stryker's departure, when Mr. Thomas Kirby was ordained over it.
Mr. Kirby remained a little over three years, when he was obliged
to resign. He was suspended from the ministry for intemperance
after leaving Staten Island; but was afterwai-d restored, and went
to Canada.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 279

An application was made by Benjamin Swain and Israel Oakley,
durini^i Mr. Kirby's ministry, for the concurrence of the Consistory
here in building- a new church at Richmond; but the project was not
carried out till some years later.

Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt was ordained pastor of the church on the
16th of May, 1802, and remained until 1835. Dr. Van Pelt's labors
were exceedingly successful. During his incumbency a building was
erected on the spot now occupied by the Greenwald block in Port
Richmond, then the property of the church, where he established a
parochial school. " What is chielly interesting in connection with
this," wrote Dr. Brownlee, " is the fact that a Sabbath-school was
opened in this building as early as 1812; is believed to have been
among the earliest, if not the very earliest, in this country.'"

On the fourth Sabbath of August, 1835, Rev. James Brownlee was
ordained pastor of this church, and remained with it until 1895.
" Soon after my settlement," said Dr. Brownlee, " it was determined
to repair the old church, which had become much dilapidated. This
was immediately done, at a cost of over |1,000. The next year lots
were purchased for a parsonage, and a house was erected, the whole
costing over |3,000."

" In 1815," Dr. Brownlee proceeds, " it was found that the church
was not large enough, and it was finally resolved to build anew. This
was accordingly done, and the house which is now occupied was
built, at a cost of |10,000, and dedicated in February, 1810." Since
then the parsonage has been enlarged and beautified, at a cost of
|5,000. In the year 1898, an addition was built to the church edifice,
to be used as a chapel, costing about 16,000.

Rev. Alfred H. Demarest was called as associate pastor to Dr.
Brownlee, and was ordained and installed November 6, 1884. At
the death of Dr. Brownlee, in 1895, he was ordained as pastor. Mr.
Demarest has honored the mantle which has been placed upon his
shoulders. He is still in the service of this ancient church, beloved
and respected by all who know him.

The fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of Dr. Brownlee was
celebrated on Sunday, August 23, 1885. On that occasion there were
two present who were communicants of the church at the time of Dr.
Brownlee's installaticm. They were Dr. Ephraim Clark, who had
been one of the committee to engage Dr. Brownlee, and Mrs. Martha
Miller, of Mariners' Harbor.

The following explanations of a diagram of the old Dutch church
were given by the late Judge John J. Clute :

Translation of the title : " Plan of the Christian Low Dutch Church
on Staten Island, the 30th September, in the year of our Lord 1715,
made by Daniel Corsen."

A. Predikestoel — Pulpit. B. Ouderlingen^Elders. C. Diakenen
— Deacons.

280

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

1 Boumeester's Plaats en Kerkmeester s Plaats — The Master Builil-

er's Place and the Church-Warden's Place.

2 Plaats voor den Overheidt — Place for the Ma"istrate.

3 Nicholas Backer,
i Douwe Van Wogelom,
5 Ernst Lende, Hendrik Croesen,
Jan Veghte,

T Jacob Corsen, Cornel is Corscn,
S Garrit Croesen, Abraham Croe-
sen,
9 Joshenn ^Icrsercaux,

10 Garrii Kiursscn,

11 Garrii I'ust. Cors Krock,

12 Pieter De Groot,

13 Johannes De Groot,

14 Jan Van Pelt, and another,

15 JorisPrall,

16 Thomas Burbauk,

17 Jacob Van Pelt,

18 Peter MartJinghe,

19 Cornelius Croesen,

20 Egbert llagabot,

21 Robert De (jroot,

22 Hendrik Proll, and another,

23 Johannes Simonson,

(The succeeding nine are va-
cant.)

33 Antonie Van Pelt,

34 John Roll,

35 Joseae Morseroe, Junr.,
3() Cornelius Elles,

37 Vacant,

38 Art Simonson, or Simonze,

39 Richard Merrell,

40 Jan Roll,

41 Cornelius sen,

42 Isa;ic Simonze,

43 Johanne VanAvagena,

44 Wilhelmus Vreelandt,

45 Cornelius Corsen,
K; Christian Corsen,

47 Otto \'an Tuyl,

48 Jacob Corsen,

49 Vacant,

50 Nealtje Hagewont,

51 Cornelia Corsen,

52 Aaltje Van Pelt,

53 Jan Veghte,

54 Cornelia Veghte,

55 Vacant,

50 Helena Croesen,

57 Elisabet Corsen, Sister Bock,

58 Maria Praal,

59 Catrina Bei'ckelo,
GO Sara Elles,

til Arayaentie Elles,
ti2 Elizabeth Baker,

63 Sara Post,

64 Belitie De Groot,

65 Elizabeth De Groot,

66 Aeyea Speer,

67 Vacant,

68 Maria Mersereau,

69 Fransyntje Post, and another,

70 Marigrita Simonze,

71 Marritje Burbank,

72 Neliete Vreelandt,

73 Ainitie Martlinghs,

74 Elsje Merrill,

75 Gurtruydi- :\rer,rll,
7f. Antjc ('(irscii,

77 f/ornelia (Jrueseu,

78 Gerret Croesen,

79 Simonze,

8t) Cornelia ,

81 De Nakomelings van (the de-

scendants of) Catharine
Hoogelandt,

82 Vacant,

S3 Knelia ricke,

84 Margritie Gerrode,

85 Jannetje ^'an Woggelom,

86 Maria Beekman,

87 Fermie Van B ,

8S Vacant,

89 Fytie Mersereau,

90 Lena Van Wagene,

91 Maria Prall,

92 Annietie Fountain,

93 Wintie Van Tuyls,

94 Rebecca Staats.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

281

In nccordance with the universal custom in the olden limes, the
sexes were separated in their seats. Aemss the ends of 7ti, 77 and 78
are written the words " Stoelen voor den rredikant " — which means,
" Chairs for the preacher."

The name of Daniel Oorsen does not appear amoii.n those of the
]i('\v-h()lders, but as he was generally the incumbent of some civil of-
lice, his seat was in No. 1 or 2. lie was County Clerk at the time he
made the diagram.

Soon after the settlement of Dr. A'an Pelt, the plan of rebuilding-
the church at Richmond was revived, and through the energetic ef-
forts of the pastor, it Avas carried successfully into execution. The
old structure which has degenerated into a store-house, and standing
almost opposite the
County Court House,
was opened for services
in July, 1808. From
that time on. Dr. Van
Pelt ministered to this
church, as well as the
one on the North Side,
until 1835, when Di
Brownlee, his succe^
sor, ministered to both
until 1853. The connec-
tion between the two
churches was dissolN^
in 1854, w li en t 1
church in lUclniioud 1
came a separate ni^.n
zation. The first past
after tliat event ua^ i
liev. Tliomas i:.
Peck, and liis miccc>- f^''
sors have been IJev. 1
Erskine N. White, Rev.
Jacob Fehrmann, Rev.

.1. H. Sinclair, and the pulpit was for a while supplied alternately
with that of the church of the Huguenots, by Rev. Dr. F. :\[. Kip. This
church had for a time a chapel at Giffords.

A new church was considered in 1818, and Governor Tompkins gave
two lots at Tompkinsville, on which to erect it. He also donated
money. The corner-stone was laid on October 20, 1818. The church
was completed, and dedicated July 23, 1820. Rev. Peter I. Van
Pelt, of the Port Richmond Church, occupied the pulpit until May,
1823, when this church, too, became a distinct society and separate
charge. As an independent church, in 1823, the Rev. Jolin E. Miller

PORT RICHMOND DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH.

282 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

became its pastor, and served it for nearly twenty-four years. He
died August 2J:, 1847, and the Eev. Alexander K. Thompson became
the fjastor, in 1848. The vacancy thus left by him was filled by the
Eev. Philip M. Brett, who was installed December 24, 1851, and
died January 14, 1860. He was succeeded by the Eev. Edward W.
Hitchcock, who was installed August 8, 1860. He resigned March 1,
1866. It was during his pastorate that the new church edifice Avas
built, on Brighton Heights. The corner-stone of this church was laid
October 27, 1863, and it was dedicated November 3, 1864, at a cost
of 114,300.

The old church building at Tompkinsville was sold, and has since
been used for a variety of purposes.

The Eev. Herman S. Timlow Avas installed pastor of the now church
October 24, 1866, and resigned November 1, 1867. Eev. I. Ealston
Smith supplied the pulpit in 1868. Eev. Thomas G. Watson was in-
stalled May 13, 1869, and resigned September 11, 1871. Eev.
William T. Enyard was installed April 13, 1876, and resigned July
13, 3 879. Eev. William Walton Clark was installed March 16.
1880; during his pastorate a beautiful Sunday-school and lecture
room Avas built at an expense of 19,980.73. Mr. Clark resigned in
1885, and Avas succeeded by Eev. Thomas O. Lowe, who Avas succeeded
in 1899 by Eev. J. H. Stout.

A number of the members of the Eeformed Church in Eichmond,
in 1850, organized a new church at Bloomingview, now know-n as the
" Church of the Huguenots." A plain but substantial church edifice
Avas erected on land donated by the Hon. Benjamin Prall, and the
Eev. James A. M. Latourette became its first pastor.

The Eev. Thomas B. Gregory succeeded Mr. Latourette, and re-
signed after a brief term. The Eev. Herman Stryker, former pastor of
The Tompkinsville church, supplied the pulpit for many years.
After his resignation the Eev. Dr. Francis M. Kip assumed the duties
of pastor. The church Avas practically closed for many years, but
services are held regularly in it at 1he present time.

CHAPTER XIX.

THE PRESP.i'TJjlRIAN CHURCHES.

^Sunday, Julj 2, 1876, the late Rev. Dr. J. PI Koclnvel], at
tli;it time p;!stor of tlie Piist Presbyterian Churcli of Eilge-
walcr. il(li\( led a ceuteunial discourse, from whicli we are
iiiiticd U) ([iiote:

'' This is a most iuteresting- and important fact, that tJiis Island
should thus early in the setllement have furnished a shelter and
a home to the persecuted Waldenses of Piedmont and the Huguenots
of FraTice, and Ihat thus its earliest church should have been con-
stituted in accordance with the Presbyterian model, since the Wal-
densian Church and the Huguenots were both in their doctrine, order
and discipline, Presbyterian. To this little band of Christians,
Kominie Drisius, of the Dutch Church of New York, made a montldy
visit, preaching to them in the French language, and administering to
Them the sacraments. It would be pleasant to be able accurately to
picture to ourselves these early Presbyterians of the French, Italian
and Dutch type, as they appeared in these occasional services; the joy
with which they welcomed the Dominie, as he landed from some
rjuaint-Iooking vessel or boat that had brought him down from the
city, and the serious and attentive congregation which gathered to
hear him, perhaps in some big barn or log house, or perhaps beneath
some broad, spreading tree. We can know at least that many of his
hearers came together with hearts full of gratitude and Joy, because
ihey had found here freedom to worship God, and had the assurance
of protection from the enemies that had sought their destruction."

Dr. Rockwell quotes from the faithful researches of the Hon. Henry
C. Murphy, which appear in other parts of these volumes, and adds :
'' His narrative gives a pleasant picture of our Island two hundred
years ago, and confirms the statement that its original settlers were
distinctly and clearly of the Reformed Faith as it was held in Holland,
Piedmont and France, which was pure and simple Presbytei-ianism.
* * * In 1717, the French and Waldensian Churches united with
the Dutch and organized a church, and built a house of worship at
Richmond. * * * After this union Avas formed, an English Presby-
terian Church appeared to have been organized at Stony Brook, the
first site of the Waldensian congregation, for in 1769, a deed was given

284 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

to the session of this church, and Consistory of the Reformed Churcli at
Riclimondj for some land in Eichmond, on which a church t\ as to be
built."

" The deed," says Dr. Brownlee, in his anniversary address, " nif-n-
tions the names of Jacob Rezeau and Samuel Broome as the Elders of
the English Presbyterian Church, according to the Westminster Con-
fession of Faith, Catechism and Directory, agreeable to the present es-
Lablished Church of Scotland. The deed conveyed a. small lot, 65 feet
by 55, to these parties, as far as 1 can understand it, the ground on
which the present Reformed Church in Richmond now stands. The
church then standing at Stony Brook was to be removed and rebuilt
on this lot."

The exact spot indicated in the deed mentioned by Dr. Brownlee,
is now occ-upied by the little street commencing directly in front of
the County Court House, and terminating in one short block on the
Richmond road. This deed, however, is not the first one on record in
the Richmond County Clerk's Office, to prove that the Presbj'terians
were landholders on Staten Island. There is one, recorde<l a quai'ter
of a century before, in Liber D, page 149, which reads as follows :

" The following Deed or Gift was recorded for the Presbyterian So-
ciety the oOth Sber (October) Anno 174:4:

" To all christian People to whom the.se i^resents shall come : I,
Jaques Cortelyou of the County of Richmond, in the province of Xew
York, Yeoman, Send Greeting : Whereas some of the Inhabitants of
the County and province Above sd. Members of the Presbyterian So-
ciety being very desirous that the Holy Gospel should be preached
& the Holy Sacraments Administered unto them in the County above
sd. by Some Godly & able ilinister being regularly & duly (Qualified
& Ordained and they the Sd. Inhabitants of ye sd. County ye Mem-
bers of ye Presbyterian Society being destitute of A public Meeting
House for that use & ptirpose & now have btiilt and erected, (but as
yet not furnished) a House for that end & intent on a piece of Ground
in the County above sd. belonging to Jaques Cortelyou, but as yet not
having receiv'd from him ye sd. Jaques Cortelyou any assurance for
ye sd. Ground whereon ye sd. Meeting House is built or erected.

" Now Know ye that I the sd. Jaques Cortelyou for & iu Consider-
ation of the Love good will & affection which I have & do bear to ye
sd. Inhabitants of sd. County the members of sd. Presbyterian Society,
but more esjiecially for the Honor & Glory of Almighty God in the
public preaching of his holy Gospel, Have given & granted & by these
presents do freely, fully, clearly & Absolutely, give and grant tinto
Nathaniel Briton Sen. & Edward Jones Deacons of sd. Presbyterian
Society in sd. County of Richmond & unto their successors in sd.
Offices for ever, for ye use & benefit of sd. presbyterian Society iu sd.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

285

County of Richmond a certain piece or parcel of Ground Situate
lying- & Being at Stony Brook in the County & province above sd.
& is part of ye Farm or Plantation whereon I ye sd. Jaques Cortelyou
now doth dwell, & fronting to the King's Main Road, containing Fifty
feet long & fifty feet broad whereon ye sd. Meeting House is now
erected & Standing with free & undeniable Egress & Rl■gl■l'^s from ye
sd. Meeting House to ye King's Road where it fruiitclli imtn. hi order
& to ye intent that they ye sd. presbyteriau Society furnish ye sd. Meet-
ing House for ye use & Service above sd. and that for ye only use & ben-
efit of sd. presbyteriau Society provided Never the less anything herein
contained to ye contrary in any wise Jiotwithstanding. That is to say,
on Condition that lln'v all ye Members of these presbyteriau Society
in sd. County of IJicbmond shall from time to time and at all times
for ever hereafter save & keep harmless & indemnified them ye sd.
Nathaniel Briton Sen. James Carman, Elders & Nathaniel Briton -fun
& Edward Jones Deacons as Alxivc sd. their & every of llu-ir ll-iis,
Exei'S. & Admrs. for ever from all Dnu'.ages, Costs & charges luncliing
iV concerning a certain obligatory Bond dated exactly with these ]>res-
ents, wherein ye sd. Nathaniel Briton Sen. James Carman, Nathaniel
Briton Jun & Edward Jones became boiiml and obliged unto -Jarjiies
Cortelyou, Hendrick
van L a w a , Gozen
Adriaenz Rem Van-
dcrlxM-k & Jacob Van-
derbilt Centlenun
their & every of their
Heirs, Exers, Admeis.
& Assigns in \-e ihmkiI
sum of Tlirei' liuuili-cd
pounds lawful Money
of New York that ye
sd. Jaques Cortelyou
Henilrick \;iu Law a,
(lozen Adriaenz, Rem
van der Beck & Jacob
\'an der Bilt 1heir and
every of their Heirs,
Exers, Admei's. & As-
signs shall have the

use & Privilege of ye sd. Meeting House which is now built or erected
on ye sd. granted p-mises according to ye sd. tenure of sd. Bond Ref-
erence being had to ye sd. Bond or obligation & Condition thereof may
& doth mm'e fully & at large appear. To Have and to Hold ye sd.
piece of Ground unto them ye sd. Natlianiel Briton Sen. James Car-
man Nathaniel Briton Jnii, & Edward .Tones & to their successors for

JSTKAO, HOLLAND S HOOK : ERKCTKD

286 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ever ye use & benefit of sd. presbyterian Society forever, on Condition
that they ye sd. Natlianiel Briton Sen James Carman Elders, Natliau-
ie] Briton Jun & Edward Jones Deacons of the presbyterian Society
in the County of Richmond Above sd. & tlieir Successors weJl & truly
observing- performing, Keeping & fulfilling all and every such Articles
Clauses & proviso's which are mentioned & expressed in the above
recited Bond or obligation & Condition thereof & that Accordiug to
the true intent and Meaning of sd. Obligation & Conditifin thereof
without any Equivocation or Secret Reservation whatsoever & I ye
sd. Jaques Cortelyou for myself my Heirs, Exers. Admers. & Assigns
ye sd. parcel of ground unto ye sd. Nathaniel Briton sen, & James
Carman Elders, Nathaniel Biiton Jun & Edward Jones Deacons &
their Successors against all & all manner of persons shall & will war-
rant & for ever Defend by these presents.

" In Witness whereof, I ye sd. Jaques Cortelyou have hereunto set
& put My Hand and Seal this Thirteenth Day of May & in the Second
Year of the Eeign of Our Sovereign Lord George ye Second by the
Grace of God of Great Britain. France & Ireland King Defender of
the Faith, & in ye year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and
Twenty Nine.

" Jaques Cortelyou (L. S.) "

The document was signed in the presence of Peter Moon, B.
Sweem, and Jo'n Dupuy, and acknowledged before John LeConle,
Judge.

"If we were called upon to show our genealogical tables," adds
Dr. Rockwell, " we might write them somewliat in this form : A
colony of Waldenses, the known and admitted successors of the Ajios-
tolic church of Italy, came to Staten Island and organized a church
at Stony Brook between the years 1656 and 1680. In the same age
the Huguenots, fresh from persecutions, came from Rochelle and es-
tablished a church of the same oMer at Fresh Kill. Near the same
town tlie Dutch (who had fought out the great principle of Religious
Libei-ty before England practically knew what the word meant)
established in connection with these Christians a church on the North
Side of the Island. In 1717, or a little later, an English Presbyterian
Church was organized in the place of the Waldensian Church at Stony
Brook, and in 1769 built a house of Avorship in Richmond, whose suc-
cessor still stands on the old site, and is now fl876), the Reformed
Church at that place. From these united Christian families came the
Reformed Church at Port Richmond, Brighton, Huguenot and Staple-
ton; hence sprang our own."

The fact is clearly proven that the Presbyterians worshiped as a
distinct society at Stony Brook, and that they occupied the little stone
edifice which the Waldenses had vacated when that congregation re-
moved to Cucklestown, or Richmond. The Cliurch building stood in
the present little grove in the sharp bend in the Amboy road, mid-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 287

way betwoen New Dorp and Oakwood. The buikling was still stand-
ing- in the early years of the pi-esent eentnry, and many of the hnge
stones that once rested in its rude foundation, remain on the hal-
lowed ground to-day. There does not appear to have been a Presby-
terian church on the Island from about 18()C, until the organization
of the r'irst Presbjterian Church of Edgewater in 1856.

In the year 1849, a Sabbath-school ^^'as commenced at Stapleton,
by the members of the Keformed Dutch Church, at Tonipldnsville.
On June '25, 1851, a church was organized by the South Classis of
New York, with thirty-two members. In September of the same year,
the Eev. A. R. Thompson became its pastor, and under his ministry a
c '.lurch edifice was erected in 1852, enlarged in 1854, and a large
congregation built up.

In 185G, the Gore Street Chapel was built as a iiiissidii school. The
sanu^ year witnessed the beginning of a new chiirih which, though
styled the First Presbyterian Chuicli nf St a I en Island, was in reality
tJie fourth church of its denomination lli.it had been established here.

In the Spring of 1856, several members (it the Ti)m]ikiusville Re-
formed Dutch Church met for preliminary deliberation in the house
of Mr. J. D. Dix, at Clifton, and after sevei-al meetings agreed to
unite in a new church enterprise.

On May 14, 1856, the church was duly organized at the house of
George M. Gerard, in Townsend avenue, by a committee of the Third
Presbytery of New York, consisting of Rev. S. D. Burchard, D. D.,
Rev. A. E. Campbell, D. D., Rev. Washington Roosevelt, D. D., and
T. :^[cI.aughlin. with Elder David Stevens and J. C. Hines. TAventy-
six persons presented letters from other cluufhes, chietly the Re-
formed Church of Stapleton, and were duly constituted a church of
Christ, under the name of the First Presbyterian Church of Cliflun,
Staten Island.

At the same time, Messrs. John D. Dix, E. L. Sexton and G. W.
Gerard were installed as Elders, and E. A. Ludlow and R. Davidge
were made deacons. Until the chapel at Clifton was built, services
were regularly held at the house of Mr. Dix, or some other equally
convenient dwelling. On the 3d of August, 1856, the chapel in Town-
send avenue was dedicated, the services being conducted by the Rev.
William Whittaker.

On October 1, 1856, the Rev. Alonzo BroAvn was installed pastor,
and his connection with the church was severed on the 3()th of No-
vember, in the following year. In April, 1858, Rev. Samuel W. Crit-
tenden became pastor, and continued until November 25, 1859. A
call was then presented to Rev. William H. Taylor, on January 25,
1860. and he was installed on the 22d of February, of the same year.
^Ir. Taylor resigned on April 18, 1864, and was succeeded by Rev.
David R. Frazer, who was installed on April 1, 1865, and resigned
on the 1st of November, 1867.

288 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

The Rev. Dr. Skinner having resigned the pastorate of the Reformed
Dntch Chnrch in Stapleton, and after several preliminary meetings,
held by each separate congregation, it was agreed that the two
chnrches unite under the corporate name of the First Presbyterian
Church of Edgewater, Stateu Island. It was also agreed that tlie
church property at Clifton be sold, and the proceeds used for liquidat-
ing the debt upon this property, and that the officers of each con-
gregation form the session of the united church. In the month of
September, 18(58, the Rev. J. E. Rockwell, 1). D., became the pastor,
and he remained until 1882.

The next pastor was the Rev. G. M. McCampbell, who retired in
1889, and was succeeded by the Rev. Wilbur Fiske Wood, one of the
most earnest and successful workers in the great cause on the Island
to-day.

At the union of the two congregations tlie Session was c(Mii])ose(l
of the following members : Mr. John I). Dix and Mr. E. C. Bridgman,
of the Clifton Church, and Mr. William Shaw and Dr. Thomas C. Jlof-
fatt, of the Reformed Church, elders; and Mr. Francis McDonald and
Mr. Howard Parmele, of the CliCtoii Church, and Messrs. Charles II.
]\[orris and William Standcvwick, of the Reformed Church, deacons.

The chapel, or Sunday-school room of this Church, which formerly
stood on Gore street, (now Broad), was destroyed by an incendiary
fire. The present one was erected in 1876, and stands on the corner
opposite the present church edifice. It is a spacious brick building,
erected chiefly, if not «liolly, through the munificence of a lady, who
donated |8,000 for the purpose.

Thirty-five persons, the majority of wlioiii liad ])reviou«ly Ik^'u
members of the Dutch Reformed Churcli of I'oit Ricliinond, organized
llie Calvary Presbyterian Clinrch of West Ni w T.riglilon, on the 17th
of November, 1872. The first officers of tliis organization were R. N.
Havens and Augustus W. Sexton, elders; and Ralozie Fuller and
William J. Ladd, deacons. During the Summer of 1872, a plain
Vi'ooden structtire, which was used as a chapel, was erected at the
corner of Castleton and Bement avenues, for tlie accommodation of
the Sunday-school which had been organized in May of that year.

Tlie Rev. James S. Evans, D. D., occupied the pulpit from the
beginning of the churcli until April, 1873, and as synodicai superin-
tendent of church extension, had rendered great assistance in eiTect-
ing the organization.

The Rev. J. Milton Greene received a call on March 11, 187-3, and
was installed immediately after. Mr. Greene continued to minister to
the church for eight years. While in this charge he also conducted
services in the old school house near Linoleumville, with the assist-
anf'e of Chaplain Jones, of the Sailors' Snug Harbor.

So rapidly did the growth of the organization increase, that, in
September, 1874, it was found necessary to enlarge the chapel at

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 289

West New Brighton to double its original size. It was capable of
seating- about five hundred people. On the night of April 17, 1892,
a series of incendiary fires slidckcHl the people of the North Shore, and
when it was discovered thai all I hat remained of the Calvary Presby-
terian Church was a mass dl smouldering ruins, sympathy turned to
indignation, and it would have gone hard with the perpetrator of the
crime had he been captured at that hour.

Pastor and people stai'ted at once to arrange for a new edifice.
Every one connected with the church or Sunday-school was enlisted
in the cause, and the months were few before there arose from among
the ruins of the old structure a church edifice that stands to-day tlie
pride of the entire community.

Calvary Church has a large and flourishing congregation, and its
Sunday-school is one of the largest on the Island.

The present pastor, Kev. Thomas A. Leggett, was installed in De-
cember, 1881, and he has labored so earnestly for the success of the
cliurch and the welfare of his people, that he has won a warm place
in the hearts of all Avho know him.

A very earnest attempt was made to organize a Presbyterian
Cliurch at New Brighton, in the later eighties. One minister followed
another in the work. The little Unitarian church on Clinton avenue
was rented and services for a time were comparatively well attended.
Lack (if intere.st, however, was the inevitable cause of meagre funds,
and the enterprise was finally abandoned.

CHAPTER XX.

THE MORAVIAN CHURCHES.

HERE is no clmrc-h ou Stateu Island iu which centers more
interest than the old Moravian edifice at New Dorp. Situ-
ated amid the graves of so many generations of Staten Is-
landers — by some of onr people probably justly considered
tlie original burial-place of the Waldeuses — it has stood through the
changing scenes of peace and war a noble emblem of Christianity. To
very many of our people the old Moravian Church is an important ]iart
of Staten Island itself. Among the archives at Bethlehem, Pennsyl-
vania, is the original letter, dated in 1762, desiring that a church
might be establish.ed at New Dorp, close to th(^ early liome of the
Waldensian colony.

Captain Nicholas Garrison, so far as is now known, was the first
of the denomination called Moravians, (or United Brethren), on
Staten Island. The ship which he commanded, while on a voyage
from Georgia to New York, was overtaken by a violent storm. Bishop
Spaugenberg was a passenger, and he remained calm and undisturbed
amidst the confusion and terror which prevailed on board, and spent
most of the time in prayer. Tliis sliip was built expressly for the
purposes of the Moravian Churcli.

David Bruce, a very zealous servant of God, was sent, in 1742, to
visit the scattered flocks in New York and on Long and Staten Is-
lands, and, so far as the records enlighten us, he was the first Mora-
vian preacher who ever officiated as such on Staten Island. Of those
most prondnent in sustaining this church on the Island, the names of
Jacobus and Vettje Yan Der Bilt are mentioned in September, 1747.
at wliich time the church in America comprehended three localities —
New York City, Staten Island and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. After
the arrival of the first colony of Moravians, in June, 1742, these three
places jointly constituted a field in which their evangelists labored —
among- "ohom were the Brethren David Bruce, Aimers, Gambol rl,
Jasper Payne. Thomas Rodgers. Thomas Yarrell. Neisser, Richard
Utley, Owen Rice and John Wade.

About a dozen different clergymen of the Moravian denomination
came to the Island to officiate between 1742 and 1743. There were
only three (■ommunicant members on the Island in 17i')fi, viz. : Jacobus
A''andei-bilt and his wife, Yettje or Neiltje, and ilie widow Elizabeth

HISTORY OI- STATEN ISLAND. 291

Iiiyard. Religious services were usually held in the school-house,
Avhich, some say, stood on or near the site of the present church, but as
others say, at the corner of the roads at what is now called Einbert-
ville.

Richard Conner, Aaron Cortelyon, Mathias Enyain], John Baty,
Cornelius Cortelyou, Cornelius A'ander Rilt, Cornelius Van Deventer,
Steplien Martino, Mary ^^tillwell, Cornelius Martino and Peter Ferine
applied, in 17G2, to the churcJi authorities at Bethleliem, Pennsyl-
vania^ for the establishment of a Moravian Chui'ch on Staten Island.
Tlie corner-stone of a church and parsonage was laid on July 7,
r7t;3, and on the Ttli dC DcMdiibcr following the cliurch was conse-
crat(Ml. The edifice is still standing in a good state of in'eservation,
and is sliown in the illustration on jia.ge 397 of Vol. I. The custom of
the Moravians at that ]>eriod was to combine church and parsonage
under one I'oof. lience the iinchuvchlike a]ipearance of this old build-
ing. The last icliuioiis exeirises in this church, before its removal
fnmi the original site, wei-e held on Tliursday, October 26, 1882.
They were c(nntucted by the Rev. AVilliam H. Togler, the pastor at
that time.

The Rev. Hector Gambold, who came to the Island on August 17,
1763, was the first regularly settled pastor. He and his family moved
into the rooms then made ready for his occupancy, on the 21st of
December of that year, and he made it his home dnring his long
pastorate, wliich extended to the year 1784. James I'.iikley and E.
Thorp followed for brief periods, and in 1787, Frederick Moehring
assumed the pastorate, which continued until 1793, when he was fol-
lowed by Mr. Birkly, who was recalled, and remained until 1797, when
Mr. Moehring returned and exercised the pastoral functi(ms until
1803. Nathaniel Brown was his snccessor that year, and lield the
positiou until removed bydeatli, in 1813.

Rev. John C. Bechler came to New Dorp in 1813. and remained until
1817, and Ids successors were as follows: Rev. George A. Hartmann,
from 1817 to 1837; Rev. Ambrose Rondthaler, from 1837 to 1839; Rev.
H. C. ( 'lander, from 1839 to 1852; Rev. Bernhard de Schweinitz, from
1852 to 1854; Rev. Amadeus A. Reinke, from 1854 to 1860; Rev.
Edwin T. Benseman, from 1860 to 1862; Rev. Eugene Leibert, from
1862 to 1867; Rev. Francis F. Hagen, from 1867 to 1870; Rev. William
L. Lennert, from 1870 to 1876; Rev. William H. Vogler, from 1876 to
1892; Rev. William H. Rice, from 1892 to 1897; Rev. William H.
Certer then became the pastor, and is still serving the people in that
capacity.

One night, during the Revolution, some British soldiers forcibly
entered tlie parsonage, and after wantonly destroying furniture and
other articles belonging to the occupant, carried off the archives of
the church. Fortunately it is a law of the Moravian Church to keop a
duplicate copy of all official records, and by this means the complete

292 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

story of this house of God may be seen to-day in the areliives of the
church at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The Moravian Society of New Dorp was incorporated on April 15,
1808. The land on which the church was erected was sold by John
Baty to Thomas Yarrell, the minister, and Henry Van Vleek, of New
York City, and Cornelius Van Deventer and Richard Conner, of Rich-
mond County, on June 19, 1763, for £25.10s. This ti-act of laud con-
tained five and a-half acres, and was bounded on the south-west by
laud of Cornelius Cortelyou, north-west and north-east by laud of John
Baty, and south-east by the King's higliway. A deed of confirmation
was given for the same, to the representatives of the denomination, by
Edward Baty, executor of his father, John Baty, on March 2, 1790.

The building now occupied by the Moravians at New Dorp, was
erected in 1845, and was consecrated on May 15, of the same year.
The old building was re-arranged for school purposes and dwelling
apartments in 1851, and was for several years occupied by ~Mv. N. J.
Ostrander, superintendent of the cemetery. This old chureli luis the
honor of having been the first house of worship on Staten Island in
which an organ was used.

The Sunday-school connected with this church was first organized
on July 19, 1829, and has continued without intermission ever
since. On August 31, 1873, a chapel and Sunday-school building at
Castleton Corners was dedicated. It was built on laud donated for
the purpose by Mr. Cornelius Du Bois, and is located on the old Walter
Dongan estate. Rev. Mr. Grunert is the present pastor. A chapel,
which is also in the jurisdiction of the New Dorp Church, is located
at Giffords, and is in a very prosperous condition. This may also be
said of the Moravian Chapel on Osgood avenue, Edgewater.

The liberal donations of Commodore Vanderbilt to the New Dorp
Church — the church of his forefathers — have done a great deal toward
making it prominent and successful. When the present church edifice
was erected — more than half a century ago — he contributed the sum
of one thousand dollars toward its completion. All things considered
it was a liberal contribution at that time. On December 20, 1865,
he gratuitously conveyed to the trustees of the '' United Brethren's
Church on Staten Island," eight and a-half acres of land on tlie east
side of the original five and a-half acres, and on October 30, 1868,
about forty-six acres more on the north and west sides of the former
grants.

A new parsonage, a very handsome building of modern style of
architecture, was erected and presented by William H. Vanderbilt in
1880, and the Rev. William H. Vogler occupied it on the 21st of
December of that year. Mr. Vanderbilt, in 1882, also purchased
property of Mrs. Susan Jane Fountain, comprising about four acres,
with the buildings on it, at a cost of five thousand dollars, and pre-
sented it to the trustees of the church, on condition that certain im-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

293

provements should be made, which conditions were accepted. This
property stands on the opposite side of the Todt Hill road from the
parsonage, and was given as a residence for the superintendent of the
cemetery. By this accession to the church property, its line of front-
age along the Kichmond road was extended to nearly four thousand
feet in length.

Notwithstanding, at the time of the removal of the old church, it
v\'as estimated that the Vanderbilt family had made gifts to the
Moravian Society in cemetery property, buildings and improvements
to the amount of thirty-seven thousand dollars, it also received by be-
quest of William H. Vanderbilt, whose will bears date September 2.5,
1884, and whose death occurred on December 8, 1885, the gift of
one hundred thousand dollars.

A number of years before the death of William H. N'anderbilt, he

™i P P ''

MORAVIAN CHURCH, NEW DORP.

purchased a large tract of land adjoining the cemetery on the moun-
tain side, where he erected a mausoleum which, together witli its
beautiful surroundings, are estimated to have cost a sum approaching
a million of dollars. Here sleeps the founder of the mammoth fortune,
with his son and grandson, together with Ihe dear ones, as one by one
they are gathered in by the " gTim reaper," peacefully awaiting the
resurrection morn.

CHAPTER XXI.

THE JIETIIODIST CHURCHES.

HE introduction of Methodism on Staten Island was due to
tlie efforts of individuals connected \^'itli the denomination
in New Jei'sey and plso^\-here. The first ^lethodist sermon
preaclied here Avas in November, 1771, h_v I'raucis Asliury,
use of I'etcr A^au I'elt, at Woodrow, only twclvr days alter
il in Aim-i'ica. This house is still standing;, :illii(iui:h in a
(Iila]ii(la1(il ((inditidii, a'ld has been linown for many yens as the
iS'olan house. It is located on Woodrow road, the better part of a mile
East of the chui"ch.

Thomas Morrell and Eobert Cloud, i)reachers attached to the Eliza-
beth circuit, pive their labors to the cause on Staten Island, and to
them this church is indebted for its organization. .Mr. MimicII had
been a major in the Continental Army, and bore upon his ])ersnu scars
of wounds received in battle. He was also a man of fine abilities and
acquirements. Of the local preachers on Staten Island, William Cole,
of Woodrow, was the most prominent, and during the intervals be-
tween the visits of the itinerents, he very frequently ofiiciated in
l)rivate houses, schoolhouses, barns or any other place that offered.
His gravi' is jocnicd near the Woodrow Church.

The tirs! Methodist Society on Staten Island was organized on 'Shiy
5, 1787, and tlie following jicrsons were elected trustees: Abraham
Cole, (at whose house the meeting was held), Benjamin Drake and
Jolin llillyer, to serve for one year; Gilbert Totten, John Slaight and
.jiiscjih \\ Odd, to serve for two years; Joseph Totten, Elias Price and
Isiael Ih-sosway to serve for three years. Measures were then
adopted to erect a house of worship, and the f(dlowing appeal was
promulgated :

"To all Charitable, well-disposed Christians of every deunnination
of Staten Island. Whereas the inhabitants on the West end of said
Island are destitute of any Place of Public Worship, so that nunibevs,
more especially of the poorer and middling ranks of People who liave
not Carriages &c., are necessai'ily precluded from attending the ^^'or-
slii]) of God in a Public manner, their Children also lose the benelit of
I'nblic Insti'uction, and il is to be feared tlie Conse<|ueuce will be to
the rising Generation a settled Contempt for the woi'ship of God an<l
the Ordinances of the House.

HISTORY OP STATEN ISLAND. 295

" To remedy as far as Imniaii itnideiice oau Extend the aforesaid,
aiul many dtliei' Im-ouveiueiiccs tliat iiiii;bt be uained, the members of
Ihe Methodist Episcopal Churcli on said Islaml have chosen triistees
agreeable to Law and order to Erect a Church for the Perform;', uce
of Divine Service, and 'tis Supposed by the Blessing- of God this may
be the means of not only benefiting the present ricucratii.n, but that
Numbers Yet unborn may have reason to J*raisr (nid I'm ihe Tious
Care of their forefathers. But as this will be Attended with heavy
Expense, to \\ hich the members of the said Church are Inadequate,
they hereby Iiesijectfiilly solicit the Donation of all such who nre
willing to promote so Laudable an Undertaking, we tlieiefere the
subscribers do hereby promise to pay or cause in l»e imiil u, tiie said
Trustees or any Person Impowered by them to i-eceive i', liie suras
affixed til our several names, as Witness our Hands this Seventh day
of June, In the year of our Loi-d one Thousand Seven Hundred and
Eighty-seven."'

The names of eighty-seven contributors, whose uiuted subscriptions
amount to nearly tliree hundred and titty dollars, I'ollow Ibis petitiim.
The ]a!ge><t ronlributoi's are as follow-^: Cilbert Tctten. ';S; Isi'ael
Disosw.iy. Lir.; I!enj;>.min Drake, £s- :Mark Disosway, E."); Peter
Woglou), £(•>; Joshua Wright, £5; Jacob Ifeckhow, £5; -b.hn Andro-
vette, £r>; Peter Winant^ Sr., £4.15.0; and John Slaight, £4.1.".().
Among the su!)scribei's we fin.d the names of individuals attached to
other churches, sucli as I'.edells, Swains, T:!yliirs,Larzeleres,Micheaus,
LaTourettes, .Mersereaus, IMalls, ('onners, etc. Israel Disosway, in
addition to his subscri!)tion, which is I lie largest on the list, gave tlie
timber for erecting the church (Uit of liis own woods.

Tlie sum realized by tlie snbscri])tions, just mentioned, \\-as sinail,
but Willi it the lirst .Methodist Ei.isco]t:il Ciiurcli on Slalen Island,
(and undoubtedly the second in Anierical, was built. It slo.x! on the
site now occupied by the \\' Irow Churcli. This building is de-
scribed as a low, roughly-built house, with gable-end to the road, and
having- small windows ami a jplaiu batten door, the fastening of
which was operated by an old-t'ashioned latch-string. The interior
showed an unique altar, high-backed, uncushioned seats, and bare
rafters. The site was amid the no.tural forest, as the neighborhood
was but sparsely settled at that time.

The following extract is from tlie original " Day Book," still pre-
served by the officials of the organization :

"At a meeting held in the Methodist Church for chosing a Saxon
to serve for one year in said church to keep said house swept an<l
sanded and scraped when the Trustees shall direct, and all necessary
orher dutys of a saxon for the sum of five dollars; I'ichard Mier was
chosen and ac(-epted.'' Subsequently, the " saxon " was aJhiwed one
shilling ■• for every fire he makes in the sto\e." adilitional.

The present chun-h edifice was erected on the site of the fonner

296

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

one in 1842. It is considerably larger than the first bnilding, and
encroaches upon the graves in the old church-yard, as it used to be
the prevailing custom to bury the dead as near the church as possible.
The interior of the present church was remodelled in 1882.

The first white grave-stone erected here, we are informed, is to
the memory of the Eev. Joseph Totten. It created a great deal of
comment, and people went to see it fi-om many miles around. Im-
mediately in front of the church stands a plain marble monument,
which marks the grave of one of the most deeply revered preachers of

(

WOODROW METHODIST KPISCOPAL CHORCH.

the church, well known as " Old Father Boehm." The monumen
bears the following inscription :

" Sacred to the memory of Kev. Henry Boehm, born in Lancaster,
Pa., June 8, 1775; died on Staten Island, December 28, 1875. A cen-
tenarian, who was for seventy-six years an honored and beloved
Methodist minister, as eminent for social, Christian and ministerial
virtues as lor longevity; the associate of Bishop Asbury, and his com-
peers in labors on earth, he now rests with them in heaven."

On February 12, 1822, at a meeting held at the house of James
Totten, it was unanimously resolved to build another Methodist house
of worship in Westfield, to be called " The Tabernacle." A church

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 297

was organized, and the trustees duly elected. A public meeting was
held in the Tabernacle in August, 1823. The building was used as a
school-house for a time, but was removed several years since, the
establishment of churches at Tottemille, so near by, doing away
with the necessity for a church there. The site of the Tabernacle was
a few rods southeast of the railroad station, on the Amboy road, at
Eichmond Valley. Some of the foundation stones are still lying there.
Rev. James C. Wood, a local preacher, had charge of this church and
congregation for a number of years. It is said that he had such a
powerful voice that he could be heard for nearly a mile away, very
distinctly. He was the son of Abraham J. Wood, for many years a
resident of Xew Springville, Staten Island, and who died at tliat place
on September 20, 1796. James C. Wood was the third son. His
biographer says that " he was an exemplary Christian, zealous in the
cause of temperance, and an honored exhorter in the Methodist Epis-
copal Church with which he was connected.'' He was the father of
the late Abraham J. Wood, of Westfield.

In 1841, the membership of tlie original church was so large in the
village of Totteuville, that it was deemed advisable to organize an-
other society at that place. This was the founding of Bethel Churcli.
An edifice was erected in 1812, which cost about |14,000. It was de-
stroyed by fire on Sunday night. January 10, 18SG. The building at
that time, with its furniture, heating apparatus and organ, was valued
at about |23,000. The congregation inside of a year succeeded in
erecting one of the handsomest church edifices on the Island. Many
distinguished ministers have filled the jjulpit of this church. Rev. P.
C. Bascom is the present pastor.

St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, which was organized in
1860, is also located at Totteuville. The corner-stone of this church
was laid on September (i, 1861, and the building soon reached com-
pletion. But the congregation was greatly in debt; by a special ef-
fort on November 13, 1881, about |4,500 was raised and the church
v,-as fi'ee. Rev. Walter C. Kinsey is the present pastor.

The early Methodists of Staten Island did not confine their efforts
to tlie town of Westfield; for, soon after they were perjuanently
located there, a small class, under the leadership of Elias Price, was
organized in the town of Northfield, which, in 1802, had expanded
sufficiently to warrant the formation of a new society, and the erec-
tion of a cliurch, which is now familiarly known as the Asbury Church,
at NeAV Springville. For more than thirty years this church was the
only place of public worship possessed by the Methodists of Northfield
and Castleton. It was connected in pastoral supply with the church
at Mariners' Harbor from 1839 to 1849, when the latter secured a
minister of its own. Rev. W. C. Timbrell is the pastor at the present
time.

A branch of this church was established at Bloomfield, in North-

298 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

field, and tlie laying of the (.-oruer-stone occurred in June, 1885. It
stands at tlie liead of .Mnrill avenue, on a plot of ground presented by
Joseph Ball, uf Itlooiiihehl, and the Rev. John B. Hillver, of New
Springville. Its erection is mainly due to Messrs. John B. Hillyer and
Thomas Standeriug, both local preachers of the congregation.

Those residing along the shore in Castleton and Northfield, began
to agitate a church at or near (Jraniteville, in 1838. The next yoar,
Robert C. Simonson offered a lot of land on the Pond road, Port Rich-
mond, as a free gift, if they would ei'ect a church thereon. This of-
fer was immediately accepted by those residing in the vicinity, mid
the proposed church at rjraniteville was abandoned.

Early in the Winter of 1S39, the church on the Pond road, ( now ihe
German Lutheran (,'liurcli on Jewett avenue), was erected and dedi-
cated. The Westfield and Northfield charges were divided in 1840,
and Daniel Cross became the preacher on this circuit, which was
called the Northfield and (,»iiarantiiie mission. This was again di\ided
and made into circiiiis. in ISll. lliat of Northfield comprelieiidiug
Asbury and ilariners' Harbor, wiiile this was known as (Quarantine
and Port Richmond. Of this liev. R. Lutton became the pastor. His
name appears with those of Benjamin Day and Lewis Jefferson, be-
tween that date and 1818. They were succeeded by Alexander (xill-
more, 1848-9; and Charles E. Hill, 1850-1.

The house erected on Pond road continued to be their place of wor-
ship until IS.":'., when the congregation erected the brick edifice at
the corner of Richmond terrace and Dongan street. West New Brigh-
ton. The original building and lot were sold on April 28, 1853, to
the German Evangelical Lutheran congregation for |1,500. The new
church took the title of Trinity, and was incori^orated on Janua.ry
10, 1853, Ihe trustees hoing .lasper C. Codmus, John W. Sned(d<er,
Lewis Edwards, Azaria Denham and John Simonson.

The land on which Trinity Church and parsonage were built, was
purchased June 25, 1851, and was a part of the estate of .John
Bodine, Sr. The bell and clock in the tower of this church were pio-
cured by the contributions of the people residing in its vicinity. Ex-
tensive improvements have been made on the structure during the
pastorate of the Rev. Enoch Meachem, who came to it in 189G, and
still supplies its puli^it.

The pastors who have served Trinity Methodist Church are as fol-
lows: Benjamin Kelly, 1852-3; T. Pierson, 1854-5; N. Vansant.
1856-7; M. E. Ellison,' 1858-9; James M. Freeman, 1800-1; R. S.
Arndt, 1802-3; J. O. Winner, 1804; John F. Hurst, 1805; A. Owen,
1800; Thomas H. Smith, 1807-8-9; James 0. Rogers, 1870-2; J. L.
Ilurlbut, 1872-3-4; John B. Taylor, 1875; Solomon Parsons, 1870-7-8;
Nicholas Vansant, 1879-80-1; George W. Smith, 1882; L. R. Dunn,
1884; Sanniel P. Hammond, 1885-0-7; John Crawford, 1888; D. B. F.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

299

Randolph, 1SS9-90-1-2-3; W. B. Wigg, 1894-5-6; 1897 to present time,
Euocli :\r(Mclicni.

Tlie Methodists of Mariners' Harbor decided to bnild a chiircii
nearer tlieir homes. Accordingly a new society was organized on
April (i, is:!9. by the erection of Peter Braisted, Henry Jones, Ben-
jamin B. Kinsey, John L. Richards and Daniel Simonson as trnstees.
The certificate of incorporation was recorded on the 4th day of May
following, and the 11th of the same month a lot was pnrcliased for
!if275, and during the following six mouths the church was erected.
It was dedicated on December 1, 1839.

For se^i'ral years the same pastor served this church and the one
at New S]iriiigville, but in 1819, the connection was severed, and
each church became an independent charge. A parsonage was pur-
chased in IS.")!. It was in time found necessary to erect a larger
bouse, which was accordingly done, and the new edifice, from thence-

ifield Metliodist Ei.ic

Chuich, wa

forth known as the f>ui
dedicated on the lOth
of October, 1809. The
old church building
was sold for |l,5o6,
and is now oviued and
occniued by the Mar-
iners' Uarbor Wom-
en's Christian Tem-
perance Union. Rev.
II. J. Johnstone is the
pastor at present.

(J race Church, at
I'nrt Uichui.Mid. was
iiriginall\ called the
" North Shore Free
ilethodist Episcopal ^^^^^^ ^_ ^^ ^,^^^. ^^^^^.^^ ^^ w,M.i,r..u • ni,in. ix

<'liurch." It was or- ITIT. \mikrk wsnoi- asbuky pkk.uhkd ms

ganized under that first sermon in America.

title on January 23,

ls(;7, having forty-eight names on its roll at that time, the gTeater
])art of whom had withdrawn from Trinity Church, at West New
I'.righton. The meeting for organization was held in the Baptist
("hnich at Port Richmond, at which place the first Habbatli services
of this church were also held, on the 27tli of the same month. At the
tiist election of trustees, on February 18, 187G, the present name
was adopted. The trustees then elected were Read Benedi( t. Ward
:\IcLean. John (,». Simonson, William Greer, N. P. H. Barrett, John
S. Spragnc, William r>aiid)er. Dr. Frank P. Johnson and (Jeorge F.
Ileal. Previous To the erection of the church a tabernacle, which
cost -fCOO, was temporarily used for public worship.

300 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

The corner-stone of Grace Church was laid on August 1, 1867, and
tbe church was dedicated on December 29, 1867. The Church is
located on Heberton avenue, between Bond street and Grace Church
place. The first church edifice was erected at a cost of |10,000. The
building was partially destroyed by fire in 1895, and a handsome brick
structure was erected in its place immediately afterward.

The pastors of this church have been as follows: Alexander M.
Mead, 1867 to September, 1868; P. D. Day, September 15, 1868, to
the end of the Conference year; J. J. Read, Jr., 1873; W. I. Gill, 1871
10 1876; T. H. Landon, 1877; Joseph A. Owen, 1878; J. S. Gilbert,
1879 to 1881; E. C. Dutcher, 1882 to 1883; E. S. Arndt, 1884 to 1886;
C. S. Little, 1887 to 1891; J. G. Johnson, to 1896; when he Avas suc-
ceeded by A. C. McCrea, who occupies the pulpit at the present time.

St. Mark's Church, at Pleasant Plains, was dedicated in July, 1872.
For a brief period it was considered as under the supervision of the
Woodrow Church, but it became independent in 1873. Among its
pastors have been the Kev. Messrs. Van Zant, Hancock, Miller, How-
ard and Demming, the latter being the present pastor.

Kingsley Church is located on Cebra avenue, near St. Paul's, at
Stapleton. Rev. Henry Boehm, while stationed at Woodrow, or-
ganized a class in the Spring of 1835, at the house of Widow While,
on " Mud lane," now known as St. Paul's avenue, near the present
church. The names of this class were Mrs. James White, William
Howard, William Thoon, Mr. and Mrs. Kirbj', and Captain and Mrs.
Hart. The leader of the class was William Thoon.

Until the first church was built, public services were held at the
residence of Mrs. James White, and afterward in the Village Acad-
emy. The first board of trustees was elected on July 21, 1835, and
the Society was incorporated on the following day, under the title
of the " Methodist Episcopal Church of Tompkinsville, Stateu Island."
The board of trustees consisted of John Totten, Joseph Smith, A. C.
Wheeler, Henry Cole and Lawrence Hillyer.

The present site of the churcli is the only one the Society has ever
owned, and originally consisted of four lots, being donated by Mr.
Caleb T. Ward, of Stapleton, in December, 1835, on condition that it
be used only for church purposes. Mr. Ward, many years afterward,
gave the land in fee to the Society, and an additional piece of land.

On June 8, 1837, plans for a church building, thirty-eight by sixty
feet, were agreed upon, and estimates were received for the erection
of the church edifice. It cost |1.500. The corner-stone was laid about
July 1, 1837, and the building was dedicated on September 1, 1838.

The building of a new church was advocated in 1853, the old one
being considered unsuitable. On May 28, 1855, the first church
building \\'as sold at public auction. Mr. S. N. Havens was the pur-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 301

chaser, and he remoyed it to New Brighton and converted it into a
dwelling.

For fifteen years after the organization of this church, it was con-
nected with other Methodist Episcopal Churches on the Island in wliat
is called the Circuit plan. The first pastor was Kev. Heni'j- lloehni.

The Soriety has had tlie following pallors: ITciiry Hoi'lmi, Mul-
fcrd Day, John S. Jleglc, Mr. Luttoii, \Ir. Lewi-, liciij.nii'in D.iy, C. ',,!•-(.
Wisnor, Watters Burroughs, -lohn Steven-^ou, (icoigi- .Miliir, -lamli
B. Graw, D. F. Keed, Mr. Bishop, E. Clement, Wiiliani II. Dickeiron,
A. S. Burdett, C. R. Snyder, S. N. Bebour, J. B. I^aulks, -I. i^iyle, 11.
►Spellniyer, J. Cowans, G. Smith, H. Simpson, T. ^lichael, J. V. An-
drew, C. S. Woodruff, C. W. McCormack, B. B. Collins, J. II. [Mason
and J. C. Howard, Avho officiates at present.

This Society completed a neat parsonage, in April, 1885, at a cost
of |3,500. The corner-stone of the second church building was laid
June 1, 1S55, during the min.istry of Jacob B. Graw, and it was
dedicated in December of the same year. The new church was knxiwn
thereafter as the Stapleton M(4hodist Episcopal Church.

In 1870, during th<' iiiinistiy of the Eev. Henry Spellmyer, the
church was remodelled, ciilar^cd and refurnished, at a cost of .fl2,000.
After these improvciiicnts its name was changed to the Kingsley
Methodist Episcojinl Clmn-h, after Bisliop Calvin Kingsley.

St. John's IMethodisl Episcopal Church, at Bossville, was originally
a chapel under the jui-isdiction of the mother chuv<-h at Woodrow.
Ir was established about thirty-five years ago. In a foA^' years it be-
came a separate charui', and lias remained so up to the present time.
Rev. W. M. Wornicr is its ja-escn! jiastur.

Forty yeai'S or so ago, the Methodi^^ts erected a chapel at Kreischer-
ville, and held services in it for a. long time. The leaders of the little
congregation either died or moved to other fields of labor, in time, and
the building was closed to religious worship. The building became a
store-house later on.

Sandy Ground, the colored settlement, near Rossville, has two
Methodist Churches. This is accounted for by the fact that a few years
ago a question arose in the orig-inal congregation which led to a di-
vision, and the establishment of a second church. One — the African
M. E. Zion Church — is presided over by Rev. J. H. Mason; and the
other — Mount Zion M. E. Church — has Rev. William A. Hubbard for
its pastor.

CHAPTER XXII.

EriSCOl'AL CIUKCHES.

ilic ((iiaiiK'Uceuieut of the Eighteeutli rpiitm-y the little
villat>e of Richmond "was the religious^, as well as tlie bus-
iness centre, of Staten Island. The Dntcli Kefoimed, the
[•'rench Hngnenots, and the Presbyterians all W(aslii])(^d
under one roof, and linally the Episcojjalians also were inyitcd to
participate in the hospitalities of the congregation owning the editice.
Keligious services, after the forms of the Church of England, were
iKcasionally held on Stateu Island — probably at Richmond — previous
to 1704. In October of that year, the Rev. William ^'esey, of Trinity
Church, New York, in reporting the state of religion on Staten Island
to the " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts,"
says there was a tax of forty pounds a year laid upon the people, and
they desired to have a minister sent to them.

It appears that the foundation for this tax lay in the act which was
passed under the direction of Governor Fletcher, in 1693. which in ef-
fect established the church of England in the Counties of Xow York,
Westchester, Queens and Richmond, under the patronage of the Gov-
ernment. The inhabitants of each county named were, by tliis act, to
choose annually ten vestrymen and two church wardens. These of-
ficers were empowered to make choice of the minister or ministers
for each district, and for the support of these ministers -a certain sum
was dii'ected to be assessed on tlic iiiliabitants of all (Icnniiiiiuitions
in each county.

The act alluded to did not especially enjoin that the ministers so
chosen should be of the Episcopal Church, and by an explanatory act,
passed several years afterward, it was even declared that dissenting
ministers might be chosen. Though this law remained upon the
statute book during the Colonial ])erind, it became to a degree inopera-
tive through the niuiiitirent bequest of Judge Duxbury, made some
years later.

The Rev. John Talbot was sent to Staten Island as a missionary,
in ITOfi, and soon after he was succeeded by the Rev. Eneas McKenzie.
Then, Catechists or scdiool-masters were employed imder the direc-
tion of the Society as early as 1712. Before this time the matter of
erecting a church edifice in Richmond was under consideration. Tiie
Episco])alians vs-ere then using the Dutch-French church for (lieir
Vt'orship.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 303

William Tillyer and Mary, his wife, on the 6th of August, 1711,
trave to the Society a building site for a church and burial ground,
'' at the heaiC of Fresh kill, on Karle's Neck." Then, in 1713, a dona-
tion of one hundred and fifty acres of land was made to this churcli
by Adolphus Philips, counsellor; Lancaster Symes, a captain in Fort
Lewis; Ebenezer Wilson and Peter Faulconer, merchants, all of New
York. This was sold by the trustees, and another piece of ground,
uioie conveniently located, was purchased for a glebe.

A church was erected in 1713, on the gTound which two years before
had been given for the purpose. It was a jilain, stone structure, and
stood on substantially the same site now occupied by !-!r. Andrew's
Church, at Richmond. In fact, some of tlie original wall tm-ms a
part of the present edifice.

In 1713, Mr. ]\rcKenzie writes to the Society that during the first
seven years of his ministry on Staten Island he had preached •' ujion
sufferance in a French church," but the church people had now " got
a pretty handsome church of their own to preach in," and a lious'»
was about being built on the recenily purchased glebe. The church
was established under the royal cliartcr of Queen Anne, who also
jireseuted the congregation witli prayer-books, a piilpit cover, a silver
communion service and a bell. A portion of the communion service
is still in possession of the church authorities. The names of promi-
nent freeholders on the Island, attached to this church, appear in
tlie chartc'r as follows: Ellis Duxbury, Thomas Harmer, Augut^tin
(Jraham. Josejih Arrowsmith, Lambert Gerretson, Natlianiel Brittain,
William Tillyer, Ricliard :\Ierrill, Jolin :\l(.rgan and Alexander
Stewart.

Ellis Duxbury bequeathed to this church an extensive tract of land
in 171S. W\^ will bears date :\lay ."), 1718, and it was admitted to
probate on October 22 following. This property ^ras a plantation
of tv,'0 hundred acres, located, at New Brighton, and is frequentlv
mentioned in the records as " Duxbury's Point" and "The Glebe."
It was bequeathed to the minister, cluirch wardens and vestry of St.
Andrew's Church, for the use and maintenance only of the minister
and incumbent. The ])ro])erty still owned by St. Andrew's Church, at
Tom])kins\ ilh' and its viciiiily. is a ]iart of this bequest.

The IJcv. ^Ir. ^IcKcnzic ap])iMis t i liave had his salary increased in
1717 to £.")0 a year. It is not known what time he closed his labors here;
but in 1733 Mr. HarrLson appears as the missionary on Staten Island.
The numerical strength of the church, two years later", was about
fifty communicants. Mr. Harrison at this time writes that he has
baptized nearly seventy children, since he came here; also, " that he
hath baptized one Indian Woman, two adult Negroes, and three Ne-
groe Children: tliat he jireaclics on Sundays once; catecliises and
expounds after tlie second Lesson, and teaches the Negroes after
Service is ended, and the Congregation gone home; for many of them

304

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

live far from cluirch, and will not come twice nor stay long." Mr.
HaiTisou died while in this charge on October i, 1739. Mr. Arnold,
who had been travelling through New England, the 'i became the
missionary on Staten Island. In 1743, he writes " that his church is
increased two-fold, and that he hath lately baptized ten Negroes, and
is still preparing several more for that Sacrament." Having re-
signed in 1745, he was succeeded by Rev. Richard Caner.

The Rev. Richard Charlton became rector in 1747. His eldest
daughter vras connected by marriage with the Dongan family, being
the wife of Thomas Dongan, and mother of John C. Dongan. Another
daughter was the wife of Dr. Richard Bailey, who was Health Officer
of the Port of New York, and died in 1801. Dr. Charlton's ministry
continued for thirty-two years, and covered a portion of the period of
the Revolution; and notwithstanding the church was utilized part of
the time as a hospital for the British sick and wounded, it was the
only one on Staten Island in which services were held uninterruptedly
during the war. Dr. Charlton died in 1779, and was buried under the

communion table of
St. Andrew's Church.
Rev. Mr. Field be-
came the next rector
of St. Andrew's, on
the 1st day of May,
1780. He had been a
chaplain in the Brit-
ish Army, and was
stationed near Rich-
mond during the war.
His first baptism is
recorded two weeks
after that day. Mr.
Field died in 1782,
and was buried by the soldiers of the Seventy-first Regiment of the
British Army, his grave being beneath the church.

The Rev. John H. Rowland became rector in 1783. Altliough a
native of Wales, he had previously settled in a parish in Virginia. He
removed to Nova Scotia in 1788, and died in 1795.

The Rev. Richard Channing Moore became rector in 1788. He was
born in New York City on August 21, 1762; studied medicine and
practiced physic for a few years, when he became a student of Bishop
Provost. After receiving orders, his first ministry was for a brief
period at Rye, in Westchester County, this State, and in 1788 he came
to Staten Island, -where he remained until 1808. He then accepted
a call to St. Stephen's Church, New York City. He was elected
Bishop of Virginia and rector of the Monumental Church in the City
of Richmond, and was consecrated on Mav 18, 1814. While serving

DANIEL .JONES HOMESTEAD, OLD PLACE.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 305

in this capacity he preached the seruiou at the funeral services of
Juhn Marshall, Chief Justice of the United (States. In 1802, during
Dr. Moore's conueetiou Avith »St. Andrew's, a chapel was built on the
iS'orth Shore, and called " Trinity Chapel," which is now known as
the Church of the Ascension, West iS'ew Brighton. He officiated at
I'erth Amboy also from 1793 to 1801. He died on November 11,
18il, and was buried among those who loved him in old St. Andrew's
Cemetery.

Bishop Moore was succeeded by his eldest son at St. Andrew's, in
May, 1808. Rev. David Moore was pastor of this church for a period
of foil y-i'iulil years. He was born in New York City on June 3, 1787.
He siudic:! ihcolugy Willi his father, and was admitted to the dea-
coiiale in iSdS, and assuiucd immediate rharge of the parish. In a
corner of the old cemetery near the road, stands a pretty marble
monument, erected to his memory.

The liev. Theodore Irving, LL.D., succeeded Dr. Moore on Febru-
ary 5, 1857, and he resigned in November, 1864. Eev. C. W. Bolton
became rector in June, 1805, and resigned in the following January.
He was succeeded by the Kev. Kingston Coddard, D. D., of Philadel-
phia; he (lied on October 24, 1875, and was succeeded by the Rev.
i>r. Thomas A. Yocom, who was installed June 15, 1876. Dr. Yocom
is still the rector of St. Andrew's. On June 15, 1897, the completion
of his twenty-first year as such, his congregation and neighbors, with-
out regard to church connections, joined in giving him a reception
that will linger in the history of the ehureh as one of its happiest
incidents.

St. Andrew's Church has twice been almost totally destroyed by
fire. Each time it was soon rebuilt. It is justly considered one of
the most beautiful church edifices on the Island, and is held in rev-
erence by all who are in the least familiar with its eventful history.

The work of building Trinity Chapel, on the North Shore, in con-
nection with St. Andrew's at Richmond, was commenced in 1800, and
was completed in 1802. The lot on which it was built, was convej^ed
for the purpose by John Mc Vicar, a wealthy resident of the Island re-
siding in the old Dongan house, and connected by marriage with the
Dongan family. When preparing the ground for the foundation of
the edifice, it became necessary to remove the remnant of a British
redoubt.

When the work was commenced on Trinity Chapel, the Rev. David
Moore, son of the Bishop, was just entering his teens, and he drove
the team which hauled the first load of lumber from the woods, with
which to commence the construction of the edifice. This building is
still standing in the rear of the Church of the Ascension, having been
removed to make room for the new strncttire. The old building is now
used as the parish house.

After Dr. Moore's death, services in the Chapel were conducted by

306 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

clergymen assigned to perform that duty until May, 1809, when an-
other parish was organized, and Trinity Chapel became the L'huroh of
the Ascension.

The first rector, after the organization of the parish, was the Kev.
Theodore Irving, LL.D., of Newburgh. In consequence of the rapid
increase in the congregation, the old building was found to be insutti-
cient, and the erection of a new church was soon determined upon.
The corner-stone of a new edifice was laid with appropriate ceremo-
nies on August 30, 1870, and was first opened for divine services on
Ascension Day, May 16, 1871. Dr. Irving continued wdth this church
until February, 1872, when he I'esigned. In July, 1872, the Rev.
James Bush, of San Francisco, became the rector, and remained
until 1885, when its present rector, the Eev. Pascal Harrower, en-
tered upon his duties. Dr. Harrower has labored with great earnest-
ness and success for his church and people.

The officers of the church, at the time of the erection of the chapel,
were the Rev. Richard Channing Moore, rector; James Guyon, and
Peter Mersereau wardens; and Peter Laforge, John Latourette, Jolin
Van Dyke, Nicholas Journeay, Paul Micheau, Josiah Wright. Paul J.
Micheau and George W. Barnes vestrymen. The material with which
the new church is built, is Staten Island granite.

St. John's Episcopal Church at Clifton, w^is organized by members
of St. Andrew's, in May, 1843. The first house of worship was a mod-
est frame building, standing on the west side of New York avenue,
nearly opposite the present church.

The corner-stone of this church was laid on July 14, 1843. The
building committee was composed of William H. Aspinwall. Levi
Cook and W. B. Townsend. The wardens were Charles H. Simonson
and William H. Aspinwall, and the vestrymen were Levi Cook, James
R. Boardman, M. D., W. B. Towmsend, W. D. Cuthbertson, Lewis
Lyman, D. B. Allen, W. A. Fountain and W. H. White.

On November 10, 18G9, the corner-stone of the present church was
laid. The edifice is a handsome stone structure, and is one of the
largest houses of worship on the Island. The material of which it is
built is mostly a rose-colored granite from Lyme, Connecticut, with
string pieces and ornamentations of Belleville stone. The architec-
ture is of the Gothic style of the Fourteenth Century. The windows
are of stained glass, with designs highly executed from Italian relig-
ious art. St. John's was consecrated by Bishop Horatio Potter, ou
Sepiember 30, 1871.

The first rector of St. John's Church was the Rev. Kingston God-
dard, from June, 1844, to June, 1847. His successors have been the
Eev. Alexander G. Mercer, from June, 1847, to September, 1852; Rev.
R. M. Arabercrombie, from January, 1853, to February, 1856; Rev.
John C. Eccleston, from Ajml, 1856, to January, 1863; Rev. Thomas
K. Conrad, from March, 186.3, to October. 1866; John C. Eccleston,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

307

D. D., again from 1867, to 1899, and C. C. Walker, from 1899 to tlie
present time.

A commodions rectory was built beside the church in 1862, and a
|>arish building, known as the Mercer Memorial Chapel, was erected
on the same plot of ground in 1865. Within the past few years nearly
Iwo hundred thousand dollars have been spent on improvements in
this parish.

!^t. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, on St. Paul's avenue,
Tompkinsville, was organized at a meeting held at the Planters'
Hotel, on March 11, 1833. Before the erection of a church edifice,
services were held in x^rivate residences at Tompkinsville, over which
the Eev. Samuel Haskell officiated.

The first officers elected were Henrv 1 )raisler and Pichard S. Carev,

ST. .JOHN S PKOTESTANT EPISCOPAL LUUKCl

wardens; and Daniel Van Duzer, Sr., Caleb S. Ward. Richard Har-
court, Charles Simouson, George Brown, Daniel Simonson, Richard
Sharrett and Henry B. Metcalfe, vestrymen. The Rev. F. H. Cuming
was " called to the rectorship at a salary of |300 a year, and ferry
tickets for himself and family to pass freely between the Island and
New York, where he resided." He commenced his services here in
July, 1833. The corner-stone of an edifice was laid on the 3d of
July, 1834, Bishop Onderdonk officiating.

Mr. Cuming resigned on the 3d of May, 1834, and Rev. William
Curtis was his successor. He entered upon his duties on August 1st,
following, and died on the 21st of the same month.

The first edifice occupied by the congregation of St. Paul's, was

308 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

built upon ground given by Caleb T. Ward, on wliat was tlien Ricli-
mond avenue, but now known as St. Paul's. The church was conse-
crated on June 22, 1S35, and was used for religious services until
1870. Its cost was |5,831.3J:. The building was sold under a foreclos-
ure, in 1861. It was purchased by Mr. Ward, and by him resold to
the church. At a later period. Judge Albert Ward, proposed to erect,
at his own expense, a handsome stone church, and donate it to the
parish, on certain conditions, which were accepted, and the corner-
stone of the new church was laid on September 29, lSt5G.

The new church was completed in 1870, and services were held in il
for the lir.st time on Easter day, April 17 of that year. The church
was formally consecrated on May 31, following, the name having
been changed to " St. Paul's Memorial Church, Edgewater." The
building is one of very substantial lU'chitecture and construction, and
is said to have cost about ;|p50,000.

Other rectors of St. Paul's were as follows: Kev. \Mlliam LF.
Walter, from 1836 to December 3, 1838. 'I'hen follow ed Kev. ^Villiam
Walton, from December 27, 183U, to October 1, 1843; Ifev. Oordin
Wiuslow, from May 1, 1844, to April, 1852; Kev. Charles A. Maisun,
from July, 1852, to April, 1857; lie v. E. il. Cressy, from October, 1859,
to Novenib' 1861; Rev. E. W. Punneit, from November, 1861, to
Februai'y, 1875; Kev. Charles B. Coffin, from April, 1875, to his death,
on July 10, 1875; Rev. Albert U. Stanley, from November, 1875, to
May 1, 1882; Kev. Henry B. Wayne, from July 1, 1882, to 1893; and
Kev. Alonzo E. Wood, the preseut rector.

St. Luke's Church is located at Rossville. It was erected in 1843,
and its first rector was the Rev. C. D. Jackson. He officiated about six
yeai's. Rev. William H. Rees was his successor, and officiated about
live years. The next minister we find is the Kev. Jesse Pound, who
died in the parish, after a service of nine or ten years. He was suc-
ceeded by the Rev. Henry H. Bean, who, after several years" service,
also died in the parish. We find no other name until we come to
that of Rev. William Wardlaw, who came to the church about 1884,
and remained for several years. Kev. Charles J. Adams is the present
rector.

The Church of the Holy Comforter, at Eltingville, was dedicated on
October 8, 1865, its erection being largely due to the efforts of Mr.
Albert Journeay, assisted by the women of the surrounding neighbor-
hood. The parish was organized on October 24, 1865. The incor-
porators were Albert Journeay, James Guyon, Edward Banker, Jr..
S. K. Raymond, John W. Mersereau, Jr., and Charles E. Robins. Tlie
edifice was consecrated on May 29, 1868. The rectors have been as
follows: Rev. J. W. Payne, from November 29, 1865, to August 9,
1866; Rev. W. W. Holley, from October 4, 1866, to October 24^ 1867;
Rev. W. Leacoclv, from February 26, 1868, to September 23, 1868;
Rev. Newland Maynard, from September 27, 1869, to May 23, 1871;

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 309

Rev. Frederick M. Gray, from August 1, 1873. to 1S95; and the Rev.
C. P. Wilson, the present pastor.

Chrii^t Church, at New Brighton, was organized on .July 9, 1S49,
s.mie of the movers in the enterprise being members of St. Paul's, of
Tompkinsville. The ground was donated by the New Brighton As-
sociation. The edifice is a frame building, and stands in the midst of
well-kept grounds on the West side of Franklin avenue, between Rich-
mond terrace and Second street.

The nave of the present church was built in 1850, the transepts be-
ing completed at a later date. The first wardens were William H.
Pendleton and David A. Comstock; and the first vestrvraen were
George Wotherspoon, Samuel T. Jones. Travis B. Gutting, Matthew
Morgan, George E. Kunhardt, Peter Stuyvesant, Philip P. Kissam and
("harles D. Rhodes. A commodious Sunday-school building Avas com-
pleted in 1874.

The first rector of Christ Church was Rev. Pierre P. Irving, who
began Avith its earliest existence, and remained with it for a term of
Iwenty-five years. During the last two or three years he was as-
sisted in his duties by the Rev. Hamilton Lee.

Rev. George D. Johnson, the present rector, who, as Ven. Archdea-
con, presides over the Archdeaconry of Richmond, came to tiiis church
in 1S7.5. An earnest, cheerful worker for the Master, he has found
his way into the hear-ts of members of all denominations, all of whom
look upon him as a sincere friend.

St. Mary's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized at the resi-
dence of Mr. Edward Bement, Ri<hmond terrace and Bement avenues,
West New Brighton, in 18.56. The neat stone structure on Castleton
avenue was built in 1858. Finally after a number of appointments,
the Rev. Alfred G. Mortimer became rector, and placed the church
upon a solid foundation. Dr. Mortimer also established a parochial
school in connection with this church (that of St. Austin's), which
under his management also became a success.

Other Protestant Episcopal Churches on the Island are as follows:
Chapel of our Father, Central avenue. Mariners' Harbor; New Dorp
Mission. Mill road. New Dor["); Randall Memorial Church, Sailors'
Snug Harbor; Trinity Mission, Fifth and Ocean avenues, New Dorp;
St. Stephen's, Tottenville; St. Simon's Chapel, Concord.

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE BAPTIST CHURCHES.

^IOXAl\Y work on the part of New York City jtastors mid
licentiates caused the establishment of The first T5a])list
Church on Staten Island. So far as is known, the first
nieetinos y\eve held by Eeverends John Gano and Elkanah
Holmes, in the summer of 1785. They were in the open air and were
held at different places on the East Shore and interior of the Island.
Eveninsi' meetin,<j;s were held in barns and private dwellings.

The " First Baptist Church of Staten Island " was constituted on
December -30, 1785. It was composed of the following persons, tliey
having been baptized during the autumn preceding: Belichy Foun-
rain, Antiiony Fountain, Jr.. Hannah Fountain, Nicholas Cox, Mar-
garet Kruser, Mary Yan Name, Mary Lockerman, Susannah Wandel.
Jacob Van Pelt, John Wandel. Jr., Charles Van Name and John
Lockerman.

The Rev. Elkanah Holmes was the first pastor of tliis church, and
he coutinued as such for about ten years. Eev. Daniel Steers ^vas
ordained about August 23, 1797, and at once became pastor of this
church, which he continued to serve until about 1808, when he re-
signed. He was succeeded by Rev. Nicholas Cox. who died shortly
afterward.

Meetings had been held in the open air up to this time, occasionally
being traiisferred to private dwellings and school-houses. It was re-
solved, however, to build a meeting house in 1809, and the resolution
was carried into effect. The house was opened for divine worship
on the 24th of the following October. The Rev. W. Parkinson, of the
First Baptist Church of New York, delivered the first sermon. The
church building was about twenty by thirty feet in size, and stood on
the side of the hill at the junction of the old Clove and Richmond
roads, at Concord. Though the building has long since disappeared,
there are a number of old Staten Islanders still living who remember
it well. Its site is still marked by the neglected graves wliich were
made near it in days of yore. It is stated on good authority that this
was the only edifice owned by this denomination in this county up
to the year 1830. It was familiarly known as the " Old Clove Church,"
and for many years, even after the date mentioned, was " the favored
centre to which members of the sect came to worship from many of
the surrounding villages."

(

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 311

On May 1, 1810, tlio Rpv. James Bruce commeneerl his pastorale
here. He was ordained at the First Baptist Church in New York, on
the 21st of June, followinitr. Mr. "Bruce was then a younji- r.ian, but
soon proved himself a very earnest and faithful pastor; he died in
February, 1811. He was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel Carpenter,
in September followinp:, and was pastor of the church until 1813.
Various changes followed, there appearing to be no settled minister
until Auo-ust 6, 1817, when Elder Robert F. Randolph was called.
He resigned in the sprinc; of 1819, and was succeeded by Thomas B.
Stevenson, then a licentiate.

At that time baptisms were frequently performed on the shore
near John L oclvcrman's farm, at Mariners' Harbor, as well as on the
shore on the South side of the Island. Mr. Stevenson was ordained on
the 25th of .Vucfust, 1819, and continued until August. 1822. Another
period of unsettled supplv of the pulpit foUrwed. but on October 25.
1823. Anna R. Martin, a licentiate of the Bethel Baptist Phurch of
New York, was called, and was ordained on June 9, 1824. The
membership of the cliurch at that time numbered fifty persons.

The work of the church moved steadily forward. Meetin<;s were
held in the neip;hborhood of Rossville, then generally known as the
*' West Quarter." Concord, in those days, was known as " Hutch
Farms," and the " Farms Meetinc: House " was a common expression
ainonu the people of the Island.

A parsonac;e stood opposite the church, on the Richmond road,
near where Mr. Darrah's blacksmith-shop is now located. It was
purchased durina; the first year of Mr. Martin's pastorate. The Mar-
iners' Harbor members desired to have a church of their own nearer
their homes. This feelinc resulted in the building, in 1 830, of a church
at Oraniteville. In May, 1834, the membersliip of the Old Clove
Church was seventy-six. Mr. Martin remained with this church until
October 20, 1835, when he died.

The Rev. Samuel Wliite became pastor of the Old Clove Church
on June 1, 1836, and under his ministrations the membership in-
creased until it reached one hundred and thirty-four, in 1840. It v/as
reduced to ninety-three in 1841, by the withdrawal of members who
joined the church at Graniteville. Then the Old Clove Church began
lo fall into decline, and for seA'eral years was barely able for a part
of the time to maintain regular Sabbath services. Elder White was
assisted in the last few years of his life by supplies, who preached in
tlie branch church and part of the time in the Old Clove Church. He
died May 3, 1863, after a pastorate of twenty-five years, during which
time he had baptized two hundred and fifty-two persons, of whom
several became licentiates or ordained ministers. In much of his
revival work he was assisted by the Rev. Mr. Arthur, father of ex-
President Chester A. Arthur. Mr. White's remains were deposited
in the familv vault in the grounds of the church at Graniteville.

312

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

The Rev. Mr. Patterson, a son-in-law of Mr. White, became pastor
of the church in the summer of 1863, and continued in tlial cai>acity
until May, 1865. After that, the church had supplies Ini several
years, and during- that time its life seemed to dissolve \n\n llmt of llie
branch church at Graniteville. The title of the Old dov." 'inircli be-
came vested in the heirs of Mr. White, in liquidation of a claim which
he had lontr held against the church. The old building was arr( i-
ward used as a school-house for several years; but in 1877 it was
demolished.

A new house of worship was built by the church at Graniteville.
about half a mile East of tlie " North "' Church. This is the building
Avhich stands on the <;iin l";i(tory road. It was opened for worship
in April, 1842, the lUv. SjuMicer H. Cone preaching the first sermon.
This branch of the Old Clove Church seemed to prosper for a time.

but after the death of
Mr. White it fell into
decline. From 1867 to
1870, it was seldom
openerl for Avorsliip.
Mr. Waters was em-
ployed a few months
in the latter year.
John A. W i 1 s o n
preached during the
latter part of 1871, to
May. 1872. and Henry
Wiiletts followed in a
short time. In Sep-
tember, 1872. Duncan
Young became pastor.
RtsiDPNci nt.iNMM \\N iiij\ 1 1 iM I MN-\ H 1 1 and contlnued three

years. Rev. Jack'son
Ga Nun labored eight months, beginning in January, 1876. John B.
Palvert, in December, 1877, began serving as a supply, after the house
had been closed over a year. He remained till July, 1879. James B.
Drysden and George Nock held services in the church for short peri-
ods, but no regular church services were held in it from 1880 to 1899.
About 1882. the Society disbanded. The later history of the churcli
seems to have been a race between it and the " North " Church, (which
afterward became the " Park '' Church,) in which the old churcli
was obliged at last to give up.

Meetings were held by the Baptist denomination in the vicinity of
Holland's Hook, about the year 1810, in such places as Joliu Locker-
man's orchard, just West of Summerfield avenue, and similar a^•ail-
able nooks. Several members of the Old Clove Church lived in tlie
vicinity, and a few years later they inaugurated a movement leading

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 313

to the establishment of a place of worship near their homes. The
jmblie school-house at Mariners' Harbor, a small, primitive structure,
iu keeping- with the times, was secured, anrl regular services were
commenced in June, 1825. Ground for a building site, on the Kich-
niond road at Graniteville, was given by Jedediah Winant, in 1S29,
and a building, thirty-one by forty-one feet, and twenty feet high,
vvas erected on it. This edifice was opened on July 22, 1830. It stood
upon what is now tlie burial ground known as "Hillside remeTery," on
the Richmond road, directly opposite the GraiiitiM illc -^rlmol-house.
On Sabbath afternoons and alternate Sabballi fxiniii-s | he pulpit
was supplied by the pastor of the Old Clove Church. The first Baptist
Sunday-school on Staten Island, was organized in this church on the
third Sabbath of August, 1832.

It appears that this branch soon began to break away from the
mother church, and so, in 1836, it had a communion service and of-
ficers by itself. The (uiestion of separation from the old church was
frequently under discussion, and such a step was finally resolved upon
at a meetin2- held on February 3. 1841. The " North Baptist Church "
was then organized with fifty-three members, on March 1, 1841.
The Eev. J. T. Seely became its pastor on the 4th of May. During his
pastorate a remarkable revival occnn'ed, remembered as " thi' re-
vival in the old rubber factory," at what is now West New Brighton.
Fifty-one baptisms were the result of this movement. The little
congregation then determined u]ton building a church of their own
at Port Bichmond. and a modest frame building was dedicated on
I'^ebruary 27, 1843. Services were held at Graniteville in the morn-
ing, and at Port Richmond in the evening — an arrangement which
continued until February 15, 1857, when the Graniteville edifice be-
came the property of the Mariners' Harbor Baptist Church, organized
at that time.

Mr. Seely closed his labors on August 1, 1845, and he was suc-
ceeded by the Eev. David Morris, who remained until May 1, 1849.
He was followed by Rev. B. C. Townsend, who served from May,
1850, to May, 1852. Rev. Aaron Jackson followed with nine months'
service. Rev. John Seage became pastor in May, 1853, and resigned
in May, 1856. He was followed by Rev. Z. P. Childs, on May 1, 1856,
and remained until May 15, 1858, during which time, February 15,
1857, forty-eight members left the organization to constitute the
Mariners' Harbor Baptist Church.

In August, 1858, the Rev. George W. Dodge became the pastor, and
he resigned in June, 1859. He was succeeded, in December, 1860,
by Eev. W. A. Barnes, who departed two months later. The church
had not the brightest prospects at that time, and many feared that
it would soon disband. There was no settled pastor until the Sum-
mer of 1864, the church having been temporarily supplied by Eev.
W. B. Schrope. The question of deeding the property to the Mariners'

314 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Harbor r-hureh was seriously considered by tlie members. But just
as this fee]ini>- of depression had reached its lowest point, the mem-
bers aroused themselves to make one more effort for existence, and
the Rev. D. B. Patterson was called to fill the pulpit on July 24,
1864; he resigned in 1866.

The membership of the chiirch had become reduced to thirty-one,
and the house was closed for several months. Finally the Bev. D. W.
Sherwood was called to the pastorate, in December, 1866, but he re-
signed in 1870. Bev. S. G. Smith was pastor from October, 1870, to
1877. " During this time the church had grown stronger; fifty seven
persons had been baptized, and the church edifice remodelled, at an
expense of |1 3,000. The name was changed to the 'Park Baptist
Church of Port Richmond,' and the present brick church was erected."

On April 1, 1878, the Bev. A. S. Gumbart was called to this charge,
and he was ordained on May 16, following; he resigned in June.
1880, having received forty-nine members into the church. Bev. J. J.
Muir was his successor, and entered upon his duties as pastor in
March, 1880. He was succeeded in 1883 by Bev. J. B. L'Hommedieu,
who began his service on October 1, 1883. Under his ministrations
more than a hundred members were added to the church. Mr. L'Hom-
medieu resigned in 1895, and was succeeded by the Rev. William
Morrison, the present successful and popular pastor. A parsonage
was recently erected on ground adjoining the church.

Forty-eight members were dismissed, at their own request, from
the North Baptist Church, on February 15, 1857, to organize the
church at Mariners' Harbor. This church was constituted by a coun-
cil held on March 12, 1857. and a full organization effected by a
meeting at the house of George F. Thompson, on the first of April
following. The first trustees were David Van Name, George F.
Thompson, William Lissenden and Jacob Van Pelt. The corner-
stone of a new edifice was laid September 9, 1857, and the building
was dedicated on May 5, 1858. Meetings were held in the old Granite-
villc Church until the completion of the new one. The cost of the
build ino- and grounds was about -f 10,000. The Graniteville Cliuvch
h;i(l \)('"n granted to this Society by a resolution of the North Clinrch,
made January 17, 1857.

Th(^ church was cleared of debt in 1868. The successive ministers
who have served it have been as follows: Bev. Z. P. Childs, from
1857 to 1858; Bev. J. N. Tolman, 1858. to 1861; Bev. G. P. Folwell,
from 1861 to 1862; Bev. J. L. Benedict, from 1862 to 1864; Bev. J. J.
Brouner, from 1864 to 1869; Bev. W. B. Harris, from 186fj to 1872;
Rev. J. W. Taylor, from 1872 to 1875; Rev. C. W. Hull, from 1875 to
1877; Rev. W. R. Maul, from November, 1877, to 1889; Tfev. Sidney
Welden is the incumbent.

Meetings began to be held by the Baptists in private houses in
various parts of the town of Westfield as early as 1826. They were

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 315

under the auspices of the members of the Okl Clove Church. Tlie
principal places were the homes of Edward Weir, in Pleasant Plains;
Mrs. Gilletta Murray, in Piossville; Israel Journeay and Mrs. Cath-
erine Ely, and in school houses at Tottenville, Richmond ^'alley and
Rloomingidew. These meetings led to the establishment of a branch
cluirch at a location which some years later was called Kreisiherville,
and the corner-stone was laid on IMarcli 81, 1847, and the dedica-
tion of the building on the 16th of September following. II was a
frame building, thirty by forty-two feet. It remained as a brancli or
chapel, until 1848, when' the " West Baptist Church of Staten Island "
was organized on the 24th of May. The constituent members were
Israel Journeay. Aaron Van Name, Edward Weir, Catherine -lour-
neay. Gilletta Murray, Catherine Ely, Alice A. Ellis, Phoebe Andro-
vette, Hannah Martin and Mary Benedict. A Sunday-scliool \vas
organized on the first Sunday in May, 1849, with Mrs. Catherine Ely
as superintendent.

Rev. William Pike, of Haverstraw, was the first pastor of tliis
cliarge. He entered tlic pastoiar.' on June 1. 1848. Rev. John Bur-
nett was his suc(<"<sor, ;issi;iiiiiii; charge on November 1, 1854. lie
also preached at Tottenville on stated evenings, in a chajiel wliitli
had been built by Harmon Kingsbury. Mr. Burnett died on March

I, 1858, and his successor, \U'\. Tlioiiias \\. Conway, was called on
.Inly 1, following, and he was ordained on October 20, of the same
y-ar; he remained until 0( rober 30, 18(i(). ( »n Keceinher 30, 1859,
ten members withdrew to form the "South Baptist Chui-ch," at Tot-
tenville, \^'hich left this church with a membership of only thirty.

The Rev. Arthur Day became the pastor of both churches on Janu-
ary 1, 18(il, and resigned in January, 1863. Supplies followed, until
the Rev. William Jan^es was settled over both churches in January,
1865, continuing until February, 1866. Rev. William B. Harris was
l.astor from February 26, 1867, to March 1, 1869. Rev. David Taylor
was pastor for one year from June 1, 1869. These churches dissolved
connection in 1870.

For a long time services were held in the residences of the Baptists
of Tottenville, the Rev. George F. Heudricksou, of Perth Auiboy,
New Jersey, officiating, and from 1852 to 1858, he Avas assisted by
the Reverends Pike and Burnett, of the West Baptist Church. Later,
services were held in the little chapel. Temperance Hall was secured
ill the spring of 1859, and services were thei-eafter held in it on Sab-
bath mornings. A church organization was effected on December

II. 1859, under the title of the "South Church of Staten Island."
The following members withdrew from the West Church to become
connected with the new organization : T. W. Conway, John Tucker,
S. B. Hazelton, George D. Fisher, William Cooley, Isabella Fisher,
Mary Wrifle, Sarah A. Ellis. ^Nlaria T. Hazelton, Isabella Ayer, Mel-
vina Cole, Ann Storer and S. D. Reed.

316 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

On Monday, February S, 1860, the cDrner-stone of a new edifice
was laid. The chnrch was supplied with ministerial service in con-
nection with the West Church until 1870. It was cleared of debt in
August, 1871, principally through the efforts of Mr. John Turner,
Y.'ho him.self assumed one-half the burden, and in addition erected
at his own expense a lecture-room in the rear of the church.

From October, 1871, the pulpit was filled by temporary siipplies, to
September, 1875, when the South and West Churches were again
united in pastoral support under the ministration of Isaac W. Brink-
ei'hoff, who continued to serve them iintil July 1, 1881. Eev. Cal-
vin A. Hare became pastor of the South Church in April, 1882, and
remained until 1884. when Eev. T. B. Bott was called. The Rev. J. C.
Hendrickson is the pastor at the present time.

The First Baptist Cliurch of New Brighton was organized in 1884,
with twelve members, the leading spirit of the movement being Mr.
James Crabtree. Rev. J. B. McQuillan was the first pastor. In
November of the same year the church, having secured a lease of the
Unitarian house of worship, on Clinton avenue, engaged the first
pastor, ilr. McQuillan began his term of service on the first Sab-
bath in January, 1885. A baptistry was placed in the church, and
several candidates immersed, the first in New Brighton for nearly
forty years. The church was duly recognized by a council of the
Southern New York Baptist Association, on the 2d of February, 1886.
Mr. McQuillan resigned on July 1, 1887. The church had a struggle
for a time, but in 1897, a very substantial church edifice wa? erected
on Westervelt avenue, under the pastorate of the Rev. J. B. Toy, \vbo,
after a time, resigned. Rev. H. B. Hudson is the present pastor.

CHAPTER XXIV.

TlIK LUTHERAN AND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES, ETC.

JII'] fiist Liitheran deuomination on Btateu Island was organ-
ized on October 17, 1852, and was called the " German
Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John," and was lo-
cated at Port Eichmond. It belongs to the sect known
as the " irnaltered Au;^sburgian Confession." This confession was
drawn up at Augsburg by Melancthon, and by him and Luther pre-
sented to Emperor Charles in 1530.

The original members of this church were as follows: John Rath-
yen, Paul ^^clunidt, ("Larles Keutgen, John Hettsche, Carl Senne, A.
Knopp, Ernst Simiiic, Louis Koenig, John C. Schiegel, Augustus
Senne, J. 11. Matthius, Diedrich Senne, Gottlieb Bertsch, Carl Neid-
thart, Adam Fuegel and A. Hulsebus.

Tlie pastors of this church have been as follows: Bernard de
Schweinitz: Fr. Boeling, from 18.5-3 to 1855; H. Eoel. rr.nu 1S55 to
1856; J. F. C. Hennicke^ from 185(> to 1857; K. Goeghling, lr..in 1858
to 1859; JL Termenstein, from 1860 to 1867; J. E. Golllicb. from
1SG7 to 1875; C. Friucke, Jr.. December 5, 1875, to 1884; J. P.
Sclioener, from April 10, 1885, to 1897, when the Rev. John C. Borrh
became the pastor.

The church has over two liuudred commnnicaiit nuMubers. The edi-
fice was purchased from the Methodists, it having been the lirst liome
of the cougregaticm of Trinity Methodist Church of West New
Brighton.

The German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Stapleton was organ-
ized in 1S."")6. Pastor Christian Ilennicke had been on Staten Island
for some time prior io that date, evidently striving to organize a
cliurcli of !!iat (Icnomiiiation on the East Shore.

Tlie first meeting of the congregation was held on the evening of
December 22, 1856, in the Methodist Episcopal Church on Cebra
avenue, Stapleton, when the title of the church Avas adopted. The
officers then chosen were Andrew Wohlrabe, President; Henry Uhr-
brock. Treasurer, and Ernest F. Korhm. Secretary. They also com-
prised the Board of Trustees.

The first regular service was held on October 26, 1856. On Feb-
ruary 17, 1857, Frank Lenting and Ernest F. Korhm, secured cer-
tificate of incorporation. On May 4, 1857, the congregation decided
to collect funds for the erection of a church building, services still

318 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

being held in the Methodist Church. On October 1, 1857, tlie con-
gregation decided to accept Pastor Heuuicke.

On February 2, 18G2, the following board of trustees was elected :
P. W. Caesar, President; Loiiis DeJonge, Vice-President; D. Bauer,
Secretary; Julius DeJonge, Carl Frauke, F. Leuting, William Houff,
n. Ulirbrock, C. Winzer.

After October, 1857, there weri' no seiTices until Januai*y 30, 1859,
when a request was made by The congregation to Pastor Guerling.
of Port Richmond. He accepted the call, and remained until October,
1869.

In May, 1862, a reorganization was effected, and tifty-one mcMnbci-s
signed the constitution. There were ninety-one ((.mniuuicants on
January 18, 1863.

At the annual meeting on February 5, 1865, Louis DeJonge i-e-
ported that four lots had been procured at the corner of Beach street
and Richmond road. Tw^o of these lots were purchased from Alhiii
Warth, for $2,000, and two were presented by him.

A committee consisting of Julius Francke, Herman Jasjjer ajul
Rudolph Lienhard was appointed in April, 1864, to confer with L. H.
Meyer relative to building a church edifice. The pastor reported one
hundred and sixty-eight communicants.

Pastor Guerling left in October, 1869. and was succeeded by Robert
Karl Beer, who remained untii October, 1870. Pastor E. tiering came
in July, 1871, and remained until September, 1893. He was follewed
by Pastor A. Krause, u^ho is still serving the congregatiDn, and has
a warm place in the hearts of his people.

There are at present three hundred and twenty-five comnuinic auts,
with a Sunday-school numbering forty-five teachers and three hun
dred and sixty children. The pastor is the superintendent.

The present board of trustees is composed of the following: Otto
Lindermann, President; Edward Meuer, Vice-President; Charles F.
Zeiitgratr, Secretary; John C. Siemer, Treasurer; William Ehlert,
Elder; Adolph Schaus, Charles Scliumann, Christian Bardes, Francis
Kumm, Frederick Harder and Albert Stake, Trustees.

The German Evangelical St. Peter's Churcli of Kreisclierville wji'^
the result of the liberality of the late Belthaser Kreischer. The organ-
ization having been completed. Rev. Jacob Gauss, a student of theol-
ogy, was called on trial. After passing a mn'^i sntisfactory examina-
tion, he was recommended by the Classis nf New ^■n|■k, ordained a
minister of the Gospel, on November 16, ISS."!, and was duly installed
as minister of the new church.

This church was incorporated on the 23d day of October. 1881, but
for some time after the organization the little jMethodist Episcopal
chapel in the village was occupied by the congregation. A great ma-
jority of those who worship in this church are German or of German
extraction, and are connected with the extensive factories at that
place.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

319

" Tlic Conurejiutioual Church of the Evangelists of New Brighton "
was established on September 21, 1S51, by Messrs. James Parker,
JAU'iiis Tiu-kerman, W. C. Goodhue, George W. Jewett, John Gralv
tree, A. J. Hamilton, George A. Ward, Robert C. Goodhue, William
\V. Pvussell, Smith Ely, S. M. Elliot, John D. Sloat, J. E. Kuhnhardt,
William F. Cary, John Jewett, Jr., L. G. Wyeth and Mrs. M. Pendle-
ton.

This Society held its meetings at Belmont Hall, New Brighton, Mr.
Parkniaii preaching on alternate Sundays there and at the Lyceuu), for
about six months,
when, unable to obtain
a suitable place of wor-
ship, the organization
dissolved. Mr. Park-
man was called to the
pastorate (jf the united
body, and the name of
the corporation w a s
changed to that (f
'• The Church of the Ke-
deeiiMM-," Messrs. Dan-
iel Low, George A.
Ward, W. C. Goodhue,
John F. Raymond, Lu-
cius Tuckerman, H. M.
Harding, A. J. Hamil-
ton, John Crabtree and
Daniel (i. Garrison be-
ing the board of trustees. A buildiu
on Richminid turnpike, at the foot <

CLINCH HOMESTEAD, RICHMOND RO.\D, NEAR THE CLOVE ;
ERECTED ABOUT 1700.

'or churcli purposes was erected
Cebia avenue, which was dedi-
cated on June 29, 1853. The church was so prosperous t hat i i was soon
found necessary to enlarge the edifice to double its original sl/.e.

Mr. Parkman, with his family, w^ent to Europe, and he was suc-
ceeded temporarily by Rev. Charles Ritter and Rev. R. B. Cutler, and
tinally in November, 1865, after an unsuccessful attempt to induce
:Mr. Parkman, on his return to Boston from Europe, to resume his
former charge, the church was closed, the building sold and removed,
ihe land also sold, and the proceeds invested in United States bonds.

The corporation was continued. In 1868, Rev. W. R. G. Mel 1 en,
then Secretary of the Hudson River Conference, gathered the c^.n-
gregation together, and attempted its reorganization. Meetings were
held at the Union Sunday-school rooms in New Brighton, at wliich
he conducted the services.

A reorganization was effected, and Messrs. Daniel Low, Creorge W^.
Jewett, John C. Henderson, Charles C. Goodhue, George William
Curtis, John H. Piatt, Edward B. Merrill, J. Frank Emmons and An-
drew M. F. Davis were chosen trustees. A lot of land on the corner

320 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of Clinton avenue and Second street, New Brighton, was purchased,
and a church edifice erected thereon at a cost of nearly -f 15,000. The
larger part of this sum was paid by the funds in hand and by sub-
scriptions, but a debt of nearly |6,000 remained.

Rev. W. C. Badger was called to the pastorate, but resigned in
about eighteen months. The pulpit was afterward supplied by dif-
ferent clergymen for a while, but for several months the services
were conducted by Mr. George William Cui'tis. In May, ISTl, Bev.
W. R. G. Mellen was settled as pastor, and remained in charge uutil
May, 1874. After this the services were principally and gratuitously
conducted by Mr. Curtis.

During this period a fine organ was purchased and paid for, mainly
through the exprtions of Mr. J. W. Simonton. The debt was paid off,
Mr. Low having n.ntributed largely for that purpose.

When, a ltd' a IVw years, Mr. Curtis relinquished the conduct of (he
services, the Society invited various clergymen to preach, and finally
asked the Rev. Alphonso W^eeks to become the pastcu-. He was
obliged to decline, and the religious services were suspended. The
church remained unoccupied until 1884, when it was let to tlio Baptist
Society.

The new building of St. Paul's German Lutheran Evangelical
Church, at Cary avenue and Caroline street, West New Brighton,
was dedicated Sunday afternoon, August 26, 1900. The mem-
bers of the church, numbering about seventy-five, assembled in
Roe's Hall, in Taylor street, and marched to the church, where tiiey
were met by the pastor, the Rev. J. C. Reichert, and entered tlie
church. The choir marched in front, singing an anthem. The Rev.
J. C. R. Luehrs, of Jersey City, presided. The sermon was delivered
by the Rev. Dr. A. Richter, of Hoboken, New Jersey, and the Rev.
Dr. G. Berkmeier, of Mount Vernon, 'delivered an interesting address.
Other clergymen present were the Rev. Charles Rabbow, of Jersey
City; the Rev. George Blaese, of Bloomfield, New Jersey; the Rev. A.
Krause, of Stapleton, and the Rev. W. Trebert, of Plaiuficld, New
Jersey.

The building is constructed of rock faced brick, is of colouial
architecture, is 42 feet in width and 72 feet in length, and has a seat-
ing capacity of three hundred. The interior is handsomely furnished.
The windows are of colored Cathedral glass, and the pews are of
highly polished oak. The cost of the building was |7.000.

The Jewish Synagogue. — Notwithstanding the fact lliat ihe
Hebrew Society of Staten Island had been organized for a full decade,
the believers in that religion had no place of worship here until 1891,
when the ueat edifice on Richmond turnpike, near Tompkinsville, was
erected. It is known as Bnei Jeshurum. The congregation is con-
siderably over one hundred and is rapidly increasing. The services
are conducted by Rabbi Walkowics.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES.

ELIGIOUS worship, accordinc; to the Eoman Catholic faith,
was practiced on Staten Island while the Waldenses were
at Stony Brook and the French at Marshlands. And yet,
considering the terrible excitement of the time, in con-
sequence of opposite opinions on the great questions of religion, it
must be said to the honor and credit of all, that not one unpleasant
incident is recorded as the result of personal conflict between the rwo
factions on Staten Island. Everybody seems to have been permitted
to worship God according to the honest dictates of his own conscience.
We have only tradition for the statement that a little Roman
Catholic Church was located at Cucklestown about 1720. This comes
from a historical story of the novel type, telling of the adventures
of a member of an Irish regiment, who had served here during the
Revolution, and who had come back many years afterward, in search
of the grave of a comrade.

It is positively known, however, that the Roman Catholics met in
Ihe residence of (rovernor Dongan, at what is now West "New Brigh-
ton, and held I'eligious services, and that the Indian chiefs and others
prominent among the tribes located here, were present by invitation
of the Governor.

It is not likely that any positive attempt was made to establish a
Roman Catholic Church on Staten Island until about 181.5. and in
the absence of any structure known to have been dedicated to that
purpose, we conclude that whatever efforts were made were without
success. But there is standing on Giffords lane, about midway be-
tween the Fresh Kill road and Giffords station, a small wooden
structure, occupied as a dwelling, wherein services used to be regu-
larly held. The building finally became too small, and one portion
of the congregation went over to Richmond and held services in the
public hall connected with the old Washington Hotel, while the other
portion met in the gun factory, which stood on the corner of Richmond
terrace and Lafayette avenue, in New Brighton.

The place became unfit for church service, in a short time, and on
the first day of April, 1839, a Roman Catholic Church was organized
at a meeting in the gun factory building. Ground was donated for
the purpose by the New Brighton Association. The new church Avas

322

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

named in honor of St. Peter, and the ground on which it stands will
revert to the heirs of the donors when it ceases to be used for a church
of the Roman Catholic faith.

The Rev. Ildefonso Medrano, a native of Old Spain, who had con-
ducted the mission services in the old gun factory, was the first
pastor of St. Peter's Church at New Brighton. He remained until
December, 1845, and was succeeded by the Rev. John Shanahan,
whose brief pastorate terminated in August, 1846. He was succeeded
by Rev. James Rosevelt Bailey, who served from August to Decem-
ber, 1846. He was later Bishop of Newark, and later still Archbishop
of Baltimore. The next pastor was the Rev. Patrick Murphy, who
served from March, 1847, to February 11, 1848, when he died of
yellow fever, and was interred under the altar of St. Peter's Church.
He was immediately succeeded by his brother, the Rev. Mark Murphy,
who was succeeded by the Rev. James L. Conron, in August, 1852.

He continued for a few
years, when he was
succeeded by the Rev.
John Barry.

There was no change
in Father B a r r y " s
charge for nineteen
years, during which
time he erected St.
Joseph's Church, at
Rossville, and rebuilt
the church at Granite-
ville. On the death of
Rev. Father Conron.
he was transfen*ed to
St. Peter's Church, at
New Brighton. lie
procured as a gift from
Mr. William McSorley a piece of ground adjacent to St. Peter's Ceme-
tery, making it the largest Catholic burning-ground on Staten Island.
Father Barry also collected funds for the erection of a new Catholic
school in the parisli, which is still maintained in conjunction with
St. Peter's Church.

At Father Barry's death, in 1890, the Rev. Father Corkery was
appointed to fill the vacancy. He remained but a short time, and was
succeeded by the Rev. T. J. Farley, who is still connected with the
church. The Rev. Father Charles Cassidy is also one of the officiating
clergy of St. Peter's.

The parish and congregation of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Chin'cii,
at Clifton, were organized by Archbishop Hughes and the Rev. Jclm
Lewis, who became the pastor, in October, 1852. Father Lewis

OLD BEDELL MILL,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 323

erected a temporary chapel aud school at a cost of |6,000, which were
used for five years. In 1857, Archbishop Hughes laid the corner-stone
of St. Mary's Church, on New York avenue, and the edifice was com-
pleted the follo'vini^ year, at a cost of about |58.000. In 1858 and
1859 the rectory nd juiniiiu- the church was built at a cost of |10,000.

Father Lewis puvch.iscd seven acres of laud of the Parkinson estate,
in 1862, and laid it our as a cinietery; he also built upon it a neat
cottage, for the keeper'.s residence. A large school-house, an orphan
asylum for the parish, a residence for the sisters of charity, and an-
other for the male teachers of the school, were built in 1864, at a cost
of about .f 36,000.

Otlier extensive improvements were made by Father Lewis. St.
Mary's Hall, for lectures, concerts, dramatic performances and other
meetings, was erected in 1878, at a cost of .|9,000. The Catholic
Young Men's Literary Union Hall was built by Father Lewis, in 1883,
for the young men of his parish, at a cost of |2,600. Father Lewis
built, at his own expense, in 1882, a very handsome chapel, at Staple-
ton, for the convenience of the aged and infirm of his parish, at a cost
of 110,000. It is called the " Chapel of Fase of the Clifton Parish,"
and was dedicated on July 9, 1882.

Father Lewis remained at the head of this church for about forty
years, when he died. He was born in France in 1821, and came to
America in 1851.

St. IMary's Roman Catholic Church, at Port Richmond, was organ-
ized as an out-mission of St. Peter's Church, at New Brighton, about
fifty years ago. About forty Roman Catholics, all of whom resided
in Northfield, constituted the congregation. The Rev. Father Me-
trano cehdirated the first mass for them. The pla.ce of worship was
rhe old stone house, which still stands near the granite quarry at
Graniteville. For about three years Father Metrano continued cele-
brating mass once a month. He was succeeded by the Rev. Patrick
Murphy. His brother, the Rev. Mark Murphy, also succeeded him
liere, as at New Brighton.

The number of members at this time had increased to about one
hundred and fifty. Father Murphy purchased a large tract of land,
after a few years, on Quarry Hill, and erected a frame building,
thirty by sixty feet, tw^o stories high, for a school-house. He also
used'it for a church. He officiated here for about eight years, when
he was succeeded by the Rev. Father Caro, who was appointed pastor
of St. Joseph's Church, at Rossville. St. Mary's was then attached
as an out-mission. Father Caro served about two years.

In 1858, the Rev. Father Barry was appointed pastor, and services
continued to be held once a month, but after a few years they were
held twice a month. Services were held every Sunday when the
Catholic T)opulation had increased to about four hundred. During
Father Barry's pastorate, a Sunday-school was formed, and in 1873,

324

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Mr. Timothy F. Donovan, was appointed superintendent, a position
wliicli lie has ever since held.

The number of Catholics had increased to about six hunflred, in
1877, and the church authorities deemed it advisable to make St.
Mary's a separate parish. The Kev. H. S. O'Hare was appointed
pastor, and he served a year and a quarter. His successor, in 1878,
was the Kev. J. C. Campbell, v*^hose appointment marks the forward
strides of St. Mary's Church. The end of the first three years of his
pastorate found the church completely clear of debt. But the old
church soon became too small to accommodate the rapidly increasiup:
congregation, and its location was very inconvenient. Father Camp-
bell accordingly, in 1882, purchased for .?1,000. a piece of property

on Richmond terrace, in Port
'Richmond, and erected thereon
one of the handsomest church
edifices on Staten Island, at a
cost of .f30,000. The edifice is
one hundred feet long by seven-
tvfive feet wide, with slate
roof, and has a steeple one
hundred and twentv-five feet
high.

The corner-stone was laid by
Archbishop Corrigan on the
19th of August, 1888, and the
building was ready for services
in the following May. and on
the 4th of that month it was
dedicated by the Arr-hbishop.
Father Campbell purchased a
masrnificent organ, in April,
PLANTER'S HOTKL, TOMPKiNsviLLE. 1-885, at a cost of .152.500, aud

placed it in the church. A
liaiidsome parsonage has since been erected beside the church.

St. Joseph's Church, at Rossville, was erected in 1851, and was for
three years under the Clifton church. Father Caro became its pastor
in 1854. He was succeeded by the Rev. Bernard McCrausen in 1857,
who remained until 1859, when the Rev. John Barry became its
pastor, and remained until 1877. Rev. Edward A. Dunphy succeeded
him; he by the Rev. J. A. Rigney, and he by the Rev. Patrick Burns,
the present pastor. For many years the congregation of this church
came from Kreischerville, Tottenville, Green Ridge, Eltingville,
Annadale, Huguenot, Prince's Bay, Richmond Valley and Jiossville.
St. Patrick's Church is located at Richmond Village, and was
erected in 1861. It is capable of seating about four hundred peojtle,
and is built of brick, forty by seventy-one feet in size. It was built

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 325

and the congregation organized by Father Barry. For several years
past it has been a distinct parish, presided over by Rev. J. P. Byrnes.
He has not only increased the usefulness of his church, but has suc-
ceeded admirably in decreasing the debt resting upon it, beside mak-
ing many important improvements.

St. Rose of Lima was. located on Castleton avenue, at the junction
of Roe street, West New Brighton, and was erected in 1864, on a lot
seventy-five by one hundred and fifty feet. The enterprise was due
to the energy of Rev. Father Conron, then pastor of St. Peter's Church,
at New Brighton. The church was dedicated on Sunday, December
4, 1864, by the celebration of high mass and a musical performance.

For several years past it has been deemed necessary to secure
better accommodations for this rapidly gTowing congregation. And
so, during the year 1899, a handsome new structure, called the Church
of the Sacred Heart, has been completed, at the corner of Castleton
and Burger avenues, and the old structure vacated. The new edifice
may well be classed with the finest specimens of church architecture
in this part of the country, and will stand as a monument to the per-
severance and ability of Father Poole.

In 1897, the work of erecting a Roman Catholic Church \^■as accom-
plished in Tottenville, by the Rev. Patrick Burns. It is called the
Church of our Lady, Help of Christians, and is a very neat and sub-
stantial edifice.

The Church of the Lady of Good Counsel was established in 1S99,
\\ith Rev. Father Murphy as pastor, and is located on Grymes Hill.

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE BENCH AND BAR.

|tip«i^|.|HE earliest mention of lawyers or justices, iu this county, \
P^p was of Ellis Duxbury, 1692; John Shotwell, 1G92; Abra-
P^pfe:! ham Lockman, 1693; Cornelius Corsen, 1689-90; and Jo-
^ '' '"''^ seph Billopp, 1702-3.

A fire in the Court House at Stony Brook, about 1698, destroyed
many of the legal documents and County records, and certainly must
have obliterated the names of some of the early lawyers. This fact
is recorded in the Colonial (English) Manuscripts, in the State Li-
brary, Index, vol. xlii., page 133: " Hendrick Cruise, of Richmond
County, presents a petition relative to his title of land on Stati ii
Island; (bounty records destroyed by fire." A similar fire ocouiicd
in 1778, when the British destroyed the Court House at Richmond.
Thus, again, many important names must have been lost.

Richard Stillwell was the leading '' justes " on the Island.

Colonel Augustin Graham became the Chief Judge of the Island _^
probably some time prior to the j-ear 1700. Court was frequently
held in his house " on the North Side." Court often adjourned, too, at ^
Stony Brook and Richmond " to meet again at Coll. Graham's." He '^
was first comiiiissiiiHcd as "captain of militia on the Xorth Side of ^
Staten Islaml, vice Si ill well," in 1703. So it would appear that the »
fact of holding the position of justice, entitled one to a military com-
mission, also. A few years later, Graham was appointed Colonel of
the Staten Island Militia, and held the office for a long time. i,'

In 1693, tlic fnlldwiiii; ])('i-s(ms were civil officers of Richmond^
County: Ellis Diixlimy, lCs(|., Judge of the Common Pleas; Abra-
ham Cannon, Abrukiun Luckma.n, Dennis Theunissen and John Shad-
well, Justices; John Stillwell, Sheriff. In 1710, Daniel Lake was J
County Judge; 1717, Joseph Billopp; 1712, Thomas Farmar, whoMf
afterward became a Supreme Court Judge in New Jersey] ~

In 1739, shortly after the County Seat had been removed from
Stony Brook and established at Richmond, the following were Judges
of the Court of Common Pleas: John LeConte, Judge; Christian
Corsen, 2d Judge; Gozen Adrian, 3d Judge; Nicholas Britton, Jus-
tice; Richard Stillwell, do.; Joseph Bedall, do.; John Veghte, do.;
Thomas Billopp, do.; Cornelius Corsen, do.; Joshua Mersereau, do.;
Abraham Cole, do.; Barent ilartling, do.; Nicholas Larzelere, Sheriff;
John Hillyer, Coroner; Daniel Corsen, Clerk. ■

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

327

The last Colonial Judge on Staten Island was Benjamin Seaman, of
Fresh Kill. He went to St. John, New Brunswick, where he died,
several years after the Kevolution. Under the Kepublic, Paul
Micheau was appointed in 1786; Gozen liyerss, in 1797; John J.
Murray, in 1802; John Garretson, in 1803; Jacob Tysen, in 1823;
Henry B. Metcalfe, in 1810; William Emerson, in 1811; Albert Ward,
in 1811; Henry B. Metcalfe, in 1817; Tompkins Westervelt, in 1876,
and Stephen D. Stephens, in 1882.

Hon. Samuel Spenckr. — The memoi-y of this Supreme Court Judge
would no doubt have passed away, but for his forcible comments upon
the verdict which a Staten
Island jury rendered in
1815. In October of that
year, Bornt Lake, resid-
ing on the Amboy road, a
few rods South of tlie
Black Horse T aver n,
while returning from his
father's house, on the
same road, was shot and
killed on the public road
in front of his o>vn prem-
ises, by his next door
neighbor, Christian Smith.

Immediately after the
commission of Ibe deed.
Smith went to another
neighbor, John Jackson,
and informed him of what
he had done, and asked his
advice as to what he
should do. What advice
his neighbor gave him is

not known. Smith wandered about the woods, where he was found
later in the day, and taken to prison. He did not deny having com-
mitted the murder, but justified himself by the plea that " Lake was
committing a trespass upon his property; that he had fre<iuently done
the same thing, and had been warned repeatedly what the conse-
fiuence would be if he did not desist."

The prosecution had an easy task, for the crime was not, and could
not be denied; but the defence was justification. It was proved that
a feud had for a long time existed between the parties, and that they
did what they could to aggravate and annoy each other. Jtidge
Spencer chargetl strongly against the prisoner, in accordance with
the law. " If," said he, " the murdered man had trespassed upon
the property of the prisoner, the law afforded ample redress, and he

JUDGE HENRY

METCALFE.

328 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

liad no right to take the law in his own hand and redress his own
wrongs."

The jury, however, took a different view of tlie matter. They ac-
quitted the prisoner. The i^eople were everywhere surprised at tlie
result, and perhaps none more so than the prisoner himself.

Judge Spencer was indignant, and in discharging the prisoner from
custody, was bitterly severe. He said, in effect: " The jury have seen
proper to find you not guilty; how they have arrived at such a con-
clusion, in the face of the law and the facts, surpasses my com-
prehension; but I warn you that there is another tribunal before
which you must appear hereafter to answer for your crime, and
where you will not have the benefit of a Staten Island jury."

According to the same authority, it is said, probably more in jest
than earnest, that the jury arrived at the verdict by the following
argument : " If we convict the prisoner, the judge will giv<; him two
or three mouths more of life, during which time the county will be
obliged to feed him, and to keep his cell warm, which will cost a
good sum of money; if to this is added the cost of building the gal-
lows, the vSheriff's fee for hanging him, and the cost of burying him,
the expenses will amount to a hundred or a hundred and fifty dollars,
and all of which will have to be raised by taxation; but if, on the
other hand, we say ' not guilty,' every dollar of this amount will be
saved," and therefore, they said " not guilty."

Judge Ogden Edwards. — Judge Edwards was the first Supreme
Court Justice that resided on Staten Island under the Kepublic. He
was a grand-son of Jonathan Edwards, the eminent divine and Presi-
dent of Princeton College, and also a cousin to Colonel Aaron Burr.

Judge Edwards presided over the Supreme Court in this district
for many years, about ten of wdiich he resided in the old Dongan
mansion at West New Brighton. He was a brilliant lawyer, sustain-
ing the honorable reputation of his illustrious ancestors, and was the
last Supreme Court Justice who held court in the old Court House
in Richmond, the building now familiarly known as the " Marsh resi-
dence."

In 1828, we find by the files of the Richmond Republican, that he
directed the editor, Mr. Charles N. Baldwin, to be arrested on a
charge of contempt of court, the latter having criticised rather harshly
the action of the Judge in assuming what he (the editor) believed to
be the prerogatives of Governor DeWitt Clinton. We ai'e informed
from other sources that friends interceded, and Editor Baldwin
escaped punishment.

It is related that while Judge Edwards was presiding one day at
Court in the old Court House, he sent a young man to prison for
speaking in a careless manner of his (the witness's) mother. Tlie
question was asked :

" Is this woman vour mother? "

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

329

^ %KX

" They say so," replied the witness, carelessly.

"They say so!" snapped the Judge; "did you ever hear it con-
tradicted, or even questioned? "

" N-o-o," replied the witness, feeling that he had made a mistake.

" Then, as a man," added the Judge, " you have no right, by word
or act, to cast any suspicion upon the character of the woman whom
you have always called mother, and who has given so many years
of suffering and toil for you. Leave the witness chair; you are un-
worthy to be heard in this Coui't! Sheriff," continued the Judge,
" commit this young man

to the County Jail for con- ^__„__^^

tempt of Court." \

Judge Joseph F. Bak- / \

NAJRD. — No man was ever /

connected with the Courts
on JStaten Island, who i

commanded more respect ^

and confidence than Jus-
tice Joseph F. Barnard, of
Poughkeepsie, and our
people long looked upon
him as one deeijly inter-
ested in their welfare. He
was born in Nantucket,
Massachusetts.

As a youth, he was
transplanted with his
family to Boughkeepsie.
His Yale College expe-
rience of four years, was
distinguished by the fact
that at his graduation in
1841 he was awarded the
third oration of his class.

Immediately thereafter, "">■■ stkiukn ... Stephens.

he entered upon the study

of law in Poughkeepsie, in the office of Johnston & Davis. He was ad-
mitted to the Bar of the Supreme and Chancery Courts in 1814, and at
once opened an office in Poughkeepsie, where he practiced law for
nearly twenty years. In the autumn of 1863, he was elected a Justice
of the Supreme Court of this State, and entered upon the duties the
next January, for the then full term of eight years. He was re-elected
to the same office, but for the extended term of fourteen years, in 1871.
and again for the same period in 1885. His terms of office, therefore,
covered thirty-six years. In 1870, he was appointed by the (^rovernor
Presiding Justice of the General Term of this Depai-tment, which

330 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

iiLstinction was continued for tweutj'-tbree years. His last two elec-
tions were not opposed by any competitive candidate.

The Counties which have constituted the territorial extent of the
Second Judicial District, and which comprise the Second Department
of the State, are Kings, Queens, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Suf-
folk, Eichmond, Kockland and Putnam. In these Counties there are
annually thirty-four Circuit Courts and Courts of Oyer and Terminer,
formerly attended by five Judges as apportioned, with juries at each,
besides innumerable Special Terms, held at different central points,
in the various counties. Every Saturday in the year. Judge Barnard
held such a term in the Court House at Poughkeepsie, aud these were
supplanted by others every week day when he was not judicially en-
gaged elsewhere.

The population iii the counties of the district we have mentioned
is upward of a million and a-half. Lawyers themselves, who have
not reflected upon it, will perhaps be surprised that the actual issues
of law aud fact, which must have been tried before Judge Barnard
alone, in his thirty-five years of service in behalf of this vast popula-
tion, must have exceeded a humlred thousand, and have covered every
imaginable question of political, civic, legal, equitable and criminal
law, and nearly or quite as many appeals, over the hearings of which
he has presided. AVhen it is coiisidt-red that every trial involves at
least two, aud many average probably five litigants, and endeavor to
recall all llic (|ui'stinns iuvulviug personal liberty, human life, the
uncounlf(l millidus nf individual and corporate property which have
been involved, the extent of his judicial responsibility is appalling.

While attempting to measure the oflicial duties of Jtidge Barnard,
it is not to be forgotten that in their discharge during his long aud
unbroken period, he must have written thousands of opinions, pre-
served in i he printed and permanent reports of the Courts, and remain
as guides to the hosts of practitioners in this and in other States,
whose legal forms, principles and applications are modelled upon our
own. He was master of an exceptionally terse and vigorous style,
and his jtidgments never left a doubt of their precise scope and mean-
ing.

Other characteristics were scarcely less remarkable, and some of
them unique, and among these perhaps was his intellectual courage.
He often braved, and finally led, the transient jjublic opinion, and
could easily stand like a rock against the froth and spray of passing
winds and waves. His perceptions and intuitions were electrically
(]uick and sure. No man was ever quicker to anticipate the end from
a beginning, or to gather the truth from a false witness.

Every advocate stood on equal grotmd before Judge Barnard. No
reputation awed, and no timidity of appeal was discouraged. With
all his judicial and constitutional positiveness, which might on occa-
sions seem impatient, or even brusque, his sympathies were always

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

331

awake and active, and his instinct of justice iinA\avering'. The poor
or helpless client, or the young- or hesitatiug inactitioner, had his
heart, but it was sheathed with triple steel against all professional
arrogance and domination. His opinions ended a thousand con-
troversies, both with and without litigation. What " Barnard said,"
ended the discussion. No man for a generation to come will fill his
place in the public faith. Over all, his ])ersonal character has been
without a stain.

While never so physically robust that he could safely dispense with
daily exercise, so that his stride as a pedestrian was familiar on our
roads in the vicinity of Ricliniond, during the terms of Court, he was
yet a miracle of mental

labor. EKcepting the hours

of necessary our-of-doors
exercise, apparently evei-y
minute, which was not act-
ually occupied hearing
cases, found him at his
table evolving and deter-
mining the m. T here
seemed to be no end or
cessation of his applica-
tion, and yet he was l"!-
several years a watchful
President of a local bank.
and was able to coiulnci
the largest landed intci-csi
of the coiinty, an occui:)a-
tion to which he is still
partial. What is stranger
yet, withal, he lias never
missed an official engage-
ment for any personal rea-
son, in his long- service, nor
was he ever late.

Judge Barnard's retire-
ment was of a recent date.
He is spending- his time at

his residence near Poughkeepsie, surrounded by friends, and blessed
with a consciousness of having served his day and generation well.

JiDGE Hknry Bleeker Metcalfe. — Judge Metcalfe i^ as born on
January 20, 1805, at Johnstown, New York. He was one of seven
children of George Metcalfe, who was at one time a man of consider-
able prominence in this State, having been appointed, in 1790), as-
sistant Attorney-General under Governor Jay, and having held the

HON. JOHN

KENNET.

332 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

office of District Attorney of this County, of which he became a resi-
dent in 1816.

Henry B. Metcalfe held the offlce of District Attorney for some'
time prior to 1833. In 1840, he was appointed County Judge, and
in the same year he became a United States boarding officer at
(Juarautiue, which latter office he continued to hold until 1813. In
1817, liL' was eit'cted (that being rhe firsi election to that ottice under
the Constitution of 181G), Couuty Judge and Surrogate of Kichmund
County, which office he held continuously until 1875, at which time he
resigned to take his seat as a Member of Congress, to which he had
been elected. He was for many years the active manager and sec-
retai'y of the Kichmond (Jounty Mutual Insurance Company. He
died at his home near Kichmond, in 1881.

Judge Tompkins Westervelt. — Judge Westervelt was born and
always resided at New Brighton. He was the son of Dr. John S.
Westervelt, and the grandson of Governor Daniel D. Tompkins. He
graduated at the age of twenty-one years at Columbia College, and
was almost immediately admitted to the bar.

Judge Westervelt was a courteous gentleman and able lawyer. He
was for several terms a trustee of the Village of New Brighton; was
vestryman in St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church at Clifton, oue
of the founders of the Smith Infirmary, and a director for several years
of the Staten Island Savings Bank, and was also its counsel.

He was a Republican in politics, and was twice nominated for Dis-
trict Attorney by that party, but was defeated each time. In 1875,
he was elected County Judge and Surrogate, which office he held for
six years. He was renominated and defeated. He died on April 2U,
1882, aged fifty-two years.

Judge Stephen D. Stephens. — Judge Stephens was born at the
County Seat of Richmond, on April 19, 1845. His father belonged
to an old New York family, while his maternal ancestors, the John-
sons, were for several generations natives of Staten Island. Entti*-
ing first the public school at Kichmond, he next pursued preparatory
studies at Trinity School, New York City. He graduated from Colum-
bia College in 1866, with the degree of B. A. He graduated from
Columbia Law School in 1868, with the degree of B. L., and at once
entered upon the practice of law.

In 1873, Mr. Stephens was elected to the State Assembly on the
Democratic ticket, and was re-elected on the following year.

Mr. Stephens was elected County Judge and Surrogate in 1881,
over Tompkins Westervelt, the Republican candidate, by a large
majority; in 1887, he was re-elected without opposition; in 1896, a
strong effort was made to defeat him by his political opponents, but
he had a majority which, under the circumstances, was a compliment
indeed. lie was again elected in 1899, without opposition.

Judge Stephens is an official of St. Andrew's Church at Richmond.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

333

In 1884, he married Miss Asrnes L. Lasar, of Broolvlyn. They have
two sons — Stephen D., Jr., aiid RichmonrL Judoe Stephens is an
exceedingly oblisino; and careful official, aiding: all who come before
him in a kindly manner that wins for him many friends. Dnrinsj his
service on the bench many important cases have come before him,
and rarely has an appeal from his decisions been taken; never, in
fact, has it been reversed by the court of last resort.

Judge John J. Kenney. — Jndse Kenney was born in New York
Oity, on INfarch 2, 1858. When he was bnt six weeks old, his parents
removed to Staten Island. He was educated principally in Ihe public
schools of the Island, after which he attended the University Law
School of New York City.

After ffraduatins:. he

served as a teacher in the
Madison Avenue public
school, in Tompkinsville.
and tauffht for nearW
three years. He then en-
tered the law office of the
late Tompkins Wester-
velt. and was admitted to
the bar at Rrooklvn, on
February 12, 1880. He
then established an office
in New Brisfhton, and has
since enjoyed a lucrative
practice.

Mr. Kenney was an-
nointed clerk of the "^''il-
ia ce of New Rritrhton in
1882. and continued in the
position for nine years.
He resigned July 25,
1891. He was elected
School Commissioner of
Richmond County in No-
vember, 1887, and was re- ""^ n\iii\mil mu.su.
elected in 1890.

Mr. Kenney ^as elected County Clerk in 1894, and held the office
f<^r six months. On January 1, 1898, having been appointed by
Mayor Van Wyck one of the Justices of the Municipal Court of the
Greater City of NeAV York, he entered upon the duties of the new
position at that time. His jurisdiction consists of the First and
Third Wards of the Borough of Richmond, (formerly the towns of
Castleton and Northfield). In 1899, he was nominated bv the Demo-

334 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

cratic organization and elected by a large majority, for a term of ten
years.

Judge Nathaniel Marsh. — Mr. Marsh was born at Clifton,
Staten Island, and is the eldest son of the late Nathaniel Marsh, a
former President of the Erie Railroad. He was educated at Princeton
College and Columbia Law School, and is the senior member of tlic
firm of Marsh & Bull, 19 Broadway, New York City.

Mr. Marsh's first public position was that of trustee from the Soutli-
field ward, Village of Edgewater. He was elected Supeiwisor of the
Town of Southfield in 1879, and was repeatedly re-elected to that of-
fice until 1898, when it was abolished by the Greater New York
cliarter. He held the office of Supervisor longer than any other man
in Richmond County. He was for seventeen years chairman of the
Board, a record also unexcelled in the history of the county.

Judge Marsh found his town greatly in debt, and succeeded In
clearing it off to the satisfaction of all. He was very active in the
better roads movement, and very much i-f the success atfained in that
direction is due to his efforts.

In 1889, Judge Marsh was appointed Police Justice for the Village
of Edgewater, and continued to hold the office until it was abolished
on January 1, 1898. He is one of the oldest directors and a member
of the executive committee of the Richmond County Gas Light Com-
pany.

On January 1, 1898, Judge Marsh, having been appointed by
Mayor Yan Wyck, entered upon his duties as City Magistrate of tlie
Second Di-^tiict Coinl nf the Borough of Richmond. ■

Jutk;k Thomas W. Fitzgerald. — Judge Fitzgerald was born in
New Y(irk ("ily, (in September 1, 1851, and after passing through
the public schools of that city, graduated from the College of the < 'ity
of New York. He studied law under the hite Francis N. Bangs, wliose
office lie entered on November. 1, 1871, where he remained until Jan-
uary ICi, 1SS4.

Mr. I''ily.ge]-al(l removed to Staten Island in 1872, and has resirii'd
here ever since. He was admitted to llie bar in 1875, and practiced in
the office wliere he had studied until ISSl, when he was appointed
to a clerkship in the City Court. He was later appointed by President
Cleveland a member of the Board of Pension Appeals in 1887.

In March, 1887, Mr. Fitzgerald was appointed Secretary to the
Board of Police Commissioners of Richmond County, which position
he resigned in January, 1890, to assume the duties of District Attor-
ney, to which he had been elected. He was re-elected to this office
in 1892. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention, held at
Albany, in 1894.

Judge Fitzgerald has repeatedly been elected delegate to various
Democratic conventions, and for a number of years has held the
office of Vice-Chairman of the Countv General Committee.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

335

lu January, 1898, Judge Fitzgerald was appointed a Justice of the
Court of Sessions for tlie Second District, Borough of Richmond, which
position he still holds.

Judge John Croak. — Judge Croak was born at Elm Park, Staten
Island, in 181G, and has always resided on Staten Island. His early
education Avas obtained in the public schools of the Islauil, and Alien
quite young he entered the law office of S. E. Church, and later Ihat
of Brown & Estes, in New York City. He graduated from the Law
University of Albany, where he was a class-mate of President Mc-
Kinley.

Judge Croak, after being admitted to the bar, began the practice of
the law in New York City, in 1870, and for twenty-seven years kept
the same office at 229

Broadway, Avhere he prac- -- ^-^^^^

tired both in the State and •'" ^\

Linite<l States Courts.

He sensed U\o terms as
District Attorney of Tvich-
mond County, and one
year as Member of Assem-
bly, and has been counsel
to the Police Commission-
ers and various other pub-
lic boards. He is a mem-
ber of the New York Law
Institute and a trustee of
the State F i r e m e n ' s
Home.

Judge Croak v\'as ap-
pointed City ^iagistrate
for the First District of the
Borough of Richmond, by
Mayor Van Wyck, which
office he still holds.

Hon. AtTGUSTLS Acker.
— Mr. Acker was born in
the City of New York, on

November 30, 1860, of "'»•■ Ai.^rsTrs ackkk.

German parents. He was

educated in the public schools of that city, and then entered the law
office of his brother, Edward A. Acker, and bpgan the study of the
law. He was later admitted to the bar.

Mr. Acker came to Staten Island in 1877, and took up his residence
in New Brighton. In February, 1889, he was elected Justice of the
Peace, and in the following year was elected Justice of Ses.*ions. In
1889, he was re-elected to both offices by very large majorities.

336 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Judsre Acker sfained considerable notoriety by the larsre number
of important cases that came before him as Justice of the Peace, and
by the fair and intellia^ent manner in which he disposed of them. He
vras elected Supervisor of the Town of Castleton in 1897, and served
until the oflfice was abolished.

In the first election under the Greater New York charter — that of
1897 — Mr. Acker was elected Sheriff of the County of Richmond, an
office which he will hold until January 1, 1901. He also has the
management of considerable property in the Rorousrh of rjichmond.
as administrator, receiver and general ajn:ent. He is a careful, thor-
ou,a:h business man, and his ability in that direction is acknowledged
by the business world. In 1883, Mr. Acker married Miss Caroline
Almstaedt, of New Brighton. They reside in a handsome home in
Hamilton Park.

John axd William Henry Anthon. — The Messrs. Anthon were
brothers, and the sons of John Anthon, an eminent lawyer of New
York City. They were for many years residents of Staten Island, and
for a time controlled a lar£;e part of the leccal business here.

John became Grand Master of the Masonic fratornitv of New York
State. William Henry was Member of Assembly from Richmond
County in 1851, and Jud<re Advocate General of the State of Noav
York in the early part of the Civil War. Both were lawyers far above
the averao-e. John died about 1873. and William H. about 1875.

William H. Anthon undertook the work of writinsx a history of
Staten Island, and succeeded in cratherina" a sreat deal of valuable
material. This work was done while there were yet livina: nnite a
number of witnesses of the stirrinr,' events of the Bevolution, Avhom he
interviewed.

Hon. Alvin C. Bradley. — Mr. Bradley was born near Farmer
Villa w. in the Western part of this State, on Julv 22, 1810. He re-
moved to Staten Island in 1851, where he had purchased th.e Garret
MartlinfT farm, near the lunction of Bichmond turnpike and Jewett
avenue. Shortly afterward he built a verv handsoine residence, where
he continued to reside up to the time of his death.

Mr. Bradley, duriuT the time of his residence on the Island, con-
tinued the practice of law in the Citv of New York, in which he had
been ensrac^^ed for a number of vears previous, and which was of an
important character. brinEringr him often very prominently before the
public. He took part in many interestinsr trials, and was enframed
in arjruments of much moment in the higher courts. One of the many
cases in T\hich he appeared, was that of referee as to the alimony
question in the threat Forrest divorce case, a matter of gTeat moment
to the parties in the suit and involvincr a large amount of money. He
was a lawyer of superior ability, and was possessed of an acute and
subtle mind, to the cultivation of which he had brought very exten-
sive reading.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

337

drifti

ig for s

)iiie time.

He -a

(lntic8 of 1

i^-

oflu-c.

and

IXM-flll-l

(•(illlK

ctioii

ith it.

for

vhicli f

Ml'.

liv.u

ll<

y was

nvalid

tluriu

j: liis

CIl

force(

ret

renicnt

large

and

valiiabl

' private 11

Mi*. Iiradlcy had been a prominent nni'mber of the old ^^'hig party,

and once was a candidate for Member of Assembly in this County.

lie afterward united with the Republican party. In 187o. he was

elected Sii])er\isor for the Town of Middletown, and served one year.

The Supervisors were called the '' Reform Board," that year, and a

great deal was done to straighten out county affairs that had been
Iiiiiiscir witliciut iiitcniii^sicm. to the
(1 an innucnsc deal •<( lianl work in
public was e.s'C'dinul v -ratcfiil.
r three years, ln:l inuiid cnjinnHiit
I reading- the books contaiiicl in liis
ary. lie died at his residence on

Wednesday, February 23, 1881, in the sev<mty-tirst year of his age.
Ho\. Lot C. Clark. — Mr. Clark was born in Chenangn County,

this State, in 1818. His

father. Lot Clark, was a

distinguished lawyer, and

at one time a Member of

Congress.

Mr. Clark Avas a gradu-
ate of Yale, studied law in

the office of Nicholas Hill,

at Saratoga, and began

Ins practice in Ivichmond

County. He was electe I

District Attorney in ISM,

and filled the office ini

eight years, during wliii li

time he prosecuted si \

eial noted cases, among

lli(-m that of i'ollx Hod,ne

wiio was indu t( d lei iln

murder ef liei ^isK 1 in

law and liei inl.r't nu'( e,

al (!raiiite\ill( Slie had

tiiree trials, ,ind was h

ually ac(|uitt( d lU .uio'iiei

cnuuly in whit h the tual

was held. Opposed to :\[r " -— -^

Clark in this case were ""^ riioM\>. \\ i.n/om\Li..

Clinton DeWitt and David

'liaham, the latter of whom especially became afterward recognized

as one of Mie leading criminal lawyers.

In INTO, Mr. Clark remove<l to New York City. His death occurred

on l''ebru;iry 11, 1880. He Avas at one time a.t the head of the law

lirm now known as DeGroot, Rawsou & Stafford, of Port Richmond.

338 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Hon. George Crojiwell. — Mr. Cromwell was born iu Brooklyn,
on July 3, 1860. In honor of the event, his father, at the time, pre-
sented to his mother the magnilicent property on Dongan Hills,
Staten Island, known as Fair View Farm. His father, the late Henry
B. Cromwell, was a well-known merchant and founder of the Crom-
well Steamship lines, before the~Rebiel-Mou, which did a large carry-
ing trade with the West Indies, South America and nearly all the
Southern ports. He was the first to adopt the screw as a means of
propulsiou for (u-ean-gning steamships, in place of the old side-wheels.

Mr. Cromwell's sicii-l'aihcr is the Hon. Charles L. Benedict, wlio
has served on the bench un Judge of the United States District Court
for nearly thirty-five years. ^Ir. Cromwell is a descendant of the
family of that name famor.s in English history. On his mother's side,
he is descended in a direct line from Eiias Hicks, the famous Quaker
l^reacher.

Mr. Cromwell received his education in the Polytecjinic Institute,
of Brooklyn, and Yale University. After gradual ing. lie travelled as
far East as Egypt and the Holy Land. After ^ladiiat ing from Colum-
bia Law School, he was admitted to the bar iu 18SG, aud entered the of-
fice of Elihu Root. He was elected to the State Assembly in 1887,
on the Republican ticket, representing Richmond County.

Mr. Cromwell ran for Congress in INSS, against the Hon. James W.
Covei't, but was defeated. He became a member of the law firm of
Butler, Stillman & Hubbard. In 1879. he was appointed a Park Com-
missioner for Richmond County. He was elected President of the
Boi'ough of Richmond, in 1897, but did not enter upon the duties of
his office for some time, in consequence of a protracted contest which
followed. .

Charles Livingston PIubbell. — Mr. Hubbell was born in Brook
lyn, on July 14, 18C1. His parents were Cliarles Wolcott Hubbell
and Serena Hempsted. His great-grandfather, Philip Livingston, v.as
a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and was a descendant
of the Livingston family of Livingston Manor, New York, prominent
in the early history of this State. Mr. Hubbell, on his father's side, is
descended from Richard Hubbell, who came from Wales, in UM'k
and settled in Connecticut, and whose descendants were prominent
participants in the wars of the Revolution, that of 1812, and the
Southern Rebellion.

When but six years of age, Mr. Hubbell came to Staten Island, and
after completing an academic education, engaged in mercantile bus-
iness for a few years, after which he entered the law office of Hon.
Frank Warner Angel, assistant United States District Attorney, and
commenced the study of law. After attendiug the law school of the
i\ew York University, he graduated in the class of '86, and Avas ad-
mitted to the bar on May 12, 1S87. He then commenced the prac-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLANI

339

lice of bi« professioD, with offices in New York City aud od Staten
Islaud.

Mr. Hiil)l)ell ha.s passed thi-ough tlie chairs in Stateii Islaud Coun-
cil, Xo. 1145, lioyal Arcanum; was a charter member of Starin Hose
Ciimpanv, No. 5, of West Xew Brighton; charter member of the I{e-
publican Spellbinder Club of New Yorlc City; one of the founders of
the New Yorlc University Law Department Alumni Association; a
member of the Irving Literary Society; of Beacon Light Lodge, No.
701, F. and A. M.; Beacon Light Chapter, No. 7.", O. ErS.

Mr. Ilubbell is a stauncli Kepublicaii, and an ailive worlcer in the
intej-csts of his party, being one of its rciircscntative speakers. He
resides on Taylor street, "N^'est New Brighton, enjoying a lucrative
practice.

IldX. EDWAiiD Sidney Uawsox. — Mr. IJaA\son was born at Port

Hon. Sidney V. IJawson, a former

Kiclniu)nd,inl87;l Hcistl
District Attorney of ihis
county. He graduated
from the Staten Island
Academy and Colunibia
College Law School, after
which he devoted several
years to the study of the
law in the offices of De-
Groot, Bawson & Staft'nr<l,
at Tort Bichmor.d. a lirn!
of which his father is a
member.

In the election of No-
vember, 189S, Mr. Bawson
was elected District At-
torney by a majority of
about twenty-seven liun-
dred. He has the distinc-
tion of being tlie youngest
man that ever held the of-
fice in this county. He is
an earnest student, gontlc-
manly and friendly in his
bearing, and has a rare
opportunity to make his
mark in his chosen pro-
fession.

Hon. CaI-Vin Decker Van Name. — Mr. Van Name was born at
Mariners' Harbor, Staten Island, in the locality known as •' Old
Place," on January 3, 1S57. He is the son of the late William
Henry Van Name, a successful oyster planter, who was also a native
of the same jilace.

CHARLES LIVINGSTON HUBBELL.

340

HISTi

)F STATEN ISLAND.

^Iv. Van Name has al\\a\>: been an earnest student, and i-eceived
I lie (Icurce of L. L. B. from the University of tlie City of New York
"nefore arriving at age, and Avas admitted to practice law immediately
on reaching twenty-one. Mr. Van Name became prominent through-
out this part of the counti'y even while a young man.

In his profession Mr. Van Name has always ranked among the most
n-us( worthy and ijainstaking of men. As an attorney he was success-
ful from the beginning. He was intrusted with important matters,

and acquired a large prac
tice almost as soon as lie
was admitted to tlie bar.

Mr. Van Name had a
long and thorough trail-
ing in the practice of law
with the Hon. Bradford
I'rince, since Chief Justii-e
and Governor of New-
Mexico, but then i^latc
Senator from this distrirt.
This gave him eompU-ri'
knowledge of the depart -
nients at Albany. Thai hi-
made a favorable iiii]pi"s-
sion there, is eviuci-l by
the fact that he has nb-
tained more grants of laud
under water than any
other hiwyei- in the 8tat(\

:\Ir. Van Name's siic-
eessful conduct of the
Foley South Beach case.
and the eviction of t!ie
Burkes and Lancaster
Syms claimants from the
Garx'etson beach, made all
hohlers of old farm titles his lasting friends, and demonstrated tlic
security of Staten Island titles. His real estate practice is vei'y large,
and he has in his safes complete abstracts of the titles to the farms as
fhey once existed, in cKiitinuiuis line, in Northtield. from llodine's
mill to Holland's Hook.

Mr. Van Name is related to two of the oldest and largest: families
on Staten Island — the Van Names and the Deckers. He is a member
of the Holland Society, Bichmond Lodge, No. 66, F. and A. M., and
various otlier organizatioiis. He is a large property owner in tlie
Tliird Ward ( Northtield), and has been Fdentified with all ]iublic
movements on the Island for many years. He was formerly a promi-

HISTORV OF STATEN ISLAND. 341

nent ru'imldican, serving for four years iu the Couuty and State Com-
mittees aihl ill t he County and State conventions. He declined several
couuty nominations from his party. He joined the Democratic party
iu 1873. He was elected IMember of Assemblj' in 1900.

Lawyers residing on the Island at the present time are as follows :

Aii-uslus Acker, Charles T. Adams. Courtlaudt B. Auable, Lot (;.
Alston.

James 1,. Barger, Howard It. Hayne, Charles L. Benedict, Harcourt
Bull, .laiiii's Burke, Jr., Herman S. Butler.

^^'illiam Campbell, Sidney L. Carrere, John G. Clark, Lester W.
Chirk, John Croak. William T. Croak. Ceorge Cromwell, Nathan
Cutler.

John S. Davenport, Melvin L. Decker, Alfred de Groot, E. C. Deie-
vau.

Walter T. Elliott.

Kichard L'll. Fimli, Tliomas ^\■, iMtzgrrald, Harry Y. Foantaiii.

Arthur]). Greeiiticld, ( icoi-r J. (Ivcciiticld.

Albert E. Hadlock, .Max C. llciibuer, William T. Holt, AValter H.
Holt, Chailes L. Ilubbell.

Thomas B. Joues.

Sixt Carl Kapf, Joseph M. Keatinge, John J. Kenney, B. Dorian
Killian, J. Travis King.

W. r. Laugdon. Wallace M. Loos. A. S. Lyman, t^raucis I\ LemaJi.

William W. Macl^nlaud. Xalli.iinel .Marsh. James :\lcCahe, Charles
.McXaniee, Arthur A. .Mitchell. Frederick S. .Mullen. William .\L
.Mullen.

Edwai'd Openshaw.

George M. I'iiiuey, Jr., William J. Powers, Bobert J. H. PoAvell,
.\ugustus I'renlice.

Henry W. Ilaiuhar.l, lleurx .V. KawcliHV, Edward Sidney Kawsou,
Sidney F. Kawsou, Albert Beynaud, Bobert E. Bobinsou, George "W.
Koliinson, M. L. Byan.

Williaui Allaire ShorM, Edward .AL Stothers, Frank I. Smith, De-
Wit l C. SlalTord. (ieorge W. Stake. Stephen D. Stephens.

.V. V. Towus.'iid.

I'ercival (r. Ullman.

Calvin D. Van Name.

John WiddecoHd>e. David Willcox, F. L'G. Wright, Nathaniel J.
Wyeth.

Arthur Yetman.

CHAPTER XXVII.

THE MEDICAL FUATERXITY.

r little is known about the early pbysioians of Stateu Is-
land. We know that far back in the little village of Stony
Brook, the Doctor was an " all-ronnd man " — expected to
know almost everything that was to be known in thos.'
comparatively unenlightened days.

TlK-re was a Dr. Bigell on Staten Island about ITli, and abouf IT.Ml
Dr. .Mcrsn>is " attended to ye sick poor." A few years later, Dr. Sci
innrs mini'- is mentioned in the County records in connection wiili n--
r(M\ Jul; ]i;iy for public service.

.lust ;il ihe close of tiie Ive\olntion, Dr. b'icliard Hendcrsnn settled
near New Dorp. He built tlie low stone house, still standing near tlie
ravine baik of Egberlville, and at present occupied by ilrs. Nolan.
He married Miss Maria .lourneay. a native of the Island. He had
served as a surgeon in the British Navy.

At the commencement of the present century, Dr. Baker resided
here — probably in Northfield. ^^'e find his name in the town rec(nds.
In several places the word •' tvrant " follows the name. For instance :
'January IT, 1805. Cash Uec'd of Doctor Baker Tyrant. As a tine
from D. (Juyon, £0. C. 0." Also. rec(,rded later : " :\Iarcli ].">. ("asli
Kec'd (if Doctor Baker, 'l\\rant. As fines upon .Airs. .Tehnson B.icknian
and John ('rocherdii, il'. 12. (»."

Dr. Travers also ],racticed on tlie Island in tlie first years of tliis cen
tnry. Northfield paid liini £2 " for Docteriug 1). Lisk."

The following uni(iue entry is copied from the Northfield town
records :

" 1810 April 28 Received of jMartines Swain one of the Overseers of
the poor the Sum of three Cents as a tax due from Doctor Harrison,
£0. 0. 3. O the Docter; that's all."

Dn the 10th of July, 1806, five physicians met at the Court House,
in the Village of Richmond, for the purpose of organizing the first
^Medical Society in this county. Their names Avere Benjamin Parker,
Isaac Stewart, Richard Henderson, I. B. Halsey, and John R. B. Rod-
gers. This organization was the consequence of the enacting of cer-
tain laAvs of the State (April 8, preceding), which were deemed
necessary to regulate the ijractice of physic and surgery. Meetings
of the Society were regularly held down to 1832, since wiiich time
there are no records oi the meetings until a reorganization was

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 343

I'lTected. The records do not state who the first President was; but at
a meeting held on July 17, Benjamin Parker was chosen President.

January 17, 1S55, in the eveuiny, a meeting was held at the Tomp-
Icins Lyceum, at Tompkinsville, for the purpose of taking- preliminary
measures to organize the " Medical Society of Eichmond County."
The meeting was composed of the following physicians : John S. Wes-
lervelt, James Harcourt, Isaac Lea, John W. Sterling, William C.
Anderson, James IJ. Boardman, F. Campbell Stewart, Joseph Feeny,
E. W. Pendergast, Y. Hestizka, C. G. Kotha, H. B. Baldwin, Theodore
'^Yalser, J. C. Cavelti and Edward C. Mundy.

A committee was ap-
pointed to revise Ihe Con- ,-^^ ~~~-
stitution and By-laws,
and report at a subse-
quent meeting. The chair-
man of this meeting was
l>r. Westervelt. At the
lU'Xl meeting, on Febru-
ary 1^, 18.55, the Constitu-
tion and By-laws were
adopted. Dr. John W.
Sterling was chosen Pres-
i(h nt ot the Sout (^

1 he olhceis al the ])U^
(hi tiuu ll')()0) au Pics
id< 111 l»i I eft e r s o n
^( il.s \ i.( IMcsi.hnt

1(1 ( W liniol lo'\ii-i ii'l
( ( ns.iix Div 7 I iiM s
(»T>ea, W. C. ^^'alser, and
Walker Washington; Sec-
retary and Treasurer, Dr.
Henry C. Johnstone, and
Delegate to the annual
State meeting. Dr. Ed-
ward D. Wiseley.

The following physicians have registered in the county since ISStl:

Melvin L. Adams, J. A. Andrews, John K. Ambrose, Eobert ^L P.
Ames, F. S. Armstrong, E. J. Arnold, L. S. Ayres.

George A. P. Baldwin, Russell Bayley, George Beers, Herman
Beyer, Horace B. Blan, S. R. Bogart, William B. Bostwick, William
V. Braisted, Susan JI. Bray, William Bryan.

Alfred C. Carroll, T. R. Carter, Ephraim Clark, James G. Clark,
I'rederiik E. Clark, Henry A. C(jhrs, David Coleman, Edward D. Coou-
!ey. LaWilla M. Cornelius, Hugh S. Cumming, E. J. Callahan.

.JOHN L. FEENY,

344 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

William B. D. Daveuport, Alva 1). Dctla'i-, Clara M. DeHart, Georiiv
F. DeA'al, Janips D. Dickson, Fraiucs ('. Diuiovaii. Tlionias W. Tioiid-
\-an, William Donovan, L. L. Doolitth-, Edward F. Duffy.

John L. Fecny, William Young Finch.

Henry I. Goodwin, T. S. GoodAAdn.

Howard 11. Harrison, Chester T. Havens, Mary L. Herrii k, E. II.
lligbie, D. Emery Holman, George C. Hubbard, Carrol 1". llumiihrey.

George I). Jessup, !•". I^. Johnston, Henry D. Joy.

E. M. Kaniiian, Saiunel J. Kennedy, George L. Kessler, C. Henry
King, 11. M. Kcycs, II. :\I. S. King. Charles W. Kinsey, Julia G. Koch-
auowsky.

Jame.s M. Lake, G. M. LaEue, Isaac Lea, Merritt L. Lee, Ificliard
Lee, Montague R. Leverson, J. B. L'Hommedieu, George F. Little,
Anna Lukens, Mina S. Lutz, Brandreth Lymond, Caleb Lyon, Thomas
D. Lyons.

Arthur L. Macken, Michael J. Madigan, G. H. Mallett, V. E. :\lar-
tingdale, EdAvard I. Mason, Kudolph Mautner, Alexander S. McDou-
gall, Jniin-s II. McDougall, II. V. [McCormick, Simone Medics, Fred-
eiick :Meilit()ld, Theodore L. ^Mcyer, Isaac L. ^Millspaugh, Alexander
I. .Mitclicll, A. (\ :\fontgomcry, George :Mord, Edward V. iMundy.

J. XatJian, dr., George \V. Nelson, C:ileva Nicola., C. Chester Nicola,
-Alary B. Nicola, Thomas P.. Newby.

James D. O'Dea, Mary 11. Owen, P. H. 0\Sullivau.

Frederick S. Parsons, Horace W. Patterson, A. D. J. Pentz, H. J.
Pierson.

iM-ank I). Kevcre, Samuel A. Kobiuson, Robert Kogerson, Clement
Koig, William Hose.

Eugene H. Saiiborn, Dominico Sah'adino, Henry W. Sawtelle, Jef-
ferson Scales, John J. Shea, Samuel H. Simon, Ettie A. Sleight, John
A. Smith, William M. Smith, John C. II. Si>encer, Edward H. Sjiarks.
dolm T. Sprague, Gotleib Stein, W. E. Stevens, E. Constance Sloiie,
David J. Swayne.

Elizabeth B. Thalberg, T. J. Tliompsmi, Charles Wilmot rownseiid,
Thomas E. Townsend, Harriet ]M. Turner.

Jcdin Van I).'ri)o(.l. James O. A'anlloevenburg. John -J. Van Rensse-
laer, Jose E. A'idal, Howard M. Vere.

Rosa Wackernagel, Horace E. AValker, Theodore Walsei-, William
C. Walser, Walker Washington, Robert M. Weed, E. J. Westfall,
Charles A. White, Stephen D. Whitman, W. B. Wilkinson, HoAvard
C. Willis, ]<^rank E. Wilson, John S. Wilson, Anthony L. Wilsey, Ed-
ward D. \Mseley, Laura M. AA'right, C. S. Wood, Jr., J. Walter Wood.

Dk. Mkla'in L. Adams. — Dr. Adams was born in Erie Couniy. Penn-
sylA^ania, November 9, 1802. After attendiiig the ]inblic schools and
receiving private instructions, he entered the Cleveland IIouKeopathic
nos])ital College, from which he graduated with honors in ISSS. He

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

345

t(>()k a ixist-iii-aduate course in New York (
at .Mayvill(, in this State, eiolit years.

Dr. Adams eaiiie to Staten Island alx.ut
at West New Brighton. He has nict will
Adams is a very earnest student, and a iiki

Di:. Joiix L. Fkkxy.— Dr. Im-cuv was hn
is tlic second son of Dr. Joscpli Kcciiy, wiio
store at Staph'ton. lie was also oik- of tin
Island during the sixties.

John L., the subject of this sketch, was ei
before he commenced the practice of his pn
classical institute. He re-
moved to Jersey Cit}' and
died there in LS66. Dr.
l<"eeny intended that his
son should be his succes-
sor in the medical profes-
sion. At the age of fifteen
he had acquired a clas-
sical education, and com-
nicnced the study of medi-
cine under the late Dr.
Thomas C. iMoffatt, at tli.-
same time acquiring a
practical ex])eri('nce at
the Seaman's Retreat
Hospital, wlicrc he re-
niaiin'd nnlil In- entered
the .Medical Department
of the Tniveisilv of New
Voi-k, from wnicli lie
graduated in ISdC.

Dr. Feeny studied un-
der such noted physicians
as Valentine Mott. Alfied
C. Tost, William H. Van
Buren, Afred l.oomis and sauvej.

John T. Metcalfe, and
also Professors Budd, Payne and Draper.-;,
he took a s])ecial course under Professor A
of study was completed, he was ai>]ioinle
Seaman's Ketreat. which he continued to
resigned to enter on private i»raciice in Sta]

In 1S7(». Dr. iM'eny was appointed snrge«
lice, and served for several years. He was
Kiclmiond Count v i)o]ice in'lS86. He was

Ity, in 1890, and practiced

two years ago, and located
, ]-einarkal)le success. Dr.
si consi'ientions physician.
[•n in Sepleniher, ISi"). and
, in 1S4!l, conducted a drug
• leading physicians of the

lucated by his father, who,
tfession, was i)rinci])al of a

AIiAMS ROr.IXSOX, M.D.

On leaving the University
yelette. When his course
il liouse physician to tlie
hold until 1809, when he
ileton.

)n to tlie .Metropolitan po-
appointed surgeon of tlie
also Health Officer of the

346 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Village of Edgewater for several years, and is a member of the Rich-
mond County Medical i^ociety. Dr. Feeny took rank as a physician
and surgeon, and for many years was sought for in consultation in
intricate cases. He had a very lai'ge practice.

In the spring of 1893, Dr. Feeny was elected to the Board of i^uper-
visors in the Town of Middletown, and served until the oflice was
abolished in 1898. On the death of Dr. George C. Hubbard, in Au-
gust, 1898, he was appointed to fill the office of Deimty Sanitary
Buperintendent, for the Borough of Ifichniond. which orti'c he still
holds.

Dr. Feeny was married on June 9, 1870, to Miss Emma Bateman,
ilaughter of the famous engineer, John F. Bateman, of Maine.

Dr. George C. Hubbard. — Dr. Hubbard was born in Ohio, in 1S.31.
He was graduated from the New York Medical University in l^'.VJ.
and began the ]iractice of medicine at Tottenville, Staten Island, with
his father, th.' laic l»i-. E. W. Hubbard.

In Septciiibi-i-, \sv,-2, ho entered the Union Army as Assistant t>ur-
geon of the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Kegiment, New York Vol-
unteers. He Avas jironioted to full surgeon, with the rank of major,
in 1864, and was the medical director of the army under General
Banks, ir, the Red River ('X])c(lltion. After the close of the war, he
returned to Tottenville and rcsnuKMl the practice of his profession.

)pened at Mount Loretto, Dr. Hub-
he institution, and held the posi-

])(isitions in the county. He was
iiissioner. Highway Commissioner
of Westfield, etc. He was a Past Master of Huguenot Lodge, No. 381,
F. and A. M., of Tottenville, and served two terms as District Deputy
Grand Master.

On January 1, 1898, Dr. Hubbard entered upon his duties as As-
sistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Richmoml. which
])Osition he continued to hold until his death, in August, of the same
year.

Dr. Samuel Adams Robixsox. — Dr. Robinson was born in Frank-
lin, Pennsylvania. He is a son of the Rev. John Robinson, D. D., a
native of Frederick County, Virginia, who was a direct descendasit
of the Scotch-Irish family Robinson, settled in Ulster, Ireland, Iiv
James I., in 1603. The parents of Rev. Dr. Robinson, John and Rosana
Robinson, were the first representatives of the family in Ameiir.i.
Their son, on finishing his rolleiiiaie conrse at the age of tweiily one,
immediately entered the ministry of the .Alethodist Episcopal Chini b
He became widely known in several States, and filled every position
in the gift of his church except that of bishop. He died at an ad-
vanced age at his son's residence in West New Brighton, in 1889.

Dr. Robinson's mother, Hannah ^^■alker Adams Plumer, was born

When the Cat

lolic Missi,

11 w

bard was aiijioi

Ite.l phvsi,

iaii

tion lip to the li

iieothisd.

all

Dr. Hubbard

held a mil

die

Police Commiss

oner, Ex.i

■*e (

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 347

at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and died at the residence of her son in
ISSC), in the seventy-sixth year of her age. Her mother, Patty Adams,
was born near Boston, ^[assarlinsrtis, and Avas fh)selA !(la(('(] to
Samuel and John Adams, tlic siansnicn and orators of iIk- Ucvolu-
tion. Patty Adams was tlir wilV nf Majov Samuel IMuiikt. uf Xcw-
buryport, Massachusetts, a member of i)ne of the oldest families of
that State.

Dr. Eobinson was chiefly educated by his fatlier. He showed an
early predilection for medicine, and began stu<lying for liis pro-
fession with Dr. Edward Lawrence Lakin when about sixteen years
of age, finishing a four-years' course and receiving the degree of
]\I. D. at Cleveland, Ohio, before he was twenty. He has since spent
six years in professional
study, principally in New
York, London, Paris, ^'en-
ice and Berlin. He is a
member of Crescent
Lodge, No. 12(14, l'\ and
A. M.: I'alesiinc Cmhi-
mandery. No. IS. K. T..
anil of th<' four regular
A. A. Scottish lile lioilies
of New York City; and
also of Tyrian Chapter. No.
21!>, P. A. M., of Staten is
land.

Dr. Kobinson took an
active part in founding Sr.
Austin's School, and lie
came a trustee, lie also
aided to organize the Kill
van Kull ^^'ol•kingllleIl■s
( 'lub and became its Presi-
dent. He is also a director
in one of the largest life
insurance companies of
New York Citv, and is
chairman of its invest- chari.ks wiMm townskni., m.p.

ment committee. He re-
tired from active service a few years since; but prior to that enjoyed
a large and select general practice which extended into New York
and Brooklyn. He had patients from various parts of the Union.

Dr. Kobiiison's wife died in 1S74, since which time he has been a
widower. ^Irs. Pobinson was the eldest daughter of the Hon. Hiram
(ireeley I'.utler, of Pennsylvania, who was a cousin to Horace Gree-
lev. Their o)ilv child is Unsli Pubinson.

348 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Dr. Kobhisoii, i-ccciitly disiioscd of liis Statcii Islaiid in'oiicity, and
purchased a haiidsoinc icsidciicc in Wasliiniiton, 1). (\, wlicic lie now
resides.

Dr. SA^tUEL Kisskli- Smith. — Dr. Smith was born at ^^'atel•bn!y,
Connecticut, on April 10. ISOl. At the aue of fourteen he became a
rlcrl< in a lto(d<si(ni', in liic city of New Yorlc, and later entered tlie
<lru,i: Imsincss, ;.nd al tlic same time commenced the study of medi-
cin.e, in due time uradnatiiiL; at the University of the Stale of Xew
York, in the class of 1S2S. In 'Slay of that year he came to Tompkins-
ville, and bei;an tiic pradicc of his profession, which he pursued suc-
cessfully until his dcalli, which occurred on December 2-i, 1851.

Dr. Smith dcvoti'd liinisclf assiduously to his profession, in ^^hich
he was remarlwilly successful. Tie was no respectc r of pen-sons, for
all ranks and cnndiiicns of life (-(|naily i-eciMxed iiis alienticins when
required. The S. I.!. Smith Intirmary was named in Jionoj-of this noble
man.

Dr. John Swixrt'kxk. — Dr. Swinburne was for a time a resident
of Tompkinsville, duriuii and for a period after he was Health Otlicer
of the I'orr. lie was very i)opular on Staten Island, ami after
the establishment of an artiticial island in the lower bay, f(U' (luaran-
tine purposes, it was called '* Swinburne Island," in his honor.

Dr. Swinburne made wonderful discoveries in the art of healinn
broken bones and dislocated joints, and made successful application
of these discoveries to thousands of snlTeiers in civil life and in the
war of the Rebellion. In the sieye of Paris, in 1870, he earned tor
himself unnumbered blessings and amazed the skilled surgeons of
I'^rance.

As Health ()t1i.( r lie saved X.-w York from a plague, to the great
joy of tlie ]M'ople. lie was elected Mayor of Albany, and afterw;!rd
went to Congress IVum thai district.

Di:. ('ii.\Ri,i;s \\ii..\nii' Townsiomi. — Dr. Townsend was born ai
Clifton, in ISlil. lie is Mie s<m of the late Charles II. Townsend, a
\>-ell-kno\\ n commission mercdiant. lie attended school in rrofessfu-
Hawkins" Academy, at New lirighton, and later at St. Paul's .Vcad
emy, C(mcord, New Hamjishire. II" tluii entered Columbia C(dlege,
graduated from the School of Mines and advanced to the Cidlege of
Physicians and Surgeons of New Yoi'k City, where in an e.\aminati(tn,
continuing for two wetdcs, in which several himdred students took
part, he stood third in the class and won the prize, consisting of .1i!200.
Dr. Townsend married ^[iss AValser, of New Brighton, who is also a
physician, and went to Europe, spending a year or so in Prague and
Vienna, pursuing his studies under the great idiysiciaus and surgeons
of those centres of education. Eeturuing to liis home he settled at
New Brighton, where he commenced the practice of his profession,
and has met with marked success.

Dr. Townsend is the \'ice President of the IHchmond County Medi-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

349

cal Society; a cliartei- iikmiiIht of tlie Givalcr New Yoi-k .Arcdii-al As-
sociation; iiieiiiber of the New York State .Mcdiral Snciciv; nu'iui'ci-
of the Staten Island Natural S.-icnci- Ass(.ri;iiinii; a dii-.-ctor of tin'
local Society for the Prcvciitioii of ("riiclty to Cliildrcii, and aticndin-
suriicoii at llic Siiiitli Intiruiary. lie lias also scrvcil as Coroner and
Police Suriieou.

J. Walter Wood, A. :\r.. M. 1).— Dr. Wood was born ar .Mariners"
Harbor, on April 23, ISoC), and is a (b'scendant of the family of (iev-
e]-]U)i- Tiio'.iias Dongan — Walter, one of his m-pliews, IxMnij,' tlie Connder
of this family on Staten Island.

])r. Wood received a thoroniih edncalion in both the academic iind
medical schools, and soon

after ( nterinp' n]iou the —

])raclice of his ]irofession
liecame a \ery sm-cessfnl
physician and suriicon.
He served as He.alth Of-
fleer of the town (d' Norih-
tield and of the villa-e <d'
Port Richmond, and ("(.r-
oni'i' <d' ilie county.

Dr. Wood 's a Thiiiy-
second >h'iinr .Mason, an I
is a Past .Master .d' Ki. ii-
nmnd I.od-e. \o. CU; Pasl
Dish-ict DepnI.N (o.ind
:\Iaster of Ihe T\\eni\ -e\
enth District; Past lli-h
Priest of Tyrian ("imp
tei',. X.). 21!J, K. A. .M.:
Ihninent Commander of
Ihiildre Comniamlerv, a
Noble .d' Mecca Shrine,

President of the Statei' I^^-
land ."\Iasouic .Mntual lien-
etit Association; is exam
ininu' surgeon tor Ihe

North ^^^■s(ern .Masoinc Insurance ("ompany. He is als(. I'ast
("hanc( llo) (d' Siat'-n Island Lodtic Knights of Pythias, and examin-
ing physician for the Odd l"(dloAvs, ^^'orkingmen, Foresters, American
Legion of Ilenoi', Templars of Liberty, and the New York Life In-
surance ( "om]iany, and visiting surgeon of the Smith Infirmary.

On Ihe oriianization of the Health Department, under the Greater
New York charter. Dr. Wood was ajjpointed Assistant Registrar of
Pecords for the liorough (d" Kitdimond, Avhich position he still holds.

.J. W.M.TKR WOOD, .M.D.

350 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

The medical fraternity of Staten Island lias been honored by other
bright men than those mentioned.

Dr. Alfred Lndlow Carroll, who, after gTaduating from the New
York University, in 1855, removed to Staten Island in 1870. He was
appointed Secretary of the State Board of Health in 1884, and held
the office for a number of years. He was a writer of considerable
merit.

Dr. John T. Harrison was for many years mate of the Marine Hos-
pital, and subsequently Health Officer. Dr. John S. Westervelt served
five years as mate in the Marine Hospital, from 1823 to 1827 inclusive,
under Dr. Harrison. Dr. Westervelt was appointed Health Officer in
1S2!», in which capacity he served until 1830. Dr. Daniel ^I. Hitch-
cock at that time was mate and deputy.

Dr. William Rockwell, (successor to Dr. Westervelt). served as
Health Officer four years. During the first two years of office Dr.
{'harles A. Van Sandt was deputy, and the last two Dr. Henry Van
Hoevenberg. Dr. James Ilarcourt was at tliat iime mate of the
Marine Hospital. Dr. A. J. Doane succeeded Dr. Kockwell, and held
the office three years. Dr. Henry A^an Hoevenberg, Dr. Doane's suc-
cessor, commenced his office duties in 1843. He appointed Dr. James
Ilarcourt Deputy Health Officer.

Dr. William M. Smith held the office of Health Officer of the Tort
for many years. He was succeeded by Dr. Henry T. Jenkins, wlio
held the office for one term, and he was succeeded by Dr. Alvali II.
Doty, who holds the office at the present time.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

STATEN ISLAND JOURNALISM.

IX<'E tlio first establishment of uewspapeis in Xe\v V(>i'li:
Ciiy, w.' aie indebted to the press of the Metropolis for a
lircat (l^'al that would otherwise have been lost to the
world. Few events occurred here of special iniiiortauce
that escaped the attention of the primitive i-eporter. A\'c thid h)cal
news in tlic files of irirhiqtnii'^ fla:eff(\ (Iniiirs^^ Nor York CJazilt':. the
Evviiiin/ I'lisl, Hie Aiiiirii-iiii ciH.irii, as well a^' in tlie Xnc JiTSiy Ga:cHe
and tlic /'nnisi/lnnii'i ■Iminiul.

^>tate)i Island did not have a newspaper of irs own until 1S27. On
tlie ITili of <)(toI)('r. of rhat year, the Richmond licpiihrir.n: made its
appearance. Its editor and puldisher was Charles X. Balilwiu. and
the paper was intensely dennicratic It was jinblislied at No. 4 Cham-
bers street, New York City, although tlie editorial and busiuess office
was on Griffin street, next door to Bwau, Tonipkinsville.

Editor Baldwin was a very enterprising- man. Beside running two
newspapers, he kept the Quarantine Hotel, at Tonipkinsville, was a
lottery agent, and " turned an honest penny " as best he could. As
a journalist, it may be said Mr. Baldwin was " up to the times." We
copy his address to his patrons, as he begins his work on Staten Is-
land :

"Encouraged by a distant jn-ospect of success, we have beconii- a
voluntary exile from our nati\c city. We have cast our lot among
strangers, and we rely with confidence on their support. I'rom the
slender population of the Island Ave have not much to expect — we
throw ourself on the liberality of our enlightened and generous peo-
])]e. Richmond is, we believe, the only county in this flourishing and
prosperous State that does not support a press. A newspaper is a
stranger among you, and, therefore, as a stranger, bid it welcome.

" Let not the present attempt to sustain the character and dignity
of this goodly portion of the commonwealth become abortive. We
ask not — we expect not a rich reward for our services, but Ave do ex-
pect some trifling remuneration for our labor. There are few sil na-
tions so arduous as, and more unpleasant than that of an editor of a
public journal. He mnsi ratei- for the tastes of his patrons, which
are frequently as changeable as ilie rolor of the chameleon. Every
eye is fixed upon him, and everybody takes the liberty to censure

352 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

him and dictato the course he should pursiie. His political oppo-
nents load him with bitter invectives, and those whom he had con-
sidered his political friends too frequently desert him when their
ends are answered and his ' gray goose quill ' can be of no further
service to them.

"In oui' former efforts we have incessantly, and as tlic world goes,
universally hdidred to expose corruption in the a'liiiiuisliati<in of
justice, aiMl most villainous swindling in legalized gambling, but
•poverty, the reward of honest fools,' o'ertook us for it. ^^'(' now
stand indicted for exposing the corrupt practices of the New York
Tolice, and for innocently comijlimenting a certain Judge, wiiosc
temper sometimes gets the belter of his inidci'siaiKliiig, and wliose
decisions have more than once been set aside by a higher tiibunal.

" Plain and unsophisticated in our manners, we do not seek to be-
come a member of ' good society " — the great Republican Family- -
tlie friends and supixirtct s nf (Jeneral Jackson, are the men with
whom we wi^li lo asscciate, and in whose patriotism Ave can confide.
The General has done so niucli for his cotmtry, and such a man the
people delight to honor. \\'e feel bound in gratitude to '.end our
feeble aid in his behalf, ami to use i^very honorable effoi-t to promote
his election."

Several cohimns of political neivs ai>]ieared in th
ing to emanate from liichmoml ('ininty Hall, at K
the advertisements in the first numbers, were lliiis(^
who had fruit trees for sale; William Eddy want
lie owned, on Sarah .\nn street. Tompkinsville; T.
his grateful acknowledgments to his friends for tli
(Tnion School," locateil at Tompkinsville; Corneli
vertised a boat wliidi be had (unnd ; 1'. r.yrne sold
"Shaving, liair-ruli ing. bleeding and tooth-drawii
Spong, adjoining tli:' .Masonic Hall, Tompkinsville,
D. Denyse kept a livery stable at the (Quarantine
Hall. Samuel Dameron was the village tailor. J
lumber, lime, brick, etc. J. \\ l^nnitain ran the (
in front of the steamboat wharf. William S. Koot kept ;i general
provision store, at Tom]d<ins\ille. A. (!. Dixon, the postmaster, .id-
vertised a list of unclaimed letters. Jonathan Merrill and John
<}oodhart, of Northfield, dissolved co-partnership. The Steamboat
"Bolivar" made two trijis a day to New York; fare, each way,
twenty-five cents; all baggage at the risk of the owner.

The following important announcement was given prominence :

"Ferry to Blazing Star, (Linol^umville). — Francis B. Fitch re-
spectfully informs the public that he has once more stai'ted the above
ferry, for which ]mrpose he has built a first-rate Scow, and as soon as
the travelling Mill warrant, he intends adding a Horse Boat, and no
exertion or expense on his part, shall be wanting to secure public

lis

.ai.i-r

all s,

em-

fich

mou"

. Am

!Ug

T. B.

•^imonson.

ed
Fa

don

1 a h'
■ temb

use

red

H'ii

supi

(a-t of

hi .

\-an(

erbilt

ad-

(inills a

n! wal

•rs.

ng,
," \

by I
\a^ a

lanciN
moun

.M.

■e.l.

' li

■onn('

, .Mas.

nic

loh

"on

1 Del

n-est ,
ial lb

nhl
lei.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

353

only so von

Xrw r.iiii

■Id.^c, is i

<'S),

Ll-.MMl

place at Butler's
■re beini; rival fac-

patronage. The Tnrnpike tn Quarantine, ( it Ixmul;'
is now in complete nnler, as also tlie Turnpike li
twelve miles. The road to Kahway, .Milton, Westii
repair."

Accounts were given of the races wliicli took
Tavern, at (Jraniteville, and on New Dorp lane, tin
tions among the sporting meu of the time.

There was great excitement in the country about Freemason
the time, which caused the following to be printed :

'' Hill is still traveling through the Western parts of this State,
pestering varicnis grand juries to find a bill against him for The
murder of ^Villiam ilorgan, well known as the author of a certain
pamphlet purporting to be an exposition of the secrets of Masonry.
Verily this Hill was not born to be drowned, for he pertinaciously
insists upon being hung; but, poor fellow, he cannot find a court to
convict him; and why
should they convict
him? Since Morgan
has published f o u r
books, subsequent to
his rejioi-ted death, ex-
plaining tlie mysteries
of the higher degree s,
as he says, but they
are as far from the
mark as the first, and
so glowingly imiiruba-
ble that Oullive]"s
Travels into the Brob-
dignag and Liliput or
the celebrated Adven-
tures of Baron Mun-
chausen will ap])ear

like truth when compared with his nonsense. His first book is but a
single improvement on a publication that appeared in London about
thirty years ago (1798), and can now be purchased in New York for
about nine cents, Staten Island currency! » * * We saw Mr.
Morgan at the store of Henry Mead, at the corner of Harm an and
Catherine streets. New York, on Christmas morning, alive and well."

A large book could be filled with the choice bits of news we find in
the RcpuhJican — the first four volumes of which lie before us. Suffice
it to say. Editor Baldwin published a lively newspaper, and one that
will compare favorably with those of to-day.

On January 1, 1831, the RepuhUcan contained this announcement:
" The Patrons of the RepvMicnn are respectfully informed that I have
transferred the establishment to Mr. William Hagadorn, Editor of

AN PKLT S .\CAI

rOKT KICHMO

354 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

the New York Dcmocratic-Reptihlican, whom I take the liberty to rec-
ommend to my friends as a democrat of the okl school, and I think
nothing -nill be wanting on his part to make the paper highly interest-
ing to its patrons. In surrendering this journal, I beg leave to return
my sincere thanks to my late patrons for past favors, with an assur-
ance of my good wishes and lasting esteem.

'' Charles N. Baldwin."

William Hagadorn assumed charge of the EcpuhJicaii, and settled
on Staten Island. Peter Hagadorn, the first of the family in this
country, came from Frankfort, in 1716, and settled at Kheinbeck,
where he, his son, John; his grandson, Francis, and great-grandson,
William, are buried side by side. William, the junior, saw many
stirring events of the Revolution, and, although a mere lad, often took
part in the hardships and services of the " Minute men." He was a
lieutenant in the Brooklyn regiment, during the War of 1812, doing
duty in that city, on Staten Island and at Sandy Hook. After that
war, he settled in Newark, New Jersey, and published the IiitcHi-
f/encer, and also became a Universalist minister.

Before Editor Baldwin sold the RepiiUican, however, he Jiad oppo-
sition in The Chrouicli; a Whig paper, edited and published by Dr.
Thompson, the Health Officer of the Port.

The RepHhlican ran for a few years under Mr. Hagadorn's manage-
ment, and was finally consolidated with another paper and lost its
identity. The Staten Islander was the next paper to make its appear-
ance here. John J. Adams was its editor and publisher. The Mirror
speaks of him on May 12, 1838, as follows : " This gentleman, since
he brought his publication of the Staten Islander to a close, (about
ten months ago), has connected himself with the New-Yorker, and ab-
solved that connection; played and taken a benefit on the boards of
the National Theatre; made a voyage to Europe and returned, and
is now lecturing at Philadelphia! ' Business is business.' "

The New York and Richmond County Free Press was started about
1832, by William Hagadorn, formerly of the RepnUiean. It was a
Iwelve-page paper, and its title page bore the following announce-
ment : " Devoted to the advancement of the liberal arts and sciences,
and to the promulgation of useful knowledge, general literature, etc.
In its columns may be found interesting selections in natural history,
geology, mineralogy, and botany, original and selected tains, poetry,
stric hires, essays, biographical sketches, traits of distinguished char-
acters, etc." The publication office was at 174 Broadway, Ncav York
City. The Free I'ress, on Saturday, June 13, 1835, under the editorial
head had the following ticket: " For President, Martin Van Biiren,
of New Y'ork; for Vice-President, Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky."
The leading editorial reads thus :

" The first number of a new series of the Free Press is no^^• laid be-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 355

fore the public. Onr readers will perceive that the interval, between
Ihe date of our last and our present number, has been emploj-ed in
making- considerable improvement in the form and appearance of the
paper. Subscribers, almost without an exception, desired us to make
this improvement; and, while we state that its accomplishment has
incurred a heavy expenditure of time and money, (we mean, of course,
an expenditure heavy in proi>ortiou to our light resources), we will take
leave to expi'ess our assurance of being amply reimbursed, by the ac-
cessions that will be made to our subscription list, and the prompti-
tude and pleasure with which the old subscribers will now call and
settle their dues, knowing that we have spared no pains or expense in
placing this publication on a footing commensurate with the liberal-
ity with which it has been sustained during the past five years."

Following the above is an editorial comment concerning the order
of President Jackson, to the effect that " public officers must pay their
debts, or suffer immediate removal." A great deal is said about the
tariff. In the following number this paragraph is printed ;

'• Our Richmond County Paper, (the income of which has not for the
past six or eight months paid the extra expense which it has been
to us) will be continued throughout the present volume. Our paper
has lately been ' got up ' with considerable expense to us, and we are
determined that it shall be punctually and regularly delivered to
our subscribers. If at the end of this volume, our circulation in IJich-
JiKmd County has not enlarged sufticiently to warrant the continuance
of that branch of our paper, we will then be compelled to discontinue
it."

On August 15, the publisher offered to sell the " copyright and
patronage" of the paper. He claimed that it was one of the best es-
tablished papers in the city. On October 3, this item appeared : " A
farmer on Staten Island, whose fertile grounds we were admiring at
the time, informed us that when he first came into possession of Iiis
farm, there was but one blade of grass within its precincts, and tliat
a famished grasshopper was perched upon that, making his dying
prayer."

The Free Press was superseded by the Plaindealer. Its first number
was issued on December 3, 1836. It was a very ably conducted paper.
The great bank question, which at that time was the absorbing topic
of the whole country, consumed a very large portion of its space. It
was printed for the proprietor by William Van Norden, at 96 Nassau
street; the publication office Avas at the corner of Pine street and
Broadway.

There was a revival at that day of a prominent feature which char-
acterized the press of America immediately after the Revolution —
namely, a regard for matters of a literary nature. Local news — the
little details of everv-dav life in village and countrv — was a secondarv

356 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

matter. The PlmndeaJcr^s chief mission seemed to be to attack slav-
ery, and it carried on the worlv in a very vigorous manner.

The first newspaper printed on Staten Island was the liicluiioiiil
CounUj Mirror, which made its appearance in July, 1837. Francis L.
Hagadorn was its editor and proprietor, and the publication office was
located on Richmond terrace, New Brighton, somewhere between
York avenue and Belmont Hall. It contained eight pages of three
columns each, was ably edited, and neatly printed. The editor was
the son of the publisher of the Free Press, and he, too, had been con-
nected with that paper.

In the same issue is a " History of Staten Island, chapter 1, by the
Kev. Dr. Van Pelt," who also contributed an outline history of the
Huguenots. We quote from the editorial address :

" In commencing the arduous duties of a public journalist, we rev-
erently Imiw t(i llu- ' usages' and time-honored customs so religiously
observed in sncii matters, and hercAvith essay to make known inn-
rules of guidance. Those who will expect this paper to support and
close up the deformities of any political party, must, at the outset,
be undeceived. Those, also, who will image us as either the radical
enemy of all social distinctions, or the court journalist of our Anghi-
American aristocrats, must also be apprised of their error."

Editor Hagadorn, of the Mirror, was a genuine patriot, and we find
him censuring the people of Staten Island for not celebrating tln'
" Glorious Fourth." He boldly calls them " a generation of vipers
and hypocrites," because they liad refused to honor the memory of
Washington and his compeers.

The editor also lectures the Supervisors relative to the conditi(Pii
of old Richmond road. His comments will be appreciated :

" This is a matter of some importance, gentlemen, and should lie
so treated. The old road has become warped into its present state hy
neglect of ages; like an old, untutored mind, it has followed the in-
clinntions (if passion and lawless folly — it has left the sterling paths
of jirohity and truth, and rambled through the mazes of romance and
adventure, jinuiipted, it would seem, by nothing but the bent of idle
curiosity. So we find it — and all the mild persuasions and even the
examples of the brave old fences, will affect nothing against the
prejudices of age; forcible means must be called into action."

The chief agitation among the Islanders, at that time, was an at-
tempt to secure the erection of a light-house on Robyn's Reef, and tlie
survey being made for the establishment of a navy yard and fort at
" the cove " at Constable's Hook, opposite New Brighton. In the
light of modern military events, the Mirror's editorial comments are
quite unique :

" This undertaking, like everything else new, excites our wonder
why its object has lain so long unnoticed. The advantages of bold

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

357

wat<'r aii(! jJi-oxiiuitv to tlie ocean, lliis localioii ad'ls tlit' impurtaut
Odiisideralidii of chca]) and easy (Icf'cncc. II is only ai)iii-oacliable by
large vessels from one passage. Natnre, too, shut it off in every
other direction by shoals and Mats. It is also further proposed to
establish a fort, similar to that at the Kip Kaps, on the reef of rocks,
at the mouth of the Sound, known as Robyn's Eeef ; and this, in ad-
dition to the defence of the navy yard, would from its position be
able to effect more — in case of an attack upon New York by sea —
than all the other forts within the harbor. A strong fort upon
liobyn's Eeef, with a short chain to the shore of Staten Island, would
effectually defend the navy yard; and any other flotilla, on attempt-
ing to force its way into the harbor, would inevitably be exposed 1o
a raking fire of four or five miles."

On September 2 (1837), the editor speaks of his prospects as fol-
lows: "Bad, badder, baddest! We will continue, however, to pub-
lish semi-monthly, until ^^e h.ivo obtained ,i suihdent patnuiai^e to
warrant our driving the Mnmi well I'eiscNoaiu ( is our inoiio
Everything is attain-
al)l(' by iudusfi-y and
application; and Avlien
we have established a
1)usiness on Staten Is-
land, we shall take l.i
ourself the credit el
some fortitude."

Editor Hagadorn is-
sued ajinual addresses
to Ills reailers, in one
of which lie stated
that '• gratitude is a
keen sense of favor to
come." He continued
to publish the Minai-
for a number of years,
and at last it was

merged into the l^taten Ji^hiii'lrr, and tlie imblication oftice was in the
little, wedge-shaped building, still standing, nearly opposite Police
Headquarters at Stapleton.

When scarcely ten years old, Mr. Hagadorn entered his father's
printing office in Newark and learned to set type. At twelve years of
age he began literary work. He wrote poetry and little stories be-
fore he was sixteen. In later years he wrote a romance of Staten Is-
land, calling it the " Story of a Spoon," locating the scenes on Rich-
mond Hill, and in and around the little village at the County Seat.

ilr. Hagadorn took a great interest in military matters. He was

358 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

first lieutenant of tlie Ixicluuoud County Guards, of Tompldnsville,
commanded at first by Captain Mintliorne Tomplvins. He rose rap-
idly until, in a few years, lie was commissioned Colonel of the Seventy-
third Kegiment, New York State Militia. Later he was appointed
Quarter-Master General on the staff of Governor Horatio Seymour.
He was Postmaster of Stapleton for three terms. In the old " train-
ing days " he commanded a Staten Island " division.''

When the war broke out, in 1861, he was appointetl Major of the
Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers, with which he served but a
short period. He resigned to accept the appointment of Inspector-
General of the army of the Republic of Venezuela, under General
Paza, which position he held for some time. General Hagadorn died
at Georgetown, South Carolina, on Friday, July 1, 1897, and was
buried with the honors of war at Troy, New York.

The Liftk' Corporal commenced jjublication in Stapleton, in 1854.
Its editor was William P. Hagadorn, son of the latter. He became a
lieutenant in the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth New York Volun-
teers, and was for some time in Libby Prison. One of his hands was
badly shattered in battle. His paper had a short existence.

TJie Stafeii Islander — the second paper by that name in the county -
was practically a continuation of the Mirror, and was published in
the fifties and early sixties. Colonel Hagadorn was its editor and
publisher.

The Se[joi/ was started by Dr. William C. Anderson, in 1858, at
Stapleton. Its particular object was to defend the peojile of Staten
Island from the unjust attacks of the New York press, in consequence
of the burning- of the Quarantine Hospitals. In a short time it
changed its name to the Richmond County Gazette. Charles Vogt be-
came its editor. Later it was owned by a stock company, and John
Bale was its manager, with Thomas J. Folan as editor. Ernest F.
Pirmingham managed it for some time, and finally sold it, in 1882,
to Erastus Winian, when Colon K. Urquhart became its editor. Aftci'
a year or so. it passed into the hands of William A. Suydam, whd
still owns it. It is Republican in politics. This paper is the oldest
published on the Island to-day.

The Staten Island Leader. Democratic, was started in 1860, by Sam-
uel Marsh, John G. Vaughn and others as a stock company, with
-Mr. Marsh as editor. The paper was sold to P. H. Gill, who controlled
it f(U' several years. At Mr. Gill's death it was leased by William A.
Suydam, who ran it for a brief period, when it was purchased by
Nicholas and John Macklin, Avho are still its publishers. The Leader
is the oldest Democratic paper on the Island.

The Xorth Shore Adroeafe was started at West New Brighton, in
1869, by John J. Clute, with Thomas J. Folan as assistant editor. It
suspended in 1877.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 359

Shoitlv after the war, the X(Jiih l^hore Union was iniblished at West
Xew Uriglitoii, by A. (I. < latter. It ran for a short time.

The RirJitnond Countij t^vtttlnd Avas started at Xew Brighton bv
Thomas Humphrey in 187(5. Hans S. Beatty, afterward Surveyor of
tlie Port, was a reporter for it. It was purchased by Erastus Wiman,
in ISSl, and consolidated with the Richmond County Gazclte.

The Statoi Island Star was established at West X^ew Brighton in
1S77, by Oscar A. Douglas. In 1889, it was purchased by a company,
known as the Star Publishing Company, with Edward I. Miller as
manager, in which form it continues. It is now an ot3ficial paper of
the Borough of Richmond.

The RicJimond Connti/ Dcinovraf commenced publication at Tomp-
kinsville in 1880, with William J. and Henry Browne as publishers.
Thomas J. Folan was its editor at the time of his death, in 1888. liCO
C. Evans has also been its editor. The paper is still published by
William J. Browne.

The Rirlnnond Counti/ Herald was started at Stapleton, in ISSO, as a
campaign paper, by the Hon. Gilbert C. Deane, with Thomas J. Folan
as editor. Meeting witli considerable success, it was continued as a
permanent enterprise. It is now owned and edited by Cornelius A.
Hart.

The Statcn Island Advertiser was published at West X'^ew Brighton
during the eighties, by Frederick Porter.

Tlie Richmond County Standard was started in 1880, at X"ew Brigh-
ton, by Robert Humphrey and Colon K. Urquhart. The latter with-
drew in 1884, when Ira K. Morris became the editor, and held the
position for several years. The paper has suspended publication.

The Westfield Times commenced publication at Tottenville in 1881.
It:^ proprietor was Arthur Y. Hubbell. The name was changed to
tlie Sfaten Island Times, and it i.assed into the hands of Hart Momsen.
The paper is discontinued.

The Richmond County Adrancc commenced publication in 1885, by
John Crawford, Jr., at West Xew Brighton. This paper occupied a
different field from all others on the Island. It was established upon
a commercial basis, and did not rely upon political support. The
effort has proved a siiccess.

The Staten Islander — the third paper by that name in the county —
was started by Ernest F. Birmingham, in 1889. Leo C. Evans was
tlie editor. It has changed hands several times, but is now pub-
lished by J. Judson Worrell and M. J. Kane. Mayberry Flemming
is the editor. It is Republican in politics and is an official paper of
the Borough. The office is at St. George.

The Independent was started at Port Richmond in 1895, as a cam-
paign paper, being the organ of the Independents. It was owned by
a stock company, Avith Frank M. Harrington as editor. A daily was

360 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

issued from tlie same office in 1897, called The Neirs, of which Hart
Momseii was editoi\ It was published for a few weeks ouly. .V
AveeklT is publislied from the office now, with the title of Xcirs-Tiidc-
jinidnit. nan ]Momsen is the editor, and Charles Wood business
manager.

The Citiznu published at Port Eiciimond by Ira D. Bamber and
George D. Swartwout, had a brief cai-eer in the eighties.

The Dci(if<rhe Staieii fshnidcr, a Oerman paper, was started in 1867,
by John .Schiefer, who ran if for mnny years. It is now managed by
Adolph Hchenk.

The Statcii Isldiid lhnts<-hr ZcihuKj, a German paper, was starteil
in 187G, by Carl llerborn, and ran for a year or so.

The I'osi is tlie name of a German paper published at Stapleton by
Hugo Kessler.

Tlie Xeirs-I.fttcr was started at St. George in 1897, by Ernest F.
IJiruiinghaiii. and is issued weekly at that place.

Tlic \'<ii/ihiior, a temperance paper, was started by Rev. W. 11.
"N'ogler, in 1892. After the removal of that gent]ema.n from Statoi
Island, the pa])er passed into other hands, and in a short time pub-
lication was suspended.

The A)-</:ff< is a little paper published in the interest of a faction of
ihe Republican party. It appears once a month, and is published by
Leon Bossue dit Lyonnais.

The f^tateu Inland Traiiseript is the latest newspaper enterprise. It
is published at Tottenville by Cornelius Shea, and is democratic in
politics.

The Real E.^tate Reeord, established in 1890, by Daniel T. Cornell.
at Clifton, is published monthly.

Many attempts have been made to run newspapers on the Island,
which we have omitted to mention. A notable one was in Rossville,
several years ago. The paper was needlessly personal, and one day
everything movable in the office was dumped into the Kills, and the
editor sought a more congenial field of labor.

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE SCHOOLS OF STATEN ISLAND.

must depend almost entirely upon tradition for the loca-
tion and establishment of the first public school on Staten
Island. We have sufficient proof, however, to warrant
the statement that it was located at or near Stony Brook,
and was jirobably in the same little structure that stood near the
Moravian Church — that location beinj^ consid(n'ed in the tStony lUook
neighborhood at that time. It is perfectly natural that It sliould
liave Ix-en Icicated ncir The Cniirt House and Church.

The Waldciiscs niid ilic llii-u<-nots must have the credit of estab-
lishini; the tir.^t school on ►Stalcii Island. It is estimated that the
white settlers numbered not more than three liundred at that time.

Let us to-day call back the long centuries that have rolled into the
dim vista of tiinc since our adventurous forefathers established the
first school (111 Si, it '11 Island — the centuries that have even obliterated
the old grave-yard where they sleep — and, in recognition of their
worth, their exam]ile. and their fortitude, thank the Father in heaven
that tliey once lived here, and opened for us the channels of Chris-
tianity and Civi]izati(m, whicli liave ripened, in time, into the car-
dinal jirinriph's of tjic grandest government under tlie providence of
God.

It is appropriate on this page to sliow the contrast between the
services and obligations of pTd)]ic school teaclicrs in tlic early days
of Colonial civilization and those of to-day. Tic- following ''agree-
ment " is taken from the official school records at ^^'asllington :

"Article 1. The school shall begin at S o'clock and go out at 11;
shall begin again at 1 o'clock and end at 4. The bell shall be rung
before the school commences.

" Article 2. When school begins, one of the children shall read the
morning prayer as it stands in the catechism, and close with the
prayer for dinner; and in the afternoon, the same; the evening
school shall begin with the Lord's Prayer and close by singing a
song.

" Article 3. He shall instruct the children in the eoniiiion iirai/rrs
and the questions and answers of the catechism on Wediir.'tdin/s and
Satiirdai/s, to enable them to say them better on Sunday in the Church.

362 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

" Article i. lie shall be required to keep his school nine months
in succession, from September to June, one year with anothei*, and
shall always be present himself.

" Article 5. He shall be chorister of the Church, keep the church
cJeoii, ring the bell three times before the people assemble, read a
chapter of the bihle in the church between the second and third rinu-
mg of the bell; after the third ringing he shall read the ten coiimiaiid-
invii1.<- and the twelve arliclrs of our faith and then siii^ a psalm. In the
afternoon, after the third ringing of the bell, he shall read a shorr
cliaptei-, or one of the psalms of David, as the congregation is asseui-
Wing; afterwards he shall again sing a psalm or hymn.

'* Article 6. When the Minister shall preach in an outside parish, he
shall be bound to read twice before the congregation, from the book
used for the purpose. He shall hear the children recite the questions
and answers out of the catechism on Sunday and instruct them
therein.

''Article 7. He shall provide a basin of water for tlu^ administra-
tion of holy baptism, and furnish the Minister with the name of the
child to be baptized, for which he shall receive twelve stivers, ( a
Dutch coin of the value of two cents, or about one penny sterling), in
Waiu]ium for every baptism from the parents or sijonsors. He shall
furnish bread and wine for the communion at the charge of tlie
church. He shall also serve as a messenger for the consistory.

" Article 8. He shall give the funeral invitations, dig the grave,
and toll the bell, for which he shall receive, for persons of fifteen years
of age and upwards, twelve guilders, (a Dutch coin of the value of
thirty-eight cents, or f 4.56 in our money.) For persons under fiftec^u
years of age he shall receive eight guilders, (13.44); he shall receive
for a spelling book or reader, three guilders, (|1.14) per quarter, an<l
for a writer, four guilders, (|1.52) for the day school.

" In the evening school he shall receive four guilders (|1.52) for a
speller or reader, and five guilders (|1.90) for a writer per quarter.
The residue of his salary shall be four hundred guilders (|142.00) in
wheat delivered, with the dwelling, pasturage and meadow pertaining
to the school.

" Done and agreed upon the consistory this 8th day of October,
1642.-'

At a period of about a century and a-half ago, those families on
our Island who could afford it, sent their children over to the Perth
Amboy Academj-. That was, so far as we have been able to ascertain,
one of the first educational institutions of note established in what
are now the United States.

It is the history of every community, in the early settlement of our
country, that progress was very slow, and every effort at advance-
ment was met with disadvantages and discouragements. The

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 363

treachery of the Indians was a great impediment to those who at-
tempted to educate the people of Staten Island. In those days, age
was no barrier against attending school. A number of teachers were
killed, and others driven from the Island, and it was not until David
Brainard interceded, that the atrocities of the Indians in this direc-
tion were checked.

The first public school on Staten Island, of which we have any
authentic liistory, was located at what is now called Xew Springville.
h was established some time between 1690 and 1700. The original
school building, which was enlarged in the early part of the present
centurj', was demolished about 1888.

It was in the old Springville school-house that the ancestors of the
Corsons, the VanNames, the Housmans, the Hatfields, the Cro-
cherons, the Hillyers, the Merrills, the Simonsons, the Egberts, the
Depews, tlie Deckers, and various other old Staten Island families
spent their school days.

The writer attended the nieeting when it was decided to demolish
llie old building. There were the great, thick stone walls, crum-
bling and (lamp and mouldy. There were the rude desks, where time
and tile boys had evidently carried on a spirited competition in their
efforts at destruction. Great holes were in the floor: the plaster had
fallen from the ceiling; the little, old-fashioned stove was almost
devoTired by rust; the well-worn black-board resembled a mutilated
target, and in every nook and corner there was devastation and ruin.
And yet, tiiere were those present who ileclarcd that the old school-
liiiuse was good enough! It was not until after the Commissioner
tuld )iis audience what power he had in the premises, that the fate
of the oldest school-house on the Island was sealed. All that remains
to-day of the venerable structure is the foundation of a modern build-
ing. Avhich is composed of the material taken from the time-honored
walls.

Ill 1710, " yiv. ^Mackenzy. the English Society's jMissionary in Staten
Island, having informed them how much they wanted School-ilasters
to instruct the Children of the English, Dutch and French, in said
Island, and having recommended Mr. Adam Br()\^n and Mr. Renja-
iiiin Dvewit for that Purpose, the Society made choice of them borh.''

The two seem to have been continued during the two following
years; but in 1712, the masters appear to have been exchanged.
Francis Williamson and John DuPuy were that year employed under
the patronage of the Society. Their salary was ten pounds a year,
and their work was eminently satisfactory, as the testimony of the
missionary. Rev. Mr. Mackenzy, together with the approval of the
justices of the county abundantly proved. So beneficial to the people
did the work of these early schoolmasters appear to be, that the So-
ciety detei'inined, in 1713, to employ three more.

364

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

The report of Mr. Bi-own, of Richmond, one of these teachers, is
preserved. It is dated April 10, 1713, and it states that he had con-
Tiniied to iceep school in the ir5oiitli precinct of the County; that he
had tanght, during the year preceding, thirty-five children to " read,
write and cypher," and the catechism of the church, with the explana-
tions tlicrcof. to such as were capable; that he had twenty-four of
liis siholnis ]Piildi(ly catechised in the church, and the readiness with
uliich they answered all questions was admired hj all who heard
them; that he taught them the use of the " common prayer," so that
the children could join with the congregation in the divine service.

This report was certified
to by the minister and the
r.oard of Justices of Ihr
County.

Charles Taylor, in 1717.
appears as the school
master of the iSoriciy,
with a salary of fifteen
lionnds a year. He also
appears to have occu]ned
the position for several
years. In 1722 and 1723,
he was teaching resppi--
tively forty-three and
forty - two scholars, at
Richmond. Besides the
scliolars in regular daily
attendance, he also at that
time kept a night school
for teaching negroes and
those cliiidren who had to
work during the daytime.
He continued to exercise
the functions of a school-
master for many years,
and finally died in the
service in 1742, as the fol-
lowing abstract from the Society's minutes show :

"And Mr. Taylor, the Society's Schoolmaster at Staten Island be-
ing dead, the Society upon a Petition and Recommendation from the
Reverend Mr. Arnold, their Missionary, and from the Church Wardens
and Vestry of the Church of Staten Island, of Mr. Andrew Wright,
as a Person of Good Morals, and a constant Communicant, and \\ell
qualified to teach, hath appointed liim School-Master there to instruct
the poor white, and Black Children also, if any such are brougiit t(»

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 365

him. gratis, in tlie Principles of Chi'istianity, and to read the Bible
and the < "oiunnju-ijrayer Book."

The followino- certificate is among the ('(inn1y recurds-:
" We whose names are under written Do Certify that the Bearer
hereof, James Forest, has lived in the ^Yest end of Stateu Island two
years and six months, During Avhich time we know nothing of him
but what is Just and honest. Teaching and Instructing of Pupils in
such parts of Literature as their ra]iaci(y Tould Coiitaiii; witli great
Fidelity and Justice, (iiving dijc and Kcgular Aiiciidance in said
school to our Mutual & Intire >Salisfactiuu and likewise Instructed
them in their Parts and Honours to our great Fidelity, and now to
part at his own Request. As Witness our hands 6th of August Seven-
teen hundred and Sixtyuine 1769.

Isaac Doty, William Bennett, Abraham Wiuant,

Peter Androvette, David Laforge, John Garrison,

Zacheus Vandyke, Oeorge Garrison, Onmelius Dusosway,

•John Dubois, Daniel Winaut, John Gould,

Isaac Prall, Jacob Beckhow, John Story,

Mioses Doty, Daniel Stillwell, Thomas Butler,

Jacob Sprague, John Totten, Henry Butler,

Isaac Manee, Daniel Wiuant, Juu'r, Christopher Billopp."

Immediately after the establishment of the State Government,
uuder the Kepublic, the subject of popular education began to re-
ceive notice by the Legislature. The first step in that direction was
the ineorpoi'ation of the Regents of the University, which was done
by the first Legislature after the adoption of tlie Constitution. In
1789, the State set apart certain public lands for gospel and school
purposes. In 1795, an act was passed for encouraging and maintain-
ing schools, appropriating fifty thousand dollars annually for five
years for that puipose. In 1798, an act was passed authorizing and
providing for raising the sum of one hundred thousand dollars by
means of four successive lotteries, the money to be appropriated to
the encouragement of schools. In 1805, an act was passed by which
five hundred thousaud acres of the public lands of the State were to
be sold, and the proceeds devoted to the establishment of a perma-
nent fund, the income of which was to be annually distributed among
the school <listricts of the State for the support of common schools.

No system for carrying out the beneficence of the State had been
devised when Governor Tompkins, at the opening of the session, in
1810, addressed the Legislatui^e, urging attention to this matter. , The
income of the fund at that time amounted to about twenty-six thou-
sand dollars annually, the fund ilself liaviiig reached the sum of one
hundred and fifty-one tliousan.l dollars and sixty-nine cents. In 1811,
Governor Tompkins again urg<^d the niatter upon th<' Legislatur<>,

366 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

and the result was the passage of an act organizing the common
school system as it existed until 1838. The first distribution of money
under this system was made in 1813, the law establishing- it having
been passed June 19, 1812. This system divided the several towns
into school districts, and placed the affairs of each district in the
hands of three trustees. The school money was appropriatet) to the
towns on the basis of their population, and again divided to each
school district on the basis of the number of children in each, be-
tween the ages of five and fifteen years. Each town was required to
raise for school purposes a sum equal to that which it received from
the State. The first Superintendent of Common Schools was Gideon
Hawley, whose term extended from 1813 to 1821.

We ha\e authority for stating; that there was a schoolhouse near
the one now in service at Castleton Corners as far back as 1784. It
was located on what was known as the Dawson estate — a name once
found in the old records. It was the traditional " old, red school-
house," and was located several yards in the rear of the present
structure.

Tompkinsville had a flourishing public school in 1815. It stood
near where Niagara Engine Company's house is now located, and
had a warm friend in the founder of the village. It is said that <t0v-
ernor Tompkins used to visit the school at least once a week, and not
only gave prizes to the bright scholars, but paid a part of tlie teacher's
salaiy out of his own pocket.

The law providing for the ottice of County School Commissioner
took effect in 1856, and the l^oard of Supervisors made the first selec-
tion in the appointment of Dr. David A. Edgar, of Westfield. After
serving for a year and a half, he was elected iu 1858 for three years.

It is an interesting fact, although a sad commentary upon our
forefathers, that not only on Staten Island but throughout America
the public schools were not oj^en to girls until 1790, and then for only
two or three hours a day during the summer months, when there were
not enough boys in attendance to keep the school going. They were
regularly admitted by law in New York State in 1822. The first law
enacted in this State iu the interest of women's education was in
1818, on the recommendation of Governor De Witt Clinton, who was
induced by ]\[rs. Emma Willard to urge the passage of a bill for an
appropi'iation for her female seminary at Troy.

The reason for the delay in admitting girls to the public schools
was, that it was considered unimportant for poor girls to be educated,
and the rich could have private tutors, or send to private schools
when a daughter showed that she had a " capacity " to learn!

One can scarcely imagine how deep-seated was the prejudice
against the education of women, and their admission into business
circles, in the old days. To show what a hold the theory had upon

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 367

the people well along in the present century, we quote from an edi-
torial in the Richmond Repiihlican, of April 10, 1830 :

" Miss Fanny Wright, Owen, Jennings and Co. have lately de-
claimed much in defence of the rights of the female sex, who, they
insist, ought to take an equal share in government, legislation, etc.
In that they would unsex the fairest part of the human family, and
turn topsy-turvy the laws of Heaven and Nature. Instead of quar-
relling with these sapient reformers, however, we promise to espouse
their side of the argument, as soon as they will prove that our rougher
sex can ' change works ' with them.

" When woman aspires to ambitious situations, she steps out of the
sphere allotted to her by nature, and assumes a character which is an
outrage upon her delicacy and feminine loveliness. No female does
so unless she be an infidel; none but atheists and libertines sanction
the aberration."

The world moves. The onward march of progressive principles
will never halt until equal rights are not only given to the boys and
girls in the school-room; hut are also extended to men and women
alike in business, social and political channels. Let the girls be
(educated equally with the boys, and then, the world being big enough
for all, let them have a fair chance to earn their own living, and be
perfectly independent when support becomes to them a serious ques-
tion.

The law which created separate districts and elected three trustees
— one of whom was elected each year — vesting them with almost ab-
solute power, worked to the serious detriment of the public schools.
\\'hile in some of the districts fair-minded and intelligent men were
selected, it often happened that illiterate and narrow-minded individ-
uals were given the power to rule, and often to ruin. We have wit-
nessed the engagement of teachers solely because they would accept
nieagre salaries — the question of ability not being taken into con-
sideration. A miserly ijolicy, too, was manifested in the shabby
structures that served as school-houses. Some of them were unfit for
barns or cattle-sheds, much less for the day homes of the boys and
girls who were seeking an education.

About twenty years ago one of the local newspapers took the matter
in hand. The disgrace to the Island which such school-houses caused,
was plainly portrayed, and finally jjublic opinion was moulded in
favor of better buildings. One by one the districts began to wake up
to the necessities of the hour, and soon modern structures stood where
the antiquated barracks had formerly disgraced the ground.

It is no exaggeration to say that Staten Island has more modern
school buildings than any other county of equal size and wealth in
the State. Handsome new structures mark the progress of the day
at New Brighton, West New Brighton, Port Richmond, Mariners'

368 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Harbor, Tompkiusville, Stapleton, Pleasant Plains, Huguenot, Krei-
scbei-viJle and Tottenville, while a score of other localities can boast
of school-buildings which stand to their credit. This is the picture
of to-dav; let us contrast it with the past, by quoting from the
RicJmond C'oimti/ Minor, of June 23, 1838 :

" School-houses. — The town of Dayton, Ohio, has resolved to raisi'
by tax the sum of eighteen thousand dollars to build sis school-houses.
We wish that the public spirit of our jieople Avas not at such an ebb
as to make it seem almost madness to propose that a certain county
in New York should contribute as much towards public education as
a single township in Ohio! Why, eighteen thousand dollars would
buy up all the public schools on this Island — teachers, old slates and
penny-whistles in the bargain."

A few of the old land-marks are still standing. The one at New
Brighton is located on York avenue, and for many years has been
called " The Lyceum.'' It has been utilized as a public hall. The one
at Richmond A'alley stands as a relic of the past.

The public school building at Eossville has long been a reflection
upon the community; but the rude structure is soon to pass away.
Land has been purchased on Eossville avenue and Grant street, and
a contract has been given for the construction of a brick and stone
building, to cost about |31,000.

The organization of the Eossville school district, although much
larger oi'iginally than now, dates back more than a century, as tin-
following, copied from the original document, will prove :

" We the Inhabitants of the Town of Westfield Eichniond County
Staten Island and State of NeAV York, Do for ourselves Executors and
Administrators Covenant Grant and agree that We will Build a
School House in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred
and Ninety Six, in the Town aforesaid — for the Purpose of educating
and instructing the Children in Eeligion and Morality — And We Do
therefore recommend it as a Duty incumbent on every Person in the
Town aforesaid to aid assist and Contribute cheerfully and honorably
in the laudable Proposition aforesaid. And that We do hereby in
order to shew our Public Approbation of the necessary Measui'e pro-
posed, subscribe and Bind ourselves and each of us to the following
sums underwritten :

"John Markay, £0. 16. 0; Jesse Morgan, £1. 0. 0; Nicholas Jour-
neay, £2. 0. 0; Peter Mersereau, £0. 2. 0; Cornelos Cole, £0. 2. 0; John
Seguine, £2. 0. 0; Cap Cams, £0. S. 0; Henry Parlee, £0. 2. 0; Jacob
Wiuant, £1. 0. 0; Ilarman Cropsy, £1. 4. 0; Albert Journeay, £0. 18. 0;
Abi'aham Manee, £0. 2. 0; Benjamin Larzelere, £0. 4. 0; James John-
sou, £0. 12. 0; Jonathan Lewis, £0. 2. 0; John Latourette, £0. 2. 0;
Peter Woglom, £0. 4. 0; Winant Johnson, £0. 2. 0; Isaac Gray. £0. 4. 0;
Isaac Parlee, £0. 2. 0; Paul T. Micheau, £0. 4. 0; Charles Morgan,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 369

£2. 0. 0; Juhn Slack, £1. 4. 0; John Bedell, £3. 0. 0; Jacob ^Viuant,
£0. 16. 0; Bornt Segiiiiie, £0. 2. 9; John Baty, £0. 2. 0; Abraham
AVoo-lom, £0. 4. 0; John Johnson, £0. 8. 0; Joshua Wright, £2. 10. 0;
Abraham Marshall, £0. Ifi. 0; Isaac Cubberly, £0. 4. 0; Bornt Parlee,
£2. 0. 0; Nicholas Stilhvel], £0. 8. 0; John Cole, £0. 2. 0; Paul IMicheau,
£0. 1(). 0; John Journeay, £0. 16. 0; Abraham Cole, Sen., £0. 8. 0:
Henry Shiglit, fO. 16. 0; Jacob Slaght, £0. 12. 0.

•' Eeceived this 1st day of October 1790 of Bornt Parlee the sum of
ten Shillings in full for one Days work by me at School house.

'' Joseph Ralf."

The Greater City charter clianged entirely the system of school
government, and substituted for the district management a central
depaitinent for the Borough. The department is presided over by a
Supirinti'iiilcnt in the person of Hon. Hubbard II. Yetman, who has
for assistants. Mr. ^l. J. Hogan and Mrs. Anna G<ndon. They have
offices ar Stapk'ton.

To this is added a local Board of Education, consisting of William
J. Cole, President; Frank I'erlet, George T. Egbert, Thomas
Vaughan, Samuel T. Anderson, Emil Bottger, John T. Burke, Thomas
J. Flannagan, and Willard Barton. Franklin C. Vitt, Secretary; P.
J. Kiernan and William S. West, assistants.

The public schools of the Borough of Richmond, together with the
principals, are as follows :

1. Academy place, Tottenville, N. J. Lowe.

2. Weiner place, Richmond Valley, Sue S. Field.

3. School street. Pleasant Plains, Gould J. Jennings.

4. Fresh Kill road, Kreischerville, Henry F. Albro.

5. Amboy road, Huguenot, Annie E. Cole.

6. New York avenue, Rossville, O. E. Northrop.

7. Fresh Kill road, Green Ridge, Laura J. Cropsey.

8. Linwood avenue, Giffords, Else F. Randolph.

9. Knight avenue. New' Dorp, A. A. Y^ates.

10. Richmond road, Egbertville, Lillie C. Frary.

11. Four Corners road, Garretsons, B. J. Stanton.

12. Steuben street, Concord, Thomas C. Harty.

13. Pennsylvania avenue, Rosebank, Sheldon J. Pardee.

14. Broad street, Stapleton, A. Hall Burdick.

15. Grant street, Tompkinsville, John W. Barris.

16. Madison avenue. New Brighton, John J. Driscoll.

17. Prospect avenue, New Brighton, Mason J. Maedonald.

18. Broadway, West New Brighton, Timothy J. Donovan.

19. Greenleaf avenue. West New Brighton, Charles F. Simons.

20. Heberton avenue. Port Richmond, Eugene G. Putnam.

21. Sherman avenue, Port Richmond, William B. Raffertv.

370 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

22. Eiclimond avenue, (haiiitcville, Edward W. Meiritt.

23. Andros avenue. Mariners' TTarbor, D. J. Keater.

24. Washing-ton avenue, t<uiunierville, Sarah E. Eklridge.

25. Chelsea road, Bloomfield, William P. Hastings.

26. Melvin avenue, Linoleum ville, Lewis H. Denton.

27. Kichmond avenue, New Springville, E. C. Wheeler.

28. Fresh Kill road, Ifi.-limond, Ella F. Sheehan.

29. Manor road, Castleton Corners, Charles W. Sutherland.

During the year 1899, there were nearly ten thousand children car-
ried on the school rolls of the Borough. There are six high schools
in the Borough, from which there wei'e eight graduates last year.
These schools are registered with the University of the State of New-
York. The value of school sites in the Borough is .?T5,000.00, and the
value of buildings is $607,506.00; eleven are brick, and nineteen
frame. Property, consisting of furniture, etc., to the amount of
|9,000, also belongs to the Department. Total amount of public
school property belonging to the Borough, .f 682,506.00.

Private schools have always been popular institutions on Stateii
Island, and some of them have been conducted by noted instructors.
The first of these of w^hich we have any authentic knowledge, was
French's Parochial School. Until within about five years ago there
stood, on the Little Clove road, opposite the northern terminus nf
Ocean terrace, a portion of an old building that was once celebrated
as the home of an important educational institution, while beside it
thei-e was a small church edifice. These buildings were know^n as
" Mr. French's Church " and " Mr. French's School." They were Epis-
copalian institutions.

The Rev. William G. French came to Staten Island about ISl."., and
he not only raised the money with which to build his school-church
and residence, but he helped to rear the structure with his own hands.
His school was established in 1821.

This little church and school were the educational and religious
centre of the Vanderbilts for a long time. A shoi*t distance to the
North stood the handsome residence of Mr. D. B. Allen; and his
children — the grandchildren of Commodore Vanderbilt — there re-
ceived a part of their education. General Swift afterward resided in
the Allen mansion, during which time it was burned to the ground.

Mrs. La Ban, another daughter of Commodore Vanderbilt, lived in
a handsome mansion, still standing on the Little Clove, a few hundred
yards West of the old church. Captain Jacob Vanderbilt, the Com-
modore's brother, resided on the hillside, and his children spent their
early school-days there.

The school was disbanded in 1864, and the last service in the old
church was held in May of that year. Among other families repre-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 371

sented in the school and church, were the Vreelands, Vredeuburghs,
Darrahs, Butchers, Van Duzers, Cunards, Barkers and Lords.

About 1867 Mr. French was appointed chaplain on BlackwelFs Is-
hnid, which position he held until his death, in June, 1895.

Next to the above was the Spanish Academy, which began its career
at Tompkinsville, in 1827. Its manager was Joseph Q. Warnes. The
Academy was in a large, handsome building, close to the river and a
sliort distance from the Planters" Hotel.

Two or three years later. Dr. Fardon established a flourishing pri-
vate school at Tompkinsville.

If there is one name more than another, that will long be linked
with the educational annals of Staten Island, it is that of the vener-
able Father Boehm. He was a natural educator, and for more than
two generations moulded the thoughts and lives of many of the boys
and girls of Staten Island. He taught for many years at Woodrow.

The Richmond College was incorporated by an act of the Legisla-
ture, passed April 21, 1838. Its first Board of Directors were Ogden
Edwards, Walter Patterson, Charles T. Catlin, Jacob Tysen, Thomas
McAuley, Charles A. Porter, John S. Westervelt, William Wilson,
George Howard, Caleb T. Ward, William W. Phillips, Thomas Wil-
son, Minthorne Tompkins, William A. Seeley. John N. McLeod,
Thomas Cumming, Billop B. Seaman, William C. Brownlee, Robert
Pattison, David Moore, Alexander Martin, Thomas E. Davis, James
O. Smith, William Scott, Louis ^IcLane, John E. Miller, James Pol-
lick, James B. Murray, Duncan Dunbar, Samuel Barton, William
Agrew, Thomas J. Oakley, John R. Satterlee and William Soul.

Section 5 of the act read : " In case satisfactory- evidence shall not
be furnished to the Regents of the University that said corporation
owns and possesses property and funds to the amount of eighty thou-
sand dollars, within two years after the passage of this act, then this
act shall be void and to no effect."

On June 23, 1838, the Riclimond Cotiiiti/ Mirror says: " At a meet-
ing of the Board of the Richmond College, under the act of the Legis-
lature, at the New Brighton Pavilion, on the 26th day of May, the
Rev. D. Dunbar was called to the chair, and Dr. Charles A. Porter
appointed secretary. They proceeded to ballot for officers, when the
following persons were elected : Walter Patterson, of New Brighton,
President; the Rev. John McLeod, of Ncav York, Secretary, and John
R. Satterlee, of New York, Treasurer."

On December 15, of the same year, the Mirror said : " On Friday
last the trustees of this institution elected the Rev. William Wilson
President. The policy of this step has long been contested by a num-
ber of the trustees, but it is believed that the peculiar situation of
the institution has rendered it necessary, although at a seemingly
unripe stage of its affairs."

372 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

We fiud no other allusion to the Kichmond College, but learn that
the eighty thousand dollars called for in the act was not forthcoming,
and therefore the project was abandoned.

One of the noted schools of its day — say sixty-five or seventy years
ago — was Eev. Dr. Van Pelt's Academy, at Mersereau's Feri'y. The
building he occupied for his academy is still standing, two doors
above the Port Richmond post-office, and is known as " Knoah's Ark.''

High on Richmond Hill, or that part of it familiarly known as
JMeisuer's, is a large, frame building, overlooking Egbertville and
New Dorp. More than half a century ago this building Avas one of the
most popular educational institutions in this section, and was known
as the Richmond Seminary. The following advertisement appeared in
a local paper of November 25, 1848 :

" The connection that has heretofore existed between J. AV. I'razer
aud J. P. Evillett, as conductors of the Richmond Seminary for Young
Ladie.*, situate uear to Richmond, Staten Island, is fi'om this date
dissolved, by mutual consent. All claims and liabilitie'i will be set-
tled by the manager, J. P. Killett.

>■ .T. W. F):azi:i:, A. M.,

'• J. P. KIlXETT.''

The Staten Island Academy was opened on September 15, 1SS4,
and early in 1885, it was chartered under the Regents of the Uni-
versity of the State of New York. Its first manager was Professor
A. G. ilethfessel. It offers systematic courses of study in all primary
and academic grades, with the strictest features of a thoroughly
classified school maintained iu everj- department. The school is ex-
clusively for day schctlars, aii<l receives pupils of both sexes from the
primary grade upward.

The building first occupied by the Staten Islaud Academy, stands
opposite the German Club Rooms, iu Stapletou. In 1896, the school
was removed to a beautiful site uear the St. George ferry, and now
occupies one of the most complete school buildings in the country.

The course adopted by this Academy, covers a period of eleven
school years, seven of which are devoted to the elementary, and four
tc the secondary or high-grade studies. A pupil who enters the low-
est class at the normal age of six years, should, therefore, be prepared
to enter college at seventeen. The Academy is strictly graded, and
all pupils are required to pursue one of the prescribed courses of
study.

The Arthur "\Mnter Memorhil Library of general literature, which
is (-(mnecTed with the Acadeiny. was founded in 1886, by William and
Elizabeth Campbell Winter, of New Brighton, to commemorate their
son, Arthur.

In 1886, the late Mrs. Catherine Fish Wiuslow, of St. Paul's parish,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 373

^tapletoii, established in the school au excellent reference library.
A number of free scholarships have been established.

The entire organization of the school property, its course of study,.
ere, has devolved upon the present principal, Frederick E. Parting-
ton, A. y\.. of Thrown University, who was the first to take charge at
the opening in September, 1884. Under Prof'-ssor Partington the
Academy lias so rapidly and thoroughly advanced, that it may now
be rated with the best educational institutions in tlie State.

The Brighton Heights Seminary for Girls, located on St. ^Mark's
place, nearly opposite the Brighton Heights Dutch Heformed Church,
was established in 1883, after the large f)roperty belonging to Horace
K. Kelly had been purchased for it. Its first principal was ]Mrs.
Hartt, tiie widow of Professor (Miarles 1". Hartt, of Cornell University.

The Brigliton IiciL;hl^ As^o.-in! ion was formed in the spring of
1883, by a number of genllemen, residents of Staten Island, who pur-
chased the property at a cost of |20,000, which was formerly the
residence of George Wetherspoon. The interior was remodeled and
fitted to the new purpose at a cost of -13.500. The school was well
patronized by all parts of the Island, and the building was found t(jo
small; so au addition was made at a cost of |6,000, built in 1884,
on the South side of the grounds Irnniing on St. Mark's place. D]\
(reorge W. Cook was appointed ils principal.

St. Austin's School for Boys, at West New Brighton, was estab-
lished in 1883, through the eiforts of Rev. Alfred G. IMortimer. In
1885, the property of the late W. T. Garner, on Bard avenue, con-
sisting of fifteen acres of ground, with the costly buildings thei'eon,
was purchased for the school by an association. Classrooms and
gymnasium, with a front of one hundred and fifty feet, were erected
near the main building.

Trinity School, at New Brighton, of which Professor Hawkins is
principal, has educated many young men since its establishment a
score of years since. It is a great credit to Staten Island.

In 1891, Messrs. Spade and Van Orden opened a private school in
" The Villa," at Prohibition Park. Mr. Van Orden withdrew a year
later, and Mr. Hastings took his place. This little school was prac-
tically the commencement of the Westerleigh Collegiate Institute,
which was established in 1893. The following gentlemen were tlie
directors: Otto Altman, Edward P. Doyle, I. K. Funk. W. J. Quin-
lau, W. H. Perry, W. S. Van Clief, A. D. Alden, G. S. Brantingham,
Frank Burt, John Snyder, William Bryan, Edward D. Clark, B. F.
Funk, C. L. Haskell, George M. Purdy. D. S. Gregory, Walliam Bar-
ber, W. H. Achilles, J. S. Warde, Sr., E. J. Wheeler, and Bernard
Mullen. D. S. Gregory was elected President and the Eev. Charles E.
Kingsley took charge of the Institute.

In 1895, Professor W^ilbur Strong was secured as an assistant, and

374 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

the same year lie succeeded Dr. Kingsley as principal. In 1896, they
had a corps of seven teachers, and about seventy-five scholars. In
1898 and 1899 the number of teachers was increased to fourteen and
the students to two hundred and fifteen. The building now occupied
was erected in 1895. William S. Van Clief is President of the Board
of Trustees, and has the following associates: Edward D. Clark,
Frank W. Tompkins, Louis H. Achiiies, B. F. Funk, I. K. Funk, David
H. Cortelyou, William T. Holt, Edward I. Miller, Herman C. Hage-
dorn, Walter H. Holt, John S. Warde, Sr., Charles W. Leng, Henry
P. Mori'ison, and William C. Walser.

There are three Roman Catholic parochial schools on the Island —
St. Mary's, at Clifton; St. Rose of Lima, at West New Brighton, and
St. Peter's at New Brighton. At Mount Lorretto, in Westfleld, there
is a large school conducted by the officials connected with the Mis-
sion of the Immaculate Virgin, of Manhattan. St. Stephen's Home
at Green Ridge is a very successful Roman Catholic institution, and
is classed with that of Mount Lorretto.

CHAPTER XXX.

THE QUARANTINE HOSPITALS.

TIE Colonial Legislature, iu 1758, enacted a law creating a
(luaniutiue establishment, and located it upon Bedloe's
1 Island, where it remained thirty-eight years, and from
which it was removed to Nutten, or Governor's Island. Tn
17;»!), the yellow fever was brought to New York, and it was decided
that the establishment was too near the Metropolis to be of any
service in protecting the people.

The Legislature then passed an act, providing for the appointment
of commissioners to procure a site on Staten Island. They selected
a parcel of land containing thirty acres, belonging to St. Andrew's
Church, at what is now Tompkinsville. Strong opposition was made
not only by the owners of the land, but by the people of the Island
generally, to its location here; but it was taken, notwithstanding,
by what in law is termed " the right of eminent domain."

Hospitals and other necessary buildings were erected, and during
the first year of its existence on the Island, twenty-five cases of yel-
low fever occurred among the people residing outside of its bounda-
ries, all but one of Avhich proved fatal. Almost every year thereafter
contagious diseases, in some form, found victims among the people
of Staten Island. In 1848, the number of persons sick from infectious
diseases, outside of the Quarantine, amounted to one hundred and
eighty. In that year an earnest petition for relief was presented to
the Legislature by the people of the Island, and a committee was ap-
pointed by the Legislature to examine into the matter, and report at
the following session.

The committee, in 1849, *' unhesitatingly recommended the imme-
diate removal of the quarantine." While the committee was en-
gaged in performing its duty, the yellow fever again broke out, and
extended itself to various other places. In April, an act was passed
for the removal of the quarantine establishment from Staten Island
to Sandy Hook. The measure had its opponents among the shipping
merchants and others in New York, who were not idle; the State of
New Jersey also interposed its objections, and the persons appointed
by the New York Legislature to carry out its intentions took no ac-
tion whatever; so that the removal act remained a dead letter upon
the statute books.

In 1856, the fearful visitations of yellow fever once more aroused
the people of Staten Island, and another application for relief was

376 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

made. In March, 1857, another act was passed for the removal of
the quarantine from Staten Island, but the opposition of the Commis-
sioners of Emigration, the Board of Underwriters of New York, and
the shipping interests of the city, again thwarted the beneficent de-
signs of the Legislature. The precautions adopted by the local au-
thorities, to protect the citizens and their faiuilies from infection,
Avere opposed by the Health Officer, and every possible obstacle was
thrown in the way of the local officers, to embarrass them in the
performance of their duties.

The quarantine buildings were quite imposing. The largest one
in the enclosure was three stories high, twenty-eight by one hundred
and thirty-six feet, and had wings twenty-eight by thirty-seven feet
at each end. A hospital building near the water was three stories
high, fifty by fifty-five feet, with wings at each end twenty-six by
sixty-six feet. These two buildings were designed to accommodate
four hundred patients. The small-pox hospitals were two stories
high, twenty-eight by eighty feet, with a piazza running along the
front and rear. They were designed to accommodate fifty patients.
There were twelve other buildings on the ground, viz. : Health Of-
ficer's residence (still standing), deputy health officer's residence, as-
sistant physician's house, Avorkhouse, house for bargemen, boat-
liouse, office, carpenters' shop, ice and coal house, wagon-house and
barn.

The Board of Health of the Town of Castleton was organize<l on
August 2, 1850, with Richard Christopher as Chairman, and Dr. Isaac
Lea as Health Officer. The Health Board Avas very active, and no
doubt had a great deal to do with bringing matters up to the cul-
minating point. Dr. E. C. Mundy was, later, appointed Health Ofiicer
of the Town, and al times a guard was employed to keep surveillance
over the cmhisurc, to prevent as far as ])ossible tlie commerce of its
employe's wiili ilif people outside.

At a meetiug on July 15, 1S5S, Dr. Mundy, the Health Officer,
stated that a persistent determination was manifest to thwart the
action of the Board by misrepresentation and ridicule. In order to
counteract in some measure the influence of such efforts he made a
very earnest statement to the public.

Xotwithstanding all this, he reports on July 23, that " stevedores
and lightermen, and passengers and baggage from infected vessels
continue as previously